Noreen Sitali
THE official closing of the third ordinary session of the sixth Pan-African Parliament marked a unified occasion at the parliament’s headquarters in Midrand, South Afric, last week, as members reflected on Africa’s pressing issues for resolutions and recommendations.
Pan-Af r i can Parl iament president Fortune Charumbira urged member states to unite, and reminded them of the importance of upholding the Pan-African Parliament vision “Think Africa Above All”. He emphasised the need for cooperation and mutual support to achieve sustainable development and prosperity across African nations.
“We carry an onerous mandate to represent not just the people of our respective member states, but the whole of Africa as well. Once elected, we cease to be mere functionaries of our home countries, and become representatives of the entire continent. While focusing on our countries’ interests, we must always consider the broader interests of Africa,” said Charumbira.
The issue of peace and security in Africa took centre-stage, and the session discussed solutions to ensure that peace and security prevail in Africa. In its report, PAP’s permanent committee on cooperation, international relations and conflict resolution said all five geographical zones of the continent are experiencing insecurity situations that are severely threatening peace.
Addressing the parliament vi r tual ly, Af r i can union commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, ambassador Bankole Adeoye, stressed the need to prioritise peace, security, good governance and stability, aligning with the continent’s common agenda. “You are aware of the real, unprecedented security threats our continent faces, particularly concerning African governance. As the African peace and security architecture (APSA) is under severe stress, we must not lose sight of our goals. Multilateralism provides us norms and principles to protect civilians, and ensure human security,” he noted.
Adeoye emphasised addressing the root causes of instability, and thanked the Pan-African Parliament MPs for standing against terrorism and violent extremism. He called for global solutions tailored to African needs.
In addition, legislators were urged to prioritise unity at all costs. Charumbira stressed that only through unity can Africa overcome many challenges that have led to the suffering of many people on the continent, calling for the need to address challenges collectively.
“Together, we can actualise African solutions to African problems,” he stated. As members returned to their respective countries, they were reminded of the AU’s theme of the year, ‘Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century. Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality and Relevant Learning in Africa’.
*Noreen Sitali works in the research, information, publications and editorial services department of Namibia’s Parliament.