SANF 06 No 39
The Pan African Parliament is meeting in its fifth ordinary session, and is starting to address the magnitude of its challenges.
A long-time dream of African political parties, individuals and institutions, the continental parliament now meets in South Africa twice a year, and in previous sessions has been debating largely the questions of logistics and resources for its own viability.
The parliament is advisory for the first five years, not legislative, and thus faces the challenge of being taken seriously in its deliberations and interventions.
However, one of the first indications that this body intends to be pro-active was its recent fact-finding mission to the Darfur region of Sudan, which recommended a larger and stronger role for the African Union in finding and keeping peace there.
The Vision of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) is “A continental institution harnessing One Africa, One Voice.”
This defines an institution that aspires to provide a common platform for African peoples to fully participate in decision-making processes for the political and socio-economic development and integration of the continent.
Its core values are: Fundamental human rights; People-centredness; Subsidiarity and cooperation; and, Professionalism and good institutional governance.
South Africa provides the premises for the PAP at Gallagher Estate, Midrand, and also the security arrangements, while most staff members are seconded from national parliaments.
Member countries of the African Union pay the travel and accommodation expenses for their own nationals to attend.
Resource mobilization for sustainability of the parliament and its activities has had top priority to date, and some national delegations have missed sessions due to a shortage of resources.
A PAP trust fund is being established, and has attracted keen interest from various quarters, including some northern governments.
Members of the PAP must be sitting members of parliament in their own countries, and if they lose their seat at home, they also forfeit the continental representation.
Gertrude Mongella, MP, of the United Republic of Tanzania, is President of the Pan African Parliament.
At the opening of the fifth session, Mongella spoke of the urgent need for resolution of the remaining conflicts on the continent, saying that, “Africa cannot develop in a situation of conflict in some countries.”
Peace and security on the continent is a central area of focus for the PAP, as well as development issues defined in the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
Another issue for current consideration is the role of the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) on the continent, which have different strengths and weaknesses and development trajectories.
Other issues include the acceleration of integration mechanisms, and sharing of experiences and best practices.
The Pan African Parliament was inaugurated on 18 March 2004, and the First Parliament is in session until 2009. The fifth ordinary session of the first parliament runs from 1-12 May 2006.
Twenty-four new members were sworn in on 1 May, comprising new delegations such as Mauritius and also replacement of members who have lost their seats in national elections.
Article 14 (2) of the Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community relating to the Pan-African Parliament (2001), states that ordinary sessions may last for up to one month, and must take place at least twice a year.
The previous session in late November 2005 coincided with the inauguration of the new Chamber of the Pan African Parliament.
