A prominent team from the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), led by its head, Chief Fortune Charumbira, engaged in crucial talks with President William Ruto at Nairobi’s State House.
Acting as the lead for African Union (AU) Institutional Reforms, President Ruto delved into AU reform priorities with the delegation, focusing on elevating the Pan-African Parliament’s influence for a more unified AU.
The dialogue focused on tackling structural challenges within the AU and the urgent need for reforms to enhance its effectiveness, aligning with Africa’s Agenda 2063.
This roadmap envisions a path to inclusive growth and sustainable advancement for the continent. Both parties concurred that reforms should strengthen rather than limit the Pan-African Parliament, fostering its role as a representative voice for Africa’s people.
They agreed that an empowered Parliament would play a critical role in fortifying the AU.Chief Charumbira underscored that African leadership has long recognized the need for reform within the AU, highlighting issues such as uncoordinated efforts, weak cooperation with Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and insufficient accountability.
These problems, he noted, have impeded effective operations.“The AU must improve its functional efficiency to meet the expectations of African citizens, who have grown increasingly skeptical.
The Pan-African Parliament can address these concerns by promoting transparency, accountability, and direct public engagement,” Charumbira asserted.
He stressed that the reform initiatives underway present a timely chance to enhance the Parliament’s role in governance, supporting the AU in realizing its Agenda 2063 and related projects.
He also emphasized the importance of regular interaction among AU bodies, including the Parliament, to prevent fragmented operations.
President Ruto echoed these concerns, pointing to inefficiencies within the AU and advocating for reforms that would make the organization more responsive to the African populace.
He emphasized the Pan-African Parliament’s role in bridging the AU with its citizens and overseeing various AU bodies, including financial management.
“The AU must end its isolated approach, detached from the people. The Pan-African Parliament should ensure African citizens’ voices are heard and resources are managed responsibly,” President Ruto commented.
The PAP delegation included notable members such as Lucia Dos Passos, Alhagie Mbow, Steven Mikaya, and Kenyan PAP representatives Danson Mungatana, Rahab Mukami, and Majimbo Kalasinga.
The meeting was viewed as a pivotal step in aligning the AU’s reform agenda with broader aims of improving governance, transparency, and citizen involvement across Africa, with an empowered Pan-African Parliament taking a lead role.
Both sides conveyed optimism that these reforms would result in a stronger AU, better positioned to achieve Africa’s development ambitions.
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