The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is undergoing a soul-searching exercise, aiming to revitalize its image and strategic direction. A recent workshop in Midrand, South Africa, brought legislators together to discuss a “rebranding and repositioning” of the Parliament.
The workshop, themed “Revive, Renew, Reposition, and Reinvigorate the Pan-African Parliament,” acknowledged public skepticism about the PAP’s effectiveness. President Chief Fortune Charumbira urged legislators to confront this perception: “We need to repair our ruined image… We must reposition ourselves so that people understand us.”
Internal conflicts have tarnished the PAP’s image, Charumbira admitted. The workshop aims to establish clear strategic priorities for the next five years, focusing on results rather than just activities. This will ensure the PAP aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, a blueprint for continental development.
Hon. Lucia Dos Passos, PAP’s Third Vice President, emphasized the need for a stronger political role for the Parliament. “PAP must be allowed to play its political role across the continent,” she said. Dos Passos called for a clear marketing strategy to promote Agenda 2063, the continent’s development roadmap.
The workshop also addressed the need for stronger collaboration between the PAP and the African Union Commission (AUC). Ms. Botho K. Bayendi, Director of Strategic Planning and Delivery, urged the AUC to prioritize engagement with the PAP.
Bayendi outlined key strategic priorities for the PAP, including promoting human rights, democracy, good governance, and budget oversight. She also stressed the importance of harmonizing laws, supporting continental integration, and collaborating with regional economic communities.
Citizen education on Agenda 2063 emerged as another crucial objective. The PAP aims to lead the charge in educating citizens about their roles and obligations under the plan. This includes encouraging regional parliaments and political parties to integrate Agenda 2063 into their programs and manifestos.
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