Pan-African Parliament President, Chief Fortune Charumbira, has urged African legislators to embrace servant leadership and work collectively toward the continent’s progress. He made the call while officially opening a session of Benin’s National Assembly.
Addressing lawmakers in Porto-Novo, Chief Charumbira praised Benin’s active role in the Pan-African Parliament and called for stronger parliamentary oversight and cross-border collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
Tying his remarks to the African Union’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” he encouraged Benin to be at the forefront of the reparations discourse, given its historical connection to the transatlantic slave trade.
He also urged parliamentarians to accelerate the implementation of key continental initiatives, including Agenda 2063 and the ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He pushed for the adoption of the PAP-FAO Model Law on Food and Nutrition Security as a strategic step in fighting hunger and malnutrition across Africa.
Chief Charumbira called for action on pressing issues like youth unemployment, climate change, corruption, and health systems preparedness. “We must be servant leaders, not bosses,” he said, warning that ignoring citizens’ needs could fuel instability. “Africa’s future rests on leadership grounded in unity, humility, and purpose.”
