In response, the Pan African Parliament (PAP) is strengthening its partnerships with expert organisations and civil society groups to advance inclusive governance, protect human rights, and combat corruption across the continent.
Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan African Parliament, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to these partnerships, which align closely with the Parliament’s mandate under its founding protocol.
“When you examine the functions outlined in the protocol, development, human rights, democracy, good governance, fighting corruption, and continental integration are key priorities,” Charumbira aid.
Earlier this week, PAP signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with three major organisations aimed at bolstering its work:
The first MOU was with Afrobarometer, a pan-African non-profit survey research network based in Accra, Ghana. Represented by Dr Boniface Dulani, Afrobarometer’s Director of Surveys, the collaboration is designed to amplify citizens’ voices in informing policy debates and legislative decision-making at the continental level.
“We seek to project the voices of ordinary Africans to influence public policy. The PAP represents the people through its members, and through this partnership, we aim to ensure those voices directly reach the continental parliamentary platform,” Dulani explained.
The second agreement was signed with the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Joseph Whittal, NANHRI Chairperson, highlighted that the partnership will focus on aligning national legislation with international human rights standards and fostering strong parliamentary engagement on human rights matters.
“Our collaboration will involve monitoring human rights compliance nationally and working closely with both the PAP and national legislatures to act on evidence gathered. We will also hold public hearings on thematic human rights issues affecting the continent,” Whittle said, describing the MOU as “a great step forward for both institutions.”
The third MOU was concluded with the Southern African Parliamentarian Network Against Corruption (SAPNAC), based in Harare. Chairperson Temba Mliswa emphasised that the partnership aims to improve transparency, accountability, and oversight in public financial management through enhanced parliamentary co-operation.
“The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility that affects everyone. Parliamentarians must take courage and work together across Africa to combat corruption effectively. SAPNAC and PAP are united in this belief,” Mliswa stated.
These partnerships mark a significant effort by the PAP to strengthen its role as a continental body that champions democratic governance, protects human rights, and supports anti-corruption measures through co-operation with specialised organisations.
–ChannelAfrica–
