Story by John Nhandara
The Pan African Parliament says it has a big role to play in the implementation of African Union programmes including the African continental free trade area.
The continental body reconvened in Midrand, South Africa for a two-week joint meeting of PAP bureaus, committees and caucuses.
PAP President Chief Fortune Charumbira gave an insight into the agenda which will focus on the role of PAP in coming up with programmes that speak to AU initiatives such as promoting the African continental free trade area.
“We had our joint meeting and areas of focus were on PAP’s function in implementing AU policies and programmes and how we can relate that to our various committees, for example, the role of PAP in accelerating implementation of the African continental free trade area,” he said.
Discussions will also be centred on food security, peace and security as well as cultural issues.
Westen African Caucus chairperson, Hon Alhagie Mbo noted, “We will be discussing on we can do to ensure as a continent we are food secure in the areas of agriculture. Other discussions will be on how to deal with conflicts in the continent and also discussions on technology and science in general.”
“We want to discuss more on the promotion of culture within the African context. So we will also be visiting various places of cultural significance here in South Africa like Mapungwane Cultural Centre,” notedvl the vice chairperson Education Committee, Hon Stars Mathe.
The two week session will also see PAP committees and caucuses deliberate on transnational organised crime, drug trafficking and the impact of climate change.
