Story by John Nhandara
THE Fifth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) was officially opened this Monday in Midrand, South Africa, amid renewed calls for deeper regional integration, intra-African trade, and sustained peacebuilding efforts across the continent.
The official opening ceremony was graced by the Chairperson of the African Union Permanent Representatives Committee, Professor Miguel César Domingos Bembe, who delivered the keynote address.
PAP President, Chief Fortune Charumbira, is expected to outline the Parliament’s recent milestones, address key budgetary and administrative concerns, and chart the legislative priorities for the months ahead.
High on the agenda are critical institutional reforms, peacebuilding across conflict-affected regions, and oversight of the African Union’s flagship development framework, Agenda 2063.
The ceremony will also witness the swearing-in of new members of the continental legislative body, marking a significant step towards enhancing representation and legitimacy within PAP structures.
This session is convened under the African Union’s theme for 2025: ‘Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,’ a theme expected to shape parliamentary debates, motions, and resolutions throughout the sitting.
The Pan-African Parliament serves as the legislative arm of the African Union and plays a central role in championing democracy, good governance, and integration across the continent.
The sitting continues throughout the week, and various committees and plenary sessions are scheduled to deliberate on pressing continental issues.
