Story by John Nhandara
MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA – THE Pan African Parliament (PAP) and the African Union (AU) have jointly adopted resolutions aimed at bolstering institutional frameworks, fostering enhanced collaboration and mobilising critical resources to tackle persistent governance, peace and security challenges across the African continent.
Held at the PAP headquarters in Midrand, South Africa, the two-day joint consultative meeting brought together continental policymakers and diplomats to chart new strategies toward conflict resolution, institutional collaboration, and sustainable peace.
“We have highlighted issues of inclusive political participation, amplifying the parliamentary voice on issues of peace and security. We recommended that the commission continue working with PAP and ensure there is democracy. It is the year of justice for all Africans. Conflict prevention is our number one priority anchored on economic reconstruction and development,” Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security for the AU, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye said.
Deliberations also focused on the protracted crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with leaders expressing renewed urgency to resolve the conflict that has spanned over six decades.
“We remain seized with the DRC matter, which is complex and dynamic, but it can be solved. It has taken over sixty years. A lot of lives have been lost. We are participating in all the processes. Heads of state and government are seized with the matter,” Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council, Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo said.
President of the Pan African Parliament, Chief Fortune Charumbira, said the time for decisive action is now.
“Following this retreat, PAP will actively participate in conflict resolution. We have a robust role in pursuing these issues. We agreed to mutually reinforce each other as institutions. To ensure issues of conflict are reduced to the bare minimum. The two-day retreat has made us reconnect and reflect on how we should be working,” PAP president, Chief Fortune Charumbira said.
Held under the theme “Enhancing Institutional Synergy and Collaboration for Sustainable Peace and Security in Africa,” the retreat also tackled structured mechanisms for conflict management, post-conflict reconstruction, and inclusive governance models to ensure lasting peace.
