By Omonu YG Nelson
A coalition of civil society organisations and the Pan-African Parliament Civil Society Forum (PAP CSO Forum) have issued an urgent appeal to the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government, calling for immediate action to address the ongoing crisis at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP).
The open letter, titled “OPEN LETTER TO THE AU ASSEMBLY OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT ON DEVELOPMENTS AT THE PAN-AFRICAN PARLIAMENT AND THE WAY FORWARD,” outlines a series of concerns, including:
The letter details a history of leadership battles and allegations of abuse of power by current and past officials, leading to cancelled sessions and hindered functionality.
The PAP reportedly lacks sufficient resources to fulfill its mandate, resulting in further meeting cancellations and restricted activities.
Similarly, the African Union Commission (AUC) Chair is accused of unilaterally suspending the PAP’s newly amended Rules of Procedure, sparking confusion and further instability.
The letter urges the AU to take immediate steps to:
Increase funding: Ensure the PAP is adequately resourced to operate effectively and fulfill its mandate.
Respect PAP autonomy: Refrain from external interference and allow the PAP to address internal matters according to its established procedures.
Resolve leadership issues: Find a lasting solution to the leadership disputes and allegations of abuse of power to restore stability and functionality.
Review suspended Rules of Procedure: Allow the PAP to address any inconsistencies within its Rules through its internal mechanisms.
Investigate alleged misconduct: Transparently investigate and address any allegations of wrongdoing by PAP officials.
“The ongoing developments at the PAP are deeply concerning,” said Caroline Gaita, Chairperson of the African
Parliamentarians’ Monitor (APMON). “The PAP has a critical role to play in representing the people of Africa and holding governments accountable, but its effectiveness is being severely hampered by these issues.”
The letter comes amidst growing concerns about the stability and effectiveness of the PAP. The institution has not met since May 2023 due to various challenges, raising questions about its ability to fulfill its mandate.
The AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government is scheduled to discuss the situation at the PAP during its upcoming summit. Civil society groups are hopeful that the AU will heed their call and take concrete steps to address the crisis.