The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, has urged the African Union (AU) to prioritize issues directly affecting the lives of African citizens and take decisive steps to address the continent’s escalating conflicts.
His call comes as the AU prepares for the 2025 theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”
Speaking at a meeting with African Ambassadors at the PAP precincts in Midrand, South Africa, ahead of the Sitting of Permanent Committees set for February 24, H.E. Charumbira emphasized the need for action to fulfill the AU’s pledge of “Silencing the Guns by 2030.”
He expressed deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crises in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Sudan, where prolonged conflicts have resulted in massive displacement and loss of lives.
“The African Union must ask itself why we are failing in the DRC and Sudan. Why are the numerous conflict resolution initiatives not yielding results? The AU Master Roadmap on Silencing the Guns must not remain a paper commitment; it must be implemented with urgency.”
H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira
Charumbira stressed that PAP and African Ambassadors must take a more proactive role in addressing these crises. He tasked the PAP Committee on Cooperation, International Relations, and Conflict Resolution with investigating the root causes of conflicts and providing actionable recommendations.
He also called for the reinforcement of preventive diplomacy, urging the AU to better coordinate its peace mechanisms, including the Panel of the Wise and the Peace and Security Council. “We cannot continue with disjointed efforts. Coordination is key to making a meaningful impact,” he emphasized.
Africa Must Reduce Dependency on Foreign Aid
Beyond conflict resolution, the PAP President highlighted the need for Africa to become less reliant on foreign aid, particularly in light of the recent 90-day suspension of U.S. foreign development assistance. He described the suspension as a wake-up call for the continent to leverage its abundant natural resources to drive economic self-sufficiency.
“How can Africa, a continent so rich in resources, continue to rely on aid? It is high time we take the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) seriously, remove trade barriers, and push for a common African currency. We must take charge of our own destiny.”
H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira
Charumbira also reiterated Africa’s long-standing demand for reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
“The UNSC was established in 1945 when Africa had no voice. Today, Africa bears the brunt of global conflicts, yet remains excluded from the decision-making table. This must change.”
H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira
He further urged African nations to support South Africa’s G20 Presidency as a platform to amplify the continent’s voice on global economic policies. “Africa must support South Africa’s leadership in shaping global economic policies that align with the continent’s development aspirations,” he noted.
Charumbira stressed the importance of rectifying historical injustices, including slavery, apartheid, and colonial exploitation. He called for a united effort to demand economic justice and reparations for the harm inflicted on African nations and their people over centuries.
He urged African leaders, diplomats, and policymakers to take concrete steps in tackling the continent’s most pressing challenges.
“The people of Africa expect action, not rhetoric. It is time for the AU to realign its priorities to serve the interests of its people by ensuring peace, security, economic independence, and justice.”
H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira
The Sitting of Permanent Committees and related meetings of the 6th Parliament will commence on February 24 and run until February 28, 2025. Preparatory meetings are already underway ahead of the official opening.
