By Godfrey Gusha
MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA – The Pan African Parliament (PAP) has intensified its drive to promote democracy, human rights, and good governance across the continent through a series of landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key African institutions.
The agreements, formalized during the Fifth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Legislature of PAP, aim to boost collaboration in the fight against corruption, safeguard human rights, and strengthen the role of African parliamentarians in advancing inclusive development.
One of the highlights was the signing between PAP President Chief Fortune Charumbira and Afrobarometer, the renowned pan-African research network. The partnership is expected to ensure that the voices of ordinary Africans shape continental policymaking.
“This MoU bridges research with policy, voice with vision, and statistics with strategy. It will amplify the voices of African citizens at the continental parliamentary level,” said Dr. Boniface Dulani, Director of Surveys at Afrobarometer.
Another milestone agreement came with the Southern African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (SAPNAC), cementing efforts to enhance transparency and accountability.
“The fight against corruption involves everyone, and it is the duty of parliamentarians to lead this charge,” emphasized Mr. Themba Mliswa, Chairperson of SAPNAC.
Similarly, the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC) hailed the development as a breakthrough after years of groundwork.
“This marks progress we have long awaited since 2018, signaling a united front against corruption,” noted Fifousi Fabrice, Executive Director of APNAC Africa.
In addition, a MoU was signed with the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), represented by Advocate Joseph Whittal, to enhance parliamentary engagement in protecting and advancing human rights.
Chief Fortune Charumbira underscored the broader vision behind these alliances:
“We must be a platform for citizen participation across Africa. Our mandate is to deepen democracy, protect human rights, and foster integration for the continent’s development.”
These partnerships build upon last week’s historic agreement between PAP and the African Union’s African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). The collaboration with APRM particularly highlights PAP’s strategic focus on strengthening governance, promoting the rule of law, and institutionalizing accountability mechanisms.
