Pan-African Parliament Hansard Report, Fourth Session of the Third Parliament

Jurisdiction: African Union (AU)
Date: 10 March 2014
Language: English
Type: Hansard

Pan-African Parliament Hansard Report, Fourth Session of the Third Parliament

Monday, 10 March, 2014

THE PRESIDENT:Please, be seated.Your Excellencies, my colleagues, Members of the Bureau, my honourable Colleagues, Members of Parliament, may I, on behalf of the Bureau of the PanAfrican Parliament, welcome you all to the opening of the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Third Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament.I thank the Almighty God for journey mercies granted to all of us, an enablement for us to prepare and commence this very special session.Hon. Members, as this is our first meeting since the beginning of the year, may I also use this opportunity to wish you a very Happy New Year and the very best of the year 2014.Hon. Colleagues, I will begin on a sad note as I regret to announce the death of one of our colleagues, Hon. Edoh Baromi from Togo who passed away recently. May we therefore rise to observe a one minute silence in his honour.Members observed a minute of silence

THE PRESIDENT:May his gentle soul rest in peace. Your Excellencies and Hon Colleagues, this is, indeed, a special session for the Pan-African Parliament because in this session, we will be celebrating the 10^thyear anniversary of the commencement of our institution as a continental Parliament.For us as members of this Parliament, this is a time for deep reflection on our role and impact so far in fulfilling our mandates as envisioned by the founding fathers of our Parliament. Also, we will be looking atour role as clearly stated in the Protocol to the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community relating to the Pan-African Parliament, especially with regard to our role as representatives and voices of the voiceless millions of African people in making an impute into the decision-making process on issues affecting our continent.As you can see from the programme, we have lined up a number of activities in commemoration of the event and invited a number of dignitaries to felicitate with us during this session. Reflecting on our role, we will focus on issues bordering on our women and youths with regard to the critical challenges, such as unemployment and migration, education and skills acquisition, political participation and peace and security in our crisesridden continent.This Bureau, with the mandate and support of members of this Parliament, remains determined to ensure that we carry out our mandate under the existing Protocol, even as it is today, hence in this session, this plenary for the first time since the existence of the PAP, will have the opportunity of having the 2015 draft budget of the AU to be presented by His Excellency Erastus Mwencha, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Thursday the 13^th of March, for discussion by this Parliament before its presentation to the PRC.Honourable Colleagues, the unresolved crisis in Central African Republic is still of grave concern to us, especially in the light of the looming food crisis of which our women and children are the worst hit. You will recall the outcome of our fact-finding mission to Central African Republic and the resolution of this Parliament on it. We cannot sit and wait for foreign aid for our people. In finding African solutions to African problems, we should, therefore, clearly define our role in ensuring the peace and security of the citizens of Africa in all spheres of life.Dear colleagues, you will agree with me that we have come a long way and in spite of our limited mandate and numerous challenges, we have been able to make notable impact on our continent. I shall highlight some of these achievements during our presentation on "10 Years of Existence of the Pan-African Parliament: Reflections on its Roles" during my address on Tuesday, 18^th March 2014. It is, therefore, right and proper for us to reminisce on our journey so far, our milestones, our challenges and our road-map for the future.Like I said earlier, honourable Colleagues, while we celebrate on the 18^th of March, various dignitaries will gather at the Pan-African Parliament to celebrate with us. The programme of this session probably needs to be engaging and I look forward to very fruitful deliberations.Once again, I welcome you to this august session and I solicit your usual support and cooperation to ensure that the Pan-African Parliament is moved from where it is to where it should be.On this note, I hereby declare open the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Third Parliament.I thank you and God bless you.Applause

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, in accordance with Rule 9 of the Rules of Procedure, we shall now swear in new Members of Parliament. I call on the Clerk to Parliament to announce the new members.

ADMNISTRATION OF OATHS

The following Hon. Members took the Oath of Solemn Declaration, signed it and took their seats:1.Hon COMPAORE Jean Leonard, Burkina Faso2.Hon. NGUINI EFFA Marie-Rose [Cameroun]3.Hon. Roger NKODO DANG, Cameroun4.Hon. MUSA MBUTOH Njingum [Cameroun]5.Hon BARROS RODRIGUES Estevao [Cape Verde]6.Hon BARKAT IBRAHIM Abdallah [Djibouti]7.Hon CISSE Saloum [ Guinea]8.Hon EL Diao KANTE [Guinea]9.Hon CONDE Mamadou Aliou [Guinea]10.Hon DIALLO Mrs Zalikatou [Guinea]11.Hon SIDIBE Mamedi [ Mali]12.Hon CISSE Soumaila [Mail]13.Hon HAIDARA Mrs Aichata CISSE [Mali]14.Hon SAMASSEKOU Mrs Belco [Mali]15.Hon TRAORE Sekou Fantamadi [ Mali]16.Hon ABAKAR SHEIKH Mohamed Ould[Mauritania]17.Hon. A Habib [Mauritania]18.Hon. OULD DIAH CHARLES Mrs Jeovana[Seychelles]19.Hon. SOURIS Mrs Mirena [Seychelles]20.Hon. PILLAY Sébastien, [Seychelles]21.Hon. PIERRE David [Seychelles[22.Hon TSEGAN Mrs Yawa [Togo]23.Hon SOGOYOU Békéyi [Togo]24.Hon KPADENOU Amoussouvi [Togo]25.Hon NASSOU Alouadjou K. [Togo]26.Hon AGBO Kokou [Togo]27.Hon OKUPA Elijah [Uganda]28.Hon Prof LUNGWANGWA Geoffrey[Zambia]

THE PRESIDENT:Your Excellencies and honourable Colleagues, let me on your behalf, welcome our newly sworn-in members and wish them a very fruitful stay in the Pan-African Parliament.Applause

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, the following vacancies have occurred in the Bureau and the Bureaux of Committees and Caucuses: in the Bureau, the position of Vice-President representing the Central African Region is hereby declared vacant, the position of the Chairperson of the Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs, the position of Chairperson, Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolution, the position of Chairperson, Health, Labour and Social Affairs, position of Deputy Chairperson, Labour and Social Affairs, position of Deputy Chairperson, Committee on Education, Cultural, Tourism and Human Resources, position of Rapporteur, Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline, position of Chairperson of the North Africa Caucus are hereby declared vacant.Hon. Members, let me also recognise that we are in a very special session and our rules have clear definitions as to procedure for elections. The Clerk will announce the schedule of elections but before then, let me recognise the hon. Member to move a motion for an emergency to be declared for the elections. I call on Hon. Amadou Nassirou from Niger.

HON. AMADOU NASSIROU [NIGER]:[FRENCH 10: 30.50]

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you. I call on hon. Assoumana Malam to second.

HON. ASSOUMANA MALAM ISSA [NIGER][FRENCH 10: 32.04]

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you. Hon. Members, the question before this House is that the election of the Vice-President representing the Central African Region be declared an emergency. Is there any debate? No? I therefore put the question that the election of the VicePresident representing -

HON. MEMBER:Procedure, Mr President.

THE PRESIDENT:Yes, please.

HON. MEMBER:Thank you, Mr President. While I do not have any qualms with filling the vacancy of this position, I am worried about the number of days. Is three days elapsing on Wednesday or Thursday if the seat is declared vacant today on a Monday? I thank you, Mr President.

THE PRESIDENT:I am sorry but are you asking a question or making a submission?

HON. MEMEBR:I am actually asking a question because you have said that the elections will take place on a Wednesday. But if the seat is declared vacant today on a Monday and if you count three days, three days means that the elections must be held on a Thursday and not a Wednesday. I think we need to do that, Mr President to even give those who are interested in filling this vacancy to campaign. You should give them ample time to campaign for this position. I thank you, Mr President.

THE PRESIDENT:I thank you very much. We only have for this session four days of plenary. The rules of this House are made by us and the rules have provisions for us to make amendments where necessary. It depends on where you want to start counting; if you count today, Wednesday is three days.On Thursday, we are receiving the budget for the first time and so, we will have plenary ending on Thursday and elections can only be done in plenary especially of the Members of the Bureau. So, therefore, the Secretariat will fix the date for the elections.Let me therefore now call on the Clerk to Parliament to make the announcements.Hon. Members, I now therefore put the question that the election of Vice-President representing the Central African Region be declared an emergency. Is that agreed to?(Question put and agreed to.)

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you, very much. I now call on the Clerk to announce the dates for the elections.

THE CLERK:Thank you, Hon. President. Pursuant to the declaration by the President of a vacancy in the position of the Vice-President representing the Central African Region, the date and time of the election to fill the vacancy has been set as Wednesday 12^th March at half past two.I hereby call for the submission of the candidatures in accordance with the provision of Rule 15 (2) of the PanAfrican Parliament Rules of Procedure. Candidates to the election of the Office of the Vice-President should be submitted on the preferred from to the Clerk not later than half past eight on Wednesday in accordance with Rule 15 (3) which states that the candidatures for the election to the Office of the President or Vice-President shall be submitted to the Clerk on a nomination form prescribed in Appendix (A) not later than six hours before the time fixed for elections.The submission of candidatures should comply with the provisions of Rule 15 (1) which states that, "For nominations of the Vice-Presidents, each region shall present two candidates ensuring equal representation of men and women."The suggested schedule of elections:Election of the Vice-President representing the Central African Region in the Pan-African Parliament Bureau will be held on Wednesday 12^th March, 2014.Elections of the Members of the Bureau of Regional Caucuses will be done on Monday 10^th March, 2014.Elections of the Members of the Bureau of Committees will be done during the committee sittings on Wednesday 12^th March, 2014. I thank you.

THE PRESIDENT:I thank you very much.Honourable colleagues, the details -

[French] 10:39.45

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much. Mr Clerk, please repeat the process and address the positions appropriately.

THE CLERK:Pursuant to the declaration by the President of a vacancy in the position of the VicePresident representing the Central African Region, the date and time of elections to fill the vacancy has been set as Wednesday 12^th March at 14:30.I hereby call for the submission of the candidatures in accordance with the provisions of Rule 15 (2) of the Pan-African Parliament Rules of Procedure. Candidates for election to the Office of the Vice-President should be submitted on the prescribed from to the Clerk not later than half past eight on Wednesday 12^th March, in accordance with Rule 15 (3) which states that, "The candidatures for the election to the Office of the President or Vice-Presidents shall be submitted to the Clerk on the nomination form prescribed in Appendix (A) not later than six hours before the time fixed for election." The submission of their candidatures should comply with the provisions of Rule 15 (1) which states that, "Nominations of the Vice-Presidents - Each region shall present two candidates ensuring equal representation of men and women."The suggested schedule of elections is as follows: Election of the Vice-President representing the Central African Region in the Pan-African Parliament Bureau will be held on Wednesday 12^th March, 2014.Elections of the Members of the Bureau of Regional Caucuses will be done on Monday 10^th March, 2014.Elections of the Members of the Bureau of Committees will be done during the committee sittings on Wednesday 12^th March, 2014.I thank you.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much. Your Excellencies, honourable colleagues, let me recognise the presence of the members of the diplomatic corps and ambassadors who have come to share the opening ceremony with us. His Excellency Adullal Belad, Ambassador of Algeria - (Applause) - His Excellency Amir Ogimba, the Ambassador of Congo - (Applause) - His Excellency Mamadi Kamara, the Ambassador of Guinea - (Applause) - His Excellency Mohamed Hanani, Ambassador of Mauritania - (Applause) - His Excellency Muamar Diop, Ambassador of Senegal - (Applause) - His Excellency Francisco Edo Igua, Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea - (Applause) - His Excellency Sani Yusuf, Ambassador of Nigeria - (Applause) - His Excellency Martin Kapagwansha, Ambassador of Namibia - (Applause) - His Excellency Amos Jajan, Ambassador of Cote d'Ivoire - (Applause) - His Excellency Isia Nterizo Sheila, Ambassador of Burundi - (Applause) - His Excellency Mohammed, Ambassador of Western Sahara - (Applause) - and Her Excellency Anna Rchweska, Ambassador of Poland. (Applause). We also have Mohammed Agurawi, Ambassador of Libya.(Applause)Let me also recognise one of our partners and representative of AWEPA, Dr Jeff Batch who is here with us. (Applause). Honourable colleagues - yes, honourable?

[French] 10:46.02

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much for that information. The protocol list that I have here did not include Niger. But let me welcome Her Excellency, the Ambassador for Niger who is here with us. (Applause). I do apologise for that omission. Let me also welcome all the other dignitaries, special guests, members of the diplomatic corps who are here present and whose names may not have been mentioned because of the list that I have here. We are happy to have you and delighted that you are here with us as we continue to partner together to strengthen this very important institution of the African Union. I thank you.Hon. Members and Hon. Colleagues let me invite the Clerk to read the First Order of the day.

THE CLERK:Thank you, Hon. President.

PRESENTATION AND ADOPTION OF THE PAN-AFRICAN PARLIAMENT CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, I call upon hon. Zely Pierre Inzoungou Massanga, the Chairperson of the Committee of Rules, Privileges and Discipline to make his presentation.

THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMITTEE OF RULES, PRIVILEGES AND DISCIPLINE, HON. ZELY PIERRE INZOUNGOU MASSANGA [CONGO]:Merci.Monsieur le Président,Mesdames et Messieurs les Vice-présidents,Distingués collègues,Mesdames et Messieurs,Le 29 octobre 2013, la Commission Permanente des Règlements, des Privilèges et de la Discipline avait présenté ici, en plénière, le projet de Code de conduite des membres du Parlement panafricain. Au cours du débat qui s’en est suivi, les Honorables membres ont apporté d’importantes contributions que la Commission a intégrées, autant qu’elle a pu, dans le texte qui va vous être soumis et que vous avez dû certainement retirer à l’entrée.Je voudrais rappeler, Honorable Président, que le Règlement intérieur du Parlement panafricain, adopté le 24 septembre 2004, stipule en son article 13 « qu’en toutes circonstances, la conduite des parlementaires sera régie par un code qui sera élaboré par la Commission Permanente des Règlements, des Privilèges et de la Discipline ».En octobre 2005, la Commission avait élaboré et transmis au Bureau du Parlement d’alors, le projet y relatif qui, malheureusement, n’avait jamais connu de suite. C’est finalement au cours de cette troisième législature et sous votre mandat, Monsieur le Président, que le projet de Code de conduite a été remis sur la table et sera peut-être adopté aujourd’hui, du moins je l’espère. C’est tout à votre actif, Monsieur le Président, et notre Commission vous en sait gré.Monsieur le Président,Distingués collègues,Les amendements proposés par les Honorables membres lors du débat du 29 octobre 2013 sur le projet en examen, ont essentiellement porté sur les points ciaprès:la tenue vestimentaire;le téléphone portable;les appareils des nouvelles technologies;la Commission disciplinaire;la compétence de la Commission Permanente des Règlements, des Privilèges et de la Discipline;la présence des membres aux séances du Parlement panafricain;les sanctions disciplinaires;la durée de la suspension d’un membre;la possibilité d’appel pour un membre sanctionné;et j’en oublie^Et tant qu’elle a pu, la Commission a pris en compte les différentes contributions des Honorables membres.Mais, comme vous le savez, Monsieur le Président et distingués collègues, l’œuvre humaine est toujours perfectible. Malgré nous, nous avons certainement oublié ou peut-être mal rendu certains amendements proposés par quelques collègues. L’occasion leur sera éventuellement donnée de repréciser leurs idées. Toutefois, je voudrais préciser que certains amendements n’ont pu être retenus puisque relevant du Règlement intérieur.Ainsi, je m’en vais vous proposer les amendements que la Commission a retenus et qu’elle a intégrés dans le nouveau texte qui va vous être distribué, si ce n’est déjà fait.Sur le téléphone portable: C’est le titre 18 du texte et c’est régi par le Règlement intérieur. Et nonobstant les dispositions de l’article 40 (1) (h) du Règlement intérieur qui disent « qu’au cours d’une séance, les téléphones portables doivent être éteints », la Commission a retenu la proposition de beaucoup d’entre nous, disant que « tous les téléphones portables et I-Pad ou toute autre disposition mobile servant au travail du Parlement panafricain doivent être mis sous mode vibration ou sous silencieux pendant les travaux de la Chambre ». Cela a été retenu.Sur la tenue vestimentaire: C’est le titre 16 de notre document sur le Code vestimentaire au Parlement et au sein des commissions. L’article 40 (2) du Règlement intérieur prévoit que tous « les parlementaires observent un mode d’habilement digne de leur Parlement national ou tout autre organe délibérant ». Le code vestimentaire suivant définit les normes d’habillement, d’une manière digne, qui doivent être respectées par les membres au sein du Parlement et des Commissions. En le disant, nous avons pris en compte les propositions que des collègues nous ont formulées ici:a)En règle générale, les membres doivent être vêtus de manière élégante et décontractée, de telle sorte que leur habillement n’ait pas d’impacts négatifs sur la dignité du Parlement.b)Les Membres ne doivent pas porter des vêtements ou d’accessoires vestimentaires affichant des emblèmes ou insignes des partis politiques.c)Les Membres de sexe masculin ne sont pas obligés de porter des vestes et des cravates mais ils doivent être vêtus avec élégance et en conformité avec les dispositions du présent Code.d)Si un Membre porte une veste, elle doit être une veste formelle avec des boutons et non pas de blousons. Les vestes de sport, les vestes informelles ou en cuir ne sont pas autorisées.e)Les Membres ne doivent pas porter des jeans ou des culottes.f)Les Membres ne doivent pas porter des Tshirts ou des chemises de golf.g)Les Membres ne doivent pas porter des sandales de plage ou des chaussures de sport.h)Les Membres ne doivent pas porter des robes ou des vêtements qui sont trop révélateurs eu égard à la dignité du Parlement.i)Si les Membres portent des chemises culturelles, ils n’ont pas besoin de porter en plus une veste.j)Le code vestimentaire doit être lu dans le contexte de la dignité et de la propreté.k)En cas d’incertitude sur la question de savoir si un membre est habillé en conformité avec le présent Code, le Président de séance ou le Président de la Commission prendra une décision qui sera définitive et considérée comme un précédent qui sera inclus dans ce Code.Voilà ce qui concerne la tenue vestimentaire!Sur la commission disciplinaire:Sur la compétence de la Commission Permanente des Règlements, des Privilèges et de la Discipline, nous nous référons à l’article 26 du Règlement intérieur et ce, parce que nous n’avons pas pu intégrer les propositions des collègues bien qu’étant pertinentes à leurs yeux. Mais le Règlement intérieur dispose déjà en son article 26 (10) que la Commission Permanente des Règlements, des Privilèges et de la Discipline est chargée entre autres d’:(a)assister le Bureau dans l’interprétation et l’application du Règlement intérieur;(b)examiner les demandes de levée d’immunité et de privilèges soumises conformément au présent Règlement;(c)examiner les propositions d’amendement du Règlement;(d)examiner les cas d’indiscipline dont elle est saisie.Donc, ici déjà, la compétence est reconnue par le Règlement intérieur et nous n’avons pas jugé utile d’apporter autre chose.Sur la présence des membres aux séances du Parlement:La Commission Permanente des Règlements, des Privilèges et de la Discipline a retenu ce qui suit: Participation aux séances: C’est l’article 88 du Règlement intérieur qui a été repris:« À chaque séance, une feuille de présence est émargée par les parlementaires siégeant au Parlement ou en Commission Permanente ».Article 89: Sur l’autorisation d’absence:(1)Lors d’une session, aucun parlementaire ne pourra s’absenter plus de dix séances consécutives à moins d’adresser une communication écrite au Président ou de faire une notification écrite au Secrétaire.(2)La notification écrite, au titre de l’alinéa (1), fait état des raisons de l’absence aux séances du Parlement.(3)Le Président informe le Président du Parlement national ou de tout autre organe délibérant qui a élu ou désigné le parlementaire, de l’absence non-autorisée du parlementaire concerné.Sur la durée de la suspension:Beaucoup de collègues sont intervenus pour nous faire observer que la durée de suspension que nous préconisions ici, allait au-delà même de la durée de la session, parce que nous disions qu’à la troisième sanction, le membre était suspendu pendant vingt-huit séances.Les collègues ont pensé avec raison que vingt-huit séances, c’est déjà au-delà de la durée d’une session. Il fallait revoir cela à la baisse, mais nous n’avons pas été en mesure de corriger cela parce que c’est prévu par le Règlement intérieur. Donc, c’est un amendement qu’il faudrait apporter au moment où nous procéderons certainement à l’amendement du Règlement intérieur. Nous ne pouvons donc pas y toucher parce que le Règlement intérieur dit ceci en son article 52 (3) (c):« les vingt-huit séances du Parlement, à l’exclusion de la séance au cours de laquelle il a été suspendu, si c’est pour la troisième fois ou plus ».Ça c’est le Règlement intérieur qui le dit et nous n’avons fait que le rapporter. Quand on amorcera certainement la révision du Règlement intérieur, on reverra cette disposition.Pour le moment, nous étions obligés de rapporter ce qui est dit stricto censu dans le Règlement intérieur.Monsieur le Président,C’était l’essentiel de ce que nous avons apporté comme aménagements après le débat qui a eu lieu le 29 octobre sur le projet de Code de conduite.Je voudrais dire, Monsieur le Président, que la présente session est consacrée à la célébration du dixième anniversaire de notre Institution, le Parlement panafricain. Pendant dix ans, nous avons fonctionné sans ce précieux texte qui est censé régir notre comportement.Cela doit nous interpeller!Le moment est peut-être venu de doter enfin le Parlement panafricain de ce Code tant attendu.À l’application, il apparaitra éventuellement des incohérences qui pourraient nécessiter des amendements. Mais, c’est le propre même des textes juridiques d’être amendés. Le Protocole portant création du Parlement panafricain lui-même est en plein processus de révision. Le Règlement intérieur dont découle ce Code de conduite en examen a déjà été amendé deux fois.Pourquoi, donc, le Code de conduite, texte d’application par excellence, qui complète le Règlement intérieur, ne pourrait-il pas être amendé si à son usage il apparaissait que quelques difficultés bloquent la mise en œuvre de ce Code de conduite.Je vais donc, Monsieur le Président, avec votre permission, inviter les collègues parlementaires à bien vouloir adopter ce Code de conduite pour que finalement le Parlement en soit doté.Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements)

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much Chair of Committee of Rules, Privileges and Discipline for that very detailed work. Hon. Members will recall that---

French [11:04:10 -11:04:53]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Honorables députés,Chers collègues,Je voudrais remercier notre Commission qui vient de nous présenter le projet de Code de conduite des membres du Parlement panafricain (projet amendé). J’insiste sur le terme « amendé » parce que ce texte avait fait l’objet d’un examen le 29 octobre 2013. Donc pour la procédure, il serait souhaitable que le débat ait lieu sur les articles amendés pour éviter de reprendre le débat à zéro.C’est cela ma proposition!Je vous remercie Monsieur le Président.

THE PRESIDENT:I did not quite understand. Are you saying that there should be a debate or there should not be a debate? Please, could you clarify what your point of order was?

French [11:05:16 - 11:05:47]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Non, Honorable Président, il y aura bien débat mais sur les articles amendés, parce que le débat général avait eu lieu le 29 octobre 2013.Donc, il y a des articles qui sont déjà adoptés et on ne va plus discuter sur ces articles. On va discuter sur les articles amendés que vient de proposer le Président dela Commission Permanente des Règlements, des Privilèges et de la Discipline.Voilà la précision!

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much. You caught me out before I finished.

THE PRESIDENT:Yes, hon. Member.

French [11:06:00 -: 11:06:49]

HON. SALEH KEBZABO [TCHAD]:Précision, Monsieur le Président!Merci Monsieur le Président.Il est exact que l’année dernière nous avions effectivement examiné le texte, mais il comportait beaucoup d’imperfections. Nous avons donc renvoyé les collègues à leur copie. Il était question qu’à cette séance, le texte nous soit présenté pour examen. Je constate d’ailleurs à la lecture que bien de choses sont à revoir. Et en ma connaissance, il n’y a pas eu d’articles qui aient été adoptés, tout le texte a été renvoyé pour réécriture.Je vous remercie Monsieur le Président.

THE PRESIDENT:Honourable colleagues, you will allow the Chair to complete his presentation and then we can take your points of order.Hon. Members you will recall that we had a debate in October and a lot of issues were raised by Members which have been addressed in the amended copy, but we do have a list of Members who have put their names for the debate.So, I shall now allow debate on the presentation. I have a list of speakers and the first speaker on my list is the Hon. Jorge Pedro Mauricio dos Santos from Cape Verde. You have the Floor, please.11.08.00: French{There, it is Honourable Bernadette LAHAI who (Sierra Leone) who is speaking. The voice in French on the interpreter.}

HON. BERNADETTE LAHA [SIERRA LEONE]:Thank you very much Mr President. I just have a few corrections to make. On the cover page, I think it should be Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament, and not Members. This is because members will also include the staff. That is my first comment.On page two, the second to last paragraph where it starts with Rule 13, the second line says: "Members shall be guided in their behaviour". I think, between "behaviour" and "all", there should be either in or all, be guided in their behaviour either on all matters or in all matters.Then, on page five, under public interest, where we have number 1, which is in bold, I think it should read as based on his or her conduct.On page 7, under gender sensitivity, where it says a Member must be gender sensitive in performing the duties and functions of a Member, I do not know what that last Member is. Is it performing the duties and functions of the Parliament or what? We need a clarification on that.When we on go to Conduct in the Chamber and Parliament Committees at number 17 (2), we had agreed that mobile phones and I pads and other electronic devices meant for Parliamentary work shall be placed on vibration or silent mode whilst the Member is attending the upon House. However, if you go to the next page under 17 (3) (g), it says a Member shall not bring into the House any arms or weapon, tape recorder, transistor radio, or other electronic devices. We were allowed to use electronic devices before but if you go to (h), it now says all mobile telephones shall be switched off Whereas in 17 (2) it says that all mobile phones shall be put on vibration or silent mode.Mr President, I think, with these few corrections, I am satisfied that the elaborate debates we had in the last Session and the corrections that we made have already been taken on board except for a few corrections that I have highlighted.I thank you.

HON. BEATRICE BARUMBA [UGANDA]:Thank you very much Mr. President. I want to thank you and welcome everybody, especially new Members to this session.Mr. President, when the elections were held in October, I had been sent on an assignment by PAP. My concern is with marking of Hon. Members when they are recorded as absent. Sometimes we leave our countries and come here, and as we have come now, and you may go an assignment here and or either on a mission or something and then you would be recorded as absent. That list as we see in this code of conduct, is supposed to be sent to our countries or when the Speakers’ of National Parliaments come they would find that you have not worked. How does that get resolved? Thank you very much Mr. President

HON. ASSOUMANA MALAM ISSA [NIGER]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Monsieur le Président,Je n’ai pas de remarque à proprement dite sur le contenu du Code, mais je dois remarquer quand même que cela fait la troisième fois qu’on nous le présente pour adoption et à chaque fois ça a été reporté. Je peux alors souhaiter que cette fois-ci soit la bonne.Ma préoccupation est motivée par l’importance même de cet outil qui nous permet de définir - dans le cadre de nos délibérations - des valeurs de conduite de comportement qui peuvent en garantir l’efficacité.Je crois qu’avec notre double casquette de représentants de nos peuples dans les parlements nationaux, ensuite représentants de toute l’Afrique, nous avons le devoir de nous faire un minimum d’exigence.Ce Code de bonne conduite, je crois comporte des valeurs et des repères qui doivent nous guider et puis - comme je le disais tout à l’heure - rendre efficace nos activités.Monsieur le Président,Je voudrais dire que quelle que soit la beauté d’un texte, quelle que soit sa perfection - si on peut le dire - il n’a véritablement de sens et de valeur que quand on le met en œuvre.Il ne sert à rien d’avoir des textes et que dans la pratique, aussitôt qu’on les adopte, qu’on se retrouve à les bafouiller. Cela n’a pas d’importance, et je pense que c’est un appel que je vous lance en tant que Président, que je lance au Bureau et que je lance à nous autres parlementaires, pour que nous puissions un tant soit un peu respecter ce que ce Code de conduite va contenir comme règlements, comme indications dans le cadre de nos attitudes.Enfin, Monsieur le Président, il serait bien que chacun de nous se dise qu’on ne peut pas avoir un code de conduite parfait, aujourd’hui. Les trois tentatives le démontrent.C’est à l’épreuve de la pratique qu’on doit se rendre compte qu’il y a des choses qu’on ne peut pas appliquer; qu’on pourra revoir et qu’on pourra enlever pour qu’à termes, nous puissions avoir le code souhaité. Pour cela, je pense que nous avons le devoir, aujourd’hui, au cours de cette session, d’adopter ce code de conduite.Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements)

HON. ABDALLAH BARKAT IBRAHIM [DJIBOUTI]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Nous prenons le train en marche!Cependant, en lisant le texte qui a été distribué ce matin, j’ai relevé deux petites observations qui, peut-être que lors des discussions, ont été faites et qu’elles ont même été maintenues, je ne sais pas.Je voudrais dire qu’à la troisième page, premier point, il est écrit « l’OUA ». Je pense que l’OUA n’est plus d’actualité, c’est plutôt l’Union africaine (UA) qu’il faudrait retenir.Cela est également valable au premier point de la sixième page.Je vous remercie.

HON. MOHAMED TAYEB LASKRI [ALGÉRIE]:Merci Monsieur le Président.En dépit du fait que le texte ait été déjà débattu à deux reprises, il demeure encore quelques imperfections, quelques remarques, que je vais soulever.Concernant tout d’abord le code vestimentaire, et après réflexion, il me semble que ce qui est indiqué dans le Règlement intérieur, à savoir l’article 42, est suffisamment clair et significatif pour nous épargner de tous les détails qui suivent, parce que le Règlement intérieur prévoit que tous les membres doivent s’habiller de manière digne et acceptée par le Parlement national ou tout autre organe délibérant. Je crois que c’est un paragraphe très clair qui permet de nous épargner, faut-il le rappeler, des détails qui suivent.Néanmoins, si les détails demeurent, je voudrais qu’on ôte le mot « culotte » du texte de la version française, parce que cela signifie autre chose que le pantalon court.En revanche, dans la version arabe, la traduction est exacte. C’est bien le pantalon court. Je propose donc qu’on l’enlève et le remplacer par « le pantalon court », si le détail est conservé, bien sûr.Concernant la contradiction qui a été déjà soulevée, à savoir l’utilisation des téléphones portables: on dit d’une part qu’il faut les mettre sous mode vibration ou silencieux et d’autre part qu’il faut les éteindre.Donc, il y a une contradiction au niveau de la page 12, alinéa (h) qu’il faut purement et simplement supprimer puisqu’on s’est entendu qu’il faut les laisser sous mode silencieux ou en vibration.En outre, bien que nous ayons proposé la dernière fois, que pour ne plus parler de l’utilisation du téléphone portable au sein de l’hémicycle, il suffit d’installer des antennes brouillant les signaux comme c’est le cas dans nos parlements nationaux.Au niveau de la page 12, alinéa (f): « Un membre n’est autorisé à introduire dans la Chambre que des papiers, livres et autres documents directement liés aux questions à l’ordre du jour », je pense quand même qu’on est autorisé à avoir d’autres documents que ceux liés à l’ordre du jour.Aussi, les équipements électroniques, je crois qu’on s’est entendu que l’ordinateur portable est un matériel de travail qui pourrait être utilisé.Enfin, une recommandation que j’aimerais insérer, peut-être à la fin du texte, c’est lors de la prestation de serment, il faudrait faire allusion au respect de ce Code de conduite.Je vous remercie.

HON. MOHAMED ALI FOULIEH [DJIBOUTI]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Monsieur le Président,Mesdames et Messieurs et les membres du Bureau,Chers collègues,Je suis ravi de vous retrouver, ici, tous ensemble.Je félicite également tous les nouveaux parlementaires qui viennent de prêter serment.Sur le Code de bonne conduite, je pense qu’il est temps de l’adopter, mais avant de l’adopter faudrait-il encore qu’il soit conforme au Règlement intérieur sur lequel il se base.Le Code de conduite est normalement une interprétation un peu plus claire du Règlement intérieur. Il y a donc une certaine confusion, comme viennent de le souligner mes collègues.Quant à moi, ce sont les sanctions qui me préoccupent et je crois que le Règlement intérieur est beaucoup plus clair sur certains articles, notamment l’article 52 où il est dit que:« Lorsque le Président de séance estime que la conduite d’un membre ne peut être adéquatement examinée au titre de l’alinéa (3) de l’article 45, il peut nommément interpeller le parlementaire concerné ».Je ne comprends pas ce que cela veut dire parce qu’on parle aussi bien de sanction que de nomination.Un peu plus loin, il est dit à l’alinéa 2:« Suite à cette interpellation citant le nom du parlementaire, les mesures s’imposent dans les cas suivants:(a)lors des travaux en chambre, le Président de séance suspend le parlementaire interpellé nommément de toute activité au Parlement; ou(b)lors des travaux en Commission Permanente, le Président de séance, avec l’accord de la Commission Permanente, suspend le parlementaire interpellé nommément de toute activité et en fait rapport au Parlement lors de sa prochaine séance ».Là aussi on parle de nomination alors qu’il s’agit de sanction.Je descends un peu plus bas à l’alinéa 3 où on parle d’une interprétation de l’article 52 du de Règlement intérieur.Là, c’est clair, on dit:« Lorsqu’un parlementaire est suspendu, sa suspension couvrira:(a)« les trois prochaines séances... » et ainsi de suite.Ici, cela est repris mais pour la deuxième, c’est-à-dire le (b) on dit:(b)« les sept séances suivantes à l’exclusion de la séance au cours de laquelle il a été suspendu, si c’est pour la troisième fois ou plus ».Pour l’interprétation, on pense qu’au cours d’une même séance, un membre peut être sanctionné alors que ce n’est pas cela. C’est lorsqu’une deuxième suspension intervient que cette personne va être suspendue pour les sept prochaines séances.Quant à la troisième, ce n’est pas pour la troisième fois au cours de la même séance. En effet, cela n’est plus possible, du moins parce que cette personne est déjà exclue. Cela veut dire que si cette personne est sanctionnée pour une troisième séance, elle va subir des sanctions prévues par le Règlement intérieur pour les vingt-huit prochaines séances.En somme, il y a une confusion dans la traduction de la version française du texte.Sur l’article 53, on parle de retrait de membre. Je ne comprends pas pourquoi on veut dire « à l’exception de la résidence parlementaire ».Un membre est exclu; il est exclu du Parlement. Je ne vois pas comment parler d’exception. Là aussi, je pense qu’il faut rectifier.Pour le reste, je félicite la Commission Permanente des Règlements, des Privilèges et de la Discipline.Je recommande également que cette Commission puisse être renforcée parce que [Temps de parole épuisé].

HON. EBO BARTON-ODRO [GHANA]:Thank you very much, Mr. President. May I join my Hon. Colleagues in congratulating the Committee for a job well done. However, I have a little bit of a problem with Article 21 on Page 13 of the Report.The Article states that: The President of the Pan African Parliament having confirmed the Report of the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline, the President of the Pan African Parliament must report the finding and sanction to Parliament and ensure that the confirmed sanction is imposed with due expedition. Does it mean that the President is only to report to us and that we do not have to make any input? This is because it would mean that he could just go ahead and impose the sanctions with expedition. But I believe that as a Parliament, we need to make an input especially when it has to do with sanctions relating to Members of Parliament. I think there should be some room for some form of input from Parliament.That is my contribution. Thank you.

MR. PRESIDENT:Thank you very much. Hon. Elamin Dafalla Elseed from Sudan. You have the Floor.

HON. ELAMIN DAFALLA GASM ELSEED [SUDAN]شكرا جزيال السيد الرئيس،أوال أود أن أشكركم إلتاحة هذه الفرصة لي ، و ثانيا أوجه التهنئة لكم و ألعضاء مجلسكم الموقر على انعقاد هذه الجلسة و التي تصادف االحتفال بالعيد العاشر النعقاد هذا البرلمان ، وثال ثا أود أن أذكر أنني لم أكن موجودا عندما نوقشت هذه المدونة في أكتوبر سنة 3102 لعذر ما ، ولذلك فإن تعليقي سيكون تعليقا شامال مع خاتمة.رى أن هذه المدونة قد أتت حاوية و كافية لكل ما يحفظ لألعضاء مكانتهم و للبرلمان هيبته و وقاره ،كما أنني أرى فيما يخص بتطبيق آلية القانون فقد فقد أتت شاملة و راعت العدالة في تطبيق القانون ، و قد ركز الجزء الثاني أخي الرئيس على المبادىء األخالقية والمثل على مايحقق االلتزام األخالقي و ما يبعد الشبهات و الفساد والمحسوبية تماشيا مع العرف و المعتقدات اإلفريقية وحسنا قالال شاعر:إنما األمم األخالق ما بقيت فإن هم ذهبت أخالقهم ذهبوا وهذا هو صمام األمان لضمان الحكم الرشيد.كما أنني أرى أن البند الرابع أتى متضمنا لمعايير السلوك بالمجلس و اللجان الدائمة وهذا السلوك القويم لنواب القارة اإلفريقية هو مفتاح االنضباط و بالذات االلتزام بالوقت ،وحسنا فعل واضعو هذه المدونة ألداء األعضاء المخالفين لقواعد السلوك و االنضباط و بتطبيق هذا الجزء الرابع تتحقق أهداف البرلمان اإلفريقي.أعيب فقط على هذه المدونة أنها قد أتت متأخرة لمدة عشر)10) سنوات منذ انعقاد هذا البرلمان،و أعتقد أن المدونة اآلن بعد التعديالت التي أدخلت عليها من قبل اللجنة رئيسا و أعضاء، و أرجو أن نشيد بالمجهودات الكبيرة التي قاموا بها ،إذ أرى أنها لم تأت شاملة وال كاملة ألن الكمال هلل وأرى بأن يعتمد هذا المجلس الموقر هذه المدونة حتى نستطيع تطبيق ما ورد فيها ،وشكرا جزيال السيد الرئيس.

HON. MUNTAKA MOHAMMED-MUBARAK [GHANA]:Thank you Mr President. Let me also take this opportunity to thank our Hon Colleagues on the Committee for this work and also urge our colleagues [GAP...]It is a mandatory evidence of report of our activities here in our National Parliament, because in Ghana, every time we present our report, we have a very interesting debate. It is important that all National Parliaments do this and then we report back to the PAP so that we can create a file that keeps archives of how every country’s representatives report the activities of PAP in their National Assemblies. I believe with this, we would be more accountable to the people and it would take the concern of my Colleague from Sudan about popularising our activities in Pan Africa.Mr President, with these comments, I would like to urge everyone to support and get this approved today.Thank you very much Mr President.

HON. BECHIR CHAMMAM [TUNISIA]:شكرا السيد الرئيس،الشكر للجنة التي تقوم بهذا الجهد المشكور،ينصب تعليقي أكثر على النسخة العربية وهنالك مالحظة في الصفحة األولى حيث المكتوب فيها أن البرلمان األفريقي مدونة السلوك إذ كان ينبغي أن يكون مدونة السلوك ألعضاء البرلمان األفريقي.وهنالك أيضا تفاوت بين صفحة الفهرس وبين الموجود في األصل ، مثال في الموضوع رقم 9 تحقيق المكاسب المالية والموجود هناك المكاسب المالية وال توجد كلمة)تحقيق( لذا يجب أن يكون هنالك تطابق بين ما يكتب في الفهرس وبين ما يكتب داخل المدونة،فكلمة التحقيق في اللغة العربية ال تعني الحصول على الشيء وإنما التأكد منه،هنالك الكثير من العيوب في ترجمة اللغة العربية و باعتبار ذلك اختصاصي)دكتوراه في المباحث اللغوية(أرى أن تعرض على مدقق لغوي لتفادي مثل هذه األخطاء والعيوب في اللغة العربية.في الصفحة الخامسة مثال المصلحة العامة،هنالك عدم وضوح في عبارة يبني سلوكه على اعتبارات المصلحة العامة،أي يضع المصلحة العامة وال ؟ما الفرق بين هذين األمرين؟ فهما شئ واحد،يبني السلوك على المصلحة العامة معناه يقدم المصلحة العامة على مصلحته الشخصية فينبغي أن تكون الصورة واضحة وهي أن المصلحة العامة للبرلمان األفريقي وليست مطلق المصلحة العامة.هنالك أخطاء لغوية أظن أنها على مستوى مصلحة الرقن،فمثال كلمة)إلى( كتبت)غال(.في الصفحة الثامنة نجد مثال المشتروات والصواب في اللغة العربية المشتريات وليست المشتروات.في الصفحة السابعة الممارسات اإلجرامية: ال يجوز للعضو االنخراط في أي نوع من األعمال االجرامية،أرى وأقترح أن تضاف عبارة)أوالتستر عليها(فليس فقط االنخراط فيها ولكن يمكن أن يعلم بها ويتسترعنها فيجب عليه التبليغ.وفي موضوع الفوارق بين الجنسين،ورد على العضو أن يراعي الفوارق بين الجنسين ما المقصود بهذا األمر؟ فهذا من مهام الموظف وهي مهام يقدر عليها الجنسان وليس هناك ما يختص به الذكر أواألنثى في هذه المهام المنوطة بعضو البرلمان اإلفريقي.قواعد الزي في البرلمان كقاعدة عامة تقول يجب أن يلبس األعضاء بأناقة كاجوال أنيق بحيث ال يؤثر مظهره سلبا على سلبا ،هنالك خطأ يجب أن يصحح بحيث ال يؤثر مظهره على هيبة البرلمان،هنالك كالم زائد وخطأ لغوي أظن أنه على مستوى مصلحة الرقن يجب تصحيحه. أخيرا أقول فيما يتعلق بالتدخل األمني في تنفيذ قرارات و أوامر رئيس المجلس لضمان االمتثال للقاعدة ونضيف عبارة)عندما يتجه سوء السلوك لعدم امتثالها (فيجب أن نعطي احتراما للعضو فإذا كان هنالك احترام فال داعي لتدخل األمن لتطبيق أوامر الرئيس إال عندما يتجه سلوك العضو لعدم امتثال األوامر.والسالم عليكم ورحمة هللا وبركاته.

HON. MASTER MOISERAELE GOYA [BOTSWANA]:Thank you very much Mr. President. Let me thank the Chairperson of the Rules Committee for his report and of course the Hon. Members of this Committee as well.I think it suffices me to mention that we did justice to this Code of Conduct in the last Plenary. We did punch holes on it; we made some insertions, amendments and deletions. Looking at the document today, I think the Committee has taken into consideration these amendments and deletions that we made in the last session.Mr. President, of course there are a few typographical errors in the report and I think we can leave this to the Secretariat to take care of this. I want to say that we come from different cultures, different countries, different social background and it is only fair for us to have a document of this kind that can bind us together.That can be glue that makes all Members of this House stick together so that we, somehow, have a unique way of doing things.I personally support the adoption of this document. It would not be perfect from the word go but I think it is incumbent upon us as Members of this House to make sure that we keep on reviewing it so that it aligns itself with what we change in future. So, let us not bog down today and say that no, we need a Committee to look into this and that. Let us just adopt the document as it is; we amend it as time goes. I just pray for the indulgence of Members of this Parliament to adopt this document.I thank you Mr. President.

HON. GABRIEL B. SMITH [LIBERIA]:Thank you Mr. President. Let me begin by saying a word of welcome to all my colleagues, having been away for a year. Upon doing this Code of Conduct, I think generally it is good. It requires an action from the plenary to have it endorsed. But I feel at the moment that some things necessary are being discussed already.To begin with, the goodness of any law or a set of rules lies on the way we implement it. In so far as we believe in the capacity and capability of the leadership of this Parliament, we believe that this Code of Conduct will serve us a good purpose.Let me mention Mr. President and Colleagues, on Part 3 (f) of the Code of Conduct, which reads thus: Commitment to the promotion of gender equality and social inclusion at all levels.Mr. President, while we acknowledge the concept of normalisation, we must not lose sight of our responsibility to preserve and protect certain African cultures that are rooted on the principles of natural laws or laws of nature. I said this against the background that Part 3 (f) in my mind, leaves a room for manipulation or infiltration by Western cultures which are completely align to our continent. Some of you may know exactly what I am talking about. This is because one of our member countries was denied foreign aids recently because they did not subscribe to certain rules of the West.I would recommend that -

HON. AZIZOU EL HADJ ISSA [BÉNIN]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Je voudrais dire avec certitude qu’aujourd’hui, suite aux interventions des collègues, nous allons adopter le Code de conduite.Je voudrais également féliciter les collègues qui ont prêté serment aujourd’hui.Il n’y a pas de hasard et je crois qu’ils ont bien entendu les dispositions de ce Code.Je voudrais simplement inviter les anciens à aller vers le respect de ces dispositions.Monsieur le Président,Des collègues l’ont dit, le Règlement intérieur était déjà là et le Code a repris un certain nombre de ses dispositions. Mais le plus important, à présent, est d’encourager le Bureau du Parlement panafricain à faire respecter ces dispositions et que nous les parlementaires, nous puissions aller dans ce sens.Monsieur le Président,Je voudrais cependant faire observer - et je m’adresse à la Commission - qu’il y a beaucoup de dispositions du Règlement intérieur qui ont été reprises dans le Code de conduite et selon les dires mêmes du Président de cette Commission, le Règlement intérieur pourrait être révisé. Alors, pourquoi reprendre encore un certain nombre de dispositions que nous allons peut-être corriger?Je crois qu’il vaut mieux dire par endroit:« Conformément au Code en vigueur » et là, lorsqu’on va réviser le Règlement intérieur, nous n’aurons pas à réviser le Code de conduite.Pour finir, Monsieur le Président, les parlementaires que nous sommes, ne passons peut-être que seulement 20 % du temps à Midrand au compte du Parlement panafricain.Je voudrais vous rappeler qu’il a été dit dans cette salle que le manuel de procédures administrative, financière et comptable est en cours de préparation au profit de l’Administration du PAP.Monsieur le Président,Je voudrais dire que ce manuel est d’autant plus important, mieux que le Code de conduite parce qu’il concerne le personnel administratif qui passe 100 % de son temps ici.Donc, pour nous les parlementaires, il serait important qu’on ait ce manuel de procédures afin que, le peu de temps que nous passions ici au cours des sessions, nous trouvions des conditions nous permettant de travailler et d’être beaucoup plus performants.Je vous remercie.

HON. JEAN MINANI [BURUNDI]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Je salue tout d’abord vous-même, Monsieur le Président, le Bureau et tous mes collègues. Je félicite et souhaite la bienvenue aux nouveaux membres et surtout aux revenants.J’ai deux observations:La première observation a trait au code vestimentaire.Je trouve, comme l’a dit mon frère, collègue et ami LASKRI de l’Algérie, qu’on ne devait pas trop détailler. On devrait se conformer à ce que dit le Règlement intérieur, notamment à l’article 40 et ne garder que les points a, b, g, k et supprimer les points c, d, e, f, g, h, i et j.La deuxième observation concerne les sanctions.Je pense que les sanctions ne sont pas réalistes et ne sont même pas réalisables; je veux dire qu’elles ne sont pas applicables parce qu’elles vont au-delà des séances que nous faisons ici.Comme l’a dit le Président de la Commission, il s’est inspiré du Règlement intérieur. Il faut plutôt se référer au Règlement intérieur pour rendre ces sanctions plus réalistes et plus applicables.En tout état de cause, je pense que nous devons féliciter le travail de la Commission.C’est l’avantage de parler en dernière position.Ainsi, en résumant tout ce qu’ils ont dit, je pense que personne n’a fait d’amendements très profonds, tous les amendements restent autour d’un même idéal. Nous pouvons donc faire confiance à la Commission pour qu’elle nous reprenne ce texte correctement en faisant le toilettage qu’il faut et qu’on adopte notre Code à cette séance.Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements)

HON. PETER HITJITEVI KATJAVIVI [NAMIBIA]:Thank you, Hon. President. I am taking the floor to echo the sentiments expressed by the Chairman of the Committee on Rules and to reassure the Hon. Members of this House that we, as a Committee, have done our very best to incorporate most of the suggestions and comments made during the month of October, 2013.Mr. President, I am aware of the comments made with references to the fact that some aspects that are included in the Code of Conduct document should be taken out. But I would like to underline one thing, and that is; these points or the elements referred to by some Colleagues do form part of this Code of Conduct as they are taken from the Rules of Procedure and, therefore, they cannot be taken out as such. But we accept the need that when the time comes, we should harmonize these documents accordingly. So, there would be an opportunity for amending some of those issues that some Members had referred to.Mr. President, there are one or two things that I wanted to comment on, and that is on page 8 in the draft document. It is under the heading in Part 4. When you read that, there is a reference to the fact that we want to do away with mobile phones and that they should be placed on vibration or silent mode while the Member is attending the House. One or two Hon Colleagues have drawn my attention to the fact that from time to time, we do receive calls while in the Chamber and, perhaps, there is a need on our part to close that loophole. I would like to suggest that, perhaps, it could be done by adding the following wording immediately after the paragraph I cited; this is under 2 by stating the following:-"Provided that if a Member receives a call, he or she should leave the House."Maybe that would be one way of closing that particular loophole.Mr. President, with these few remarks, I wish to thank you very much for granting me the opportunity to say a word or two, and I would now like to commend the draft document for endorsement by this Honourable House.I thank you.(Applause)

HON. KANGBARO SANKA III [SEIRRA LEONE]:Thank you Mr President. First of all, I would follow the cue of thanking all the Members of the Committee for the hard work they have done and trying to bring peace into a place for us to work. However, Mr President, may I just remind all of us here, that ever since this Parliament started, nothing of particular misbehaviour by a Member of Parliament has yet been reported. So, I am sure Hon. Members of Parliament are noble and honourable enough to continue behaving the way we have done in the past.I am sure Members of PAP came from noble and honourable Houses. This is just for the record, that as far as I am concerned, the present Members here are well in place to do their work.Mr President, my Hon Colleague from Sierra Leone talked about the Code of Conduct for Members. I am sure when we go to the definitions, the word Member was defined. On page 3, Member means a Member of the Pan African Parliament elected or designated by the respective National Parliaments or any other deliberative organs of the Member States. So, I am sure that takes care of that particular rule.When you come to Article 3 of the Protocol on page 4, I wonder why we now keep putting OAU. Is it because we are continuing the work of the OAU or we accept that OAU has been replaced by AU that we should also look at that particular one?Mr President, on page 5, Section 8, Ethical Principles and Aspirations, we have to look at this Parliament in a wider scope. If you look at 8, it says that:(a)the commitment to the sanctity of human life and to a peaceful and nonviolent orientation in all activities. So, that is the case of all human life.(b)the promotion of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, good governance as well as justice for all the peoples of Africa. Should we only limit that one to the rich or....I would include there now, if it is accepted by this honourable House, justice for all the peoples of Africa and the world because when you go to (c), you see that it talks about respect for equality, rights and dignity for all people. So, I am sure all people there will capture the world.Mr President, when you look at page 10, under Rule 52- Sanction of Members, people had brought in this, but I am still not clear whether we are going to amend that. Where a Member has been named:(a)in the case of the proceedings of the House, the President shall suspend the member named from the House. When you come to (b), the same thing applies;(b)in the case of a Permanent Committee, the Presiding Officer shall, with the consent of the Permanent Committee, suspend the Member named from its sitting and report;Where a Member is suspended, his or her suspension is for the next three sittings. Mr President, the major point that I want to make is that when a Member is suspended, should we not report this to the National Parliament that sends that Member here? That is the only way we can have control of that. For me, I think, if we are going to be serious on that, the naming of that person and the suspension should be reported to the National Government that sent that particular Member here with the per diem that we are receiving. So, I recommend that we should report the suspension of a particular Member to the Member state or to the Clerk. If you go to page 11 (g) Rule 54-Power of the President to adjourn House or suspend sitting, it states that, in the case of grave disorder arising in the House, the President may adjourn the House without question put or suspend the sitting until a time to be determined by the President. I will say for the sake of unanimity, we should amend that by the Bureau. We want the Bureau to participate fully in calling Parliament back.If you come back to Rule 89-Leave of Absence, when we talk about absenteeism, we have to consider the fact that some of us are coming from countries where we have other activities and we cannot come for that particular sitting when we are required. We have to notify the Houses why we are not able to come. It could be the doctor’s constraints or other medical issues. There are times when some parliamentarians could not come quickly because of that sir. So, let us amend that also.

HON. ASHEBIR WOLDEGIORGIS GAYO [ETHIOPIA]:Thank you Mr. President. I would like also to take this opportunity to thank the Committee on Rules for a job well done and you would understand what a long time it has taken to blend and at the same time you would understand that this Code of Conduct must coincide with basic document of Pan African Parliament, that is the rest of Procedures of Pan African Parliament.I read the Code of Conduct which is for both Parliaments, that it is mostly passed everywhere, the functions and the rest of bureau. The bureau must handle all the activities as an organ.At the same time, if we take Article 21, it says, sanctions if confirmed by the President immediately after the report from this Committee, it would go direct to the Plenary. For me, it should be tabled for the discussion by the bureau. Immediately after the discussion and endorsement by the bureau, it might go to the Plenary for the next course of action. May be the Rules Committee may refer to the Article 18, the Functions of the President and Bureau accordingly and I recommend that it should be reconcile with Article 21 and Article 18 of Rules and Procedures.I thank you.

THE PRESIDENT:Let me just seize this opportunity to recognize dignitaries in our mist who have come to grace our opening. Let me recognize Her Excellency, Mrs. Evelyn Luthana, the High Commissioner of Lesotho to South Africa who is here with us. Let me once again recognize Her Excellency, Lakiatu Mayaku, Ambassador of Niger who is present here. We also have a number of Members of Diplomatic Corp; Mr. Segius Kochengko, Embassy of Ukraine, who is here with us. Mr. Alexandar Malasha, Embassy of Russia, who is here with us. And also Mr. Andrew Shamin from the Embassy of Russia. We also have here Mr. Wafilu, Secretary of the Taipei Liaison office, all the way from Taipei. We also have the Charge -de-affair of the Embassy of Zimbabwe, Mr. Samuel Chullango who is here with us. Let me also recognize Mr. Calus de Amelda from the Embassy of Angola. We thank you for making out time to grace our opening.Hon Members, we have concluded with the list of speakers that I have. Let me therefore invite the Chairman of the Committee on Rules to please respond to the comments made.

HON. KONÉ DOGNON [CÔTE D’IVOIRE]:Merci Monsieur le Président.C’est bien Koné DOGNON!Monsieur le Président,Je vous remercie de m’avoir passé la parole.Je voudrais saluer et féliciter ceux qui viennent de prêter serment dans cet hémicycle.Monsieur le Président,Je voudrais souhaiter que cette fois-ci soit la bonne et que nous allons enfin adopter un code de bonne conduite pour nous.J’ai plutôt une contribution concernant la version française à la page 6:

PARTIE II: CONDUITE GÉNÉRALE

4. ARTICLE 3 DU PROTOCOLE

À la première ligne: « (1) Tout membre doit être fidèle aux, et respecter les, principes de l’article 3 du Protocole ...» jusqu’à « à savoir: ».Je pense qu’il y a une traduction Google ici, certainement.Je voudrais proposer sous l’éclairage des francophones: « Tout membre doit être fidèle aux principes de l’article 3 du Protocole, les respecter et doit promouvoir les objectifs du Parlement panafricain... », ainsi de suite.À la page 10, le petit point (b): « Les Membres ne doivent pas porter des vêtements ou d’accessoires ».Je voudrais simplement proposer:« Les Membres ne doivent pas porter des vêtements ou des accessoires vestimentaires », ainsi de suite.Pour terminer, je voudrais appuyer ce qu’a dit tout à l’heure, l’Honorable Assoumana du Niger; ce code ne voudra que ce que nous voudrions qu’il soit.Je voudrais appeler les collègues à l’adopter, à le respecter et peut-être qu’enfin nous n’entendrons plus des sonneries intempestives au sein de l’hémicycle.Je vous remercie Monsieur le Président.

HON BOHUÉ MARTIN [CÔTE D’IVOIRE]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Je voudrais dire un grand merci aux membres de la Commission qui ont travaillé parce qu’effectivement le texte qui nous est présenté aujourd’hui est de loin bien meilleur que celui que nous avons examiné l’année dernière.Même si c’est un texte qui est une émanation du Règlement intérieur, il n’en demeure pas moins vrai que c’est un texte normatif et en tant que tel, il doit obéir à certaines règles de rédaction des textes normatifs.Par exemple vous prenez le document à la page 5:

3. OBJECTIF

« Ce Code de conduite définira... ».Non, on doit affirmer!En tout cas, dans la version française, il faut affirmer: « Ce Code de conduite définit les principes... ». Donc, il barrer « définira »!De même, à la page 7:

8. PRINCIPES D’ETHIQUE ET ASPIRATIONS:

« Les Membres seront guidés... ». Non, ici il faut affirmer!« Les Membres doivent être guidés par les aspirations et principes suivants, dans l’accomplissement des objectifs du Parlement panafricain ».Il y a un certain nombre de choses qu’il faut enlever. Il faut expurger le texte d’un certain nombre de ces choses.Toujours à la page 7:

7. HONNEUR:

« Tout membre doit agir avec intégrité et honnêteté »; enlever « la plus grande ».À la page 11: Oui quelqu’un était intervenu tout à l’heure pour dire qu’il y a un certain nombre de points qui devaient être enlevés parce que, disait-il, ces dispositions figurent déjà dans le Règlement intérieur. Sans doute! Mais, vous vous souvenez que l’année dernière, nous avions beaucoup discuté d’un certain nombre de points, notamment la « décence de certaines tenues vestimentaires ».C’est pourquoi, je dis que le fait qu’on ait indiqué en point (h) ici: « Les membres ne doivent pas porter des robes et des vêtements qui sont trop... », est une bonne chose, à condition que l’on dise: « Les membres ne doivent pas porter des robes et des vêtements indécents eu égard à la dignité du Parlement », tout simplement.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much. Hon. Members, we have finally exhausted the list of the speakers before me. I would now call on the Chair to please respond to the issues raised by Hon. Members.I thank you.

HON. INZOUNGOU-MASSANGA ZELY PIERRE [CONGO]:Merci Monsieur le Président,Je vais intervenir après beaucoup d’autres collègues qui ont tenté, un tant soit peu, d’apporter quelques éléments de réponse aux préoccupations formulées par certains collègues. C’est notamment le cas du Pr Peter KATJAVIVI, qui est le Vice-président de la Commission. Beaucoup d’autres collègues aussi m’ont précédé dans cet exercice.Monsieur le Président,Il n’y a pas eu de questions à proprement parler auxquelles je devrais répondre, mais il y a eu beaucoup plus d’apports et de contributions des collègues pour améliorer la rédaction de ce texte. Je dis d’ores et déjà que toutes les corrections qui ont été proposées, notamment dans la version française, vont être prises en compte et sans problème.Monsieur le Président,On nous a dit sur la page, la page de garde qu’il faut mettre: « Code de conduite des membres du Parlement panafricain ». Nous n’y voyons pas d’inconvénient.Seulement, Monsieur le Président, comme vous le voyez, en titre déjà, il est porté: « Parlement panafricain » et nous avons pensé que le « Code de conduite des membres » serait le « Code de conduite des membres du Parlement panafricain », puis en entête, il est marqué « Parlement panafricain ».Mais si l’Assemblée pense qu’il faut répéter ici « Code de conduite des membres du Parlement panafricain », nous n’y voyons pas d’inconvénient.Sur l’absence des membres du Parlement panafricain qui seraient mis en mission du PAP, pourquoi les porter absents lors des séances plénières, ce qui pourrait leur causer préjudice puisque ces absences peuvent être portées à la connaissance de leurs parlements respectifs?Nous pensons que quand le Bureau met en mission un parlementaire, celui-ci est d’office excusé aux travaux qui peuvent se poursuivre dans la Chambre et dans les commissions. Donc, ce membre n’est pas absent, il est excusé et nous ne voyons pas pourquoi le Bureau saisirait son parlement pour dire qu’il est absent des séances alors que c’est le même Bureau qui l’a envoyé en mission.Je pense que le cas de ces collègues en mission n’est pas pris en compte ici, ils ne sont pas concernés par l’absence.La référence à l’Organisation de l’Unité africaine plutôt qu’à l’Union africaine. Oui, les collègues ont parfaitement raison. C’est quelque chose qu’il faut simplement corriger, mais quand parfois on fait référence à des textes qui ont été adoptés du temps de l’Organisation de l’Unité africaine, parfois on peut revenir à cette dénomination. Cependant, nous ne voyons pas d’inconvénient à ce qu’on remplace « OUA » partout où il se trouve dans notre document par « UA ».Sur la discrimination à l’égard des femmes quant à la tenue vestimentaire, un collègue venait d’apporter la réponse ici, notamment notre frère de la Côte d’Ivoire. Nous avons parlé des robes autant que des costumes, ainsi de suite. Donc là, la femme n’est pas victime de discrimination, elle est bien prise en charge dans notre texte.Nous remercions notre collègue qui a proposé d’ajouter un terme ou « des vêtements indécents eu égard à la dignité du Parlement panafricain ». Nous accédons à sa proposition.Sessions ou séances dans le texte?Nous avons parlé de séances, des collègues ont bien voulu savoir s’il s’agit des réunions, des sessions ou bien des séances. Ils trouvaient qu’il y avait une confusion.Dans notre esprit, Monsieur le Président, et dans l’esprit du Règlement intérieur, tout au moins dans la version française, ici nous parlons des séances plénières. Au cours d’une session, il y a plusieurs séances plénières. Les séances plénières comme celles-ci, ce sont les réunions de la Chambre qui se tiennent pendant une journée ou une demi-journée pour étudier un ordre du jour précis. Donc, il s’agit bien des séances. Je ne sais pas ce que cela peut vouloir dire en anglais, mais il ne s’agit pas des sessions telles que nous les tenons, des sessions ordinaires qui durent dix jours. Ici nous parlions de séances.Au sujet du téléphone, certains collègues ont cru trouver une contradiction dans ce que nous avons dit, parce que disaient-ils, en tout cas en version française, à la page 11: « 18. CONDUITE AU SEIN DE LA CHAMBRE ET DES COMMISSIONS PERMANENTES ».Au petit 2, nous avons dit: « Nonobstant les dispositions de l’article 40 (1) (h) du Règlement intérieur, tous les téléphones portables et I-Pad ou tout autre dispositif mobile servant au travail du Parlement doivent être mis sous mode vibration ou silencieux... », alors que, relevaient-ils, à la page 12 (toujours en version française, au petit (h), il est dit: « Tous les téléphones portables doivent être éteints ». À partir de ce moment là, les collègues ont trouvé qu’il y avait une contradiction.Mais de quoi s’agit-il en fait? Il n’y a pas de contradiction parce que le principe que nous avons énoncé, c’est une disposition du Règlement intérieur en son article 41 (h) qui dit qu’effectivement tous « les téléphones portables doivent être éteints ». C’est le Règlement intérieur!Nous avons voulu nuancer cela et c’est pourquoi nous avons dit à la page 11, petit (2): « Nonobstant les dispositions de l’article 40 (1) (h) du Règlement intérieur, tous les téléphones portables. » et ainsi de suite. Cela veut dire qu’au-delà de ce que prescrit le Règlement intérieur concernant les téléphones portables, à savoir qu’ils doivent être éteints, nous apportons une nuance, malgré cette disposition, et bien « les téléphones portables peuvent être aussi mis sous vibreur ou sous silencieux.Donc sur ce point, nous pensons, Monsieur le Président, qu’il n’y a pas de contradiction et nous pouvons retenir la formulation comme telle.D’autres ont trouvé, certainement avec raison, qu’il y avait encore des contradictions entre les dispositions du Règlement intérieur et certaines dispositions du Code de conduite. Si c’est le cas, les dispositions du Règlement intérieur priment. Nous allons nous faire le devoir d’harmoniser toutes ces dispositions. Là où il apparaît un doute ou un flou entre les dispositions du Code et celles du Règlement intérieur, nous reproduirons inextenso la disposition du Règlement intérieur pour qu’il n’y ait pas de doute possible.Communication de la décision de la suspension à son membre du parlement national. Oui, ici dans le texte nous avons dit que l’absence d’un membre du Parlement aux différentes séances doit être communiquée à son parlement national; et un collègue a dit qu’il faut aller au-delà. Il ne faut pas s’arrêter uniquement à l’absence. Mais il faut aussi communiquer à son parlement national la décision de sa suspension s’il venait à être suspendu des travaux du parlement. Il faut que son parlement national sache comment se comporte son membre ici, au Parlement panafricain.Confirmation du rapport par le Président! Nous sommes d’accord, Monsieur le Président, et je crois que c’est le quatrième Vice-président qui pense que la décision de suspendre un collègue est d’une telle importance qu’il ne faut certainement pas la laisser à l’appréciation du seul Président.Oui, nous pensons que le Président travaille collégialement avec ses collègues du Bureau et que si la Commission Permanente des Règlements, des Privilèges et de la Discipline lui transmet un rapport sur un cas de discipline qu’on aurait observé, le Président, je l’espère, devra s’entourer de son Bureau pour qu’ensemble ils étudient le dossier et qu’ils prennent la décision à communiquer à la plénière. Donc, nous accédons à sa proposition et nous n’y voyons pas d’inconvénient.Quand je dis cela, Monsieur le Président, et en réitérant que nous allons faire l’effort d’harmoniser les dispositions du Code de conduite qui semblent entrer en conflit avec celles du Règlement intérieur et que le moment venu, nous prendrons en compte les propositions de rédaction que les collègues nous ont faites, notamment en la version française, je crois avoir fait le tour des interventions de mes collègues. Il me reste à remercier ceux d’entre nous qui ont félicité la Commission, qui ont reconnu l’importance de ce Code de conduite et ont pensé qu’il était opportun d’adopter maintenant ce document.Je dis encore que cela fait dix ans que nous attendons ce Code. Le Parlement panafricain réuni en sa deuxième session, ici à Gallagher (de l’autre côté), avait adopté ce Règlement intérieur et avait prévu à l’article 13 qu’un code de conduite soit adopté pour régir le comportement des membres du Parlement. Malheureusement, je l’ai dit ici au début, Commission Permanente des Règlements, des Privilèges et de la Discipline à l’époque avait fait une proposition qu’elle avait soumise au Bureau, mais cela n’avait pas prospéré parce que le Bureau ne n’avait jamais introduit la question à l’ordre du jour d’une quelconque session.On a attendu, heureusement que ce Bureau arrive - encore une fois merci - pour que l’affaire soit relancée. Peut-être qu’il est temps d’adopter ce Code de conduite parce que, comme l’ont dit des collègues, cela nous fait tellement défaut qu’il faut qu’on fasse quelque chose. C’est sûr que le parfait n’étant pas de ce monde, il pourra être amendé un jour si le besoin se ferait sentir.Cela dit, Monsieur le Président, je vous remercie et souhaite que les collègues adoptent ce Code de conduite.Merci. (Applaudissements)

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much, Chair.Hon. Members, we have had contributions of various Members, which the Chair has agreed that the Committee would take into considerations when making amendments. I, therefore, now put before this House that the Pan African Parliament Code of Conduct for the Members of Parliament with the agreed amendments be adopted. Is it agreed?Question put and agreed to.(Applause)

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, I, therefore, would now invite the Clerk of Parliament to make some announcements.

THE CLERK:Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to make the following announcements regarding caucus meetings this afternoon. The Western African Caucus will meet at 2.30 p.m. in Room 1; the Eastern African Caucus will meet at 2.30 p.m. in Room 2; the Southern African Caucus will meet at 2.30 p.m. in Room 3; the Central African Caucus will meet at 2.30 p.m. in Room 4 and the Northern African Caucus will meet at 2.30 p.m. in Room 5.I thank you.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much.Let me also recognize the presence of Yav Shikom, Mr.Counsellor to the Embassy of the House (?) in Pretoria.You are welcome.(Applause)The House accordingly adjourned at 12.31 hours until 09.00 hours on Tuesday, 11, March 2014

Tuesday, 11 March, 2014

THE PRESIDENT:Please, be seated.

REFERENCE: 1103-090647E/SP

COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

THE PRESIDENT:Your Excellencies and hon.Members, I wish to inform you that on the 10^th of March, 2014, I received a written notice of motion from hon. Prof. Awad Hag Ali Ahmed to congratulate hon. Cecilia Atim Ogawal, the Leader of the Uganda Delegation upon her appointment as the Chief Opposition Whip in her national Parliament.Hon. Members, on the 10^th of March, 2014, I also received a written notice of motion from hon. Jacqueline Amongin to pay tribute to the late former President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Nelson Mandela.The two motions were submitted in accordance with the provisions of Rule 60 of our Rules of Procedure and the motions will be on the Order Paper on Wednesday 12^thMarch, 2014.Hon. Members, let me specially recognise the presence in our midst of the Speaker of the Parliament of Seychelles, His Excellency Hon. Patrick Herman. (Applause). The delegation of Seychelles to the PanAfricans Parliament was sworn in yesterday for the first time and as we especially welcome them, let me also acknowledge the special efforts of the Speaker of the Parliament of Seychelles in ensuring the participation of his Parliament in the Pan-African Parliament. We thank him for coming to be with the delegation at this opening. I thank you.

THE PRESIDENT:Buenos días.Invito al secretario general a leer el orden del día.

THE PRESIDENT:Invito al presidente Bethel Amadi a presentar el informe.

REFERENCE: 1103-091316E

HON. BETHEL NNAEMEKA AMADI [NIGERIA]:Your Excellencies, Members of the Bureau of the Pan African Parliament, my distinguished Hon Colleagues, Members of Parliament, distinguished ladies and gentlemen. It is my singular honour and pleasure to, on behalf of the Bureau of PAP to present before this august House a report of activities carried out by our Parliament between October, 2013 and March, 2014. The report as you heard, covers areas of our legislative business, administration and other emerging issues in the execution of our statutory mandate as well as our relationship with the African Union, our sister organs and partners. However, as you know, this period under review is an unusually short period due to the special budget session and our 10^thAnniversary celebrations.Dear colleagues, I would start with the amendment on the PAP Protocol. The issue of the transformation process of our Parliament from an advisory and consultative body to an organ with legislative functions has remained a recurring decimal in all my activity reports since the inception of this Third Parliament. Though as of today, the draft amended protocol is yet to be adopted, nevertheless, the Bureau with your usual support has spared no effort in the advocacy towards its adoption. I can confidently report to you that we are almost at the end of the tunnel, following the result of the interaction between the Bureau and the AUC leadership on the one hand and critical members of the policy organs on the other hand, particularly on the sidelines of the last January 2014 AU Summit in Addis Ababa.Based on the foregoing, the PAP is presently working strategically with the office of the Legal Counsel with a view to putting finishing touches on the draft protocol, with particular regard to Article 8 1(a) and 8 (2).Hon. Colleagues, you would recall the Executive Council, in its decision, had approved the Amended Protocol with exceptions of Article 8 1(a) and 8 (2) and had adopted the position of Executive Council, requesting that additional consultations be held, especially as it concerns the two articles. These consultations have been on going, and as of January, we have now agreed with the African Union Commission that we would hold a deliberative workshop between the AUC, PAP and the PLC on possible amendments to Articles 8 1(a) and 8 (2) that would enable it to be placed before the meeting of the Ministers of Justice and Attorney Generals of Member States which would be held in May before it would be placed on the agenda of the various policy organs for the June Summit. We believe this process would enable us review our position and I would, during this session institute a Committee under the chairmanship of the Chair of the Rules Committee of this House which would preview the position that we would take to the workshop.We are optimistic that by the next Summit in June 2014, when the matter comes up before the Assembly for consideration, the protocol would be finally adopted. This optimism notwithstanding, I urge us not to relent in our advocacy at all levels, hence even after adoption, the draft protocol would still have to face the required ratification by member states before it can come into force. In fact, the issue of ratification is sixteen for normal legal documents, but for PAP protocol, it will require 28 ratifications.

UPDATE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PAP APPROVED STRUCTURE

Hon Members, the issue of implementation of the PAP approved structure is another issue that is of great concern to us because of the urgent need to strengthen our secretariat to be in a position to perform more efficiently and also to be prepared to take up the challenge that a transformed PAP would have to face in the near future. In connection with this issue, Hon. Members would recall that the Executive Council of the African Union had in Decision EXCL/687(XXI) in 2011, requested the PAP to submit its structure for consideration and approval by the policy organs. The PAP complied and the Executive Council in decision EX.CL/720 approved a total of 74 staff positions for the PAP as against our final submission of 94 positions.The decision approving the structure came with clear implementation methodologies as follows:"All professional positions (D1 to P1) and General Service Category A positions (GSA6, GSA5 and GSA4) shall be opened to international competition by all citizens of the AU Member States" and that "All existing staff of PAP (of all grades shall compete with both internal and external candidates of AU Member States for the structured and budgeted positions in full transparency, equity and fairness".After due consultation with the staff, the Bureau approved an implementation roadmap which was also approved by this Plenary and endorsed by the African Union policy organs. The PAP then embarked on the recruitment process as approved, in line with the Executive Council Decision.In a meeting with the Deputy Chairperson recently, the legal team of the AU and representatives of the Administration and Human Resources Division, it was agreed that the Bureau acted in compliance with the Executive Council Decision EX.CL/720 (XXI) iii.Consequently, a technical team composed of the PAP structure implementation team and the AUC team was composed to review the Implementation of the PAP recruitment process so far, with a view to determining whether it has been carried out in conformity with the AU recruitment guidelines.At the end of the review exercise held at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 28^thFebruary to 1^st March, 2014, the AUC endorsed the ongoing recruitment and selection process so far as compliance with the AU recruitment guidelines and practice and recommended that the PAP should proceed with the process. With this development Colleagues, we hope to conclude the process soonest.Let me use this opportunity to reassure all existing staff of the PAP, that this Bureau is committed to protecting the interest of our existing workforce who meet the qualifications criteria of the African Union Staff Regulations and Rules.

LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS

The First Africa Legislative Summit was held at the International Conference Centre at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria from 10^th to 13^th November, 2013 under the theme, "Emerging Legislatures in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities". The Summit was organized by the Nigerian National Assembly with the collaboration and assistance of the Association of African Parliamentarians with Africa (AWEPA), the Africa Business Roundtable (ABR), National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS) and the Canadian Parliamentary Centre.It is expected that the Africa Legislative Summit would be institutionalised and become a major forum for interaction and exchange of ideas on pertinent legislative and developmental issues and fostering the culture of collaboration and Parliamentary development on our continent. Specifically, it would be a vital instrument for fostering diplomatic relations; exchange of ideas, regional integration; and socio-economic development of the continent. It is also expected that the legislative summit would be a platform which would compliment activities of existing bodies like the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) or the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association by widening and enhancing the scope of interaction amongst parliamentarians and governance actors through an agreed collaborative framework. The Summit decided that all future legislative summits must be organized by the PAP secretariat and the National Institute for Legislative Studies.

ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS

In furtherance of the fulfilment of its objectives, the Pan-African Parliament took part in the joint Election Observer missions under the Decision No EX.Cl/Dec.534 (XVI) adopted during the Sixteen Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union in February, 2010. Members of the PAP participated in the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections held in Mali and Madagascar, from November to December 2013.The challenges remain the issues related to logistic arrangements such as late sending of tickets, late confirmation of availability of the MPs, the problem of the distribution and deployment of observers regardless of the language of communication in the countries, the noninclusion of the PAP members as part of the pre and postelection observer missions, the class of tickets for members, the nonimplementation of the approved quota distribution, creation of a position of mission DeputyLeader for the PAP and other issues. The good news however is that, at the sidelines of the January 2014 Summit, the Bureau met with the former Chairperson of the AU, H.E Hailemariam Desalgn, Prime Minister of Ethiopia and the Chairperson of the AUC, H.E Dr Nkhosazana Zuma on these issues and also had a followup meeting with the Commissioner for Political Affairs with whom the issues are now being addressed.Preparations for the Election Observation Missions for the 1st quarter of 2014 are being made for the following countries:Guinea Bissau: 13 April 2014Algeria: 17 April 2014South Africa: 07 May 2014Malawi: 20 May 2014Egypt: Official date not yet publishedMy dear Colleagues, in the interest of the peoples of Africa whom we represent, I implore you to continue to make the necessary sacrifice to ensure full participation in these missions, whilst we would continue to engage with the AUC with a view to addressing the challenges we have been facing.

MEETINGS OF COMMITTEES AND REGIONAL CAUCUSES

The Committee on Justice and Human Rights participated in the following missions:Africa Media Leaders Forum, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 6^th to 8^th November, 2013;The Celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption which took place from 5^th to 9th December 2013 in Arusha, Tanzania; andMember of the delegation of experts accompanying the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information for Africa, Commissioner Pansy Tlakula to the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, in Arusha, Tanzania from 16^th to 18th January 2014.The Experts meeting on Political and Electoral Communication in Africa, from 24^th to 25^thJanuary 2014, in Johannesburg, South Africa.The Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration Matters, participated in the Bali Session of the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO on 2th to 5^thDecember 2013 in Bali, Indonesia.Hon. Allan Chiyembekeza, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Pradeep Roopun, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Transport and Energy, Hon. Bernadeta Mushashu and Luhaga Joelson Mpina, participated in the International Parliamentary Forum on Fighting Poverty with Power on 13^th to 15^thMarch 2103, in Kunduchi, Tanzania.The Exchange Workshop on Livestock Policy and Pastoralism in Africa, Burkina Faso study visit:The PAP participated in the Exchange Workshop on Livestock Policy and Pastoralism in Africa was organized by the African Union Inter - African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso from 12^th to 16^th November, 2013. The workshop was organized in the framework of the ongoing collaboration between the African Union Commission Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA) and the Pan - African Parliament (PAP) Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment. I know we sent a very large delegation of close to 20 members to this meeting.Conference on" Making Agricultural Investment work for Africa: A Parliamentarian’s response to the Land Rush:The Pan African Parliament (PAP) and the Parliament of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) organised a seminar under the theme" Making Agricultural Investment work for Africa: A Parliamentarian’s response to the Land Rush, on 8^th to 9^th November, 2013 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The objectives of the seminar was to raise awareness among parliamentarians on the current scale and impact of foreign direct investment in land and water in Central Africa region, and to strengthen land policy and governance.The seminar seeks to support PAP and CEMAC members to develop a detailed action plan to ensure that foreign investment in agriculture also brings tangible benefits to local communities including the most vulnerable populations, small-holder farmers and our women farmers.PAP Eastern Caucus workshop on the Role of Pan African Parliament in Championing the Ratification, Domestication and Implementation of the Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance Tanzania.The Pan African Parliament Eastern Caucus in collaboration with the State of the Union (SOTU) organised workshop on the role of Pan African Parliament in Championing for the Ratification, Domestication and Implementation of the Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance on 5^th to 7^th December, 2013 in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. The aim of the workshop was to introduce the members of Pan-African Parliament to the provisions of the Democracy Charter, practicalities of its ratification and implementation, best practices, emerging trends and the implications of implementation or lack of implementation to the wellbeing of the region. This would equip PAP members to use their parliamentary role in pushing for the implementation of key commitments in the charter.Meeting of Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs:The Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs held Non Statuary meeting on 6^th to 11^th January, 2014 at PAP and considered the PAP budget for the Fiscal year 2015.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES

THE PAN AFRICAN PARLIAMENT 2014-2017 STRATEGIC PLAN

The Pan African Parliament has formulated its new draft Strategic Plan for the next four years to cover the period 2014 to 2017. The new plan, which is aligned to the overall AU priorities, defines the strategic objectives and focus of the PAP towards which it will be held accountable. The Strategic Plan will guide the annual planning and budgeting process of the PAP and define the modalities for strategic partnership between PAP and key strategic partners aimed at building stronger networking, synergy and harmonisation. The draft Strategic Plan focuses on 6 broad areas, namely:(i)Advancing the evolution of PAP as an overarching Parliamentary body for the Continent;(ii)Providing a platform for mainstreaming African voices and those in the Diaspora, into AU policymaking process;(iii)Promoting human rights and democracy, good governance & development in Africa;(iv)Promoting peace, security and stability;(v)Promoting continental integration through harmonization of policies; and(vi)Strengthening the institutional capacity of the PAPThe formulation of the new Strategic Plan went through a highly consultative processe before the production of the final draft. The first draft of the strategic Plan was presented by the Consultant at a Consultative Retreat with PAP Parliamentarians, Bureaus and Staff of the Secretariat for their consideration and this input workshop was held in Pretoria held on 23^rd and 24^thNovember, 2013.The consideration of the second draft involved all the AU organs, development partners and other key stakeholders of the PAP in a consultative meeting which was held from 17^th to 19^th December, 2013 in Abuja, Nigeria. It is also worth noting that the PAP 2014-2017 Strategic Plan is taking place at a time of potential change for PAP, with the expected final outcome of the PAP transformation and restructuring processes. The draft will be presented for your consideration and adoption during this session.

UPDATE ON MEDICAL SCHEME FOR MEMBERS

My dear colleagues, I am pleased to brief you on the situation with regard to the medical scheme for our members. So far, out of the 116 membership applications that were submitted to Discovery Health regarding medical cover for PAP Members, 87 of the number have now been registered on the Discovery Health Medical Scheme. However, some of the applications are still pending due to the incomplete information that was provided by the respective applicants at the time of submitting the application forms to Discovery Health.However, I am pleased to report that the registration process will continue during the session for new Members and for members who were not able to undertake the registration during the last session, including the finalisation of the incomplete applications. In this regard, the Discovery Health representative will be available during this session to facilitate the registration process.I further wish to report that Discovery Health is ready to make a 30 to 45 minute presentation to explain to Members on how the scheme under which the Members are registered operates. We shall allocate time during the first week of the session for this purpose. Let me once again, urge our colleagues who have not completed the registration process for this very highly beneficial project, the Health Insurance Cover for members, it is completely free to Members, and it will provide us access to some of the best health facilities that exist on our continent. I therefore, urge Members to please find time to do the needful.

AU DIPLOMATIC PASSPORT FOR MEMBERS

The need for the Honourable members of Parliament to be issued with AU diplomatic passport to facilitate their travels across borders for missions has been a challenge. The Bureau considers it necessary and is accordingly making every effort to ensure that this is realised.Based on this, the Bureau took up the issue with the AUC leadership and the relevant members of the policy organs. At my follow-up meeting with the AUC Deputy Chairperson, this was approved in principle and it was agreed that a provision could be made in the operational budget of the PAP to cover the cost of its production. A further follow-up action on the issue will be undertaken to ensure that we implement the same as soon as practicable. In the past, we have had a lot of difficulties when our Members travel on the laisser passer has been given to us and we take it. As African Parliamentarians and as diplomats, we may be entitled to use documents that recognise our positions and ensure that we are treated with the dignity that parliamentarians deserve.

FINANCIAL MATTERS

The inadequacy of the approved budget for the execution of our activities and programmes remains a challenge for the PAP. In particular, one of the problems that have delayed the implementation of the structure is the non provision and release of the necessary fund by the African Union. Against this background, the PAP presented a request for the supplementary budget of USD2,957,500.00 to the PRC for the implementation of the approved structure, following which the PAP was requested to provide detailed justification for the same, particularly the revised budget of USD1,012,271.00. After due consideration, the PRC approved the said sum of USD1,012,271.00 for the funding of the implementation of the approved structure (separation and recruitment cost for 2012 and 2013 prioritized positions).A draft Programme budget for 2015 based on the draft Strategic Plan has been produced and submitted to the AUC, details of which will be presented to you by the Chairperson of the Committee on Finance for your consideration and adoption during this session.

AFRICAN UNION JANUARY 2014 SUMMIT

The Bureau duly represented the PAP at the African Union Summit which took place in January 2014 and took the opportunity to undertake advocacy meetings and consultations with the relevant AU authorities and organs on issues of particular interest to the PAP. One of such advocacy meetings was with the Chairperson of the African Union and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania H.E Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz was elected the Chairperson of the AU. The next Summit has been scheduled to be held in June 2014 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

7: BRIEFING OF AFRICAN AMBASSADORS IN SOUTH AFRICA

As usual, the Bureau of the PAP met with the African Ambassadors based in South Africa and were briefed on the programme for this session. The meeting took place on the 7^th March 2014 in which the Ambassadors were briefed on some of the activities being undertaken by the PAP and the preparations for the anniversary celebrations to which they were invited.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

The PAP continues to maintain a good relationship with its partners who have continued to support its programmes, particularly the EC, the GIZ, the UNDP, OXFAM, OSISA, SAT and JICA.

PRESENTATION OF THE 2015 AFRICAN UNION DRAFT BUDGET

Dear Colleagues, while we continue to advocate for the transformation of the PAP from an advisory and consultative body to an institution with legislative functions, we are however convinced that acting within our functions and powers under the current Protocol, there is enough room for the Pan African Parliament to undertake a number of activities that are relevant, without waiting for the conclusion of the transformation process. Some of these opportunities we have not been able to exploit since the inception of our Parliament. These include powers that are provided for in Article 11(2) of the Protocol and that is the power to "discuss the budget of the community and make recommendations thereon prior to its approval by the Assembly". In light of this, i recommend that we change the format of our March meetings to accommodate this Plenary and also accommodate our 10^th Anniversary.Against this background, this Bureau took the initiative to request the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission to present to the Parliament, the 2015 Draft Budget of the African Union for discussion by this Honourable House. His Excellency, Erastus Mwencha, the Deputy Chairperson responded to our request and gladly accepted to present the said draft budget for discussion on Thursday, 13^th March 2014. Colleagues, you will no doubt agree with me that this is happening for the first time in the history of the PAP and in my humble view represents a watershed in the execution of PAP statutory functions. It is expected that in our discussion of the budget, we will aim at ensuring a more cohesive Union wide budget that will represent the actual needs of the African Union, of the African people, through our recommendations.

PROGRAMME OF THE FOURTH ORDINARY SESSION

As I have alluded to earlier in my opening speech, this March session is very short and yet very eventful. The 10^th Year Anniversary Celebration of the establishment of the PAP is historic and epoch making. With the upcoming activities for the session as indicated in the agenda which is already before you, you would agree with me, that we are not only celebrating, we are also conscious of the challenges facing the continent and our obligations as the representatives of the people. We have therefore set out two clear days for discussion on the issues of serious concern regarding the women and youth of Africa vis-à-vis reflections on the role of our Parliament during the past 10 years and the way forward, amongst other important issues. You will also see that we have invited many dignitaries, friends and partners to felicitate with us during the celebrations.

PAP-EUP PARLIAMENTARY SUMMIT

The President of PAP will lead a 23 member delegation to attend the Africa-Europe Parliamentary Summit holding from 31^st March to 1^st April, 2014, preparatory to the 4^th Africa-EU Heads of States Summit holding in Brussels on the 2^nd and 3^rd April, 2014. The issue of youth migration will be on the agenda.

AWEPA 30^TH ANNIVERSARY JUBILEE

The AWEPA 30^th Anniversary Jubilee activity will take place from 4^th to 5^th October, 2014 at the Pan African Parliament under the theme "Managing Migration: Cornerstone of African-European Post 2015 Development Relations".This theme was a sequel to my engagement with the European Parliamentarians with Africa (AWEPA) who agreed to take Inter Africa migration and migration from Africa to Europe for discussion. This meeting will specifically address the negative consequences of Africa youth migration with a view to finding solution to the serious problem.Hon. Colleagues, let me therefore conclude that this foregoing is a report on the activities of the PAP from October 2013 to March 2014. This report cannot be concluded without making it abundantly clear that the modest innovative achievements so far recorded by the PAP could not have been possible without our collective effort, your inspirational advice, usual cooperation and support. Finally, the Bureau hereby rededicates itself to the continued discharge of its responsibilities and will continue to require and rely on your unwavering support which remains germane and pivotal.Thank you and remain blessed.

REFERENCE: 1103-103004ESPF

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, if there are seats, we are starting now.Thank you.10:30:50: PortuegeseSpanish

THE PRESIDENT:Vamos a seguir el debate del informe y dejamos el plan estratégico como Segundo punto del orden del día.Le doy la palabra al HON AUBINE BUYOYO de la Republica popular del Congo. Por favor, tiene la palabra.

French: [10:31:56 -10:32:16]

HON. AUBIN NGONGO LUWOWO [RÉPUBLIQUE DÉMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO]:Monsieur le Président!Je m’excuse!Madame la Présidente, excusez-moi!Madame la Présidente,Je m’excuse parce qu’on était bloqué par un problème de logistique.Donc, n’ayant pas suivi la présentation du texte je ne pourrais pas intervenir. Ce serait peut-être d’autres personnes.Spanish

THE PRESIDENT:Pasamos al segundo. Isaac de Botsuana tiene la palabra.Isaac Mabiletsa. Parece que no está en la sala y entonces pasamos al tercer interviniente, HON ASSOUMANA MALAM ISSA de Níger. Tiene la palabra.

REFERENCE:1103-103304F

HON. ASSOUMANA MALAM ISSA [NIGER]:Merci Madame la Présidente.Je voudrais, avant toute chose, féliciter le Président du Parlement panafricain pour plusieurs raisons. D’abord pour la clarté du rapport qu’il nous a présenté; ensuite, pour sa richesse en informations; et enfin, parce que nous avons décelé plusieurs progrès qui ont été enregistrés au cours de cette période d’octobre à aujourd’hui.Monsieur le Président,Je commence par des choses élémentaires qu’on a remarquées et je fais un clin d’œil vers Mohamed LASKRI, parce qu’on a remarqué que même dans les salles des commissions, le Parlement panafricain est doté de Wifi. Donc, vous avez pensé aux outils de communication. À maintes occasions, nous avions relevé ces manquements et nous estimons que c’est un progrès qu’il faudrait saluer.La seconde chose que je voudrais relever, Monsieur le Président, c’est l’offensive diplomatique que vous avez faite et qui a, somme toute, rapporté quelques résultats. Nous attendons très vivement les passeports; nous attendons très vivement la désignation d’un viceprésident des délégations de l’Union africaine parmi les parlementaires et nous attendons également les échanges avec le Parlement de l’Union africaine qui vont, une fois de plus, renforcer certainement la diplomatie parlementaire du Parlement panafricain.Je voudrais, après cela, Monsieur le Président, soulever deux préoccupations.D’abord relativement à la structure du PAP. J’ai personnellement l’impression qu’il n’y a pas de grand progrès dans la mise en œuvre de cette structure. Il n’y a pas de progrès dans le processus de recrutement au niveau du PAP, et pour cela je pose la question suivante: peut-on concrètement nous dire à quelle échéance on va avoir un secrétariat tel que recommandé par la nouvelle structure du PAP? C’est ma première préoccupation.Deuxième préoccupation, Monsieur le Président: au niveau des questions financières, vous aviez fait une requête qui s’élèverait à deux millions neuf cent cinquante-sept mille (2.957.000) dollars et que le Comité des Représentants Permanents (COREP) ne vous ait accordé que qu’un million de dollars.Je voudrais savoir où est-ce que le PAP va trouver les fonds complémentaires, parce que si vous ne pouvez pas trouver le financement au niveau de l’Union africaine, le PAP est condamné à aller quémander auprès de partenaires qui vont peut-être lui imposer un certain nombre de comportements. Ce qui n’est pas correct.Donc, il faut nous dire où le PAP envisage-t-il trouver les fonds complémentaires.Troisième préoccupation qui me vient juste à côté, dans le rapport, il est [Temps de parole épuisé].

REFERENCE: 1103-103630E

HON. MOHAMMED ALI ALMARDI [SUDAN]:I beg your pardon, I cannot stand, I am suffering from a disc. May I speak whilst sitting?Thank you. Having had this elaborate, constructive and objective presentation concerning the performance of Pan African Parliament during the past period, we can only say that so much relentless and useful efforts have been exhausted for the probation of the work of the Pan African Parliament.Nevertheless, there are so many problems but the main problem facing our beloved continent is the conflicts that are engulfing Africa as a whole. Unless and until we succeed in resolving or at least minimizing these conflicts, we should never dream of making any achievements in the field of education, health services, food security or other services for our people of Africa. So, I suggest that the main efforts should be directed at resolving or minimizing these conflicts.I propose that a separate session of the Pan African Parliament should be held to discuss this matter in detail so that many decisions would emerge from this session.Thank you

REFERENCE:1103-103920E

HON. DR. BERNADETTE LAHAI [SEIRRA LEONE]:Thank you very much Madam President. After Mr. President has read theReport, I am sure the applaud he got means that the Report was well accepted. I want to congratulate him and the Bureau for a work well done. The Report started on a very good note of hope that the travel journey we have made concerning the transformation of the PAP from Advisory to Legislative is almost at the end. We hope that by June, during the Heads of States Summit, the two remaining issues would have been effectively dealt with, Meaning that, the Heads of States will adopt our protocol. That is a very good and welcoming information. My worry is on the ratification. I would advise that we press on and continue our advocacy so that at the end of the day this protocol would become a reality. When it comes to ratification, we are all Parliamentarians; we now have Ghana advocating for international protocols, and I am sure that would not be much of a problem.We are also happy to note that progress is being made on medical insurance.We were told that 87 out of 116 have successfully registered. My plea is, can we have the list of the 87 and the remaining 29 that have not been registered because of teething problems? If we have the names then Members would know whether they have successfully gone through or not.The issue of the AU budget is something we also welcome. Last year we got the 2014 budget, even though it has already been approved, but we were able to also discuss and print it out.

REFERENCE: 1103-104239F

HON. SALEH KEBZABO [TCHAD]:Je vous remercie Madame la Présidente.Je voudrais commencer mon propos en félicitant le Président qui, depuis qu’il a pris cette Maison en main, on le sait, ce débat pour que les choses aillent bien à l’intérieur comme à l’extérieur. Mais il rencontre beaucoup des obstacles. L’un des premiers obstacles, on l’a observé pourquoi est-ce qu’on a commencé notre réunion avec beaucoup de retard? C’est parce que l’Administration ne fonctionne pas. Et depuis plusieurs années, on le répète mais cette situation ne change pas. On a toujours la même ambiance délétère faite de rumeurs et de suspicions.Les gens, au lieu de travailler pour le PAP, travaillent pour leur compte personnel et font du sabotage. Le mot n’est pas assez fort pour décrire ce qui se passe au sein de cette Maison.Monsieur le Président AHMADI, il vous reste peut-être un an, je crois; faites tout pour faire balayer dans cette Maison et nous ramener la situation que nous souhaitons, pour qu’elle marche mieux plus que ce qu’elle est maintenant.Je voudrais, à présent, aborder trois autres questions qui me tiennent à cœur. Dans votre rapport, vous n’avez pas évoqué la question du Trust Fund. Pour les nouveaux, je voulais leur rappeler que, ici même dans cette Maison, il y a, je crois sept à huit ans, on a fait venir le défunt Président Nelson MANDELA pour lancer cette opération de Trust Fund qui nous a permis de recueillir beaucoup d’argent. Cet argent a été dilapidé et jusqu’à ce jour on ne sait pas ce qu’il est devenu.Des poursuites sont-elles engagées?Comment le PAP va-t-il récupérer son argent?Vous n’en avez pas parlé, Monsieur le Président. Je souhaiterais que vous nous éclaircissiez sur cette question.L’autre question qui me préoccupe, c’est l’observation des élections. C’est une question récurrente. Chaque fois on l’évoque, mais elle ne trouve pas de solution. Les parlementaires qui vont en observation sont traités moins que les cadres de l’Union africaine. Tant qu’ici même nous ne prenons pas une résolution ferme pour que cette question trouve une solution, on continuera toujours à nous traiter de cette façon.Je pense qu’il faut que nous décidions d’interrompre notre participation à l’observation des élections jusqu’à ce que tout soit clarifié avant qu’on ne reparte sur des nouvelles bases.Et enfin, Monsieur le Président, j’observe l’Afrique!L’année dernière a été l’année la plus dramatique pour l’Afrique en termes de conflits. Heureusement qu’on peut se féliciter que le Congo ait tourné la page pour se mettre à présent au développement et s’unir. Mais il y a beaucoup d’autres conflits en Afrique et malheureusement le PAP n’arrive toujours pas à jouer son rôle. Nous n’arrivons pas à envoyer des missions d’observation ou des missions de conciliation ou toutes missions qu’un Parlement devrait pouvoir être en mesure d’envoyer dans des pays en conflit, en préconflit ou en post-conflit, n’arrivons toujours pas à [Microphone éteint].Toute l’année dernière on n’a envoyé que deux missions et je pense que ce n’est pas normal. Il faudrait que le PAP reprenne en charge un peu cette situation de conflits en Afrique pour se mettre en position dominante de pouvoir, face aux Exécutifs, donner sa voix pour qu’elle se fasse entendre.Merci Monsieur le Président.

REFERENCE: 1103-104619F

HON. OBAMI-ITOU ANDRÉ [CONGO]:Merci Madame la Présidente de séance.J’ai suivi avec une attention toute particulière la présentation du rapport du Bureau en intersession. Je peux dire, d’une manière générale, que ce rapport est présenté sous un ton apaisé par rapport à celui de l’année dernière. Cette fois-ci, le rapport est très riche en informations et je félicite le Président AMADI ainsi que les autres membres du Bureau.J’ai juste, Madame la Présidente, deux préoccupations. Il s’agit de l’amendement du Protocole du PAP. Cette question a été abordée depuis 2012. Nous sommes en 2014 et il n’y a pas longtemps, un Sommet a eu lieu. J’aimerais que le Président nous dise pourquoi, malgré les avancées enregistrées, malgré aussi l’espoir qui est exprimé dans le rapport, à savoir que nous sommes presqu’au bout du tunnel - c’est une bonne chose, je sais que les lignes bougent - en 2014 quelque chose n’a pas été fait. On aurait pu peut-être avancer plus, parce qu’ici nous ne vivons que d’espoir, ce qui est normal, parce qu’en diplomatie il faut être patient. Nous sommes patients mais enfin, cela fait quand bien même quatre ans que nous sommes sur ce problème. J’aimerais que le Président essaie de nous donner les non-dits sur cette question.Deuxième préoccupation, Madame la Présidente, c’est l’administration. L’organigramme du Parlement panafricain a été adopté depuis 2012, mais jusqu’à ce jour, on est sur cet organigramme, rien ne se met en place. Il est clair que le PAP ne peut pas bien fonctionner avec une administration qui fonctionne ne fonctionne pas ou bien qui fonctionne mal.Je n’indexe personne, mais je prends les choses de manière globale et j’aimerais dire qu’il faut en finir avec la mise en œuvre de la structure approuvée. Il faut en finir!Nous ne voulons pas revenir ici pour entendre encore: « On n’a pas pu faire ceci; on n’a pas pu faire cela ».Merci Madame la Présidente.(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1103-104936F

HON. EL DIAO KANTÉ [GUINÉE - CONAKRY]:Je vous remercie, Madame la Présidente.Madame la Présidente,J’ai suivi avec beaucoup d’intérêt la présentation du rapport. Je voudrais d’abord adresser toutes mes félicitations au Bureau de notre Parlement, pas seulement à cause du volume de ce qui a été fait, mais du volume de ce qui a été fait par rapport aux moyens très maigres - que je connais - qui sont à leur disposition.Ensuite, je voudrais soutenir l’avis qui a été exprimé par certains de ceux qui m’ont précédé. Il serait souhaitable que nous puissions avoir un tel document un peu avant de venir à notre Assemblée, surtout que les moyens techniques le permettent maintenant, les moyens de communication le permettent.Nous comprenons, cependant, les circonstances atténuantes pour cette fois parce que notre session se tient plus tôt que prévu.Dans le même cadre d’idée, il est souhaitable que certains thèmes - surtout qui font l’objet de rencontres régionales et qui préoccupent notre continent - puissent faire l’objet d’un débat au sein de nos parlements nationaux parce qu’ils sont les premiers intéressés au premier chef et ils constituent les véritables boîtes à idées pour le Parlement panafricain.S’agissant des retards liés à la ratification des documents par les différents pays, je pense que le PAP devait voter une résolution conditionnant la participation des différents parlementaires au PAP par la ratification à temps des documents convenus par nos Chefs d’États.S’agissant de l’examen du budget de l’Union africaine par le PAP, cela s’inscrit en droite ligne des objectifs de notre Parlement. Cependant, j’ai une petite inquiétude: le budget du PAP est-il partie intégrante du budget de l’Union africaine? C’est-à-dire que nous devrions examiner le budget du PAP; le transmettre à l’Union africaine pour qu’il soit dans le projet du budget que nous allons examiner. Or, nous allons examiner en même temps que le budget de notre Parlement, le budget de l’Union africaine. Je ne sais pas s’il n’est pas nécessaire d’apporter une correction dans le temps afin que nous puissions examiner plutôt notre budget avant de l’envoyer à l’Union africaine qui l’intégrerait ensuite au budget de l’Union africaine.Voilà mes petites remarques et je vous remercie Madame.

REFERENCE: 1103-105235F

HON. KEBE ALIOU [SÉNÉGAL]:Madame la Présidente,Mes chers collègues,Pour les nouveaux parlementaires comme moi, le rapport d’activités qu’a présenté le Président renseigne plus et mieux sur les actions et les activités du PAP. En effet, les activités réalisées présentent des éléments importants répondant à certaines de nos préoccupations: préoccupations d’imprégnation, mais préoccupations des questionnements et aussi préoccupations sur les démarches et les engagements pour une Afrique unie.Avec votre rapport, Monsieur le Président, les actions concrètes renseignent mieux sur les grandes orientations pour le renforcement de l’unité, la consolidation des démocraties nationales et les prémices d’une conscience nationale. Pour ces raisons, je tiens véritablement à vous féliciter, Monsieur le Président.Mais, en lisant le document de la version française, nous avons noté quelques coquilles: des mots sautés, par exemple à la page 10; des fautes d’accord à la page 12. Par exemple, quand on parle en français « des résultats finals », cela veut dire que c’est une traduction qui n’est pas cohérente; ce sont « des résultats finaux ».Il y a un certain déphasage aussi entre la lecture et le texte sur un certain nombre de points que j’ai noté.Quand vous avez lu « 15 minutes » à la page 13 alors que c’est écrit « entre 30 et 40 minutes ».Donc, je pense que prochainement, il faudrait mieux regarder le document avant de le distribuer.Enfin, Monsieur le Président, sur le budget de la Communauté, article 11, alinéa 2 du Protocole au Traité instituant la Communauté économique africaine, relatif au Parlement panafricain qui donne ces pouvoirs, la mission du Parlement, je note deux mots: examen pour recommandations.Que valent ces recommandations après examen?Est-ce simplement une démarche de participation ou un processus qui va aboutir prochainement et permettre à l’Assemblée de légiférer sur la loi de finances du budget de l’Assemblée africaine.Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1103-105510E

HON. ONYANGO KAKOBA [UGANDA]:Madam President, most of the things have been talked about by my Hon. Colleagues but as I wind up, if we go to the meetings of the committees just for the purposes of the record, the Committee on Justice participated here and it is indicated as four missions. But, I would like to add that we also participated in a mission; a round table discussion on corruption that was held in Addis Ababa on January 24^th, 2014 and also last year on December 2^nd and 3^rd. We also organised a continental workshop here at the Pan-African Parliament which was attended by over 120 delegates. So, I thought that would also be reflected since it was part of the activities that we had undertaken.But, as I pointed out, we could have done much better and I believe that even other committees could have done much better if there was programme for funding that enables committees to execute their activities without relying on donors. I thank you for your kind attention.(Applause)

REFERENCE: 1103-105742E

HON. AWAD HAG ALI AHMED [SUDAN]:Thank you, Madam President. I congratulate the President and his Deputies for their short, compact and clear report. We are glad to see this report and the achievements. For example, the organisation of the strategy of the PAP after a series of highly academic debates. With these achievements, we can now say that the PAP has a clear way to achieve its objectives. The presentation of the draft to the PAP is a positive step and indication for the future relation between the PAP and AUC.Madam President, the implementation of the PAP approved structure has a very long term, and I urge the Bureau to work on and end this process as soon as possible. I appreciate and commend the full commitment of the Bureau and to give credit to the qualified existing staff. On the other hand, the treatment of the Bureau to finalise the medical scheme and the AU passport are very much appreciated and it would have a positive effect in building a healthy environment for the Members. I repeat, my thanks and appreciation for this report and these achievements.Thank you, very much.

REFERENCE: 1103-105929F

HON. BOHUÉ MARTIN [CÔTE D’IVOIRE]:Merci Madame la Présidente.Je voudrais me permettre de féliciter Monsieur le Président pour la densité et la clarté de son exposé. Je voudrais toutefois dire qu’un effort devrait être fait prochainement quant à la traduction, en français, pour nous épargner de quelques coquilles regrettables.Une préoccupation: nous avons parlé l’année dernière - et sans doute bien avant notre rentrée ici - des efforts accomplis pour passer du statut d’organe consultatif au statut d’organe législatif avec les pleins pouvoirs.J’ai lu le texte en diagonal, nulle part je n’ai vu quelques points concernant des démarches effectuées à ce niveau. Je pense que c’est un point qui est très important et qu’il faudrait qu’on y pense et que des démarches soient accomplies et réalisées dans ce domaine d’autant que dans le texte je constate que dans le point concernant les affaires législatives, une réunion a été tenue sur les « Législatures émergentes en Afrique: Défis et Opportunités ».Alors, quand je l’ai lu, je me suis dit que voici quelque chose qui pourrait nous apporter peut-être quelques informations concernant notre statut. Cependant, je vois qu’il ne s’agit que d’un certain nombre de promesses, des choses que l’on va réaliser dans le future mais nulle part rien n’est dit sur le statut de la transformation de notre statut en organe législatif.Merci Madame la Présidente.

REFERENCE: 1103-105235F

HON. KEBE ALIOU [SÉNÉGAL]:Madame la Présidente,Mes chers collègues,Pour les nouveaux parlementaires comme moi, le rapport d’activités qu’a présenté le Président renseigne plus et mieux sur les actions et les activités du PAP. En effet, les activités réalisées présentent des éléments importants répondant à certaines de nos préoccupations: préoccupations d’imprégnation, mais préoccupations des questionnements et aussi préoccupations sur les démarches et les engagements pour une Afrique unie.Avec votre rapport, Monsieur le Président, les actions concrètes renseignent mieux sur les grandes orientations pour le renforcement de l’unité, la consolidation des démocraties nationales et les prémices d’une conscience nationale. Pour ces raisons, je tiens véritablement à vous féliciter, Monsieur le Président.Mais, en lisant le document de la version française, nous avons noté quelques coquilles: des mots sautés, par exemple à la page 10; des fautes d’accord à la page 12. Par exemple, quand on parle en français « des résultats finals », cela veut dire que c’est une traduction qui n’est pas cohérente; ce sont « des résultats finaux ».Il y a un certain déphasage aussi entre la lecture et le texte sur un certain nombre de points que j’ai noté. Quand vous avez lu « 15 minutes » à la page 13 alors que c’est écrit « entre 30 et 40 minutes ».Donc, je pense que prochainement, il faudrait mieux regarder le document avant de le distribuer.Enfin, Monsieur le Président, sur le budget de la Communauté, article 11, alinéa 2 du Protocole au Traité instituant la Communauté économique africaine, relatif au Parlement panafricain qui donne ces pouvoirs, la mission du Parlement, je note deux mots: examen pour recommandations.Que valent ces recommandations après examen?Est-ce simplement une démarche de participation ou un processus qui va aboutir prochainement et permettre à l’Assemblée de légiférer sur la loi de finances du budget de l’Assemblée africaine.Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1103-110157A

HON. BECHIR CHAMMAM [TUNISIA]:بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيمالسالم عليكمالسيد الرئيسأثمن هذا التقرير في جملته و لكن باعتباره عمل بشري فيعتريه النقص دائما.نشير في البداية إلى االعتناء أكثر باللغات كلها ،ال أتكلم عن اللغة العربية فقط بل كل اللغات ، و أقترح االعتماد على مدققين لغويين لمراجعة النصوص الصادرة عن البرلمان فال يليق ببرلمان إفريقي و بمؤسسة بمثل هذا الحجم أن تصدر عنها وثائق بها أخطاء لغوية ، فإما تأهيل العاملين أو انتداب متخصصين للتدقيق اللغوي قبل إصدار المنشورات و البيانات وغيرها من الوثائق.المسألة الثانية و المتعلقة بلجنة التربية و الثقافة ، فلم أر لها أي نشاط و أطالب بكل إلحاح المزيد من االهتمام بالمسألة التربوية والثقافية بالقارة اإلفريقية ألنها تعاني من مشاكل وأزمات كبيرة جدا. المسألة الثالثة و المتعلقة ببعثات االنتخابات ، أدعو إلى وضع قواعد واضحة ومنضبطة وحسن إدارة هذه المسألة بكل شفافية وعدل بين جميع النواب.لمسألة الرابعة متعلقة بضعف أداء البرلمان على مستوى فض النزاعات مما يتيح التدخل األجنبي مما يدفع ب نا إلى التدخل الفرنسي مثل ما حدث بمالي و كذلك التدخل في إفريقيا الوسطى.المسألة الخامسة نبارك الجهود المبذولة في طريق إعطاء البرلمان صالحيات تشريعية و أدعو إلى المزيد من العمل على هذا المستوى.المسألة السادسة و األخيرة نطالب من خاللها المزيد من التوضيح في مسألة مجال التأمين الصحي ، أرجو أن توضح أكثر لكي تتاح لجميع النواب فكرة واضحة بالنسبة إلى هذه المسألة و شكرا .

REFERENCE: 1103-110419E

HON. SUAD AL-FATIH AL BADAWI [SUDAN]:Thank you very much Madam President. I also want to express that we had a very comprehensive, very rich and very responsible report which tries to preserve our dignity. So many issues like passports, air tickets, medical treatment and so on are issues that really touch us. But I my first concern, and I have been hearing here a lot of my Hon Colleagues expressing this same concern, that this Parliament would do morel with this paradox on which we are falling.On the other hand, we call for free Africa and free decisions and on the other hand, we stretch our hands to partners to give us peanuts. They are giving us peanuts. They are not giving us enough. So, I think the first problem that we are facing and now I am addressing this to His Excellency, the President that this Parliament should do something about this Parliament. I do not think it is going to be a very difficult job. Now, I am asking these questions; why are we so poor? Why is our budget so tight? Why are our activities so meager and negligible? Why? Why do we have 55 states of Africa? Where are the states of Africa?Where are the rest of the people of Africa? Where is the diaspora, some of whom I know are very rich outside this continent? Where is everybody else?A child at school could donate something for Pan African Parliament. It is very important that whiles doing this, the works of Pan African Parliament should be filled with money. Good money, African money, so that we can do whatever we want to do in our activities and all this democracy and good governance. All these issues that we are raising are just lip service but we cannot implement them because we do not have the reigns to do them.Thank you very much.

REFERENCE: 1103-110804E

HON. CHIEF FORTUNE CHARUMBIRA [ZIMBABWE]:Thank you Madam President. May I also join my Hon. Colleagues in thanking the President and the Bureau for presenting such a comprehensive, high quality and wide-covering Report. Certainly, there is a major progressive improvement in terms of the content and quality of the Report, of course, notwithstanding the translation problems.I would want to comment on the following issues in the Report: The first one is on the amended protocol. I would like to propose that if in June, 2014 we do not succeed, we need to review our strategy of engagement with the African Union (AU) - we seem not to be succeeding, although the Report said that we are almost there.The next issue I would like to touch on is that of the type of class of travel and tickets. Again, I want to say this: Can we have a strategy to engage with the PRCto ensure that the issue of inclusion of MPs within the Staff Rules and Regulations of the AU is achieved?On the issue of recruitment and implementation of the PAP structure, the Report is very clear that this issue is going to be revolving. And I think it is all clear amongst Members that even the Bureau may not be very united on this issue. I think, first of all, the implementation of the structure is inevitable and inescapable. We have to implement it. The issue is how, by whom and by when? What we should ensure is to remove the perceptions within the process - the perception that, maybe certain regions, or certain persons are being targeted. Once we build and inspire confidence that the whole thing is transparent and above board and very inclusive--- I want to applaud the proposal to include regional caucus chairpersons in the recruitment process. I think that is much welcome.However, we need to have very clear terms of reference for this in terms of where we would be making progress during the process, where there would be observers and what other reporting mechanisms of framework exist. And, please, let us take cognizance of the fact that if we take too long there is a lot of insecurity in Johannesburg at the moment and we need to ensure that we minimize the feeling of uncertainty and insecurity by moving fast and openly.Coming from Southern Africa, I want to say that at the level of the Clerk, Deputy Clerks and other senior positions, let us focus more on competencies of the persons; rather than just say a person should come from this region and not that region. It should not just be based on "I want to have a chance also", or "As a region, we want to have our person as Clerk", rather it should be based on whether that Clerk is the most suitable for the continent or not.Thank you.

REFERENCE: 1103-111133F

HON. HENRIETTE MASSOUNGA NONO [GABON]:Merci Madame la Présidente.Monsieur le Président,Je vous ai suivi avec beaucoup d’attention et vous félicite pour la clarté de votre rapport.J’ai quelques préoccupations, Monsieur le Président, s’agissant du recrutement. Vous avez fait le point sur le recrutement, mais à quand la fin du processus de ce recrutement? Nous savons que le consultant n’a pas été payé jusqu’à ce jour. Comment comptez-vous sortir de cette situation qui devient de plus en plus gênante et qui a des répercussions sur nos travaux de parlementaires? C’est le cas de ce matin: le personnel stressé, angoissé, qui ne voit pas de lendemain, ne peut pas nous produire de bons documents! C’est tout à fait normal! Il faut être humain! Il faut que ce processus avance!La deuxième préoccupation concerne le Protocole qui a été évoqué par plusieurs de mes collègues. À quand l’adoption de ces amendements?Monsieur le Président,Je sais que vous êtes dynamique, vous bougez - le Bureau - et je souhaiterais que vous continuiez à travailler avec le département juridique, de ne pas baisser les bras et de continuer à faire aussi le plaidoyer de nos amendements.Merci.

REFERENCE: 1103-111308E

HON. PATRICK MWALULA MUCHELEKA [ZAMBIA]:Thank you Madam Vice President for the opportunity. Let me join other Hon.Members in commending the President and the Bureau in presenting thisconcise and straightforward Report that has been able to raise a number ofimportant issues. I particularly commend the President and the Bureau for theissues raised, particularly the launching of the strategic plan and the passport for Hon. Members of Parliament as well as the medical scheme.With regard to the amendment of the PAP Protocol , the transformation of the Pan African Parliament, some of us met with our Foreign Ministers after the Heads of State Summit in January in Addis Ababa. From what he told us, we still have a lot of work to do. We could still change our advocacy strategy. Even in our June Summit we still have to do a lot of work.Having said that, allow me to turn to the issue of the restructuring of the Secretariat of the Pan African Parliament.Madam President, it is true that our members of staff, our secretariat, is not in a good environment. This has affected their productivity and their morale is very low.I want to join those coming from Southern African countries, in pleading to remove the perception that this place is surrounded in an environment which is very suspicious. I think a lot of information perhaps is not being shared. I would like to say that this process has to be transparent and even if any of the members of the Bureau or the chairperson has to be part and parcel of that process, we need to know the terms of reference, what really did they do and what are they expected to do. I want also to support the principle of regional balance and qualifications. Is it true that those who are there currently are being questioned with regard to whether or not they have appropriate qualifications? These are issues that are very important and we want this process to be very transparent.As a Southern African, we want to say that the Pan African Parliament Secretariat is based here, and Pan African Parliament needs to recognize and pay attention to some of these issues of diplomacy with regard to restructuring the Secretariat. Otherwise, we would be creating further problems. I am speaking for Southern Africa. We want to plead with the Bureau and all the stakeholders involved to approach this issues carefully with all the necessary -

REFERENCE: 1103-111710E

HON. MASTER MOISERAELE GOYA [BOTSWANA]:Thank you very much Madam President for giving me this opportunity to also add my voice to the activity report as presented by the Hon President.Madam President, the purpose of the PAP activity report is similar to that of the State of the Nation Address. The State of the Nation Address illustrates the health of a nation. The PAP Activity Report also illustrates the health of the Pan-African Parliament. I therefore, suggest that, henceforth, this activity report should be called state of the PAP, and I repeat myself, State of the Pan-African Parliament.Having said that, let me now confine myself to the issues that are of concern to me on the activity report. This is in connection with the recruitment process as elaborated in the report.Madam President, Parliament is the highest decision making body of this institution. As Parliament, we are the ones who are supposed to give directives to the Bureau. I strongly believe that the recruitment process should be revisited. The whole exercise should be started afresh. The reason I am saying is because the recruitment process entails other processes like procurement. We need to know that the procurement process has been followed to the latter and that it has been transparent. We also need to know how other people have been appointed in the whole recruitment exercise. That process should be transparent, and the transparency surrounding the recruitment process should be felt by all the internal and external candidates that are going to participate in this exercise.We should ensure that we retain the existing staff that were properly recruited in the past. We should not be seen to be throwing away the baby with the dirty water. That is my strong belief about the whole recruitment process.Madam President, the other thing I want to say is that we should renew all contracts of regular staff in accordance with a AU Rules and Regulations. We should not hide behind the Executive Council’s decision saying that we should follow what they are saying that those to be employed must be holders of Masters Degrees. Rather, we should follow the AU staff rules and regulations because the Executive Council decision - [Interruption]Madam President, please give me one minute to conclude. I want to say that this issue of extending or renewing the staff contracts every three or six months is not right. It demoralises the entire staff. We should stop this exercise and rather stick to the rule that says that staff contracts should be renewed for a period of two years. That is what the AU staff rules stipulate. That is what we should follow. The other thing is that we should just fill vacancies and top positions, like the position of the Deputy Clerk-Finance, head of finance, head of Committees, head of Human Resource (HR), Communications and French interpreter. These are the positions that need to be filled.Thank you, very much Madam President for giving me this opportunity.

REFERENCE: 1103-112118F

HON. GUY CHRISTIAN OSSAGOU [GABON]:Merci Madame la Présidente.Madame la Présidente,Je voudrais m’associer aux voix de mes collègues pour féliciter le Président du Parlement panafricain et les autres membres de son Bureau, pour la clarté du rapport qui nous a été présenté.Cependant, je voudrais revenir sur le point qui a été abordé abondamment par mes collègues concernant le recrutement. Cette question nous semble d’une importance capitale parce qu’une institution comme le Parlement panafricain n’aura sa popularité ou son importance qu’à travers la qualité de ses agents.Il s’agit pour nous de voir comment ces agents seront recrutés très prochainement. Je fais confiance à ceux qui seront responsables de ce recrutement pour éviter au Parlement panafricain les questions liées au copinage, au favoritisme que nous rencontrons assez souvent dans nos États africains.Si nous voulons d’une administration du Parlement panafricain fiable, il faudra compter sur la qualité même de ces agents.Le deuxième problème, Madame la Présidente, concerne l’observation des élections. J’ai pris part à plusieurs élections dans le cadre de l’Union africaine et j’ai été parfaitement déçu par le traitement dont font l’objet, les parlementaires du Parlement panafricain.En revanche, lorsque vous allez en mission d’observation de l’Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), vous êtes traité vraiment en première classe et la situation sur le plan du logement n’a rien à voir avec ce qu’on vous réserve au niveau de l’Union africaine en tant que parlementaire.Il faut donc qu’on règle ce problème de l’Honorable collègue - KEZABO l’a signifié - nous pouvons, j’allais dire peut-être pas faire pression sur l’Union africaine, mais décider tout de même de ne plus prendre part à ces observations jusqu’à ce que l’Union africaine daigne comprendre que nous sommes des élus du peuple et que nous devons être traités de cette façon avec beaucoup d’égards.Voilà, Madame la Présidente, les quelques observations que j’aurais bien voulu voir traiter sur [Temps de parole épuisé].

REFERENCE: 1103-112432P

HON. JAIME BESSA AUGUSTO NETO [MOÇAMBIQUE]:Muito obrigado Senhora Presidente.Primeiro, quero felicitar a apresentaçâo do relatório que é rico em conteúdo e bastante informativo, como disseram os colegas. Entretanto, eu queria lamentar a sua distribuiçâo tardía, particularmente a versâo na língua portuguesa, e isto nâo permite que os deputados se apropriem dos conteúdos que sâo tratados neste documento para melhor debate.Senhora Presidente, eu quero saudar o trabalho que está a ser desenvolvido a volta da actualizaçâo da estrutura aprovada por este Parlamento. A mesa aprovou a implementaçâo de um roteiro que também foi aprovado por este Plenário. Entretanto, Senhora Presidente, eu gostaria que este Plenário fosse informado sobre a constituiçâo da equipa que está a tratar deste assunto.Como é que esta equipa foi composta e como é que o consultor foi recrutado. Nós ouvimos através deste relatório que o mesmo ainda nâo recebeu os seus honorários. Gostaríamos de saber porquê?O conhecimento dessas informaçoes todas vai permitir que os membros tenham acesso aos mecanismos de transparência que sâo usados para o recrutamento do pessoal neste Parlamento.Senhora Presidente, a transparência deste processo vai permitir que muitos objectivos futuros do Parlamento possam ser alcançados.O processo de recrutamento de pessoal, na minha óptica, acarreta muitos custos. Eu nâo sei se o nosso Parlamento tem tal dinheiro para poder levar a cabo este processo. E nâo seria importante que esse dinheiro fosse usado para outros propósitos do nosso Parlamento?Aos funcionários que temos actualmente nâo podem ser dados uma oportunidade para darem o seu contributo no Parlamento, enquanto consolidamos as conquistas que temos vindo a registar?Senhora Présidente, por fim, em relaçao à traduçao dos documentes, gostariamos que este Parlamento tivesse pessoal qualificado recrutado, pelo menos para proceder... para editar os documentos antes de serem distribuidos aos deputados, porque muitos deles têm muita imperfeiçao e isso nao dignifica o nosso Parlamento. E quero apoiar todas as informaçoes que vêm neste relaterio. E tenho dito e muito obrigado.

REFERENCE: 1103-112733F

HON. KONÉ DOGNON [CÔTE D’IVOIRE]:Merci Madame la Présidente.C’est bien « KONÉ DOGNON »!Madame la Présidente,Je joins ma voix à celles de tous ceux qui sont intervenus avant moi pour féliciter Monsieur le Président pour l’excellent et riche rapport qu’il vient de nous présenter.Pour en revenir à son contenu, dans la version française, à la page 7, on a cité le Premier ministre éthiopien; je souhaiterais qu’on écrive également le nom de la Présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine, Madame ZUMA.À la page 9, au point (v) concernant la Conférence sur le thème: « Comment investir efficacement en Afrique... », il manque des informations importantes, notamment la date et le lieu de cette Conférence.Donc, je souhaiterais qu’on précise que c’était à Malabo en Guinée Équatoriale, les 8 et 9 novembre 2013.Ensuite, Madame la Présidente, je voudrais encourager le Président du Parlement panafricain à continuer les discussions avec l’Union africaine afin d’améliorer les conditions de la participation des députés aux missions d’observation des élections.Suite à la mission que nous avons effectuée au Zimbabwe, un rapport a été adressé au Président du Parlement. Je lui serais reconnaissant de bien vouloir se pencher sur cette situation et de la régler définitivement.Je vous remercie Madame la Présidente.

REFERENCE: 1103-113320P

HON. JORGE PEDRO MAURÍCIO DOS SANTOS [CABO VERDE]:Obrigado Senhora Presidente. Em primeiro lugar, eu queria reconhecer e congratular com os avanzos da reforma do Parlamento Pan-.Africano imprimidos pelo nosso Presidente Bethel Amadi. É um esterno titánico transformar um Parlamento consultivo num Parlamento legislativo e nós aqui gostaríamos de congratular porque estamos a ver que, pela primeira vez, como disse o nosso colega do Ghana, vamos ter aqui o Presidente da Comissao da Uniao Africana na apresenta^ao e discussao do ornamento da Uniao.Igualmente congratular com os avanzos nao só ao nivel do Estatuto dos Deputados com o passaporte diplomático, o seguro de saúde, entre outras questoes, mas acima de tudo a tentativa e a accao de reforjar tecnicamente o Parlamento Pan-Africano.Eu penso que o reforjo da capacidade técnica de producilo é fundamental para um Parlamento que queira sair de consultivo para legislativo. Para sermos um Parlamento legislativo temos que ter capacidade técnica de alto nível e congratulamos com as accoes implementadas pelo actual Presidente do PAP.Congratulamos igualmente com os avancos na aprovacao da emenda do Protocolo para esta transformacao.Eu penso que quando se fala numa África moderna, numa África renascida, numa África do futuro, temos que pensar num Parlamento forte. E para isso, o PAP vai ter uma funcao fundamental neste renascimento que nós todos queremos para o nosso grande continente.Igualmente, eu queria dizer que tem dois aspectos que quanto a mim é preciso reforcar e que da análise do relatório nós depreendemos. É necessário reforcar a aproximacao do Parlamento Pan-Africano com os Parlamentos nacionais e melhorar o sistema de comunicacao entre o PAP e os Parlamentos nacionais. Temos que ter essa dimensao. Eu penso que é um dos pontos fracos que é preciso reforcar e trabalhar cada vez mais.Igualmente, eu queria dizer que é preciso reforcar este elemento, principalmente tratado no ponto 4 das questoes legislativas, que é a questao da diplomacia parlamentar, a questao da observacao eleitoral. É preciso qualificar e reforcar ainda mais essas missoes.E por último, eu queria congratular com toda a Sessao também, enquanto Deputado da minha sub-regiao, a accao da Uniao Africana do Parlamento Pan-Africano com relacao a Guiné-Bissau teve um papel muito grande em 2013. Nao está no relatório, mas eu queria aqui congratular toda essa accao que vai desembocar, terminar, nas eleiçoes do dia 13 de Abril e que para o qual eu queria propor a esta magna Assembleia que nos adoptasssemos uma moçâo de apoio e de confiança nas eleiçoes...

REFERENCE: 1103-113650F

HON. TANIMOUNE OUMAROU [NIGER]:Merci Madame la Présidente.Je voudrais d’abord féliciter et encourager le Président du Parlement panafricain pour la dynamique qu’il ne cesse d’impulser dans la gestion du Parlement depuis qu’il est en place à ce poste.Cette dynamique, Madame la Présidente, s’est traduite dans l’amélioration de la gouvernance financière du PAP même si à l’avenir, une séparation claire et précise entre les fonctions d’ordonnateur et de comptable doit être observée.À l’externe, nous avons pu noter que pour la première fois, les membres du PAP vont pouvoir examiner et formuler des recommandations sur le projet de budget de l’UA. C’est une première et c’est à saluer.Une autre action positive que nous avons pu observer à l’externe, c’est la délivrance en 2014 des passeports diplomatiques à tous les membres du PAP.Ceci étant, Madame la Présidente, j’aimerais aborder le sempiternel problème de voyage des membres du PAP lorsqu’ils sont en mission d’observation des élections. Cela a été soulevé par beaucoup d’intervenants et nous avons noté dans le rapport que le problème reste entier quant au voyage en classe économique des membres du PAP.Nous savons que le Président a eu à faire beaucoup de tentatives pour améliorer cette situation. Malheureusement, l’UA est restée sur sa position. À ce sujet, Monsieur le Président, j’aimerais suggérer, dans l’immédiat, puisque l’UA finance les déplacements des parlementaires en classe économique lorsqu’ils sont en mission d’observation des élections; alors je suggère à ce niveau que le PAP puisse prendre en charge le supplément des coûts entre la « classe affaires » et la « classe économique ». On va me dire peut-être que les budgets 2014 et 2015 ne l’ont pas prévu, mais je sais que des réaménagements sont possibles en matière de gestion. Donc, c’est à ce titre que je suggère, Monsieur le Président, que vous puissiez voir la possibilité de la prise en charge, par le PAP, du gap entre la « classe affaires » et la « classe économique ».Un autre point, Monsieur le Président, [Microphone éteint].Excusez-moi, Madame la Présidente, le budget programme est censé prendre en compte, je disais, les activités des Commissions Permanentes. Eh bien, très malheureusement, ce qu’on a constaté, la mise en œuvre - c’est-à-dire l’exécution de ce budget programme - laisse à désirer. Elle ne prend pas en compte, véritablement, les préoccupations des Commissions parce que nous apprenons dans les coulisses que beaucoup de commissions se plaignent, Madame la Présidente.Il va falloir corriger ces points! C’est une insuffisance! Il y a beaucoup à faire, donner leur la possibilité de travailler!Merci Madame la Présidente.

REFERENCE: 1103-114107E

HON. BERNARD SONGA SIBALATANI [NAMIBIA]:I appreciate the efforts made by the report of the President in trying to restore the dignity of our Members, particularly in the provision of the medical scheme, and also in considering our lamentations under the observer missions.Hon. Members, whilst I appreciate and salute the President for the recommendation, I also had a serious concern on the implementation of the structure. When I read through this without taking serious consideration of the content, I quickly came up to a point where I was stuck. I was very seriously touched when I realized that our staff - who I think have performed very well in the absence of the evaluation report of their performances - I then questioned myself as to what is the case if they are subjected to the competition? Would their performance be an under performance or what was the case? However, I was humbled when I went back again, re-read the report and then I came across the methodology, which was followed. I was very happy to learn that in one of the methodologies, consultation with the staff themselves was done before the decision was taken. Then it humbled me with the assurances which were given by the President in his report himself.So---(Silence)That gave me the impression that, definitely, we have never infringed the rights of the staff, and this indicates the responsibility of this organ and the good relationship between the Members of Parliament and their staff, as our facilitators; without them this institution cannot be effective and efficient.So, I thank you, Madam Vice Chairperson.

REFERENCE:1103-114459P

HON. ERNESTO JOAQUIM MULATO [ANGOLA]:Senhora Presidente, eu também junto-me a outros colegas que felicitaram a Sua Excelencia Senhor Presidente da Assembleia do nosso Parlamento -PAP, pelo relatório muito rico que nos apresentou.Em segundo lugar, eu gostaria de me solidarizar com as posifoes de certos colegas, principalmente o colega da República de Mozambique, em relafao ao atraso que tem acontecido nos documentos em portugues e que nos tem dificultado muitas vezes para fazermos uma análise sucinta e podermos participar condignamente aqui.Por outro lado, também no documento, venho solidarizar-me com o Deputado Master Goya, o que ele apresentou, porque eu considero que é fundamental, se nós queremos levar avante os nossos trabalhos, a estruturaçâo que é necessària, mas que tenhamos em consideraçâo vários pressupostos. E de acordo com várias intervençoes que fomos seguindo, eu gostaria de dizer que o nosso continente, por vários anos, andou dividido, porque falamos uma África com uma só voz, mas muitas vezes nao nos entendemos com uma voz e chegarmos a uma conclusão.Digo isso porque esse processo está a tentar criar um certo mal entendido que pode provocar certos problemas regionais, o que nao deveria ser. Por isso, penso eu, que é possível haver consulta entre os grupos regionais, e com apoio da própria mesa encontrarmos uma saída para que possamos levar avante os nossos trabalhos.É tudo que eu tinha a apresentar, obrigado.

REFERENCE: 1103-114738F

HON. AZIZOU EL HADJ ISSA [BÉNIN]:Merci Madame la Présidente de séance.Je voudrais, à mon tour, féliciter le Bureau du PAP et plus spécialement son Président pour ce bon rapport. Le rapport est très bien fait et on sent le pragmatisme à travers tout ce qui a été dit.Toutefois, Madame la Présidente, je voudrais solliciter que vous renforciez le travail au sein du Bureau de façon concordante et avec beaucoup plus de cohésion.Monsieur le Président,En ce qui concerne le contenu du rapport, je voudrais vous féliciter aussi par rapport au repositionnement du PAP, notamment en ce qui concerne sa participation pour le poste d’adjoint au chef de mission dans le cadre des missions d’observation. C’est une très bonne chose!Je voudrais également féliciter le Bureau du PAP pour l’implication des Caucus régionaux dans l’organisation de ces missions d’observation des élections.En ce qui concerne le recrutement du personnel, je voudrais, à ce niveau également, féliciter le PAP et particulièrement le Bureau par rapport à l’approbation du processus par l’UA. Je crois que c’est une bonne chose, mais je voudrais solliciter du Bureau que le processus aille assez rapidement à son terme, parce qu’il y a un peu de stress au niveau du personnel, comme mes collègues l’ont dit.Il y en a qui ont parlé de visas qui sont arrivés presque à terme. À ce niveau également, je voudrais que tout le Bureau s’engage pour que le personnel actuel qui a des difficultés dans ce sens puisse trouver rapidement des solutions à ces petits problèmes qui peuvent être réglés par l’Administration du PAP.Monsieur le Président,Pour finir - on l’a toujours dit - c’est vrai que tout est pratiquement bien, mais je voudrais rappeler pour les rapports à venir, qu’un rapport d’activités doit toujours être suivi d’un bilan financier, que ce soit à l’intérieur ou en différé, même si c’est sur les grandes lignes; qu’on sache à peu près les ressources qui vous ont servi pour aboutir aux résultats que nous sommes en train d’apprécier aujourd’hui.Les collègues ont évoqué également toutes les difficultés au niveau de l’Administration. Je voudrais que le Bureau aide ce personnel. On a appris au niveau de ce Parlement - je l’ai déjà dit une fois - que le manuel de procédures administrative, financière et comptable est sous forme de draft. Faisons rapidement tout pour que cet outil aboutisse rapidement et que le Secrétariat général puisse l’utiliser à bon escient.Merci Monsieur le Président.Merci Madame la Présidente de séance.

REFERENCE: 1103-115048E

HON. MUNTAKA MOHAMMED-MUBARAK [GHANA]:I think we should finish this issue as soon as possible. That is why I want to urge, through you, that the report stating that "at the soonest". For me it is not enough; they should give us a tentative date by which they think this process would be over.Madam Vice Chair, you would admit that we have some challenges. I do not, in any way, mean that some of the staff are incompetent; but you cannot put a square peg in a round hole. I am well educated, but if you give me these cameras to operate, it would take me forever; I would not know what to do with them. That is why the structure has been approved; the qualifications understood and all of us have accepted it. Let us support the Bureau to finish this process very soon. With the next report, I would be very happy to see that this process is completed. This is very important. We have all agreed that it should be transparent; it must have reasonable balances or the various balances. Once these are done, let us all support the Bureau to be able to get this done as soon as possible.Madam Vice Chair, I am also happy to say that the issue of the legislative summit is a very important one. And I would be happy to see it appear in our strategic plan. I have had great privilege of attending some of the continent’s summits, and I tell you, it is a very educative one; and it is a very, very important one. Countries must support their people to attend these summits, so the cost would only be the cost of organizing it. We should take this thing very seriously.The issue about the diplomatic passports is a very good one. But please, let us also be seen to be pushing for a common African passport for the people whom we represent, rather than always talking about ourselves. It is important to talk about ourselves, but it is more important to talk about the people whom we represent. That is the only way that the people would see us as being relevant and, thus, giving us the status that we deserve.Madam Vice Chair, a lot of things are happening at the United Nations (UN) and we need to pay attention to it because, for example, there is a post 2050 agenda - [Interruption] -The Pan African Parliament (PAP) must participate and it must participate effectively. Let us not wait for people to go, sit and agree on something and then come to dump it on us. We should be part of the development process, and on this one, I want to call on the President to pay attention to the UN this year; because there would be a post 2050 agenda on - and PAP should participate effectively.I thank you, Madam Vice President.

REFERENCE: 1103-115641F

HON. MOHAMED ALI FOULIEH [DJIBOUTI]:Merci Madame la Présidente de m’avoir donné la parole.Comme mes collègues qui viennent d’intervenir, je félicite le Président et son Bureau pour avoir réalisé l’assurance maladie au mois d’octobre. Nous voyons également qu’au mois de mars beaucoup de choses ont été faites, notamment les passeports diplomatiques. La question des missions d’observation aussi sera résolue prochainement puisque le chef de mission adjoint sera un parlementaire.La question de billets d’avion est une question accessoire qui devra également être résolue.Mon collègue vient de soulever la question de la petite carte de séjour qui est aussi une inquiétude.En revanche, je constate que toutes les préoccupations qui ont été soulevées au cours de la session du mois d’octobre 2013 ont été réglées. C’est pourquoi, je félicite le Président pour avoir pris en compte les préoccupations exprimées par les parlementaires.Sur la question du budget, nous avions dit qu’avant d’accéder au plein pouvoir législatif, le PAP peut, à partir des textes existants, procéder au contrôle du budget puisque les textes lui en donne les pouvoirs. Aujourd’hui nous constatons que cette inquiétude a été résolue et le budget va être soumis au contrôle des parlementaires.L’inquiétude qui a été soulevée, c’est celle du budget du Parlement panafricain qui aurait dû, au préalable, avoir l’assentiment des parlementaires avant d’être joint au budget de l’Union africaine.Les rencontres que vous avez eues avec le Premier ministre éthiopien, le chef d’État mauritanien, les cinq rencontres avec la Commission; tout cela est positif et nous disons: « Bravo, Monsieur le Président, vous avez véritablement engagé le PAP dans une voie qui va le remettre sur ses rails et cela va accroître la confiance des parlementaires et des populations ».J’ai par ailleurs relevé le nombre important de pays qui viennent de prêter serment et j’ai également été surpris par l’effectif d’ambassadeurs présents à la séance d’hier. Tout cela traduit un véritable intérêt pour le Parlement et je suis persuadé que le PAP sera dorénavant considéré avec tous les égards dus à son rang au sein des institutions de l’UA.S’agissant du comité d’experts évoqué dans le rapport, je pense qu’il y a des parlementaires qui sont assez compétents; pourquoi ne pas faire appel à eux?Au sujet des interprètes, nous savons que l’Union africaine en regorge des plus expérimentés et compétents. La question est de savoir si on peut éventuellement faire recours à eux.Sur le recrutement du personnel, la transparence et l’égale répartition entre les régions sont des questions pertinentes. Il serait souhaitable de faire en sorte qu’un quota soit prévu pour les petits pays comme le mien afin que nos ressortissants puissent, eux-aussi, avoir la possibilité de travailler au sein du Parlement panafricain.Je vous remercie, Monsieur le Président.

REFERENCE: 1103-120017F

HON. AKÉ CAMILLE ÉPOUSE AKOUN [CÔTE D’IVOIRE]:Merci Madame la Présidente.C’est avec beaucoup d’attention que j’ai suivi le rapport d’activités du Président. Je voudrais donc, à la suite de mes collègues, féliciter et encourager Monsieur le Président AHMADI et les membres de son Bureau pour tout l’effort qu’ils fournissent afin de rendre plus agréables les conditions des membres du Parlement.Je salue tout particulièrement la résolution du problème des passeports diplomatiques des députés, car sans vouloir rejeter la valeur du laissez-passer, nous rencontrons pas mal de difficultés avec ce document.Néanmoins, j’ai une préoccupation, à savoir le problème de l’Administration. Je trouve quand même étonnant qu’avec toute l’indulgence des députés de ce Parlement, rien n’est fait pour améliorer la situation. Je voudrais surtout mettre l’accent sur la traduction française parce que même hier, j’ai eu du mal à suivre les travaux. Il est donc temps qu’une solution définitive y soit trouvée.Monsieur le Président,Je voudrais enfin terminer en souhaitant vivement une autre rencontre avec les responsables de Discovery pour plus de clarté sur l’assurance maladie des députés.Je vous remercie.

REFERENCE: 1103-120539E

HON. PETER HITJITEVI KATJAVIVI [NAMIBIA]:Madam Vice Chair, I would like to join all those who spoke before me. This is a very important issue for all of us collectively represented in the Pan African Parliament (PAP). We need to reflect carefully on this issue regarding the men and women who serve this Parliament. It is not something that we cannot simply wash over. It is something that must enjoy the particular attention of this House. Therefore, the challenge for us is to ensure that this work is carried out with all the sensitivity and a great deal of fairness. Above all, we should make sure that the outcome of the process should, in the end, strengthen the work of PAP rather than weaken it. Therefore, it is logical that there is a need to build the necessary trust in this important exercise. At the end of the day, we would like to come back here fully satisfied that we have a team that will serve the work of the PAP and take us forward with confidence.I thank you.(Applause)

REFERENCE: 1103- 120845A

HON.ELAMIN DAFALLA GASM ELSEED [SUDAN]:شكرا جزيال السيدة الرئيسة على إعطائي هذه الفرصة.فيما يتعلق بتقرير البرلمان للسنة الماضية 2010 - 2012 م ،مقارنة بتقريرالسيد الرئيس األسبق فإني أرى أن هنالك تقدما ملحوظا فيما يتعلق بالخطوات التي قام بها هذا البرلمان و النجاحات المحققة و االتصاالت التي تمت مع االتحاد األفريقي والوعود التي ضربت لتنفيذها فيما يتعلق بوضعية عضو البرلمان األفريقي مع مؤسسة االتحاد األفريقي مقارنة بموظفيه،وهذا فيما يتعلق بالجوازات و ما يتعلق بأجهزة مراقبة االنتخابات ،ولكن بالرغم من ذلك أرجو أن أعلق بأن اللغات المعترف بها في البرلمان هي أربع )10 )والمتمثلة في:"العربية و االنجليزية و الفرنسية و البرتغالية" نرى أن اللغتين اإلنجليزية والفرنسية تحظيان باهتمام كبيرجدا عكس اللغتين العربية و البرتغالية اللتان لم تجدا االهتمام الالئق سواء من جانب الترجمة أو حتى في المستندات المقدمة،ألجل ذلك أرى أنه يجب أن تعامل هذه اللغات بنفس المستوى وظهر ذلك جليا في تقرير السيد الرئيس اليوم.هنالك سلبيات باإلضافة إلى اإليجابيات التي تمت والمتمثلة في: السلبية األولى و أرجو أن نشيد بما ذكرته عضو البرلمان المحترمة "البروفيسور سعاد" في أن االعتماد في التمويل بهذا البرلمان يعتمد على جهات أجنبية و منظمات غير إفريقية و يتبع ذلك عمال منظما ،نحن نعلم أن هذه المنظمات و الجهات لن تعطي المال من أجل مساندة أي جهة ما ولكن هناك أجندة خفية ،أرجو أن يبحث البرلمان عن تمويل أفريقي من جهات إفريقية حتى يستطيع البرلمان أن يتمتع بالحرية في اختيار ما يريد أن يقوله وما يتخذه من قرارات.هنالك أيضا بالرغم من الوعد الذي تفضل به السيد الرئيس في أن موضوع حسم الهيكل في التعيينات والذي مضى عليه وقتا طويال و الذي أجاز البرلمان في السنة الماضية هذا في التعديالت التي تمت على القانون إال أننا نرى أن هنالك وعود فقط وهذا األمر متروك فقط لحسم الهيئة بالنسبة إلى رئاسة البرلمان األفريقي وال دخل لالتحاد األفريقي في ذلك ،السؤال الذي أود طرحه هو:هل هنالك ضغوط سياسية على البرلمان لكي ال يتم هذا العمل بالطريقة اآللية المنظمة التي تعطي كل ذي حق حقه دون الرجوع إلى أي جهة ما في إطارهذا الشأن؟

REFERENCE: 1103-121204E

HON. JACQUELINE AMONGIN [UGANDA]:Thank you, Madam Deputy President. First of all, I would like to congratulate everyone for having crossed to this New Year because I think I am meeting most of you for the first time. However, I would like, in a special way, to congratulate the Bureau for putting the legislation of the PAP on the agenda. I think with that the Bureau deserves a very big applause.(Applause)Madam Deputy President, you realize that in the President’s Speech, there are so many areas where he touched on issues regarding young people. Therefore, being a representative not only of young people, but also of my sons and daughters, I am very proud that the PAP is taking the right direction.Madam Deputy President, whereas we have talked about all the achievements that PAP has been able to gain, I want us to reckon on the visibility of PAP in terms of influencing the Member States, especially the national engagements the parliaments, the regional blocs and equally the international bodies that influence the national envelope, including the United Nations. That takes me to an issue to deal with visibility in countries where there are challenges. For example, today I am speaking as a Ugandan and you are aware - I think you read international newspapers - that Uganda has been denied money by the relevant donors because we Members of Parliament said no to gayism. What is the stake of this Parliament? This is because this is the representative Parliament of all African nations. Can we come up clearly with a voice to denounce homosexuality and lesbianism as the PAP, so that they know that we are all going the same direction?(Applause)Madam Deputy President, when we talk about homosexuality and gayism the most affected people are not the elderly; rather it is the young people. This is because they are the recruits and targets of the foreign countries.(Applause)We are talking about the post 2015 agenda. That is where all the monies are going to go. What is the stake of the 54 countries represented by this Parliament? Despite the fact that we do not have legislative powers, we still have the advisory powers. What is our stake with regard to the post 2015 agenda?What do you want to see on the table in terms of health, education, and unemployment? Indeed, that is where the money is going to be used and yet we are members of the United Nations.On the issue of staffing, I want to add my voice to the voice of my Hon Colleague from Ghana. Hon. Members, we are 54 countries; I do not know if I am right or wrong, but I am sure that the designated slots are 74. I am very sure that some of our countries might not have anybody. However, may this recruitment be free and fair and may we have the Bureau take full charge of the recruitment.(Applause)12: 15: 50 FrenchAll right, let me just conclude by saying that may we leave the recruitment--- Since I came to PAP, we have been talking about recruitment. All I need to see is service delivery here. Is it fair? Yesterday, I arrived at the airport and there were two Speakers there; one from L Cote d’ Ivoire and another one from another country. The one from La Cote d’ Ivoire was picked by a Mercedez Benz car and the other Speaker was seated with me in a van. Is that fair? For me, I need fairness. I do not mind where someone is coming from. One voice, one Africa. We should not segregate, especially when we sit in this Parliament. We should be able to appreciate someone from Burkina Faso, Kenya and so on. This is because we are all moved by one ideology which is one people, one nation and one Africa.Madam Deputy President, in conclusion, I was told that another PAP Session would be in August. This perturbs me. As we celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of the PAP, I am also taking cognisant of the fact that we are limited in terms of resources, but must we really meet in August? This is an Ordinary Session, but is there not a way of having planned---13: 17: 52 FrenchOkay, thank you.

REFERENCE: 1103-121803SPF

THE PRESIDENT:Concluye por favor, se ha pasado mas del tiempo, mucho mas. Por favor concluye.[French: 12:17:55 -12:17:56]

UNE HONORABLE MEMBRE:Ok! Thank you!Merci Madame!(Applaudissements)[French: 12:17:58 - 12:18:00]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Information, Madame la Présidente!

THE PRESIDENT:Gracias.[French: 12:18:04 - 12:18:05]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Information, Madame la Présidente!

THE PRESIDENT:Tiene la palabra.[French: 12:18:08 - 12:18:24]

UN MEMBRE HONORABLE:Merci Madame la Présidente.Oui, Madame la Présidente, je voudrais signaler à cette auguste Assemblée que le Président de l’Assemblée nationale de Côte d’Ivoire n’est pas en Afrique du Sud en ce moment. Donc, peut-être que notre homologue a vu un autre dans une Mercedes Benz.Je vous remercie.

THE PRESIDENT:Gracias. Ultima intervención es para el HON GAYO vicepresidente del Parlamento.

REFERENCE: 1103-121854E

HON. ASHEBIR WOLDEGIORGIS GAYO [ETHIOPIA]:I thank you Madam Chairman. I would like to take this opportunity to thank H.E, President Bethel Amadi for his personal commitment towards this Report. It was not easy for us to prepare the activity Report during the session.As you all know, this season is full of events. The preparation for the Anniversary of Pan African Parliament and others claimed our time. At the same time, we had five meetings and travelling to different countries. As you saw in the Report, we had a meeting with the Chairperson of the African Union, H.E. the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, with the Chairperson of AU Commission, and two meetings with the Deputy Chairperson of African Union, and the AU SecretaryGeneral. All these meetings took place at different times.I want to tell you the problem we had in terms of time factor. That is why I decided to personally thank H.E. President Bethel Amadi. When we come to the implementation structure, I hope you all are aware that we are working in best interest of Pan African Parliament. We are working to meet the expectation.

REFERENCE: 1103-12444E

HON. BETHEL AMADI [NIGERIA]---to address each of them one by one. I beg your indulgence if I have omitted anything, but I will try to summarize the issues that have been raised by the hon. Members who have spoken, and even those raised silently by those who have not spoken.Hon. Members and colleagues, the transformation of our Parliament from an advisory Parliament to one with legislative functions in clearly defined areas is not our ultimate goal; we started this process according to the protocol five years after the existence of our Parliament. We need to review the protocol to ensure that there are efforts to enhance the work of Parliament. This process, as we all know, started five years ago when we went to some of our validation workshops; but it started from Parliament here on to the legalized parts of various Governments which participated and then, finally, it was reviewed by the African Union (AU) Ministers of Justice and Attorney-Generals meeting where they approved a draft protocol which was now presented to the policy authors for approval.That process continued after the 2012 Summits when it came before the PIC and they approved it; and then it came before the Executive Council, which had reservations on these two articles, Articles 81(a) and 82. The Executive Council decision was carried on to theSummit, and the Summit of Heads of States advised that further consultations be held on these two articles. That issue of further consultations has carried us to many capitals across Africa to meet heads of Governments and foreign Ministers who have tabled it before Speakers of national Parliaments at their various Speakers Conferences. We have campaigned across the continent to ensure that these two issues are resolved because they are critical to the advancement of our Parliament. They deal with our legislative functions; the power to make draft model laws which will be presented to the Heads of States for adoption; and if adopted, sent to Member States for implementation.Why do we need these draft model laws? The PAP has a role to harmonize legislations in the continent. Harmonization of legislations in the continent will ultimately lead to getting a legislative framework within which litigation of our continent can take place. We cannot give this integration a (?), and that is why we are saying that as the continental body, we will be giving that role to harmonize legislation on key areas - for example, trade, customs, immigration, full movement of people, goods and services across our continent can only meaningfully happen if we have common harmonized legislations in these key areas. So, a man who is trading with his goods from Zimbabwe to Algeria will know that the requirements are standard. This will help us to deal with so many issues that have to do with low level traffic access that we experience today.We also think that harmonization of legislation will also assist our continent to have one common understanding and one common voice on a lot of issues. So, that one of asking the PAP to deliberate not on just model laws in key areas as maybe assigned to us by the Summit, we think it is a critical area that must be retained in the proposed protocol.The second key area is Article 82, which deals with our oversight functions, especially oversight over the budget of the union. We think that the money spent by the Member States as contributions to the union is tax payers money which must be assigned to parliamentary oversight, not just to query how much was spent or where it was spent, but also to know that the activities and programmes on which these monies are being spent are actually beneficial to the people of Africa. Who else is in a position to know other than parliamentarians who come from all over Africa?So, we are saying that the ability for the PAP to have oversight functions in some key areas, not just on the budgets, but also on the programmes of the African continent---

REFERENCE: 1103-131554SP

THE PRESIDENT:Gracias señor presidente por la presentación de su informe, por la respuesta a todas las inquietudes, que ha sido clara y transparente.Les pido presenten el informe de las actividades del Parlamento Pan-Africano, para su adopción. De acuerdo.Gracias.Le pido al secretario General, si tiene algo de lo que informarnos.Entonces. Finalizamos las tareas de nuestra sesión de por la mañana y regresamos a las dos y media para el segundo punto del orden del día.Muchas gracias.

REFERENCE: 1103-144940E

THE PRESIDENT:Please be seated.Hon. Members, we welcome you to the resumption of our sitting today. In accordance with the provisions of the 38(1) (h), it is with great pleasure that I now invite Dr. Obey Nzadi, a consultant to the Pan African Parliament or the PAP Strategic Plan to enter the Chamber.I now call on the Clerk to read the Second Order of the Day.

THE CLERK:Presentation and adoption of the Pan African Parliament Strategic Plan for 2014 to 2017.

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, with your permission, I call upon Mr. Ibrahim Jagne, Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer to present the strategic plan.

REFERENCE: 1103-145311E

HON. HON SUILMA HAY EMHAMED SALEH [SAHARAWI DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC]:Your Excellency the President of the Pan African Parliament, your Excellencies Vice-Presidents, Hon. Members of Parliament, ladies and gentlemen. I have the honor to present the Strategic Plan of the Pan African Parliament, 2014-2017.This is the outline of the presentation, which according to the slide you have seen, is going to speak about who we are, the PAP Vision, Mission, core values, and principles, the guiding principles, the foundations of this Strategic Plan, the findings from situational and SWOT analyses, lessons learnt through the process, the strategic focus and strategic areas that we are going to deal with, the outcomes and outputs of this Strategic Plan, the resource requirements that would facilitate the implementation of this Strategic Plan and the modalities of how we are going to implement this Strategic Plan, that is, the implementation arrangements, monitoring and evaluation.If we ask ourselves who are we, saying that the PAP was established in March, 2004 as one of the nine organs of the African Union by Article 2 that states the following: In order to ensure the full participation of the African peoples in the development and economic integration of the continent, a Pan African Parliament shall be established and the composition, powers, functions and organization of the Pan African Parliament shall be defined in the protocol relating thereto.The vision envisages that, PAP is going to be a continental institution that harnesses one Africa, one voice and its mission is to provide a platform for African peoples to be represented and to act as a voice of the people of Africa presenting their opinions, concerns and aspirations. Some of the core values that we envisage in the PAP is the aspect of fundamental human rights. It is a people-centered organization. It also respects professionalism and good institutional governance. PAP is accountable, transparent and strives for the highest of service.In terms of the guiding principles for the Parliament, and especially in the wake of the formulation of theStrategic Plan, the issue of alignment to the overall African Union was considered.The issue of ownership and participation by all PAP Members and its Secretariat, the AU organs, civil societies and other stakeholders was also ensured during the process.The principles also inform us that there must be a shift in emphasis, that is, from achieving simple outputs to achieving of outcomes at national, regional and continental levels. It has an element of measurability, reflecting the actions to which the PAP achieves its desired impact and outcomes leading to organizational change and improvement.The issue of solidarity and co-operation demonstrates PAP’s flexibility to accommodate other organs of the AU, the national and regional parliaments and governments in line with their subsidiary principle, that is, those having the comparative advantage to implement components of the strategy based on their advantage.Looking at the foundation of the strategy, the formulation of the current Strategic Plan covering 2014 - 2017 period was informed by the 2006 - 2007 Strategic Plan, 2011 - 2013 Strategic Plan, the SWOT Analysis that was crafted internally with the PAP Members and the PAP Secretariat, the AUC Strategic Plan 2014 - 2017, the AU Agenda 2063 and Bilateral Consultations with the AUC African Commission, African Court, EC, GIZ, UNDP, UNECA and other stakeholders that were consulted in the process.The findings from the Situational Analysis reveal the following: That the plan outlines the context of the African development challenges which include among others the following:1.The even pace of ratification and domestication of AU legal instruments amongst Member States.2.Youth unemployment3.Slow pace in regional integration4.Ineffective management of natural resources5.Corruption6.Weak infrastructure7.Food insecurity8.Environmental issues, especially climate change amongst others.The findings further revealed in the SWOT Analysis that there were certain strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that we need to deal with, as we implement our Strategic Plan. This informed the basis of the formulation of the Strategic Plan outcomes and outputs.Some of the strengths, as shown in the slide here include growing capacity to convene continental parliamentary agenda, platform for NGOs, CSOs and African citizens to engage directly, existence of a multicultural diversity and parliamentary experiences, providing a platform for the rejuvenation of Africa’s development agenda, improve administrative and technical support by the Secretariat.The weaknesses highlighted include high turnover of MPs, low visibility of the PAP - we heard that during a presentation in the morning; lack of legal instruments in determining the status of MPs within the AU; and inadequate in-house training for staff and MPs.With regard to opportunities that we face the AU recently affirmed its commitment to building a united and integrated Africa, that is, the AU Agenda 2063. There is also a Member State commitment to setting AU programmes, unprecedented positive and system growth trajectory of many African countries, the possibility to get alternative sources of funding through the Obasanjo Initiative, revival of Pan Africanism and African renaissance through promotion of people to people engagement, including the youth and civil society exchange.There is lack of a mechanism for direct engagement between the PAP and the Assembly. Non adoption of the protocol that is limiting the powers of the Parliament to be a legislative body, conflicts which we heard about during the presentations in the morning, over dependence on development partners, lack of adequate resources to facilitate effective participation of MPs by national parliaments.Some of the threats that came up in the process include inadequate capacity of the PAP as a legislative body with oversight functions, the duplicity of the functions of the PAP by other AU policy organs such as the PRC and the Executive Council. We have seen that the PRC has to give a budget that we need to be addressing here before it is sent to the Executive; dual role of the MPs with attendant complications, inadequate institutional capacity, uneven commitment to the principles of democratic governance among Member States, awareness of PAP mandate among the institutions, that is, the visibility aspect of it; over dependence on external funding for PAP programmes and activities.Now, in terms of the strategic objectives or focus of the PAP, based on the situational analysis and the SWOT analysis, the PAP identified and selected key areas of recourse, where the PAP would subscribe towards the attainment of the AU agenda and where it would also be held accountable.We identified six strategic objectives or areas of focus. We have also identified 18 outcomes aligned to those strategic focus areas and then we have 28 outputs that are also aligned to the outcomes of the Strategic Plan.The strategic objectives which were earlier on elaborated by His Excellency the President are the following:To advance the evolution of PAP as an oversight body for the continent; provide a platform for mainstreaming of African voices and those in the Diaspora into a policy-making process; human rights and democracy; good governance and development in Africa; promote peace, security and stability; promote continental integration; true harmonization of policies; and strengthen institutional capacity of the PAP. This will also be extended to the regional parliaments as well.On the basis of these strategic objectives we identified the following outcomes and outputs. Under Outcome 4.1 there is the need to enhance peace, security, and stability within and across Member States. We have the following outputs: PAP oversight and EU to protect civilians in conflicts and disaster zones. This morning we heard about the issue of conflicts that has devasted the continent in the previous years.The outcome also talks about enhancing regional and continental integration in Africa. These are the corresponding outputs. We have two outputs that are interlinking and we need to implement this in order to attain this corresponding outcome.Outcome 5.2 states: increase the rate of inclusive growth. There are two corresponding growths, that is, under 5.2.1, and 5.2.2 which deal with this particular outcome.Outcome 5.3 states that the people of Africa shall enjoy social protection and have access to social development aligned with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Post 2015 Development Agenda and the Decade of Women. I think this morning we heard about the concern that PAP should be closely monitoring what the UN is doing in terms of the Post 2015 Development Agenda among other global initiatives that we need to be tracking. These are the corresponding outputs that are linked to the Outcome 5.3.Outcome 5.4 is about Africa’s abundance natural and human resources are harnessed and utilized for certain development and environmental issues. Again, we have one output which is 5.1 that deals with this outcome.Outcome 6.1 deals with the institutional capacity of the PAP. The first outcome is the strengthening capacity of the PAP Members. The other one is the institutionalized corporate governance system in the PAP and strengthen human capital management of the PAP Secretariat. These are the corresponding outputs which we are adding so far to be dealing with and subscribe to the attainment of the corresponding outcome.Outcome 6.4 is to enhance communication capacity and visibility of PAP. This is going to focus on the formulation of the communication strategy that PAP needs to put in place to ensure that the PAP is visible and is known for its mandate.Outcome 6.5, enhance resource mobilization capacity of the PAP. Outcome 6.6, in terms of liaisons participation and co-operation, widen and improve. These are the corresponding outputs that we have identified for these particular outcomes.When it comes to resource requirements, as you can see from the slides, the total budget estimate for the PAP which is indicative for the moment, for the Strategic Plan is about US$69,534,298 as summarized below. We tried to do an exercise in the office to develop the budget spread across the lifespan of this Strategic Plan.For Strategic Objective One, which is about strengthening Parliament’s legislative function, we would require for the time being US$19,683,844. Again, this is indicative as the activities would be evolving. They are flexible and we may have to formulate or reformulate and bring in new activities as we implement the strategy.Strategic Objective Two: Provide a platform to mainstream African voices and those in the Diaspora into the AU policy-making process. We would require US$6,578,672.Strategic Objective Three: Promote human rights democracy, good governance in Africa. We would require US$17,213,996 over the four year period that we envisage to implement the Strategic Plan.Strategic Objective Four: Promote peace, security and stability. We would require US$1,258,920.Strategic Objective Five: Promote integration and development in Africa. We would require US$11,271,296.With regard to setting the institutional capacity of the PAP, we would require US$10,149,920.For support staff required for the implementation of the strategy, we would require at least US$3,277,650.The total is US$69,534,298.I have a hyperlink here that would show the breakdown, but it is not part of my presentation. So, it is just to show that a comprehensive, detailed budgeting was done spread over a period of four years to demonstrate that we have at least captured the expenditure projects for the next four years.In terms of the Resource Mobilization Strategy, the PAP would formulate a comprehensive Resource Mobilization Strategy to mobilize the resources require for both the technical, financial and human resources that are required to implement the plan. This would be through: Contribution from Member States to support all PAP costs which we get from the coffers of the AU; and support from development partners, including the traditional partners of the PAP such as the GIZ, EC, UNDP, AWEPA, ECBF among others. They are expected to continue supporting the PAP through the provision of both financial and technical support.For the non-traditional donors we may be mobilizing resources from those that are of support to PAP both technically and financially. An example here is JICA.In terms of implementation arrangement there would be a comprehensive implementation plan to be formulated once the plan has been adopted. That can define the role of the Bill, PAP Plenary, PAP Committees, PAP Secretariat and the partners. The Bill would provide coordination and policy framework and direction each year by coming with an annual work plan of the PAP Bureau that can define the strategic direction based on the Strategic Plan and then ensure the interface with other EU organs through the inter-organ meetings that we plan annually and the relationship that we need to build for the implementation of the plan.The PAP permanent committees are the most crucial when it comes to the true implementation of the plan. Without the committees the implementation of the Strategic Plan will be redundant. So, the programme implementation will be done by the Committees in line with the mandate of the PAP in terms of its oversight, investigative, advisory and consultative functions.The Secretariat will provide technical support, administrative input and putting in place the necessary frameworks which include the annual work plans that need to be developed with the permanent committees, the reporting mechanisms in line with the resourcebased management that we envisage, the monitoring and evaluation process that we are putting in place that indicate all tracking tools that will be tracking the performance of the PAP as we implement the Strategic Plan on an annual basis.We have a Resource Mobilization Strategy, a communication strategy which entails the visibility plan of the PAP and a risk mitigation strategy. You cannot implement a plan without expecting any risk. So, the risk would be looked at in the framework of whether it is a high risk, medium risk, or a risk that is negligible for the PAP to implement its strategic plan. So, on the basis of that we shall be developing a risk mitigation plan to minimize the risk factor. For example, if we will be talking about the need to improve on the resources of the PAP, why should PAP should be so modest in the way we mobilize resources? Why should we not be more aggressive and more proactive in the way we mobilize resources? This depends on how we formulate our projects and programmes.PAP cannot implement the Strategic Plan without partners and this entails regional parliaments, national parliaments and other technical and financial partners that we may require and collaborate with at the implementation level.So, in a nutshell, we need to rely on the partners to be able to collaborate and have joint programmes, for example, the African Commission which has a similar mandate to that of the PAP. That way, we will have our joint funding mechanisms place. Some of the donors have already highlighted their modalities on how they are going to operate. Examples here are the EC and the GIZ. We are planning to have meetings with the GIZ in order to demonstrate how we are going to implement the Strategic Plan in line or in close collaboration with other partners that are also benefitting from the same resources like the African Commission in Bangui.Your Excellency, Hon. Members, this is the presentation that I had to provide to you.I thank you.(Applause)

REFERENCE: 1103-151447E

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much for that presentation. I shall now allow debate on presentation.I have the list of speakers. The first speaker on my list is Hon. Hamad Masoni from Tanzania. Each speaker would speak for three minutes.If he is not in the Chamber, I would give the floor to Hon. Isaac Stephen Mabulesa from Botswana. Since he is not also in the Chamber, I would give the floor to Hon. Asmana Mallam Isa. He is also not here, I would give the floor to Hon. Mohammed Ali Almadi from Sudan. He is also not around so I would give the floor to Hon. Bernadette Lahai from Sierra Leone.

REFERENCE: 1103-151622E

HON. DR. BERNADETTE LAHAI [SEIRRA LEONE]:Thank you very much, Mr. President. I want to thank the presenter for presenting the PAP Strategic Budget, 2014 to 2017.I must say that the plan itself was extensively discussed last year when we were here for the October session behind closed doors or retreat outside of the PAP precincts. We did have the opportunity for two days to strategically look at the draft document where we had experts from the African Union and other organisations present. No organisation can flourish without a strategic plan because a strategic plan is actually going to be a road map and for us, this is going to be a road map from 2014 to 2017 and it is going to tell us exactly where we want to go against the background of where we are and why we do that when we look at our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats which have been very much laid out here.But a strategic plan, also, will have to actually be properly placed in this situation analysis and that is where I want to come in on Page 4, where we have findings on situation analysis and these findings are actually placed within the context of the developmental challenges that Africa has.Let me say that while we acknowledge youth unemployment and social exclusion, I think we should also seriously think of the situation of women and girls in this situational analysis because women and girls constitute over half of the population of Africa and currently, we are lamenting on the low status of women and girls.Even when we look at the MDGs, we find out that those MDGs that are related to women and girls are the same ones where we are still not on track at achieving especially the health related MDGs that include reducing maternal mortality, reducing child and infant mortality - these are the MDGs that are at risk and you cannot address them if you do not address the low status of women.Therefore, if we talk of women these days, we are talking of not only maternal mortality which is high among women and child mortality but also early and first marriages which are high among women and is actually affecting the women’s role and economic opportunities. So, these are things that we need to look at.Violence against women is also very critical and it is actually related to how countries are going to achieve even the post 2015 MDGs. So, in that situation, I want us to look at women under social exclusion but also highlight it just as we have highlighted the issue of the women, the youths in this situation.Mr Speaker and Hon. Members, I will rest my case so far. I thank you.

THE PRESIDENT:I thank you very much. I now give the Floor to hon. Alexandre Barro Chambrier from Gabon.

REFERENCE: 1103-152002F

HON. HUGUES ALEXANDRE BARRO CHAMBRIER [GABON]:Merci Monsieur le Président pour la présentation du Plan stratégique 20142017.Je ferais, en préliminaire, une remarque générale pour dire que pour mettre en place ce type de Plan, il faut de la durée. Mais, malheureusement, Monsieur le Président, il vous reste un an. Nous avons un plan qui va de 2014 à 2017, ce qui est déjà mieux que celui de l’Union africaine qui va jusqu’en 2060 et quelques. Mais je crois qu’il faudrait fondamentalement qu’on se penche sur la nécessité pour le Président, de pouvoir avoir deux mandats. Je crois que nous sommes souvent dans une logique de rotation pour permettre la représentativité de toutes les zones régionales de l’Afrique, mais ceci est contradictoire avec l’ardente nécessité de pouvoir mener des réformes sur une période suffisamment longue.C’est une remarque au passage!Par rapport aux aspects stratégiques, vos priorités, Monsieur le Président, sont les bienvenues; elles sont importantes, mais je pense toujours dans le même esprit, qu’il faudrait se concentrer sur un ou deux aspects. Il me semble que nous devrions déjà - sur la base de la fonction de surveillance du PAP vis-à-vis de l’Exécutif qui n’est pas suffisamment approfondie à mon sens - essayer de travailler avec les instruments dont nous disposons plutôt que d’envisager trop de priorités qui ne seront pas remplies.Je crois qu’il est effectivement indispensable avant tout, de renforcer les capacités institutionnelles du PAP et toutes les remarques qui vont dans le sens de la formation, de l’esprit d’équipe, du mérite, de la compétence, de la loyauté du personnel, de sa motivation, tout cela c’est très bien, mais va encore en contradiction avec notre objectif de juste représentativité régionale.Alors, si nous avons des personnes qui sont suffisamment compétentes ou très compétentes dans une zone, pourquoi ne pas les privilégier et parfois - je sais que ceci va faire réagir - à rebours de la représentativité régionale?Je vois bien que nous allons renouveler les Commissions Permanentes, mais nous avons des personnes qui sont spécialistes et qui peuvent se maintenir à ces postes. On se rend compte parfois que les choses n’avancent pas.Voilà, Monsieur le Président, ce que je voulais dire, en vous encourageant à avoir des objectifs concrets qui pourront être évalués, mais pas trop d’objectifs parce qu’il vous reste un an. Il devrait être possible effectivement de dégager une priorité et de pouvoir vous en tenir là.Je vous remercie.

REFERENCE: 1103-152423F

HON. ELH DIAO KANTÉ [RÉPUBLIQUE DE GUINÉE]:Je vous remercie, Monsieur le Président.Monsieur le Président,Nous avons devant nous un projet de Plan stratégique que j’ai reçu ce matin. Mais vraiment, je ne me retrouve pas devant un plan stratégique. J’ai cru avoir un roman à lire, tellement sa présentation ne me permet pas l’exploitation en si peu de temps.Monsieur le Président,Il y a une centaine de pages; nous l’avons reçu ce matin en même temps que le rapport d’activités que nous devons lire, comprendre et écouter votre exposé ainsi que les réponses. Ce qui fait que nous n’avons pratiquement pas eu le temps de le parcourir et sa présentation ne me permet vraiment pas de le comprendre si rapidement.Ceci étant, je regarde par exemple les acronymes. Il y a des abréviations que si vous les retrouvez dans le texte, vous ne pouvez pas comprendre de quoi il s’agit quand bien même que l’acronyme se trouve à la première page. Ce qui fait qu’à chaque fois que vous trouvez l’abréviation, il faut revenir à la première page pour comprendre. Ceci n’est pas une présentation habituelle d’un plan stratégique.Ensuite, il y a un résumé analytique! Il y a un contexte qui, en fait, reprend tous les textes que nous connaissons, qui institue le Parlement panafricain; qui constitue le texte constitutif. Ce qui fait qu’en fait, à mon avis, on n’avait pas besoin de reprendre toutes ces dispositions. Il suffit tout simplement de rappeler que dans tel texte il y a ceci qui a été dit et ne pas reprendre toute cette littérature. Je suis sûr qu’on aurait pu gagner au moins cinquante pages par rapport aux cents que nous avons ici.Alors, ce qui fait que, Monsieur le Président, quand je regarde la présentation, personnellement un plan stratégique, je m’attends avoir des objectifs à atteindre, des moyens à déployer, une politique de combinaison dans un délai donné - et quand je dis moyens, ce sont des moyens financiers, humains et le tout dans un délai donné - et ensuite des résultats que j’attends.Quand vous parcourez le texte, vous vous demandez à quelle page vous vous retrouvez avec cela. Ici, je me retrouve vers la fin du texte avec des chiffres: on dit objectifs un, on donne un chiffre. Les objectifs qui sont dégagés, selon moi, Monsieur le Président, ne peuvent pas être chiffrés même s’il faut des chiffres pour les atteindre. Ce qui fait que pour tout dire, je suis resté quelque peu sur ma faim dans la présentation et qu’une intervention à moins de dix minutes que nous avons de ce texte, ne permet pas de dire quelque chose de sérieux.J’aurais vraiment souhaité qu’il soit plus résumé.Je vous remercie, Monsieur le Président.(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1103-152739F

HON. KEBÉ ALIOU [SÉNÉGAL]:Monsieur le Président.[Enregistrement sonore défectueux][...] On n’a pas de réponse. Je pense que ces défis et ces enjeux ne peuvent être pris en compte valablement que par la participation effective des citoyens africains.La volonté est suffisamment exprimée bien-sûr, mais le temps, je pense, y est arrivé pour que nous, les représentants de ce peuple africain, nous qui portons la voix de ces personnes qui n’ont pas de voix pour, qu’on puisse s’approcher de ces populations pour savoir leurs véritables ambitions pour l’Afrique.Ailleurs, dans certains continents, des organisations comme le PAP choisissent leurs députés en fonction des engagements qu’ils ont au niveau continental.Alors, peut-on, un jour, arriver à des représentants des populations ici?C’est vous dire que ces femmes et ces hommes qui se seront véritablement engagés à la promotion de l’unité africaine, quand est-ce on aura des critères bien établis pour que le choix des représentants ne soit pas à la seule volonté d’un parti, d’un simple groupe parlementaire ou d’un simple groupe de pression?Je pense aussi qu’il y a matière à faire pour que les populations puissent connaître ceux qui les représentent effectivement afin de pouvoir les interroger, afin de les confier des missions réelles de leurs ambitions pour une Afrique de paix, une Afrique de conscience africaine effective et active.Que valent l’UA et ses démembrements dont le PAP pour le paysan du Sénégal? Pour le berger de la Mauritanie? Pour l’artisan du Burkina Faso ou du Burundi? Pour le mineur du Nigeria ou ce pays d’accueil qu’est l’Afrique du Sud?Nous ne pourrons jamais faire une Afrique unie appropriée pour les seuls hauts fonctionnaires et les hommes politiques que nous sommes.Quand donc, nous, hommes politiques, nous battrons campagne en même temps pour la promotion des valeurs fondamentales d’une Afrique qui se veut unie et forte?Est-ce que ce Plan stratégique intègre cette dimension d’une Afrique unie pour les peuples à la base?Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1103-153445E

AN HONORABLE MEMBER:We were involved in this work. I want to also thank the Bureau which planned and organized this excellent work.

REFERENCE: 1103-153526A

HON. BECHIR CHAMMAM [TUNISIA]:شكرا السيد الرئيس،السالم عليكم ورحمة هللا وبركاته،عندما نقول خطة إستراتيجية فال نعمل بها ما لم نفصلها إلى خطط تفصيلية تضع الخطوات الالزمة لإلنجاز على كافة المستويات االقتصادية للتكامل االقتصادي اإلفريقي البين والتوجه نحو سوق إفريقية مشتركة والتوجه نحو عملة إفريقية موحدة وإلى غير ذلك من الخطوات اإلجرائية الواضحة التي ينبغي أن تحدد بوضوح ألن األهداف المرسومة هي أهداف إستراتيجية ولكنها في غاية التعميم.بالنسبة إلى المسألة التشريعية البد من وضع آليات واضحة للتقريب بين القوانين التي تسن في مختلف الهيئات التشريعية في البلدان اإلفريقية.كذلك على المستوى السياسي وإدارة الشأن العام حتى تستفيد الشعوب اإلفريقية من هذا المجال، فرغم التجارب في هذا المجال أيضا البد أن يكون واضحا وتكون هنالك خطط واضحة وقابلة لإلنجاز والقياس .نذهب بعد ذلك إلى ما هي األسس التي تم اعتمادها الستجالء الواقع ثم استخالص نقاط القوة ونقاط الضعف ، هذه الخطة االستراتيجية البد أن تنبني على إحصائيات وأرقام واضحة وتشخيص للواقع وتشخيص واضح للصعوبات تقوم على إثرها مراكز علمية متخصصة تضع بين أيدي البرلمان اإلفريقي الواقعة كما هي وليس مجرد إنطباعات،وإذا رجعت االستراتيجية إلى هذه المراجع البد أن تذكر وتقول إننا اعتمدنا على جهات بعينها ،لكن خطة خالية تماما من هذا وخالية من أي إحصاء ومن أي شئ معلوماتي دقيق واضح يجعلنا نثق تماما في نقاط القوة ونقاط الضعف التي أشارت إليها الخطة.أنا أقول ربما تكون هذه مجرد إنطباعات وليست نقاط قوة أو ضعف وقد يكون ما ذكر في القوة هو ضعيف في الواقع وما ذكر ضعيفا في الخطة هو قوي في الواقع وهكذا.ومعلوم أن الهيكل هو وسيلة لتحقيق األهداف، فواضح أن هيكل البرلمان اإلفريقي ال يمكنه تحقيق مثل هذه األهداف الكبيرة ، وأنا أضم صوتي إلى المتحدث السابق في أنه البد أن يوضع شئ في مقدورنا تحقيقه وفي آماد زمنية معقولة ألن اعتماد هذه األهداف الموغلة في المثالية والتعميم إن دل على شئ إنما يدل على عدم الجدية في وضعنا للخطط ، إضافة إلى أننا تحصلنا على الخطة اليوم وكان ينبغي أن ترسل لنا عبر البريد االلكتروني منذ أسبوع قبل انعقاد هذه الجلسة لنتمكن من االطالع عليها بدقة وتقييمها بطريقة علمية، والسالم عليكم ورحمة هللا.

REFERENCE: 1103-155641PE

HON. JORGE PEDRO MAURICIO DOS SANTOS [CABO VERDE]:-Obrigado Senhor Presidente.Da análise que eu laico deste Plano Estratégico, eu concluo que é um documento valioso que define uma visao, que define também o que é um plano, e com metas a atingir, com resultados, com objectivos muito claros de promover este nosso Parlamento Pan-Africano num Parlamento legislativo para o futuro.Entretanto, como em qualquer Parlamento do mundo, o que define a qualidade de um Parlamento é o seu nível...

HON. MEMBER:Mr President, those translations.

THE PRESIDENT:English is on three. Please proceed. Yes, honourable, you have the Floor.

O ORADOR:-Obrigado Senhor Presidente. Eu espero que os meus minutos sejam descontados...Eu estava a dizer que o que caracteriza um Parlamento moderno como o que nós queremos construir é o seu nível de debate, de debate parlamentar, e trazer para aqui, para esta sala, questoes importantes da vida do continente...

HON. MEMBER:Mr President, still no translation.

THE PRESIDENT:Translations are on Channel 3, please.

HON. MEMBER:Oh, okay.

O ORADOR:-... questoes da área económica,questoes sociais, a problemática da seguranza e também criar espado para a movimenta^ao de bens e pessoas dentro do continente, como muito bem disse o senhor Presidente hoje de manha. Mas o que eu queria aqui partilhar com os senhores Deputados, uma pequena reflexao sobre a necessidade de pluralidade deste Parlamento.Nós temos que construir uma África a uma só voz, mas uma voz na diferen^a de ideias, de visao, de projectos, e é esse o aspecto que eu queria aqui lanzar para reflectirmos da necessidade de cometamos a pensar na estrutura^ao do PAP em partidos, em ideologias, em ideias, em programas, porque só assim podemos promover o debate, porque nós somos eleitos na base de listas partidárias, de projectos partidários e com uma visao. E esta visao tem que convergir aqui entre as famílias, entre pessoas que defendem uma determinada tendencia ideológica, outras nao para em confronto positivo...toca também aos países membros se já nao é altura de cometamos também a pensar na estruturaeao em termos políticos e partidários do nosso Parlamento PanAfricano.Obrigado Senhor Presidente.

REFERENCE: 1103-160017AF

HON. ABDORRAHMAN SALEK [REPUBLIQUE DEMOCRATQUE DE SAHARAWI]بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيمشكرا سيدي الرئيس

Technical problems

REFERENCE: 1103-160242F

HON. AZIZOU EL HADJ ISSA [BÉNIN]:Je voudrais dire, Monsieur le Président, que normalement, tous les parlementaires devraient être heureux du travail qui est fait, parce qu’en Afrique, souvent, tel que nous gérons les choses, il est difficile aujourd’hui de concevoir ce que nous allons faire dans trois ou quatre ans; ce qui est, à travers ce plan stratégique, une réalité pour le PAP.Je me rappelle qu’au moins à deux reprises, les différents Présidents des Commissions et des Groupes régionaux ont été invités à partager le contenu de ce document. Non seulement nous avons essayé de voir en détail ce qui a été programmé pour l’UA, mais aussi après cela, nous sommes revenus sur le contenu de ce Plan stratégique.C’est vrai que lors des premiers travaux du Parlement en Afrique du Sud, nous avions fait des observations. Après les travaux qui se sont tenus au Nigeria, le Plan stratégique du PAP, aussi bien dans le fond que dans la forme, est meilleur au Plan stratégique que l’UA même a conçu pour le continent.Donc, je voudrais dire aux collègues qu’il y a vraiment des problèmes, mais tout le monde n’a pas pu entrer dans les détails de ce qui existe. À cet effet, je voudrais donner quelques exemples, Monsieur le Président.Si nous prenons les objectifs stratégiques 2, 3 et 4, tous les problèmes d’enfants, de jeunes, de femmes que nous pouvons poser - je prends par exemple à la page 7 du document en PowerPoint, le tableau du bas, le résultat 2.1. et la réalisation 2.1.1.2. qui dit: « Renforcement et opérationnalisation des structures parlementaires pour la représentation des femmes, des jeunes, des personnes handicapées et des groupes vulnérables », le tout commence par-là de façon générale.Pour ne pas mobiliser la parole, Monsieur le Président, nous sommes dans le cadre d’un plan stratégique que nous allons décliner après sur des plans annuels d’activités. Si on a des dispositions générales telles que ce que je viens de lire et qui continuent dans tout le document, le reste du travail ne dépend annuellement que de nous.Donc, pour rejoindre les collègues qui ont dit que c’était une chance pour le PAP, je voudrais confirmer aussi la même chose, Monsieur le Président [Microphone éteint]Juste pour 30 secondes, pour finir!Au niveau où nous sommes, Monsieur le Président, je pense qu’il faudrait que les collègues comprennent que parmi eux certains ont participé aux travaux et tel que l’un de nous l’a dit, adoptons cette version aujourd’hui et au fur et à mesure, avant la fin de la session. Nous pourrons suggérer les quelques petits éléments qu’on pourrait ajouter pour que le document soit parfait, en tenant compte du genre plus en détail.Merci, Monsieur le Président.

HON. PETER HITJITEVI KATJAVIVI [NAMIBIA]:Thank you Mr President.From the onset, let me thank the presenter of this important strategic plan. Let me also thank you, Mr President and the rest of the Bureau leadership of PAP, for having facilitated this document before us.I find the document very clear, concise and sufficient to get us off the ground. Mr President, no institution can exist without such a strategic plan guiding its work. Therefore, I see this strategic plan as a companion to guide our overall activities. I note the fact that the budget for an institution like ours, the budget that is associated with the strategic plan, might be frightening because of the amount of money involved, and it is a challenge to have sufficient resources to implement the work outlined in this strategic plan. However, I think it has to be there, and it is our duty to ensure that we find the resources. What I think is important is that, the strategic plan speaks loud and clear, and reflects the aspirations of the people we represent.There might be issues like those pointed out by a number of colleagues. In particular, Hon. Tsaty Mabiala when he spoke, and that might be missing here and there within the document. However, I believe this could be taken care of during the course of the periodical review of the strategic plan. What I think is left for this House to do is to move as rapidly as possible and endorse the strategic plan.I thank you.

REFERENCE: 1103-160956E

HON. VINCENT DABILGOU [BURKINA FASO]:Merci beaucoup, Monsieur le Président.Je voudrais, à mon tour, m’associer aux nombreux collègues pour vous féliciter, vous-même et le Bureau pour cet outil qui est le Plan stratégique.Nous sommes dans un contexte de manque de ressources et les défis sont très nombreux. Il nous fallait en effet un plan stratégique pour atteindre les résultats, année après année. Je vois que la vision est très claire, les missions également, et que le futur souhaitable est véritablement fixé.Je voudrais tout simplement, au-delà de ces objectifs, faire une contribution au niveau des valeurs fondamentales. Quand on prend le dossier présenté sur PowerPoint, à la page 2, il y a un point sur les valeurs fondamentales et je voudrais insister sur une des valeurs que nous n’avons pas prise en compte: c’est la valeur de l’intégrité, de l’impartialité.Moi qui vous parle, je suis du Burkina Faso, patrie des hommes intègres, mais nous voudrions que nous puissions continuer à promouvoir l’intégrité et l’impartialité. Je dois aussi faire ajouter la transparence et l’obligation de rendre compte. Nous sommes dans une Chambre politique, et c’est très important que nous puissions rassurer; d’abord nous rassurer nous-mêmes et rassurer nos partenaires au développement, ensuite.Monsieur le Président,À la page 4, je suis d’accord avec l’ensemble des points énumérés au niveau de l’analyse de la situation de développement, comme vous avez tout à l’heure parlé du niveau embryonnaire de notre processus d’intégration continentale. Vous aviez dit vous-même que vous souffrez quand vous voyagez. Il faut qu’on le dise dans notre document, que notre niveau d’intégration continentale est suffisamment faible. Nous avons des faiblesses au niveau du commerce, de la libre circulation des personnes et des biens, il faut le dire.Enfin, je voudrais souligner, une fois de plus, la nécessité pour nous de réduire aussi l’analphabétisme au niveau de la population adulte africaine. Je crois que c’est un point qui pose problème quand nous abordons les questions de développement.Voilà donc les points d’amendements que je voulais apporter à ce Plan que je soutiens fortement.Je voudrais faire ajouter également qu’il faudrait que nous ayons un plan de communication ciblé et stratégique, d’abord pour les parlements nationaux et ensuite pour les secteurs privés et les organisations des sociétés civiles africaines. Ceci parce que nous ne nous comprenons pas bien et les gens ne comprennent pas très souvent ce que nous faisons ici, du fait que nous n’arrivons pas à légiférer au niveau africain.Voilà donc ce je voulais dire!Je remercie le Bureau et le Président pour l’élaboration de ce Plan stratégique.Merci beaucoup.

REFERENCE: 1103-161303E

HON. DOMINIC A. B. NITIWUL [GHANA]:Mr President, the House monitoring and evaluation is a very important function which I believe we should religiously ensure that we achieve. So, I agree when you say that the agencies of African Union (AU) are responsible for the implementation of programmes as endowed by the Assembly, and that the Pan African Parliament (PAP) should be responsible for overseeing their work and warning them to account. Particularly, they should play a key role in assessing how the AU decisions are enacted by the Assembly and whether they meet the intended objectives and aspirations of our people.I also agree when you say that PAP Permanent Committee should take the opportunity to hold inquiries and public hearings on the effectiveness of the respective programmes, projects and activities of the organs. We are failing to do this and I think we should quickly ensure that we put that programme in place. When I talk about that, I am referring to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Once we begin to look at the budget of the AU, it is important that they task this very strategic Committee to hold these hearings, because in the next three years, if we do not do that as a Parliament, we may be failing in our duties.(Applause)To conclude, Mr. President, we should also begin to talk about our mode of selection. I know the regional Parliaments have begun to look at the mode of selection of Members to come here. But are we going to continue to allow the current system to persist because we are silent on it? Or are we going to go to the ultimate and let the people of Africa decide on who comes here? That is my last conclusion.Thank you very much, Mr. President.(Applause)

REFERENCE: 1103-161652F

HON. PASCAL TSATY MABIALA [CONGO]:Merci Honorable Président.Honorable Président,J’ai dû restructurer mon intervention pour tenir compte de ce qui a été dit par mes prédécesseurs et qui d’ailleurs ont dit de très bonnes choses. Néanmoins, je voudrais précisément revenir sur le sens de l’intervention de notre frère du Sénégal qui a parlé de la légitimité et de la respectabilité de notre Institution.Mais avant tout, Honorable Président, je voudrais vous adresser, comme l’ont fait mes prédécesseurs, des félicitations pour le travail intellectuel que vous avez abattu au cours de cette intersession et qui nous permet de disposer d’un document combien utile à la compréhension prospective de l’évolution de notre Parlement.Je voudrais en particulier établir un lien entre le rapport d’activités que nous venons d’adopter avec le Plan stratégique que nous sommes en train d’examiner maintenant.En effet, Monsieur le Président, dans votre rapport d’activités, vous avez annoncé une bonne nouvelle, fruit de votre intense activité diplomatique, à savoir la transformation très prochaine du statut de notre Parlement, qui pourrait passer d’organe consultatif qu’il est aujourd’hui, en un organe doté de pouvoirs législatifs affirmés.À ce sujet et dans cette perspective, le Plan stratégique actuellement en débat aurait pu nous donner, en plus des informations sur ses missions stratégiques qui sont si pertinemment présentées dans le document, également et de façon organisationnelle et précisément, le mode de dévolution à la qualité de député panafricain pour l’adapter au mode électif des autres parlements.Mon frère du Sénégal l’a dit tout à l’heure, mais de manière un peu sibylline. Quant à moi, je voudrais être plus prosaïque, plus simple. On peut se demander de quelle légitimité nous disposons. Nous parlons au nom de l’Afrique, mais tous, si nous avons été élus sur la base de programmes qui concernent nos parlements nationaux de nos pays, nous n’avons pas battu campagne sur des questions africaines. C’est pour cela que dans cette perspective de passage au nouveau statut de notre Institution, il serait souhaitable que les députés panafricains, donc nous autres, soyons élus au suffrage universel direct et non plus par le biais de nos assemblées, de nos parlements nationaux, avec ce mode de désignation qui, quelquefois, jette l’opprobre et même le discrédit sur nous-mêmes.Je pense que nous aurions gagné, Monsieur le Président - je l’ai déjà dit - en crédibilité et en légitimité.Je vous remercie.

REFERENCE: 1103-161952F

HON. NDIAYE ABDOU [SÉNÉGAL]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Monsieur le Président,Je ne serais pas très long étant donné que certaines de mes préoccupations ont été prises en compte. Seulement je voudrais, à la suite de l’exposé que vous avez bien voulu nous faire, retenir deux choses essentielles, en présentant - bien entendu - savoir lire entre les lignes.En effet, j’ai retenu deux mots essentiels: les initiatives et la volonté affichée.Je crois que de ce point de vue, vous méritez les félicitations et des encouragements.Monsieur le Président,Vous n’êtes pas sans savoir que la centralité ici, ce sont les populations. Et étant les représentants de ces peuples, nous devons nous imposer le devoir, non seulement de faire une restitution auprès de nos parlements afin que lesdits parlements prennent ces préoccupations en charge, à savoir la question du plaidoyer auprès des chefs d’États.Si je le dis, c’est parce qu’aujourd’hui ce n’est plus un secret au niveau de l’organisation continentale. Il y a beaucoup de pays qui ne cotisent pas et si nous voulons quand même avoir une amélioration par rapport à l’organisation financière, je crois qu’il y a des efforts et une meilleure compréhension qui doivent être de mise dans le dispositif.En tout cas, c’est un appel que je lance à l’ensemble de ces représentants des peuples, ici, présents pour qu’enfin on puisse prendre cette question dans nos interventions au niveau de nos pays respectifs.Un autre aspect du problème, c’est que je n’ai pas vu apparaître quelque part la question de la parité. Je crois que de nos jours, les dames sont en train de faire un excellent travail un peu partout en l’Afrique.(Applaudissements)Il serait bon que cette catégorie soit prise en compte dans le paquet justificatif de besoins à satisfaire.Encore une fois de plus, merci Monsieur le Président pour l’excellent travail que vous avez réussi à faire.En tout cas, je m’étais fixé une phase d’observation, étant un nouveau membre, mais je me suis rendu compte que l’espoir est permis et je crois que nous allons déraciner l’arbre de nos maux et booster quand même ce Parlement vers les sommets du développement.Je vous remercie.

REFERENCE: 1103-162251AE

HON. MOHAMED YOUSIF ABDULLAH [SUDAN]:Mr President,the legislation, policy formulation and oversight as well as the - therefore, I prefer that this work of the subsidiary be checked and complemented.Then I go to the next page, which is page 3 about social exclusion. Social exclusion in Africa is not the true word to be used. We are living in a situation of under development which has been inherited for so long - maybe 500 years ago and therefore, I prefer that we replace "social exclusion" by "low pace of human development;" and this is a problem that we would do our best to resolve.The last and not the least is in the findings of the SWAT Analysis. One of the areas which is not clearly identified here is the responsibility of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) to follow the African Union (AU) plans and lack of implementation on the part of the AU. (Silence)I can confirm that I have been a Member for quite a while. I was following the AU; I was also following the United Nations (UN) Economic Commission for Africa. Many of our strategic plans, which were very right, did not work because they are not people oriented. Therefore, one of the areas of weaknesses, I would like to say, is that our plans should actually be peopleoriented if we want to make it a success. If we wait for aid from elsewhere, it would not be easier for us to achieve the successes which we need for Africa.Thank you very much, Mr. President, for allowing me to speak.

REFERENCE: 1103-162700F

HON. MAMEDI SIDIBÉ [MALI]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Je dirais que je suis tout aussi nouveau, à l’instar de mon collègue Sénégal, mais je dis que je me sens plus rassuré.On dit généralement que les institutions ne valent que par les hommes qui les dirigent [Crachotement du micro]. . „ au niveau de la réponse aux questions nous a beaucoup rassurés.Ceci dit, je dirais que dans le document sur le Plan stratégique, il y a effectivement des matières intéressantes qu’on nous a livrées.Toutefois, il faut reconnaître qu’en technicien, le document aurait gagné en plus de la qualité, si la démarche méthodologique nous avait été annexée au rapport. Mieux, cela nous aurait permis de comprendre la démarche, à savoir quels sont les éléments qui sont contenus dans le document?Je pense qu’à la lecture, la synthèse, oui, mais je sais qu’il y a des expériences réussies au niveau régional. Effectivement, nous sommes là pour l’Afrique des peuples et on a géré pour l’Afrique des peuples.Ces expériences réussies au niveau des organisations sous-régionales gagneraient à être mieux reflétées dans le document qui nous est proposé. Je pense que c’est un élément qui, de mon point de vue, a manqué à ce document. De plus, puisqu’on est en situation de planification, effectivement en matière de planification, il y a des querelles d’écoles. Il y a la planification à court, moyen et long terme. Une planification stratégique, c’est généralement au minimum cinq ans; dix ans tout au plus et la planification prospective vient après.Donc, de mon point de vue, ce document se présente plus comme un programme d’actions sur trois ans, sur quatre ans qu’un Plan stratégique qui aurait permis de nous projeter sur un long terme parce que là, nous sommes dans un [Temps de parole épuisé].

REFERENCE: 1103-163026E

HON. DIKGANG PHILLIP MAKGALEMELE [BOTSWANA]:I thank you, Mr President. I just want to make some very short interventions. First I want to declare my interest, that I have been part of the process or part of the team that actually developed this strategic plan and I want to start by thanking the Bureau, our staff and the consultants for a job well done. I know the kind of pressures and criticisms and input that we made as the document was being developed.Mr President, it is also positive that as we celebrate 10 years, we would have a new strategic plan to guide us in to the future. The strategic plan takes different forms and it is developed through different methodologies but what is key, Mr President, is whether the strategic plan is addressing the question as to where are we going, where we want to go and how we want to get there and with what budget. And if they are straight, then in my view, Mr President, this addresses these key questions. I think it should be considered to be quite comprehensive to actually take us forward.I also just want to indicate that it is good that our strategic plan talks about the need for us to have a water tight resource mobilization strategy and I want to make a passionate appeal that the development of this resource mobilisation strategy be given priority since it is actually very central to us to roll out this strategic plan.I also feel that we also need to ensure that as part of the monetary and evaluation components of our strategic plan, we clearly define that we would have a mid-term review of this strategic plan.Mr President, without wasting any more time, I want to associate myself with this plan and also want to recommend that this strategic plan be approved.I thank you, Mr President.(Applause)

THE PRESIDENT:I thank you very much. I now give the Floor to hon. Gabriel Smith from Liberia.

REFERENCE: 1103-163308E

HON. GABRIEL B. SMITH [LIBERIA]:Thank you Mr. President. It is our authority as a parliamentary body, this is because all of us as parliamentarians we would agree with me that the powers of Parliament lie basically in three areas; law making, which is legislation; oversight, that is power by which we hold the Executive accountable to account for what we entrust in their care. If that power is lacking, then what is the essence of Parliament? I would suggest, my distinguished colleagues, that we as Members of this body exert every effort in ensuring that between now and June, there must be a clear determination as to whether the AU Commission is serious enough to see the existence of PAP to implement the work for which it was created as an organ of the AU.The next thing I want to look at here is; if we work as a continent, Africa is rich in terms of natural resources.We have the natural wealth, but what is happening to the wealth of this continent? What is happening to our resources? The answer is very clear. Because the people have been divested of the power which they should have to transform their resource in the wealth of their nation. We have been divested of that power by virtue of these data documents.Mr. President and Hon. Colleagues, I would submit to the members of the bureau that we knock at every door of every organ of the AU, engage every leader of our continent to ensure that this organ, PAP is given its due authority as was envisaged by the Founding Fathers of the AU. It is only then that our coming here would not be in vain. This is because in absence of that, this Parliament would be reduced into a mere social organisation when we just come, talk and go back without any action.

REFERENCE: 1103-163747F

HON. ASSOUMANA MALAM ISSA [NIGER]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Monsieur le Président,Avant de donner mes deux petites préoccupations, je voudrais vous féliciter, vous et le Bureau; féliciter les consultants et le personnel du PAP; vous féliciter parce qu’initier même l’élaboration d’un Plan d’actions dans le cadre de cette Institution, je crois que c’est faire preuve de pro-activité et d’anticipation et on doit se réconforter pour cela.Féliciter aussi les consultants parce que, Monsieur le Président, j’ai été dans toutes les concertations qui ont eu lieu et j’ai vu avec quel professionnalisme les consultants ont travaillé et de quelle patience ils ont usée pour avoir les informations nécessaires afin d’aboutir au document dont la qualité est évidente.Féliciter enfin le personnel du PAP qui a été très disponible et qui, surtout, a été très objectif dans les critiques, ce qui a permis certainement d’avoir un document de qualité comme celui qui nous est présenté.Mais, Monsieur le Président, j’ai deux préoccupations comme je le disais au début.D’abord, et sans me lancer dans un débat d’école, il s’agit bel et bien d’un Plan stratégique. Ce n’est pas un programme d’actions. Il s’agit d’une base, d’un document qui comporte des orientations qui doivent nous permettre d’élaborer des plans d’actions annuels. Ces plans d’action doivent non seulement s’inscrire dans ce document, mais aussi s’inspirer de ce que les commissions elles-mêmes et les Caucus programment comme activités, des activités qui doivent d’abord suivre les orientations stratégiques retenues et contribuer ensuite à atteindre les objectifs retenus dans le cadre de ce Plan stratégique.Donc, je crois que ce qui reste à faire, c’est qu’il faut que les commissions retournent, chacune de son côté, pour proposer des actions qui cadrent avec le Plan que nous aurons à adopter aujourd’hui.C’est en cela, Monsieur le Président, que je dis qu’il n’est pas opportun d’avoir un budget annexé à ce Plan stratégique, parce que s’il n’y a pas d’actions concrètes identifiées et programmées qui peuvent être évaluées, on ne peut pas avoir une évaluation financière de ce plan stratégique.Donc, il faudrait qu’on détache la partie financière de ce Plan stratégique avant de l’adopter et que nous proposions des activités pour permettre au Parlement panafricain d’avoir un Plan annuel.Nous avons déjà un Plan 2014 dans chacune de nos commissions. Il faudrait qu’on retourne pour actualiser ce Plan et l’évaluer financièrement pour voir ce qu’il peut coûter.En 2015, en 2016 et en 2017, nous ferons la même chose, et en ce moment, Monsieur le Président, nous aurons effectivement un budget qui va cadrer avec nos réalités.Enfin, comme quelqu’un l’a dit, ce sera en fonction de nos besoins mais surtout en fonction des réalités de mobilisation financière que nous pourrons vivre chacun dans son coin, en tant que commission ou autre organe du Parlement panafricain.Je vous remercie, Monsieur le Président.(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1103-164057E

HON. LOIDE L. KASINGO [NAMIBIA]:Thank you your Excellency, Madam President, for giving me the Floor. From the onset, let me also declare my interest that apart from being a member of the Bureau, I also took part in two of the three workshops, the last being the one that was held in Abuja.I have to thank the presenter for presenting the strategic plan in a summarised and clear way. However, I just want to ask a question regarding the resource mobilising strategy. I take note that the paper highlights the source, or where we are likely to get resources, whether financial, technical or human. I do remember that in Abuja, when I took the Floor, I reminded our staff and assistants who helped us draft this strategy, that we have forgotten our brothers and sisters in Asia, and I specifically mentioned Japan. The Pan-African Parliament was invited there to take part in Ticket Five, and while in Abuja, we agreed to also include some of them. However, I do not see them here and I am afraid that once this strategic plan is approved, it would take us up to 2017. How do we expect our colleagues from Japan to react when we go to Japan and we are asked where our strategic plan is, and we give it to them meanwhile they are not here now? How should they react?I agree with my Hon. Colleague from Niger who said that this resource mobilisation and the source of resources from other partners should be regarded as an interim measure, while in Africa we look for resources within Africa, itself. My main emphasis is whether we should include our Asian partners.I thank you.

REFERENCE: 1103-164350E

HON. JULIANA KANTENGWA [RWANDA]:Thank you Mr. President. This is to partially acknowledge the oversight role of PAP in submitting the AU budget for us to debate. This is one reason for us to smile and celebrate when our celebration begins. This morning we heard that the Protocol might hopefully be approved towards the initial proposal, but if it gets approved, I also want to submit that it would be yet another milestone to celebrate after ten years.Mr. President, I do not have much to say as most of the points I would have wanted to highlight have already been brought forward. I just want to encourage each one of us that since we are happy with the process, we would go ahead and own this document and make it a living document. The PAP members should continue to play a pivotal role in defining African’s developing agenda. Some have said that this document is not a perfect document, it cannot be. But by us transforming it into a living document, by us applying ourselves to it day by day, as we stir up in the next years to come, as we move forward to becoming a recognized continental Parliament, I believe this document would be very important to guide us all along the way. So, I wish to submit that I also endorse it.Thank you.

REFERENCE: 1103-164643E

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much. Are there any clarifications?

HON. OKUPAR:I am sorry Mr. President. I did not put my name on the list, but there is something that I feel I should mention, it is about Page 66 of the Strategic Plan.I can see that on the Budget, that is on the Table, we have a constant figure for the years 2015, 2016 and 2017. Definitely, there are other factors that would make us end up adjusting these figures. I think we cannot have a budget that is stagnant for three years consecutively. This is because there are issues like inflation that would force these figures to be adjusted.Secondly, if one looks at the last column on support staff, one would realise that in 2014, the staff costs are indicated to be higher than the other following years. Are we expected to cut on the staff or what? I thought it should be increasing. I guess that in the next three years or so, we shall have adopted or added other roles to the PAP and so we would be having an increased number of staff.I thank you.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much, hon. Okupa. I have now exhausted the list of Speakers before me. I would now invite Mr. Ibrahim Djagnet to respond to the debate and issues raised in the debate.

REFERENCE: 1103-164845E

MR IBRAHIM DJAGNE [SENIOR MONITORING & EVALUATION OFFICER]Thank you very much your Excellency. I thank the Hon. Members for the comments they have made and the issues that they have raised which are very pertinent. Those views are going to make PAP progressive, given the fact that the document is a living document and it is the basis to make PAP accountable in the next couple of years that we are going to implement the plan.Most of the comments that have been raised are pertinent and we are taking them into consideration. It is a fact that this document is practically going to be reviewed. In fact, we are going to have a mid-term review of this strategy to see where we are going and then to take stock to find out whether we are going in the right direction or not. We are going to reformulate some of the things that we have identified. We would seek to know whether those things are relevant to us for common use. For example, if the PAP Protocol is attained by June and approved, then there are certain actitivities that we would carry out next year which may be redudant. So, these are some of the things that we need to take into consideration. The document is a living document and the strategic focus would lead us in the next three or four years. The comemnts that have been raised, I think, are very crucial and we are going to take them into account. This is because there is going to be a final peer review of the document in the coming weeks. This would make the document complete for us to comment on the issue of mobilization of resources.I cannot go through all the issues that have been raised. My supervisors would be the right people to address them. But generally, when you talk about issues relating to the voice of the people, if you look at objective number two, that is where it is integrated. Here we have issues to do with the youth, women, vulnerable groups and other marginalized groups. All these groups are going to be dealt with in the plan. We have, for example, a Rural Women’s Conference which takes into account the women’s issues. We had a youth conference and the UN conferences that we undertake from time to time. We also have civil society collaboration and networking that we establish as the PAP.These are issues which are dealt with in their respective sections in the Strategic Plan of PAP.In terms of methodology, a Member raised a question on what approach was adopted. I think the approach was quite comprehensive in the sense that it was all inclusive, participatory and it involved the stakeholders at various levels of the process. One of the key things that we did is to have bilateral consultations with the AU organs. We also held two consultative meetings where we undertook the SWOT analysis. This is the basis for us to derive the baseline information that was required. We substantiated the issues and the outcomes that we formulated in the process.We also made use of the baseline interviews that we already carried out from the AU Strategic Plan and the AU 263 Agenda as well. So, we derived this information from those main documents.In terms of the duration of the Strategic Plan, there are some Hon. Members who are saying that the Plan is short, while others are saying that it is long. They say that it should have been, maybe, a fiveyear plan. However, we need to remember that we are within a programmed cycle linked to the AUC. The AU has a programme cycle where the budgeting cycle has to be in link and harmonized with what PAP is doing. That is why we are harmonizing our Strategic Plan in line with the AU Strategic Plan. All the other organs are going to harmonize and formulate their plans in line with the forthcoming AU Strategic Plan.There are other issues such as the core values, subsidiarity, complementarities and so on. We would take that on board.When it comes to resource mobilization strategy, it is going to be all embracing in the sense that it is going to take into account both traditional and non-traditional methods. For example, the Japanese Development Agency, CIDA, the SIDA, the DANIDA and so on. All these would be included and integrated in the process. It all depends on how right our resource mobilization plan would be. This is one of the issues that is going to be a priority for the PAP because we have in place a mechanism to hire a resource mobilization expert who would drive the process of designing this resource mobilization plan. The plan would advocate for domestic resource mobilization, apart from soliciting funding from the traditional donors as well. So, this plan would focus on how we can leverage more resources from a technical perspective.For the emerging strategy, we are going to have a midterm review of the plan. This would also indicate the tracking tools that need to be put in place to track the targets that we have set for this year. This would be based on the annual work plan that is going to be developed and also based on the annual targets that are going to be developed. It is about the need to mobilize comprehensive resources for the PAP Committees to be able to carry out their activities and the need to also achieve the targets vis-a-vis the indicators that we have set. So, on an overall basis, this would form part and contribute to the Report of the President as he presents his Progress Report.I think, basically, those are the issues that I wanted to highlight.I thank you for your contribution and hope that you would help us to drive this agenda and implement the plan succesfully.Thank you very much.(Applause)

REFERENCE: 1103-165608E

THE PRESIDENT:I thank you very much. Hon. Members, I therefore, put before you, the Pan-African Parliament Strategic Plan for 2014 - 2017 for adoption.Agreed? (Applause)Question put and agreed to.The Strategic Plan, adopted.

THE PRESIDENT:I thank you. The plan is hereby adopted. I, now therefore, invite the Clerk to Parliament to make announcements.

THE CLERK:I thank you, Mr President. We would like to give the following notice to honourable Members of Parliament who completed the Discovery Health Medical Scheme Applications Forms during the October session, 2013 are kindly requested to collect their membership cards from the human resource office of Madam Kyembe Bulundwe.Other members, we have noted, are already collecting the cards. We would like to encourage members who do not have them to collect them from the human resource office.Hon. Members of the Pan-African Parliament who were not able to process their application forms for the medical scheme during the last session are also requested to undertake the registration process with the same office of human resources.Tomorrow at 1 o’clock after the adjournment, there would be a short presentation of about 10 minutes, giving information to the members on the medical scheme. Thereafter, the medical scheme desk would be available at the foyer for any further information, registration or including of information that was not furnished at the last session. I thank you, Mr President.

THE PRESIDENT:I thank you very much. Hon. Members, we have now come to the end of our business for today and therefore, this House stands adjourns until tomorrow, Wednesday, 12 March 2014 at 9 o’clock in the morning. I thank you.The House accordingly adjourned at 16:58 hours until Wednesday, 12 March 2014 at 09:00 hours.

Wednesday, 12 March, 2014

THE PRESIDENT:Please, be seated.

COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

REFERENCE: 1203-091122EF

ADMINISTRATION OF OATH

The following Hon. Member took the Oath of Solemn Declaration, signed it and took his seat:Hon. Joseph Mbah Ndam [Cameroon]

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, I shall now call the Clerk to read the First Notice of Motion.Clerk: Thank you, Mr. President. Motion toCongratulate Hon. Cecilia ATIM on her new appointment as the Opposition Chief Whip in her National Parliament.

AN HON. MEMBER:Mr. President, can I speak on a point of order, please?

THE PRESIDENT:Go ahead.

AN HON. MEMBER:I would like to register my disappointment before the House. When I arrived at Parliament it was raining and we were expected to walk in the rain getting wet. This kind of treatment is totally unacceptable. I would like this House to register to the security personnel that they are here to protect and guard Members of Parliament and not to subject them to the kind of treatment that is totally not acceptable.I think this is something that I would like the Bureau to take up. How are we expected to walk in the rain? Is that normal? Please, do something about it.(Applause)

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much Hon. Member. Mr. Clerk, you would arrange a meeting between me and the security this afternoon. We would look into that, Hon. Member.I now call upon the Hon., Professor Awat Khak Ali Ahmed to move his motion.

HON. PROF. AWAT KHAK ALI:Thank you very much, Mr. President. I have moved this Motion on the recommendations of the joint committees to commemorate and pay a special attribute to the Leader of the Ugandan delegation, Hon. Cecilia for the great contribution she has made to the institution of Pan African Parliament during the short period she represented her Parliament.Hon. Cecilia’s voice was loud and clear and remained so throughout the deliberations of the PAP sessions. She represents good participation and she added value to her Parliament in four dimensions. First, she was a voice of the woman of Africa. Her passionate appeal for the improvement of woman representation cannot be forgotten.Secondly, she always condemned exploitation of African resources by those holding powers. Her call has always been democracy and good governance. Thirdly, she has always said that dictatorship is the root cause of all evil affecting Africa.Fourthly, Hon. Cecilia has been a great promoter of the values of Africa, including values of a good and happy family and values of the extended family and neighbors. She has been a promoter of the values of tolerance and reconciliation. She is a great protector of the use of Africa against the influence of the bad culture such as homosexuality and lesbianism.Hon. Cecilia has been a mother figure. She respects men and women. She always kept her husband by her side whom we knew as "Papa PAP". Whenever we had controversial issues in the Eastern caucus or the PAP as a whole,Hon. Cecilia always came up with reconciliation mechanism to keep people together and that is why we call her, "the mother of Africa".Mr. President, it is because of all these that I ask this Parliament to accept the Motion. Thank you very much.(Applause)

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much. Let us now have the Seconder of the Motion.

HON. MABULENZA:Thank you, Mr. President. I rise to support the Motion as moved by the honorable Member. I thank you.

[French: 09:18:43 - 09:18:44]

HON. OBAMI-ITOU ANDRÉ [CONGO]:Monsieur le Président!

THE PRESIDENT:Yes, Excellency!

[French: 9:18: 46 - 09:19:16]

HON. OBAMI-ITOU ANDRE [CONGO]:Merci Honorable Président.Je crois qu’hier, les fiches sont passées et chaque honorable député pouvait s’inscrire à propos de cette motion. Je me suis fait inscrire - je crois que vous avez la liste - et si vous avez la liste, je peux donc prendre la parole.

THE PRESIDENT:I am sorry. We have not reached the intervention list yet. I have to put the Motion before the House.

[French: 09:19: 38 - 09:19:42]

HON. OBAMI-ITOU ANDRÉ [CONGO]:Oui, je m’étais inscrit pour la mission, Honorable Président.

THE PRESIDENT:So, we would like to start after the Motion has been received by the House. We will get to that, Sir.The question before this House is the Motion by honorable, Professor. Awar Khak Ali Ahmed. The cognizance of the contributions made by hon. Cecilia Atim Ogwal as Member of the PAP and Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Administration and Financial Evaluation (CAFÉ); noting with appreciation the contribution she made in PAP, the PAP reserves to congratulate hon. Cecilia Atim on her new appointment as the Opposition Chief Whip in her national parliament.

[French: 09:20: 35 - 09:20:40]

HON. OBAMI-ITOU ANDRÉ [CONGO]:Monsieur le Président, motion d’ordre!(Applaudissements)Motion d’ordre, Monsieur le Président, motion d’ordre!

THE PRESIDENT:Yes!

[French: 09:20:50 - 09:22:47]

HON. OBAMI-ITOU ANDRÉ [CONGO]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Avec tout le respect que je vous dois, et aussi le respect que je dois aux collègues députés, notre collègue Cecilia était de ma Commission, à savoir la Commission Permanente de la Coopération, des Relations internationales et de Règlement des conflits; donc je la connais aussi. Mais si j’ai demandé la parole, ce n’est pas pour ne pas reconnaître la valeur de cette collègue, de cette grande dame qui a beaucoup lutté, qui a fait entendre sa voix ici et ailleurs, mais peut-être que c’est une erreur de formulation.Lorsque je lis la motion, son objet n’est pas la contribution de Cecilia au Parlement panafricain et tout ce qu’elle a pu faire en dehors de ce Parlement, soit dans son pays ou à l’hémicycle de son Parlement, mais l’objet de la motion tel que formulé, c’est sa nomination en tant que chef de file de l’opposition. C’est là où je m’oppose parce qu’ici, il y a des députés qui sont de la majorité, il y en a qui sont de l’opposition; donc il y a la diversité! Alors, si nous, Parlement panafricain, nous devrions solennellement faire une motion parce qu’un de nos collègues [Reprise de la parole par le Président].

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Member, please, resume your sit. You are out of order. When a debate on the Motion is going on, if your name is on the list, you will be invited to make your contribution.Now, the Motion has been moved and it has been agreed that we will not debate the Motion. We will call the names of those who will make contributions to the Motion. This House has agreed to receive the Motion and at the end of the debate, we will know whether that Motion is carried or not. It is at that point that you make your contribution and ask for an amendment to the Motion. You cannot from a point of order make that contribution.

[French: 09:23:31 - 09:24:08]

HON. OBAMI-ITOU ANDRÉ [CONGO]:La formulation, Monsieur le Président!La formulation!Ne voyez-vous pas?Sa récente nomination! C’est cela, la formulation!Nous ne félicitons pas Cecilia à cause de sa nomination en tant que chef de file de l’opposition! C’est ce que nous devons comprendre!Voyez-vous, c’est différent de ses contributions, de tout ce qu’elle a fait ici! Il faut donc trouver une reformulation, Monsieur le Président!(Applaudissements)Voilà! Ce n’est pas parce que nous nous opposons! THE PRESIDENT: Hon. Kabzabo?

[French: 09:24:22 - 09:25:57]

HON. SALEH KEBZABO [TCHAD]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Je voudrais, à la suite de ce que notre collègue vient de dire, attirer l’attention de notre Parlement sur un point. Nous ne pouvons pas, chaque fois qu’un de nos collègues a une promotion d’une certaine nature dans son Parlement d’origine, faire une motion pour le soutenir. Beaucoup d’autres d’entre nous, ici, ont eu des promotions. Parmi nous, il y a notre collègue Soumaïla CISSÉ du Mali qui vient d’arriver ici en tant que chef de l’opposition au Mali! Je ne parle pas de mon cas qui est déjà vieux! Ça fait quelques années que je suis chef de l’opposition chez moi, cela n’a pourtant pas fait l’objet d’une motion!C’est pour cela, je pense, qu’il faut faire attention - comme l’a dit le collègue OBAMI-ITOU - à la formulation. Nous ne sommes pas contre la promotion d’un ami, d’un camarade; nous soutenons les promotions internes, mais il y a dans ce Parlement des diversités. Moi, en tant qu’opposant, je me réjouis qu’un de mes collègues soit chef de file de l’opposition chez lui! Mais est-ce que chaque fois que quelqu’un de la majorité est nommé, on doit aussi le féliciter?Donc, c’est la formulation qu’il faut revoir. La participation active de notre amie Cecilia aux travaux du Parlement panafricain, tous ceux qui la connaissent ici, le savent. C’est incontestable!Maintenant, peut-on, à partir d’ici, prendre une motion pour soutenir une promotion de ce niveau-là à l’intérieur de notre Parlement panafricain? C’est là où la question se pose et il faudrait peut-être qu’on se donne quelques minutes de réflexion ou de débat pour en parler.Je vous remercie.

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, a Motion has been brought at the discretion of Members who want to bring Motions before the House. Unless the President has clear reasons to reject the Motion, the Motion needs to be brought to plenary and plenary will decide whether they want to entertain the Motion or not.This Motion has been brought before this House and this House has agreed to debate this Motion. Being the debate, those who have amendments or proposals to amend the Motion will do so during the debate. Those who have contributions in support of the Motion will do so during the debate. Those who are against the Motion will do so during the debate.I will no longer entertain any more points of order on this issue. The list is here. If your name is not on the list, you can bring it forward and I will add your name to those who will speak. I will proceed with this Motion as our rules and procedures require.(Applause)Honorable Members, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 66(1), debate on a Motion may not exceed one hour. I will, therefore, allow three minutes per speaker. The next speaker on my list is honorable Elizabeth Agyeman from Ghana. Madam, you have the Floor.

REFERENCE: 1203-092748E

HON. ELIZABETH AGYEMAN [GHANA]:Thank you Mr. President for the opportunity given me to contribute to this Motion and to also congratulate Madam Cecilia Atim Ogwal on her achievement. I always want to be happy for any woman who excels in this world. Madam Cecilia has not been a member of PAP for a very long time but we all know how she has been contributing in this Chamber, giving reasonable suggestions and contributions.To be a Chief Whip is not a joke. A Chief Whip is like an administrator of an organization or a firm. In Ghana, a Chief Whip is one who does everything in the Chamber of the Parliament. He/she makes appointments for Committee Chairs and so on. In Ghana also, no woman has risen to that position, I must say it. We are always given the Vice positions. This is the first time I have seen a women becoming the Chief Whip. I want to say congratulations to her.

REFERENCE: 1203-093008E

HON. JULIANA AZUMAH-MENSAH [GHANA]:Thank you Mr President. I also rise to support the Motion and to congratulate Hon. Cecilia on her appointment as the Chief Whip of the Opposition in her country, Uganda. I have always admired her as a lady who would stand up for the women.Mr President, as we all know, the office of the Chief Whip is not an easy job, as my Hon Colleague has said. In the National Parliaments, the Whips have to literary whip the Members of Parliament to order. Sorry to say this, but Members of Parliament are not the easiest of people to whip, and their jobs are very difficult. My own Chief Whip is in this Chamber and I know that he understands what I am talking about.Having seen and met Hon. Cecilia, I think she is a very strong woman who can take on this position of Chief Whip, whether in the Opposition or in Government. The Government and the Opposition must work together to make sure the business in the Chamber works very well. Your work is all about mobilising and looking at Hon. Cecilia, I believe she is a very good mobiliser. I would like to take this opportunity to wish her well and that she should champion the course of women wherever she goes. My Hon. Colleague, Elizabeth also said we do not have a female Chief Whip, but we have a Deputy Chief Whip, and I hope that she would do very well in her position as Chief Whip in her Parliament. I wish her well and we congratulate her.I thank you, Mr President.

REFERENCE: 1203-093316A

HON. BECHIR CHAMAM [TUNISIA]:شكرا السيد الرئيس،الزمالء الكرام،السالم عليكم ورحمة هللا وبركاته،ال يسعني إال أن أؤيد من حيث المبدأ هذه الالئحة خاصة إذا تعلق األمر بالمرأة ألن حظوظ النساء في هذه القارة ضعيفة ونحن نؤيد كل مكاسبهن بقوة،لكن أشير إلى تعديل في الالئحة إذا أمكن لتهنئتها على فوزها بمنصب المعارضة وابتعادا عن أي تجاذبات سياسية أو تأييد لشق على آخر أو غير ذلك،فإن المسألة حساسة وينبغي على البرلمان األفريقي أن ينأى بنفسه عن مثل هذه التجاذبات ويبقى على نفس المسافة من الجميع وشك

REFERENCE: 1203-093453E

HON. MUTINTA CHRISTINE MAZOKA [ZAMBIA]:I thank you Mr. President for the opportunity accorded me to pay tribute to one of the most vibrant and effective Members of this Parliament.Mr. President, I had only known Madam Cecilia for two short years and in that time, I had learnt a lot from her in terms of humility, determination and in the way she articulates herself in debates in the House. She is motherly and offered free advice to those that needed it. Madam Cecilia is also a deeply religious person who, while here at PAP, made it a point to go for prayers every morning in the Prayer Room she had establish here at PAP. I really admired her for that. Although I had known her for a short time, she certainly quickly became my role model because of her many positive qualities. I am sure she would be missed by all of us here at PAP. I congratulate her in her new position and wish her all the best in her new endeavors. I thank you Mr. President.

REFERENCE: 1203-093627E

HON. JACQUELINE AMONGIN [UGANDA]:Mr. President, on behalf of Uganda, I also would like to add my voice to congratulate Hon. Cecilia Ogwal, who has been a mentor to most of us. As young people when we were growing up, we saw very proactive ladies like Hon. Cecilia Ogwal and there is definitely no reason why you should doubt my being here. It is because of the mentorship of such great people like Hon. Cecilia Ogwal.Mr. President, I think I am receiving that mentorship in a way of moving the Pan African Parliament (PAP) forward. Whereas a Motion has been passed today to congratulate Hon. Cecilia Atim Ogwal, I am also aware that there are many great women and men who have passed through this Parliament and they have done a tremendous job in their respective countries; most of whom are Ministers and to the extent that now, the PAP has Presidents.I am, therefore, amending the Motion that in the future, whoever is promoted from the PAP, even if we do not debate, there should be a strong mention and recognition in the House here.Mr. President, Uganda as a country has promoted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). When we talk about the MDG 3 on women empowerment, as I speak now, I think we have to applaud the President of the Republic of Uganda because the Chief Whip of the ruling party of Uganda, who whips over 200 Members of Parliament (MPs), is a woman. I, therefore, think that a country like that should be recognized.Of course, the appointment of Hon. Cecilia Ogwal is an addition because we would now have two women whipping; Hon. Cecilia Ogwal would be whipping on the Opposition Side while Hon. Kasule Lumumba - who is also a woman - would be whipping on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) side; which I belong to.Mr. President, as a young girl, Hon. Cecilia Ogwal was called "Ms. Uganda;" not because of her beauty, but because she had excelled. She was the only lady who had excelled whilst she was in Senior 3 in a big essay competition. For those brains, she was given a title "Ms. Uganda."Mr. President, after O Levels, Hon. Cecilia Ogwal was among the four girls who were admitted to do commerce in 1996, when commerce was only meant for men. Hon. Cecilia Ogwal emerged the best and got an award in the Indira Gandhi Awards. She got an second class upper honors degree when nobody thought a woman could make it.Mr. President, today we are privileged by so many women at the top positions; the Speaker of the Republic of Uganda is an icon for us; that unlike any other country in Africa, we can have a Speaker who is a woman and they can run countries. We can have presidents; we have seen the likes of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Joyce Banda. I think this is just a space to watch for the future young leaders. In a world where we believe that together, men and women can co-exist.I, therefore, conclude by saying that Hon. Cecilia Ogwal has done us proud as the country of Uganda; she has also done us proud as the PAP and, definitely, as a send off, I second the Motion as has been presented.Thank you very much.

THE PRESIDENTThank you; I give the floor to hon. Suad Al-Fatih Al Badawi from Sudan.

REFERENCE: 1203-094054E

HON. SUAD AL-FATIH AL BADAWI [SUDAN]:Thank you very much, Mr President. I want to start by expressing how sad I am that some people rejected this Motion on the basis of pro-government and antigovernment. This is not the issue here. The issue is that a strong woman in the world is emerging and we have to learn be proud of this.Madam Cecilia is a good friend of mine and I like Madam Cecilia for so many things. Although she is a devoted Christian and I have seen it, most of you do not know this but she constructed a mosque for the Muslim women in her constituency. Who would do this? And now she is a Whip in her Parliament and I think this is the most appropriate portfolio for Cecilia; because we want to expose anything that goes wrong in that Parliament and in Africa.My experience with Uganda is a very happy one. They gave us Mary Mugyenyi before that, and she is one of the jurists of this Parliament and now Cecilia who stood very strongly with and for me - the morale of this Africa. Whatever she said was wisdom and I wish her strength, charisma and success in her new job. I want everybody here, Mr President, to look at this as a pride for Africa; both men and women to be proud that Cecilia is going to be one of our people - in whatever we say about good governance and democracy.Let us hail Cecilia and wish her luck, good life and a successful job in Uganda. I thank you.

THE PRESIDENT:I thank you very much. I now give the Floor to hon. Phillip Makgalemele.

REFERENCE: 1203-094425E

HON. DIKGANG PHILLIP MAKGALEMELE [BOTSWANA]:Mr. President, I rise to support the Motion. I have had the privilege and the honour in working with Hon. Cecilia mainly at the joint Bureau meetings and I have always been inspired by her commitment to the development of Africa. I have also had the privilege of interacting with her during Plenary of the Pan African Parliament.Mr. President, I want to state for the record that, I am not a member of the opposition in my country, but I do value the role of the opposition in our democracy and in any democracy. I also believe that the role of a Chief Whip, be it in government or from the opposition, is very central for the smooth running of any Parliament. As our Hon Colleagues have already indicated, it is a huge responsibility which must be celebrated if one of our Members actually ascends to such a position. I do agree that we should celebrate the success of our Members when they are elevated to higher positions.

REFERENCE: 1203-094651E

HON. BERNADETTE LAHAI [SIERRA LEONE]:Thank you very much, Mr. President. Let me start on this premise. For me, it does not matter whether a Member in this House has been promoted to a higher position or not in their country or in their Parliament. To me, what is Important is that, if we have a Member of Parliament (MP) who has contributed so well in moving this Parliament forward and that Member is leaving us, for that reason, I think it is only fair that we recognize the hard work and contribution of that Member as he or she moves on in life. I always believe in the fact that we should not pay tribute to people when they are lying in the coffin. All what we say and do is just for us, human beings. But whiles the people are alive and they have done well, we should congratulate them and encourage them to do more. I think that is what we are asking to be done here. But what may even be more compelling is that, if that individual is also moving on because of elevation, then the more reason why we should commend or congratulate her.I met Hon. Cecilia in 2007, when both of us were representing our Parliaments in the African Caribbean Pacific European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly (ACP-EU JPA), and she was very instrumental in ensuring that the women’s caucus of the ACP-EU JPA was recognized and became part of the institution of the ACP-EU JPA. I met her again here in 2009, when I came here and I was not surprised that she had made so much contribution over the years. She is a fearless debater and she is also a woman of principle and she has been very objective and at the same time well balanced in her contribution. So, we wish her good luck wherever she is. It is not every day that a woman assumes such a position in the country or in Parliament. I am sure she is going to be an example and also a mentor to many more young women, not only in Uganda, but also wherever she may be working.So, we wish her good luck, a long life, good health and please not forget us in the PAP; you are still useful. I am aware that this Parliament may continue to use her expertise as and when it is needed.Thank you very much.

REFERENCE: 1203-094934E

HON. LUNGWANGWA GEOFFREY [ZAMBIA]:Thank you, Mr President. I am a new Member of the House and I do not know Hon. Cecilia. I have not met her, but I feel obliged to congratulate her on her appointment as Chief Whip of the Opposition in the Ugandan Parliament.Mr President, the position of Chief Whip in the House is an extremely challenging one and calls for holding the presiding officers to adhere to the principle of impartial guardians of the House, and that is not easy. Furthermore, the position of Chief Whip calls for holding the presiding officers to adhere to the cherished value of an impeded debate on the part of Members of Parliament. That again, is not easy.Again, the position of Chief Whip calls for motivating Members of Parliament to maintain a sustainable debate in the House as they are representatives of the people in line with their responsibilities and roles in the House. This is mainly focusing on matters of critical debate, holding the Executive accountable and looking at matters that are of interest to the people they represent. This is not easy. The Whip has a challenging task of ensuring that the reforms that the Parliament is embarking on are taken very seriously and in the interest of Members of Parliament, the institution as well as the interest of the country.These are not easy tasks and we can only wish Hon. Cecilia all the best in this challenging responsibility. Mr President, I felt obliged to add my voice to the congratulations that are coming from the House in support of Hon. Cecilia Ogwal.Mr President, I thank you.

REFERENCE: 1203-095238F

HON. ASSOUMANA MALAM ISSA [NIGER]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Monsieur le Président,S’il faut reconnaître la pertinence de la motion qui nous est soumise ce matin, il faut aussi reconnaître que ceux qui ont proposé qu’il y ait une correction sur le titre, est également à relever parce que, si je prends la parole, c’est beaucoup moins pour féliciter Cécilia que pour lui dire merci pour ce qu’elle a fait au Parlement panafricain.En effet, pendant deux ans et demi que nous venons ici, nous avons relevé que cette grande dame, chaque fois qu’elle intervient au Parlement, a des interventions pertinentes qui font avancer le travail du Parlement panafricain et surtout, elle ne manque pas de souligner le soutien indéfectible qu’elle a pour la promotion de la femme.Je crois que si aujourd’hui elle est promue chef de file de l’opposition chez elle, c’est parce qu’effectivement ce qu’elle a fait ici pendant tout le temps qu’elle était là, elle a su faire mieux chez elle.Monsieur le Président,Personnellement, je dois dire merci à Cécilia.[English 9: 53: 54 - 9: 54:12]Monsieur le Président,Il faudrait donc prendre cela en compte pour dire par exemple - et c’est là que je vais faire une proposition:« Motion de remerciements et d’encouragement à l’Honorable CECILIA ATIM-OGWAL pour sa contribution au travail du PAP et pour sa nomination en tant que chef de file de l’opposition en Ouganda ».Je crois que, comme l’a proposé la Vice-présidente, Jacqueline, il faudrait qu’à chaque fois que quelqu’un du Parlement panafricain est promu, qu’il sente que nous sommes derrière lui et que nous lui sommes reconnaissants. C’est une façon d’exprimer notre reconnaissance en votant ce genre de motion à l’endroit de nos camarades qui ont une promotion au niveau de leurs pays respectifs ou ailleurs.Pour cela, je souhaite que cette motion de remerciements et d’encouragement à Cecilia soit adoptée.Je vous remercie.

REFERENCE: 1203-095510E

HON. MUNTAKA MOHAMMED-MUBARAK [GHANA]:Mr. President, I equally rise to support the Motion before the House and also take this opportunity to congratulate Hon. Cecilia, whom I call ‘mama’ and she says my son. We are happy that she has been elevated.Let me say that this is a very good precedence that we are setting and we need to encourage ourselves. We need to pat each other on the shoulder whenever we excel. It is important to note that we may not find it easy doing it when Members are sitting in the Chamber, but at any time any of us get the privilege of being the President, vice President or whatever position that we elevate to.If a person is leaving us, I think it is important that we encourage the person and let the person know that we are with him or her so that as the person leaves, we will remember that he or she has left behind brothers and sisters who are fighting to give the African people voice.It is on this note that I want to further congratulate my colleague who serve on the Conflict Committee with me and to say that this is one of the strongest women in Africa and we must be very proud of her; not only because she is a woman but because she was very forceful. Anybody in this Chamber who has stayed even up to a year or two would not deny the fact that she speaks with a lot of vigor. She is very convincing. When she makes her mind about something, you need a tonne of explanation to be able to convince her. She is very welcoming and motherly anytime you are with her. We wish her very well and let me take this opportunity as the Chief Whip in Ghana to advice her that there is a big challenge awaiting her. I have no doubt in my mind. I have been the Chief Whip in Ghana for the past 15 months now and I must say that it is a very challenging job.I am told that at one time, the President himself was also a Chief Whip in his country. I must say she is going into a line men area. She has to be firm, which I have no doubt that she would be. She has to be fair and she has to be caring because dealing with your own colleagues is not an easy one but I believe with the experience she has, she would be able to make all of us proud even if she starts as the minority Chief Whip.Let me also add this, we should try to change this nomenclature. In Ghana we do not say competition because the word itself communicates something. It has a psychology telling you that your duty is to oppose. We call it minority. You only have a minor view but it does not mean you are opposing. I believe if all Africa should turn away from calling people ‘opposition’ to minority, it would do us a lot of good. Mr. President, without wasting more time, I thank you for this opportunity.

REFERENCE: 1203-095837E

HON. ISAAC STEPHEN MABILETSA [BOTSANA]:Thank you, Mr. President. I learnt from history that one of the African Presidents used to call himself the "Lion of Africa." I would not mention who it was, but I believe in this particular instance, Hon. Cecilia Atim Ogwal qualifies to be called the "Lioness of Africa." You know, when the lion moves in, each and every soul would feel its presence; and that is how Hon. Cecilia was. I was privileged to work with her, not only in this House, but also in the International Cooperation and Confederation Committee of this House, and I knew her very well. I knew how committed and how brave she is. My only regret is that because we have different parliamentary dispensations and, as a result, in some dispensations when a Member is promoted within Parliament, she still retains that position, like of the PAP Membership. But in others, it means that because it is in a higher position, she has got to relinquish the other one, as is the case with Hon. Cecilia Atim Ogwal. I realize that the Hon. Speaker of Mozambique is still a Member of this House, and I do not see why Hon. Cecilia could not retain her newly acquired job as a whip and, at the same time, become a Member of this House, as Hon. Muntaka Mohammed- Mubarak is.When Hon. Cecilia told me that she was now leaving this House, I asked her "why are you here?" She told me that she was no longer going to continue being a Member of this House because she has been promoted as a Chief Whip and, really, I shivered, knowing what a loss this House was going to suffer; and what a loss the International Co-Operation and Confederation Committee was going to experience.But be as it may be, I recognize that women from Uganda are like any other women from Africa; but Ugandan women are much more powerful. I do not know who in the Ugandan leadership promotes Members of Parliament to chief whip or any such position; but I know the President promotes to cabinet. I know we had Hon. Sarah Kaita Igembe Boli here, who got promoted and now it is Hon. Cecilia; but I do not know whether she was promoted by the President or by the Speaker.Even if the promotion was by the Speaker, as it is the case in our country, I congratulate the Speaker for recognizing the power of the women.(Silence)Mr. President, I wish Hon. Cecilia all the best in her endeavor and in her new role that she has assumed. Congratulations, Hon. Cecilia Atim Ogwal.I thank you.

REFERENCE: 1203-100200E

HON. ONYANGO KAKOBA [UGANDA]:Thank you, Mr. President. As the new leader of the Ugandan Delegation, I want to express our gratitude to the PAP for recognizing one of us. It is a rare occasion that people are recognized when they are alive, but we arehappy that Madam Cecilia has had her share when she can hear for herself. We thank the Parliament for that.Mr. President, most Members have already talked but I would just add a bit on the background of Hon. Cecilia. My sister Hon. Jackline Amongin hinted on it, but, of course, back home we know Hon. Cecilia as someone who is committed and someone who has worked for the country and someone who has really been in politics for quite some time. One quality that we know about her is someone who, when it comes to these international issues she normally puts the country first.For your information, you may need to know that Hon. Cecilia Ogwal is from the Opposition, but when we come here as Ugandans we work together and it is for that reason that she has been our leader of delegation much as she has been in the Opposition. It is our Government that unanimously elected her our leader of delegation.Back home, she had served in various capacities, beginning with her party as the Administrative Secretary. Then, most notably, was the time when we were drafting our Constitution, that is, from 1994. She made a very great contribution to the Constitution that we have now in Uganda. She was an inspiration. I remember very well Hon. Cecilia’s contributions were the ones that inspired me as a young man then and I offered myself to stand and I was first elected in Parliament in 1996 because of what I learnt from her.So, Hon. Cecilia has been very committed. Even in PAP here she has done great work. We do believe that even where she is going to serve she would do her work. There is one challenge for the rest of us who are remaining. I think we need to make sure that we work and achieve what Hon. Cecilia has done. I would end with a quote. One of the greatest leaders of this world, Abraham Lincoln, once said that if you are not recognized, do not complain. What you must do is to make sure that you work harder and make yourself worthy of being recognized. Hon. Cecilia Ogwal has made herself worthy of recognition and we wish her luck in her new endeavors.I thank you very much.

REFERENCE: 1203-100446E

HON. MASTER GOYA [BOTSWANA]:I thank you very much, Mr President. Allow me to also thank Prof. Ahmed Ali from Sudan for moving this Motion. I want to thank him because in the African culture, it is rare for us to talk good things about someone when he or she is still alive. So, professor, you have given us an opportunity to say good things about Hon. Cecilia Ogwal whiles she is still alive so that she gets to hear all these good things that are being said about her.It goes without saying that Hon. Cecilia Ogwal hit the ground running when she first came to the Pan-African Parliament. She made her presence felt by way of making intelligent contributions in this House. Those intelligent contributions were characterised by her strong and very loud voice. She shall surely be missed and it is a pity, unfortunate and so sad that we are losing her at a time when we, as a Parliament, are trying to find our feet in the transformation process.Although it has been said that Africa needs strong institutions for its development agenda. I fervently believe that Africa also needs strong women - the likes of Cecilia Ogwal, for its development agenda.I shall surely miss her and can only wish her all the best in her new role as the Chief Whip of the Opposition in Uganda. I thank you very much, Mr President.

REFERENCE: 1203-100710F

HON. OBAMI-ITOU ANDRÉ [CONGO]:Merci Honorable Président.Je suis heureux que nous soyons revenus à la procédure, c’est-à-dire une motion présentée donne l’objet aux députés de la débattre. Je suis heureux d’entendre beaucoup de choses sur notre collègue Cecilia. Ce sont de très bonnes choses, au sein comme en dehors de l’hémicycle et même dans sa vie privée, puisqu’on a dit qu’elle est une bonne chrétienne. Donc, on connaît maintenant beaucoup sur cette grande dame.Monsieur le Président,Chers collègues,Je ne suis pas contre! Tout à l’heure je voulais que le débat s’instaure. Nous sommes dans un Parlement, il faut le débat! Il faut qu’on se comprenne et que certaines décisions se prennent même par consensus, c’est-à-dire sans qu’on ait besoin de voter.Je suis heureux d’entendre tout ceci, mais je me suis élevé contre la formulation. Par après, j’ai eu un collègue, je crois du Niger, qui m’a appuyé.La formulation n’est pas bonne!Je soutiens la motion de félicitations, mais pas sous cette formulation.C’est pourquoi je propose ceci par rapport à ce qui est écrit:« Motion de félicitations à l’Honorable Cecilia ATIM-OGWAL nommée chef de file de l’opposition au sein de son parlement, pour ses contributions positives au sein du Parlement panafricain et audelà ».Voilà, je voulais une formulation de ce genre, mais je ne suis pas contre!Ceux qui croient en cela, les hommes comme les femmes, ont tort.Moi qui vous parle, je suis Président d’une Chambre du Sénat de mon pays, mais je suis ici depuis 2004 et je siège parce que je veux savoir où veut aller le Parlement panafricain.Merci Honorable Président.(Applaudissements)

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HON. DAVID PIERRE [SEYCHELLES]:Mr President, I am also a newcomer to PAP and I do not know Hon. Cecilia that well or personally. However, during my short time here, I have come to know that she has shown very strong leadership qualities in her responsibilities towards PAP. I have also come to know that she has immensely contributed towards the progress that has been made by PAP.Therefore, I also know that her contributions would be very sadly and badly missed. However, Mr President, today, Uganda must be proud. I say this because, Uganda, like any other country in the world, needs a strong Opposition in order to move the country forward on a true democratic path.However, Mr President, a strong opposition can only be if they have a strong, capable and well disciplined opposition Whip, and Uganda must be proud because in Hon. Cecilia, they have just but one.I have therefore, absolutely no doubt that Hon. Cecilia will ensure that the Hon. Members of the Opposition would work conscientiously in the interest of the country, and through the hard work and strong discipline, they would aim to achieve a Uganda where there is prosperity and unquestionable democracy. This would entail transparency, accountability and good governance.Therefore, I congratulate Hon. Cecilia upon her new appointment as the Opposition Chief Whip. I wish her the best because I know that it is not going to be an easy task. I speak here as an Opposition Member and I do not have difficulty dealing with the Opposition Members of Parliament. So, I wish her well and may God bless her in her new task.Thank you, Mr President.

REFERENCE: 1203-101425F

HON. ZALIKATOU DIALLO [GUINÉE]:Merci Monsieur le Président de m’avoir donné l’opportunité de m’exprimer sur un tel événement, événement selon lequel une dame, députée du Parlement panafricain, est promue chef de file de l’opposition du Parlement de son pays.Je suis nouvelle au niveau de ce Parlement, donc vous conviendrez aisément avec moi, que je ne l’ai ni connue, ni côtoyée. Mais je me suis dit qu’en tant que femme, je ne pourrais rester de marbre face à un tel événement qui intéresse une dame qui a fait ses preuves ici, au niveau du Parlement panafricain, en témoignent les déclarations faites par les membres du Parlement ici, présents sur les valeurs qu’incarnait cette dame.J’ai été confortée dans cette position lorsqu’un membre du Parlement de l’Ouganda a fait des témoignages sur ce qu’elle a eu à faire dans son propre pays et aussi les membres du Parlement ici, ont parlé des contributions qu’elle a eu à apporter au sein du Parlement panafricain. Tout porte à croire ainsi, que le choix porté sur sa personne par ses collègues de l’opposition pour être chef de file, n’est pas fortuit. En Afrique et par tout ailleurs, une femme chef de file de l’opposition n’est pas monnaie courante.Ceci étant, je ne me tromperais sûrement pas d’affirmer qu’elle doit être une dame qui défend des valeurs, des valeurs qui ont marqué de façon indélébile ses collègues de l’opposition en Ouganda.Je pense qu’elle est donc partie pour s’inscrire, de manière positive, dans le registre de l’histoire de son pays et surtout du Parlement panafricain.Je souhaite qu’elle contenue à défendre les femmes africaines en général et toutes les femmes du monde en particulier.Je souhaite que la réussite brise tous les obstacles pour elle.Je suis en faveur de la motion et je souhaite qu’elle soit adoptée.Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1203-101720E

HON OKUPA ELIJAH [UGANDA]:Thank you, Mr President. I want to join my Hon Colleagues in supporting the Motion here today. We are proud to be congratulating Hon. Cecilia Ogwal for the elevation to that position. Hon. Cecilia Ogwal is not a stranger to hard work. When she was appointed Chief Whip back home, and her name was announced in Parliament, you should have seen the jubilations from both the rulingparty and us, in the Opposition. So, I am not surprised today that we are receiving such support and messages and words of encouragement and congratulations from PAP. Thank you PAP for giving us this opportunity to be thank Hon. Cecilia in her presence.Hon. Cecilia Ogwal was the first woman secretary general of the Uganda People’s Congress, the party that gained Uganda her independence. So, she has been a tested person. I have heard Hon. Members here saying they had shivers going through them when they heard that Hon. Cecilia is moving back home. My party president did appoint Hon. Cecilia to go back and take charge in preparing us for taking over power in the next elections. So, we need back her home to re-organise and to move the party to victory.Hon. Colleagues, yes it is true we missed her and we needed her the most at home. I come here today as a perfect substitute for Hon. Cecilia Ogwal to carry on from where she stopped. Back home, I have been her boss in charge of administration and welfare in the Parliament of Uganda. I know her and she was one of the first women MPs to stand on affirmative action and she has been representing her constituency directly elected and not as an interest group. It is just in the recent elections that she represented interest groups such as women, but originally, for over twenty years, she contested with men and beat them hands down. So, that is the Hon. Cecilia Ogwal.Hon. Colleagues, Hon. Cecilia Ogwal fought for the return of multi-partism in Uganda. So, Hon. Cecilia is not a stranger to being a strong and accurate lady as she fought for the return of multi-partism in Uganda. So, we want to thank you, Hon. Colleagues for the opportunity that you have given us. Thank you for the kind words for Hon. Cecilia Ogwal and Uganda. May God bless you and bless Hon. Cecilia Ogwal.I thank you.

REFERENCE: 1203-102048E

HON. SARAH SAYIFWANDA [ZAMBIA]:Thank you very much Mr. President. From the onset, I would really like to thank you sincerely for having recognized the importance of women in decision making. Back home in Zambia, three days ago we celebrated the International Women’s Day; and Mr. President, this is what you have done to the women today, that you want to encourage women who have remained behind to be engaged in important decision making.Mr. President, in adding my voice to this very important motion, I would say, if it was possible for me I would play a song entitled ‘ Strength of a Woman’ by Shaggy, which talks about a woman in the home. Every morning when you wake up, a scent that you get from that home is of a woman and that is what a woman is.Mr. President, when I came last year to PAP, the first sister I met was Cecilia. Up to now as she is leaving, Cecilia called me sister Sarah and I call her sister Cecilia.As a believer, we shared a lot. I have no doubt that the portfolio she is going to hold in Uganda is going to mold a lot of women in that country. Cecilia is a fearless debater and I know whipping in Uganda - most of the new MPs are going to know how to debate in that Parliament.Cecilia is a peace-maker. Even here Mr. President, whenever there was a problem, Cecilia would come in and make peace and at the same time provide a decision. It is very rare for a woman to make a decision but Cecilia was number one in that one.Mr. President, I have no doubt that Cecilia is going to carry the flag for African women in Uganda Parliament because Cecilia has been a great achiever in her life.I was not ashamed when this Motion came on the floor about Cecilia, that she had been appointed to be the Chief Whip for Ugandan Parliament and I believe the Lord Jesus Christ whom we believe in that this is not going to be the last portfolio Cecilia is going to hold. Why not a President in that country and it is going to happen. All women are definitely going to travel to congratulate her on that day. I would want to say to Cecilia that we promise; as women, to keep our candles burning. I congratulate Madam Cecilia.Thank you very much.

REFERENCE: 1203-102412E

HON. BERNADETA KASABAGO MUSHASHU [TANZANIA]:Thank you very much, Mr. President. I also commend the Mover of this Motion and I propose that such a Motion should continue so that we would recognize Members who have contributed greatly to our vision and all those strong personalities. I was also going to propose that, maybe at the Pan African Parliament (PAP), we should introduce some album to document and put in pictures or photographs of all those who have been Members of PAP, together with all those who have been stong personalities in PAP, as they do in other parliaments.Mr. President, I congratulate Hon. Cecilia Atim, who has been appointed as Opposition Chief Whip in the Uganda Parliament. I knew Hon. Cecilia since she joined PAP. She is friendly, motherly, loving, religious and respectable; she has all the qualities that a leader needs to have. She has been a model to most of us. We admired her due to her competence, diverse knowledge, the level of her fluency, being articulate, vocal, confident and strong. We also admired her due to her commitment to whatever work or assignment she is given and her ability to adjust to different situations. Hon. Cecilia would always continue to look young because she is very selective on what to eat; that is why she always looks energetic and young.I congratulate Hon. Cecilia because she has been promoted; not just because she is a woman, but because she is experienced and competent for the job. I call upon all Heads of States and Governments, and heads of institutions to promote women to leadership positions and decision making positions because in each country and in each institution now, there are ladies of such qualities like Hon. Cecilia.(Applause)As the Chairperson of the Women Caucus in PAP, and on behalf of the other Hon. Ladies in PAP, Hon. Cecilia; the mother of Africa, our icon, we are proud of you. Hon. Cecilia, we will miss you, but I promise you that we will continue to Liaise with you and engage with you on issues affecting humanity and women of Africa.Thank you, Mr. President.(Applause)

REFERENCE: 1203-102725F

HON. SOW DIAWARA AÏSSATOU [SÉNÉGAL]:Merci Monsieur le Président de m’avoir permis de prendre la parole, pour la première fois, dans cette Assemblée.Personnellement, je ne connais pas Mme Cecilia, mais par solidarité féminine, je ne pouvais pas rester insensible à cette motion. Combattante pour la cause de la femme, je suis dans plusieurs associations pour que les femmes puissent être les égales des hommes, puissent avoir leur place dans la société, surtout dans les instances de décisions.Déjà, être à cette Assemblée n’est pas une petite affaire! Alors, si aujourd’hui Mme Cecilia est promue chef de file de l’opposition dans son pays, cela veut dire que c’est une femme qu’il faut apprécier, qu’il faut en tout cas honorer.Je crois que cette motion n’est pas venue tout simplement parce qu’elle fait du bon travail dans cette Assemblée, mais c’est parce qu’elle est promue chef de file de l’opposition dans son pays, que cette motion a été présentée. Ceci pour répondre à notre doyen qui disait tout à l’heure que cette motion ne doit pas être faite parce qu’elle est promue chef de file de l’opposition, mais plutôt pour le travail qu’elle fait dans cette Assemblée.Je crois que chacun de nous fait de son mieux parce qu’il a été envoyé par son pays dans cette Assemblée et que nous voulons réussir notre mission. Donc, ce qu’elle a fait pour cette Assemblée, elle l’a fait parce qu’elle est ce qu’elle est; elle l’a fait parce qu’elle y croit.Mais aujourd’hui, si elle a été promue dans son pays, c’est parce qu’elle a fait un plus là-bas et toutes les femmes de cet hémicycle - cette motion devrait d’ailleurs venir d’une femme - nous devrions la féliciter, la plébisciter parce qu’elle fait honneur à nous, les femmes de l’Afrique.Mais je crois que toute cette Assemblée devrait accepter cette motion parce que c’est pour lui donner un tonus pour qu’elle fasse plus, car demain elle pourra être Présidente de la République de l’Ouganda.Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1203-103000F

HON. OBAMI-ITOU ANDRÉ [CONGO]:Merci Honorable Président.Je voudrais présenter cet amendement à la motion sans état d’âme, sans sentiments mais en toute responsabilité. J’ai connu notre collègue Cecilia et tout ce qui est dit sur elle est juste, Honorable Président. Personne ne peut contester les valeurs qu’incarne cette dame.Ma proposition est celle-ci:« Motion de félicitations et d’encouragement à l’Honorable Cecilia ATIM-OGWAL, nommée chef de file de l’opposition dans son pays pour toutes ses contributions positives au sein du Parlement panafricain et au-delà ».Cela englobe le tout, Honorable Président. On ne peut pas aller dans les détails! Tout ce qu’elle a fait ici et audelà, cela veut dire en Ouganda comme ailleurs. C’est important de reconnaître tout cela. C’est le Plénum du Parlement du panafricain qui le reconnaît. Tout le monde n’a pas eu ces honneurs.Donc, si aujourd’hui nous faisons ce débat, faisons-le sereinement, sans passion. Ce n’est pas une affaire des femmes contre les hommes ou des hommes contre les femmes.(Applaudissements)C’est une question de responsabilité, de bon sens, de réflexion, de comprendre! Je crois qu’il n’y a pas de discrimination, il n’y a pas de différence à faire lorsqu’il s’agit de reconnaître les valeurs d’une personne; je mets « personne » avec « P » majuscule.Donc ceux qui essaient de ramener le débat en le tirant par le bas, ce n’est pas ma conception. J’élève plutôt notre collègue Cecilia! Je l’élève parce que c’est pour la première fois qu’une personne vivante ait cet honneur! Le reste c’est le plus souvent après que Dieu l’ai rappelée que nous lui rendons hommage.Merci Honorable Président, voici ma contribution et l’amendement à la motion.(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1203-103251EF

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much; is there a Seconder?

[French: 10:32:49 -10:32:50]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Précision, Monsieur le Président!

THE PRESIDENTYes, honorable?

[French: 10: 32:56 - 10: 32:57]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Précision, Monsieur le Président!

THE PRESIDENTYes, honorable?

French (10: 33:00 - 10: 33:33]

HON. ASSOUMANA MALAM ISSA [NIGER]:Oui, Monsieur le Président, nous avons donc pris soin de faire la proposition qui vous a été soumise par mon aîné, pour tenir compte de toutes les contributions que l’Honorable Cecilia a faites au niveau du Parlement panafricain et surtout avec les informations qu’on a eues du Soudan, on a compris qu’elle est vraiment d’une dimension internationale. C’est cela que nous avons proposé d’ajouter: « au Parlement panafricain et au-delà ».Pour que tout le monde soit au même diapason, je soutiens cette proposition de rectification de la motion.(Applaudissements)

[French: 10: 33:37-10: 33:38]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Précision, Monsieur le Président!

THE PRESIDENTHon. Members, there is an amendment on the Floor that the Motion should read as follows:-"That the Pan African Parliament resolves to ccongratulate Hon. Cecilia Atim Ogwal, upon her new appointment as the Opposition Chief Whip in her National Parliament for all her positive contributions to the works of the Pan African Parliament and beyond.(Question of the amendment put and agreed to)

[French: 10:34:15 - 10:34:18]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Précision, Monsieur le Président!Monsieur le Président, précision!

THE PRESIDENTThe amendment has been agreed to.Yes, you have the Floor now.

[French: 10:34:29 -10:35:26]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Monsieur le Président, merci de me donner la parole.Nous sommes d’accord pour la motion, mais je crois que quelques termes méritent d’être clarifiés.Ici, quand on parle de nomination, c’est un acte formel. Est-ce que Mme Cecilia a fait l’objet d’un acte formel de la part de l’opposition ou même de la direction du pays? Ça c’est la première question!Deuxième question, par rapport à cela et pour éviter des amalgames, je voudrais qu’on reformule la motion de la manière suivante:« Motion de félicitation à l’Honorable Cecilia ATIM- OGWAL reconnue comme chef de file de l’opposition au sein du Parlement de son pays ».Le terme « reconnue » n’a pas la même valeur que le terme « nomination ».Merci Monsieur le Président.

THE PRESIDENTThank you. As per our rules, you can put your amendments in writing and forward it to the Clerk and I will look at it.Hon. Members, we have come to the end of one hour on the debates; I now call upon hon. (Prof.) Awad Hag Ali Ahmed to respond.

HON. AWAD HAG ALI AHMED [SUDAN]:Thank you very much Mr President. The good works we had was a consensus appreciation of the excellent work of Madam Cecilia in this Parliament, it is the strongest indication of this Motion and the Motion consists of two parts. The first part is the appreciation of her contribution and the second part is congratulating her on her appointment. I said the amendment of this Motion is all right, as I do not see any problem of including her contribution towards her congratulations of her new job.Thank you, very much.

REFERENCE: 1203-103558E

REFERENCE: 1203-103646EF

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, the question before the House is that we should adopt the Motion as amended.(English stopped at 10:37 a.m.)

[French: 10:36:51 -10:39:45]

HON. SALEH KEBZABO [TCHAD]:Une information, Monsieur le Président!Juste une information, Monsieur le Président!

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. KEBZABO!

[French: 10:36:59 - 10:38:58]

HON. SALEH KEBZABO [TCHAD]:Je vous remercie beaucoup, Monsieur le Président.Il n’est pas question pour moi de remettre le débat en cause. Mais après avoir écouté tout le monde, je reste un peu circonspect car il y un problème qui se pose: c’est un problème de culture, un problème de langues, une question de pratique parlementaire.Quand vous intitulez « nomination », l’ami francophone vous dira que pour une « nomination », il faudrait un acte. On ne répond pas à la question! Donc, la traduction ici, pose problème. Quand j’écoute les différents intervenants anglophones, j’ai l’impression que ce n’est pas la même chose qui est perçue par les francophones.Quelqu’un vient de me donner une explication qui se résume comme suit: on n’est pas nommé chef de l’opposition, on est nommé chef d’un groupe disciplinaire au sein de l’Assemblée. Or quand on traduit en français, il est nommé chef de l’opposition, c'est-à-dire de toute l’opposition du pays. Ce qui, apparemment, n’est pas le cas.Donc, faisons attention aux mots qu’on va employer pour ne pas retomber dans des travers après et qu’on nous accuse, quant on va prendre le texte français, il ne correspond pas à la réalité de la culture anglophone. Donc, il faut qu’on fasse très attention à cela.Puisque j’ai la parole, je vais finir, Monsieur le président, pour dire qu’il faut ne faut pas que certains pensent que d’autres s’opposent à Cecilia; Cecilia est une femme de valeur.J’aurais aimé l’avoir comme épouse.(Rires aux éclats de la salle)D’autres plus jeunes que moi auraient aimé l’avoir comme mère, et ils l’ont dit, d’autres encore auraient aimé l’avoir comme sœur, ils l’ont dit, elles l’ont dit également. Donc, c’est une femme de valeur, sa voix marque ici, quand elle parle! Elle tonne plus qu’un homme! Comme on dit chez nous, un homme qui porte un pantalon, ce n’est pas une femme.(Rires aux éclats de la salle)Donc, Madame Cecilia a de la valeur! Et s’il vous plaît, ne galvaudons pas cela parce que parfois quand j’entends parler d’elle, on dirait qu’elle est morte! Elle n’est pas morte, elle est bien vivante!Faisons attention à cette motion afin qu’elle traduise exactement ce que nous voulons pour qu’on ne se trompe pas.Merci Monsieur le Président.(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1203-103957E

HON. JACQUELINE AMONGIN [UGANDA]:Thank you very much, Mr. President. Before I read this Motion, I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to bring this Motion, especially at a time when the Pan African Parliament (PAP) is celebrating its 10^th Anniversary. We know that there are so many people who are behind the formation of the PAP and, therefore, the name of a great man; the name of an icon; the name of Nelson Mandela should be at the forefront.Hon. Members and colleagues, allow me to move a Motion to pay tribute to the PAP in celebrating the 10^thAnniversary of the Pan African Parliament existence, and to move a Motion to pay tribute to the former President of South Africa, none other than His Excellency, Nelson Mandiba Mandela.Mr. President, noting with high appreciation the values defended by the Former President of South Africa HE Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, cognizance must be taken of his quest to bring equality in Africa and to defend the Rights of the most vulnerable in society, especially the young, the children, the youth and the women;Recognizing the legacy he has left, not only for the South Africa, Africa and the whole world.Noting the strong lessons learnt from him, who after serving 27years in jail was voted and served for one five year term as president of South Africa; even at a time when he was the most popular person in the world;Acknowledging the great contribution of His Excellency Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela for the launch of the PAP Trust fund in 2007;Therefore, Mr. President, as we celebrate the 10 years of existence of this House in Gallagher, South Africa, I would like to move that the Pan-African Parliament resolves:(i)To join the rest of the world in celebrating the life and legacy of the fallen hero, His Excellency Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.(ii)That the 11^th July, the UN designated Day for Mandela, is recognized by PAP to bring together young leaders from all over the world to appreciate and discus issues of democracy, peace, security, health, education, among others as were cherished by the fallen hero, His Excellency Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.Mr. President, in his own words, he had this to say:-"During my lifetime, I have dedicated myself to the struggle of the African people; I have fought against white domination; I have fought against the black domination; I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve, but if needs be, it is an idea for which I am prepared to die."His Excellency Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela said these words when he was facing charges of sabotage in April, 1964.Mr. President, I beg to move.

REFERENCE: 1203- 104438E

HON. EVELYN NAWASES [NAMIBIA]:Thank you Mr President. I beg to second the Motion that was moved by my Hon. Colleague.

REFERENCE: 1203-104547E

HON. ELIZABETH AGYEMAN [GHANA]:Thank you Mr. President for the opportunity given to me this morning to pay a tribute to Mr. Nelson Mandela, one of Africa’s great men. South Africa, as we all know, has gone through some difficult times in the past - apartheid! We learnt about this when we were in the school but some of us never experienced this in our countries. I remember sometime ago in the United States of America I watched a movie called Cry Freedom. The Author of this movie played a role of Steve Biko, who was also one of the greatest men of South Africa. In that movie, I got to know a lot about what South Africa went through, the beatings, the killings and others, and I said to myself, how can people live in their own continent and face all these problems; and it happened.We have learnt a lot and we have heard a lot about him.Some of us have had the opportunity to meet him at certain places. We never spoke to him even though we were able to shake his hands, but he was a great man.South Africa adored Nelson Mandela very much. He was not there for only South Africa. He was there for the whole Africa. I always compare Mandela to my former President, President Nkrumah of Ghana. They were colleagues, they worked together. We know how great President Nkrumah was. President Nelson Mandela had the opportunity to live for a long time, but President Nkrumah did not. Some of us are lucky to have such great men as our leaders.Today, we are here paying tribute to him as a great man of Africa.

REFERENCE: 1203-104926P

HON. JAIME BESSA AUGUSTO NETO [MOZAMBIQUE]:Muito obrigado Senhor Presidente. Para mim foi com muita emocao que me inscrevi para juntamente com os colegas prestar tributo ao camarada Nelson Mandela, primeiro Presidente negro da África do Sul.Eu sou muito pequeno para falar de Nelson Mandela porque este, aqui na África do Sul, é considerado herói de liberdade e da tolerancia; e para nós jovens é um exemplo bastante grande por seguir.Para conhecer Nelson Mandela e a sua grandeza, eu percorri o Museu de Rivónia e a sua casa no Soweto, e gostaria de saber mais do antigo prisioneiro número 46664 da prisao Ruben Island.Em vida, Nelson Mandela dedicou-se a paz na África do Sul e na luta contra o Apartheid que mostrou ao mundo o seu sentido de perdao depois de longa caminhada que percorreu para a liberdade e libertacao dos sul africanos que viviam na discriminado racial.Madiba como assim todos nós o conhecemos é um político de dimensao internacional que surpreendeu o mundo quando em 1994 juntou no novo hino nacional duas músicas que eram antagónicas primeiro o hino nacional da África do Sul do Apartheid que se chama "The Call" e do ANC "Kosikelele Africa" ou seja "Deus abencoe África" para criar uma nova harmonía musical e racial.Tata Mandela ou simplesmente Madiba é uma figura histórica e de dimensao e de reconhecimento mundial, nao só por reconhecer que os sul africanos unidos brancos e negros é que podiam vencer os obstáculos que travam o desenvolvimento social no mundo, mas também porque permitiu que nao houvesse ódio racial após o fim do Apartheid.Confesso que nao saberei dizer muito sobre esta figura emblemática da África do Sul e do nosso continente e do mundo. Mas uma verdade eu poderei dizer, ele tornou os sul africanos negros e de cor cidadaos sul africanos e, por isso, o seu legado durará para sempre. Por isso, nós que damos voz a muitos africanos que nao tem voz, como proposto nesta mocao, devíamos instituir o dia 11 de Julho para celebrarmos Mandela e recordarmos os seus ensinamentos para que a África viva em plena liberdade e alcance a prosperidade.Muito obrigado Senhor Presidente.

REFERENCE: 1203-105217E

AN HONORABLE MEMBER [UGANDA]:Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity. When the President died, it threw the world into unchartered waters.Mr. President, in him, Africa lost a real role model and father who taught by example. He hated injustice and I hope African and world leaders learn something from him. Shall we ever see the likes of Nelson Mandela in Africa? We can only pray. Nelson Mandela fought a good fight and bowed out with great reverence.Mr. President, I want to thank South Africa for sharing with us Nelson Mandela. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

REFERENCE: 1203-105334A

HON. BECHIR CHAMMAM [TUNISIA]:شكرا السيد الرئيس،الزمالء األعزاء،السالم عليكم،نا فخور جدا أن أقف لإلشادة بهذه القامة السامقة إلفريقيا )نيلسون مانديال( بالقيم التي ناضل من أجلها،حيث كان من الشخصيات التي دعمت تونس وشعبها ودعم ثورة الربيع العربي التي انطلقت من تونس،وهي بدورها دعمته أيام كفاحه، رسميا وشعبيا، فرسميا على لسان الرئيس الراحل الحبيب أبو رقيبة وشعبيا أيضا، نحن اآلن نشيد بهذا الرجل وما قدمه من نصائح ثمينة للثورة التونسية بعد قيامها،ومواقفه الداعمة لقوى التحرر في تونس وعلى رأسها الحركة اإلسالمية )حركة النهضة(،حيث كان له موقفا مشجعا لها،وكانت له نصائح ثمينة قدمها لهذه الحركة،فنحن نفتخر كـأفارقة بالزعيم وتونس بالتحديد باعتبارها هي التي أهدت هذا االسم ألفريقيا ،فاالسم الحقيقي ألفريقيا هو تونس،حيث كانت في العهد القديم تسمى إفريقيا ثم تعمم هذا االسم على القارة بأكملها،فهنالك إلى حد اآلن فريق رياضي بتونس اسمه النادي اإلفريقي نسبة إلى إفريقيا.نحن كأفارقة نعتز ونفتخر بهذا الزعيم الدولي وبهذا المناضل الكبير الذي ناضل ضد التمييز العنصري وترفع عن المناصب السياسية، حقيقة مانديال لم يمت بل هو حي بحياة المبادئ التي ناضل من أجلها والحياة هي حياة المبادئ وليست حياة شخص.

REFERENCE: 1203-105547E

HON. P.C. BAI KURR KANAGBARO [SIERRA LEONE]:Thank you, Mr. President. I am sure anybody could speak and say everything about this great man. Somebody mentioned early on that when I he was in form one in his school.(Silence)^my beloved country about South Africa how people were treated. As a little boy, I was so angry and I felt so bad that the black man all over the world is not well treated. Fortunately for us at that time, we had boys and girls who went to the same school with us, whose fathers were refugees in Sierra Leone; the Bomans, the Zulus, some of them were my friends and I just had a meeting with one of them this morning, Richard Boman. We were in the same class; same dormitory and we have been friends for life. This is what the great man has done for the world; he stood against segregation and racism, not only for the people of South Africa; not only for the black race, not only for the people of the African Continent, but for the entire people of the world. He stood for the freedom of mankind all over the world. You can only compare him to the great late President Lincoln of the United States of America who declared slavery illegal; or the President of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah - may his soul rest in perfect peace. I can remember that in 2000, they made people on BBC to name the most renowned black man of the 20^th Century; and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was first---

REFERENCE: 1203-105757E

HON. TSEPO MONETHI [LESOTHO]:Thank you Mr. President for allowing me an opportunity to say a few words about this fallen African hero.Nelson Mandela has shown dedication and devotion to his people since his early stages of his life, hence he became a staunch member of the African National Congress. He was down to earth, respectful and yet a persistent person. Mr. President, we will all remember that when all peaceful means used in the struggle had failed, he convinced his followers and the then the President of the then African National Congress that the only effective means to fight apartheid was through violence. He travelled all the corners of the world looking for funds for his organization.Indeed, it is common knowledge to everyone that he spent a better part of his life in jail. He had sacrificed his life and respect of his wife and children in return for the freedom of his people.Mr. President, in 1994 after the very first democratic elections in the Republic of South Africa, he lead South Africa with wisdom; a gift given so generously to him by God. All achieved Mr. President, he stepped down giving way to younger and more energetic generation to continue in the leadership of South Africa.I will always admire and remember him for this famous statement that he made and I quote: "during my life, I have dedicated myself to the struggle of African people and I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination and I have cherished the ideal"

REFERENCE: 1203-110017F

HON. IGNACE NDEBO AKANDA [RÉPUBLIQUE DÉMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO]:Monsieur le Président,Je vous remercie de m’avoir donné la parole.J’emprunterais le terme à mon collègue de Sierra Leone, l’Honorable KANAGBARO, lorsqu’il dit qu’on n’aura jamais assez les mots et les termes pour encenser l’illustre disparu qu’était Nelson MANDELA. Et l’ancien Président des États-Unis, George Walker BUSH a dit à l’occasion de son décès, que le monde a été différent parce que Nelson MANDELA y a vécu.Monsieur le Président,Hélas, je ne serais pas prolixe en disant que je ne suis pas de son époque, mais à tout le moins, j’ai vécu son époque, parce que si hier, l’Afrique a eu les pères de l’indépendance tels que Kwame NKRUMAH, Sékou TOURÉ, Ahmed Ben BELLA, Habib BOURGUIBA, etc. aujourd’hui nous pouvons dire, sans peur d’être contredit, que l’Afrique a également son père de la démocratie, son père de la liberté, en la personne de Nelson MANDELA.Pendant tous ses combats en tant qu’activiste, en tant qu’avocat, en tant que Président de la République et même prisonnier, en tant que sage, Monsieur le Président, il n’a cessé d’être à l’écoute de toutes les voix pour la recherche de la justice sociale afin de promouvoir la paix, les droits humains et le droit international.Je voudrais donc inviter chacun d’entre nous, ici présent ou ailleurs, à prendre chaque jour, chaque instant, des dispositions, des attitudes pour contribuer à l’amélioration du monde pour le mieux, faire de chaque jour de notre existence, un jour « MANDELA ».MANDELA est mort, vive MANDELA!Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1203-110317E

HON. DIKGANG PHILLIP MAKGALEMELE [BOTSWANA]:Thank you, Mr President. I want to start by thanking the presenter of the Motion Hon. Jacqueline and the seconder Hon. Evelyn.Mr President, this Parliament would not have been complete without it debating this Motion. The late former President of South Africa, Nelson Madiba Mandela is an icon in different faces and therefore, his life should be celebrated in every quarter of this world.Mr President, as we celebrate this great life, we must ask ourselves what we can learn from this life. For me, three things stand out and these are: his commitment to democracy, development and empowerment and his belief in forgiveness. The fact that he decided to forgive, despite having spent 27 years in prison, and on the eve of democracy in South Africa, he mobilised the South Africans and urged them to forgive against the death of Chris Hani. The third thing which stands out for me is the fact that as a leader, he served for a very short time, served himself well and lived to be respected for the rest of his life. So, these three things stand out and we should cherish them. Mr President, I support the Motion.I thank you.

REFERENCE: 1203-110511E

HON. DOMINIC A. B. NITIWUL [GHANA]:Thank you, Mr President for the opportunity to contribute to this Motion. Let me add my voice and say that I fully endorse and subscribe to this Motion and to ask Hon. Members to vote for this Motion. It is a historic Motion and I wish you all to support it.The leadership qualities of Nelson Mandela have already been espoused by many members and I do not want to go back repeating what others have said about his leadership qualities. When I was young boy, we learnt so much about Mandela and South Africa, to the extent that I can really sing the national anthem of South Africa as I stand now.But Mr President, there are lessons that we need to learn and these lessons are, I would say, that we should celebrate not just Nelson Mandela as African but we should celebrate all others who helped in fighting the cause for which we are celebrating today. The Desmond Tutus, the Chris Hanis, the Walter Sisulus - we should celebrate all of them throughout. It is very important.One thing that Mandela made before he left this world was to sacrifice personally, to the extent that he sacrificed two of his marriages to free his people. That is not something that all of us can do as a person. It is important that South Africans and the whole of Africa learn the lessons that Nelson Mandela left behind; that we are one people and we should protect our people. We should forgive the people who wrong us, we should protect those who wrong us, we should love peace, we should be united and we should treat human beings as equals. That is the reason why for me, the history of this country in particular - where we stand, should be like the United States of America where everybody is welcomed and treated as equal and as objective as possible. It is very important that we do that.Mr President, I would just want to conclude by saying that as young people, we should take Mandela s a role model. If Mandela had worked along the faith of the Catholic Church, by what he did, I am sure by this time, some people would have been calling him Saint Mandela.So, Mr President, I think we should - (Member timed out_). (Applause)

REFERENCE: 1203-110735E

HON. DR. BERNADETTE LAHAI [SIERRA LEONE]:Thank you, Mr. President. I also want to thank the Mover of this Motion. We learnt that Mandela was not born into a rich family, yet he had a very big and rich heart which led him to fight for his people’s liberation from apartheid. He had a rich heart that led him to prison if only that would mean liberation of his people from apartheid. He had a rich heart even after his imprisonment to forgive his aggressors. He had a rich heart even when he only served for five years and could have gone more, but he decided to step down so that others could lead.Mr. President, these are very good virtues that our current and future leaders must emulate. I want to thank the Mover of this Motion. I want to thank South Africa for giving us such a son of Africa and the world.I thank you very much.

REFERENCE: 1203-110846E

HON PROF GEOFFREY LUNGWANGWA [ZAMBIA]:Thank you Mr. President. Nelson Mandela is truly a gift to Africa and humanity, and this is very important. One thing that Mandela did before he left this world was to sacrifice personally to the extent that he sacrificed two of his marriages to free his people. That is not something all of us can do as a people. It is important that South Africa and the whole of African learn the lessons that Mandela left behind. That we are one people and that we should protect our people. We should forgive people who wrong us, we should protect people who wrong us, and we should treat human beings as equals and we should forgive. That is the reason why for me the history of this country in particular, where we stand should be like the United States of America where everybody is welcomed and treated as equal and as objective as possible. It is very important we do that.Mr. President, I want to conclude by saying that as young people, we should take Mandela as a role model. If Mandela had worked in along the faith of the Catholic Church by the way he lived, I am sure by this time the Catholics should be calling him Saint Mandela. Thank you very much.

REFERENCE: 1203-111010E

HON. GABRIEL B. SMITH [LIBERIA]:Thank you Mr President. Nelson Mandela knew the value of life, to the extent that he dedicated his entire life fighting for justice, freedom and equality for all men. Mandela was a great hero, a true Pan-Africanist, a leader of Africa who worked so well. He was a man of exceptional qualities whose sense of leadership was endearing, not only to Africans but to the world at large.Mandela or Madiba as he was affectionately called, was a true leader and an astute political general who led his army by a clear example. A man who forgave the unforgivable and embraced those who considered him as the bitterest enemy, yet he embraced and hugged them all. He was profound in his thought and perspicacious in his deeds. He was an epitome of great African leadership, one that has left an indelible imprint on the minds of all Africans and the world at large. He went to prison and transformed the prison into a sentinel of hope, a place of justice for all. Indeed, Mandela, we miss you, and Africa will forever remember you. God bless Africa.Thank you.

REFERENCE: 1203-111143F

HON. AKÉ CAMILLE ÉPOUSE AKOUN [CÔTE D’IVOIRE]:Merci Monsieur le Président de me donner la parole.Monsieur le Président,Je voudrais avant de prendre la parole, avec votre permission, demander que nous observions une minute de silence, s’il vous plaît!(Une minute de silence observée)Merci!Monsieur le Président,Merci de me donner la parole.Que pourrais-je encore dire sur le Président MANDELA, après l’intervention de mes collègues?Beaucoup des choses ont été dites. Je voudrais, tout simplement à mon tour, reconnaître que Nelson MANDELA a été un homme hors du commun et un monument pour l’Afrique.Nelson MANDELA a lutté au risque de sa vie pour la libération de son peuple. Il fut l’un des dirigeants historiques de la lutte contre l’apartheid.Nelson MANDELA disait et je cite:« Toute ma vie, je me suis consacré à la lutte pour le peuple noir. J’ai combattu la domination blanche et j’ai combattu la domination noire ».Son humanisme hors pair lui a permis de mettre ensemble des communautés qui, des années durant, se sont combattues.Chers Africains,La douleur de sa disparition devrait plutôt faire place à cette grande fierté que nous ressentons quand nous parlons de ce grand homme qui aura marqué, à jamais, le peuple noir et le monde entier.Repose en paix, MADIBA!(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1203-111430E

HON. ABDISAMAD MOHAMUD HASSAN [SOMALIA]:Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity and I also want to thank the Hon. Members who moved this motion.The first black President of the Republic of South Africa, Nobel Peace Prize winner, His Excellency Nelson Mandela worked very hard for this country. The whole nation of Africa and the world remember his most significant and eternal contribution to humanity. People of South Africa have lost a great man. Nelson Mandela is one of the few statesmen to have achieved almost universal respect around the world and across the political spectrum. He was in prison for much of his adult life, fighting for the freedom of his people against the evil apartheid.Mr. President, I was expecting to make a moment of remembrance to our hero on this session. Thank you very much.

REFERENCE: 1203-111616A

HON. MOHAMED OULD ABAKAR SHEIKH [MAURITANIA]:شكرا السيد الرئيس على إتاحة هذه الفرصة لي ،ألنوه بالخصال الحميدة للقائد الفذ )نيلسون مانديال( ،فأسجل إعجابي و تقديري بقائد القارة األفريقية ،الفذ والملهم بل و للعالم الحر كله ،فخامة الرئيس نيلسون رئيس جمهورية جنوب إفريقيا الراحل ويستلهم من تاريخه ونضاله الكثير من العبر واألخالق الفاضلة وأدعو زعماء شعوب القارة األفريقية أن يجعلوا من نهجه وتاريخه نبراسا يضيء لهم الطريق وأن يحافظوا على بقاء هذا النهج التاريخي حيا باقيا،يقول أحد الشعراء العرب:كم من قوم ماتوا و ما ماتت مكارمهم وكم من قوم عاشوا وهم بين الناس أمواتأطلب نص هذه الالئحة باللغة العربية وأعتمدها،شكرا لكم .

REFERENCE: 1203-111733F

HON. VINCENT DABILGOU [BURKINA FASO]:Merci beaucoup, Monsieur le Président.Monsieur le Président,Il est vraiment difficile de résister à la tentation de soutenir cette motion présentée par l’Honorable AMONGIN Jacqueline que je remercie pour la pertinence de ses mots.Pour moi, la mort de Nelson MANDELA ne doit pas simplement donner lieu à la célébration d’un grand homme. Pour moi et pour beaucoup d’entre nous, c’est le point de départ d’une Afrique qui écrit désormais une nouvelle page de son histoire.Le Président MANDELA, tout le monde reconnaît sa grande sagesse, son altruisme et sa grande compassion. MANDELA a d’abord légué à l’Afrique un héritage moral, dans le sens qu’il enseigne les valeurs du dialogue au nom d’une démocratie fondée sur le respect de l’homme quelle que soit sa couleur, sa race, sa fortune, et j’allais dire quelle que soit sa misère.MANDELA a aussi légué un héritage politique fondé sur la transparence dans la gestion des affaires de l’État. Son combat contre la corruption, par l’exemple, est un point d’honneur pour l’Afrique.Son combat contre l’apartheid a également ouvert la voie au monde post-racial que nous vivons aujourd’hui. MANDELA doit être accepté comme le père de la démocratie en Afrique. Il a traversé les consciences, particulièrement la conscience de la jeunesse africaine. Il n’est pas là aujourd’hui, mais il éclairera à jamais l’histoire [Temps de parole épuisé].

REFERENCE: 1203-111948E

HON. HENRY WILLIE YALLAH [LIBERIA]:Thank you, Mr. President. There is one single reason normally for paying tributes to people. Tributes are even paid to bad people - I have seen it where someone’s mortal remains are lying before everybody and they are saying "this person was a bad man." The single reason for paying tributes is to learn lessons so that you learn the lifestyles of good or bad people. Today’s tribute is paid to a great hero; but what lesson do we learn from him? Mandela was a serious man; he was never greedy. That is the greatest virtue he had, and I would challenge many other poeple who do not have it. We leaders gathered in here need to learn from that. If you are a greedy leader, the first thing that comes to your mind is "I fought, I went to jail for 27 years, I redeemed this country and, so, I must lead to my death." If he had pursued this path of leading to his death, he would have destroyed the legacy he has drawn.What are we going to learn from this? In our smaller worlds and chambers, manipulating constitutions across Africa only to stay and stay on the august Floor. We want to salute Nelson Mandela; the world has given him the honour, we are just symbolizing what the world has already done - to set a day and stand by the United Nations (UN) for a man, that is greater. He fought for every race; let God bless his soul.Thank you.(Applause)

REFERENCE: 1203-112156A

HON. MEAR ALI SIRRO [ETHIOPIA]شكرا سيدي الرئيس،فقدت البشرية وخاصة إفريقيا البطل الزعيم المناضل البار نيلسون مانديال الذي علم العالم المبادئ واألخالق الحميدة،البد أن أتحدث قليال عن إنجازاته ودروسه،فقد كان مناضال ألجل حرية شعبه ضد التمييز العنصري فتحمل جميع المشقات وعاش عشرات السنين خ لف القضبان ألجل الحرية والكرامة ونبذ االضطهاد.سيدي الرئيس،ن المناضل نيلسون مانديال كان المثل األعلى للبشرية عامة فلقد غير األفكار البشرية عندما أصبح في هرم السلطة لم يهتم بالثأر لما حدث له ولشعبه بل سلك طريق التسامح والتعايش بين الشعوب بمختلف العادات والتقاليد ووحد الشعب،ومن بعد ما نادى المناضل البطل الراحل الرئيس نيلسون مانديال بمقالته :"لن نسمح بأن يحرم أي شخص من حريته كما حرمنا ولن نسمح أن يحول أحد إلى الجئ كما كنا ولن نسمح أن يجوع أحدا كما جعنا ولن يجرد أحد من كرامته كما جردنا".

REFERENCE: 1203-112413F

HON. ASSOUMANA MALAM ISSA [NIGER]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Monsieur le Président,Je dois également féliciter Jacqueline pour cette motion qu’elle a proposée pour que nous rendions hommage, en tant que Parlement panafricain, à Nelson MANDELA.Nelson MANDELA qui, de son vivant, a eu le privilège d’entendre tout ce que nous sommes en train de dire aujourd’hui, en témoignent les différents honneurs qui lui ont été faits de son vivant.Je crois qu’il y a une chose à relever, ce que nous ne faisons pas cas de ce qui est de notre responsabilité, de ce qui est de ce lourd héritage que nous devons prendre dans nos mains en tant qu’Africains après sa mort.Pour ma part, je pense que Nelson MANDELA a rempli son contrat. Il est bien de lui rendre hommage, mais il est beaucoup mieux de nous pencher sur que faire de cet héritage que MANDELA nous a laissé? Il nous a laissé tellement de valeurs, les valeurs de pardon - on a entendu et écouté tout ce qu’il a dit quand il a pris le pouvoir - tous les efforts qu’il a déployés pour faire la paix avec la race blanche.Je crois que c’est un symbole, c’est un exemple que les États africains et les chefs d’États doivent prendre et les leaders de façon générale.J’aimerais rapporter une chose importante que MANDELA a dite dans un entretien qu’il a eu avec le capitaine de l’équipe de Springboks en 1995. Il disait « qu’il est bien de considérer que la gestion par l’exemple peut constituer la philosophie du leader ». Mais pour mieux faire, il ajoute « qu’il faut de l’inspiration ». C’est avec l’inspiration que vous pouvez faire en sorte que ceux qui sont autour de vous fassent ce qu’ils ne pensent pas être capables de faire.Les leaders africains, Monsieur le Président, à commencer par vous, à commencer par les chefs d’États et nous tous, nous devrions saisir cette opportunité de prendre MANDELA comme exemple dans les actes [Temps de parole épuisé].

REFERENCE: 1203-112621E

HON. MUNTAKA MOHAMMED-MUBARAK [GHANA]:Thank you very much, Mr. President. I congratulate my colleague who moved this Motion and all the contributors.Mr. President, I just want us to learn two lessons, and I agree so strongly with my colleague from Liberia, Hon.Hon. Henry Willie Yallah, when he said that it is about the lessons. I just want us to reflect on two lessons; one he said "I fought the dominance of the whites; I equally fought the dominance of the black." You and I sitting in this Chamber, to what extent did you, as a Christian, fought the dominance of Christianity? To what extent did you, as a Muslim, fought the dominance of Islam? We in Africa have segregated ourselves into tribes and religion, and everybody within is fighting for supremacy; nobody wants to understand that we need to live in equity, respect and harmony with each other. This is a lesson that Africa lacks today, and that is the source of conflict all across Africa. Watch it!Secondly, the most important lesson that he left is this; "Sometimes it is better to live when the applause is so loud." You do not need to stay and stay and stay.I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity.

REFERENCE: 1203-112753KSW

HON. KHALIFA SULEIMAN KHALIFA [TANZANIA]Ahsante Mheshimiwa Rais. Nami naunga mkono azimio lililoletwa la kumkumbuka shujaa huyu Marehemu Nelson Mandela. Mheshimiwa Rais, Mandela ametuachia mambo mengi lakini mimi ningependa niyataje mawili tu.Mandela aliamini kuwa huwezi kuwaongoza watu kama hawana umoja na ili kuwepo na umoja lazima watu wasemeheane. Somo hili ni kubwa sana katika bara la Afrika. Migogoro mingi inayotokea miongoni mwa jamii zetu katika Bara la Afrika ni kwa sababu watu hawasameheani. Jambo dogo linakuwa kubwa na kisha linadumu sana ndani ya nyoyo za watu. Lazima tusameheane ili twende mbele.Jambo jingine ni kwamba ametufundisha juu ya utawala. Hata kama unapendwa namna gani basi lazima ufike pahala useme, "basi" na uwaachie wenzako waendelee. Mandela alipokuwa Rais wa Afrika Kusini, watu wote wa Afrika Kusini walimpenda sana. Hata watu kutoka nje ya Afrika walimpenda sana. Lakini wakati wake ulipofika akaona sasa anahitaji kuwapa watu wengine nafasi kushika usukani wa jahazi hili. Aliwapa hiyo nafasi naye akabakia kutazama wanafanyaje. Sasa basi, viongozi wetu wa Afrika wajifunze hilo. Inasikitisha sana kwamba viongozi wanaingia madarakani tokea wakati wana nguvu zao na inabidi watoke kwa kushikwa mkono. Huo si utawala bora. Utawala bora ni kuwapisha wengine wafanye kazi ambayo wewe ulifanya. Tuaminiane ili tuendeshe bara letu kama alivyotuonyesha Mheshimiwa Nelson Mandela.

REFERENCE: 1203-112938E

HON. ISAAC STEPHEN MABILETSA [BOTSWANA]:Thank you, Mr. President. Like my Hon Colleagues who have spoken before me, I associate my remarks with those who have asked: What lessons are we learning from the legacy left by the former South African leader, President Nelson Mandela?What I have realized is that some African leaders in particular have come to this notion that holding high office in the country is a means and an end unto itself. They do not realize that leadership is like running a relay race where you run your course and then you hand the baton to the next person to complete it. Some stay on and on and on and on, despite how unpopular they become and they fight tooth and nail to make sure that only death will remove them from their seats.Nelson Mandela has shown us that it is not about that. It is about serving your part no matter how brief the period is and then hand the baton to the next person. I believe this is really the lesson that we must learn. Look at the leaders who have stayed on and on and on in Africa? Some left their office as runawayfugitives; some left their office because they were killed and some left the office when they became prisoners. Mandela’s legacy is the most important thing. African leaders must learn from it. They should run leadership as a relay race and then quit when they are still popular so that other leaders can take over.I thank you, Mr. President. May his legacy live on and on.

REFERENCE: 1203-113136F

HON. INNOCENT NKURUNZIZA [BURUNDI]:Merci Monsieur le Président de m’accorder la parole.Je voudrais aussi m’associer à mes collègues pour soutenir cette motion pour le grand esprit qu’est Nelson MANDELA à qui nous rendons hommage. En effet, c’est un grand esprit qui a incarné l’indépendance de l’Afrique et en particulier l’indépendance de l’Afrique du Sud. Il a incarné l’unité parce que parmi le peuple sud-africain, il y a non seulement les africains de race noire mais aussi d’autres races qu’il a su unir par son esprit de tolérance.Nous lui rendons hommage parce qu’il a été serviteur de la paix dans le monde entier et en Afrique, notamment au Burundi, notre pays, où il a amené la paix dans le cadre du processus de réconciliation nationale, et le Burundi ne l’oubliera jamais.Nous invitons les parlementaires qui sont ici, à être aussi des partisans de la paix et à s’inspirer de son esprit d’unité, de tolérance, d’ouverture et de paix.C’est un grand esprit qui a été incarné par la détermination. Il n’a pas été manipulé par la corruption. Il a poursuivi son idéal qui est d’aider l’Afrique, de renforcer la démocratie; idéal d’honnêteté, d’indépendance, de justice, de tolérance, d’amour et de foi dans ses décisions.Par sa déclaration que l’Afrique est un paradoxe qui illumine le néocolonialisme pour montrer que [Temps de parole épuisé].

REFERENCE: 1203-113357E

HON. ONYANGO KAKOBA [UGANDA]:Thank you, Mr President. I just want to add my voice to those of my colleagues who have paid tribute to the late Nelson Mandela.I first learnt about Nelson Mandela when I was in secondary school and I used to read about this great man who was in prison and the man who was fighting for freedom. And of course, his fighting for freedom continued even after he left prison because he believed that to be free is not just casting one’s chains away but also making sure that you live in ways that respect and enhance the freedom of others.I think in Africa, that is the challenge that we have and must make sure that we emulate the legacy of Nelson Mandela by making sure that we promote and respect the freedom of others.Mr President, secondly when we do things on earth, we must get satisfied. I am happy that Nelson Mandela died a happy man. As I continue to quote, "Death is inevitable when a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is therefore why I will sleep for eternity." May his soul rest in peace. I thank you.

REFERENCE: 1203-113532F

HON. BAKARY OUATTARA [CÔTE D’IVOIRE]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Je voudrais également dire qu’on ne pourra jamais assez parler des mérites de Nelson MANDELA.Je voudrais plutôt profiter de cette tribune pour lancer un appel. Mon appel va surtout à l’endroit de nos chefs d’États africains puisqu’ils ont tous reconnu le mérite de ce grand Monsieur, notamment son charisme, son humilité en tant que leader politique et en tant que chef d’État.Il serait souhaitable de commencer véritablement à s’en inspirer avec la mise en application stricte de son savoir-faire, de son savoir-être et surtout de sa capacité à se retirer du pouvoir quand cela est nécessaire.Nelson MANDELA, de là où il se trouve, je suis convaincu, qu’il ne souhaite que le bonheur du peuple africain.Monsieur le Président,Aujourd’hui, le bonheur du peuple africain ne passe que par la bonne gouvernance. Alors, il est temps d’arrêter le verbiage concernant MANDELA et de faire comme lui, parce que c’est en faisant comme lui que nous pourrions le perpétuer dans l’histoire.Regardez les deux religions: le christianisme et l’islam. Si vous demandez à un musulman: « Pourquoi vous priez cinq fois par jour? », il vous répondra tout simplement: « C’est parce que le Prophète Mohamed (Paix et Salut d’Allah sur Lui) priait cinq fois par jour et donc je fais comme lui ».Vous demandez: « Pourquoi vous faites les ablutions? », il vous dira: « Je fais comme le Prophète (Paix et Salut d’Allah sur Lui) ».Vous voyez ces religions traînent en cela depuis tant des siècles.Donc, faisons comme MANDELA! Inspirons-nous de ce qu’il a fait! Perpétuons ses actes et c’est seulement comme cela que nous allons pouvoir respecter la mémoire de ce grand homme.Je m’adresse en cela, à nous tous qui sommes ici, parlementaires, parce que nous sommes plus ou moins des acteurs politiques de façon directe ou indirecte.Monsieur le Président,Je souhaite que nous tous, nous puissions être les fidèles de Nelson MANDELA car c’est ainsi que nous allons le perpétuer dans le temps.Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1203-113725F

HON SÉKOU FANTAMADI TRAORÉ [MALI]:Merci Monsieur le Président.La répétition est pédagogique!C’est la première fois que je parle au Parlement panafricain et parler de Nelson Mandela, est un parcours de combattant. C’est une icône pour l’Afrique, comme disaient les autres, un dirigeant qui a fait sa part de travail.Nous exhortons les dirigeants, nouveaux et futurs, à prendre l’exemple de cette icône: faire sa mission en paix pour que l’Afrique puisse se perpétuer.Je vous remercie.

REFERENCE: 1203-114101E

HON. PETER HITJITEVI KATJAVIVI [NAMIBIA]:Thank you, Mr. President. I join the other Hon Members who spoke before me in support of the Motion to pay tribute to the late former President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Nelson Mandela.Mr. President, one of Nelson Mandela’s co-prisoners from Namibia, who served with him on Robben Island had this to say:-"Nelson Mandela was one of those few people who inspired others to remain firm in their determination to pursue their course for freedom and liberation, and if need be, to be prepared to die for that course."I, certainly, would like to associate myself and my country, Namibia, to this Motion that is paying homage to this great son of Africa and icon of the world.Mr. President, I support the Motion and I thank you.

REFERENCE: 1203-114310E

HON. JAYNET KABILA [DRC]:Thank you Mr. President for giving me the floor to honour this great leader of Africa. Hon. President, the Congolese people are witnesses to the perseverance spirit of this great man when on the 5^th of May 1997, five days before the third anniversary of his term of office as President of a new South Africa was aboard a South African ship, Utanyika, to mediate for a peaceful transition process in my country the Democratic Republic of Congo, after a long political and armed struggle. We recognized this South African first major step at African peace making, a pace set by none other than the Noble Peace loyalty, President Nelson Mandela.We know that South Africa is proud to have given the African continent a man of imperishable renown; we Africans are proud also that the African continent gave to the world a leader of international stature who managed in his life time to become a nest of millions and millions of hearts and minds and spirit and people around the world and that many of these people have become something like the stuff he was made of at an infinity lesser extent.We are equally humbled by the nature and level of humility of this great African leader who did not hesitate to recognize the contribution of the others in his main walk to freedom and the struggle he lead and I quote him ‘the countless human beings both inside and outside our country referring to South Africa who had the nobility of spirit to stand in the path of tyranny and injustice without seeking self being. We recognize that an injury to one is an injury to all therefore acting together in defense of justice of the common human decency’. This we believed to be our common denominator in the Pan African Parliament Hon. President; searching for a common ground and common good for our continent.Hon. President, we have talked the walk, lets duly now walk the talk by emulating and honouring our great leaders from the first generation independent ones such as Patrice Lumumba, Kwame Nkrumah, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Jomo Kenyatta, Ahmed Benbella and the list is long of people of whom President Mandela has departed and joined. May his soul, rest in abundance of eternal peace. I thank you.

REFERENCE: 1203-114620F

HON SOUMAILA CISSE [MALI]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Monsieur le Président,Je voudrais remercier ceux qui ont initié cette motion, parce que cela me permet de parler pour la première fois au PAP et certainement de retenir que ce sera l’un des plus grands souvenirs que j’aurais de mon passage ici, en parlant pour la première et de parler de MANDELA.J’ai retenu quelques leçons du Président MANDELA.La première, c’est la reconnaissance: le Président MANDELA a fait le tour de l’Afrique pour remercier ceux qui l’ont aidé dans la lutte contre l’apartheid. C’est ainsi qu’il est allé au Mali et que j’ai eu la chance de le recevoir en 1997, de lui parler de l’économie du Mali. Mais ce qui m’a frappé, c’est qu’il s’intéressait beaucoup plus aux conditions de vie des paysans maliens, parce que le coton est la principale ressource du Mali et que je lui parlais du coton. La vie des gens simples était une des plus grandes préoccupations du Président MANDELA.J’ai retenu aussi le sens de la tolérance, de l’humilité, de la relation au pouvoir et du pardon. Je pense que ces valeurs m’ont inspiré moi-même, ce qui m’a permis - je pense aux dernières élections présidentielles du Mali - de poser l’acte qui a permis de ramener le calme dans notre pays et de consolider la paix.Je souhaite vraiment que son exemple inspire la jeunesse et les générations futures et qu’aujourd’hui, l’Afrique puisse s’en inspirer pour sortir des conflits et consolider la paix.Je souhaite enfin, Monsieur le Président, que la Commission de l’Union africaine et notre Parlement puissent s’inspirer de l’exemple de MANDELA; trouver les voies et moyens pour que ses leçons nous servent et puissent donner un chemin de sortie de crise et de consolidation de la paix dans [Temps de parole épuisé].(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1203-114835F

HON. ZALIKATOU DIALLO [RÉPUBLIQUE DE GUINÉE]:Merci Monsieur le Président de m’avoir donné l’opportunité de rendre hommage à cette personnalité hors du commun, le Président MANDELA. Sa contribution en faveur du Parlement panafricain vient s’ajouter à la très longue liste des œuvres accomplies durant sa vie.Il y a quelque chose qui m’a marqué sur cet homme; c’est son sens du pardon, son humilité et surtout son sens du partage. Après vingt-sept ans passés en prison, il a réussi sa partition, sa lutte à aboutir des résultats probants, il a accédé au pouvoir. À peine un mandat terminé, il a renoncé à se présenter pour un second mandat, laissant la chance à d’autres compagnons de lutte de diriger les reines de la grande nation arc-en-ciel qui n’est autre que l’Afrique du Sud.À mon humble avis, cette valeur qu’incarne cette figure de la lutte antil’apartheid ne peut être de mise que s’il a pu faire violence sur lui-même; c’est un exemple à suivre. Ce digne fils d’Afrique qui nous a quittés physiquement, rentre dans l’histoire sur un piédestal.Que son âme repose en paix et que Dieu lui accorde son paradis!Je termine enfin, en félicitant l’Honorable Angélique pour avoir proposé cette motion que je souhaite qu’elle soit adoptée pour sa haute portée significative.Je vous remercie.

HON. LOIDE L. KASINGO [NAMIBIA]:Thank you Mr. President. Hon. Members, the peace and stability which we are enjoying in South Africa is through the efforts of Mandela. He has been in prison for 27 years. Immediately after his release, he extended the hand of forgiveness on behalf of the oppressed masses. Eventually, it forged reconciliation in South Africa. As we celebrate the life and legacy of this unique foreign hero, the hero of not only South Africa but a global hero, we should implement the democratic principles for which he suffered, mainly forgiveness, tolerance, reconciliation, exclusiveness, equal distribution of wealth and social services amongst our citizens and at all cost, to keep peace and stability in Africa and elsewhere. Let his soul rest in peace, let his spirit live forever amongst ourselves.Long live the spirit of Nelson Madiba Mandel, Long Live Africa.

REFERENCE: 1203-115320E

HON. MOHAMMED ALI ALMARDI [SUDAN]:Thank you, Mr. President. The of Africa would continue for years, decades and even for centuries to remember, with admiration and respect, our late hero, Nelson Mandela as a great African leader. His dedication, tenacity and novel tenderness and forgiveness will remain to inspire all African men, women, youth and children for ages to come. We take this opportunity to remember him with honour and admiration together with our late great leaders Jomo Kenyatta, Julius Nyerere, Kwame Nkrumah, Ahmad Sekou Toure, Jamal Abdel Nasser, Ismail al Azhary, Patrice Lumumba, Haile Selassie, Lodi Bukita, Ahmad bin Bella, Hastings Kamuzu Banda and Kenneth Kaunda. May all of them rest in peace.I support the Motion. Thank you, Mr. President.(Applause)

REFERENCE: 1203-115437F

HON. ASSOUMANA MALAM ISSA [NIGER]:Motion d’amendement, Monsieur le Président!Motion d’amendement, s’il vous plait!

THE PRESIDENT:Yes!

HON. ASSOUMANA MALAM ISSA [NIGER]:Monsieur le Président,J’ai transmis une motion d’amendement sur le document qui nous a été proposé, et avec votre permission, je vais vous la livrer.Monsieur le Président,Un écrivain disait que « le vrai tombeau des morts, c’est le cœur des vivants », et Dieu sait que MANDELA demeure dans les cœurs des citoyens du monde. C’est simplement pour cette raison que je propose au niveau de l’avant-dernier paragraphe, au point (i) où il est écrit: « ... de se joindre au reste du monde pour célébrer la vie et l’héritage du héros tombé » - en français comme en anglais, je crois que c’est la même chose qu’on veut dire - mais pour tenir compte de ce que je viens de dire, je propose qu’on écrive: « ... de se joindre au reste du monde pour célébrer la vie et l’héritable du héros éternel ».Merci, Monsieur le Président.

REFERENCE: 1203-115605FE

[French: 11:56:05 -11:56:14]

HON. OBAMI-ITOU ANDRÉ [CONGO]:Merci Honorable Président.Par rapport à la motion, au lieu de « éternel », je crois que c’est « immortel », en français.(Applaudissements)

[English: 11:56:20 - -:-:-]

THE PRESIDENT:Okay; is there any seconder to the amendments to the Motion as moved by hon. Obami- Itou?Yes, Martha?

HON. MARTHA:Mr. President, I just have a small amendment. The line is not correctly written. Instead of---

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Martha, can we finish with the first proposed amendment, then we will take yours after?

HON. MARTHA:Thank you, Mr. President.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much.The amendment before us requests that we amend ‘fallen hero’ to ‘immortal hero.’ Do we have a seconder?Yes, hon. Kantengwa?

HON. KANTENGWA:Thank you, mr. President. Considering that we are today celebrating all that we know about Mandela, like has already been said since we started debating this Motion, it is very clear that Nelson Mandela is not dead. To South Africans, certainly, Nelson Mandela i salive and kicking. So, it is on that basis that i want to support my colleagues amendment that we are not celebrating a ‘fallen hero,’ but we are celebrating a living hero.Thank you, Mr. President.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you. So, is that amendment agreed to; that we amend the Motion to read ‘immortal hero?’(Applause)Thank you very much. The amendment is taken. There is a correction in the name as spotted out by the two advisors should be noted by the Secretariat.Let me now call on the Mover of the Motion to please respond in two minutes.

AN HON. MEMBER:Mr. President, before that, i think this debate is very important; it will go into the history of hte world forever as long as we live. If you look at the draft Motion to pay tribute to the former President of South Africa, you find the name ‘Nelson Mandiba Mandela.’ Then later, we have another name there. So, we have to look at the two names and harmonize them because we are talking of the same person, but with two different names. Logically and legally, it might not augur well. So, may i urge the Mover of the Motion to correct this and give us the right names that will appear in that Motion? They have to be acceptable names.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much.Secretariat, pleast take note of that. I think ‘Mandiba’ is a nickname. His real name should properly noted.

[French: 11:59:24 - 11:59:43]

HON. SALEH KEBZABO [TCHAD]:S’il vous plaît, Monsieur le Président!Il y a une faute de fond, s’il vous plaît, Monsieur le Président!Je voudrais faire une proposition, car dans le texte français - je ne sais pas, je n’ai pas vu le texte anglais - quand le Parlement panafricain décide, on parle de « l’héritage de l’héros tombé », mais un héros ne tombe pas!(Chuchotements et chahuts dans la salle)

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Member, that would be taken care of that.

[French: 11:59:46 - 11:59:47]

HON. SALEH KEBZABO [TCHAD]:Excusez-moi!

THE PRESIDENT:Yes, please; the Mover of the Motion, could you please respond?

REFERENCE: 1203-120000E

HON. JACQUELINE AMONGIN [UGANDA]:Thank you, Mr. President. Hon. Colleagues, I would like to thank you for all the comments that you have made about our great grandfather Madiba Mandela. The grammatical errors can always be rectified by the Secretariat. About the rightful name of Madiba Mandela, I think we would go by the official name if there are those mistakes.Above all, I am privileged to have met Nelson Mandela and also Desmond Tutu when I was leading the student leadership of Uganda to the Mo Ibrahim foundation.Every day I sleep with a Mandela quote. The whole of my bedroom is full of quotes from Mandela and they keep me moving. This is what he said to the young people:"It always gives me great pleasure to be surrounded by the beautiful children of Africa. Whenever I am with energetic young people I feel like a recharged battery confident that Africa can look forward to great things".So, we have lessons to learn from him.(Applause)Young people are capable when aroused by bringing down the towers of oppression and raising the banners of freedom. I know there are great people out there who would be in charge of this country. It is for this reason that we feel in Mandela that we can move Africa forward. He said this on women:"You the African women, you are the most powerful people on earth. Change what you believe is possible for yourselves."I think women of Africa, are able and capable of getting there.Lastly, he said this:"It always seems impossible until it is done". That gives us the ability to be innovative and move Africa forward. In a nutshell, I am overwhelmed that Africa had such a great man and a great son of the soil and in him we learnt so many things But I want to raise few.One, he had reconciliatory in nature. This is because he reconciled with all his former tormentors and brought them to share the cake with him.Two, he was very loving. Looking at the different projects that Nelson Mandela has left behind, I think we really need to applaud our great grandfather. He was great and brave and above all he was very forgiving.(Applause)

REFERENCE: 1203-120309E

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, we still have our budget to debate before we go on break. I thank you all who have contributed to this very important Motion. The question before this House is to adopt the Motion as presented.I will therefore put the Question.Question put and agreed to

THE PRESIDENTHon. Members, we will now commence the first Order of our Day. I invite the Clerk to read the First Order of the Day.ORDER OF THE DAYPresentation and Debate on the PAP Draft Budget for 2015

THE PRESIDENTHonourable Members, on your behalf I call upon the Honourable Master Moiseraele Goya, the Deputy Chairperson Monetary and Financial Affairs, to please present the budget of Pan African Parliament, 2015.

REFERENCE: 1203-120501E

HON. MASTER MOISERAELE GOYA [BOTSWANA]:Thank you very much, Mr President and a very good afternoon to my dear Colleagues Hon. Members.Mr President, if my memory serves me right, today is the second time that I am standing by this podium. The first time that I stood by this podium was when I was sworn in as a Member of Parliament in the year 2008. So, I feel very honoured to present the report of the Permanent Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs on the 2015 Budget of the Pan-African Parliament.Mr President, this is a 10 page report and annexed to it is the year 2015 budget expenses classification report and the agreed costs per activities which is called the progarmme budget.By way of introduction, let me start by saying that the presentation of the PAP budget for 2015 is in line with the Rules of Procedure of the Pan-African Parliament which stipulates under Rule 26 (2) that "The Permanent Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs is mandated among others to:(i)Examine the draft estimates of the Parliamentary budget and submit to Parliament;(ii)Discuss the budget of the Union and make appropriate recommendations;(iii)Examine and report to Parliament on the problems involved in the implementation of the annual budget; and lastly,(iv)Assist Parliament to execute its role of establishing sound economic, monetary and investment policies.Mr President, pursuant to the aforesaid, the committee convened two Non - Statutory Sittings to consider the PAP Operational Budget and the Programme Budget for 2015, from January 6^th to 10^th and from March 6^th and 7^th, 2014, respectively.In the execution of its mandate, the committee was guided by the prevailing statutory and legal regime governing the Pan-African Parliament Budget formulation process as required in the AU Financial Rules and Regulations. The guiding decisions observed were: Executive Decision CL/DEC.98 (v), Executive Decision CL/DEC.407 (xii), Executive Decision CL/455(xiv), the PAP Protocol, the Executive Council Decision EX.CL/Dec.578 (xvii) and the 2014 African Union Commission Budget framework.

The Budget Preparation Methodology

As per the AU request to all its organs regarding budget preparation, budget growth rate cannot increase than the economic growth rate of Africa. Growth rate ceiling is therefore 5 per cent. However, the 5 per cent is not automatic; growth can be zero if there is no need to increase the budget. PAP was however constrained to prepare its budget within the 5 per cent threshold because of the need to implement the 2014-2017 Strategic Plan and the smooth functioning of the PanAfrican Parliament.

Review of the 2014 PAP Budget

Given the change in AU budget cycle, organs of the AU are now expected to prepare and submit their budgets to the Commission before the end of March each year. The change in the budget cycle was necessitated by the fact that the AU and its organs relied on the funds from partners to finance programmes and also to enable the start of the execution of the Budget from January each fiscal year.As such, there was need to implement a budget cycle that can enable the AU organs to finalise agreements with donors before they propose their budget and programmes for adoption to the relevant organs of the Union. The change of the budget cycle implies that the Pan-African Parliament has to compile the 2015 budget before the implementation of the budget for 2014. Hence, the committee could not have carried out an evaluation of the 2014 budget utilisation to guide the process of preparing the 2015 budget. However, the committee used the 2013 Budget utilisation as the guideline in scrutinising the 2015 Budget.

The 2015 Operational Budget of the PAP Objectives of the operational budget

Mr President, over and above the general implementation of the objectives of PAP, the year 2015 budget of the Pan-African Parliament seeks to achieve the following key priorities:(i)Effective implementation of the policies and objectives of the AU;(ii)Effective implementation of the Principles of Human Rights and Democracy in Africa;(iii)The promotion of good governance, respect for law, transparency and accountability in AU Member States;(iv)Promoting peace, security and stability in Africa;(v)Improving the institutional and technical capacity of the Pan-African Parliament;(vi)Promote cooperation among Regional Economic Communities of Africa;(vii)Encouraging continental solidarity, cooperation and development to build a common destiny in Africa; and lastly(viii)Implementation of the Pan-African Parliament 2014 - 2017 Strategic Plan.

Review of the 2015 PAP Operational Budget

The 2015 Budget of the Pan-African Parliament records an increase of 14.86 per cent from the year 2014 indicating an increase of US$1,737,025 in absolute value broken down into various budget headings of the Parliament. The Operational Budget for 2015 funds are allotted or proposed as follows;(a)Staff costs. We are proposing a budget of US$7,637,229;(b)Parliamentary costs, we are proposing a budget of US$4,874,514;(c)Under Operating costs, we are proposing a budget of US$700,118; and(d)Capital expenses, we are proposing a budget of US$210, 554The Total Operational budget is US$13,422, 415

Observations

The committee wishes to report the following observations in its consideration of the increase in the budget headings. What motivated the increase was the inability of the Pan-African Parliament to meet all its obligations. This even led to the request for virement and Supplementary Budget. Also, the intention to put in place a new structure has also led to the increase and decrease in some budgetary lines.Mr President, we have observed some substantial increase in the following Headings: Staff Costs under vote line 204, Dependency Allowance, there is an increase of 7.24 per cent, under Housing Allowance an increase of 6.08 per cent, under Education Allowance an increase of 17.63 percent, under Installation Allowance and increase of 50 per cent, under Medical Insurance an increase of 14.25 per cent, under 210 Staff activities and increase of 228.89 per cent, under separation costs an increase of 275.98 per cent and under initial recruitment an increase of 13.08 per cent.Under the Parliamentary Costs heading, we have noted the following substantial increases. Medical refund 133.33 per cent and 6 Non- Statutory activities an increase of 86.05 per cent.Under Operating Costs, there is an increase under subheading 402 maintenance of equipment of 111.11 percent, maintenance of vehicles an increase 194.76 per cent, insurance of vehicles an increase of 166.67 per cent and under fuel and lubricants an increase of 60 per cent.Under the sub-heading Capital Expenses, the following cost lines also experienced some increases. Computer and accessories 23.11 per cent, motor vehicles 125 per cent, office equipment 750 percent and office furniture 400 per cent.Under the sub-heading Staff Costs, the following budget lines showed an under allocation in the following sub-headings; Basic salary a negative growth of 1.09 per cent, post adjustment allowance a negative of 0.86 per cent and pension scheme a negative growth of 1.14 per cent.The 2015 Programme Budget of the Pan-African Parliament Mr President, over and above the general implementation of the objectives of the Pan-African Parliament, the year 2015 Programme Budget seeks to achieve the following objectives:(i)Strengthen parliamentary legislative functions of the Pan-African Parliament;(ii)Provide a platform to mainstream African voices and those in the Diaspora into the AU policy making process;(iii)Promote human rights, democracy and good governance in Africa;(iv)Promote peace, security and stability;(v)Promote integration and development in Africa; and lastly(vi)Strengthen the institutional capacity of the Pan-African Parliament.

Review of the 2015 Programme Budget

The Programme Budget is prepared in line with the Strategic Plan of the Pan-African Parliament. The Programme Budget is proposing to allot funds to the following output/activities. I would not go through the main list of those activities presuming that members have the documents in front of them.

Observations

The committee observes that, the 2015 Programme Budget Plan defines 19 outcomes, 28 outputs and 131 activities and programmes to be implemented during the period at an estimated cost of US$20,709,174 for the Pan-African Parliament to execute its mandate effectively.The committee recognises that, the Pan-African Parliament obtains funds for the execution of its Programme Budget from donor partners. At the time of compiling this report, the Pan-African Parliament had received positive responses from some partners to fund the Strategic Plan.The committee observes an increase of 126.25 percent of the 2015 Budget due to the 509.01 percent increase of the Programme Budget which is in line with the need to start the implementation of the three year (2014 - 2017) Strategic Plan in 2014.

Recommendations

Mr President, the committee, in light of the above observations, wishes to make the following recommendations:(i)The need for the Pan-African Parliament to remove from its assets all equipment that has been paid off notably vehicles and at the same time record resources that are related to the Budget;(ii)The gradual renewal of the car fleet of the Pan-African Parliament to avoid unnecessary and exorbitant maintenance costs;(iii)The strengthening of the Communication Policy to ensure the visibility of the Pan-African Parliament in South Africa and beyond;(iv)The encouragement of local training to the administrative staff of PAP within the available means in order to ensure that more staff benefit from the savings on transport costs and per diems;(v)There should be drastic reduction of staff that accompany both Bureau Members and parliamentarians on PAP missions;(vi)The strict adherence to the rules and procedures in the execution of the Budget and where necessary allocate responsibilities where there are short comings;(vii)The clear and distinct designation of officials tasked with approving expenses and those in charge of accounting duties. There is a need for separation of functions;(viii)That the Pan-African Parliament should be involved in all the stages of the formulation of the AU Financial Rules and Regulations which should also take into consideration the situation of the Pan-African Parliament Members with regard to travel and mission allowances; and lastly,(ix)The Pan-African Parliament should avoid over expenditure of budgetary lines without requesting for supplementary Budget or virements as this will be contrary to the Financial Rules and Regulations of the African Union.

Conclusion

The committee unequivocally urges the Plenary Assembly to consider and adopt the proposed 2015 Budget of the Pan-African Parliament ofUS$34,131,589 broken down as follows: The Operational Budget of US$13,422,415 and the Programme Budget of US$20,709,174.Lastly, the committee wishes to express its gratitude to the Secretariat particularly the Financial Department that worked very hard in the preparation of this Budget.I beg to move accordingly, Mr President. I thank you very much.(Applause)

MADAM PRESIDENT:Thank you hon. Goya for the presentation. I now allow the debate on the presentation. I have a list of the speakers but before I give the Floor to the first on the list, I just want to get permission from the House that maybe we can limit our intervention for two minutes because it is 2.30 and we are going for elections and also, we have invited people from discovery to make a presentation. Can we agree that each one will just take the Floor for two minutes? I thank you.The first on the list is hon. Jacqueline from Uganda. Is she in? She is not. The second is hon. Neto from Mozambique. Two minutes please. Thank you.

REFERENCE: 1203-122253P

HON. JAIME BESSA AUGUSTO NETO [MOZAMBIQUE]:Muito obrigado Senhora Presidente. Para mim e uma oportunidade impar intervir neste debate a volta do or^amento do Parlamento PanAfricano para 2015 nos Dez anos do funcionamento do nosso Parlamento. Esta e a primeira vez que a nossa Casa tem a oportunidade de debater o or^amento antes de ser submetido para a aprovaçao na Cimeira dos Chefes de Estados e dos Governos.Esta é uma nova era para o nosso Parlamento e devemos celebrar porque durante os dez anos lutamos para que dia como este fosse possível. Por isso, caros colegas, devemos adicionar esta conquista como parte da celebraçao das festividades dos Dez anos do nosso Parlamento.Esta oportunidade que nos é dada é uma luz rumo a fiscalizaçao da utilizaçao correcta do orçamento que, sem dúvidas, é a contribuiçao de cada Estado membro da Uniao Africana.Senhora PresidenteGostaria, no entanto, que o orçamento fosse harmonizado numa única moeda, digo isso porque no modelo de classificaçao das despesas constituído por três páginas, a moeda utilizada é o euro e nos custos totais agregados por actividade a moeda utilizada é o dólar.Olhando para os números apresentados nos dois documentos sao iguais, especialmente os totais. Esta maneira de apresentar o mesmo orçamento cria-nos confusao na sua interpretaçao, pois ambos nao sao correspondentes em termos de valores.Senhora PresidenteA verba correspondente a missoes da mesa, assim como dos parlamentares e outras verbas, permanecem as mesmas. Temos certeza que a mesa deve estar mais presente no Parlamento no intervalo entre as sessoes.Desta maneira está claro que o Presidente e VicePresidentes do Parlamento vao continuar a permanecer ausentes desta Casa.

REFERENCE: 1203-122523E

HON. ALEX CHERISA GRANT [LIBERIA]:Thank you Madam Chair.Madam Chair, distinguished Colleagues, I want to thank firstly the Committee on Budget. They have prepared this budget and I think they have done extensively well to give us this piece of work. I also want to firstly point out that the budget in my mind is ambitious and we have a great time to argue or to debate with the AU Commission. I want to assure you that the case where they will have to make adjustments on this budget let us insist that the Committees work and defend because the work of this House is mostly performed by the Committees of the Pan African Parliament. Most of the work here can be achieved because coming here to debate, we would debate but we do not have to debate all work of Committees. That would reduce our work. I just want to point out this Madam Chair and distinguished colleagues.

REFERENCE: 1203-122712E

HON. PATRICK MWALULA MUCHELEKA [ZAMBIA]:Thank you Madam President for this opportunity. I want to join the other Hon. Members in congratulating the Vice-Chairperson of the Finance Committee for that wonderful presentation on the 2015 proposed budget.Madam President, I have scanned through the budget and seen that something is missing. It is therefore my considered view that we also need to highlight the activities that might be done by regional caucuses. I have seen what has been captured in terms of the activities that would be undertaken by the different Committees. However, I have not seen activities that need to be budgeted for under the regional caucuses and so, I think we need to reflect that clearly.I also think that we need to clearly indicate, in the budget of this nature, what the sources of funding would be. We have seen the budget, but it is not indicated where the money will come from. It is very important that we clearly state, even at this stage, the sources of finance.Most importantly, I just want to caution that as we implement the budget, we need to be very prudent in the use of our resources by aligning all activities within what is budgeted for. In being resourceful, are we able to directly tax our member countries instead of sometimes getting the funding through the AUC? Is it possible that we can consider a situation where our member Parliaments are taxed directly by the Secretariat so that sometimes, we do not have to wait for funds from the AUC? Having said that, I thank you.Thank you.

REFERENCE: 1203-122925A

HON. ELAMIN DAFALLA GASM ELSEED [SUDAN]:شكرا جزيال السيدة الرئيسة،أريد أن أقدم مالحظات محددة حول الموازنة التي قدمت:االستراتيجية فاألولى أن يكون الهدف األول و ليس الثامن.أالحظ أن الفصل األول يمثل نسبة 65.8 % من جملة الميزانية و هذا يؤثر على التكاليف البرلمانية و التشغيل،لذا أرى أن يخفض الفصل األول و أن تزاد نسبة التكاليف البرلمانية والتشغيل.باستعراض برنامج عام 3108 أرى أن المبالغ المخصصة لبعض البنود المهمة جدا في البرلمانات ورفع قدرات العضوية قليلة جدا، فمثال:لفقرة 0,3 .,المتعلقة ببرامج تعزيز القدرات التدريبية و ورش العمل لهذا البرلمان تقدر فقط ب .84844 و الفقرة 3,0,4 المتعلقة بقدرة تنمية البرلمان األفريقي على منع النزاعات في بلد كثر به التعدي تقدر فقط ب .0.311 في قارة تموج بالصراعات والنزاعات ،فالبد من زيادة المرصود من المال لهذين البندين حتى يقوم البرلمان األفريقي بأداء دوره القيادي ورفع قدرات أعضائه.أتفق مع ما ورد في التوصيات و خاصة التوصيات المتعلقة بأسطول السيارات لتفادي المصروفات غير الضرورية للصيانة ،وكذلك أتفق مع الفقرة األخيرة الثامنة التي تتحدث عن إشراك البرلمان في كافة مراحل إعداد اللوائح والقوانين المالية لالتحاد األفريقي.في الختام السيدة الرئيسة،أرجو أن يراعى في الميزانية ما يرفع قدرات أعضاء البرلمان ويساعد البرلمان في القيام بدوره كامال مع مرافقة االنتخابات ومنع النزاعات ضمانا للحكم الرشيد بإفريقيا و شكرا جزيال.

REFERENCE: 1203-123133F

HON. IGNACE NDEBO AKANDA [RÉPUBLIQUE DÉMOCRATIQUE DE CONGO]:Madame la Présidente, merci pour la parole.J’ai beaucoup à dire et j’estime que deux minutes me seront insuffisantes, mais je vais essayer d’être très bref et de résumer.D’abord, je voudrais féliciter évidemment la Commission et joindre ma voix à celles de mes prédécesseurs pour le travail qui a été présenté.D’entrée de jeu, je voudrais, Madame la Présidente, rappeler qu’en principe élémentaire de gestion des finances, il est impérieux que nous ayons au préalable accordé quitus à la gestion pour l’exercice antérieur avant d’examiner le budget de l’élément de l’exercice suivant. Ce qui, à mon sens, est une violation des principes élémentaires et donc, en dépit du fait que la Commission nous a renseigné à la page 3 de son rapport - si je ne m’abuse - que l’Union africaine avait exigé que l’examen de ce budget soit effectué rapidement du fait du changement du cycle budgétaire décidé par elle. Donc, prochainement il serait intéressant que nous puissions, au préalable, accorder notre quitus à la gestion de l’exercice antérieur avant d’examiner les éléments du budget pour l’exercice suivant.Deuxièmement, Madame la Présidente, du point de la vue de la forme, évidemment, il y avait des petites coquilles aux pages 3, 5 et 8, mais nous y déposerons nos amendements, au moment opportun.Subsidiairement, en ce qui concerne toujours la forme, il y a des annexes et des décisions qui ont été évoquées. Nous souhaiterions, qu’à l’avenir, qu’on puisse joindre toutes les annexes au rapport pour un examen plus élaboré.Quant au fond, Madame la Présidente, je voudrais connaître les motifs principaux pour lesquels l’Union africaine a imposé un taux de cent pourcent pour plafonner et les différentes augmentations du budget que la Commission nous a renseigné.Désolé, Madame la Présidente, je ne peux donc pas terminer; les deux minutes sont épuisées. J’avais beaucoup à dire, comme je l’avais dit, mais je suis vraiment désolé.

REFERENCE: 1203-123353E

HON. DIKGANG PHILLIP MAKGALEMELE [BOTSWANA]:Thank you, Madam President. First, I want to congratulate the committee for this proposal and wish to make the following contributions.I want to associate myself with the contribution that has just been made by Hon. Akanda from the DRC that it would be very helpful that as the committee is presenting its proposal, they also give us an appreciation of how funds were utilised in the previous year and I think that would help us in getting a more informed picture.I also want to state, Madam President that the substantial increases noted on Page 5 are quite disturbing but one has also to appreciate the causes or reasons leading to such substantial increases.I also want to encourage the committee to look at how funds, first from partners can be enhanced. For example, I am looking at the budget line on development of model laws. I think that can still be brought down considering that there is an opportunity for us to partner with academic institutions in the development of model laws.Finally, I also want to associate myself with the comment by Hon. Grant from Liberia, that it is very important that more and more resources be allocated to committees and also Hon. Mucheleka’s comment on the need for us to allocate more resources to regional caucuses. I think that given the challenges faced by the committee - the 5 per cent ceiling and so on, I am obliged to support them on this proposal and I thank you, Madam President.

REFERENCE: 1203-123557E

HON. DOMINIC A. B. NITIWUL [GHANA]:Thank you, Madam Chairperson. A budget is essentially a forecast of your incomes and expenditures and nothing else and the more. I must say is, that we should not be debating the 2015 budget. We should do that next year or at the end of this year but because of the change of the budget cycle, we are unable, as a committee, to give you the 2014 budget because we have not exhausted it. So, we can only do that when we are exhausted it.But I want to say that people should not be fighting about the big figures because they are really very tiny figures and it is just because of the way things are and I will give one example. If you go to Page 6 of the report, some of the office equipment is 750 per cent but I tell you that the real figures that are contained in the attachment -if every Member has an attachment that was given, it is US$ 4,000 to US$ 34,000 dollars. Those are very small figures and for example, office furniture at 400 per cent but the increase is just US$ 5,000 to US$25,000. So, please, maybe we would have to look at those attachments, compare them and be able to make good meaning.I want to congratulate my Vice-Chairman. This is because if you look at what he did not read and you said that Member should read, it would tell you the capacity building is 6.2.11, which is 545,406. We have capacity also under 6.3.11 that says capacity building and 6.4.1- all together is close to over by US$ 2 million.So, I am sure that my Vice-Chairman would be able to look at some of these and also for the programme budget which is 500 per cent just moving from about US$ 3 million to about US$ 20million. It encompasses all the regional people. If you go to point number. 5.22, it gives you exactly 5.12, develops mechanism for PAP, monitoring of AU funds for regional and continental which gives you about US$2 and something million but the Chairman would be able to do that.So, I urge Hon. Members to approve this budget so that we can make good of it. I thank you.

REFERENCE: 1203-123821E

HON. DR. BERNADETTE LAHAI [SIERRA LEONE]:Thank you, Madam President. I want to thank the committee for preparing this budget and presenting it to us.What I want to say is that, in the future, this budget as well as the budget from the African Union be given to us together so that in the committees, we are able to look at the two budgets, especially how our budget relates to the AU budget in terms of whether we are given more or less. It is very important that these two budgets are presented to us.I can also see that in the budget and particularly, for my committee, six activities have been identified. We hope that these activities would be funded because my Committee on Transport and Energy has been having a lot of problems of high attrition, there used to be hardly any funding for any programmes and some people got discouraged and they left. But I thank God that things are moving up and working and we only hope that more funding would be given to this budget not only for 2014 but as well as 2015.It is good that we have experienced an increase in the budget for 2015 over and above 2014. We only hope that we have the money because these are just estimates of income. We really hope that our donor partners, especially for the programming budget would be given to us otherwise we would come back to the same problem of non-availability of money. I thank you very much.

REFERENCE: 1203-124019F

HON. NDIAYE ABDOU [SÉNÉGAL]:MerciMadame la Présidente.Madame la Présidente,Chers collègues,J’ai parcouru le document dans son entièreté et je vous encourage. Mais étant donné que nous sommes des députés entrants, nous en prenons acte. Seulement, ce que nous avons à déplorer, c’est qu’en tant que députés entrants, nous avions souhaité disposer du projet de 2013 pour faire une comparaison afin de voir concrètement quelles sont les orientations majeures. Je pense qu’à l’avenir cette disposition sera prise en compte.L’autre aspect du problème, c’est qu’au niveau des objectifs, il est prévu de commettre un consultant dans l’optique d’élaborer un guide du citoyen. En s’appuyant sur le fait que nul n’a le monopole du savoir, en ce qui me concerne, j’aurais souhaité que la piste des groupes régionaux soit empruntée.Qu’est-ce cela veut dire? Quand je prends le groupe ouest-africain qui regroupe beaucoup de pays, il y a de l’expertise avérée au niveau même de ce Parlement. Je crois que poser ce problème, permettra à tous les représentants de donner un point de vue. Ce serait quand même une bonne solution et nous éviterait de nous appuyer sur un consultant qu’on doit payer à coût de centaines de millions.Je crois également [Temps de parole épuisé].

REFERENCE: 1203-124404F

HON. AZIZOU EL HADJ ISSA [BÉNIN]:Merci Madame la Présidente.Je voudrais, à mon tour, féliciter les membres de la Commission pour le travail qu’ils ont fait. Je crois que la lecture est très facile. Cependant, en termes de rapports, ils se sont effectivement occupés des pourcentages des variations d’une année à l’autre. Je voudrais leur suggérer de voir à l’intérieur d’une même année, ce que représente le fonctionnement ou bien les détails du fonctionnement ou encore les dépenses en capitaux, dans les détails ou globalement, par rapport au budget global de l’année. Par exemple à la page 10, il aurait été indiqué qu’on nous dise que le fonctionnement qui était de 13 millions et quelques, fait 36 ou 37 % et que le budget-programme est de 60 % ou je ne sais quoi. Cela donnerait une meilleure lecture de la situation.Madame la Présidente,Je crois que le travail est bien fait et pour finir je voudrais quand bien même dire qu’en l’absence du Président, le budget est réservé à la signature du Viceprésident. Donc, il faudrait faire attention à cela.Merci bien.(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1203-124536E

HON. MOHAMMED ALI ALMARDI [SUDAN]:Thank you very much, Deputy President. I would like to congratulate Hon. Goya for the good, short and clear presentation of the budget. It is the first time to have the budget in good time and it being passed by the Parliament. Therefore, the administration and the Bureau have enough time to defend it in the AUC and look for other sources of funding.I add my vote to those of my colleagues as we pass this budget. I thank the Financial Committee and I wish that they succeed in getting the required funding as proposed in this budget.I thank you very much.

REFERENCE: 1203-124625F

HON. SAFIA ELMI DJIBRIL [DJIBOUTI]:MerciMadame la Présidente.Permettez-moi, dans un premier temps, de m’associer à mes collègues pour féliciter les membres de la Commission Permanente des Affaires monétaires et financières car cet exercice n’est pas chose facile surtout que l’enveloppe allouée était insuffisante par rapport aux besoins exprimés.Madame la Présidente,Je me permets de rappeler, ici, que l’année dernière lors de nos débats sur le budget, une recommandation a été formulée pour revoir à la hausse le budget-programme de l’année 2015.Aussi, je tiens à remercier l’équipe qui a pris en considération la question en augmentant cette ligne budgétaire, mais force est de constater qu’elle reste encore faible par rapport à nos objectifs.Par la même occasion, je voudrais attirer votre attention que le budget alloué au volet relatif aux actions en direction des groupes vulnérables, à savoir les femmes, les jeunes et les handicapés, reste faible, tout en sachant que cette question est d’une importance capitale.Aussi, j’aimerais que ce dernier soit revu à la hausse compte tenu de son importance, si nous voulons y contribuer efficacement.Merci Madame la Présidente.(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1203-124758A

HON MOHAMED OULD ABAKAR SHEIKH [MAURITANIA]:شكرا السيدة الرئيسة،على الرغم من تأخر حصولي على الوثيقة أود أن أذكر النقاط التالية: أوال نشكر اللجنة على العمل المتقن والرائع الذي قامت به من الناحية الفنية مع مالحظة أخطاء في النسخة العربية فمثال عبارة "يريدون الدورة غير القانونية واألمور غير القانونية" ينبغي أال نقوم بها،فالترجمة الصحيحة هي "الدورة الطارئة أو الدورة االستثنائية" وهذا من األخطاء الشائعة في اللغة العربية.أدعم التوصيات التسع التي خرجت بها اللجنة وخاصة التوصيات الثالثة والرابعة والخامسة،وهنا أقترح أن تضاف إليها توصية خاصة بتحسين ظروف سفر وإقامة أعضاء البرلمان اإلفريقي بجنوب إفريقيا،وأشير إلى أن المبالغ التي تمنحها البرلمانات الوطنية تكون أحيانا محددة إن لم أقل قليلة وغير كافية إلقامة البرلماني إقامة محترمة في مدة الدورة،مما يجعل بعضنا يكون مضطرا للمغادرة قبل انتهاء جدول األعمال.فيما ذكر باألمس بخصوص مراقبة االنتخابات في وقت ينفق فيه بسخاء على أمور أخرى،وذلك فيما يتضح من توصيات اللجنة،ونؤكد على ضرورة توفير إقامة الئقة لفترة وجيزة ألعضاء البرلمان الموقرين،وذلك من خالل تحديد سقف معين يعتمد على دراسة موضوعية لظروف العيش الكريم هنا بجنوب إفريقيا يتم تعميمها على البرلمانات الوطنية التخاذ اإلجراءات المناسبة وتكميل النواقص التي قد يحتاجها من خالل ميزانية البرلمان اإلفريقي،ولما صغته سابقا إذا كان مجلسكم الموقر يوافق عليه أرجو إقرار هذه التوصية وشكرا.

REFERENCE: 1203-125013F

HON. VINCENT DABILGOU [BURKINA FASO]:Merci Madame la Présidente.Je voulais, en quelques mots, remercier les membres de la Commission pour ce travail d’équilibre budgétaire. Je voudrais souligner que la règle n° 1 d’un tel travail, c’est de définir clairement les objectifs et je crois qu’avec notre Plan stratégique, nous devrons désormais veiller à ce qu’il y ait une cohérence entre le Plan stratégique et le budget. Par exemple, je note avec satisfaction que la prise en compte du volet « renforcement des capacités et visibilité du PAP » est une bonne chose. Je voudrais donc, Madame la Présidente, indiquer que pour moi, les cibles devraient être les parlements nationaux mais aussi les parlements régionaux. Je voudrais aussi qu’au niveau du Bureau du PAP, en particulier le Président, vous puissiez renforcer les sorties pour rencontrer les exécutifs nationaux et les parlementaires nationaux. Nous avons besoin d’une visibilité du PAP au niveau de nos pays.Je voudrais, Madame la Présidente, soutenir également la recommandation n° 7 qui indexe la nécessité de séparer clairement et distinctement les responsables chargés d’approuver le budget et ceux chargés de la comptabilité. Je pense que la comptabilité séparée est un gage de sérieux et de crédibilité pour notre institution et aussi auprès de nos partenaires au développement.Madame la Présidente,Je soutiens le budget et je félicite la Commission pour ce travail.Merci bien.

REFERENCE: 1203-125217E

HON. HENRY WILLIE YALLAH [LIBERIA]:Thank you, Madam President. I am not a financial person, but from the figures presented in this budget and the different distributions, I am convinced that this budget would serve our purpose. I say so because I am beginning to see Committee works being captured, to some extent. However, what worries me is that the budgets for Parliaments are preliminary tools and form the funding process, starting with the source of funding. I see that 94 per cent of this budget would be funded by donors. We should start to think about this. They say one who feeds you or controls your stomach and controls your mind. So, if our donors decide that they will give us one cent, then this Parliament would cease to exist. Besides the figure, we need to look at the political attachment to it so that we can start funding all our needs. After ten years, we should strive to start developing our means. Whether we can start continental charges or levies or other ways that we can raise funds. That is all I wanted to raise, but not to go into a substantive measure of this. Until it is good, I join other colleagues that we should endorse this budget and I pray that we would find the funding. Thank you.

REFERENCE: 1203-125455A

HON. MEAR ALI SIRRO [ETHIOPIA]:شكرا لنائبة الرئيس،أريد أن أتكلم عن ميزانية العمل والبرامج،فلكي يلعب البرلمان األفريقي دوره كامال البد من وجود ميزانية كافية لتنفيذ هذه األعمال، فإنجاز عمل بدون أموال يبقى مجرد حلم،كما أن هناك أنشطة للجان الدائمة في األوراق بقيت مجرد حبر على ورق لعدم وجود تمويل كامل لسريان هذا العمل ،و ذلك بسبب عدم وجود األموال الكافية فلكي تعمل اللجان الدائمة و تهيىء األجواء المناسبة لها البد من توفر األموال فبدون ميزانية ال تنفذ األعمال و ال نستطيع الوصول إلى الهدف الذي أسس هذا البرلمان من أجله و شكرا.

REFERENCE: 1203-125526F

HON. TANIMOUNE OUMAROU [NIGER]:Merci Madame la Présidente de séance.J’aimerais d’abord commencer par féliciter le Président de la Commission par intérim pour avoir su présenter fidèlement le rapport de la Commission Permanente des Affaires monétaires et financières.Néanmoins, Madame la Présidente, comme à l’accoutumée, la traduction a fait ses siennes. Au niveau des recommandations, la recommandation (iv) de la version française dit ceci: « L’encouragement à la formation au niveau local du personnel du PAP dans la limite des moyens disponibles afin que beaucoup de membres du personnel bénéficient des économies sur les coûts de transports et les perdiems ».Cela a été complètement déformé parce que ce qui a été retenu par la Commission, c’est: « ... la formation sur place du personnel administratif du PAP dans la mesure du possible pour faire bénéficier un grand nombre d’agents à travers l’économie des frais de transports et des perdiems ».Nos collègues francophones se rendent compte de la différence du contenu.Au niveau du point (viii) des recommandations, il est mentionné que: « Le PAP devrait être impliqué à tous les niveaux de l’élaboration du Règlement financier de l’UA qui doit également prendre en compte la situation des membres du PAP en ce qui concerne les indemnités de voyage et de mission ».L’idée qui a été retenue en Commission, c’est que « Le PAP devrait être impliqué à tous les niveaux de l’élaboration [...] des membres du PAP en ce qui concerne les conditions de voyage et les frais de mission ».Pour les conditions de voyage, on fait allusion au sempiternel problème de billets d’avion en classe économique.Vous voyez bien que l’idée a aussi été masquée à ce sujet.Madame la Présidente,Un autre point que je voulais évoquer [Microphone éteint], c’est le budget-programme 2015 suffisamment ambitieux par rapport à 2014, de trois millions quatre cent mille, il est passé à vingt millions.Nous souhaitons, comme je l’ai dit hier [Temps de parole épuisé].

REFERENCE: 1203-125806F

HON. SÉKOU FANTAMADI TRAORÉ [MALI]:Merci Madame la Présidente.Je pense que beaucoup de mes préoccupations ont été prises en compte.Cependant, je tiens à demander, étant donné qu’un budget est équilibré en recettes et en dépenses, est-ce que cela veut dire que les services publics tels que l’électricité et l’eau demeurent gratuits pour le PAP?Je vous remercie.

REFERENCE: 1203-130010F

HON. EL DIAO KANTÉ [RÉPUBLIQUE DE GUINÉE]:Je vous remercie Madame la Présidente.Je voudrais, tout d’abord, féliciter les membres de la Commission chargée des finances pour la clarté du rapport qui vient de nous être soumis.Naturellement, en regardant le titre du rapport, j’ai vu qu’il s’agit de l’examen du budget 2015 et je me suis posé la question, pourquoi un budget?À présent, je comprends qu’il s’agit d’un projet de budget, parce que cela est explicité à l’intérieur. Donc, il va falloir corriger le titre.Deuxièmement, Madame la Présidente, au sujet des comparaisons que nous avons, on ne peut apprécier un budget que par rapport aux chiffres passés.Par exemple à la page 5, on parle d’augmentation; il aurait été souhaitable que l’on apporte les chiffres de l’année dernière comparativement à ce chapitre, pour dire que cette année, c’est un peu en plus ou en moins, mais en l’absence de ces données-là, il n’est pas possible d’apprécier.Ensuite, une troisième préoccupation: j’ai essayé de rapprocher le budget de fonctionnement du PAP au titre de l’année 2015 à la tranche 2015 du Plan stratégique et je n’arrive pas à saisir, tout à fait, la liaison.J’aurais souhaité que la Commission puisse m’expliquer quelle est la liaison entre la tranche 2015 du Plan stratégique et le budget de fonctionnement 2015?Par contre, je voudrais appuyer les propositions et les recommandations qui sont faites, en particulier la proposition n° (iii) concernant les possibilités de communication du Parlement, pas seulement avec la presse locale, mais aussi avec la presse de nos pays et avec les États membres de notre Parlement.Je voudrais appuyer ces recommandations en général et surtout celle-là en particulier.Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1203-130206E

HON. ONYANGO KAKOBA [UGANDA]:Thank you Madam President. I am not a man of figures but I am sure that the figures as have been pointed out by my Hon. Colleagues are correct. I would just make general comments.First, I must commend the Committee for the budget. One area that I am happy is the issue of the Committees. I believe once provisions is made for these Committees it would help us because we have been pointing this out to make sure that our activities are carried out according to our plan. My hope is that this time around, it would be implemented. This is because on a number of occasions it has been on paper but implementation becomes a problem. I hope this time around it would be implemented and I do encourage that we do whatever it takes to make sure that the Committees have money to do their work.Secondly, on the issue of the mother laws. I think this is an area that is very important. As PAP, since we are not yet legislative body, we can utilize the functions and making of the mother laws is one of them. It is an area that we need to look at. We would formulate them and it would be up to the member states to decide whether to take it or not. That is my understanding because it is a mother law and it is not compulsory. But at least, it is an area that is very important.However, I would like to get some clarifications from the Chair. When it comes to the issue of mother laws, there is at item 1.1.2 Formulation, Standardization, dissemination and promotion of PAP mother laws and 3.22, Adoption of Member States of PAP mother laws for democratic free and fair. The first one is talking about formulation, that is clear, because we are planning. But the second one is talking about adoption of mother law as if we already have it. I want to get clarification on that in order to know which is which.Lastly is the issue of visibility. It is in the recommendation. I think that is very important.

REFERENCE: 1203-130437F

HON. BAKARY OUATTARA [CÔTE D’IVOIRE]:Merci Madame la Présidente.J’avais une préoccupation qui a été plus ou moins posée, mais je vais quand bien même insister là-dessus.Il s’agit notamment des sources de financement, parce que nous avons un budget et il n’est écrit nulle part d’où proviendraient les ressources. Je ne sais pas si c’est l’Union africaine qui va financer, car il est dit quelque part aussi qu’il y a des partenaires.Il serait donc intéressant qu’on nous dise ce que donne l’Union africaine; ce qu’apportent les partenaires et quels sont ces partenaires? En ce moment on pourra voir si le budget pourra s’équilibrer en recettes et en dépenses.Ensuite, j’ai un problème de compréhension! Je ne suis pas spécialiste des finances mais en lisant le document, cela a attiré mon attention. Ainsi, à la page 8, j’ai un souci entre les points 3.2.2. et le 4.1.1.Alors, le point « 3.2.2. Adoption par les États membres, de la loi-type du PAP portant élections démocratiques, libres et équitables » où il est inscrit 340.488 $EU et en allant au point « 4.1.1. Suivi et mise en œuvre des décisions de l’Union africaine visant à protéger les populations civile dans les zones de conflits et de catastrophes », c’est un montant de 167.856 $EU qui est inscrit.Pour tout dire, Madame la Présidente, ce déséquilibre me gêne, car à mon humble avis, il y a beaucoup de catastrophes et cela demande beaucoup plus de moyens que de faire adopter une loi par une nation.Merci.

REFERENCE: 1203-130635F

HON. ZALIKATOU DIALLO [RÉPUBLIQUE DE GUINÉE]:Merci Madame la Présidente.Je m’associe à mes prédécesseurs qui ont adressé leurs vives félicitations à la Commission Permanente des Affaires monétaires et financières sur le projet de budget 2015 du PAP.Cependant, nous regrettons de n’avoir pas pu disposer des exercices budgétaires précédents pour nous permettre de faire une comparaison quant à l’augmentation substantielle ou non. Mais, il serait souhaitable que nous ayons à notre disposition les sources de financement. Comme l’ont évoqué mes prédécesseurs, je reviens là-dessus.Je souhaite également que l’exécution de ce budget se fasse bien, parce qu’il ne s’agit pas de proposer un budget, mais faut-il aussi le mettre en œuvre. Donc, il faut que les ressources soient suffisamment mobilisées. Pour cela, il serait souhaitable que des financements soient obtenus auprès de partenaires non traditionnels. En cela, je rejoins Madame la Présidente qui, hier, a fait allusion à la Chine. C’est en général une puissance qui n’est pas très exigeante et qui apporte beaucoup son soutien aux institutions internationales, notamment africaines. Il faut donc un budget suffisant!Je voudrais également, à ce titre, proposer des rencontres avec les pays arabes, parce qu’au niveau sous-régional, notamment la Communauté Économique des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CEDEAO), le Fonds saoudien et le Fonds koweïtien ont beaucoup contribué à l’essor de ces organisations [Temps de parole épuisé].

REFERENCE: 1203-130902F

HON. JAYNET KABILA [RÉPUBLIQUE DÉMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO]:Merci Honorable Madame la Présidente pour la parole que vous venez de m’accorder.Tout d’abord, j’aimerais féliciter le Vice-président ainsi que tous les membres de Commission Permanente pour le rapport qu’ils viennent de nous présenter.Beaucoup de mes préoccupations ont déjà été soulevées par les distingués membres qui m’ont précédée. Néanmoins, j’ai un petit souci qui concerne les rubriques 4.1.1. et 4.1.2. de notre budget.Madame la Présidente,Nous avons connu, en Afrique, plusieurs conflits armés et non armés ces cinq dernières années.Je me permets de citer quelques exemples: la République démocratique du Congo, la République centrafricaine, le Mali, le Soudan du Sud, la Somalie, la Côte d’Ivoire, la Libye et l’Égypte.Le Parlement panafricain devait être parmi les voix qui portent - nous sommes en train de le faire - pour chercher des solutions durables. Mais je constate que le budget alloué à cela, en comparaison avec d’autres rubriques, est très minime, Madame la Présidente.Je demande à la Commission, et bien sûr, à cette auguste Assemblée, d’envisager la possibilité de revoir certaines rubriques pour, ne fusse que, doubler le montant alloué à la prévention, à la gestion et à la résolution des conflits sur notre continent. Ceci pour permettre un développement intégré, car la paix est une condition sine qua non pour tous les secteurs de développement: social, économique, culturel et politique.Je vous remercie Madame la Présidente.

REFERENCE: 1203-131116E

HON. MANCHOLU MOLEMOHI [LESOTHO]:Thank you, Chairperson, for presenting the 2015 Budget of the Pan African Parliament (PAP). It was stated there that the Committee convened two nonstatutory sittings to consider the PAP operational budget and the PAP programme budget for 2015.Madam President, the operational budget for 2015 allotted funds as follows: Staff costs, parliamentary cost, operating costs and capital expenses. Moreover, the programme budget identified eight strategic objectives to be pursued during the period of the plan, which is the PAP Strategic Plan as identified by the Vice Chairperson.Madam President, the Committee reports their observations and recommendations on the PAP Draft Budget for 2015.I thank you.(Applause)

REFERENCE: 1203-131237E

HON. NJINGUM MUSA MBUTOH [CAMEROON]:Thank you, Madam Deputy President. I also want to add my voice to that of all Members in sincerely thanking our Vice-Chairperson for the brilliant presentation.As the Chairman of this Committee, I want to thank all the Members for the intelligent and the brilliant contributions and the great work they have done in order for us to realize this project.I want to also thank the Bureau and the Secretariat for accelerating the presentation of the planned strategy which enabled us to draw up this budget.I also thank particularly the Finance Department, which worked very hard within a short time limit to help us bring out this budget.With regard to the programmed budget, my dear Hon. Members, we have taken note of all the issues that have been raised in this august House. Indeed, we took notice of all that is of concerned to us and we tried to analyze everything to make sure that the budget comes out to our satisfaction.The total of the whole programme budget on the planned strategy is US$69 million. This was presented to you yesterday. We were focusing on what we had to execute in 2013 which is US$20 million for all the activities that you have seen in the programme budget. I think we have gone into a lot of scrutiny and analyses to ensure that we satisfy all the committees and all regional, youth and women caucuses. Again, mobilization of resources is still going on. We are sure Hon. Members are very interested in the strategic plan and, God help us, we would have the resources to undertake all these activities.We could not present to you the utilization budget of 2014 because we have not executed the 2014 budget. We tried, at all costs, to do an analysis. My ViceChairperson would have to clarify the many items in the budget.I thank you for your contributions, especially those concerning how we should carry on the budget implementation and how we can mobilize resources to ensure that we execute our functions as Members of Pan African Parliament.

REFERENCE: 1203-131516KSW

HON. BERNADETA KASABAGO MUSHASHU [TANZANIA]:Mheshimiwa Makamu wa Rais, nashukuru kwa kunipa nafasi hii. Naanza kwa kuwapongeza wanakamati pamoja na Makamu Mwenyekiti wa Kamati, Master Goya kwa wasilisho zuri.Mheshimiwa Makamu wa Rais, nilitegemea kwamba tungeweza kujadili zaidi hii bajeti hasa baada ya swali: Katika Bajeti ya 2014 tumepataje pesa? Hata hivyo, naona hilo limejadiliwa kidogo. Nilitaka kujua hadi sasa tumepata asilimia ngapi ya fedha ili tuweze kutekeleza Bajeti ya 2014. Isije ikawa kwamba kila mwaka tunapanga na hali hatupati pesa.Nikiangalia sehemu ya bajeti ambayo inazungumzia mikutano ya kamati, nimesikitika kwa sababu ukilinganisha Bajeti ya 2014 na ile ya 2015 unaona kwamba ongezeko ni asilimia sufuri. Hii ina maana kwamba ni business as usual. Lakini tutambue kwamba Afrika yetu ina matatizo makubwa sana. Kazi nyingi zinapaswa zifanywe kwenye kamati. Kwa hiyo haiwezekani tuje hapa kuketi siku mbili kuangalia tu minutes na matters arising. Inatupasa tutumie kama wiki moja kwenye kamati ili tufanye kazi ambazo Waafrika wametutuma hapa kufanya.tuliyoandaa ambayo yanahusu watu mbali mbali ambao wana haja. Kwa hiyo tutafute fedha kusudi mipango mizuri ya PAP iweze kutekelezeka.Ahsante sana kwa kunipa nafasi hii.

REFERENCE: 1203-131847F

HON. NASSIROU AMADOU [NIGER]:Merci Madame la Présidente.Je voudrais féliciter la Commission Permanente des Affaires monétaires et financières et plus particulièrement son Bureau.Cependant, j’ai relevé quelques erreurs de calculs au niveau du budget-programme.En effet, le budget de fonctionnement s’élève à 13.422.415 $EU alors que le budget-programme devrait s’élever à un montant de 19.912.694 $EU au lieu de 20.709.174 $EU initialement inscrit.Vous conviendrez avec moi qu’il y a une différence de 796.480 $EU dans ce budget-programme qui devrait comprendre vingt-huit éléments.Je demande, par conséquent, à la Commission Permanente concernée de bien vouloir procéder à la correction de ce chiffre avant l’adoption du projet de budget.Je vous remercie, Madame la Présidente.Mheshimiwa Makamu wa Rais nashukuru kwa sababu tumeandika Strategic Plan ambayo tunayo sasa hivi. Mimi nilishiriki kwenye mikutano mitatu katika uandishi huo. Vile vile nashukuru kwamba Bajeti ya 2015 iko sawia na hiyo Strategic Plan.Strategic Plan Budget bila pesa haiwezekani; haitatusaidia kitu chochote. Kwa hiyo sasa hivi inatupasa tuelekeze nguvu zote katika kutafuta hela ya kuweza kutekeleza hii mipango mizuri pamoja na bajeti tuliyonayo. Hii ni kwa sababu tunayo maeneo makubwa

REFERENCE: 1203-131940F

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Merci Madame la Présidente.Je félicite, à mon tour, la Commission Permanente des Affaires monétaires et financières pour le travail très bien fait. Néanmoins, il y a quelques problèmes. En effet, le chiffre qui est proposé dans la présentation du budget et celui qui apparaît pour 2015, au niveau du Plan stratégique que nous avons vu hier, ne sont pas les mêmes.Mon collègue du Niger a rectifié déjà pour ce qui concerne le budget-programme qui était chiffré à 19.912.694 $EU et non pas 20.709.174 $EU. Quant au Plan stratégique, il apparaît un budget de 17.668.440 $EU. Vous voudrez bien vous référer à la page 79 du Plan-programme et cela fait une grosse différence.Il y a également trois documents qui sont relatifs au budget. Dans celui qui a trait au plan-programme, qui est un tableau, il y a des répétitions. Ainsi, à la page 3, les rubriques 1.2.3.2 et 1.2.3.3 sont exactement les mêmes.En fait, il est écrit: « Organiser des réunions du comité des comptes publics afin d’examiner le budget annuel de l’UA », c’est exactement la même chose. Je pense que cela doit être une erreur.Ensuite à la page 15 du même document, au niveau des rubriques 6.1.1.4 et 6.1.1.5, c’est aussi exactement la même chose.Je pense qu’en réalité, ce sont des erreurs [Temps de parole épuisé].

REFERENCE: 1203-132145E

HON. STEVEN OBEEGADOO [MAURITIUS]:Thank you Madam Chair. Of course, our congratulations go to the Members of the Committe. My concern, as several of the last few speakers, is how the proposed budget ties up with the very important strategic plan that we approved yesterday. I have two particular concerns because this exercise is not a mere accounting exercise. Through budgetary allocations, it is supposed to reflect our strategic priorities and our strategies to implement those priorities as part of the strategic plan approved yesterday. Now, I would like to know what has changed in terms of strategic reorientation and two points in particular.On committees, we have a sworn committment of our President that there would be a budget allocated to each and every one of the committees for them to freely choose how to prioritise their activities. I may be mistaken, but I do not see this reflected in the document which I only obtained this morning.The second point is the communication strategy of PAP. To give it more visibility, I would have hoped that in terms of budgetary allocation, there is a clear and enhanced thrust given to communication of PAP to the continent and the outside world.Thank you, Madam Chair.

REFERENCE: 1203-132314E

HON. MASTER MOISERAELE GOYA [BOTSWANA]:Thank you very much, Madam President. I can see you have tied my hands, but the comments and suggestions which came from the Members are so many. But let me just say that I would like to thank all the Hon. Members who took time to read and contribute to this report, that is our budget for 2015. Their contributions were very exciting. I also want to pay tribute to all Members for showing support and solidarity to this budget. It was quite interesting to hear of the diverse ideas aimed at enriching our budget for 2015. In fact, as a Committee, we would take care of all the amendments that you suggested.But there are just a few things that I would like to address, specifically the issue of funding. The operational budget of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) is financed and funded from the African Union (AU) Member States; period. Is that right? The programme budget is financed and supported by the development partners. The question was, where are we going to get the funds to support the programme budget? The document that we adopted yesterday - the Strategic Plan of PAP for 2014/2017 - it is a document that is going to be used by the PAP to move around to look for finance to fund those programmed activities. Without that document, we cannot have finances from the development partners. The development partners, as we speak, are waiting for the approval or rather the adoption of the Strategic Plan of the PAP. Once we have that in place, it is going to give us that leeway of getting funds to finance our programmed activities or our programmed budget.Madam President, as I said, there is one Hon. Member who mentioned a discrepancy of several thousands of US dollars. We would take care of that. There are those two figures, the US419 million and the US420 million. We will take care of that; there is one programmed activity that is missing from the other document, but we would correct that.Madam President, the reason why we produced this document showing who is going to be responsible for doing what and which Committee is going to be responsible for which activity is that, we are trying to make life easier for the Committees to see the activity that they are supposed to perform, and it is incumbent upon the Chairpersons and the Members of the Committees to make sure that they utilize the funds that have been allocated to their respective activities to implement those activities. We have done our part as the Committee - to allot funds to various activities - what is now left for us is for the Chairpersons of the Committees and the Bureau of Committees and the Members to make sure that they implement the activities that are aligned to their Committees.Madam President, there was another issue regarding the 2014 Budget; that it is not showing for comparing process. We started preparing this Budget before the implementation of the 2014 Budget. That is why we realize that we worked on this Budget based on the utilization of the 2014 Budget. So, there was no way that we could have the 2014 Budget to use to prepare the 2015 Budget. So, I am sorry for that, Hon. Members; we were constrained by that reason.I think, Madam President, I do not want to take much of your time because we are constrained for time. Let me just assure this honorable House that all their concerns and comments will be taken care of.I thank you, Madam President, and I move that this Budget should be adopted by this House.Thank you very much, Madam President.

REFERENCE: 1203-132804E

MADAM PRESIDENT:Thank you very much for your quick and very short response. I now put the PAP Draft Budget for 2015 for adoption. Agreed to?(Applause)(Question put and agreed to.)The draft budget, adopted.

MADAM PRESIDENT:We can now go and have lunch quickly and at 2.30 pm, we must come here for the election. After the election, we are going to listen to the discovery. So we agreed to go for lunch and at 2.30 pm we would have the election. After the election, we would hear the discovery. Thank you so much. The House is adjourned.(The House was suspended at 13:28 hours to Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at 14:30 hours)

REFERENCE: 1203-143723EF

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, please, be seated. Hon. Members, the Clerk shall read the Second Order of the day.Proceed, Mr. Clerk.

THE CLERK:Thank you, Mr. President. Election of the Vice President of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) representing the Central African Region.

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, this House shall now proceed to the election of the Vice President of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) representing the Central African Region in accordance with Rule 16 of our Rules of Procedure.

[French: 14:38:26 -14:38:33]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Motion, Monsieur le Président!Motion! Motion!

THE PRESIDENT:Yes?

[French: 14:38:37 - 14:39:45]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Merci, Honorable Président.Je ne comprends pas que depuis deux séances, nous sommes en train de voter. Nous allons voter le Viceprésident, mais même dans le programme, vous mettez: « Élection au poste de vice-président ». Nous devons être clairs! Il s’agit du vote du premier Vice-président, c’est ce poste qui est vacant.En effet, vous vous rappelez qu’à la dernière session, lorsque le poste de Madame KANTENGWA avait été déclaré vacant et que le Président GAYO s’était présenté, il ne l’avait pas fait pour un autre poste; il s’était présenté pour le poste qui était vacant, à savoir celui de Madame KANTENGWA. Les deux s’étaient battus et le Président GAYO, qui est maintenant quatrième Vice-président, avait gagné. Il occupe actuellement la quatrième vice-présidence.Ici, depuis qu’on parle de cette vacance, on nous parle de « vice-président ». Nous devons nous mettre d’accord que nous devons voter pour le premier viceprésident.Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements)

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much, Hon. Member. There is no dispute on the issue that the Vice President being elected is the one from the Central African Region. When he is elected, he would, as is our tradition, take the position of the First Vice President in the order in which we have been following in our Parliament. So, it is not a problem, but he---(Loud consultations)Please, he will---(Loud consultations)Hon. Member, he is from the Central African Region; he represents the region and when elected, he will be the First Vice President, as is the vacancy that exists in Parliament(Applause)There is no dispute whatsoever on that. But because we need to specify that only the Central African Region can participate in this election, that is why it is being said "Vice President of the Pan African Parliament representing the Central African Region." I hope that is clear.

AN HONORABLE MEMBER:On a point of procedure, Mr. President.

THE PRESIDENT:Yes?

AN HONORABLE MEMBER:Thank you, Mr. President. I think the reason why the hon. Member who took the Floor was asking this is because a lot of Members are misinterpreting Article 12(4). Maybe for the purpose of all of us reading from the same script, we do request the Chairperson of the Rules Committee to interpret this to the Members. That is why they are asking this question.Thank you, Mr. President.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much. We have already referred the matter of rotation to the Rules Committee, and they are yet to take a decision; they are yet to revert back to us. Until then, we will continue with our practice.I thank you.Hon. Members, the Clerk will now explain the process for the elections.

THE CLERK:Thank you, Mr. President. As the President has explained, we are only electing the Vice President for one vacant position; that is the Central African Region. As he has explained, after election then the ranking will follow as it was. When the Rules Committee decide to tell us how the rotation will work, it will then apply at that time.

HONORABLE MEMBERS:No! No! No!(Loud consultations)

THE PRESIDENT:Mr. Clerk, please explain the procedure for voting and stay away from that.

THE CLERK:Thank you.The procedure for voting, hon. President, the rules say that the Members who are voting are those present and voting. So, we are going to register the Members as they come to vote. So, we will count only the Members who are present and voting. Once that is done, if the election is 50 per cent plus one, then the Member will be declared the winner.I need also to announce that as the Clerk, I received two formal nominations from the Central African Region, the Former Vice President, hon. Roger Nkodo Dang and another Member, hon. Henriette Massounga Nono from Gabon, who later withdrew. So, we have one candidate only.(Applause)However, in spite of that, in accordance with the rules, we still have to vote to ensure that the hon. Member has actually been voted into office in conformity with the rules.So, the procedure now is going to be registration on your far left, and then once a Member registers, they will take the ballot or vote, put it in the ballot box and then go and sit down. So, we will follow that order. We will then count the votes from those who have been present and registered to vote, and actually voted.Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much. I now will call upon the candidates to present themselves, and in this case we have only one candidate. So, let me, therefore, invite the hon. Roger Nkodo Dang, the candidate for the position of Vice President, to please come and take the Floor and present himself to the electorate for five minutes.(Applause)

HON. ROGER NKODO DANG [CAMEROUN]:Excellence Monsieur le Président du Parlement panafricain,Excellences les membres du Bureau,Chers collègues députés.Je m’appelle NKODO DANG Roger. Je suis député à l’Assemblée nationale du Cameroun et député au Parlement panafricain.Je vais résumer ma personne sur trois points.Le premier point, ce sera sur ma naissance. Je suis né le 6 novembre 1963 au Cameroun.J’ai fait mes études primaires, secondaires et universitaires au Cameroun. Au sortir de ces études, j’ai obtenu tous les diplômes exigés jusqu’à une Maîtrise en Relations internationales, option diplomatie.J’ai engagé une première partie de ma carrière dans les questions environnementales et sociales. J’ai été, tout à tour, observateur de l’Organisation internationale des Bois tropicaux dont le siège est à Yokohama au Japon. Consultant dans le Bassin du Congo, exploitant forestier. Ensuite, j’ai engagé une carrière politique intense au lendemain de la démocratisation du continent africain.Je puis vous assurer, depuis l’avènement du multipartisme en Afrique, j’ai fait une carrière politique continue. Élu député en 2002, 2007 et 2013 sans interruption, j’ai été désigné membre du Parlement panafricain en 2007.En 2012, cette auguste Assemblée m’a fait confiance en me votant massivement au poste de premier Viceprésident. Le Règlement intérieur de notre Assemblée l’exigeant, je suis allé aux élections, je suis revenu et tout humblement, je me présente à vous à nouveau, pour solliciter vos suffrages, pour qu’ensemble, nous puissions continuer à travailler pour la paix en Afrique. Mon élection intervient à la suite d’un grand débat qui a eu lieu dans cette Chambre aujourd’hui, la motion dédiée à Feu Président Nelson MANDELA. Le mot que j’ai retenu et qui est revenu dans toutes les bouches, c’était la paix, et je place mon élection sous le signe de la paix; sous le signe de la consolidation des acquis de ce Parlement. Je travaillerais ardemment auprès du Président du Parlement panafricain, du Bureau et de tous les membres pour que tout ce qui a été dit sur Feu le Président, soit notre guide, à nous tous, avant que nous ne le véhiculions à l’extérieur.C’est pour cette raison que je vous confirme, Mesdames et Messieurs les jeunes parlementaires, que je suis le candidat de la continuité, le candidat qui devra continuer à supporter et à travailler auprès du Président pour que le rapport qu’on présente, que je puisse y mettre ma petite touche pour les activités du Président.Je vous invite donc, chers collègues, à me voter massivement, comme par le passé, pour que je puisse terminer mon mandat et que j’apporte ma petite contribution à l’édification de l’Afrique.(Applaudissements)Je voudrais terminer en soulignant ce que le Président du Parlement a dit hier. Nous savons qu’en Afrique, la source des conflits, c’est l’élection, or nous ici au Parlement, nous luttons pour qu’il n’y ait plus de conflits en Afrique suite aux élections. Je crois donc que c’est en toute fraternité, en toute camaraderie, en toute franchise que vous allez m’accorder vos suffrages pour que vive l’Afrique.(L’honorable NKODO DANG Roger exprime ses remerciements dans différentes langues parlées au sein du Parlement).(Ovations)

REFERENCE: 1203-145001E

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Colleagues, we would quickly hand over to the Clerk to oversee the proceedings of the voting and the registration process.

THE CLERK:Hon. Members, the total of members on this side of the House is 115. We are not opening the doors now. Please do not open the door because we are going to confuse the numbers. Do not open the door!All right?, Now it is 116 and that is final.We shall start from the left, As I said we would register Hon. Members and we shall start. Please allow those Members to come in as along as we counted how many they are. Allow only one entrance there.Hon. Members, we are going to start counting. We would like you to know that originally we had 116 and then additional Members pushed their way in and we allowed them. Those where 13 which then gives a total of 129. So, now we shall start counting and those who come later the voting is closed and it cannot be opened. So, we are going to count the ballots to see the results.I am told that you want additional witnesses. So, we can have the fourth one. Anyone who can come and join us from the Hon. Members, is welcome.Hon. Members, the total of ballot papers is 130. We said initially we had 116 and then we said 13 Members entered and then we had 129. Upon counting, we discovered that we are actually 130. So, we want to count from 130. I thank you.We are now counting each ballot to see how many people actually voted for Hon. Nkodo.

[Counting of Ballots]

THE CLERK:We have got 119 positive votes for Hon. Nkodo. We are now going to count the spoilt papers. (Applause). We have 11 spoilt papers. When we added the spoilt papers which are 11 and the positive votes which are 119, it gives us a total of 130 which we had originally. So, the counting and the numbers are perfect. I thank you. (Applause).

THE PRESIDENT:You may open the doors of Parliament. Hon. Members, we have concluded with the voting and 130 Hon. Members voted and Hon. Roger Nkodo Dang received 119 votes and 11 votes were voided. (Applause). Hon. Roger Nkodo Dang is hereby elected. (Applause).May I now invite the Hon. Member, His Excellency the Vice-President to please come and express his sincere gratitude to the electorate. (Applause).

REFERENCE: 1203-154423FE

[French: 15:44:23 -15:46:59 ]

HON. ROGER NKODO DANG [CAMEROUN]:Excellence Monsieur le Président du Parlement panafricain,Excellences Mesdames et Messieurs les Viceprésidents,Chers collègues,C’est avec beaucoup d’émotion que je viens d’être élu par vous et je voudrais, en premier lieu, exprimer ma profonde gratitude à Son Excellence Monsieur Paul BIYA, Président de la République du Cameroun, qui a bien voulu me désigner de nouveau pour entrer dans cette belle Maison.Ces remerciements s’adressent au Caucus Afrique centrale qui, dans son entièreté, m’a fait confiance, et à ma grande sœur NONO MASSOUNGA du(Applaudissements)Gabon, qui, dans l’élévation de la personne, a bien voulu se retirer pour permettre à son jeune frère de continuer à servir. Quelle belle leçon de solidarité!(Applaudissements)Mes remerciements vont à vous tous, ici, présents.Électrices et électeurs, voilà une belle leçon pour l’Afrique!L’Afrique, c’est nous et si nous continuons sur cette lancée, nous n’allons plus faire l’objet de reproches de l’extérieur; les gens viendront puiser dans le Parlement panafricain le bel exemple de paix et de solidarité. À ce titre, je remercie toutes les électrices et tous les électeurs qui ont porté leur choix sur moi. Il s’agit là d’une belle expression de la démocratie. Nous sommes là pour promouvoir la démocratie, le Parlement panafricain doit être le creuset de la démocratie.Sans passion, sans quelques pressions que ce soit, vous avez porté votre choix sur moi et la question que je me pose, est: est-ce que je saurais mériter cette confiance hautement placée en moi? Mais pour ma part, je pose la main sur le cœur et je jure que je vais mériter votre confiance.Je ne vais pas vous décevoir!Je ne faillirais pas à ma mission!Je vais travailler pour l’intérêt de l’Afrique.Je vous remercie tous, pour cette marque de confiance!(L’intéressé remercie dans toutes les langues parlées au Parlement et reçoit une longue ovation des ses collègues parlementaires).

MR PRESIDENT:Hon. Nkodo, please remain to be sworn in. Clerk, please proceed to swear in the VicePresident.[French: 15:47:39 -15:48: 45

ADMINISTRATION OF OATH

Hon Roger Nkodo took the Oath of Solemn Declaration, signed it and took his seat as First VicePresident.

Thursday, 13 March, 2014

THE PRESIDENT:Please, be seated.

REFERENCE: 1303-092201E

ADMINISTRATION OF OATH

The following Hon Member took the Oath of Solemn Declaration, signed it and took her seat:1. Hon. SILKAM Manamourou Isabelle

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, we would like to have your attention for a few minutes. We received the documents on the Budget very late yesterday and we are still in the process of translating it into a few other languages and as such, I would crave your indulgence. I have re-ordered the order of today’s activities. We shall this morning take the report and the speech of the Deputy Chairperson of The African Union Commission, His Excellency Erastus Mwencha and he would, thereafter, submit that draft budget to the Committee on Finance and Monetary Affairs of this Parliament. That committee would present its report after its deliberation to this House for our afternoon sitting. Thereafter, we would debate the presentation. This would give Hon.Members enough time to study the documents that have been sent this morning.After the debate, we shall take a response from the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission on the issues that would have been raised by members during the debate in the afternoon. I thank you.(Applause)Hon. Members, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 38 (1) (d), it is with great pleasure that I now invite His Excellency Erastus Mwencha, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission to enter the Chamber. Your Excellency.(Applause).Let me now invite the Clerk to Parliament to read the first order of the day.

THE CLERK:Thank you, Mr President. Presentation and debate on the African Union Draft Budget for 2015.

THE PRESEIDENT:I now call upon His Excellency Erastus Mwencha -

HON. MEMBER:Motion to the President.

THE PRESIDENT:Yes, Chairman finance.

HON. MEMBER:The terms should be read please. It is presentation and not debate.

THE PRESIDENT:Yes, that as I explained earlier on. Thank you. I call upon His Excellency Erastus Mwencha, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission to present the draft budget.

REFERENCE: 1303-093100E

H. E. ERASTUS MWENCHA [DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION]:The Hon. Mr President of the PanAfrican Parliament, Hon. Members of PAP, let me take this opportunity to thank you Mr President and Members of this august House for the opportunity to present the draft 2015 budget of the Union.Hon. Members, you would no doubt recall that barely six months ago, in October of last year, I did appear before you to present for the first time, the outline of the Union’s 2014 budget. Although the budget was presented after it had been adopted, it was an historic first time and step, and I recall the enormous interest and contributions made by Hon. Members in their discussion following my presentation.At that meeting we agreed that we would engage you early in the budget development process and my coming before you this time is in honour of that promise and I will return to this aspect later in my statement.Mr. President, while I was working with my - I received indication from the statement that the budget has just been submitted here. I think this is an area we would also discuss in the afternoon on how to synchronise our calenders because even in your own case, I understand you are just discussing the budget for 2015 so that we can then have better framework and hopefully in the future, you would consider to the budget in the October session, which would enable us to follow the calendar the following year.Before I go into details, let me use this opportunity to convey greetings and best wishes from the Chairperson of the Commission H.E. Dr Dlamini Zuma and the rest of the Commission for the 10^th Anniversary of this august House, and to wish you successful deliberations during this current session.As we mark ten years of our existence, which also coincides with our 50^th Anniversary, we hope that this would give us an opportunity to reflect on how we can travel together in this great journey towards the integration of our continent, but more so, lifting the living standards of our people.Mr Chairman, since our last meeting, the Commission, as I have just indicated, and the Union as a whole, has been very busy. Following the successful celebration of the 50^th Anniversary last year, the Commission has been very busy facilitating the implementation of some of the key decisions that were taken by the Summit and also in preparation for the summit that will take place in Equatorial Guinea in June this year.The draft of Africa’s long term development framework document is one such area that has kept us very busy. This framework is also known as "Agenda 63". This document was presented to the Executive Council in January this year, and recommendations on how to deepen our integration process and also broaden the scope of our co-operation is still on-going.The document would provide a common platform; direction and milestones in point form, for the Union. Whereas consultations are taking place at national, regional and all Africans, including the diaspora in their various formations, it is important that the Pan-African Parliament also promotes itself on the framework document.Further, since our last meeting, we now have a new financial rules and regulations which were adopted by the Executive Council in January. This was intended to enhance financial accountability, viability and sustainability of the Union. A key component of the financial reforms is the introduction of International Public Service Accounting Standards (IPSAS) across all the organs of the Union.Intensified effort is now being made to find a lasting solution to the issue of funding of the Union programme, and I am happy to inform you that last November, at a retreat of the Executive Council, some critical concrete proposals for exploring alternate sources of funding of our Union were made. I would also come back to this aspect when we talk about the revenue of the Union later on.The importance of this exercise cannot be under estimated. Over the last five years, the Union has depended heavily on partner contributions for programme implementation. However, indications are that this process cannot continue for much longer and that Africa should be looking at taking on a greater burden for our own development. This message is amply demonstrated by the fact that the Union’s 2014 budget had to be revised downwards by as much as US $70 million because commitments from partners to support the budget could not be secured.The consultations on alternative funding are still ongoing and I have no doubt that at an appropriate time, these would be laid before the respective National Parliaments for consultations. I am optimistic that you, the Hon. Members of this House would play a key advocacy role in finding a lasting solution to this very important challenge.Mr President, before I go into the substance of my presentation, permit me to update you on changes that have occurred in the budget development process.At the last summit in January, along with the adoption of new financial rules and regulations, the Executive Council also approved the establishment of an Internal programme and budget committee in line with the Executive Council decision EX.Cl/802(xxiv) The Committee is to be chaired by the Deputy Chairperson of the AUC and also includes the heads of all organs amongst others. This is to ensure that all the organs are properly engaged and actively involved in the budget preparation process. In line with the ongoing budget process, a budget calendar was prepared that envisages broad consultations with all organs and stakeholders. My presentation to this august house is in the light of these consultations which we deem very important.Mr Chairman, before I delve into the actual budget, it is important to have a quick outlook of Africa for the year 2015. That is the socio-economic outlook.The general economic outlook for the continent looks positive. Economic growth in Africa is expected to rise to an average of 4.7 per cent in 2014 and 5 per cent in 2015, with some countries posting the highest growth rates in the world.The economist projects that the continent would have seven of the ten fastest growing economies over the period up to 2015, and that Africa would now outpace the Asian region. Furthermore, inflation is expected to decelerate from an average of 7.0 per cent in 2013 to 6.3 per cent by 2015. However, continuing trends in the global economy may pose some risks to our growth if not carefully managed. These include weaker growth in China as well as ongoing fiscal tightening in the Euro Area and the United States.Further, a number of domestic concerns such as rising unemployment, non inclusive growth, high and volatile global food and fuel prices as well as socio-political unrest, protracted labor disputes and adverse weather conditions could also undermine growth in some countries.The organs of the Union would increasingly be expected to play a greater role in socio-economic transformation to achieve sustainable growth. The Union’s long term strategy, Agenda 2063 when finalised, would provide the strategic framework that would guide the Union’s interventions as it supports the development and integration aspirations of the continent. This is the context in which we present the 2015 budget of the Union.Budget performance for 2013First, let us have an overview of the 2013 performance. Ordinarily, one would expect us to look at the 2014 budget performance before we talk about the 2015 budget provisions. This is not possible because, as you know, this is only the second week of March, and so the 2014 budget performance is not available. So, for that matter, for 2015, we would use indicators of the 2013 budget performance.The actual expenditure of the African Union stood at US$194,140,374 representing 67 per cent execution rate. On further analysis, US$106,405,936 and US$87,734,437 were executed from the Operational and Program budget at an execution rate of 87 per cent and 53 per cent respectively. The total expenditure of the AUC programme in the year under review stood at US$59.4 million, translating into an execution rate of 52 per cent, against funds available for programmes. Over the next few months, intensified measures would be taken to ensure the budget execution rate improves.Overview of the 2015 Union budgetThe proposed budget for 2015 is US$499,131,221. This would be financed as follows: the Members States will contribute about 31 per cent of this budget, with five countries paying over 70 per cent of this budget, and Partners would contribute 69 per cent. We do have other sources of revenue which are mainly general fund, acquisition of property fund and of course, China does not normally come under the General Partners Fund. We would also have some resources coming from China, but this is essentially for the improvement of physical facilities of the Union.The proposed assessed contribution of Member states towards the 2015 budget is US$156.9 million. This shows an increase of 24 per cent from the 2013 assessment. However, as I said, this is still in draft stage and given that we generally have a limitation of 5 per cent, which shows the amount of what needs to be done to bring this budget to that generally agreed level, which is also in line with expected growth rates of our economies during that period.Analysis over the last 5 years shows that the overall contribution of Member States towards the African Union budget exceeds that of Partners’ by 8 per cent annually. So, this year is an exception and so, we have to look at it in that context. Nonetheless, the programmes aspects have largely been financed by partners with an average contribution of 93 per cent. In other words, on the programme budget, partners contribute 93 per cent and our Member States contribute 7 per cent.Among the budget components that I have laid out, the programme is allocated 55 per cent staff costs 31 per cent and operating cost 13 per cent, with capital cost at 1 per cent. The distribution of the budget by organs is as follows:

Organ/Agency	Percentage
AUC	75
NEPAD	14
PAP	5
AfCHR	3

Interruptions

MR PRESIDENT:Your Excellency, I think we have a break in translation. Translators, in French, Arabic and Portuguese, are you all right now? Thank you very much. Your Excellency, you may proceed.

Mr MWENCHA:Sorry about that Mr President.

ACHPR	2
Advisory Board on Corruption	0.5
ECCOSOC	0.3
AUCIL	2
Peace and Security Council	2
African Commission on Child Welfare	1

MR MWENCHA:If I could now come to priority sectors on the distribution of the budget first by distribution of the four pillars of our integration agenda. On the social and economic and human development, the budget allocation to this sector is 39 per cent. Institutional capacity building and communication is 33 per cent, peace and security is 20 per cent. This is the first time peace and security is also declining under 30 per cent. Integration, cooperation and partnership is 5 per cent and shared values 3 per cent.Let me now go into the details of the four pillars of our budget and what we expect particularly, as expected results in the implementation of the budget. The 2015 budget seeks to achieve specific public routes through development of the architecture for peace and security being in place for 2015 in drift governance, inclusiveness particularly, gender and youth in drift agriculture, realising the programme on Pan-African University, implementation of the programme for development of interest of Africa as well as the social sector, like malaria and the reduction of mother and child mortality amongst others.In this respect, there are some specific actions that would be taken, including putting in place policies and programmes to enhance access to health, quality education and employable skills underpinned by investment in science, research and innovation in place. This is the context in which the Pan-African University will also be implemented.There is also need to put in place policies and institutions for increased agriculture production, expanded value addition, market access and sound environmental management from increased incomes, and also put food and nutrition security in place. I should pause here, Mr President, to indicate to Hon. Members that the year 2014 has been declared as the year of agriculture and food security. For this, as Member States, at a regional and continental level, there is expectations to see enhanced implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme known as CADP.The fourth aspect that we need to focus on in 2015, is inclusive economic development and industry driven by economic integration, continental infrastructureprojects, private sector-led intra-African trade and the global access and sustainable utilisation of the continent’s natural resources.Peace is an extremely important aspect, especially for us to be able to have value addition of our raw materials, but also create employment and tackle the issue of extreme poverty in our continent. Equally important is peace and stability, good governance, democracy and human rights as foundations for development and stable societies to be promoted. As you know, we have already embarked on an ambitious programme or project to silence all guns by 2020. So, by 2015, a number of elements would have to be in place, first of all, the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and this would be preceded by what we now call the Rapid Response Mechanism which was adopted by Heads of State and governments in May last year and for which efforts are being made to launch it so that Africa does not have to depend on external support for us to manage conflicts that occur in our continent.Another important aspect is a people centered union with the participation of all stake holders in forming and implementing the African Union agenda. Institutional capacities of the Union also need to be strengthened and relations with regional communities and other organs also should be strengthened.I should also indicate that we hope that the Charter that established the Pan-African Parliament would come under review and we hope that as part of strengthening the organs of the unions, that Charter will also reflect on this common cause for us to have strong institutions in place to support the integration agenda of the Union.I am now coming to the specific aspects of the various organs, starting with, the NEPAD agency. NEPAD would focus its attention in the development of programmes and projects across its systematic areas for endorsement and implementation by Member States and regional economic communities. The NEPAD agency would strengthen the agency’s key role in the implementation of the common programmes and mainstream science, technology and innovation development and implementation of programmes, delivery of areas on health of the agency. It would also drive a people-centred real or transformation based on equality and inclusiveness, where real men and women can develop their potential and reach their aspirations including, telecom security while securing environmental sustainability and then all territories in the country can expose their development potential, and none of them is persistently marginalised.The MPCL would also execute programmes aimed at promoting women and youth economic empowerment and drive inclusive growth and sustainable development of the African continent. Additionally, it would implement fisheries programmes that encourage growth through the development and the implementation of a comprehensive Africa Fisheries Reform Strategy. Agriculture institutions and policies would be strengthened and aligned to ensure the effective delivery of related programmes and transform tertiary agriculture education and system to contribute effectively to meet CADP’s vision on agriculture led development in Africa.Other institutions to be addressed during 2015 include; strengthening the resilience of African countries to climate change and the bio-diversity conservation by building national and sub-regional continental capacity and support to African countries in the planning and implementation of programmatic investments to scale up sustainable land management using an eco-system approach whilst supporting regional country initiatives an programmes to strengthen and align an enabling environment that is climate smart.MPCL with regards to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, the context of building and re-enforcing the complementarity of the respective mandates of the African Commission for Human and People’s Rights and the African Court for Human and People’s Rights. The bill of the organisations would have June sessions aimed at fostering cooperation and promoting synergy as well as finanlising and harmonizing their respective rules of procedure. As you know, again, the protocol of the African Court of Human and People’s Rights, like that of PAP would be coming under review with a view to expand on its mandate for it to be able to take on some of the challenges that the continent is facing by us not having capacity, for instance, to prosecute cases related to human and people’s rights.On capacity building, training on the African Court and Commission on Human and People’s Rights Communications handling system providing such training would produce benefits all round. Member States and others who have communications before the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights will understand the process involved better which would in turn facilitate the work on the Commission and make it more effective thereby creating conditions that are more conducive to human health promotion, protection and observance in Africa.With regards to the African Court on Human and People’s rights, as I have just indicated, the programmatic trust of the African Court on Human and People’s Rights for 2015 and in line with this mandate is to ensure judicial protection of human rights in Africa and the prospective mandate of the African Commission on the Human and People’s Rights. In the year 2015, the court’s delivery would focus on enhancing the feasibility of the court by creating awareness among all stakeholders, increasing the number of ratifications of the protocol and declarations as deposited by Member States, enhancing the institutional and human resources capacity of the court.With regard to the African Union Advisory Board on Corruption, in 2015, the main objective is to make the board, the secretariat and the convention visible, audible and credible, engage the present and ultimately all the African countries as well regional organisations.Mr President, I should indicate here that I am not going to get on the PAP because I understand this is still ongoing and we have been debating this, and once you give us, we would also be inserting it in this relevant provisions the priorities of the Pan-African Parliament in 2015 based on the budget for 2015.Mr President, let me now move to the next aspect which is assumptions and considerations for the 2015 budget. The following are the underlined considerations for the preparations of the 2015 budget, that is the operational budget. These are some of the elements that would constitute the 2015 budget.Steady increase in the salary of existing staff based on satisfactory performance. Second, the cost related to the operationalisation of the sectoral technical committees as mandated by the Union Assembly and of course, a major assumption is that there would be no major changes in the application of polices because policies have financial implications. However, in the 2015 budget, the major elements are the two aspects that I have indicated, which would affect the 2015 budget.On the programme budget, the budget would take into account the fact that in the spirit of the medium term expenditure framework, not all projects planned for in a particular year, can be completed. Just as the list I have read but instead, a first approach is pursued. The availability of funds from development partners is a major assumption and also we hope, and this is where we want to plead for your intervention. The Minister of Finance meeting is going to take place on 30^th March in Abuja which would be looking at ways of strengthening in terms of sources of revenue.Further, the Heads of State and Government meeting in May last year, approved the establishment of what we called AU foundation, which would be launched and where the private sector can participate particularly in the social sector. This foundation would also be formally launched in June, and hopefully, it would also attract good response from the private sector to support the integration agenda.Mr President, it is important at this stage to indicate the next steps as far as the budget is concerned, after your consideration. You are aware that the summit ultimately approves the budget and it would meet in June. However, before the summit approves the budget, it will be preceded by the Executive Council, which would sit back to back with the summit in June in Equatorial Guinea in Malabo. Before that, there would be a court to consider the debate on the PRC and after that the sub-committee of administrative matters. Ishould also indicate here that hopefully one of the organs have formalised that process with this budget, including PAP, the internal budgetary review committee would also look at the submissions and would take into account the views and the debate of the Pan-African Parliament.Mr. President, Hon. Members, as I conclude my statement, let me once again thank you for the opportunity you have given me to make this presentation. However, before I conclude, I would like to draw your attention to the following, on which your support will be vital.Firstly, funding of the Union, although intensified action is now being taken on this very important matter, I believe that your intervention will be critical, especially at national, regional and continental level to find a lasting solution that would provide the Union with adequate and predictable funding, reduce dependency and vulnerability and strengthen program ownership.Secondly, in order to enhance our programme delivery and in line with our Union goals and objectives, we need to work together to strengthen our institutional governance and accountability and PAP as the continental Parliament would play a key role in this regard.Mr President, Hon. Members, I thank you for this opportunity to make this presentation.

REFERENCE: 1303-093100E

The Hon. Mr President of the Pan-African Parliament, Hon. Members of PAP, let me take this opportunity to thank you Mr President and Members of this august House for the opportunity to present the draft 2015 budget of the Union.Hon. Members, you would no doubt recall that barely six months ago, in October of last year, I did appear before you to present for the first time, the outline of the Union’s 2014 budget. Although the budget was presented after it had been adopted, it was an historic first time and step, and I recall the enormous interest and contributions made by Hon. Members in their discussion following my presentation.At that meeting we agreed that we would engage you early in the budget development process and my coming before you this time is in honour of that promise and I will return to this aspect later in my statement.Mr. President, while I was working with my - I received indication from the statement that the budget has just been submitted here. I think this is an area we would also discuss in the afternoon on how to synchronise our calenders because even in your own case, I understand you are just discussing the budget for 2015 so that we can then have better framework and hopefully in the future, you would consider to the budget in the October session, which would enable us to follow the calendar the following year.Before I go into details, let me use this opportunity to convey greetings and best wishes from the Chairperson of the Commission H.E. Dr Dlamini Zuma and the rest of the Commission for the 10^th Anniversary of this august House, and to wish you successful deliberations during this current session.As we mark ten years of our existence, which also coincides with our 50^th Anniversary, we hope that this would give us an opportunity to reflect on how we can travel together in this great journey towards the integration of our continent, but more so, lifting the living standards of our people.Mr Chairman, since our last meeting, the Commission, as I have just indicated, and the Union as a whole, has been very busy. Following the successful celebration of the 50^th Anniversary last year, the Commission has been very busy facilitating the implementation of some of the key decisions that were taken by the Summit and also in preparation for the summit that will take place in Equatorial Guinea in June this year.The draft of Africa’s long term development framework document is one such area that has kept us very busy. This framework is also known as "Agenda 63". This document was presented to the Executive Council in January this year, and recommendations on how to deepen our integration process and also broaden the scope of our co-operation is still on-going.The document would provide a common platform; direction and milestones in point form, for the Union. Whereas consultations are taking place at national, regional and all Africans, including the diaspora in their various formations, it is important that the Pan-African Parliament also promotes itself on the framework document.Further, since our last meeting, we now have a new financial rules and regulations which were adopted by the Executive Council in January. This was intended to enhance financial accountability, viability and sustainability of the Union. A key component of the financial reforms is the introduction of International Public Service Accounting Standards (IPSAS) across all the organs of the Union.Intensified effort is now being made to find a lasting solution to the issue of funding of the Union programme, and I am happy to inform you that last November, at a retreat of the Executive Council, some critical concrete proposals for exploring alternate sources of funding of our Union were made. I would also come back to this aspect when we talk about the revenue of the Union later on.The importance of this exercise cannot be under estimated. Over the last five years, the Union has depended heavily on partner contributions for programme implementation. However, indications are that this process cannot continue for much longer and that Africa should be looking at taking on a greater burden for our own development. This message is amply demonstrated by the fact that the Union’s 2014 budget had to be revised downwards by as much as US $70 million because commitments from partners to support the budget could not be secured.The consultations on alternative funding are still ongoing and I have no doubt that at an appropriate time, these would be laid before the respective National Parliaments for consultations. I am optimistic that you, the Hon. Members of this House would play a key advocacy role in finding a lasting solution to this very important challenge.Mr President, before I go into the substance of my presentation, permit me to update you on changes that have occurred in the budget development process.At the last summit in January, along with the adoption of new financial rules and regulations, the Executive Council also approved the establishment of an Internal programme and budget committee in line with the Executive Council decision EX.Cl/802(xxiv) The Committee is to be chaired by the Deputy Chairperson of the AUC and also includes the heads of all organs amongst others. This is to ensure that all the organs are properly engaged and actively involved in the budget preparation process. In line with the ongoing budget process, a budget calendar was prepared that envisages broad consultations with all organs and stakeholders. My presentation to this august house is in the light of these consultations which we deem very important.Mr Chairman, before I delve into the actual budget, it is important to have a quick outlook of Africa for the year 2015. That is the socio-economic outlook.The general economic outlook for the continent looks positive. Economic growth in Africa is expected to rise to an average of 4.7 per cent in 2014 and 5 per cent in 2015, with some countries posting the highest growth rates in the world.The economist projects that the continent would have seven of the ten fastest growing economies over the period up to 2015, and that Africa would now outpace the Asian region. Furthermore, inflation is expected to decelerate from an average of 7.0 per cent in 2013 to 6.3 per cent by 2015. However, continuing trends in the global economy may pose some risks to our growth if not carefully managed. These include weaker growth in China as well as ongoing fiscal tightening in the Euro Area and the United States.Further, a number of domestic concerns such as rising unemployment, non inclusive growth, high and volatile global food and fuel prices as well as socio-political unrest, protracted labor disputes and adverse weather conditions could also undermine growth in some countries.The organs of the Union would increasingly be expected to play a greater role in socio-economic transformation to achieve sustainable growth. The Union’s long term strategy, Agenda 2063 when finalised, would provide the strategic framework that would guide the Union’s interventions as it supports the development and integration aspirations of the continent. This is the context in which we present the 2015 budget of the Union.

Budget performance for 2013

First, let us have an overview of the 2013 performance. Ordinarily, one would expect us to look at the 2014 budget performance before we talk about the 2015 budget provisions. This is not possible because, as you know, this is only the second week of March, and so the 2014 budget performance is not available. So, for that matter, for 2015, we would use indicators of the 2013 budget performance.The actual expenditure of the African Union stood at US$194,140,374 representing 67 per cent execution rate. On further analysis, US$106,405,936 and US$87,734,437 were executed from the Operational and Program budget at an execution rate of 87 per cent and 53 per cent respectively. The total expenditure of the AUC programme in the year under review stood at US$59.4 million, translating into an execution rate of 52 per cent, against funds available for programmes. Over the next few months, intensified measures would be taken to ensure the budget execution rate improves.

Overview of the 2015 Union budget

The proposed budget for 2015 is US$499,131,221. This would be financed as follows: the Members States will contribute about 31 per cent of this budget, with five countries paying over 70 per cent of this budget, and Partners would contribute 69 per cent. We do have other sources of revenue which are mainly general fund, acquisition of property fund and of course, China does not normally come under the General Partners Fund. We would also have some resources coming from China, but this is essentially for the improvement of physical facilities of the Union.The proposed assessed contribution of Member states towards the 2015 budget is US$156.9 million. This shows an increase of 24 per cent from the 2013 assessment. However, as I said, this is still in draft stage and given that we generally have a limitation of 5 per cent, which shows the amount of what needs to be done to bring this budget to that generally agreed level, which is also in line with expected growth rates of our economies during that period.Analysis over the last 5 years shows that the overall contribution of Member States towards the African Union budget exceeds that of Partners’ by 8 per cent annually. So, this year is an exception and so, we have to look at it in that context. Nonetheless, the programmes aspects have largely been financed by partners with an average contribution of 93 per cent. In other words, on the programme budget, partners contribute 93 per cent and our Member States contribute 7 per cent.Among the budget components that I have laid out, the programme is allocated 55 per cent staff costs 31 per cent and operating cost 13 per cent, with capital cost at 1 per cent. The distribution of the budget by organs is as follows:

Organ/Agency	Percentage
AUC	75
NEPAD	14
PAP	5
AfCHR	3

Interruptions

MR PRESIDENT:Your Excellency, I think we have a break in translation. Translators, in French, Arabic and Portuguese, are you all right now? Thank you very much. Your Excellency, you may proceed.

Mr MWENCHA:Sorry about that Mr President.

ACHPR	2
Advisory Board on Corruption	0.5
ECCOSOC	0.3
AUCIL	2
Peace and Security Council	2
African Commission on Child Welfare	1

MR MWENCHA:If I could now come to priority sectors on the distribution of the budget first by distribution of the four pillars of our integration agenda. On the social and economic and human development, the budget allocation to this sector is 39 per cent. Institutional capacity building and communication is 33 per cent, peace and security is 20 per cent. This is the first time peace and security is also declining under 30 per cent. Integration, cooperation and partnership is 5 per cent and shared values 3 per cent.Let me now go into the details of the four pillars of our budget and what we expect particularly, as expected results in the implementation of the budget. The 2015 budget seeks to achieve specific public routes through development of the architecture for peace and security being in place for 2015 in drift governance, inclusiveness particularly, gender and youth in drift agriculture, realising the programme on Pan-African University, implementation of the programme for development of interest of Africa as well as the social sector, like malaria and the reduction of mother and child mortality amongst others.In this respect, there are some specific actions that would be taken, including putting in place policies and programmes to enhance access to health, quality education and employable skills underpinned by investment in science, research and innovation in place. This is the context in which the Pan-African University will also be implemented.There is also need to put in place policies and institutions for increased agriculture production, expanded value addition, market access and sound environmental management from increased incomes, and also put food and nutrition security in place. I should pause here, Mr President, to indicate to Hon. Members that the year 2014 has been declared as the year of agriculture and food security. For this, as Member States, at a regional and continental level, there is expectations to see enhanced implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme known as CADP.The fourth aspect that we need to focus on in 2015, is inclusive economic development and industry driven by economic integration, continental infrastructure projects, private sector-led intra-African trade and the global access and sustainable utilisation of the continent’s natural resources.Peace is an extremely important aspect, especially for us to be able to have value addition of our raw materials, but also create employment and tackle the issue of extreme poverty in our continent. Equally important is peace and stability, good governance, democracy and human rights as foundations for development and stable societies to be promoted. As you know, we have already embarked on an ambitious programme or project to silence all guns by 2020. So, by 2015, a number of elements would have to be in place, first of all, the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and this would be preceded by what we now call the Rapid Response Mechanism which was adopted by Heads of State and governments in May last year and for which efforts are being made to launch it so that Africa does not have to depend on external support for us to manage conflicts that occur in our continent.Another important aspect is a people centered union with the participation of all stake holders in forming and implementing the African Union agenda. Institutional capacities of the Union also need to be strengthened and relations with regional communities and other organs also should be strengthened.I should also indicate that we hope that the Charter that established the Pan-African Parliament would come under review and we hope that as part of strengthening the organs of the unions, that Charter will also reflect on this common cause for us to have strong institutions in place to support the integration agenda of the Union.I am now coming to the specific aspects of the various organs, starting with, the NEPAD agency. NEPAD would focus its attention in the development of programmes and projects across its systematic areas for endorsement and implementation by Member States and regional economic communities. The NEPAD agency would strengthen the agency’s key role in the implementation of the common programmes and mainstream science, technology and innovation development and implementation of programmes, delivery of areas on health of the agency. It would also drive a people-centred real or transformation based on equality and inclusiveness, where real men and women can develop their potential and reach their aspirations including, telecom security while securing environmental sustainability and then all territories in the country can expose their development potential, and none of them is persistently marginalised.The MPCL would also execute programmes aimed at promoting women and youth economic empowerment and drive inclusive growth and sustainable development of the African continent. Additionally, it would implement fisheries programmes that encourage growth through the development and the implementation of a comprehensive Africa Fisheries Reform Strategy. Agriculture institutions and policies would be strengthened and aligned to ensure the effective delivery of related programmes and transform tertiary agriculture education and system to contribute effectively to meet CADP’s vision on agriculture led development in Africa.Other institutions to be addressed during 2015 include; strengthening the resilience of African countries to climate change and the bio-diversity conservation by building national and sub-regional continental capacity and support to African countries in the planning and implementation of programmatic investments to scale up sustainable land management using an eco-system approach whilst supporting regional country initiatives an programmes to strengthen and align an enabling environment that is climate smart.MPCL with regards to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, the context of building and re-enforcing the complementarity of the respective mandates of the African Commission for Human and People’s Rights and the African Court for Human and People’s Rights. The bill of the organisations would have June sessions aimed at fostering cooperation and promoting synergy as well as finanlising and harmonizing their respective rules of procedure. As you know, again, the protocol of the African Court of Human and People’s Rights, like that of PAP would be coming under review with a view to expand on its mandate for it to be able to take on some of the challenges that the continent is facing by us not having capacity, for instance, to prosecute cases related to human and people’s rights.On capacity building, training on the African Court and Commission on Human and People’s Rights Communications handling system providing such training would produce benefits all round. Member States and others who have communications before the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights will understand the process involved better which would in turn facilitate the work on the Commission and make it more effective thereby creating conditions that are more conducive to human health promotion, protection and observance in Africa.With regards to the African Court on Human and People’s rights, as I have just indicated, the programmatic trust of the African Court on Human and People’s Rights for 2015 and in line with this mandate is to ensure judicial protection of human rights in Africa and the prospective mandate of the African Commission on the Human and People’s Rights. In the year 2015, the court’s delivery would focus on enhancing the feasibility of the court by creating awareness among all stakeholders, increasing the number of ratifications of the protocol and declarations as deposited by Member States, enhancing the institutional and human resources capacity of the court.With regard to the African Union Advisory Board on Corruption, in 2015, the main objective is to make the board, the secretariat and the convention visible, audible and credible, engage the present and ultimately all the African countries as well regional organisations.Mr President, I should indicate here that I am not going to get on the PAP because I understand this is still ongoing and we have been debating this, and once you give us, we would also be inserting it in this relevant provisions the priorities of the Pan-African Parliament in 2015 based on the budget for 2015.Mr President, let me now move to the next aspect which is assumptions and considerations for the 2015 budget. The following are the underlined considerations for the preparations of the 2015 budget, that is the operational budget. These are some of the elements that would constitute the 2015 budget.Steady increase in the salary of existing staff based on satisfactory performance. Second, the cost related to the operationalisation of the sectoral technical committees as mandated by the Union Assembly and of course, a major assumption is that there would be no major changes in the application of polices because policies have financial implications. However, in the 2015 budget, the major elements are the two aspects that I have indicated, which would affect the 2015 budget.On the programme budget, the budget would take into account the fact that in the spirit of the medium term expenditure framework, not all projects planned for in a particular year, can be completed. Just as the list I have read but instead, a first approach is pursued. The availability of funds from development partners is a major assumption and also we hope, and this is where we want to plead for your intervention. The Minister of Finance meeting is going to take place on 30^th March in Abuja which would be looking at ways of strengthening in terms of sources of revenue.Further, the Heads of State and Government meeting in May last year, approved the establishment of what we called AU foundation, which would be launched and where the private sector can participate particularly in the social sector. This foundation would also be formally launched in June, and hopefully, it would also attract good response from the private sector to support the integration agenda.Mr President, it is important at this stage to indicate the next steps as far as the budget is concerned, after your consideration. You are aware that the summit ultimately approves the budget and it would meet in June. However, before the summit approves the budget, it will be preceded by the Executive Council, which would sit back to back with the summit in June in Equatorial Guinea in Malabo. Before that, there would be a court to consider the debate on the PRC and after that the sub-committee of administrative matters. I should also indicate here that hopefully one of the organs have formalised that process with this budget, including PAP, the internal budgetary review committee would also look at the submissions and would take into account the views and the debate of the Pan-African Parliament.Mr. President, Hon. Members, as I conclude my statement, let me once again thank you for the opportunity you have given me to make this presentation. However, before I conclude, I would like to draw your attention to the following, on which your support will be vital.Firstly, funding of the Union, although intensified action is now being taken on this very important matter, I believe that your intervention will be critical, especially at national, regional and continental level to find a lasting solution that would provide the Union with adequate and predictable funding, reduce dependency and vulnerability and strengthen program ownership.Secondly, in order to enhance our programme delivery and in line with our Union goals and objectives, we need to work together to strengthen our institutional governance and accountability and PAP as the continental Parliament would play a key role in this regard.Mr President, Hon. Members, I thank you for this opportunity to make this presentation.

REFERENCE: 1303-101622EF

HON. SHEKU B. B. DUMBUYA:Mr. President, Hon. Members; Mr. President, I want to thank you immensely for sparing time to give due recognition to my election as Speaker of my country’s Parliament.Unlike what obtains in other jurisdictions, our Constitution provides that when a Member of Parliament is elected Speaker he or she will vacate his or her seat as a Member of Parliament. That is why I am here today and particularly at this session to take formal leave of the House and to say good bye to my many friends.(Applause)Mr. President, you will like to know that since my arrival yesterday, I have been inundated with very warm words of congratulations from my colleagues on my elevation to the Speakership of my country. Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to thank those of my friends who thought it very fit to congratulate me on my elevation to this office. I must say that I have benefited tremendously from my association with PAP where I have enjoyed every moment of my stay in PAP. It has been a very useful association.Indeed, I would even go on to say that it has been a most productive relationship with this body.(Applause)Mr. President, as much as I am saying good bye to you today, I want you to know that I will be very much informed in the affairs of PAP by way of ensuring that I attend every conference of Speakers that PAP will be organising from time to time.(Applause)And I also look forward to getting involved in some key activities of the Pan African Parliament in the future in my capacity as the Speaker of the Parliament of my country.Finally, Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity of paying special tribute to you for the tremendous and remarkable achievement you have made since you assumed the mantle of leadership of this assembly.I thank you very much.

REFERENCE: 1303-101930E

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much Mr. Speaker. On behalf of the Members of this Parliament, we wish you the very best in your new endeavor as Speaker, and we pray that the Almighty God would continue to guide you and give you wisdom as you preside over the affairs of your national Parliament.Hon Members, I have it on good authority that the first Vice President will give us cocktails and lunch this afternoon.Thank you very much Hon Members. We would now suspend sitting till 2.30 p.m.Sitting suspended: 10:20 a.m.

REFERENCE: 1303-145223E

THE PRESIDENT:Please be seated. Hon Members, in accordance with the provisions of rule 38 (1) (b), it is with pleasure that I invite His Excellency Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the Africa Union Formation to please enter the Chamber.Hon. Members, in conjunction with our deliberation, let me now invite the Hon. Njingu Musa Mbutoh, Chairperson of the Committee on Finance and Monetary Affairs to please present the report of the Committee.

REFERENCE: 1303-145424E

HON. NJINGUM MUSA MBUTOH [CAMEROON]:Hon. Speaker of Pan African Parliament (PAP); the right Hon. Vice Speakers of the PAP, distinguished and very important Members of PAP, before I present this to you, I want to crave your indulgence to first of all thank the African Union (AU) for listening to our plea. I want to thank the Vice Chairperson, because he is a person we needed. It was not easy for him to go through this challenge to bring this Budget. The first time that he is brought the budget to us, there were a lot of shortcomings. There was the issue of translation, then there was the issue of details, for example there was the problem of statistical analysis because they are not well versed with the needs of parliamentarians. With this short discussion with the committees, they have now realized who and what parliamentarians are. They have apologized and asked me to apologize on their behalf, that in the next budget, they are going to approve it on time, and give you all the analysis and everything, including the performance report so that you can even use it in your national Parliaments and to tell the nation how the budget of the AU is being utilized. This has been one of the greatest challenges for most of our Member States - that is not being able to participate in the contribution our budget. In addition to that, we have had dynamic discussions, they have even done presentations to us.. So, we should also thank them for honouring this and respecting us. That respect for us is a very big challenge to us.(Applause)So, let us not torment them too much because I know parliamentarians are very intelligent people. Let us just accept the errors they have committed this time but next time round, we should not accept the errors.Throughout the discussion, we did not waiver on our stand. It was very, clear in the agenda. We have sent a small report for translation in all the languages so that you can listen to it as I represent the report and you can take the translated copies back home to study them into detail to give you more insight into what we had discussed in here. I crave your indulgence. So, Hon Members, just listen as I am presenting in English so that you would get the facts and then we continue with our debate.But please I want us to be more knowledgeable in this so that it would more power to the Members of Parliament (MPs) so that by the time we leave here, we would be more enriched with the powers of the MP.This would the other people out there that MPs are people who need to be counted on.The presentation of the draft status of the AU Budget for 2015 is in line with the rules and procedures of the PAP, which stipulate at Rule 26(2)(b) that the Permanent Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs is mandated, among others, to discuss the budget of the Union and make proper recommendations. Presently, the Committee has convened a meeting on 13^th March, 2014, to consider the draft 2015 AU Budget. In the execution of its mandate, the Committee was guided by the prevalent statutory and legal regime guiding the AU financial rules, the PAP rules and procedures.Overview of the 2014 budget of the PAP. The total budget of the AU for 2014 was US$2,289,761,752.23. However, the actual expenditure of the AU stood at US$194,140,374, representing only 64 per cent execution rate of the total budget of the AU. You know what challenge this is. It is important to note that the execution of the operational budget was 87 per cent, representing a figure of US$106,405,936. The execution rate also for the programme budget stood at US$87,734,437. The 2014 Budget was not used because the expenditure was not yet available. So, we used the 13,000 budget as they also used the 13,000 budget to analyse the budget for 2015 since the expenditure of the year 2014 was not available.Overview of the 2015 Budget of the AU. The formulation of the 2015 Budget was based on the available data of the 2013 Budget. The 2015 Budget stands at US$499,131,221, broken down as follows. Operational budget US$150,489,888; programme budget US$348,641,338 - it is surprising to know that this is not by the Member States. The contribution expected from the Member States is US$156,859,197 and the partners contribution is expected to be US$342,272,023. That is peanuts! The budget is distributed as follows within the organs.

Organ	Amount (US$)
AUC	408,731,857
NEPAD	36,035,143
PAP	31,090,855
AfCHR (COURT)	11,275,125
ACHPR	6,050,148
Advisory Board on Corruption	1,583,250
ECCOSOC	1,043,396
AUCIL	649,967
Peace & Security Council	862,550
ACERWC	661,675
AFREC	1,147,255

OBJECTIVES OF THIS BUDGET

The consideration of the budget of the AU was in line with the objectives of the respective organs of Commission including but not limited to: promotion of peace and stability, including regional initiatives, good governance, democracy and human rights as a foundation for inclusion, security and development of the continent and its people;Expand Agricultural production, developing the agro-processing and business sector, increase market access and attain Africa’s collective food self-sufficiency and nutrition through promotion of smallholder agriculture, sound environment and natural resource management, including climate change;Promote inclusive economic development and industrialization through the acceleration of infrastructure development projects that would aid economic integration and utilization of the continent’s mineral and other natural resources;Build Africa’s human capacity through the prioritization of Primary Health care and prevention; education, skills development and Investment in science, research and innovation, access to clean water and sanitation with inclusion of the vulnerable groupsMainstream the participation of women and youth in all priorities and activities of the Union and the continent;Implement strategies of resource mobilization, with special emphasis on alternative sources of funding, and/or additional funding to enable Africa to finance its programs and development.Strengthen a people-centred Union, through active communication of the programmes of the African Union, the branding of the Union and participation of Member States and other stakeholders in defining and implementing the African Agenda.Strengthen the institutional capacity of the AUC, the RECs and other organs of the AU, and its relations with Strategic and other partners.The following are the observations that we have been made after analyzing the budget. This is what is very important.After analyzing the budget we, the Committee Members, observed that:-In the analysis of the budget, we noted with concern the low execution of the AU budget by the various organs. That is very serious. We observed the low contribution level of Member States due to the fact that some Member States do not remit their dues and others delay and this has affected the operations of the African Union.We also observed that more than 95 per cent of the programme budget, which is key to the development of Africa depends on partners. We also noted with grave concern that more than 66 per cent of the operational budget is financed by five countries with very little input from the rest of the Member States. We also observed that the performance report of the 2013 budget, which we could have used as a guideline, could not be submitted to the Committee.We also observe the delay in adopting the proposals for alternative financing of the African Union since 2011.Our recommendations were as follows:-1.The AU should ensure that all organs improve the execution rate of their budget.2.The AU should review and strengthen systems and regulations to ensure that member states timorously and regularly pay their contributions on time to enable the organs to provide lunch.3.All Member States must include a budget line on their contribution to the AU which must be debated and adopted in national Parliaments. They would facilitate the contribution.4.The AU should as much limit the overdependence on partners to finance their programme budget.5.We recommend that the performance report should be brought to the Parliament at least one month before the presentation of the budget on the floor of Parliament.6.We strongly recommend that the proposals for alternative funding, especially those by the Obasanjo Panel, be at the next Summit of Heads of State at Malabo so as to avoid overdependence of partners.7.All organs of the AU, especially the Parliament must be fully involved in the budget preparation cycle to ensure all interests of the African people are catered for.8.That the Parliament must be given an opportunity to present their proposals on the budget to the Summit.In conclusion, Hon. Members, the Committee wishes to express its gratitude to the Deputy Chairperson of the AUC for presenting the 2015 draft budget of the AU to this Assembly.Therefore, Hon. Members, I plead and beg that we move accordingly to adopt this Budget so that next time round we would correct all our mistakes.Thank you very much for your kind attention.(Applause)

REFERENCE: 1303-150917E

HON. MASTER GOYA [BOTSWANA]:Thank you very much, Mr. President. Let me thank the Deputy Chairperson of the AUC for giving us a synopsis of the Draft 2015 Budget on the AU. Allow me to also thank the Chairperson and the entire membership of the Committee on Finance and Monetary Affairs for analyzing the Draft Budget, albeit given a very short period of time. They were given time this morning to go and look at the budget and analyze it and here they are presenting the Report to this Assembly.Mr. President, this is the first time that we see the Draft Budget of the AU being submitted to this august Assembly for discussion and to make recommendations that we may think of. This is an achievement on its own. I have every reason to believe that when you deliver your Speech next week on the Tenth Anniversary Celebrations, please, put this achievement on the list of all the achievements that this Parliament has achieved in the last ten years. I would request you to do that Mr. President.However, there are two things that make me swallow a bitter pill on this Draft AU Budget of 2015. First, it is the issue that AU operates on a shoestring budget and that is as a result of our own doing. I am saying so because it is our Member States which are not meeting their obligations to the AU. If our Members could be paying their dues to the AU well in time, then the AU would not be operating on a shoestring budget.Lastly, I have been made to understand that out of a possible 53 Member States of the Union, only 19 have paid up their obligations to the AU. This is quite surprising because it is not even half of the entire membership of the AU that have paid up. Only 19 States had paid up their dues by last year September. You can quote me on that. This is not good at all.We also receive information that some when Members they realize that the AU is about to apply the two year sanction on them they run around to get money to pay their dues. I am suggesting that if this two-year period seems to be comfortable for them, then let us just change it. Let us amend the sanction rule to make it one year instead of two years so that member states pay their obligations well in time. This is what we need to do.The other issue that makes me swallow a bitter pill is the dependency syndrome upon our development partners to fund our programme budget. We need to do something as the AU. We need to put our heads together to make sure that we fund our own programmes, rather than depend on development partners. We must make sure that we do not re-invent the wheel.If ECOWAS was able to come up with a consent that is working for them, why do we not just copy and paste what ECOWAS is doing? We are aware that ECOWAS has about 15 Members and what the contribution to their coffers is equal to what, say, 53 Member States contribute to the AU. I think we need to do something about this.I would like to suggest to the Deputy Chairperson that, next time when he comes to present the Draft Budget to the Parliament he should give us the achievements that were arrived at in the last financial year. For instance, with regard to the 2013 Budget Utilization, we should be given a synopsis of what was achieved with the amount of the funds that were appropriated in that year. This did not come out in his presentation - what we heard from him were the challenges only. We need to know of our achievement as a Union.Thank you, Mr. President for giving me this opportunity.

REFERENCE: 1303-151435F

HON. AZIZOU EL HADJ ISSA [BÉNIN]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Je m’en voudrais, à mon tour, de ne pas féliciter la Commission de l’Union africaine et surtout sa Présidente, Madame ZUMA.Monsieur le Vice-président,J’ai un message pour la Présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine. Dites-lui que pour le PAP, elle vient de réaliser 50 % de nos rêves; les 50 % restants concernent le Protocole révisé. Nous sollicitons d’elle un effort supplémentaire pour nous aider à ce que la signature comporte simplement une disposition nous permettant d’arriver ici, pour une législature le même jour et de repartir le même jour. Elle aura rendu service à l’Afrique au lieu que nous soyons dans la situation que nous vivons aujourd’hui où il est difficile pour les parlementaires de travailler en bonne cohésion. Mais si nous pouvons aussi avoir le statut législatif, tant mieux, elle aurait fait plus de 200 % de sa mission pour ce qui concerne le PAP.(Applaudissements)Monsieur le Président du Parlement panafricain,Je ne vais pas vous laisser ainsi. Je vais vous féliciter aussi parce que vous êtes tellement chanceux du fait que beaucoup de réalisations concrètes qui ont été accomplies sous votre direction. Je ne sais pas si vous remarquez la même chose que moi. Je vais également féliciter votre Bureau en ignorant les petites difficultés que nous allons essayer de surmonter.Quant à la Commission Permanente des Affaires monétaires et financières, j’ai vu ses membres à l’œuvre tout à l’heure, je crois qu’il faut leur tirer également chapeau.Voilà les aspects plus au moins positifs!Monsieur le Vice-président,Comme vous l’avez déjà dit ce matin dans votre speech, la plus grande partie des ressources naturelles, financières, forestières et minières - que sais-je encore - sont en Afrique. Elles sont aisément transportées vers les autres continents pour en tirer les plus-values alors que nous croisons les bras pour attendre qu’on nous jette, en retour, les miettes de nos propres biens.Pour ce faire, je voudrais encore attirer votre attention parce que nous ne pouvons pas disposer de toutes ces ressources et espérer de l’argent de l’Europe, de l’Asie, etc.Non, il faut que l’Afrique se réveille!L’Afrique doit se réveiller parce que nous ne devons pas payer, en retour, pour nos matières premières transformées en produits manufacturés. Nous payons déjà pour le transport à l’aller et c’est nous, Africains, qui payons encore le transport retour plus le bénéfice que les autres continents doivent se faire, alors que Dieu a doté notre continent d’immenses ressources.Pour le PAP, le travail est en train d’être fait, mais pour les peuples africains, il reste encore la transformation de ces ressources, sur place, sur le continent africain [Microphone éteint].Excusez-moi, je vais assez vite.En ce qui concerne la procédure, le Président de la Commission l’a déjà dit, on ne va pas tenir rigueur pour tout ce qui se passe aujourd’hui. Quelle que soit l’étape, c’est déjà une très bonne chose qu’il y ait un budget de l’UA discuté au niveau du Parlement panafricain. Avec le temps, nous allons faire des propositions sur la procédure.Monsieur le Président,Pour finir et étant donné que le Vice-président est dans la salle, je voudrais juste signaler que la présentation du budget été faite dans le document principal, mais en ce qui concerne l’annexe, il va falloir qu’il veille à la présentation des pourcentages du budget total par rapport à ses démembrements et à ses points détaillés. Cela facilitera la lecture du budget et ce serait une bonne chose.Je réitère mes félicitations à l’endroit du PAP et de l’UA.Je vous remercie Monsieur le Président.

REFERENCE: 1303-151855A

HON. MOHAMED YOUSIF ABDULLAH [SUDAN]:شكرا السيد الرئيس،الشكر للسيد رئيس لجنة الشوؤن االقتصادية، الشكر للسيد إيراستوس نائب رئيس مفوضية االتحاد اإلفريقي على هذا التقرير الممتاز، السيد الرئيس، أنا محبط كثيرا من أن هذه الميزانية ال توجه لتكامل القارة والقيمة المالية المعروضة أمامنا ضعيفة ال تساعد على تكامل القارة وال على وحدة شعوبها.لذلك أبدأ بمراجعة سياسات الميزانية وأقول ألخي نائب رئيس المفوضية أن دخول المفوضية في برامج ليست أولية بالنسبة لي شخصيا،فاألولى أن تنسق وتواءم السياسات والتوجه الكلي لتمكين سياسات االتحاد األفريقي من العمل داخل القارة هذا هو المهم،عندما نتحدث عن الشيء األصح فاالتحاد اإلفريقي ليس عليه أي مهمة في تنفيذ برامج الصحة أو التعليم، بل عليه أن يتأكد من أن السياسات التي اعتمدها تطبق في القارة وكذلك في االقتصاد،هذا هو التوجه الذي يجب أن نذهب إليه وهذا هو العيب األساسي في الميزانية.النقطة الثانية التي أريد أن أتحدث عنها هي اعتماد الميزانية بشكل مفرط على الخارج، أرى أنه لدينا فرصة كبيرة بالقارة اإلفريقية على أن نوفر موارد كافية لجهود تكاملها وذلك بوضع بعض الضرائب على المواد التي تصدر إلى الخارج و تكون ملزومة على المستهلك القاطن خارج القارة فقط.يجب التفكير في وضع هذا المال بصندوق نتفق عليه ويصرف في برامج تكامل القارة،هذا الذي سيساعدنا،من ثم أنا أقترح أن تناقش لجنة الشؤون المالية كيفية توجيه االتحاد اإلفريقي نحو تكامل القارة في األساس وتوجيه الموارد داخل القارة وهذا الذي نطلبه وشكرا جزيال سيدي الرئيس.

REFERENCE: 1303-152228F

HON. OSCAR NSAMAN-O-LUTU [RÉPUBLIQUE DÉMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO]:« NSAMAN-O-LUTU »!(En réplique au Président qui semble quelque peu écorner son nom).Merci Monsieur le Président, pour la parole.J’ai lu quelque part que: « Le Secrétaire général du PAP souligne la poursuite de l’intégration et de la démocratie comme principal mandat du PAP, est notre préoccupation ».Partant de là, en ce qui concerne le budget, je m’efforce tout simplement d’être bref, Monsieur le Président, en énonçant un certain nombre de principes.Notre Parlement doit cesser d’être l’autorité de ratification des budgets, mais doit devenir l’autorité budgétaire. Cela signifie que la Commission africaine doit nous proposer les budgets, nous cherchons à les améliorer, nous les retournons pour exécution. C’est notre objectif, peut-être à moyen terme.En ce qui concerne l’analyse sur le budget proprement dit, deux recommandations sont à formuler d’abord:Premier élément: Il faut nécessairement qu’on fasse la reddition des comptes avant de nous soumettre le budget, c’est-à-dire qu’on doit analyser, évaluer le budget de l’année passée pour pouvoir nous aider à émettre des avis sur le budget à venir.Deuxième élément: Nous devons avoir un objectif précis pour le budget, cela signifie que ça devrait être un budget de l’indépendance pour dire qu’après « X » temps, nous devons atteindre l’équilibre budgétaire.Partant de ces principes, j’essaie de les appliquer à trois niveaux:Premier niveau: Le budget africain, il est tout à fait dépendant. Pour preuve, le problème se passe en RCA; on forme l’armée, mais l’argent doit venir de la France pour pouvoir soutenir cette armée. C’est une honte! Cela doit s’arrêter et le budget doit savoir dans combien de temps nous allons commencer à nous autofinancer.Deuxième niveau: En ce qui concerne le PAP, il était dit que nous devons devenir l’autorité budgétaire. Pour cela, tout ce que nous avons comme propositions, c’est dire qu’il y a des recettes et des dépenses; nous devons chercher à éviter trop de dépenses et dépendre tout simplement des recettes courantes.Nous devons [Temps de parole épuisé].

REFERENCE: 1303-152544F

HON. NASSIROU AMADOU [NIGER]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Monsieur le Président,Je remercie le Représentant de l’Union africaine qui a fait l’effort de nous apporter quelques explications sur le rapport et le budget de 2015. Cependant, cela ne m’empêche pas, Monsieur le Président, de lui demander de vérifier la page des tableaux - le rapport des tableaux - au 2^ème alinéa, notamment à propos des partenaires. Lorsqu’on redescend les neuf colonnes, il y a une erreur d’un dollar et qui se répercute sur l’ensemble du budget de l’Union africaine.Ensuite, vers le bas, il y a une somme de 342.272.023 $EU qui a été inscrite alors c’est plutôt un montant de 342.272.024 $EU.En continuant sur le budget-programme, le dollar en plus se répercute sur le total pour donner un montant de 348.641.339 $EU au lieu de 348.641.338 $EU initialement prévus.À la deuxième page, la « ventilation du budget 2015 par sources de financement », cette même erreur d’un dollar revient; ce serait 342.272.024 $EU au lieu de 342.272.023 $EU.Enfin, au niveau de la conclusion en page 7, le budget programme revient là-bas aussi à 339.Merci Monsieur le Président.

REFERENCE: 1303-152733F

HON. MARTIN BOHUÉ [CÔTE D’IVOIRE]:Merci Monsieur le Président.J’avais voulu intervenir sur un certain nombre de points mais qui ont été déjà pris en compte. C’est pourquoi je voudrais me faire l’économie d’une intervention.Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1303-152803E

HON. JULIANA KANTENGWA [RWANDA]:Thank you Mr. President. I also wish to join the rest of the Hon. Members in thanking the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union for coming here. He has finally fulfilled something that we have been craving for, for the last ten years.Mr. President, according to the Protocol, we are supposed to be an advisor or consultative organ. But for last ten years, I regret to say that we have been collating and gathering advice and nobody was willing to listen and take the advice. Nobody was consulted in the PAP. But during the budget before the PAP we are fulfilling both functions simultaneously. We are providing the advice through our debates, we are being consulted by the AUC coming here and tabling the budget. So, for the first time in ten years, we are being consulted, and this is a very big achievement that we must be proud of. I hope that in the next ten years, we shall not take long to achieve the next mile stones.Mr. President, let me take advantage of the presence of the Deputy Chair of the African Union to air a few of the frustrations that PAP Members have. I would not go through the area that you are very familiar with. The fact that we leave our national Parliaments with very heavy functions which we put aside to come and serve the African continent. That is we come and debate here. We do not debate from the air, we read and research. When we debate and nobody listens to us, it is very frustrating, to mention but a few. When you go across Africa and see how African people are crying out for a voice to listen to them and we come here and serve no purpose, it is very frustrating.Mr. President, I hope now that he has come with big ears, he is listening and hearing all that we are saying, the rest we shall say in the budget process. We hope that for the near future, not far away, we shall be united to be able to serve the African people.Thank you very much.

REFERENCE: 1303-153056F

HON. ROGER NKODO DANG [CAMEROUN]:Monsieur le Président, je vous remercie de me donner la parole.Monsieur le Président,Je voudrais à mon tour, comme les collègues l’ont fait, remercier le Vice-président de la Commission de l’Union africaine ainsi que le Président de la Commission Permanente des Affaires monétaires et financières.Monsieur le Président,J’ai une première préoccupation et je suis tenté de poser la question suivante au Vice-président: Est-ce que l’exercice ici, peut nous permettre de faire des amendements au projet du budget qui nous est proposé?Je suis également tenté de répondre par la négative parce qu’en ma connaissance, nous constituons la première étape et le budget va monter jusqu’à ce qu’il soit arrêté par la Conférence.Monsieur le Président,À ce sujet, si vous regardez la nomenclature de ce budget par chapitre, vous verrez bien: « Chapitre 1: La Commission de l’Union africaine »; « Chapitre 2: Le Parlement panafricain »! Ensuite, si vous voyez le pourcentage des fonds alloués à ces deux organes, c’est un peu très difficile de penser que vous puissiez réaliser quelque chose.Certains me diront que c’est pour tout le monde, mais vous verrez bien que pendant que la Commission plafonne à 60 % du budget, le Parlement panafricain est à 5 %. Pourtant, on lui demande des missions qu’il ne peut pas réaliser et lorsque vous voyez également la répartition du budget en commençant par la Commission, vous allez voir que tous les membres de ses autres organes ont des indemnités à l’exception du Parlement panafricain.C’est donc à se demander si nous voulons bien combattre la corruption: nous ouvrons la porte à la corruption à gauche et nous voulons la fermer à droite. Est-ce possible, Monsieur le président?Le financement proprement dit de notre budget, de l’organisation continentale, s’élève seulement à 21 %. Cela est aussi très difficile parce que ceux qui financent voudront bien investir leur argent dans les projets qui les intéressent et non pas ceux qui intéressent les Africains. Je crois que là aussi je ne voulais pas revenir sur ce que mon collègue du Bénin a dit, à savoir: « où sont les ressources? »Nous avons fait des séminaires où on se rend compte que cinquante ans plus tard, l’Afrique demeure le comptoir des matières premières qu’on vient prendre à vil reprises et qu’on revienne nous donner des aides pour nos matières premières.Monsieur le Président,Où sommes-nous avec le commerce inter-état? Nous pourrons tout de même en tirer des bénéfices et financer notre budget! Voilà une Commission qui n’a pas de recettes propres mais qui veut réaliser de grands projets. C’est pour cela qu’à à mon avis [Microphone éteint].Excuse me! Excuse me! I just want to end my propos.Je crois qu’aujourd’hui, nous nous retrouvons en Afrique dans une situation où nous allons continuer à mourir de faim parce que si l’Africain meurt de faim, cela n’intéresse personne. Cependant, s’il y a un jugement de diamant quelque part et qu’on veut exploiter, on y mettra des moyens.Monsieur le Président,Désormais, si on veut mettre de l’impulsion dans le budget de l’Union, qu’on nous le dise! On y fera des amendements et que l’exécution du budget soit suivie parce que ça fait aussi mal de toujours parler sans aboutir à quelque chose de concret. Toutefois, c’est déjà un effort qu’on commence à débattre et c’est ce qu’on attend de vous pour que la Commission puisse nous aider à accéder au pouvoir législatif.Monsieur le Président,Cette mission, comme vous le savez très bien, lors du Sommet de juillet 2012, les Chefs d’États avaient demandé qu’on aille vers les peuples africains pour vulgariser le Parlement.Nous avons travaillé en 2011 pour la ratification de la Charte africaine de la démocratie, des élections et de la gouvernance. Aidez-nous aussi à faire le lobbying auprès des États membres et auprès des Chefs d’États ou bien aidez-nous également, vous qui intervenez très souvent auprès des Chefs d’États, pour que nous puissions avancer même si ne serait-ce que faire des lois-types.Monsieur le Président,Le sujet est tellement important que le temps qui m’est imparti est insuffisant.Je vous remercie pour votre attention.

REFERENCE: 1303-153533E

HON. GABRIEL B. SMITH [LIBERIA]:Today is the beginning of a history making process at the PanAfrican Parliament, by virtue of the fact that we have began executing our responsibility as enshrined in Article 17 that created this institution. But let me say this, Mr President, that this is not the end in itself but rather a beginning of the end.I went through the budget specifically the Programme Budget. We realised that the budget is all inclusive, taking into consideration the respected programmes that ought to be undertaken by the AU to ensure Africa is rinsed out of the debris of poverty. If you look at the income aspect of the budget, you would realise that the execution of these programmes such as the integration of Africa, talking about value addition and several other good things such as industrialisation, agricultural programmes and all of these are solely dependent upon funds that we are anticipating to receive from the international community.The question that comes back to us as Parliamentarians and by extension to the AUC is, do we believe that Europe, America and Asia when they see us compete with them? The answer is, no! What then can we do as a body?I believe strongly, Mr President and distinguished Colleagues that the recommendations as proffered in the report of the Committee on Finance and Monetary Affairs need to be taken very seriously to ensure that the recommendations, as have been proffered by the Obasanjo Committee for an alternative means of financing, t be taken seriously by the AU.Let me say this to all of us; as we return to our respective Parliaments, let us go with renewed vigour, with the zeal of working with our colleagues at our respective Parliaments and in ensuring that we hold ourtheir quota in supporting the AU. Africa was never meant to be a begging continent, but our leaders have reduced us to mere beggers. This must change and to ensure that we get on the right trajectory that will ensure the - we must be responsible in supporting our own institution, Africa would be developed by no other continent but Africans.respective governments responsible so that they can payTherefore, my fellow colleagues, I enjoin upon you that let us take this recommendation very seriously to ensure that we work with our respective government to provide the needed funding for the AU so that the AU can function immediately on its problematic areas. I thank you very kindly. (Applause)

REFERENCE: 1303-153915E

HON. DOMINIC A. B. NITIWUL [GHANA]:Thank you very much Mr. President for the opportunity you have given me to contribute.Let me add my voice in thanking the AU for bringing the budget for the first time and hope that this will be the beginning of new things to come. We are not performing our duties as regard to scrutinizing the budget, simply because it is late. Budget is essentially about preparation. Once you do not legislate, you do not have that power. So, we still push that at least we get that legislative power to enable us to conduct proper budget hearing rather than what we are currently doing but it is a good step. Let us all applaud ourselves.Mr. President, let us also thank the AU for merging the programme and operational budget of the AU. It is very important. What Hon. Members do not know is that, AU has another budget called the Emergency Budget; which is twice or thrice the current budget that we have. For example, we are being told that the emergency budget for the peace and security is close to US$1 billion. I think if it were a country that does that, it would not be acceptable. AU must match every single budget that they have. They must plan ahead in times of peace and security and put it in a single budget instead of putting in what they call emergency budget that they approved and then the actual budget that we are looking at. I do not think that is good enough Mr. President.Mr. President, it is true that the execution rate of the AU is very low. The percentages have been given by the Chairman of the Finance Committee simply because development partners are not releasing the money on time or they are not releasing the money; and the member states are not paying. Once they do not pay, we have a big problem. If we look at the trend of analysis on the budget for the last five years, it is not appealing.If you go to page 5 of the document that was given to us, you would realise that AU had contributed by 2010, 60 per cent of the budget of the Member States and their development partners 40 per cent. By 2014, what we should have considering the whole of our budget, we are not contributing less than 42 per cent of the budget; the development partners are going up and we are coming down. It think it is not good enough.The same analysis goes with the comparison of analysis of the programme budget; 7 per cent in average and 93 per cent in average for the development partners. How can we as a continent allow our development partners to contribute 93 per cent of our budget over the years and we contribute just 7 per cent Then what are we doing as a nation? That is why I agree that the Obasanjo report that has been sitting on the table of the AU since 2011 should be adopted immediately in Equatorial Guinea for us to have that kind of money that we are looking for.Mr. President, the recommendations that have been given by the Finance Committee should be taken very seriously. I have already talked about the Obasanjo report and then the budget line is important that each Member State should put the AU contribution in their own budget line to ensure that they pay because they are simply not paying and I do not think that is good for them.Last but not least, the visibility of AU activities in various countries and my country Ghana; I do not know what the AU is doing for our people anyway. You do not see what is happening on the ground. The individual people of Africa, what is it that they are doing to touch the people? It is good that peace and security are given to work; but with the other development partners what should we begin to see?Thank you Mr. President.

REFERENCE: 1303-154259E

HON. DR. BERNADETTE LAHAI [SIERRA LIONE]:Thank you very much Mr. President. This morning we listened to the budget submission by the Deputy Chair of the AUC. We, also in our Committee on Energy and Transport, did look at the budget again and tried to internalise the budget even though time was a constraint.In our Committee, we agreed on the following: that it is better late than never and that we applaud the Bureau, especially the President and the African Union also, for bringing this budget to us.Last year it was the completed and the adopted budget that we received. This year, we are now having the draft budget. So we are making progress. We did also, in our Committee, however, come up with the following observation; that we appeal that the budget still continues to be donor driven. This is not good for Africa. If we are marching towards the 50^th anniversary and preaching African renaissance and Africa for Africa, I think we should also reach Africa Economic Independence.We are also concerned that the document we had, that is the budget, would start with very serious complimentary documents that would have helped us to really analyse it. For example, we would have loved to see the budget performance for 2013 and even the budget performance for 2014. However, the budget should also be performance based, and at the end of the day, we should be able to see what we have been able to achieve with the budget; what were the constraints and how we have to solve the constraints. All these were lacking.However, we are hopeful that the recommendations by the Committee on Finance would be taken very seriously. Let me say that in Africa, we have a lot of resources and yet we are going back begging. Maybe as a recommendation, we should try to trade more within Africa and we should only do that if we really sit down and work on the integration of Africa. SADC and ECOWAS are doing very well, but the others are not doing so well. We should also move from being an exporter of raw materials to an exporter of semi or already finished products so that we can also get the income that accrues when we export value added exports. This is why the donors are giving us this money because we send all our materials wholesome and they process it and they get over 100, 200 or 1000 per cent profit which we should have got if we processed our goods.In the light of this, while we applaud the budget, we hope that in the future we would have this budget a few weeks ahead so that we internalise it and come up with very pleasurable and well advanced suggestions.I thank you very much.

REFERENCE: 1303-154630E

HON. PROF. GEOFFREY LUNGWANGWA [ZAMBIA]:Thank you, Mr President. We should thank the Deputy Chairperson from the AU for the message that he has brought to us. The message being that we are at very high risk as a continent through the AU because of the overdependence on external funding. This external dependency is undermining our ability to own our own development programmes which clearly is a major threat to the home grown solutions to Africa’s development.With this message therefore, it is very important that we begin to think in ways in which we can critically engage with the AU so that on a yearly basis, we come up with ways and means of addressing alternative ways of generating resources from our domestic efforts. If it means enacting laws which would protect the interests of Africa through the economic activities of external investors, that should be done so that it would enable the AU to be able to generate resources that would eventually go towards Africa’s development, integration in economic terms, Africa’s peace and security and realisation of all our dreams, values and ideals as embodied in the AU.This, we have to do, especially as we look towards agenda 2063. We should be able to do things differently and not the way we have been doing things over the past 50 years. We need a firm but radical departure if we are to generate resources that would go towards AU for development of Africa.Mr President, I thank you.

REFERENCE: 1303-154928F

HON. ABDALLAH BARKAT IBRAHIM [DJIBOUTI]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Comme la plupart des orateurs l’ont dit, nous remercions l’Union africaine pour avoir présenté le budget au PAP. Toutefois, à mon avis, un budget devrait comprendre -même si c’est dans la partie annexe - les ressources humaines en place, les biens de l’UA, etc. Nous aurions gagné à avoir ces informations pour plus de lisibilité.Ensuite, il y a beaucoup d’erreurs à relever. À mon avis, je pense qu’il y a eu des échanges entre le PAP et l’Union africaine, parce qu’on retrouve certains chiffres du PAP dans le budget de l’Union africaine. Toutefois, le budget du PAP dont on a discuté hier, ne fait pas 31 millions de dollars. Il fait 33.335.112 $EU en tout. Cela comprend le budget-programme et le budget opérationnel du PAP tel qu’indiqué à la page 8 du projet de budget de l’UA. C’est un tableau! Je sais que le budget du PAP a été adopté hier, par conséquent le budget de l’Union africaine devrait, à mon avis, intégrer ce budget.Il y a une annexe au budget de l’UA qui récapitule le budget opérationnel et le budget-programme et à la deuxième ligne de l’annexe, je crois qu’ici aussi on devrait corriger. En effet, pour le budget opérationnel du PAP, ce n’est pas 13.302.415 $EU mais plutôt 13.422.415 $EU.Cela est valable aussi pour le budget-programme. Ainsi, pour le PAP, il est mentionné 17.788.439 $EU alors qu’hier, il a été précisé que cela faisait 19.912.687 $EU.Normalement, si cette opération avait été faite avec EXCEL, il suffisait de corriger quelques lignes et les totaux se font automatiquement.Je vous remercie.

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HON. ALIOU KEBÉ [SÉNÉGAL]:Merci Monsieur le Président.On va penser que je vais aller à contre courant de ce que dit tout le monde, mais la réalité est que ne je peux pas faire autrement.La plupart des collègues qui ont pris la parole expriment une satisfaction d’avoir le budget de l’UA au niveau du Parlement panafricain. Pour moi qui viens d’arriver, j’ai peut-être une autre façon de voir un budget, une autre façon d’apporter ma contribution à la réalisation d’un budget.Dans nos Parlements, particulièrement au Sénégal, pour l’élaboration d’un budget, nous passons à des phases que je ne vois pas ici. Peut-être que les Assemblées ne sont pas pareilles, mais là-bas, nous avons l’habitude de faire d’abord un débat d’orientation qui permettrait aux députés, aux parlementaires, de savoir ce que veut exactement le gouvernement.Ensuite, le budget est présenté dans des Commissions permanentes. Ici, nous avons des Commissions permanentes, mais ce budget, dès lors qu’il est arrivé ici, je ne pense pas que ce soit la bonne présentation pour que les parlementaires puissent apporter une contribution.Il y a le passage du budget à la Commission des Finances. En ce moment-là, face à l’exécutif, les parlementaires posent à l’exécutif des questions afférentes au budget.Ainsi, à la plénière comme aujourd’hui, les députés parlent de ce budget pour l’amender et le voter.Je comprends que vous puissiez avoir une satisfaction parce qu’il faut un début à tout, mais je ne pense pas qu’on puisse parler de satisfaction aujourd’hui ici, parce que tout simplement le budget est arrivé dans l’hémicycle.Malgré tout, je dis que le budget tel qu’il est présenté ici, présente une utilité et une pertinence. L’utilité et la pertinence, c’est le fait de donner des informations qui nous permettent, à nous, nouveaux parlementaires, de savoir ce que fait exactement l’UA. Ensuite, cela nous donne aussi la capacité et le niveau de mobilisation des ressources financières.Aujourd’hui, on sait que le budget de l’UA est financé à près de 93 % par les partenaires extérieurs. Alors, que font nos États? Devons-nous continuer à recevoir des aides pour notre développement? Je ne le pense pas et je ne pense pas que cela soit une fierté positive.L’UA donne un pouvoir d’examiner et de donner des recommandations. Mais que faut-il examiner? Quand on a reçu le budget hier pour l’examiner aujoud’hui, qu’avons-nous examiné?En réalité, ce pouvoir-là, nous ne l’avons pas ou nous l’avons mais en vérité, nous n’avons pas les moyens et nous n’avons pas réuni les conditions pour que ce pouvoir soit exécuté.Ensuite, on dit des recommandations!Monsieur le Président,Je vous l’avais dit, quand vous êtes [Temps de parole épuisé].

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HON. NOURENOU ATCHADÉ [BÉNIN]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Monsieur le président,Je voudrais également vous féliciter et féliciter l’ensemble des députés pour ce que nous vivons aujourd’hui.Monsieur le Président,Pour compléter mon collègue du Sénégal qui vient de parler tout à l’heure, je voudrais proposer, en complément des sessions ordinaires que nous avons, d’ajouter une session budgétaire parce que je ne pense pas qu’en une journée, nous puissions étudier le budget et que nous fassions un travail sérieux.Donc, je propose que le Parlement panafricain puisse avoir une session budgétaire au cours de laquelle on ne parlera que du budget de l’UA et de notre budget.Monsieur le Président,Je voudrais également proposer à l’UA qu’en nous présentant prochainement son budget, il serait souhaitable que la participation de chaque pays y soit annexée. En effet, en tant que députés, nous sommes les représentants du peuple et nous avons besoin de connaître la vérité.Je viens du Bénin et je voudrais savoir le niveau de contribution de mon pays par rapport à l’Union africaine. Ce qui me permettra au sein de mon Parlement, d’interpeller le gouvernement par rapport à cette question parce que je sais que mon pays, le Bénin, n’a pas d’arriéré, aux dires du gouvernement.Je propose, en somme, qu’on puisse nous dire, en annexe du budget, la contribution de chaque pays, les pays qui ne contribuent pas ainsi que les arriérés.Je vous remercie Monsieur le Président.(Applaudissements)

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HON MOHAMED OULD EBEKER [MAURITANIA]:شكرا سيدي الرئيس،لقد شاركت في أعمال اللجنة التي ناقشت مشروع قانون الميزانية و بالتالي أسحب تداخلي،شكرا لكم.

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HON. VINCENT DABILGOU [BURKINA FASO]:Merci beaucoup, Monsieur le Président.Ce sont des moments historiques pour notre Parlement et il est difficile de ne pas prendre la parole, même si on doit se répéter. Je pense que ce sont des moments suffisamment importants pour notre Parlement et je voudrais vous féliciter, parce que quelqu’un l’a déjà dit, ce n’est pas une question de chance, c’est plutôt un travail que vous avez fait; c’est un travail de plaidoyer. Vous avez su donc travailler pour cela et aujourd’hui nous avons de bons résultats. Je voudrais associer aussi ces félicitations à l’ensemble du Bureau ainsi qu’au présentateur, donc le Vice-président de la Commission de l’Union africaine.Je voudrais faire un constat! Beaucoup de gens l’ont déjà dit qu’on a comparé donc le budget de la CEDEAO. Quand on prend notre budget de fonctionnement, c’est à peu près 400 millions de dollars. Mais c’est exactement le budget général de la CEDEAO alors que la CEDEAO n’est qu’une organisation sous-régionale.Quand on fait ces comparaisons, c’est inacceptable! C’est inacceptable! Nous qui voyageons, nous savons qu’il y a le Parlement de la CEDEAO. Là-bas, quand les gens partent en session, ils sont plus à l’aise, il faut qu’on le dise. Or, nous représentons le continent et quelqu’un l’a dit, il y a des richesses. Je dirais donc, comme le Vice-président est là, je pense que ce sont des moments importants; il va falloir qu’on le souligne.Beaucoup de gens ont parlé de cotisations! C’est vrai qu’il y a des États qui cotisent! C’est petit, mais ils le font et il faut qu’on le dise!Mais il y a aussi des gens et de gros contributeurs, des pays comme l’Algérie, le Nigeria, l’Afrique du Sud, la Libye à l’époque! Il faut aussi qu’on le dise ici, parce que nous devons apprendre à magnifier les pays qui se sacrifient pour que le continent marche.Je voudrais, comme nous l’a proposé notre collègue du Bénin, que ce soit un accès pour que nous puissions voir si chacun de nos pays est un modèle. Si on veut vraiment faire avancer l’Afrique, il faut d’abord qu’on regarde si chacun est propre.Alors, on a parlé aussi du pourcentage qui découle de 31 % de l’ensemble des cotisations et je voudrais dire que c’est vraiment une honte. Je suis allé plus loin pour dire que même le siège de l’UA aujourd’hui, je n’en suis pas fier, parce qu’il y a des richesses dans le pays. Les richesses en Afrique sont tellement immenses qu’on ne peut pas s’imaginer qu’en 50 ans, nous ne pouvons pas nous construire un siège. C’est très difficile à accepter.Mais, il y a des propositions, là où ça marche, il faut les appliquer. À la CEDEAO, ce sont des prélèvements de taxes sur le commerce de l’import et l’export et ça marche bien. Je ne vois pas pourquoi l’UA ne peut pas faire ce qui marche ailleurs pour l’ensemble du continent.Il y a eu aussi des propositions du Président Olusegun OBASANJO qui s’est associé à l’ancien Secrétaire général de l’OUA, Edem KODJO. Ils ont fait de belles propositions qui sont dans les tiroirs.Monsieur le Président,Voilà ce que je voulais dire, je voudrais vous féliciter parce que vous nous permettez ici, de jouer notre rôle de parlementaires africains et vraiment, je crois que c’est un événement historique, je vous félicite.Merci beaucoup.

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HON. ELH DIAO KANTÉ [RÉPUBLIQUE DE GUINÉE]:Je vous remercie Monsieur le Président.Je voudrais également vous féliciter, vous et les membres du Bureau pour avoir persisté pour que les attributions pour lesquelles le PAP est créé lui soient enfin reconnues.Je voudrais également féliciter notre frère, le Viceprésident de l’UA, pour tous les efforts qu’il a fournis pour la préparation et la présentation du présent rapport.Monsieur le Président,Mon intervention n’est pas pour faire une analyse du projet que nous avons, mais plutôt pour faire une proposition. Je souhaite que le projet ne soit pas remis au PAP pour information mais pour examen. Si nous devons l’examiner, à mon avis, il est indispensable quele projet parvienne suffisamment à temps au PAP; que la Commission chargée des questions financières l’examine et fasse une analyse qu’elle nous fait parvenir avant que nous ne venions ici. Ce qui nous permettra véritablement de dire quelque chose sur le projet.Au cours du débat ici, il serait souhaitable que nous nous ne donnions pas trois minutes pour intervenir, tel que nous l’avions fait pour le budget de notre Parlement, mais que nous prenions le temps de débattre du budget pour que cela serve à quelque chose.Chacun de nos pays a une session budgétaire qui ne dure pas moins de trente jours pendant lesquels on examine le projet du budget qui n’est pas plus important que le projet de budget de tout le continent.Alors, je souhaiterais que nous puissions avoir ne seraitce que tout ce temps-là pour pouvoir examiner, en toute liberté, le projet de budget qui nous est soumis.Enfin, Monsieur le Président, j’avais une proposition qui a été déjà avancée par un de ceux qui m’ont précédé. Je crois que c’est mon frère de Djibouti qui a soulevé la question. J’ai essayé de comparer le budget du PAP que nous avions adopté hier et celui que nous avons tout à l’heure; il n’y a pas de concordance. Je souhaiterais que cela soit vu de près pour qu’il y ait une certaine concordance.Monsieur le Président,Je vous remercie pour tout ce que vous avez fait pour que cela commence et je souhaite que nous puissions perfectionner notre travail d’examen du budget du PAP.Je vous remercie.

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HON. ABDISAMAD MOHAMUD HASSAN [SOMALIA]:Thank you, Mr. President. I would also like to thank the Chair of the African Union Commission (AUC) for his presentation this morning and would also like to thank the Chair of the Finance Committee for his presentation.Mr. President and Hon. Members, when you compare the contribution of our partners to what our Member States contribute to us, they pay almost double. But the partners control all the programmes. If you look at the budget, you can see that; they just pay for the programmes and not for the additional issues. So, that means they could do whatever they want; they can control the whole of our continent, not only this budget. They also pay for another budget, for example, the Africa Union (AU) Peace Keeping Mission in Somalia and Mali; they pay more than US$200 million a year. I would like the AUC to combine all these budgets coming to our continent; we do not want to allow someone to clean our house, we have to do it ourselves.Mr. President, we must come up with a plan that we can convince our Member States to contribute to the funding that the AU needs. As you know, one of the few countries that used to pay this contribution last was Egypt, and they are missing in this AU. So, we must come up with a way in which we can complete the position of Egypt.Mr. President, we can control and we can increase our budget to support the AU if we come together and if we can work together. I also discovered last time when we were here that, we were talking about some budgets. We discovered when we had a meeting of the Finance Committee that there is some money that the AUC does not control; the money that all the Members were talking about when they were discussing about the budget of the - Yes, it is controlled by the AUC.(Silence)(An hon. Member spoke off record)So, finally, I would like to say that the suggestion of the Finance Committee must be respected, and the AUC must present all the budgets before it is not too late. If you look at today, the Finance Committee only had two hours to discuss this budget, and this is worth more than 10 days discussion.I thank you, Mr. President.

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HON. ISAAC STEPHEN MABILETSA [BOTSWANA]:Thank you, Mr. President. Let me start by congratulating His Excellency the Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, Mr. Erastus Mwencha for being true to his word. How I wish many African leaders were like him in keeping their word. I am proud that he has said that because you engaged with us last year, as is indicated in Paragraph 4 of your speech, he has now come to deliver on that pledge that he made.Congratulations, Mr. Deputy Chairperson.Coming to the Budget itself, I applaud the fact that you are telling us that the AUC is finding lasting solutions pertaining to funding of its programmes. However, the only thing that you are not sharing with us is the solution or solutions you are engaging in.Hon. Mubarak has suggested some form of a levy on exports, particularly raw materials that are taken out of Africa. I note that in tourism there is also what they call the tourism levy which is a way of generating money to fund the AUC. The reason why Africa is the last one, especially in conflict situations, is primarily because of lack of resources that are so much needed. That is why when there are conflict situations in Africa, the EU is always the first one to arrive before Africa itself arrives. This situation should point to us that we must do the right thing for Africa.Hon. Chairperson, I liked your brief on the economic outlook, particularly the percentages that you had indicated to us, but as Hon.Dr. Lahayo has said, Africa must learn to benefit from its primary raw materials so that it has value in them so that we can generate more revenue than we are currently gaining when we send out the raw products.The growth we are talking about, maybe, pertains from quick money made from sending primary raw materials out of Africa. This is not good for Africa. I think in the quest to help our leadership in Africa, we should try to guide them along these lines. It is embarrassing that on a ratio of 2:1 African cannot readily fund itself. I would rather the situation was the other way round. Much of the budget of the AUC is covered by money from donors. This is unhealthy for Africa.I thank you, Mr. President.

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HON. AÏSSATOU SOW DIAWARA [SÉNÉGAL]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Une précision sur mon nom, c’est « Aïssatou » et non « Aïssata »!Monsieur le Président,Je vous remercie de m’avoir donné la parole. À l’instar de mes prédécesseurs, je félicite le Vice-président de l’Union africaine qui a eu le courage de venir devant nous, parce que connaissant les procédures qui n’ont pas été suivies, il est quand même venu nous présenter son projet de budget. Je crois que c’est un courage qu’il saluer et nous le félicitons pour cela.Nous félicitons aussi la Commission Permanente des Affaires monétaires et financières pour le travail accompli en une ou deux heures, pour quelque chose qui devait se faire pendant un mois au moins.Monsieur le Président,Je ne vais pas rentrer dans les détails du budget, puisqu’on devait avoir en même temps que ce projet de budget, l’exécution du budget 2013 afin de nous permettre de comparer et de connaître la progression; ce qui n’a pas été fait. Néanmoins, nous saluons la démarche participative et le fait d’avoir associé tous les organes de l’Union montre quand même qu’il y a une progression et que l’année prochaine, tous ces déboires qui ont eu lieu seront réglés.Monsieur le Président,Le projet de budget a pris en compte les femmes et les jeunes et en ce moment, ce qu’il y a dans le monde entier, c’est le budget sensible au genre, et je crois que ce budget l’a fait. Donc, nous nous en félicitons et nous ne pouvons qu’approuver ce budget en attendant que l’année prochaine, les étapes soient suivies pour qu’on puisse avoir un budget digne de ce nom.Monsieur le Président,Par rapport à ce que nos partenaires nous donnent, nous les Africains, nous avons l’habitude de tendre la main. Ce n’est pas seulement pour le budget. En effet, quand il y a une catastrophe chez nous, si nos partenaires ne viennent pas, rien n’est réglé. J’ai encore en mémoire lorsque les Français ont débarqué dans le Nord du Mali, les jeunes Maliens applaudissaient en disant: « Français! Français! Français! », comme si les Français n’étaient pas venus, rien n’aurait été réglé.Dans ma commune, tout récemment, un homme est tombé dans un puits et les pompiers sont restés toute la matinée sans pouvoir le faire sortir, et quand les Français sont venus, les jeunes applaudissaient: « Français! Français! Français ». Ce qui veut dire que nous sommes toujours dépendants et je crois qu’il faut approfondir la réflexion et voir comment changer cela. [Microphone éteint] parce que ce n’est pas quelque chose que nous demandons, mais c’est notre droit, parce qu’ils ont pris tout ce qu’il y avait de bien chez nous pour l’amener chez eux.Si aujourd’hui, ils sont en avance par rapport à nous, c’est parce que nos aïeux étaient là-bas. Maintenant, il faut prendre ce qui nous appartient. Il faudrait qu’on soit laborieux, qu’on réfléchisse, parce que nous avons les compétences; nous avons les ressources humaines, il faut qu’on les utilise pour arriver à quelque chose.Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements)

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HON SÉKOU FANTAMADI TRAORÉ [MALI]:Merci Monsieur le Président pour toutes les avancées que le PAP est en train d’amorcer.Mais je commencerais par ce dont ma sœur, l’Honorable Aïssatou SOW DIAWARA, a eu à parler, à savoir les ressources humaines. C’est de cela qu’il s’agit, parce que le nerf de la guerre étant l’argent, si nos États ne respectent pas leurs engagements, de quoi sera fait demain? Même les travailleurs qu’on utilise, les ressources humaines que nous avons, ces compétences que nous avons vont finir par fuir l’Afrique. La fuite des capitaux, n’en parlons plus!Donc, nous exhortons la Commission de l’Union africaine à considérer le PAP pour que nous puissions voir auprès des Exécutifs de nos pays, ce qui est possible ou non. Si les cotisations sont insuffisantes, il faudrait les augmenter et obliger les États à fournir assez d’efforts pour que la Commission de l’Union africaine puisse avancer.Sans cette visibilité, les infrastructures qui manquent de façon criarde en Afrique, ne peuvent être réalisées qu’avec des capitaux que nous-mêmes, nous pouvons mobiliser, sans compter sur l’aide extérieure. Pour cela, ce sont les politiques, ce sont les parlementaires qui peuvent influencer l’Exécutif. Alors, s’il y a de la considération pour le PAP, il n’y a pas de raison que les cotisations ne soient pas payées et même augmentées.Je vous remercie.

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HON. TANIMOUNE OUMAROU [NIGER]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Monsieur le Président,Après avoir écouté plusieurs orateurs, j’estime que mon intervention est sans objet.Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements)

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HON. LUHAGA JOELSON MPINA [TANZANIA]:Thank you, Mr President. It has been indicated in the budget of 2013 that the actual expenditure has been representing just 67 per cent of the execution. This is a very poor performance of the budget implemented, especially the Programme Budget that has been implemented at only 53 per cent. You can see that the source of funds - we just managed to finance our budget by only 31 percent.As my Hon. Colleagues said, as Africans, we have to sit down and come up with a very strong and reliable source of revenue. They have talked about the direct taxes from the economic activities from African countries but I have to add one; there is the case of capital flight especially in low financial flow in Africa which has gone up abruptly.According to the Global Financial Integrity, the least financial flow has reached US$1 trillion per finacial year in Africa. So, what AU has to do is to formulate or establish an independent unit that can deal with prosecution, investigation and recovery of funds. And then, they can enter into a contract with all African countries and charge at least 30 per cent of the money or funds recovered. So these funds that have been recovered from the least financial flow wouldl be a very strong and relaible source of revenue to the AU.African countries are suffering and yet a lot of their funds and assets are taken away from Africa. Therefore, the African countries are not in position to invest and develop the continent and by doing so as the AU, they would get money - 30 per cent of the money recovered hence the countries would be in postion to use the recovered funds for development, investment and for poverty reduction. That is my advise.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you. I now give the Floor to hon. Zalikatou Diallo from Guinea.

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THE PRESIDENT:Thank you. I now give the Floor to hon. Zalikatou Diallo from Guinea.

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HON. ZALIKATOU DIALLO [RÉPUBLIQUE DE GUINÉE]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Je m’associe à ceux qui félicitent et remercient le Viceprésident de la Commission de l’Union africaine pour la proposition du budget que j’apprécie beaucoup. Je remercie et félicite également la Commission Permanente des Affaires monétaires et financières du PAP pour avoir examiné ce projet de budget et sorti un rapport fait des recommandations dans un temps aussi réduit.J’aurais souhaité avoir beaucoup plus de temps pour pouvoir examiner et participer, de façon plus efficace, en matière de contribution, mais, j’ai quelques préoccupations.Dans la présentation du Vice-président de la Commission de l’Union africaine, il a évoqué des préoccupations, notamment en matière de sources de financement. Tout le monde a parlé ici, de la dépendance de l’Union africaine par rapport aux partenaires au développement. C’est un peu frustrant! Mais, il y a quelque chose qui me met un peu de baume au cœur, c’est au niveau du « Chapitre 3: Perspectives économiques 2015 de l’Afrique ». Ici, la croissance économique est quand même prometteuse: 4,7 % en 2014 et 5 % en 2015. L’Union africaine, à mon humble avis, doit savoir tirer partie de cette heureuse situation et répertorier les États clés dont les économies sont plus prospères, plus saines, à accroître leurs contributions volontaires parce que dans la mobilisation des ressources, on parle non seulement de cotisation des États membres, mais aussi de la cotisation volontaire des États membres.C’est très important! On peut exhorter les gros contributeurs à le faire de manière plus substantielle. Cela peut combler le gap.Ensuite, on parle d’investissements directs étrangers, source majeure de financement de la croissance dans plusieurs États. Cela est un fait réel. Mais, pour qu’il y ait ce genre d’investissement, il faut la stabilité dans les pays. En effet, le plus souvent les pays africains font face à des conflits. Mais dans le budget de l’Union africaine, je trouve que la manne financière attribuée au Conseil de Paix et de Sécurité est minime. Il en est de même pour le Plan stratégique du PAP. Au niveau [Microphone éteint].J’aurais souhaité quand même qu’on revoie ce niveau pour pouvoir mieux œuvrer à prévenir les conflits, car, mieux vaut prévenir que guérir. Cela est très important!Je vous remercie.

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HON. STEVEN OBEEGADOO [ÎLE MAURICE]:Monsieur le Président,Je suis l’avant-dernier sur la liste d’intervenants. Les idées que je me proposais d’évoquer ayant déjà été abordées par d’autres, je préfère tout vous remerciant de m’avoir accordé la parole, éviter la répétition.Je vous remercie Monsieur le Président.(Applaudissements)

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HON. BAKARY OUATTARA [CÔTE D’IVOIRE]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Je pense que c’est la même chose que mes prédécesseurs. Toutes les idées étaient plus ou moins développées, mais je ne voudrais pas m’asseoir sans quand même vous féliciter, vous et votre Bureau, pour le travail qui a été abattu et qui permet aujourd’hui au PAP de véritablement monter sur les rails de ses vraies missions.Je souhaite que vous continuiez sur cette tâche énorme et de faire en sorte que le PAP puisse acquérir ses vrais pouvoirs législatifs.Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements)

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HON. ASHEBIR WOLDEGIORGIS GAYO [ETHIOPIA]:Thank you Mr. President. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the presenter of this budget, His Excellency, Deputy Chairperson of African Union. I would also like to say that as an Ethiopian and the host nation of African Union, that His Excellency of African Union, his office is always open for Pan African Parliament. If you give him a call he can receive you. He received me last time and admitted those questions raised by Pan African Parliament President. He immediately directed his department to facilitate these passports, and he has done it for you and I hope he will do it in future.

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HON. SUAD AL-FATIH AL BADAWI [SUDAN]:Thank you very much Mr. President. I want to start by thanking the AU for their very comprehensive report. But I would also remind everybody that Africa is faced with many challenges. The other day, about eleven challenges were enumerated and I would add conflicts, water diseases, illiteracy and unplanned school curricula poverty and many other challenges.Mr. President, every time we come here, we carry very big dreams from our colleagues but with very modest funds to fund these dreams. We always go to the helpful easy way, foreign partners; anyone that gives, takes and so we should be very careful about this. I think this is defeating all of us, especially here in PAP. If we look at the picture from the other side and I want to just pretend that what the doctor has said looks so beamingly and we have three proposals for this.Now, there are some banks in Africa that are specialized in nothing which concerns Africa. They have lots of money and they have to do nothing else but to develop Africa and they want to remain. Mr. President, our experience is bad here. Banks are ready to finance our projects but they ask so many questions, money questions which we do not need. If our brothers in the ANC would help us with this, I think a lot can be done about it. The money is still there and we can just make use of it but they want answers to some questions.The second point is, what are the African States doing? I think there should be a mechanism by which the AU should make these states collaborate and organize certain programmes in the continent Africa and be very serious in shouldering some of the burden with the AU.The final point is; I want you to understand this very well because this is a new proposal. We have what is known as waqf. Waqf is money, land and assets, just with people who are rich and have no people to inherit them or that they give this money just for combating poverty or any other things. What I know is that, in many countries there are five billion dollars sleeping there for some people just to wrap them up. I think we could make use of this in the areas that are important like poverty, schooling, medical assistance to our people and again this money is free. It has no limitations and if we ask them and if we would listen, they would listen to us. I think there will be a reward for this.I think there are so many things that we can think of that can give us new comprehensive projects to shape our Africa in a way which is not built on falling on AU colonisation.Thank you.

REFERENCE: 1303-164526E

H. E. ERASTUS MWENCHA [DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION]:Mr. President, Hon. Members of the Pan African Parliament, I have hardly in my career in regional integration had the opportunity to interact with Hon. Members of Parliament and listened to such passionate contributions about the future of this continent. I want to start by humbly thanking you for your contributions for your wisdom and to assure you upfront that, this wouls be translated not just to the Commission, but also to other relevant organs to which we shall indicate this consultative process that we have started today. I do take note of the many weaknesses that have been pointed out regarding the structure of the budget that is before you, the timing and the information. I would be saying something about that, and together we can put our minds together as to ways to improve the future.Let me begin with a picture which some of you spoke about Parliament and how Parliament should be involved. Not just being a consultative body, but also a legislative body. When we come in here, I could not have been better encouraged but for the support and the encouragement of my Chairperson, who himself believes that this Parliament should be empowered and given the capacity to be able to steer and participate in the integration of our continent. To that extent, I know that when she addressed you last year she did indicate that, at least, in the area of integration, that should be an entry point which this Parliament can embark on without taking away. This is really an area that has not been properly attended to at the moment. Many of our citizens or may be few of our citizens feel that by empowering this Parliament it would be reducing their sovereignty, a fact that none of us do not share. We believe that a strong Pan African Parliament will lead to a strong Africa. If we are united it is a way we can defend our sovereignty. Individually, it is very difficult to defend our sovereignty.Mr. President, the message I get from the Hon. Members is one which points to the need for us to move forward with integration, more or less with the passion with which Africa liberated itself from colonialism. Those of you who mentioned the names of Kwame Nkrumah, Nyerere and others have clearly pointed out that it is the lack of that central pulling power that is pushing Africa backwards especially in the area of integration. That is why when last year we celebrated the fifth anniversary, it was done under the spirit of Pan Africanism and African Renaissance. To me, that spirit of hope and determination that moved the young men and women of Africa is to give up everything but struggle for Africa to be liberated, and I feel that much in this room. But as we do so, a number of points have been raised especially as regards the weakness of the budget that is before you. One major weakness that is pointed out -

REFERENCE: 1303-170959E

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, let me on your behalf and on behalf of this Parliament thank the Chairperson of the Africa Union Commission, Dr. Zuma through the Deputy Chair, His Excellency Erastus Mwencha who has continued to support the work of this Parliament has continued to leave an open door for us to approach him on all issues.I must say that I have in the course of my work, an opportunity to meet many civil servants on the continent and I must specifically say here today that the presence of the Deputy Chair of the Africa Union Commission in our midst today is borne out of his clear conviction and clear vision for the growth and development of our institution. I therefore, would want us to applaud this courageous son of Africa who has been against all odds, to be able to present to us what, for many years, has not come before our Parliament, despite the provisions in Article 11 (2) of our Protocol.We therefore, believe that today’s event which many may not see its deep significance for the growth of our institution, which is a small step forward for the Pan African Parliament. It is a giant leap forward for the people of Africa who continue to cry for good governance, accountability and transparency in the management of its natural resources and in management of the affairs of the people.We, therefore, thank him and his team for making up time to come here and I thank all our Hon. colleagues who have worked hard, especially the Committee of Finance and Monetary Affairs to produce a report within a short period.(Applause)We would continue with these deliberations when we finalise our resolutions.I want to thank you for your contributions to the debates and therefore, Hon. Members, let me also use this opportunity to remind us of the activities starting from tomorrow; 14^th of March, where we shall have a dialogue on issues concerning the women of Africa who are our models, wives, sisters and daughters.We would also continue with a cultural day on the 15^thof March and a youth dialogue on the 17^th of March where we deal with issues concerning the young cooperation that we have on our continent.The attendance register for the MPs will be at the entrance of the Chamber for those days; Friday and Monday, we expect members to sign as the attendance register will not be circulated within the Chamber. It will be placed by the door because we will be receiving lots of visitors who would be participating in our deliberations.Hon. Members, we have now come to the end of our business for today and therefore this House stands adjourned until Tuesday, 18^th March, 2014 at 0900 hrs in the morning.I thank you.

Tuesday, 18 March, 2014

THE PRESIDENT:Please, be seated.

COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

REFERENCE: 1303-094638E

Hon. Members, it is with regrets that I announce the death of the Former President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Al Hajji Ahmeh Tejan Kabbah on the 13^th of March, 2014, in Freetown, Sierra Leone. I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and people of Sierra Leone.May we, please, stand and observe a minute’s silence in his memory.(Members observed a minute of silence)May his soul rest in peace.

ADMINISTRATION OF OATH

Hon. Members, in accordance with the Rule 9 of the Rules of Procedure, we shall now swear in new Members. I invite the Clerk of Parliament.The following Hon. Members took the Oath of Solemn Declaration, signed it and took their seats:1.Hon. Zachariah Cheruiyot [Kenya]2.Hon. Millie Odhiambo Mabona [Kenya]3.Hon. Janet Ong’era [Kenya]4.Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen [Kenya]5.Hon. Omar Sarah [Senegal] (Applause)

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 38(1)(h), it is with great pleasure that I now invite the following guests into the Chamber.I invite His Excellency Ambassador Roland van de Geer from the European Commission (EU); I invite His Excellency Mr. Marten Nenkete Kapewasha, the High Commissioner of Namibia to South Africa, delivering the message from the First President of Namibia; I invite Bathely Naiye (?) from the World Bank (WB); I invite His Excellency Mrs. Pani Zahthotou, President of the Asian Inter Parliamentarian Assembly; I invite Mr. Michael Magalov, Counsellor of the Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation; I invite Mr. Zacharias Jose from Inter Parliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy (IAO). Let me also invite Her Excellency Ambassador Getrude Mwongela, the First President of the Pan African Parliament (PAP); I invite His Excellency Hama Amodu, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Niger; I invite His Excellency Leon Kengo Wadondo, the Speaker of the Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo; I invite His Excellency Harold Kabadi, Speaker of the National Assembly of Chad, presenting a message from His Excellency the President of Chad. I invite the Hon. (Dr.) Frene Jinwala, former Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa; I invite His Excellency Mohamed Bolio, Speaker of Mauritania; I also invite former Members of the Bureau of the PAP, His Excellency Hon. Hami L’arusi, Hon. Mary Mwongei and Hon. Francoir L’abelle.Let me also invite former Members of the PAP who are now Ministers in their various countries. I therefore invite Hon. Fred Omach, State Minister for Finance in the Republic of Uganda; I invite Hon. Serah Kataiki Indoboli, Minister of State for the Luweero Triangle in Uganda; I invite Mr. Forrray Tembo, Deputy Minister for Local Government and Housing for the Republic of Zambia; I invite Hon. Sylvia Masebo, Minister for Tourism in the Republic of Zambia; I invite Hon. Ms. Davies Mwango, Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice President of Zambia; I also invite His Excellency Hon. Justine Nkumba, President of the National Assembly of Congo Brazzaville.Hon. Members, on your behalf, I now invite Ambassador. Roland Van de Geer of the EU to deliver his message.Your Excellency, you have the podium.

H.E. AMBASSADOR ROLAND VAN DE GEER [EUROPEAN COMMISSION]:

REFERENCE: 1803-100343E

H.E. AMBASSADOR ROLAND VAN DE GEER [EUROPEAN COMMISSION]President of the Pan African Parliament, Mr. Amadi, Presidents and Speakers of National Parliaments, Hon. Members of the Pan African Parliament, Members of National Parliaments, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, other representatives of Governments, Ambassadors, High Commissoners, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.It is a great pleasure and honuor, on behalf of the European institutions, to extend our warm congratulations to the Pan African Parliament on the occasion of the commemoration of its 10th Anniversary Celebration. I would like to mention specifically that the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schultz who spoke here in May last year, the President of the European Council, Mr. Herman Formorompo and the President of the European Commission, Mr. Baroso, send their special greetings on this very commemorable occasion.As the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schultz, underlined in his presentation to this very same Pan African Parliament on 14th May, 2013, thePan African Parliament and the European Parliament share a common fundamental goal and that is to represent their citizens and to make their voices heard beyond the borders of our individual member States - the individual member States of the European Union and the individual member States of the African Union.We have taken note, with much appreciation, of the extended agenda of the special session of the Pan African Parliament on the commemoration of its establishment ten years ago. We wish you a productive and fruitful reflection on the role of your Parliament.Let me briefly underline the great importance that the European Parliament attaches to continued co-operation with the Pan AFrican Parliament. The EuropeanParliament has been co-operating with the Pan African Parliament since its inception in 2004. The Bureau of Pan African Parliament, Members of Parliament and the Committees of Parliament have frequently visited the European Parliament: The communication departments, the finance department and all its services and the interpretation and transalation offices of the Pan African Parliament, work closely together with the European Parliament. So, there is co-operation not only at the political level, but also at a service level.The two Presidents of the European Parliament have visited Midrand. They have visited here and the European Parliament has been instrumental in ensuring defence for institutional building within the African Union which also has served the Pan African Parliamente.A specific European Union delegation for relations with the Pan African Parliament has been initiated. Therefore, Hon. Members, the European Parliament has invested considerably in the Pan African Parliament and that is only a confirmation of the high importance that the European Parliament attaches to this Parliament.Since the establishment of the the Organisation for African Unity (OAU) on 25th May, 1963, Europe and Africa have worked together on a continental level. Today, almost 51 years later, the African Union and the European Union share a broad programme of cooperation that offers political consultations, trade, peace and security and, of course, play development cooperation over a broad range of issues.Both Europe and Africa are committed to global peace and security and to the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Parliaments have an important role to play, not only in an effort to promote this peace and security, but also in rapidly emerging new world order in general.We wish the Pan African Parliament well in playing its important role for the promotion of development, security and peace in the African continent and thereby globally as a whole.Mr. President, thank you very much.(Applause)

REFERENCE: 1803-100942E

MS BATHILY NAYE [WORLD BANK]:Your Excellencies, the Hon. President of the Pan-African Parliament, Hon. Members of Parliament, distinguished guests, it is a great honour for me to address this august gathering today. I take with an enormous sense of pride and responsibility, first as an African woman, and also, as a member of the World Bank staff to speak at the 10^thanniversary of the Pan-African Parliament.I think there is a very important symbolism here, and I also want to express my gratitude to Dr Amadi for his leadership of the Pan-African Parliament, and for giving us the opportunity to address this gathering. I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate and commend the staff of the Pan-African Parliament, with whom Ihave been working for the past five years. I have been quite impressed by their dedication and professionalism.We are all proud of what the Pan-African Parliament has achieved in such a short time. Today, more than ever, Africa is in the spotlight and we have to rise to the occasion. Africa has not yet reached its full potential and presents many opportunities for elected officials such as yourselves, representatives of the people to make a difference.At the World Bank, our objective is not only to engage with parliamentarians in the dialogue on development issues. But we also provide support for strengthening Parliaments so that they can fully exercise their role. It is a fact that there are still many countries on the continent where Parliaments are weak, even when they are democratically elected. Many Parliamentarians are constrained by limited training or experience in drafting laws, budgets as well as policies.Very few have the staff or technical support needed to perform their roles most effectively. Under such conditions, Parliaments in many parts of the continent cannot fulfill their potentials or effectively represent the interests of their people. That should be a worry to anyone concerned about development. Certainly, it is a worry for us at the World Bank.The first 15 years have seen tremendous growth in participation in civil society around the world. In 1987, there were only 66 countries democratically elected. Today, that number has doubled. This participation being combined with the development power dogma, that emphasises partnership and country ownership, brings tremendous opportunities. However, these changes also imply new responsibilities. They imply that as the Pan-African Parliament, your mission for fostering regional integration and parliamentary representation is even more important today.Development policies are not made in a vacuum. They reflect the political environment in which they are formulated. This means that effective leadership and strong public institutions are needed if we are to fight poverty for good. Together, at the World Bank, we intend to build a deep and meaningful partnership with the Pan-African Parliament, which is a most valued partner for us. Our engagement at the global level is focused on more or less sharing, but we also understand that politics is all about local reach.The World Bank has defined two over-reaching goals. These are: to eliminate poverty by 2030 and to boost shared prosperity. Achieving these goals in Africa would not be possible simply with growth. However high the level, structural change or economic transformation is essential. We need parliamentarians to reach that goal.We face great challenges ahead, but I am confident that results can be achieved with strong commitment and political leadership. There is a lot that we can learn from each other as well as from the failures and successes from the past. The World Bank Group is ready to work with you, the PanAfrican Parliament, to share knowledge, build capacity and foster the right policies.Throughout recent histories, Parliaments have steered their countries through times of great changes and contributed to progress and development. Today, Parliaments must rise to a new challenge, helping their countries to stand accountable in the fight against poverty, and leave results for the leaders of this world.The Pan-African Parliament’s contribution is essential in reaching that goal. PAP can count on the World Bank’s undivided support to reach its goal. Long live Pan-African Parliament.I thank you.Applause.

REFERENCE: 1803-101549E

H.E. MRS. PANY YATHOTOU [PRESIDENT OF ASEAN INTER-PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY]:Your Excellency Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi, President of Pan African Parliament, fellow parliamentarians; ladies and gentlemen. in my capacity as President of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, and on behalf of the National Assembly of Lao People’s Democratic Republic; I am honoured to be invited by the President of PAP, Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi as a special guest to the special celebration commemorating ten years anniversary of the Pan African Parliament. I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to PAP President and all parties involved for the invitation and warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation.On behalf of the ASEAN Inter-parliamentary Assembly, I would like to express my sincere congratulations to the PAP on its important role and meaningful achievements made over the course of the past 10 years through its contributions to the promotion of stability, peace and cooperation and socio economic development as well as the improvement of the people’s livelihood in the whole African continent and raising the status and influence of countries in Africa on the world stage.Your Excellency, Mr. President; fellow Parliamentarians, the continent of African and the South East ASEAN regions are far away from each other in geographical distance but we share a lot of similarities. Particularly, we have gone through similar historical development and changes, especially during the 20^th century when most of our countries fought to liberate ourselves from the colonial rule and brought about national sovereignty and independence to our people successfully.The people of our two regions share long standing and rich cultural heritage, a friendly attitude and generosity. Both our regions are also rich in natural resources and biodiversity. Most importantly, in recent years many countries in Africa and those in South East Asia have enjoyed admirable success in socio-economic development, poverty reduction and the promotion of people’s democracy through public participation and ownership and transparency wherein parliamentary representative and oversight roles have played an important part...As representative of the people in 10 ASEAN Member States of about 600 billion people, our Asean Interparliamentary Assembly is an inter-parliamentary organization established to foster closer parliamentary cooperation among member states. As ASEAN is now expediting the, process of ASEAN community building by end of 2015. AIPA plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the government and the people, in considering important issues related to the rights and interests of the people and in harmonizing legislation of ASEAN member countries.In promoting friendly relations and cooperation between our two parliamentary entities AIPA adopted a resolution on establishing relation and cooperation between the ASEAN Inter-parliamentary Assembly and the Pan African Parliament at its 33rd General Assembly that took place in Lombok, Indonesia in September 2012.Against this background, I trust that closer relations between people’s representatives of the two regions will bring about fruitful economic and commercial outcomes as well as vibrant cultural exchanges which will further contribute to the promotion or peace, stability and development cooperation in the region and world at large. In this connection, I invite our two parliaments to encourage our governments and people to set up cooperation between our two regions, particularly cooperation in trade and tourism and other areas where both sides have potential.Distinguished guests, dear colleagues and friends representing the people from different countries with diverse backgrounds and conditions in terms of opportunities and challenges is not an easy task, but with a clear vision and strong mandate, I trust that the Pan-African as the legislative arm of the African Union will fulfill its role as a true representatives of the people’s concerns and interests, thereby contribution to the promotion of peace, stability and wellbeing of the people of Africa.Your Excellency, Mr. President, I am pleased to inform you that, the 35th General Assembly of AIPA will take place on 14 to 20^th September this year in the capital, Laos, my home country. Taking this opportunity, I would like to extend my invitation your good self and representative of the PAP to join this meeting and share your solidarity with us in Laos.Once again, my congratulations to all of you on the 10^th Anniversary of the Pan African Parliament.I wish the Excellency, Mr. President and all the distinguished guests a good health and success and I wish for the long lasting friendship and cooperation between the ASEA Inter-Parliamentary Assembly and the Pan-African Parliament. Thank you for your attention.

REFERENCE: 1803-102310E

MR. MIKHAIL MARGELOV [COUNCIL OF THE FEDERATION OF THE FEDERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION]:Hon. President and Members of the Pan-African Parliament, on behalf of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the member nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States, may I greet the participants of the Fourth Session of the Pan-African Parliament and convey my sincere congratulations on the 10^th Anniversary of your organisation.The Pan-African Parliament has played an important unifying role in promoting democracy and harmonising legislations across the African Continent by ensuring involvement of elected delegates of the African people in the development and economic integration in the region that facilitates peace, security and stability in Africa.The Pan-African Parliament provides a platform for the African Parliamentarians to exchange expertise with overseas colleagues and cultivate contacts with other Parliamentary Associations. The engagement of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States on the Pan-African Parliament is based on the cooperation agreement, a testimony of mutual interest of member Parliaments of the CIS InterParliamentary Assembly and the Pan-African Parliament in joint activities to enhance ties and ensure law making practices.I am sure that the cooperation of IPA-CIS and the PAP would contribute to further development of Parliamentary diplomacy and facilitate joint efforts to find effective ways to address current issues faced by the society.May I wish the Pan-African Parliament every success in promoting democratic values and developing the economic potential of African countries as well as in strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation in the interest of the international community.And may I now read the letter signed by Valentina Matriyerko, the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States."Dear Mr Amadi, dear Members,On behalf of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the member nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States, may I greet the participants of the Fourth Session of the Pan-African Parliament and convey my sincere congratulations on the 10^th Anniversary of your organisation.The Pan-African Parliament has played an important unifying role in promoting democracy and harmonising legislations across the African Continent by ensuring involvement of elected delegates of the African people and in the development and economic integration in the region that facilities peace, security and stability in Africa.The Pan-African Parliament provides a platform for the African Parliamentarians to exchange expertise with overseas colleagues. May I wish the Pan-African Parliament every success in promoting democratic values and developing the economic potential of the African countries.Valentina Matriyerko."Thank you. (Applause)

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much. Let me now invite Mr Zacarias.

REFERENCE: 1803-102627P

SR. ZACARIAS JOSÉ [ASSEMBLEIA INTERPARLAMENTAR SOBRE A ORTODOXIA]:-Sua Excelencia Senhor Presidente da AssembleiaIlustres DeputadosÉ um grande prazer para nós participar das cerimónias do 10° aniversario do Parlamento Pan-Africano, num momento em que a Assembleia Interparlamentar sobre a Ortodoxia comemora 20 anos da sua existencia.A Assembleia Interparlamentar sobre a Ortodoxia, cordialmente, deseja sucesso contínuo e substancial contribuiçâo para a realidade política do grande continente africano.A ansiedade para o futuro da juventude e do seu papel na nova realidade globalizada, bem como a sua criaçâo de cidadania activa tais como a política, atende a nossa pròpria reflexâo e preocupaçâo.Desejamos os nossos trabalhos desta sessâo do Parlamento Pan-Africano sucesso e paz em todo o mundo e felicidade pessoal de cada um e todos e, pessoalmente, de cada cidadâo africano.Estamo ansiosos para reforçar a nossa cooperaçâo em consonância com o acordo de cooperaçâo assinado pelo Parlamento Pan-Africano e a Assembleia Interparlamentar sobre a Ortodoxia.O Presidente da Assembleia Geral e o Secretário-Geral da Assembleia Interparlamentar sobre Ortodoxia pediram-me para entregar a Vossa Excelência Senhor Presidente o convite para participaçâo no aniversário da Assembleia Geral da Assembleia Interparlamentar sobre Ortodoxia que será realizado em Moscovo, em Junho próximo.Obrigado.Aplausos

REFERENCE: 1803-102911F

S.E.M. LÉON KENGO WA DONDO [PRÉSIDENT DU SÉNAT DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE DÉMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO]:Monsieur le Président,Distingués députés panafricains,La République Démocratique du Congo est membre effectif du Parlement panafricain depuis son adhésion au Protocole et au Traité instituant la Communauté économique africaine, relatif au Parlement panafricain.Les difficultés internes qu’a traversé mon pays, ces dernières années, ne lui ont pas permis d’assurer sa représentation au tout début du fonctionnement de l’Institution. Le vide a été comblé en 2012 avec la désignation par notre Parlement, de ses délégués; d’abord comme observateurs, ensuite comme membres effectifs à partir de 2013.Depuis, la République Démocratique du Congo assure sa présence par la participation régulière desdits délégués aux sessions du Parlement continental. Il en sera toujours ainsi.Dans le même ordre d’idées, le Parlement de la République Démocratique du Congo assure l’auguste Assemblée de sa ferme volonté à prendre toute ses responsabilités dans le cadre du Parlement continental afin de s’acquitter pleinement et régulièrement de ses obligations. Je pense ici, par exemple, aux cotisations; celles-ci, versées régulièrement et à temps.Je n’ignore pas que plusieurs défis sont encore à relever par notre jeune Institution continentale; au nombre de ceux-ci, il y a l’épineux problème des pouvoirs du Parlement panafricain avec en corollaire la question du mode d’élection de ses membres et celle de l’autonomie budgétaire du Parlement.Le Sénat de la République Démocratique du Congo soutient l’idée du renforcement des pouvoirs du Parlement panafricain.(Applaudissements).Il a pris entièrement l’initiative de modification du Protocole du 2 mars 2001, afin de conférer au Parlement panafricain des fonctions législatives ainsi que plus de pouvoirs de contrôle.(Applaudissements)Bien entendu, les domaines dans lesquels seront exercées ces fonctions législatives seront déterminés par la Conférence des Chefs d’États et de gouvernements de l’Union africaine. Il va de soi qu’une fois ces pouvoirs législatifs et de contrôle renforcés, le Parlement panafricain devra disposer de plus d’autonomie budgétaire dans le cadre du budget général de l’Union.(Applaudissements)Mais vous conviendrez avec moi que ce processus de transformation de notre Parlement panafricain devra être accompagné par celui du renforcement de sa légitimité.C’est pourquoi, pour le Sénat de la République Démocratique du Congo, l’élection des parlementaires panafricains au suffrage universel direct par les peuples africains devra être perçue comme la conséquence logique de l’accroissement des pouvoirs de l’Institution.(Applaudissements)C’est l’essence même de la démocratie! C’est d’ailleurs une exigence de l’article 3 (g) de l’Acte constitutif de l’Union africaine qui poursuit, entre autres, l’objectif de « promouvoir les principes et les institutions démocratiques, la participation populaire et la bonne gouvernance » dans notre continent.Cette démocratie pourra-t-elle être construite sans les peuples africains? Cela est impensable!Monsieur le Président,Distingués membres du Bureau,Honorables parlementaires panafricains,Distingués invités,Je n’ai pas la prétention d’avoir épuisé toutes les questions qui intéressent votre auguste Assemblée. Je n’ai pas voulu abuser du temps qui m’a été accordé. Qu’il me soit permis simplement, en terminant, de méditer avec vous: le développement de l’Afrique se fera-t-il sans la participation effective de la femme?Nous sommes au mois de mars, décrété mois de la femme par les Nations-Unies.(Applaudissements)La femme doit participer au développement de l’Afrique par sa loyauté, son dévouement!Quelle serait la croissance de l’Afrique demain, si la femme a une participation effective dans ce développement?Je termine, enfin, en remerciant le Parlement panafricain pour ses prises de positions sur la situation qui prévaut dans mon pays. Par vos résolutions, vous nous faites preuve de la vraie solidarité africaine.Aussi, voudrais-je, à mon tour, vous prier de bien vouloir accepter ce message de solidarité qui vient du fond de mon cœur, au nom de vos collègues sénateurs de la République Démocratique du Congo et au nom du peuple congolais que nous représentons ici.(Applaudissements)Merci Monsieur le Président, de l’invitation qui m’a été adressée.Joyeux anniversaire pour les 10 ans d’existence!Je souhaite plein succès à vos travaux.(Applaudissements nourris)Je vous remercie!

REFERENCE: 1803-103620F

S.E.M. HAMA AMADOU [PRÉSIDENT DE L'ASSEMBLÉE NATIONALE DU NIGER]:Excellence Monsieur le Président de l’Union africaine,Excellence Monsieur le Président du Parlement panafricain,Excellences Messieurs les anciens Présidents et chefs d’États,Madame l’ancienne Présidente du Parlement panafricain,Mesdames et Messieurs les Présidents des parlements continentaux et régionaux,Monsieur le Président du Sénat [de la République démocratique du Congo],Monsieur le Président de l’Assemblée nationale du Tchad,Mesdames et Messieurs les membres du Bureau de Parlement Panafricain,Honorables députés,Chers collègues,Distingués invités,Mesdames et Messieurs,C’est un honneur et un grand plaisir pour moi de prendre la parole, devant cette auguste Assemblée à l’occasion de la célébration du X^ème anniversaire de la création de notre Parlement continental.Honneur d’autant plus grand, que vous avez voulu, Monsieur le Président, que je sois l’un des invités d’honneur de cette grande et belle cérémonie.Je vous en remercie et remercie, et remercie dans la foulée tous les membres du Bureau du Parlement panafricain ainsi que tous les députés du Parlement, pour cette marque de considération et d’estime, que j’interprète comme une distinction adressée à l’ensemble des parlementaires nigériens, au premier rang desquels naturellement, ceux d’entre eux qui siègent, au nom du Niger, dans ce Parlement.(Applaudissements)C’est une façon de nous dire, je crois aussi, que les parlementaires nigériens, aux côtés de leurs pairs africains, s’acquittent convenablement, avec conscience et engagement de leur mission; une mission à laquelle l’Assemblée nationale du Niger, et au-delà le peuple nigérien tout entier, attache le plus grand prix.En effet le peuple nigérien, comme de très nombreux autres peuples africains, a hâte de voir se concrétiser le rêve depuis longtemps caressé de tous les africains: celui d’une intégration réelle à l’échelle du continent, une intégration dynamique et constructive, en vue de la pleine et totale unité de l’Afrique et cela sur tous les plans, y compris d’abord et surtout, le plan politique.(Applaudissements)Il est grand temps de reconnaître que l’Afrique, dans la mosaïque des micro-États qui la composent actuellement, ne sera jamais qu’un continent à la traîne, méritant amplement le mépris ou à tout le moins le paternalisme condescendant, des autres nations du monde, heureuses de savoir qu’en dépit des problèmes qui les assaillent, spécifiquement chacune, il existe un continent entier de nations encore plus malheureuse sur la planète, malgré les immenses richesses naturelles dont la providence l’a dotée et en dépit des populations jeunes et nombreuses, qui l’habitent.Or, l’unité est possible mais à la condition que nos États acceptent de transcender les faux clivages qui les divisent, et que les principes de solidarité devant constituer le substrat de cette unité, ne continue pas de buter contre les petits égoïsmes nationaux de ceux de mon pays qui entretiennent une certaine illusion sur leur demi-prospérité, pourtant à la fois insignifiante et précaire, comparée à ce qu’elle aurait pu être dans une Afrique politiquement et économiquement plus unie.(Applaudissements)Mesdames et Messieurs,C’est dans l’unité que notre continent, connaîtra le grand destin que nous lui appréhendons.En revanche, c’est dans la perpétuation de ses divisions actuelles qu’il consolidera les chaînes des malheurs et des frustrations multiples qui la caractérisent aujourd’hui.Excellence Monsieur le Président du Parlement panafricain,Honorables députés,Chers collègues,Pour changer son destin, l’Afrique a besoin d’institutions panafricaines qui l’y aident.Ainsi, le Parlement panafricain, créé à Addis-Abeba en Éthiopie il y a exactement dix ans, peut, de notre point de vue, en constituer l’un des fers de lance.Mais à la condition que l’on accepte de lui conférer la dimension qui lui en donnera les pouvoirs.En effet, ses missions actuelles le confient depuis sa création un rôle purement protocolaire, un rôle consultatif qui le réduit à faire des recommandations et à donner des avis sur les questions qui lui sont soumises par l’Union africaine.Recommandations et avis, malheureusement, rarement suivis de fait.C’est dire autrement que le Parlement panafricain, dans sa conception actuelle, je suis désolé de le dire, n’est qu’une seule Assemblée consultative, ne pesant pas grand-chose, en ce moment, dans la conduite des politiques devant déboucher sur une meilleure prise en compte de notre continent dans les affaires du monde.(Applaudissements)Ce n’est pas une critique, que l’on ne pardonne si mes propos en donnent l’impression, mais le triste constat, procédant hélas de la manie habituelle des Africains, à créer des organisations et des institutions qui donnent l’illusion d’une volonté d’aller vers l’unité, mais qui en réalité, ne servent finalement qu’à maintenir le statut quo, qui tue nos espérances.(Applaudissements)Aussi, n’est-il pas surprenant que notre Parlement ait tendance à se donner l’allure d’une simple caisse de résonance, appelée très souvent à prendre acte de décisions et des événements qui affectent la vie des Africains, sans pouvoir rien n’y faire, parce que toujours mis devant le fait accompli sans possibilité réelle d’influer un tant soit peu, sur des choix politiques qui, cependant peuvent gravement porter atteinte aux intérêts vitaux du continent.Autant dire qu’elle est une institution, à laquelle n’est pas dévolue la vraie mission attendue d’elle par les populations, mandataires des députés qui y siègent.Pourtant, le Parlement panafricain, représentation de peuples africains, quoiqu’on en pense, même sans réel statut de Parlement élu, doit pouvoir au sein de l’Union africaine, jouer au moins un rôle d’accélérateur du processus d’intégration du continent.C’est sans doute conscient de cette nécessité qu’il se bat, avec, il faut le reconnaître, un remarquable et honorable courage, pour faire entendre la voix de nos peuples qui tous, souhaitent une Afrique nouvelle d’unité et de mutation positives.(Applaudissements)Monsieur le Président du Parlement panafricain,Honorables députés,Je vous félicite et vous encourage à poursuivre les efforts dans le sens de la création d’un Parlement africain doté de réels pouvoirs, et surtout, à ne pas baisser les bras.Pour ce faire, vous avez besoin effectivement d’un véritable soutien de la part des parlements nationaux, afin que les choses changent, et changent profondément, dans le fond comme dans la forme, pour qu’au parlement consultatif continental actuel, succède une véritable Assemblée législative, c’est-à-dire, un parlement doté de tous les pouvoirs auquel est reconnu en particulier celui d’adopter des textes de lois applicables dans tous les pays membres de l’Union africaine.(Applaudissements)L’un des avantages d’une telle option, étant d’ailleurs de mettre un terme au fouillis dû à la multitude de lois et règlements, la plupart du temps inopérants parce que par trop technocratique qui, au lieu de favoriser le processus d’intégration, l’entravent plutôt.Nous sommes, bien-sûr conscients, de l’inclination de très nombreux États membres de l’Union africaine à défendre encore un souverainisme plutôt rigide qui ne rime pas du tout avec la tendance panafricaniste sincère des députés, autant du reste que des espoirs de nos peuples en ce domaine.Conséquemment nos peuples, plus ou moins désabusés et plutôt déçus, attendent encore.Or notre continent ne peut affronter les défis nouveaux sans des structures politiques fortes, au niveau continental, capables de favoriser une véritable intégration des peuples; de construire l’intégration à la base sans laquelle tous les édifices technocratiques, toutes les belles réflexions coûteuses menées dans le confort des cabinets, ou issus des conciliabules des sommets et foras resteront lettre morte, inutiles et stériles.Cette intégration par les peuples, c’est-à-dire les constructions politiques économiques qui répondent aux attentes immédiates des populations du continent, apparaît donc comme le seul remède susceptible de briser les contreforts de sous-développement qui cerne jusqu’à l’étouffement l’Afrique.Elle est aussi, de surcroît assurément, l’un des remèdes les plus efficaces contre ces guerres fratricides, ethniques ou confessionnelles qui secouent constamment, appauvrissent et fragilisent chaque jour un peu plus notre continent.Honorables députés,Chers collègues,Mesdames et Messieurs,Distingués invités,Pour rester dans le prolongement de ma pensée, nous savons tous qu’un député et par définition le représentant du peuple, choisi à la suite d’élections démocratiques, libres et transparentes.Aussi, pour qu’au niveau du Parlement panafricain, le député soit véritablement représentatif, donc légitime, il faut qu’il soit élu au suffrage universel direct, et dans le cadre et d’un scrutin continental.(Applaudissements)Je sais que pour l’heure, c’est là un rêve éveillé.Mais n’est-ce-pas en rêvant à l’impossible, que l’homme a fini par fouler le sol lunaire?Élu par les peuples africains, et non désigné par des groupes parlementaires nationaux, le député du Parlement panafricain serait alors investi d’une plus grande légitimité pour parler au nom du continent comme pour prendre des lois opposables et imposables à tous.Son rôle politique ainsi consolidé, le Parlement panafricain deviendrait alors une véritable institution représentative du continent et en conséquence fondée à contribuer à l’orientation des choix de l’Union, et à contribuer surtout efficacement à la construction de cette intégration africaine, objectif incontournable signé dès le départ à notre Union par les pères fondateurs de l’OUA, et ce dès les premières années de l’indépendance de nos pays.C’est pour toutes ces raisons que je soutiens fermement et de façon engagée, les efforts déployés par le Bureau du Parlement panafricain afin que, dans des délais les plus raisonnables, l’Union parlementaire africaine (UPA), aujourd’hui réduite à une simple fonction consultative, devienne de façon effective un parlement doté de pouvoirs réels pour légiférer et pour contrôler les actions de l’exécutif continental.Aussi, c’est dans cette perspective que j’invite nos parlements nationaux dans leurs ensembles à essayer de convaincre nos gouvernements pour que cette transformation se réalise rapidement, et que l’Assemblée continentale soit une véritable Institution utile au développement de notre continent et à l’épanouissement de nos populations.Monsieur le Président du Parlement panafricain,Honorables députés,Distingués invités,C’est sur ces quelques réflexions que je vous souhaite au nom de l’Assemblée nationale du Niger, et de l’ensemble de ses membres, un joyeux anniversaire et pleins de succès à vos travaux.Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements nourris)

REFERENCE: 1803-104944E

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.Your Excellencies, Hon. Members, let me invite his Excellency Ibrahim Ibrahim, the Deputy Minister on Foreign Affairs of South Africa to, please, come into the Chamber.Whiles that is being done, let me give the floor to a great woman of Africa, Her Excellency, Ambassador Gertrude Mwongela, the First President of the Pan African Parliament (PAP).(Applause)And as we are celebrating women today, let me also invite my dear wife, Lady Miguel Amadi, to please come into the Chamber.(Applause)

REFERENCE: 1803-105156E

H.E. AMBASSADOR GERTRUDE MONGELLA [FORMER PRESIDENT OF PAP]Mr. President of the Pan African Parliament, Bureau Members of PAP and Hon. Members of Pan African Parliament, Hon. Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Hon. Ministers present here from different member States, development partners, friends and supporters of PAP, within and beyond the African borders, ladies and gentlemen. Before I say anything, I would like to say that the last time I was in PAP, I had the opportunity to reach meet Dr. Idriss Ndele Moussa , he was the 2^nd President of the Pan African Parliament. He is not with us today, and many other members of Pan African Parliament, who might have slept off. Let us keep them in our prayers. Since we all take the same route, let us hope that one day we would have a Bureau and a Parliament in heaven.Mr. President, today is a very special day. I would take this opportunity therefore, to recognize the good work done by you, the Bureau, Hon. Membersand staff members of the Pan African Parliament in preparing this occasion. You have used the whole week doing the dialogue from 14^th to 17^th, examining and discussing issues of African development with a special focus on women, civil society and the youths. We thank you for the work well done.Mr. President, you brought us together to celebrate the birthday of PAP. PAP is 10 years old. If it were a child, this child would now be going to primary school, a strong child and a happy child. We would discuss at a later stage the status of our child. The pioneers of this Parliament may recall the jubilation in Addis Ababa when we were elected and inaugurated this Parliament. It brought happiness. It brought a sense and a spirit of hope to the African people, the citizens of Africa. The media was excited about the Parliament. When we landed in South Africa, the government of South Africa opened its arms and invited us in, and the citizens collaborated with the new comers to support the work of Parliament and to make sure that we indeed have a home.During these ten years, we had challenges, but if we look at life positively, the challenges of PAP were smaller than the spirit of the Parliament itself. I remember when we started with very limited staff members. I have seen the late Sasua, the first Clerk of the Parliament, the Deputy Clerk and others who have gone. I remember other staff members of the Pan African Parliament at the beginning. I love you all. I am not alone because of your sacrifices and your work. We were all yearning to establish a new Parliament. The challenges were many. There was a time when we had to look for pens and pencils in our hand bags. We had no chairs or table to sit on. We had no rules of procedure, no Strategic plans and many other things which make a Parliament. Did we get frightened by these challenges? Definitely, no! They created energy and commitment among the Members of PAP to serve the African people, instead of going back. Congratulations to all the Members of PAP who were pioneers and those who continued to keep the torch burning for the Pan African Parliament in this continent. Every Member of PAP became a volunteer and we are still volunteers because a lot of work is done by PAP Members without really befitting remuneration.Those early days and the days to come provided an opportunity to forge ahead in the identified space for the African Parliament within the structure of the African Union. Our biggest struggle was to raise our voices at the highest level of leadership in African in terms of the demand for limited financial and human resources from the Union. It sometimes made us to step on other people’s toes. For them, as we celebrate the ten years of PAP, we should just count that as a story of the past. In our Kiswahili language, we have a saying that when you are building a house using a raft, it is better to fight about the distribution of the building material among yourself. That is the spirit which we see in the Pan African Parliament. I remember organizing the first session of Parliament after the inauguration. It was a nightmare in terms of travel logistics and staff members. Our first session was at the garage of Gallagher estate. It is still there. It is just a few of the stories one can tell about the establishment of the Pan African Parliament. But today we have the pleasure to smile; we have the pleasure to work together with the hope of finding a strong Parliament. The good thing about all these is that, it created the enthusiasm, energy, a sense of sacrifice and a sense of innovativeness and unity among the Members of PAP and the staff members from all countries of the African continent. PAP is where it is today because we got generous support from the South African Parliament under the leadership of Hon Baleka Mbete, the Speaker of the Parliament of the South Africa. But before that, I want to say that he is the one who put together the document of the Pan African Parliament, for the member States to adopt the establishment of the Pan African Parliament. We are happy for her to be among us.As I am speaking now, I just remember a saying from Tanzania that a woman is king; and I see that she is a king. My friend, Dr. Ganiya put together the document, and Madam Mbete invited us to South Africa where the decision has been made, and here we have this the Parliament. Do you still have doubts of women? No!So, during the discussion this week you would find that Africa has to walk on two feet, the feet of a woman and the feet of a man.The government of South Africa provided essential services to our new born Parliament, and our national Parliaments supported Members by covering the travel costs and upkeep to attend socials and Committee meetings. The more we worked, the more we discovered our talents among ourselves, our vision, knowledge and experience; and it brought to bear on our work of building a new Parliament, and the Members of PAP who were elected from different Parliaments, in them we always find the talents and experiences we need.. We moved on and on, and PAP is still moving on under the able leadership of our late 2^nd President, and now our President sitting and presiding this session.What I have to say at this juncture is that, despite the teething problems, there is a day of utilizing a peaceful developing Africa for the betterment of its people. At this point, let me recognize all the Members who have been part of this House since its inception. I think we need to clap for them. They have stayed for the past 10 years. Their contributions and those of the other members, have supported the work of PAP, and Mr. President, I would like to just thank you for the building bridge work you have been doing to always bring the old Members to join the sovereign Members to keep the continuity. Members are always willing to take risks to travel because of election issues and observation issues to areas of conflict. I thank you all for that.For the staff members of PAP, I thank you for your perseverance, patience and working for long hours, you deserve a good remuneration. I repeat the word remuneration because when we come to talk about the right of workers, we must consider the workers of PAP.The turnover of the Pan African Parliament is sometimes considered to be high due to different election times of each national Parliaments. The changes of membership can be looked at positively because it allows Members to move on from the Pan African Parliament to other high level of responsibilities before creating a wider network within the African continent. Some Members have become Ministers and some have even become Presidents, just like the Member from Sierra Leone, and other former members of the Pan African Parliament.During this celebration of ten years, we have to consider a few things. Before I say so, may I quote President Julius Nyerere, the founder of the Tanzania nation, who during the celebration of ten years anniversary of the independence was asked by the British who were the colonial rulers then; what have had achieved. He responded, we have survived. The same answer can be said of PAP. PAP has survived, but still, a lot of work needs to be done. The work ahead of us is greater; the journey is still longer, and what is ahead of us can only be achieved through the goodwill and commitment of the African Union and its government. I think the Members of PAP have done their best. They made enough sacrifices, they put their heads together. For me as one of you, I feel there is still the need, the commitment of the African Union, and its government. I would give you example of a few areas. The Pan African Parliament could move faster if the following actions were taken; the AU should seriously consider ways and means of allocating reasonable resources to PAP to strengthen capacity to perform its duties and responsibilities as stipulated in the Protocol to the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community. That cannot be done by Members. It should be done by members States under the AU. Secondly, some functions of PAP are being performed by other organs of the Union. For instance, the oversight role and the functioning of the African Union is the responsibility of this Parliament, and this Parliament is by Protocol mandated to report to the Heads of States and Government. The budget of the Union should be brought to the Parliament, discussed here and adopted before it is used by the Union. It is long overdue for Pan African Parliament to be vested with legislative powers so as not to make this Parliament a mockery of a Parliament, but a real representative of the African people. This Parliament, as far as I am concerned, is not supposed to be a Department of the African Union. It is not supposed to be a representative of the governments of the African countries. It is supposed to be autonomous and it is supposed to have its own powers to be exercised under the leadership of the Members of the Pan African Parliament. There are many more other actions to be taken that would make a difference to the functions of PAP. Now, we have a critical number of Members of PAP, civil servants who now work in other areas, coming from PAP. It stands therefore to support the Members of PAP in raising their voices of the adoption in the recommended draft of the Protocol.My Hon. Colleagues, Africa is facing a lot of problems. Pan African Parliament gave hope to all people in Africa - men and women. We should therefore work towards realizing a strong Parliament on the continent. We cannot exit from poverty. You cannot compete on the economic agenda of the world, and we cannot maintain our dignity if this Parliament cannot be stronger than it is now. It is my hope therefore, that as we celebrate the ten years of the Pan African Parliament, we also give it the respect it deserves.May I just once again say, congratulations to the Members of PAP who are here, the former Members who are also here and those who are present. Congratulations to the team of PAP Members, and may I just say God bless this Parliament and let it one day be the hope of the African people, particularly women and youths.Thank you very much.

REFERENCE: 1803-11191

H.E MARTEN N KAPEWASHA [HIGH COMMISSION OF NAMIBIA TO SOUTH AFRICA]Thank you Mr. President. On the statement of His Excellency, I just want to inform you that the President of Namibia could not be here because of some engagements. He could have been here to read his statement.Mr. President of the Pan African Parliament, Dr. Amadi, Hon. Members of the Pan African Parliament, ladies and gentlemen, Your Excellencies, members of the Diplomatic Corp, it gives me great pleasure to have been invited to address the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Pan African Parliament on its tenth Anniversary celebration held under the theme: "Ten Years of existence of the Pan African Parliament, Its reflections and its roles". Although, I could not attend the sessions due to prior commitment, allow me, nevertheless to convey warm greetings from the people of Namibia. We are equally seized with the same fever about the future of our continent.In the same vein, I send you a message of goodwill and to share with you my humble thought and reflections on the of Pan African Parliament and the important nature of African unity as a variable heritage and legacy from our generation of broad African redirection movement including the African Diaspora on which we must build. The critical topic about the need for Africa’s towering figure , the founding President of the democratic South Africa, His Excellency, late Nelson Mandela, may his soul rest in peace.In deed the unity of Africa is vital, strategic and imperative, not only because we share the same geographical space and the common history as well as exhibit identical psychological futures, but also because our survival depends on it as our destinies are strictly bound together. The consensus is that as Africans, we should build a part to a better future, that is, a united force, and that we shall traverse long distances and experience others. It is stated through our brothers and sisters of the Africans in the Diaspora such as Marcus Garvey, William Edward, Henry, Sylvester, William, George, and many more, who advocated for Africa’s self determinations and paved the way towards political resistance against colonial occupation of the African continent.Mr. President, history teaches us that the attainment of unity is predicated in political and social economic and cultural interdependence. Of course, as we have seen with the establishment of the Pan African Parliament on the 18^th March, 2004, as one of the ten organs of the OAU, established by Article 17 of the African Union, as provided for in the Abuja Treaty, some of these processes were achieved in the establishment of the African Union in 2002. I clearly remember campaigning for the Africa Parliament headquarters to be based in Southern Africa.Mr. President, the establishment of the Pan African Parliament is borne by a vision to provide a common platform for African Parliamentarians and the people they represent to be involved in discussions and decision making and the challenges facing the continent. Among its objectives is to facilitate the effective implementation of the policies and objectives of the African Economic Community and the African Union, promote peace, security, stability, promote self reliance, facilitate cooperation and development in Africa as well as solidarity and build a common understanding among the people of Africa. In this regard, among the technical steps to achieve the objectives of translating the policies and programmes of the continental body the Pan African Parliament and the continent at large, have to achieve African unity and cohesion in terms of the continent and in Diaspora. It is against this background that visionary African leaders such as Dr. Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Emperor Haile Selasse of Ethiopia, Ben Bella of Algeria, among many other African liberation visionary leaders, I identified the lack of unity as an obstacle of the continent and therefore advocated for African unity and played a critical role leading to the formation for the organization of African Unity, the father of African Union.The combination of the external factors made our effortof the organization of African Unity on the 25^th of May 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia were some logical steps, reviewed and varied challenges facing Africa which for three decades some people conspired to deny Africa its development and economic growth.The unity of African continent only became visible in the last decade of the 20^th century as there are a number of conditions usually for the attainment of high level of unity, and one such condition is that Africa must be safe. In this context, in 1991, 51 African independent countries met in Abuja Nigeria to establish the African Economic Community as an integral of the OAU in order to implement its objectives in six stages over a transitional period of 34 years.We must speak with one voice on matters of common interest As a Pan African Parliament. Pan African Parliament’s Slogan says One Africa, One Voice.Of critical importance in this regard is that, we should strengthen the eight regional economic communities in order to be recognize by the African Unions such as Arab Union, the Common Market System in Southern Africa, the African Community, the Economic Community of Central and African States, the Economic of West African States, Southern African Development Communities, and Inter-governmental Authority and Development as well as Association of Continental body of African Union such as Pan African Parliament.Moreover, given that one of our strategic tasks is to promote peace, security and stability, we must make concerted effort to understand the causes and prevent the outbreak of violence and conflicts on our continent. According to EU, it is my humble opinion that most of the conflicts we are experiencing in our continent are instigated and fueled by external forces who have more to gain by turning brothers against brothers through divide and rule technique, using ethnicity, religion and hegemonic external forces. I therefore urge the Pan African Parliament to be extra vigilant and defend the interest of the continent. As far as Pan African Parliament is concerned to facilitate cooperation and development in Africa, allow me to quote one of the foresighted leaders of our time, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, from one of his public lectures delivered in Accra on Ghana’s 30^th Independence Anniversary, and I quote: " Our generation led Africa to political freedom. The current generation of leaders and peoples of Africa must pick up the flickered note of African freedom, refuel it with enthusiasm and carry it forward"Indeed, since the attainment of Namibia’s independence and freedom, we have successfully accomplished the first phase of objective. However, the persistency of poverty, hunger and disease accompanied by other issues affecting women and children particularly remind us of challenges we have. We must also turn our attention to social and economic independence by visiting the plight of the youth and empowering our women and address issues of gender based violence.In summary, the role of the Pan African Parliament in the next decade is to cast your eyes into the distant horizon in order to discern the future mockery and effect on the past you have traversed.Mr. President, allow me to congratulate the Pan African Parliament once again on its 10^th Anniversary celebration and urge you to make model laws that would contribute to the harmonization of policies across the continent and remain united. As I always say, a people united, striving to achieve a common goal for all members of the society will always emerge victorious.Long live the Pan African ParliamentLong live the unity of the Africa peopleOne Africa, One Voice.

REFERENCE: 1803-113403P

H.E. MANUEL GONCALVES [PRESIDENTE DO CONSELHO DE PAZ E SEGURANZA DA UNIÀO AFRICANA]:-Sua Excelencia Senhor Presidente do Parlamento Pan-AfricanoSenhores Membros do Parlamento Pan-AfricanoSuas Excelencias Senhores Embaixadores e Altos ComissáriosDirigentes de outros Órgaos da Uniao AfricanaDistintos ConvidadosMinhas SenhorasMeus SenhoresEm primeiro lugar gostaria de transmitir em nome do Conselho de Paz e Seguranza e em meu nome pròprio saudades e felicitates a todos pela passagem do 10° aniversário do Parlamento Pan-Africano.Gostaria, também, de agradecer a esta magna Casa pelo convite enderezado ao Conselho de Paz e Seguranza para que estivessemos aqui representados neste evento.Em breve, o Conselho de Paz e Seguranza também irá comemorar o 10° aniversário e iremos retribuir este gesto exemplar do Parlamento, mais uma vez, deixe-me desejar um feliz 10° aniversário.Ao festejamos esse 10° aniversário em condizoes de seguranza e seguros de paz, devemos lembrar que o nosso continente continua a enfrentar numerosos desafios na área de paz, seguranza e estabilidade.O continente continua a lidar com o flagelo de mudanzas inconstitucionais de Governos, rebelioes armadas, terrorismo, extremismo, violencia relacionada com eleizoes, seca e fome, crime organizado, tráfico de drogas e de seres humanos, doenzas epidémicas, alterazoes climáticas, elevado desemprego, pobreza e miséria, só para citar alguns exemplos.Esses desafios nao só continuam a ameazar a realizazao dos objectivos do desenvolvimento do milénio, mas também ameazam minar os progressos conquistados na promozao de seguranza humana. Além disso, esses desafios destroem os progressos de todos os esforzos de desenvolvimento humano no nosso continente.Como todos sabem perfeitamente, o Conselho de Paz e Seguranza tem a responsabilidade primordial de promover a paz, seguranza e estabilidade no nosso continente.Desde o seu estabelecimento a 10 anos nunca cedeu o cumprimento do seu mandato; manteve-se firme. Mas para garantir o desempenho eficaz do seu mandato, o Conselho de Paz requer, certamente, o apoio incondicional deste Parlamento e outros órgaos da nossa Uniao, bem como da sociedade civil, do sector privado e dos parceiros.A Cooperazao entre o CPS e o Parlamento é perfeitamente de acordo com disposizoes de artigo 18° do Protocolo relativo a criazao do Conselho de Paz e Seguranza que preve relazoes estreitas de trabalho entre os nossos dois órgaos e os esforzos incansáveis de promozao da paz, estabilidade e seguranza no continente.Ao mantermos essa estreita e, de facto, simbiótica relazao de trabalho temos sido capazes de enfrentar eficazmente alguns desafios de paz e seguranza que o continente enfrenta.Somente para mostrar alguns destaques a este Parlamento, gostaria de mencionar a situazao na República Centro Africana que é muito desoladora, onde se tem registado ainda escaramuzas que continuam a dividir as famílias em fronteiras étnicas.Continua-se a registar a perda de muitas vidas humanas naquele país, enquanto muitas pessoas estao internamente deslocadas e outras refugiadas nos países vizinhos.A situazao humanitária em geral é deplorável e as infraestruturas destruídas. Embora a situazao esteja a melhorar lentamente ainda temos um longo caminho para percorrer e o caminho para frente continua a nao ser fácil.É necessário, portanto, aumentar a capacidade da MISCA, de modo a habilitar a cumprir cabalmente o seu mandato, dentre outras estabilizazoes do país, e criazao de condizoes para operazoes de transizao bem sucedidas.No Sudâo do Sul, a situaçao é igualmente deplorável e também continua a preocupar-nos. Enquanto EGAD está a fazer avanços significativos para colmatar a situaçao devemos continuar o nosso apoio aos esforços para o alcance de uma soluçao duradoura. Temos que fazer tudo que esteja ao nosso alcance para garantir que este mais novo membro da nossa família africana goze de uma paz duradoura, estabilidade e desenvolvimento. Esperamos que as negociaçoes de Addis-Abeba tenham sucesso na busca de uma soluçao.No leste da República Democrática do Congo continua a registar progressos visando a estabilizaçao da situaçao após a assinatura do Acordo de Paz Segurança e Cooperaçao para a RDC e a regiao em Fevereiro de 2013, em Addis Abeba.O mecanismo original de supervisao está plenamente operacional e está a seguir estritamente a implementaçao e os compromissos assumidos pelos signatários.É com muita satisfaçao que comunico que no Mali foram registados progressos significativos com vista ao retorno a normalidade.No âmbito da solidariedade africana devemos acompanhar os intervenientes do Mali nos seus esforços para reconstruir o tecido político, económico e social do país.Madagáscar já retomou a ordem constitucional graças ao esforço de militarizaçao da SADC e da Uniao Africana. A esse respeito gostaria de reiterar o apoio do Conselho de Paz e Segurança a todos os Estados membros e ao resto da comunidade internacional para dar todo o apoio necessário a este país irmao que tem enfrentado o desafio de reconstruçao e consolidaçao da paz.No Egipto, o Conselho de Paz e Segurança continua atento a situaçao e está a acompanhar atentamente a implementaçao pelas autoridades interinas do relatório de transiçao com vista a acelerar o processo de restauraçao da ordem constitucional naquele país.Quanto à Somália regista-se um progresso significativo no processo de estabilizaçao do país tanto no domínio político e de segurança graças ao esforço combinado das Forças de Segurança Somalis e da AMISOM.No entanto, como é do vosso conhecimento, o Al- Shabaab continua a ser uma ameaça séria de conquistas feitas até agora como demonstram o recente ataque ao aeroporto de Mogadíscio e a tentativa fracassada que foi alvo o Presidente daquele país.Em termos gerais, os conflitos violentos e crises continuam a dividir a família africana, isso nao deve permitir que esse facto seja normal, pelo contrário, isso obriga-nos a tomar todas as medidas necessárias e possíveis para resolver, de forma eficaz, incluindo a necessidade urgente de diminuir o fosso entre os mecanismos de alerta prévio e a resposta atempada porque a experiência nos tem mostrado de forma convicente que prevenir é sempre melhor que remediar.ExcelênciasA vigência urgente no terreno tem-nos mostrado que enquanto nos esforçamos para operacionalizaçao plena da força africana de estado de alerta, a sua capacidade de desenvolvimento rápida temos que, a título temporário, operacionalizar urgentemente a capacidade africana de resposta imediata à crises, como uma medida temporária para colmatar o vazio existente. Trata-se de um factor muito importante porque nao podemos continuar a depender largamente das potências externas para intervir sempre em situaçoes de conflitos no nosso continente.Precisamos de criar as condiçoes necessárias para que a segurança humana, a paz, o desenvolvimento sejam concretizados no nosso continente, tal como disse o falecido Presidente Nelson Mandela "sempre parecenos impossível até que seja feito".Somente se e quando trabalhamos juntos a paz, segurança e a estabilidade será sempre possível no nosso continente, o inverso é igualmente verdade. No entanto, os nossos desejos nobres para paz, segurança e estabilidade nao podem ser milagrosamente realizados, pelo contrário, precisamos de disponibilizar os recursos necessários e ter vontade política que muitas vezes é essa ligaçao que falta. A esse respeito nao posso deixar de enfatizar o apelo aos Estados membros em aumentar as suas contribuiçoes para o fundo da paz da Uniao Africana.Precisamos também de recuperar fontes alternativas ao nível do continente para o nosso esforço e promoçao da paz e segurança.Nao poderia terminar sem elogiar o papel deste Parlamento na promoçao de paz, segurança e estabilidade em África, em particular através de observaçao de eleiçoes nos Estados membros. Mais uma vez, desejo a todos um feliz 10° Aniversário do nosso Parlamento Pan-Africano.Muito obrigado pela vossa atençao.

REFERENCE: 1803-114412F

M. LE PREMIER VICE-PRÉSIDENT:Obligado!Merci.Je voudrais saluer, ici, la présence du Corps diplomatique africain accrédité en Afrique du Sud et leurs Excellences les Ambassadeurs des pays amis.Soyez les bienvenus!J’invite le protocole à faire entrer dans l’hémicycle tous les honorables députés et tous les invités.Sur ce, je suspends la séance pour 5 minutes.L’assistance est priée de rester en place pour 5 minutes.Je vous remercie.La séance est suspendue!

REFERENCE: 1803-115440E

THE PRESIDENT:Please be seated.Your Excellency, the Chairperson of the African Union and President of the Republic of Mauritania, Your Excellency Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz;Your Excellency; Yoweri Museveni, our leader and elder Statesman, President of the Republic of Uganda;Your Excellency, Mohamed Abdel Aziz President of the Saharawi Democratic Republic;Your Excellency, Jerry Rawlings, Former President of the Republic of Ghana;Your Excellency, the Hon Baleka Mbete, Former Speaker and Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa and former Member of the Pan African Parliament;Your Excellency, H.E. Ibrahim Ibrahim - Deputy Minister Of International Relations and Cooperation of The Republic of South Africa;Your Excellencies; Members of the Bureau of the Pan African Parliament;Your Excellency Ambassador Getrude Mongela, former President of the Pan African President;Your Excellency, Mathion Takwesha, High Commissioner of Namibia representing His Excellency Sam Njomah, the Founding Father of Namibia;Your Excellency, Amma Amado; Speaker of the National Assembly of NigeriaYour Excellency, Leon Kengo Warungo Speaker of the Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo;Your Excellency, Harold Kabadi, Speaker of the National Assembly of Chad representing the President of the Republic of Chad;Your Excellency, Mohamed Ould Boulkheir; Speaker of the National Parliament of Mauritania;Your Excellency, Hon. Dr. Frene. Ginwala; Former Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa;Former Members of the Bureau of the Pan African Parliament;Representatives of Speakers of National Parliaments and Regional Parliaments;Members of the Pan African Parliament;Your Excellencies Ministers;Your Excellencies Ambassadors;High Commissioners, all representatives;Hon Zachary Joseph from the Inter ParliamentaryAssembly of OrthodoxyMr. Michel Magalof from the Council of Russian FederationHer Excellency Mrs. P. Athutu; President of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly;Preferential World Bank, Ms Baffel Nael;Ambassador Roland Von Bergel, The European CommissionMembers of the Pan African Parliament;Members of the Press;Members of the Diplomatic CorpsDistinguished ladies and gentlemen; invited guests;It is my special honour and pleasure to welcome you on behalf of the Bureau and Members of the Pan African Parliament. I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks and appreciation to you all for joining us to celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of the Pan African Parliament. The visionary founding fathers of our continent knew from the very beginning that this parliamentary institution is the vision to provide a common platform for the people of Africa to articulate their views and challenges facing the continent would not be an easy task. Yet their commitment to the protection of human rights, consolidation of democratic norms, popularization and provision of good governance remain unshakable.From the very beginning, there was excitement, commitment and incredible dedication on the part of our Founding Members. Today, ten years later, as a result of their determination, tenacity and resilience; legacy of impeccable leadership and demonstrative commitment to the Pan Africanism; no one can deny that Pan African Parliament has not only recorded tremendous growth in its continental influence of prominence, but has also emerged as an indispensible institution in straightening Africa’s democratic institutions and culture of good governance, transparency and rule of law.I wish at this point to salute our founding President, Her Excellency; Dr. Getrude Mongela; for her strong and purposeful leadership and of laying a solid foundation for the Pan Africa Parliament.(Applause)I also wish to acknowledge with deep sense of gratitude the work of my immediate predecessor, the late Hon. Dr. Moussa Idriss Ndele.(Applause)A rare gentleman who provided exemplary, impeccable and level headed leadership to our Parliament. Everyone can attest to his integrity, patience and wisdom. He laid a strong foundation for transparency, accountability and leadership by example. He was upright in character as he was in physical stature. We will continue to miss him. May his gentle soul rest in peaceHon. Colleagues, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Your Excellencies; the last ten years of Pan African Parliament’s existence has been characterized with significant institutional and political accomplishments. Pan African Parliament has established tangible framework for deepening democratic governance, sustaining Africa’s democratic ideals, promoting the principles of human rights, transparency and accountability in Member States.This is more manifestly reflected in the collaborative engagements to member states for election monitoring. Members of Pan African Parliament have participated in elections in Angola, Ghana, Senegal, Congo, Libya, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Djbouti, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Zimbabwe just to mention but a few. This process has established a good foundation for sustaining Africa’s Democratic Ideals by formulating positions and recommendations that contribute to the strengthening of democracy and stable governance on our continent.Members of Parliament have also played a critical role in promoting peace and security on our continent by participating on fact finding missions in countries with security and human rights challenges. The Pan African Parliament, through this process has interacted with relevant stakeholders on ground, issued reports, resolutions and recommendations to Plenary on conflict situations in Darfur -Sudan, Mauritania, Libya, Tunisia, Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Saharawi Arab Republic, Mali and the Central Africa Republic among others.These fact finding missions undertaken by the Pan African Parliament have shaped an appreciation on the humanitarian dimensions of the conflicts and further resulted in presentation of recommendations for conflict resolution.Our mission in Saharawi Arab Republic from the 11 to 16^th July 2011 gave the Pan African Parliament delegation an opportunity to meet with members of Government, state organs, national political groups and civil society organisations on the issue of decolonistiaon of Western Sahara which informed Pan African Parliament’s resolution on the need to free this last colony of the African continent from the illegal occupation of Morocco.The same has applied to the Mali situation where we have called for an urgent multi-national military intervention to restore order, urgent organisation of our inclusive national dialogue between all Malian social political strata, based on a true policy of reconciliation and establishment of a government of national unity. This has today resulted in the election of a former Member of Pan African Parliament as a freely elected President of Mali.Your Excellencies, to accelerate the ratification and domestication of AU legal instruments, the Pan African Parliament has strengthened ties with Regional and National Parliaments through annual conferences of Speakers of National Parliaments and Parliaments of Regional Communities and these meeting have sensitized various member states, the National Parliaments on decisions of the African Union, especially the legal instruments that need to achieve ratification and domestication. Many of these instruments relate to governance, democracy and human rights and provide a solid foundation for peace and security on our continent.In furtherance of these objections, the PAP initiated a campaign dubbed ‘11 before 2011’ to raise awareness on the need for ratification on the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance by the end of2011. This campaign was carried out in conjunction with the African Union Commission Political Affairs department through several other regional consultative meetings and within one year; the required additional 11 ratifications were obtained, resulting in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance coming into force in 2012.In pursuit of the objectives to ensure delivery to the citizenry of Africa, the Pan African Parliament has organized regional meetings to advocate ratification, domestication and popularisation of the Africa Union Charter on values and principles of Public Service on the Africa Union Convention on preventing and combating corruption.In conjunction with UNDP, the PAP has hosted several high level Africa wide consultations to chart the path for the post 2015 Millennium Development Agenda. There were several consultative meetings with academia, intellectuals, finance experts, civil society, women and youth groups. The outcome of these meetings became known as African position on the post 2015 Millennium Development Agenda and was mainstreamed into the reported high level consultative group of eminent persons to United Nations. There was a clear resolve by all stakeholders that the post 2015 Millennium Development Agenda must be people centered and proffer home grown solutions for Africa’s problems.The Pan African Parliament has also been instrumental in promoting gender equality and affirmative action for women across Africa by instituting a women’s conference on maternal health and child mortality and other gender issues. Our position is informed by the recognition of the incredible potential of women to lead and be involved in core decision making. Although Africa’s past history is replete with examples of marginalization and exclusion of women, there is now some progress in Africa’s women participation in politics. We are proud to be part of that process of highlighting the importance of constructive engagement of women in Africa’s development agenda. We believe that women of Africa constitute a major segment of our continent; representing half of the population on our continent by giving birth to the remaining half should not be excluded in Africa’s development agenda.Pan African Parliament has also been instrumental in facilitating cooperation amongst Regional and Economic Communities and the parliamentary fora by organising on annual basis; regional meetings on issues of integration, hamornisation and ratification of AU legal instruments.The PAP has been on the forefront of the process as manifested in several advocacy missions and regional workshops promoting recent African continental agenda of free trade and business Africa Trade. We believe that the integration process of our continent can only begin through economic integration and by creating legal and legislative frameworks for the free movement of people, labour, goods and services across our continent.Undeniably, an enhancement in Africa trade will provide employment opportunities for our too many populations in Africa of unemployed youths and enhance regional trade activities that will lead to wealth creation, economic growth and significant reduction in our dependency on foreign aid.Pan African Parliaments have recorded continuous progress in implementing of its existing responsibilities under the current protocol. The 4^th Ordinary Session of the Parliament for the first time in ten years, we discussed the African Union budget consistent with one of our objectives provided for in the protocol which authorizes PAP to discuss the PAP budget and budget of the community and make recommendations prior to its approval by the assembly of the African Union.Most recently, the PAP partnered with NEPAD to develop a model law on Drug and Pharmaceutical sector in Africa; namely ‘Model Law on Medicinal products Regulation and Hamornisation in Africa’. The purpose of this model law is to protect public health through the establishment of an effective and efficient system of medical products regulation and control at all levels to ensure that all medical products circulated in member states meet the required standards of safety, efficacy and quality.We further sort through this model law to improve public health by encouraging and facilitating research, development and regulation of medical products to ensure a secured pharmaceutical supply while facilitating free trading pharmaceutical centers.This is one of the primary values of the underlying quests for legislative authority and we wish to therefore appeal for support for the amended protocol. The PAP has been able to accomplish so much within a decade of its foundation within the confines of its limited mandates. One can only imagine the potential legislative accomplishments that could be realised in the next decade, especially if PAP’s aspiration for legislative function is approved.It is argued that because of this lack of this legislative power and its weak influence in decision process in the Africa Union Governance architecture, Pan African Parliament is less efficient that they should occupy the marginal position in the policy making process of the continent. This perception needs to be reversed with the transformation of the PAP from the consultative advisory body to an institution with legal and legislative competence.(Applause)Your Excellencies, Hon. Colleagues, distinguished ladies and gentlemen; this is a pivotal time and the history of the Pan African Parliament, especially as it goes through a transition process from a consultative and advisory organ of the African Union into an institution where legislative functions in clearly defined areas as envisaged on Article 2 (iii) of the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community. It provides that the ultimate aim of the Pan African Parliament shall be to involve into our institution with legislative powers.(Applause)Your Excellencies, you would recall that this transformation process which started in 2009 with the convening the committee of governments, experts and stakeholders to review the protocol establishing the Pan African Parliament has now been approved without reservation by the meeting of the Africa in existence.(Applause)We also have pushed numerous development partners who have continued to support the work of the Pan African Parliament and as we celebrate these 10 years of existence of our Parliament, we look forward to be able to provide for the people of Africa a platform; a real platform to hear the voice of the voiceless and to represent the millions of our people who hunger for better life, good governance and for freedom. May God Bless you all. Thank you.God Bless Africa. One Africa, one voice.(Applause)Your Excellencies, Hon. Colleagues, hon guests; let me begin by inviting to address this august gathering; H.E. Ibrahim Ibrahim - Deputy Minister of International Relations And Cooperation of The Republic of South Africa.

REFERENCE: 1803-121817E

H.E. IBRAHIM IBRAHIM [DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA]Your Excellency the President of the Pan African Parliament (PAP), Hon. Amadi; Presidents and Heads of State present here today, Hon. Members of the PAP, Excellencies, distinguished guests, invited delegates, ladies and gentlemen. Allow me to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the invitation extended to us to, embrace this House on this historic occasion of the 10^th year of the founding of the PAP. On behalf of the South African Government and the people, we wish this august institution a happy 10^th Anniversary.Our hosting of the PAP has been a source of great pride in this country. In this respect, we wish to recommit ourselves to support the PAP in its second decade, as it pursues the attainment of Pan Africanism and African Renaissance.(Applause)The Founding Mothers and Fathers of our continental union desired that this Parliament would be a meeting point for all African people; a common platform for the people of Africa and a grassroot organization to get more involved in discussions and decision making on the challenges and solutions which beset Africa.Since the establishment in 2004, the PAP has registered a profound record of one of the key organs of the African Union (AU) with the capacity to participate and contribute effectively towards discussions and shaping the future of our continent. We remain committed to the agenda of transforming the PAP into the legislative body of the AU.Mr. President, Hon. Members, this year, we are marking 20 years of a democratic South Africa universally and this is only possible by the heroism and sacrifice of the selfless freedom fighters such as our founding President, His Excellency Nelson Mandela. We wish to thank all who are assembled here today for the solidarity and support you showed us up to the last of days of this global icon. Ours is to commit and aspire to live up to the ideals and proud legacy of Former President, Nelson Mandela.Mr. President, as you gather here in this hallowed Chamber, Africa is pursuing multiple agendas, all aimed to catapult the continent to new heights and reposition Africa as a continent of hope, stability and prosperity. Our pursuit of self reliance and finding Africa’s solutions to African problems is our inspiration as we advance, among others, to the implementation of The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and operationalization of African security structure, which is to be able to respond rapidly and timeously to crisis, including unconstitutional changes of governments.Mr. President, following the marking of the Global Jubilee of the AU in 2013 and the subsequent adoption of the solemn declaration, the Assembly of Heads of State agreed that Africa should endeavour to assume its rightful place amongst the family of nations, grasp the responsibility of writing its own narrative and determine her own destiny. It is against this background that the Assembly of Heads of State and Government mandated a process of creating an agenda that would define the next 50 years for Africa Agenda 2063, which we would adopt in January 2015. Africa would outline its one time strategy towards the attainment of social and economic development of the continent, building peace, consolidating democracy and defining Africa’s place and future in the world.Mr. President, Africa’s voice and participation in the process that would shape the United Nations (UN) development agenda beyond 2015 is of vital importance. This august House has a critical role to play in mapping out Africa’s position in this crucial debate. The entrenchment of a democratic culture in the continent remains essential to our aspirations for the creation of a prosperous African continent at peace with itself. It is against this background that I wish to encourage this august House to play a proactive role in shaping discussions and efforts aimed at curbing peace in the continent of Africa.Mr. President, South Africa is concerned that efforts to prevent, manage and dissolve Africa’s conflicts have, to a large extent, been constrained by the lack of capacity and interference by external forces. It is within this context that the leadership of this Continent has taken a firm decision to establish the African capacity for immediate response to causes. This decision is in respect to the on-going challenges of peace and security that undermines the democratically elected governments in Africa.Mr. President, in conclusion, we believe it is important for this Parliament to inform and shape on-going debate about African renewal. It is our conviction that all Parliamentarians represented in this House, possess a great deal of influence to encourage African people to rally behind the common objective of elaborating the future of this continent by its people and for its people.At this juncture, I want to reiterate the call for this House to continue, over the next 10 years, playing its indispensable role in leading discussions aimed at the creation of a prosperous Africa at peace with itself.I thank you very much.(Applause)

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much, your Excellency Ibrahim Ibrahim, the Deputy Minister for International Relations and Co-operation, Republic of South Africa.Your Excellencies and Hon Colleagues, let me, therefore, invite Her Excellency, Hon. Baleka Mbete, former Speaker and Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa and former Member of the PAP.(Applause)

REFERENCE: 1803-122743E

H.E HON BALEKA MBETE [FORMER SPEAKER AND DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA AND FORMER MEMBER OF THE PAN-AFRICAN PARLIAMENT]:The President of the Pan-African Parliament, Hon. Bethel Amadi, Your Excellencies, Heads of State and former Heads of State, Hon. Members of the Pan-African Parliament, Your Excellencies Ambassadors and High Commissioners, distinguished guest, ladies and gentlemen.Let me first, on my own behalf as a founding Member of this House, express my pleasure and honour and also express congratulations to the Pan-African Parliament for attaining 10 years of its own role in the important progress by Africa towards a better future.I stand before you here, Hon. Members and Excellencies, on behalf of the APRM Panel of Eminent Persons and I would like to convey to you the warmest greetings from the APRM Panel and its Chairperson, Ambassador Fatuma Ndangiza. I thank you for the invitation to address this important session.The APRM congratulates the Pan-African Parliament on its 10^th anniversary for being an anchor of the rule of law, accountability and good governance on the African continent. We believe that with your support and solidarity, our two institutions, the PAP and APRM could indeed achieve and deliver a lot more in the areas of governance and social economic development to the people of Africa.I take this opportunity to stress the crucial role of the Pan-African Parliament in the success of the mechanism in the various countries of the region of the Hon. Members of this Parliament.As you are aware, the African Peer Review Mechanism was established on 9^th March 2003 by the Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) as an instrument for monitoring performance in governments.The APRM is unprecedented in its scale, scope and ambition as it offers an opportunity to stakeholders to change the usual political dynamics and focus national conversations on progress and policy.Since its inception, the APRM had made significant progress in terms of the number of countries that have been acceded, that have acceded the rolling out of the reviewed exercise, the deepening of the review process as well as the level of participation and engagement of stakeholders.Membership of the mechanism has grown significantly since 2003. Currently, 34 countries have voluntarily acceded to the APRM. 17of these countries have completed the self assessment and have been peer reviewed.APRM’s gains cannot be over stated. It has opened up political space for citizen participation in policy debates, fostered national dialogue, has impulse innovation, demystified complex subjects, increased advocacy for good governance and better service delivery and constituted a centre piece in the AU governance architecture.In some countries, its findings have warned of impending crises. The implementation of the APRM National Programme of Action is very central to APRM countries which have been peer reviewed, and implemented albeit to various degrees, the recommendations of the NPA.Last year, the APRM also marked its 10^th anniversary. It was a moment to reflect on its achievements and challenges with a view to improve its tools and processes and enhance its effectiveness over the next decade.In commemorating a decade of the APRM, a series of events were organised across the continent and beyond to celebrate APRM’s successes. The APRM reflected on its challenges and future prospects. We are proud to mention that the commemoration significantly increased the awareness of the APRM and the importance of its work among African citizens and the international community in reflecting on progress made as well as challenges.As the APRM joins the PAP in its 10^th anniversary celebration, the APRM would wish to reiterate that the APRM based document provides that six months after the Country Review Report has been considered by the Heads of State and Government of the participating countries, the report would be formally and publicly tabled in key regional and sub-regional structures such as the Pan-African Parliament, the African Commission for Human and Peoples Rights, the ECOSOCC among others.May I therefore, seize this occasion to humbly request the President of the PAP and the Bureau to consider granting the APRM Panel the opportunity to table its Country Review Reports before this august Assembly according to the modalities engaged to be agreed between the two institutions.(Applause)African Parliamentarians are major stakeholders playing a pivotal role in the APRM process at national and continental levels. Their goal being to foster a culture of domestic accountability in order to achieve the objectives of democracy and good political governance.Parliamentarians at the national, regional and continental levels, all their countries and African people - the responsibility of exercising their role to facilitate public ownership of the APRM. At the national level, Parliaments are critical in ensuring the success of the APRM. They can influence government decisions and policies. Participation of Parliamentarians in the APRM would ensure improved partnership and cooperation between citizens, civil society organizations and parliaments.Through the stages of the APRM process, Parliamentarians in their respective countries should do some of the following if not all;1.ensure sustainability of the APRM process by passing legislation and mobilising support for the process;2.seek for equitable representation in the national general councils or national commissions and play an active role in these bodies;3.organise or participate in sensitisation events on APRM;4.establish a Parliamentary Committee responsible for defining, overseeing and organising engagement in APRM;5.study the Self Assessment Report of the country and prepare comments based on country experiences;6.stimulate media coverage and encourage responsible journalism with a view to increase dissemination of information on the APRM to the wider public;7.adopt a consensual rather than a partisan approach to the APRM processAt the sub-regional level, partnership with the regional economic communities is crucial. At the continental level, the role of the Pan-African Parliament could be summarised as follows;1.Promote trans-national peer learning;2.Provide opportunities for tabling APRM Reports during PAP Ordinary Sessions with a view to generate debates on APRM best practices. This way, an opportunity would be opened for non participating countries to join;3.Establish Parliamentary Committees to monitor the implementation of national progarmmes of action in the participating countries;In this regard, it is crucial to note the importance of ensuring the integration of these progarmmes into country national development plans.Mr President, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the APRM trusts that the Parliaments would continue to play their major roles of ratifying international instruments and passing laws pertaining to their domestication, holding the Executive accountable for their implementation as well as stimulating media for the dissemination of information on APRM to the public among others.Indeed the impact of your decisions and actions can therefore be far reaching with regard to accelerated implementation of the APRM in the continent.Mr President, I thank you for your attention and wish you successful celebrations.(Applause)

THE PRESIDENT:I thank you very much, Your Excellency, Hon. Baleka Mbete. Your Excellencies, Hon. Colleagues, may I now invite His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings, the former President of the Republic of Ghana.(Applause)

REFERENCE: 1803-124013E

H.E. JERRY RAWLINGS [FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA]The Chairman, Your Excellency, Mohammed Abdul Aziz , and President Mohammed Abdul Aziz, President Moseveni, Your Excellency Gertrude Mongela, Hon. Nnaemeka Amadi, Hon. Speakers of Parliament, former Presidents of Pan African Parliament, Ministers of State, Members of Pan African Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen It is indeed and honour to be here today to celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of the establishment of the Pan African Parliament. There was more behind the establishment of Pan African Parliament has been spelt out. The Parliament has executed its objectives as its concerns to its role as a legislative organ of the African Union quite creditably for the past ten years. It is therefore appropriate that the things of celebration should be reflecting on its role.We cannot discuss the role of the Pan African Parliament without placing significant emphasis on the African Union. Pan African Parliament was established as part of the ambitious plan to unify the continent and integrate. It is not just culturally, economically, social but also politically.After ten years in existence, there were questions about the autonomy of the Parliament and its lack of legislative powers. There are also important questions about how the continent can be truly independent if its Parliaments continue to depend on dollar support rather than agreed subvention from member States.Ladies and gentlemen, the Pan African Parliament has undeniably played a significant role in establishing various protocols of the African Union and thereby enhancing the AU’s relevance. The Parliament has also offered significant support towards strengthening legislatures across the continent. These structures are key to the eventual integration of the continent. Notable among the roles is the monitoring of the elections across the continent. Your declaration of the August 2013 election in Zimbabwe as free and fair which helps the process was most commendable.Ladies and gentlemen, if as a continent we cannot let our voice be heard, then we cannot continue to procrastinate on the matter of integration. Integration may sound ambitious for a huge 54 member organization. The continued delay further relegate the continent to the depth of irrelevance.Ladies and gentlemen, there were several developments across the globe that cannot escape our attention; especially because many these developments have affected our continent in the past few years. Development in Syria and Ukraine may seem irrelevant to our continent, but they are not. They are not much different from a terrible event that unravels in La Cote d’Ivoire in 2011 and in Libya the same year. As a continent, we cannot continue to allow some members of the developed world to interfere and intervene in our affairs while we become passive observers. Today, Libya is a pale shadow of itself with militancy, showing on a daily basis; that political authority does not take root. It is significant to note however, that in the midst of the political turmoil Libya finds itself in, its national football team have put up a brave and determined fight to win the championship football tournament earlier this year. That performance was a clear manifestation of the fact that beneath all the pessimism and negativity lies a spur of determination which has to be nurtured and guided and supported into a positive governance structure.Ladies and gentlemen, as a continent, we cannot look on while elected Presidents are sent out of their countries and humiliated in such a crude manner. Some of us chose to blame Gbagbo and Gaddafi for the fate that befell them. We are equally to blame for looking on as the global powers. Our continent needs to match its power to one meaningful strong voice. We need to question why the West is so unconcern about the Ukraine and climate issues when evidence abound of gross western intervention in the recent past and in the not too distant past.Ladies and gentlemen, all these interventions have been justified by the current unipolar power authority as an attempt to protect its interest. So, where then lies the illogicality of the action by Russia when the bulk of the population is ethnic Russians who voted in referendum to unite Russia and cede from the Ukraine. Where then lies the illogicality of Russian protecting its security and military basis and all distribution outlets in that region. If this is good for the goose why is it not good for the gander?Ladies and gentlemen, it is clear that in spite of the collapse of the Soviet Union and other leadership of the world, Russia’s undiminished status and the emerging power of China still irritates the world desire to be at the helm of the sole unipolar power.Ladies and gentlemen, the late Mandela was the only international figure whose voice could hold President Bush and Prime Minister Blair in check in Iraq. International appeals to them fell on deaf ears and this is in spite of the fact that they have used the pretext of weapons of mass destruction to enter Iraq. It was the height of impunity to use false declaration at the UN to enter Iraq when they did and to go as far as they even went.A few days ago, Senator John Markin stated that Russia is a gas station parading as a country. One, by corrupt autocratic regime. I thought his comments were so unfortunate because his description of Russia is a story of several parts of Africa today under their watch. The so called unipolar power of the west has rather reduced the quality of democratic power in Africa. Multiparty democracy has been unable to contain corruption and injustice. On the contrary, all the negatives of good governance is what are in place. Nepotism, corruption, human rights abuse, the breakdown of the moral fabrics of our society, electoral theft is what Markin would find in my continent under their watch while their media would continue to white wash some of the most corrupt regimes and personalities, while demonizing their patriots. It is significant that Markin aptly described Russia’s actions as reflecting a great disregard for America’s credibility in the world. The world would rather want to respect and admire the United States of America than to resent and live in fear of her. Senator Markin and others need to constantly examine why Pope John Paul described the economic practices following the collapse of bi-polar world as the savagery of captivism. Throughout the global ups and downs that the world has been enduring, one of the few men who have emerged full of respect and admired for his fair mindedness is President Putin. And the mass of the people wanting to identify with him are few. The position of the West in their media with respect to the Ukraine issue is indeed shocking. The inconsistency and the hypocrisy and the masses misrepresentation are insulted to the intelligence to the world. Far lesser circumstances have elicited the over reaction as well as political and military intervention from the west. Yet, a stronger justification from historical stand point, from a security/military stand point on the recent behavior in Ukraine precipitated Russia’s reaction. It is right when the West says so; and it is wrong when the West say so. Some of their actions truly go against judicial consciousness of humanity.Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Africa has power in number and resources, it has power in size and cultural uniqueness and this can be forged into a powerful voice of reason. The time has come for Africa to shake itself out of the culture of censorship and to assert itself. We have the right to speak against the global power play in Syria and Iraq. We have the right to prevent the negative interference by the former colonial powers in the many conflicts in its former territories and we have the power to resolve our own problems if we choose to and demonstrate the determination to. Let us not allow this opportunity to slip by.Distinguished Guests, ladies and gentlemen, I wish to congratulate the Pan African Parliament on its Tenth Anniversary. We would offer a support and you would enter the next decade. I am convinced that sooner than later, members will be elected by universal sufferage.Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to commend Members for recognizing the need for gender balance. You already had one lady President in the person of President Gertrude Mongela, and currently you have two lady Vice Presidents; Congratulations.Ladies and gentlemen, do have a successful and continued relevant wind of change to boost the fortunes of the continent.Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I thank you very much.

REFERENCE: 1803-125558F

S.E.M. HAROUN KABADI [PRÉSIDENT DE L’ASSEMBLÉE NATIONALE DU TCHAD]:Monsieur le Président du Parlement panafricain,Excellence Monsieur Mohamed Ould ABDEL AZIZ, Président de la République Islamique de Mauritanie, Chef de l’État et Président en exercice de l’Union africaine,Excellence Monsieur Yoweri MUSEVENI, Président de la République d’Ouganda, Chef de l’État,Excellence Monsieur Mohamed ABDELAZIZ, Président de la République Arabe Sahraouie Démocratique,Messieurs les Présidents des Assemblées nationales et des Sénats de l’Afrique,Messieurs les Présidents des Parlements régionaux, Monsieur le Représentant du Gouvernement sud-africain,Monsieur le Président du Conseil de Paix et de Sécurité de l’Union africaine,Mesdames et Messieurs les Ambassadeurs et Hauts Représentants des Organisations internationales, gouvernementales et non gouvernementales,Mesdames et Messieurs les membres du Parlement panafricain,Distingués Invités en vos rangs, qualités et grades,Permettez-moi tout d’abord de vous transmettre les salutations fraternelles de Son Excellence Idriss DEBY ITNO, qui a tenu à ce que le Tchad et son Parlement soient représentés au plus haut niveau à cette cérémonie marquant le dixième anniversaire du Parlement panafricain.Le Président de la République du Tchad, Chef de l’État, Son Excellence Monsieur Idriss DEBY ITNO, aurait voulu prendre part personnellement à la cérémonie officielle marquant ce dixième anniversaire du Parlement panafricain, mais son agenda particulièrement chargé ne lui a pas permis d’y être présent. Il m’a fait l’honneur de me mandater pour le représenter à cette importante cérémonie et de transmettre aux frères et sœurs africains son message de confiance et d’espoir pour l’émergence d’une nouvelle Afrique.C’est donc aussi au nom du peuple du Tchad dans son ensemble que nous avons le plaisir d’être parmi vous aujourd’hui et dire quelques mots du Parlement panafricain. Nous remercions le Président du Parlement panafricain de son invitation adressée à Son Excellence Monsieur Idriss DEBY ITNO, Président de la République, Chef de l’État. Nous exprimons notre profonde gratitude au Gouvernement sud-africain pour l’accueil fraternel et chaleureux dont nous avons toujours bénéficié dans ce beau pays.Comment ne pas se sentir fier de se retrouver dans le pays de Nelson MANDELA, qui nous a montré le chemin de la dignité et de l’honneur par son sacrifice personnel avant de nous quitter. Nous nous inclinons à sa mémoire inoubliable.Excellence Messieurs les Chefs d’États,Mesdames et Messieurs les membres du Parlement panafricain,Un enfant à l’âge de dix ans amorce son adolescence. Les fondamentaux relevant de son caractère et de ses structures mentales sont fixés et n’attendent qu’à se nourrir, pour se raffermir, d’expériences et d’acquisitions des connaissances pour devenir homme ou femme, responsable de sa foyer et citoyen responsable de son pays.En dix ans, une institution doit pouvoir prendre ses marques et entamer la phase des actions fixées dans ses textes constitutifs par ses créateurs.Faut-il le rappeler, les Chefs d’États avaient décidé de passer à une étape nouvelle de développement du continent, celle d’engager véritablement les peuples à être maîtres de leur destin et artisans de leur devenir collectif. Nous avons donc créé l’Union africaine qui, dans l’esprit de beaucoup d’Africains n’est qu’une étape vers la création des États-Unis d’Afrique.(Applaudissements)L’objectif final étant, comme vous le savez, de mettre nos ressources et nos intelligences en commun pour combler les retards accumulés depuis des décennies et rompre avec les liens de dépendances économiques et de pillages de nos ressources naturelles.Les textes fondamentaux du Parlement panafricain ont pour slogan mobilisateur « Une Afrique, une voix! ». À cet égard, il est indiqué dans les objectifs du Parlement panafricain qu’il promeuve la paix, la sécurité et la stabilité, et renforce la solidarité continentale en créant un sentiment de destin commun parmi les peuples africains.Aujourd’hui, dix ans après la création du Parlement panafricain, nous sommes toujours confrontés aux mêmes démons d’hier. Nous constatons avec amertume que la situation de guerre perdure en Somalie, que les frères maliens se cherchent toujours malgré la libération de leur pays du joug djihadiste, que le Soudan du Sud s’enfonce dans une crise politique et sécuritaire profonde, que la barbarie s’est installée en Centrafrique, que la Libye après Kadhafi reste ingouvernable, sans oublier les tensions entre les pays de la région des Grands-lacs. Ces situations de guerre, de tensions non résolues, nous reflètent une mauvaise image de nousmêmes. Et comme hier après les indépendances politiques, nous attendons que ce soit les autres, toujours les autres, toujours les mêmes, qui se mobilisent pour nous venir en aide, pour dicter la conduite à tenir.(Applaudissements)L’Afrique n’est plus celle née des indépendances. Elle a tenu le coup de la crise économique et financière mondiale. Son taux de croissance ces dernières années est plus que positif. Des avancées politiques, économiques et sociales, sont au rendez-vous des efforts consentis par les peuples africains. Mais le chemin reste toujours long, les besoins se font tous les jours plus pressants, les demandes des jeunes et des femmes pour plus d’emplois et de bien-être social tiennent nos États à la gorge; beaucoup reste à faire pour que la voie du développement social, économique et culturel prise soit irréversible. Les défis sont grands. Nous avons la volonté de les relever, mais nos efforts resteront vains si la paix n’est pas assurée et si l’extrême pauvreté n’est pas éradiquée. L’Union africaine, les États africains et le Parlement doivent toujours avoir comme agenda de leurs actions quotidiennes, et pour les cinquante prochaines années, la recherche constante de la paix et de la sécurité pour tout le continent. Cela exige que nous ayons des institutions fortes et efficaces, qui indiquent non seulement la voie de cette renaissance africaine, mais mobilisent et organisent les peuples d’Afrique à être les acteurs de leur autopromotion politique, économique et socioculturelle afin d’être plus libres, plus indépendants, plus dignes et plus heureux.C’est l’Afrique consciente des enjeux et mobilisée qui se donnera les moyens pour mieux faire face aux effets pervers du changement climatique et s’engager sur la voie du développement durable par la transformation de son économie, à travers un programme d’industrialisation, de maitrise des circuits commerciaux, de création d’emplois et d’infrastructures reliant tout le continent. Le Parlement panafricain doit à cet égard passer de son rôle consultatif à un véritable rôle législatif pour voter des lois susceptibles d’engager les peuples africains et leurs gouvernements dans des actions d’envergure continentale, à la fois pour la bonne gouvernance politique et la saine gestion des ressources.Excellences Messieurs les Chefs d’États,Monsieur le Représentant de l’Union africaine,Monsieur le Président du Parlement panafricain,Mesdames et Messieurs,Il y a aujourd’hui des tensions et des conflits qui nous interpellent et sur lesquels les peuples d’Afrique nous attendent, nous dirigeants politiques et parlementaires.La situation en Centrafrique est la pire que puisse vivre un peuple sur sa terre de naissance et d’adoption. L’Union africaine et la Communauté internationale ont montré leurs limites et assistent à un génocide qu’elles hésitent à qualifier de son nom d’horreur. Les Centrafricains d’origines tchadiennes et autres ont payé le plus lourd tribut à cette folle barbarie qui s’est emparée des Anti-Balaka alors que c’est en Ndjamena que la Communauté Économique des États de l’Afrique Centrale (CEEAC), l’Union africaine et la Communauté internationale se sont accordées pour retirer le pouvoir aux Séléka et à leur chef. C’est aujourd’hui le Tchad qui est payé en monnaie de singe avec plus de 70.000 retournés et réfugiés qu’il accueille sur son territoire.Pire encore, personne ne veut écouter les propositions de Son Excellence Monsieur le Président Idriss DEBY ITNO et constamment, il faut arrêter l’épuration ethnique et religieuse qui s’opère sous nos yeux. Le Tchad attend de l’Union africaine, de la Communauté internationale qu’une décision de condamnation sans équivoque de la barbarie des Anti-Balaka soit prise. Il faut traduire les auteurs des crimes commis devant la justice internationale, et que la réparation des préjudices subis par les Tchadiens et autres nationalités soit également exigée.(Applaudissements)En s’engageant en Centrafrique, le Tchad cherche, certes, la paix pour ce pays voisin et frère, mais il cherche aussi à se protéger des conséquences négatives de cette crise centrafricaine. Ceci est aussi vrai dans les situations qui prévalent au Soudan, en Libye et au Nigeria, tous pays voisins et frères dont les secousses se répercutent toujours au Tchad. Qu’on ne s’y trompe pas! C’est un virus dangereux que les Anti-Balaka ont fait naître au sein de la communauté centrafricaine. Tous les pays ont des nordistes et des sudistes et des obédiences religieuses différentes. C’est ce virus vicieux qui sévit déjà en Libye avec les velléités séparatistes et au Nigeria avec les Boko-Haram. Le Tchad est le plus exposé face à ce virus dangereux. Agissons ensemble maintenant pour l’éradiquer.C’est le message que le Tchad, par ma voix, a tenu à adresser aux représentants des peuples africains regroupés au sein du Parlement panafricain. L’Afrique peut résoudre ses problèmes si elle s’en donne vraiment les moyens et la volonté politique. Bien sûr que nous restons reconnaissants aux interventions des amis traditionnels pour nous éviter le pire comme au Mali, mais il faut qu’un jour nous cessions de nous décharger uniquement sur les autres.(Applaudissements)En conclusion de notre vision sur l’évolution du Parlement panafricain, nous ne pouvons que rappeler ce qu’avait déclaré Son Excellence Monsieur Idriss DEBY ITNO, Président de la République du Tchad alors Invité d’Honneur du Parlement panafricain en mai 2012, c’est- à-dire que le Parlement panafricain évolue pour devenir un véritable Parlement législatif, une grande Institution panafricaine avec toutes les prérogatives requises.Avant de terminer mes propos, je voudrais, au nom de Son Excellence Idriss DEBY ITNO, Président de la République, Chef de l’État, du Gouvernement et du peuple tchadien, remercier sincèrement le Parlement panafricain de la décision prise de baptiser la salle des plénières du nom de notre compatriote, ancien Président du Parlement panafricain, Idriss Ndélé MOUSSA YAYAMI, décédé le 19 mai 2013.(Applaudissements)Cette marque de reconnaissance du service rendu à l’Afrique par le défunt, honore à la fois son pays et sa famille. Cela est gravé pour toujours dans l’histoire du Parlement panafricain. Encore une fois merci!C’est sur cette note d’espoir que je souhaite bon anniversaire au Parlement panafricain, et que cela marque le début d’un véritable nouveau tournant pour les peuples africains, qui doivent désormais se saisir de leurs propres problèmes de survie et de développement durable.Je vous remercie de votre aimable attention.Vive l’Afrique en marche!Vive le Parlement panafricain!(Applaudissements nourris)

REFERENCE: 1803-131116A

H.E MOHAMED ABDELAZIZ [PRESIDENT OF THE SAHARAWI DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC]بسم هللا الرحمان الرحيمالسيد هون بيتل ماماميكا أمادي،رئيس برلمان عموم افريقيا،فخامة الرئيس محمد ولد عبد العزيز،رئيس الجمهورية االسالميةالموريطانية،رئيس االتحاد األفريقي،فخامة الرئيس يوري موسفيني،رئيس جمهورية يوغندا،فخامة السيد جولي رالنكس،الرئيس األسبق لجمهورية غانا،السادة رؤساء البرلمانات،السادة مبعوثوا وممثلوا الحكومات اإلفريقية،السادة والسيدات ممثلوا جمهورية جنوب إفريقيا،السيدات والسادة أعضاء مكتب برلمان عموم إفريقيا،السيدات والسادة النواب بالبرلمان اإلفريقي،السادة ممثلو الجهات الشريكة للبرلمان اإلفريقي من حكومات ومنظمات دولية ووطنية،السيدات والسادة:إنه لشرف كبير لنا أن نحل اليوم كضيف شرف على برلمان عموم إفريقيا وهو يحتفل بالذكرى العاشرة لتأسيسه،ونث ّمن عاليا هذه الدعوة الكريمة التي تعكس التزاما حقيقيا وصارما لممثلي شعوب إفريقيا تجاه قضايا القارة.وقبل كل شيء أسمحوا لي أن أتقدم باسم شعب وحكومة الجمهورية الصحراوية بأطيب التحيات والتهاني إلى رئاسة وأعضاء البرلمان اإلفريقي بهذه المناسبة السعيدة،والتي نريدها كما تريدونها إيذانا بنقلة نوعية في تاريخ هذه المؤسسة.فريقيا فخورة ومعتزة اليوم باإلنجاز التاريخي الذي حققته جنوب إفريقيا بفضل تضحيات أبنائها ونضال وحكمة ال ّرمز اإلفريقي العالمي نيلسون مانديافي السابع والعشرين من أبريل القادم سنحتفل جميعا كأفارقة بالذكرى العشرين النتصار الحرية والديمقراطية والمصالحة في هذا البلد.نذ عشرين سنة كان منبر الحوار والديمقراطية هذا سيكون ضربا من المستحيل فاسمحوا لي أن أتوجه بالشكر واالتقدير إلى فخامة الرئيس جاكوب زوما ومن خالله إلى كل الشعب الجنوب إفريقي على هذه الجهود الجّبارة وعلى حسن االستقبال وكرم الضيافة وعلى احتضان برلمان الشعوب اإلفريقية في ضاحية ميدراند.كما نهنئ البرلمان اإلفريقي على مضي عقد من الزمن نراه إيجابيا عموما،ونعتقد أنه قد أسهم بفعالية في مسيرة بناء االتحاد اإلفريقي.والجمهورية الصحراوية التي تحظى بمنصب نائب رئيس البرلمان اإلفريقي فخورة بذلك وتس ّجل الدور الذي يلعبه البرلمان الصحراوي في هذا السياق،وخاصة من خالل المصادقة على العديد من المعاهدات واتفاقيات االتحاد،وأننا لعلى ثقة بأن يتبوأ البرلمان اإلفريقي مستقبال لمكانته الطبيعية كمؤسسة تتمتع بصالحيات تشريعية واسعة واضحة وملزمة لكل الدول اإلفريقية بوحدة وتماسك وانسجام القارة ويفتح اآلفاق أمامها نحو مستقبل االستقرار والرخاء.الجمهورية الصحراوية كعضو مؤسس في االتحاد اإلفريقي تتبنى هذه الرؤية التي بقدر ما تتمسك بالمبادئ والثوابت بقدر ما تسهم في إبداع أفضل ال ّسبل للتعامل مع الواقع السياسي واالقتصادي واالجتماعي بقارتنا في قضايا ذات أولوية مثل ال ّسلم واألمن والتنمية ومثل قضايا الشباب والمرأة وأزمات الفقر واألمراض وغيرها.السيدات والسادة،من االنشغاالت البارزة في القارة تلك المتعلقة بظاهرة اإلرهاب التي تشهدها بعض مناطق إفريقيا،و بهذه المناسبة نجّدد إدانتنا لألعمال اإلجرامية التي وقعت في بلدان مثل نيجريا الشقيقة التي نعّبر هنا عن تضامننا المطلق معها شعبا وحكومة إزاء استهداف التطرف األعمى لمواطنيها الع ّزل بمن فيهم أطفال المدارس.كما ال يفوتني أن أثني على الدور الكبير الذي لعبته وتلعبه الجزائر الشقيقة في محاربة هذه الظاهرة،وهي التي كانت من أوائل الذين اكتوت بنارها وحاربتها بشجاعة وحنكة جعلتها اليوم مرجعا إفريقيا وعالميا في مكافحة اإلرهاب.لقد تأكد بما ال يدع مجاال للش ّك أن المخدرات هي أقوى مصادر دعم وتشجيع اإلرهاب ومع األسف الشديد فإن إفريقيا تعاني من هذه اآلفة بكون المملكة المغربية مثل ما تصّدر التو ّسع فهي تصّدر المخدرات،أننا هنا نتحدث عن تقارير منظمات مثل ديوان األمم المتحدة للمخدرات والجريمة الذي يؤكد خطر المخدرات المغربية على شمال إفريقيا ومثل الهيئة الدولية لمراقبة المخدرات التي تؤكد أنه ما بين نسبتي 56 % و22 %من مخدر القنب الهندي المحجوز خالل السنتين األخيرتين قادم من المغرب،وهناك تقارير أخرى على غرار تقرير الخارجية األمريكية لهذه السنة الذي يؤكد مع سابقيه أن المغرب يتربع على عرش إنتاج وتصدير مخدر القنب الهندي في العالم.ونحن نعّبر هنا عن تضامننا مع جمهورية مالي التي شهد شمالها نشاطا خطيرا للجماعات اإلرهابية المرتبطة بتهريب المخدرات،ونجّدد دعمنا للماليين في جهودهم لح ّل الخالفات بطريقة سلمية حضارية تضمن لكل مواطني مالي العيش الح ّر الكريم مع تأكيدنا على حماية وحدة البالد الوطنية والترابية.كما أوّد أن أستغل هذه المناسبة ألعّبر عن دعوتنا إلى الفرقاء في جمهورية إفريقيا الوسطى وفي جنوب السودان من أجل العمل معا إلحالل ال ّسالم واالستقرار في إطار يحفظ سيادة ووحدة البلدين.وفي كل هذه القضايا وغيرها نؤكد تم ّسكنا الراسخ بالقررات والخطوات التي اتخذها االتحاد اإلفريقي الذي يعمل على إيجاد حلول إفريقية للقضايا اإلفريقية،ونشيد بالجهود الخيرة التي يقوم بها اليوم فخامة الرئيس محمد ولد عبد العزيز رئيس الجمهورية اإلسالمية الموريطانية.أود أن أحّيي أمامكم السيدة دالمني زوما رئيسة مفوضية االتحاد اإلفريقي،أول امرأة إفريقية تتولى هذه المهمة السامية عن جدارة واستحقاق،وقد عملت وتعمل اليوم بجّد وإخالص مع طاقمها في المفوضية وش ّرفت نساء ورجال إفريقيا واستحقت منا كل الدعم واإلشادة.السيدات والسادة:كبقية شعوب إفريقيا عانى الشعب الصحراوي من االستعمار د العام الماضي سنة الذكرى األربعين الندالع كفاحه ّ المغربي،وقد خل التحريري بقيادة جبهة البوليساريو والذي توج بخروج االستعمار األسباني مع مطلع سنة 0925،ولكن دون استكمال تصفية االستعمار.لقد فوجئنا بأن االستعمار يمكن أن يأتي أيضا من داخل القارة،حيث تعرضت بالدنا لغزو عسكري مغربي في 20 أكتوبر 0926 في تناقض كامل مع قرار محكمة العدل الدولية ومع ميثاق وقررات األمم المتحدة واالتحاد اإلفريقي وفي مقدمة احترام الحدود الموروثة عن العهد االستعماري،رغم كل ذلك فإننا في الجمهورية الصحراوية وبتدخل من منظمتنا القارية ومن األمم المتحدة وبتوقيع الحكومة المغربية قبلنا بأن يتم تنظيم استفتاء لتقرير مصير الشعب الصحراوي،ولكن على غرار لقاء األبارتيد باألمس فالنظام المغربي يخشى الحقيقة والديمقراطية،وق ّرر التن ّصل من التزاماته الدولية،وال زال يعرقل تنظيم االستفتاء إلى يومنا هذا،ليس هذا وحسب فقد استمعتم في مق ّركم هذا إلى شهادات دامغة عن واقع االنتهاكات الجسيمة لحقوق اإلنسان المرتكبة من طرف دولة االحتالل المغربي في حق المدنيين الصحراويين الع ّزل مع حقائق موثقة ّجنة في تقارير العديد من الدول والمنظمات والمؤسسات على غرار الل اإلفريقية لحقوق اإلنسان والشعوب ومفوضية األمم المتحدة ال ّسامية لحقوق اإلنسان والبرلمان األوروبي والخارجية األمريكية والعفو الدولي ومنظمة مراقبة حقوق اإلنسان ومركز كندي للديمقراطية والعدالة وحقوق اإلنسان وغيرها.السيدات والسادة:وعلى خطى اآلباء المؤسسين من أمثال كوامني كروما وجوليوس ميريري وباتريس لومبا،فقد قال مقولة النضال اإلفريقي نيلسون مانديال:"الحرية ال يمكن أن تعطى على جرعات،إما أن يكون المرء حرا أو ال يكون حرا"،ولذا فإن البرلمان و االتحاد اإلفريقيين والشعوب اإلفريقية مدعّوون للتح ّرك إلنهاء هذه الحالة غير القانونية وغير األخالقية والدفاع عن قضية إفريقية عادلة،عن حق شعب إفريقي في الحرية واالستقالل عن حق دولي مقدس هو حق تقرير المصير،ونحن نقترب من موعد عقد القمة اإلفريقية األوروبية،أوّد التذكير بأن توقيع االتحاد األوروبي التفاقية الصيد البحري مع المغرب تم ّس األراضي الصحراوية المحتلة وهو خرق سافر للقانون الدولي والستشارة األمين العام المساعد لألمم المتحدة للشؤون القانونية،وتستدعي التدخل لوقف نهب الثروات الطبيعية الصحراوية.األمر نفسه ينطبق على جدار االحتالل العسكري المغربي الذي يق ّسم األرض الصحراوية أرضا وشعبا وعلى امتداد 2211 كلم بماليين األلغام بما فيها المضادة لألفراد المحرمة دوليا وترسانة من األسالك الشائكة والخنادق والحجارة وعتاد الدمار وعشرات اآلالف من الجنود.إننا ندعوكم للتح ّرك كي تتح ّمل األمم المتحدة مسؤوليتها في اإلسراع في تصفية االستعمار من الصحراء الغربية،آخر مستعمرة في إفريقيا عبر استفتاء ح ّر عادل ونزيه لتقرير مصير الشعب الصحراوي والعمل فورا على إيجاد آلية أممية تمّكن من حماية حقوق اإلنسان ومراقبتها والتقرير عنها في األراضي الصحراوية الواقعة تحت االحتالل المغربي،وإطالق صراح جميع المعتقلين السياسيين الصحراويين في السجون المغربية.إننا واثقون بأن البرلمان اإلفريقي سوف يحقق مزيدا من المكاسب على طريق احتالل مكانته كواحدة من مؤسسات االتحاد اإلفريقي ودوره في إرساء دعائم الديمقراطية والحكم الراشد والوحدة والتكامل واالندماج في قارتنا العزيزة.عاش برلمان أمم إفريقيا،عاش االتحاد اإلفريقي،عاشت إفريقيا.والسالم عليكم ورحمة هللا تعالى وبركاته.

REFERENCE: 1803-132914E

H.E YOWERI MUSEVENI [PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA]:Your Excellency, the Speaker of the Pan African Parliament, His Excellency the President of Mauritania who is also the current Chairman of the African Union, His Excellency the President of Saharawi, all the other distinguished leaders and Members of the Pan African Parliament. I misunderstood the occasion. I thought I was coming to give a lecture on ideology and strategy. I did not know that it was a celebration. So, I had prepared a very long lecture here of 21 pages which would kill you since you have already heard a lot of speeches. What I would, therefore, do is that, I would simply pick out the highlights and not read the Speech. However, it would be distributed and you can read it yourselves.First of all, I congratulate the Pan African Parliament for the ten years. Here, I had quoted two portions from the Christian scripture. One is from Our Lord’s Prayer - When Christians say, "Our Lords Prayer", they mean Jesus. Now, our Lord’s Prayer says in part:"Thou shall not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil."What I would like to advise Africa is this: African should not tempt the greedy people to come and colonize us by being weak. When you are weak you tend to be the greedy.(Applause)And it is your fault to be weak. Why are you weak?Why do you allow yourself to be weak? The other time when I addressed the South African Parliament when my sister, Dr. Frene Ginwala, was the Speaker then, I gave an example. I said that suppose I get drunk with alcohol and I sleep by the roadside and because I am sleep somebody comes and takes my money from my pocket, whom do you blame? Of course, you can blame the thief for not being Christian enough and for taking advantage of a drunk man.(Laughter)The primary responsibility is that I am the one to blame. Why did I make myself so vulnerable? So, that is the first point I wanted to make, but in the speech I elaborated.Again, in the Christian Bible, in the book of Isaiah, Chapter 11, Verse 6, it says:"The wolf also shall lie with the lamb and the leopard shall lie with kid and the young lion and fatling together and a little child shall lead them."That is what is said in the Book of Isaiah. That in heaven you will find a wolf sleeping with a lamb peacefully. That also a leopard shall be together with a calf of a cow and that all these will be led by a young child. Now, that is in the kingdom of heaven which the Muslims called "Janaa". But we are still here on earth. We have not gone to heaven yet. Here on earth wolves are still eating lambs and leopards are still eating calves.(Laughter)And lions are still eating young goats and certainly a young child cannot lead a lion here on earth. So, what I have come to tell you in my speech is really about thewolves and the lambs here on earth and not in heaven because we have not gone there yet; we are still here. So, as long as we are still here, let us deal with the issues as they are.Now, Africa is a huge continent. It has 7 million square miles of land with a population of 1,033,000,000 people now. These people are divided into four linguistic groups. Sometimes they tell you that Africans are so different and that we are from different tribes, but actually Africans are divided into just four groups. One group is called the Niger Congo group of languages. They include the Bantu dialects and the Kwa group of languages - the ones in West Africa. That is why I can pick words from here in South Africa while I am coming from the Equator five hours away.The second group is the Nilo-Saharan group of languages. They are the Cushitic, Nilotic, Nilo- Harmatic people.The third group is the Afro-Asiatic group of languages, that is, Arabic, Tigrinya and Amharric.The fourth group is the one here in Southern Africa called the Khoisan.Now, these Africans are similar as I have told you about the Bantu speakers, or they are linked. If you study these languages closely, you would find the similarities and also the linkages. Africa is the origin of man. All human beings came from here. We are the original human beings.(Applause)These Europeans, Chinese and all those fellows you see are former Africans who went away. Africa is the cradle of civilization. We had the Egyptian Civilization here in Africa. The three great religions, that is, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, their founders all took refuge here when they had problems in the Middle East. Moses was here in Africa. That is why he survived. Jesus was brought here as a baby when the Jews wanted to kill him. Mohammed, when the Arabs wanted to kill him he run to Ethiopia. That is Africa. Yet, unfortunately, the whole of Africa, by late 1800, all of it had been colonized except for Ethiopia. So, the question is, this ancient Africa which was the beginning of civilization and the source of human race, why was it colonized? It is because there were internal weaknesses in Africa.When you read my article here you will see why. There are reasons. Some people say that it is because we did not have guns. That was true. There are examples, however, where people did not have guns, but they were able to defend themselves against those imperialists. China is one of them. When the Europeans went to China it was backward in terms of technology, but it was able to defend itself against the Europeans. They could not colonize the whole of China. China could not be swallowed. It was too big to be swallowed.Japan could not be swallowed although they were still backward technologically. They could not be colonized by the Europeans. Even Ethiopia was able to defeat the Italians in 1886. Therefore, it was not just technology; there were some other weaknesses that enabled the whole of Africa to be colonized. Nevertheless, fortunately, Africans do not die easily. Although the whole continent was colonized, we survived. We survived colonialism. We survived slave trade. We survived colonial wars. We survived the European diseases which they brought here. Other people did not survive. If you go to America now there are people who were called Americans. These are Europeans who went to America to take over the land of the Indians there. Those are the ones you call Americans now. The real Americans, if you go there, you find them in national parks. That is where they are found; in reservations. When you go there you would see a few of them. They have disappeared. We have the Aztecs in Mexico; the Incas of Peru, and the Aborigines of Australia. All these groups of people are not there, but for us we survived and there are reasons why we survived.(Applause)Now, I do not have time to go into that, but you should study that. In the end, when we survived we were able to regain our freedom. We did not get our freedom by accident; rather it was because of certain factors. Factor number was the continued resistance of our people. Initially, the resistance was organized by our traditional chiefs, but they failed. Here in South Africa you know of Shaka and all those groups. They tried, but they failed.Eventually the nationalists came on the scene, organized the political parties and continued the resistance in a modern context. So, that was one factor, that is, the continued resistance of the African people. The second factor was the conflict amongst the Europeans. We were lucky because the Europeans started fighting amongst themselves because of their greed. Germany, which was a new powerful country started quarrelling with the other old imperialists saying, "You took too much food and I also want some of that food." What was the food? Ourselves! "You Britain, you took too many colonies and I also want a share." That is how the First World War started - to share us better. Germany was saying, "This sharing is not democratic".(Applause)"I also want a share". Germany had fewer colonies in Africa. It had Tanganyika, Rwanda, Burundi, Togo, Namibia and a bit of Cameroun. So, they were saying, "This is not fair. You the British have taken too much. We want more share." That is how the First World War started. That war led to the Second World War. Now, because of that, these fellows weakened themselves too much. They had even come to us and mobilize our parents to go and fight their wars for them. They took Ugandans to Burma to fight the Japanese and the Japanese were so scared of Africans because they thought Africans were eating people. Whenever the Africans were on camp fires - you know Africans like singing and dancing at night and lighting camp fires - the Japanese would say, "You see, Africans are roasting another Japanese."(Laughter)But because of that conflict the Europeans weakened themselves. What is crucial is that by the end of the Second World War the European countries were very weak. However, they still tried to cling onto the colonies.(President Museveni called out for water: "Hallo, ambia huyo msichana aniletee maji".They tried to cling onto the colonies. You remember the French trying to go back to Indo-China and they had to be defeated. So, that was the second factor that made us gained our freedom. First of all it was our continued resistance and secondly the fight amongst themselves.The third factor was the support from the socialist countries. This was support from China and the Soviet Union. We were lucky because in 1917 a big country known as Russia was taken over by colonialists. These colonialists did not agree with the imperialists. They had a different opinion and yet they were now controlling this big country called the Soviet Union. So, they started supporting us because they had conflicts with the imperialists.In 1949, China was taken over by Communists and it was supporting us too. The people of southern Africa know this. Who has trained the ANC? Show me one soldier of the ANC who has trained in the West. Just show me one not two or three. You would get some little support from the West, demonstrations on the streets, an anti-apartheid committee in London, but nobody gave us any weapons and nobody trained us to fight. Those who trained us were the Russians and the Chinese. It was the Cubans who came and contributed.(Applause)So, that was the third factor that gave us our freedom. Now, unfortunately, because of those pressures in Asia, Indonesia got independence. We were not alone at that time. We were also with the Asians. They were colonized with us. By the end of the Second World War, Indonesia had got independence. In 1947 India got independence, then Pakistan. Later on, here in Africa, the first country to get independence was Ghana in 1957. But here in Africa we also had to fight. We had Mau Mau in Kenya.An Hon. Member: Sudan was the first one.His Excellency Hon. Museveni: Yes, Sudan. Sudan was the first one in 1956. Sorry for that.The problem which we have is that after we gained our independence we did not analyse why we had been colonized in the first place and then quickly rectify what had caused us to be colonized in the first place. When we gained Independence we just relaxed. We started enjoying being in power, forgetting that the wolves are still eating the lambs. We thought that we were in heaven and yet we were still here on earth.What was happening now? You saw the problem of Libya. Our late friend hon. Muamar Ghadafi had his issues. I fought Ghadafi twice because he interfered in our affairs. In 1972 he was supporting Idi Amin. He said that Idi Amin was a Muslim and so he wouldsupport a Muslim. Yes, Idi Amin was a Muslim, but an idiot also.(Laughter)Are there no idiot Muslims? There must be some idiot Muslims. So, in 1972 Muamar Ghadafi sided with Idi Amin and we had to fight him. I fought Muamar Ghadafi. In 1979, again, he intervened. He sided with Idi Amin and we had to fight him again. In the end, however, we made peace with Ghadafi. He had issues and his ideas. Sometimes we would agree with him and sometimes not.Now, when this problem of Libya started, the African Union with our Chairman who is here now - this gentleman here - they formed a Committee of six of us. I was one of them. The whole of the African Union gave that Committee the mandate to look for a solution for the Libyan problem. On one occasion, I did not go. These Excellencies, this one here, Jacob Zuma and the others - I was not there, but my Minister was amongst them - entered a plane and went to Libya to mediate. They were told by NATO to go back. Yes, he said, "You go back!" Yes, he is here and if I am telling lies---(Applause)I am not the one who invited him. You are the ones who invited him. African Presidents on African soil were ordered by NATO to go back when they were on an African Mission. NATO had not allowed them to land in Libya. Now, you call this in Kiswahili "dharau". This is contempt! So, now, you can weigh the matter yourselves. Six Presidents were ordered by NATO - Six of them and not one. If it was one then---(Laughter)Six African Excellencies were ordered, "Go back". They were ordered over Africa. Now, these fellows did not listen to us. They killed Ghadafi and now Libya is in tatters up to today. The problem was not only in Libya. It went to Mali, Chad and so on. The whole area is in flames. Egypt! So, now you see where we are? Because of our weakness we were colonized. Fortunately, we survived and by a combination of factors we got our freedom again. We, however, did not use our freedom to make ourselves stronger. We, therefore, remained where we were. And now the former colonialists are coming back to continue from where they had left off.Since I have been involved in these struggles for the last 50 years, starting with my young friend here, Gertrude Mwongela, when we were in the University of Dar es Salaam, I have been able to ask myself, "What could be the problem with these Africans?" Is it colour? You never know. Colour also could have some problem.(Laughter)I have identified ten strategic bottlenecks. I would just mention them quickly and explain only a few. The first problem is ideological disorientation. This is a very big problem by the political elite in Africa. Of course, it was a problem even for the Chiefs and that was why we were colonized. They were unable to define the problem correctly. But even us, the present elite, seem not to be defining this problem correctly. I am talking about the ideological disorientation. The Speaker of Chad was here and he was talking about the problems in that area, that is, Central African Republic, Southern Sudan and so on. All of them, you would find that they have got one issue which is sectarianism. Even in the Middle East, the problem of Syria is sectarianism. It is the Shia against the Sunni. These are all Muslims, but apparently they are not unified. So, there is sectarianism of religion and tribe. There is also discrimination against women.I have been asking my people in Uganda, "What does my tribe do for me? Do they pay school fees for my children? Do they feed me?" I belong to a tribe of cattle keepers and so they produce beef and milk. They also grow bananas and coffee. So, I produce milk and beef and bananas and coffee. My neighbor does the same. The other neighbor does the same. Now, because of that I cannot buy from him and he cannot buy from me. So, how does my tribe help me? When they see me looking fine because I am not a poor person; I am a bit all right, but it is not because of my tribe. It is because of the people of Kampala. The people in the towns are the ones who buy our milk, beef, and bananas. That is how we are prosperous. We are prosperous not because of my tribe, but because of the people of Uganda. It is not only the people of Uganda who help us to be prosperous. It is also the people of East Africa. I am talking about the people of Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Sudan. They are the ones who buy what we produce. That is why the people of my area and other areas in Uganda are prosperous.So, if I go to my tribe and say, "Our tribe! Our tribe!" whose interests am I championing? Am I championing the interests of my tribe? The interest of my tribe is to trade with other Ugandans, other Africans and the world. If I say, "My tribe! My tribe!" then I will be championing my personal interests. It is against the interest of this tribe - I am first and foremost the enemy of my tribe. If they listen to me and they follow what I am telling them, what will happen is that they would cause confusion. The market where they were selling their milk would be disturbed and they will no longer sell their milk or beef. They will be poor. So, the first problem, my dear friends, is ideological disorientation. The elite must stop betraying our people by calling malaria witchcraft. That is how leaders make mistakes. Somebody is suffering from malaria and they say it is witchcraft. So, you never treat the disease. There is no tribalism. It is opportunism of leaders. It is opportunism and ideological bankruptcy of the leaders. That is what we should talk about. I am very glad because when we meet in the African Union meetings we are always very polite, "Excellence, Madamoiselle---"(Laughter)But last time when we were in Nairobi on the issue of Southern Sudan, the communiqué which we issued for the first time was direct in condemning the ideological bankruptcy of the people involved in the conflict in Southern Sudan. We put it in words. I was very happyto see Africans putting in an official document, a real ideological position rather than just "Excellence, Madamoiselle---" and so on. Bogus! People are dying and you are just talking like that. Who is responsible? There must be somebody who is responsible. Who caused all these? Give us an answer. Do not just go papering over problems. So, that is the first obstacle. The others I would just read and I will not elaborate.Attacking the private sector is another mistake. Inadequate infrastructure is another one. I would like to explain a little bit on this one. There is a measurement which I use. This measurement is called Kilowatt Hour per Capita. It is the amount of electricity per person in the country. You go to the internet and see what the potential of 100,000 megawatts of electricity can do. Ethiopia has a potential of 80,000 megawatts. The whole of Africa has got a potential of 360,000 megawatts. I am talking about the hydro electricity. Even if we develop that 360,000 megawatts we are one billion people.The USA which has a population of 316 million people is today generating one million megawatts and here we are talking about 360,000 megawatts potential for one billion people. Even if we developed all the hydro power in Africa, it will not be enough to meet the energy needs of Africa. The problem is that we have commissioners of energy who are just ignorant. I do not know what they study. They go to universities with Europeans and when they come back we do not know what they tell our people. You find a commissioner of energy, but he is, in fact, commissioner of darkness.(Laughter)He is not bothered. Once he sees one or two bulbs of electricity on the wall he says that there is electricity. But you need to compare with other countries. When I am quarrelling with my people in Uganda they tell me that Uganda compared to Tanzania and Kenya it is a bit all right. I tell them to stop comparing pygmies.(Laughter)I do not know whether some of you have seen pygmies. They are some of our people in the forests in Uganda and Congo. They are very short people by nature. If you spend all your time arguing that this pygmy is slightly taller than the other one, are you really serious?(Laughter)So, I said, please, if you want to talk about electricity, compare us with China and not Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi. Please, we are not serious because those ones are also backward just like you. So, there you can see the blindness.The other group of ours called NEPAD should sound the biggest alarm on the issue of electricity. The only countries in Africa which have got a little bit of electricity are South Africa which by the time ANC came in was generating 36,000 megawatts. ANC, I think, has now pushed it to 42,000 megawatts, but a few years ago they were still having power shortages here in South Africa. The only other country which had some electricity in Africa was Libya before Ghadafi was killed. The rest of us electricity is very low. But what is more worrying is that people are not aware. They are just there putting on ties and moving up and down, going to meetings and coming back.(Laughter)They should be aware. That is why when I went to France recently, I told the President of France, Mr. Hollande, that I tried to learn French 50 years ago, but I did not go very far because some of the words in French were women and some were men. So, I said which one is man and which one is woman? Is there a rule I can follow? They said that there is no rule. You must remember everything. So, I said I cannot continue with French. However, by the time I gave up learning French, I had picked a few words. Femme la porte. I picked one word which I did not forget.So, I told President Hollande that in Africa we have the word "merci beaucoup"(Laughter)The fourth bottleneck is under involvement of the human resource, lack of education, and lack of health facilities. The fifth one is small markets. With small markets you cannot modernize. If someone does not buy what you produce, how would you sell again? If you look at the map of the world, North America has got three countries, Canada, USA, and Mexico. Here we have 54 countries. All right, we are rich in countries. When you go to the UN you would think that half of the human race is black because they are all there. You would find many black faces with only one Chinese face. That one Chinese face is representing 1.3 billion people. All right, we are rich in countries, but we must solve the problem of every market. Where do we sell what we produce? At least on that one we are moving. I congratulate our African people.In 1980 there was a meeting in Lagos, what they call the Lagos Plan of Action. We started forming these regional blocs, for example, ECOWAS, COMESA, SADC and so on. At least there we are moving. If you do not sell what you produce, how would you produce again?The sixth one is lack of industrialization. This one, I normally give the example of coffee. Uganda produces quite a bit of coffee, but until very recently we have been exporting it unprocessed. When you export unprocessed coffee you may get US$1per kilogram and then it is taken to London and it is processed by Lesley and then they sell it at US$15. What does that mean? It means that Uganda, in each kilogram, is giving aid to the UK of about US$10 if you subtract transport cost.If we do not solve that problem of value addition these countries of ours are not going to develop. This problem of coffee is the same with cocoa, cotton, and minerals. If you look at the global earnings from coffee, I think the latest figure must be about US$99 billion. However, the coffee growing countries in the whole world are getting just over US$5 billion, out of the US$99 billion which is the money for the coffee trade. So, that is a very big problem, that is, lack of industrialization.Next we have under developed services, that is, tourism and so no. Under developed agriculture is number eight. Lack of democracy is also one of the weaknesses. Number ten is criminal States. When the State itself becomes criminal, what do I mean? If the State cannot protect life then what is that State for? One of the problems of Uganda is that it is the Government soldiers who were killing people. Between 1971 and 1986 we lost 800,000 Ugandans who were killed extrajudicially. Who killed them? They were killed by the Government soldiers. And these Government soldiers were not punished! That is how Uganda was about to break down.Therefore, discipline and accountability of the State agencies is very crucial. If this issue is not solved then some of the countries can easily break up. This is because if soldiers kill my brother and you do not punish them, what do I do? I must do something about it. I must do something about it. I must become a rebel and fight you.In the Bible, one time Jesus was asked by a lawyer: And a lawyer stood up and put Jesus to test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And he said to him, "What is written in the law? How does it read to you? And he answered, "You shall love your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind. And your neighbor as you love yourself." Jesus answered, "You have answered correctly. Do this and you will live." But wishing to justify himself he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?"Jesus said, "Love God and love your neighbour as you love yourself." But this lawyer said, "Who is my neighbour?" So, Jesus gave them this example. In Christianity we call it a parable. It is like a story.A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among robbers and they stripped him and beat him and went away leaving him half dead. By chance a priest was going down on that road and when he saw him he passed on the other side. He did not help him.Likewise, another religious man called a Levite also when he came to the place and he saw him he passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan who was on a journey came upon him and when he saw him he felt compassion and he came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them and he put him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him.This man was beaten by robbers and abandoned. A priest who was a Jew from the same tribe as Jesus came and passed by him not helping him. Another official called a Levite also came and passed by him without helping him. But somebody from another religion, a Samaritan, helped him.And then Jesus asked him, "Of these three, who are the friends of this man?" That is what many of the Africans have failed to do. Who is the good person? Is it the person from your tribe or religion, or is it the person who does the correct things?Now, I think I should end here although there are---(Applause)I should end here by saying that I came to say two things: Thou shall not fall into temptation by being weak. Secondly, from the book of Isaiah, wolves lie with lambs, but here on earth wolves are still eating lambs.Thank you very much.(Applause)

REFERENCE: 1803-142420E

H.E. MOHAMED OULD ABDEL AZIZ [CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN UNION AND PRESIDENT OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF MAURITANIA]:بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيموالصالة والسالم على أشرف المرسلين،فخامة الرؤساء،سعادة السيد بيتل ماماميكا أمادي- رئيس البرلمان األفريقي،السادة و السيدات أعضاء البرلمان المحترمون،أيها السادة و السيدات:يطيب لي في البداية أن أتوجه بجزيل الشكر وعامة التقدير إلى أخي صاحب الفخامة السيد جاكوب زوما وإلى شعب وحكومة جنوب إفريقيا الشقيقة على حفاوة االستقبال و كرم الضيافة التي حظينا بها منذ أن وصلنا أرض هذا البلد األفريقي األصيل.كما أتقدم بالشكر الجزيل إلى السيد بيتل ماماميكا أمادي،رئيس البرلمان األفريقي و من خالله إلى أعضاء هيئتنا الموقرة على الدعوة الكريمة التي شرفوني بها بمخاطبة البرلمان األفريقي في دورته العادية الرابعة و المشاركة في تخليد الذكرى العاشرة لقيامه،وبهذه المناسبة السعيدة يطيب لي أن أتقدم إليكم بأحر التهاني متمنيا لكم المزيد من التوفيق والنجاح في مهامكم الجليلة خدمة لقارتنا األفريقية العالية،كما يطيب لي أن أعبر لكم عن تقدير القادة و الزعماء األفارقة بالدور الجل ّي الذي تنهضون به في سبيل ترسيخ قيم الديمقراطية و الحوكمة الرشيدة بقارتنا الفتّية.يها الرؤساء، السيد رئيس البرلمان، أيها السادة و السيدات، إن البرلمان األفريقي الموقّر يمتاز عن غيره من البرلمانات المحلية بتمهيده للشعوب األفريقية بتنوعها ضمن وحدة الهدف و المصير،وأنتم أيها السادة والسيدات وجه إفريقيا المشرق الذي يستعيض باآلليات اش الهادىء الحديثة والتقاليد األفريقية العريقة بالحواروالنق والعميق من ّ أجل بلورة اآلراء المناسبة التي من شأنها التوصل إلى حلول شافية للمشاكل المطروحة.إن البرلمانات اليوم تلعب دورا مهّما في اعتماد و مراقبة و توجيه السياسات العالمية،ففيها تناقش أهم القضايا و المواضيع التي تالمس مصالح الشعوب و المجتمعات وبها تتالقح اآلراء و األفكار و تتماهى أطياف المشهد السياسي بهدف واحد يرمي إلى إقامة دولة قانون و ما تتيحه من العدالة والمساواة للجميع.السيد الرئيس،أيها السادة و السيدات،تواجه قارتنا الفتّية تحّديات جسام بمجاالت شتى كاإلرهاب و الجريمة ّ المنظمة العابرة للحدود والنزاع حة،كلها مظاهر تهّدد ال ّسلم و ات المسل االستقرار و األمن في بلدان إفريقية عديدة،إن بلداننا تعاني نواقص في مجال التنمية االقتصادية واالجتماعية و الفقر والبطالة و تف ّشي األوبئة والنقص الحاد في أمننا الغذائي ال تزال تمثل لنا تحديات عصيبة،إن التصدي لهذه المجاالت ال يكون إال بتوحيد شعوبنا على مستوى القارة و من خالل مقاربة واستراتيجية شاملة تستوحي ما شهده العالم من تكتالت سياسية و اقتصادية يكون للبرلمان األفريقي دور رائد في اعتمادها و متابعة تنفيذها.السيد رئيس البرلمان،أيها السادة والسيدات،إن شعار البرلمان األفريقي الموقر "افريقيا واحدة صوت واحد" يكون مسؤولية جسيمة على عواتقنا،فهو يدعونا إلى تحقيق حلم الشعوب األفريقية بالوحدة والحرية والديمقراطية و العيش الكريم وهو مطلب مشروع يحت . ّم علينا العمل بما يمكن تحقيقه.إن االتحاد األفريقي الذي شرفني من خالل إخوتي الزعماء األفارقة بتولي رئاسته ينشط على كافة المستويات في سبيل بلورة تجسيد رؤية شاملة تمّكن من تحقيق تكامل اقتصادي إفريقي يؤسس لوحدة سياسية تحقق آمال و طموحات شعوبنا بالوصول إلى إفريقيا واحدة تتحدث بصوت واحد.إننا مطالبون بالعمل سوّيا من أجل توفير كل الوسائل التي ن للبرلمان األفريقي من النهوض بالدور المهم المنوط به على أكمل وجه،في هذا السياق سأعمل جاهدا خالل مأموريتي هذه كرئيس لالتحاد األفريقي على تطوير آليات البرلمان األفريقي و تعزيز دوره بصفته هيئة إفريقية ال غنى عنها،فإذا كان اآلباء المؤ ّسسون قد حققوا حلم التحرير فإن البرلمان األفريقي الموقرخطوطه جّبارة على طريق إشاعة الممارسات الديمقراطية لقارتنا الفتّية،فاألنظار تتجه إليكم واآلمال معلقة عليكم وبرلمانات بلداننا األفريقية تقتدي بكم والشباب األفريقي المتعطش إلى المشاركة في بناء إفريقيا واحدة بصوت واحد يتعلم منكم.عاشت إفريقيا حرة ديمقراطية مزدهرة،عاش االتحاد األفريقي،عاشالبرلمان األفريقي،أشكركم والسالم عليكم ورحمة هللا تعالى و بركاته.

REFERENCE: 1803-143338E

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much your Excellencies. I now invite the Clerk of Parliament to make some announcements.

THE CLERK:Thank you, Hon. President. Hon. Members, the President is going to give gifts on behalf of the Pan-African Parliament, starting with the Chairperson of the African Union, His Excellency, the President of Mauritania.Applause

THE CLERK:Thank you. The next gift is going to be given to His Excellency, the President of the Saharawi Republic.Applause

THE CLERK:The next gift is going to be handed over to His Excellency, the President of Uganda.Applause

THE PRESIDENT:Your Excellencies, let me now call upon the first vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament, the Hon. Roger Nkodo Dang to give a vote of thanks.

REFERENCE: 1803-143601F

HON ROGER NKODO DANG [CAMEROUN]:Excellences Messieurs les Chefs d’États,Mes chers collègues,Je voudrais répondre à une question lancinante des journalistes au sortir de cet hémicycle. Il s’agit d’une question par laquelle les journalistes souhaiteraient savoir ce que j’ai retenu des interventions des différents invités à la célébration du X^ème anniversaire du Parlement panafricain.Je dirais tout simplement que j’ai retenu que le Parlement panafricain aura des pleins pouvoirs législatifs pour l’intérêt du continent.(Applaudissements nourris)C’est ce titre que je joins ma voix à celles des Honorables députés au Parlement panafricain pour adresser la motion de soutien et de remerciements à Leurs Excellences Messieurs:Mohamed Ould ABDEL AZIZ, Président de la République Islamique de Mauritanie, Chef de l’État et Président en exercice de l’Union africaine;(Applaudissements)Yoweri MUSEVENI, Président de la République de l’Ouganda et Chef de l’État;(Applaudissements)Mohamed ABDELAZIZ, Président de la République Sahraouie Arabe Démocratique;(Applaudissements)au Gouvernement d’Afrique du Sud;Mesdames et Messieurs les Invités spéciaux venus de tous horizons, ici.La teneur du message:« Nous, députés du Parlement panafricain;Réunis à Midrand, ce jour de grâce de l’an 2014, en République d’Afrique du Sud, à l’occasion de la célébration du X^ème anniversaire du Parlement panafricain;Conscients des efforts que nos États déploient pour faire de l’Afrique, notre continent, le paradis terrestre;Conscients du fait que la paix et l’unité sont des gages d’un développement durable;Conscients de la persistance des foyers des tensions en Afrique;Conscients du fait que le Parlement panafricain avait été mis en place par la seule volonté des Chefs d’États et de Gouvernements de l’Union africaine et dont la mission assignée à cet organe a été clairement définie dans son Acte constitutif;Conscients que la célébration d’un anniversaire est l’occasion de faire un bilan et de se projeter vers l’avenir;Conscients des efforts énormes que déploie l’Afrique du Sud, pays hôte de notre Parlement, en matière de facilité, de fonctionnement, de sécurité et d’hospitalité pour les honorables députés;REMERCIONS:Leurs Excellences Les Chefs d’États, ici, présents et tous ceux qui ont effectué le déplacement de Midrand pour venir nous témoigner leur soutien multiforme,Prions Leurs Excellences Messieurs les Chefs d’États de bien vouloir accepter notre attachement à leur personne et aux Institutions qu’ils incarnent avec bonheur, pour le bien-être des peuples africains;Prions Son Excellence Monsieur Mohamed Ould ABDEL AZIZ, Président en exercice de l’Union africaine, de bien vouloir transmettre à ses pairs, Leurs Excellences les Chefs d’États et de Gouvernements de l’Union africaine, nos vœux maintes fois exprimés, ici, ce jour: celui de voir le Parlement panafricain doté des pleins pouvoirs législatifs lors du prochain Sommet de juin 2014 à Malabo (Guinée équatoriale), afin de lui permettre de jouer pleinement son rôle;Prions le Dieu Tout-Puissant de ramener chacun de nos Invités en son domicile et en bonne santé.Fait à Midrand, le 18 mars 2014.Je vous remercie ».(Applaudissements nourris)

REFERENCE: 1803-143959E

THE PRESIDENT:I now invite the Clerk of Parliament to make a few announcements.

THE CLERK:Thank you, thank you, Mr. President, Hon. Members. We would like to announce that as soon as we adjourn, the Hon. Members are to proceed straight through that door at the back where lunch would be served and the group photograph would be taken. We are requesting Hon. Members--- Suspension of business

REFERENCE: 1803-164040E

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, after a very wonderful celebration in the morning, let me welcome you to the afternoon Session. Let me specially welcome and thank the Hon. Mouazu who made it back to this Chamber through your commitment and dedication.I thank you.I would call on the Clerk to read the first Order of the Day.ORDER OF THE DAYTen Years of Existence of the Pan African Parliament: Reflections on its Role on: The Achievement of the African Union Agenda 2063

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, on your behalf, let me invite Her Excellency, Dr. Frene Ginwala, the former Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa to make her presentation.

REFERENCE: 1803-164241E

HON. DR. FRENE GINWALA [FORMER NATIONAL SPEAKER OF SOUTH AFRICA]:Thank you, Mr President. I should begin by indicating that I had been present at the 2063 Programme and so, I am not sure if I can then speak on the last 10 years of PAP. May I proceed with the 2063 programme?

THE PRESIDENT:Yes please. Thank you.

HON. DR. FRENE GINWALA:This programme is a programme that is being agreed at the last summit for the overall development and unification of the African continent from 2013 to 2063. Now, before looking at that, I thought it would be useful for us to consider briefly the long road of unity of this African Continent during which we faced very many challenges.The first formal structure of the Pan-Africanism was the Pan-African Movement from the United States. But a number of political leaders and intellectuals from Africa and the Caribbean attended that first meeting and their links and tenures were maintained and strengthened in the struggle against colonialism. It was befitting, therefore, that at the inauguration of Kwame Nkrumah as a President of Independent Ghana, many leaders of the diaspora were invited. Dr Du Bois, the President of the Pan-African Movement was unable to attend but he wrote to Kwame Nkrumah, handing over the hat or chair of the Pan-African Movement to him as representing the continent of Africa and that could then be, as he put it, come back to where they belonged.When Gertrude Mongela was elected as the Speaker, as the first President of the Pan-African Parliament, I took great pleasure in reading that letter once again to all those present. This is because it was almost intimidating to realise that the challenges before Africa which were put forward by Dr Du Bois were the challenges that we were still facing at that particular time. In other words, we had not overcome them. I took it upon myself then to transfer that hat to Gertrude to have as representing the people of the continent. Therefore, in my view, this institution represents the people of this continent and therefore, the development of progress has got to be determined by them.Parliaments are the main institutions of promoting democracy and ensuring good governance, promoting human rights on the continent. When we presented the protocol that we had drafted to the inaugural summit of the African Union, I noticed that there was not a single woman in any of the delegations led by the Heads of State and I commented in handing over that protocol, that I hope that would be corrected as the union was built. When I look around here today, I realised how much that had succeeded because of the large numbers of women and their contribution over this long period.(Applause)Now the challenge for the coming years is to ensure the implementation of 2063 which is a very large document adopted by the summit and I have to form the strategic framework for what is called inclusive gain and sustainable development. I am sorry for this confusion because I think this document needs to be looked at by all Parliamentarians in PAP. When I looked at it, I was shocked because there is no reference whatsoever in that strategic plan to the Pan-African Parliament and that is frightening in some ways, because how do you implement this plan and programme for the African Union for the next 20 years and you do not see that Parliament plays any role for that reason?I am particularly glad that this morning, Hon. Baleka Mbete made reference to the fact that PAP ought to be looking and debating the ARPM report and suggesting that a committee be set up for that purpose. But that should not be just for the APRM, but for every section of this programme. This programme is a very detailed one and it actually mentions that it has got to be participatory and consultative, it has got to listen and read and interact with the population and civil society. It refers to the stakeholders - they have relaxed the regional economic organs; the African Union organs, technical experts from academia, member states, civil society, women and youth, private sector, faith based and cultural organisations, African in the diaspora, African eminent persons, former Heads of State and Government and others through web based consultations but no mention of PAP.I do not believe myself that PAP would exclude itself. There is nothing to stop PAP from debating any and all policies, documents emanating from the African Union and particularly from the strategic plan which is described as being citizen led.So, I would request that this Parliament does not wait to be invited, but that it ensures immediately in the way it debates the subjects it discusses, the representations it makes as a voice of the African people should be heard at every stage of the development of this plan and its implementation and that what is necessary from the African Continent must come from Parliament.The plan makes many references to consultation and establishing thematic groups which could be the basis for the formation of the committees of this Parliament or whatever structures you as a Parliament determine. The important thing is to make sure that one’s views are actually heard because we can and we have this habit sometimes of setting up structures but as mere talking shops.The messages, as I have said, the objectives are specific outputs of this consultative exercise which they are proposing is to develop a strategic framework that ensures;1. 2.prioritisation, coherence and focus on achieving the vision of the African Union;3.to conduct review exercises in order to establish baseline information and develop targets and milestones to be achieved over the medium to long term period with a clear implementation plan that facilitates the roll out of the strategy;4.it requests that we develop an implementation mechanism that is under pinned by strong knowledge and management system which enhances the quality of delivery through cutting edge research, innovation and codification of ground breaking experiences;5.promote sharing of experiences and learning from each other’s community practices;6.to develop a monitoring and evaluation system that ensures the achievement and the results on the basis of clear targets, benchmarks, milestones or indicators through regular performance assessment and evaluation reports.So, what we need to do is set out here, and as I mentioned early on, the best place for that thing to be evolved is within this institution. There is a list of values and principles for developing the long term strategy but it says that this plan that has been put before us says that the strategy shall be participatory and citizen-led, involving AU organs and various other institutions including regional economic communities.The strategic partners for the development of this are the African Development Bank and the Economic Commission on Africa and they are closely associated to providing technical support in areas of their competence.I would not read this because it is a large document, but I would strongly urge that we discuss some of it here so that it actually be debated very thoroughly, Mr President by this Parliament and working out - because if it is a citizen-led movement, this Parliament has got to be leading the citizen input into this programme. It cannot be left only to governments but has to be a parliamentary process as well.To conclude, I want to refer you to an email that was sent or published and sent to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr Nkosazana Zuma, to have heard from Kwame and invariably, it was Kwame Nkrumah she is referring to. She looks at the progress that has been made and the challenges that lie ahead. It is on the AU website and I would urge you to download it and actually look at it. Perhaps from being amusing, it is also very clearly defining the sort of challenges that we will face on this continent as we move forward to a united developing programme. I think that I will end there, Mr President. I thank you very much for listening.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much, Your Excellency, Dr. Frene Ginwala, the former Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa for that presentation.

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HON. ZALIKATOU DIALLO [RÉPUBLIQUE DE GUINÉE]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Je commence mon propos par féliciter, d’abord, Madame la présentatrice qui vient de nous faire un exposé riche en enseignements. Mes félicitations vont également au Président du Parlement panafricain et au Bureau, pour les progrès accomplis depuis la naissance du PAP. Dix ans au service des peuples africains, c’est vraiment salutaire!Mais, pour les prochaines années, les défis sont immenses, surtout le passage du PAP d’un organe consultatif à un organe législatif. Pour cela, nous devons continuer à nous battre, Monsieur le Président!Se battre est, certes, une bonne chose, mais bien se battre est encore meilleure. À cet effet, je voudrais proposer à tous les membres du Parlement de continuer et surtout de faire le plaidoyer au niveau des parlements nationaux et auprès des présidents des parlements nationaux, qui sont le plus souvent issus du pouvoir en place, donc du parti au pouvoir.Par conséquent, il n’y a pas de fossé entre les présidents des parlements nationaux et les chefs d’États. Ils sont mieux indiqués pour essayer d’influencer la prise de décisions à travers une volonté politique afin d’accélérer la révision du Protocole pour que le Parlement panafricain passe, le plus vite possible, d’organe consultatif à un organe législatif avec des pleins pouvoirs et mieux répondre aux aspirations des peuples africains.Je vous remercie.

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HON. MEAR ALI SIRRO [ETHIOPIA]:شكرا السيد الرئيس،ود أن أهنىء سعادتكم و أعضاء البرلمان اآلخرين على هذه الفرصة التاريخية التي ناضل من أجلها البرلمان األفريقي لمدة عشر)01 )سنوات الماضية،و هنالك إنجازات كثيرة عملت بهذا البرلمان،و هذا ما يجب فعله لتحسين مستوى الغد،وهذا هو أهم شيء ذو أهمية قصوى.سيدي الرئيس،حينما نتحدث عن اإلنجازات فالبد من توفر االستقرار و ال ّسالم وال ّسلم،فبدونها ال يكون هنالك تطور و ال ازدهار و تقّدم نحو األمام.السيد الرئيس،نحن في القرن الواحد والعشرين )20 )ومازال البعض يقاتل اآلخر بإفريقيا باسم العرق والدين والحدود،هذه أمور خطيرة إذا لم تقف سوف تتوسع كداء السرطان،و نرى ما يحدث في إفريقيا الوسطى و في جنوب السودان و نيجيريا و الصومال و عدم االستقرار ببعض دول شمال إفريقيا و غيرها من الدول األفريقية،وهنالك أمورفي قارتنا البد من حسمها بقوة ،فالثروات تنهب بهذه القارة من قبل الغزات الطامعين و لكن األسوء حينما نقاتل بعضنا البعض.سيدي الرئيس،إذا لم يكن هنالك السالم و االستقرار لن يكون هنالك تطور و ال ازدهار،إن الموارد األفريقية سوف تذهب إلى المحرقة و ذلك القتتالنا فيما بعض،ولهذا البد لنا أن نحارب التطرف الفكري و المتطرفين بكل ما لدينا من ال ّسبل،هنالك مثل يقول: "إذا وقعت على حجر أو إذا وقع عليك حجر فأنت المتضرر" معناه ال أحد سيكسب المعركة إننا كلنا خاسرون ولهذا السبب البد لنا أن نعمل بجد لمستقبل غد أفضل للجيل القادم وشكرا سيدي الرئيس

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HON. HAIDARA AÏCHATA CISSÉ [MALI]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Bonjour chers collègues.Je dis qu’il ne peut pas avoir de paix et de sécurité en Afrique sans la solidarité des pays entre eux. Cela a été dit, ici, ce matin! Je pense aussi que les parlements ont un grand rôle à jouer dans ce sens en mettant la pression sur les gouvernements pour qu’ils s’entendent.Je voulais aussi parler l’immixtion de l’Europe ou bien de la Communauté internationale dans les conflits! Si je dois prendre le cas du Mali, je pense que la France a plus ou moins joué un rôle négatif. On a vu que les parlements, au niveau de l’Union européenne, ont fait une sortie au Parlement européen, et au lieu d’appeler, nous autres, qui sommes des parlementaires, ils ont préféré appeler les rebelles pour les reconnaître, en quelque sorte.Les parlements n’ont rien dit! C’est quelque chose qui a été quand même dit partout. On l’a mis dans la presse, on a même écrit à la CEDEAO et à l’UEMOA; je parle du Parlement de la CEDEAO et de l’UEMOA. Les parlementaires de l’Union africaine, qui étaient là aussi, ont été impliqués. Mais, je n’ai pas vu une réaction du Parlement panafricain ou des parlements dont je parle par rapport à cela. Je trouve que c’est inadmissible que des parlementaires appellent des rebelles pour parler avec eux, pour mieux comprendre ou pour les reconnaître alors que nous qui sommes parlementaires, nous sommes là, mais ils ne nous ont pas fait signe.Parlant toujours des crises dans la bande sahélosahélienne, les rebelles sont bien ravitaillés à partir de certains pays. Donc, je laisse cette question à votre méditation parce que je pense que si les pays africains collaborent, les rébellions ne peuvent pas aller loin. Les rebelles ont des soutiens des fois dans certains pays, notamment des pays africains.Quand il y a un problème, je parle de la lourdeur de nos pays, que cela soit au niveau du Parlement, des parlements ou au niveau des gouvernants. Quand il y a un problème dans un pays, c’est toujours la communauté internationale qui s’empresse à condamner et à agir avant nos pays. Je trouve que cela aussi est à corriger. Ce n’est pas du tout normal que les Européens ou les Nations-Unies interviennent avant que nos pays eux-mêmes n’interviennent dans les dossiers. Je trouve que c’est déplorable. On a eu le cas au Mali où la CEDEAO a été vraiment très active, mais je dis qu’elle a réagi après que les Européens et les Américains aient condamné ce qui s’était passé au Mali.Je voudrais conclure en disant que nous, parlementaires, nous avons un rôle très important à jouer. Je profite de l’occasion pour féliciter le Parlement panafricain pour ce que ses membres ont fait. On les attendait au mois de septembre et j’ai été personnellement beaucoup impliquée dans le dossier du conflit du Mali. On avait fait des documents et on les attendait pour le mois de septembre [Microphone éteint]. Au niveau purement du Parlement, mais la mission a été annulée. On n’a jamais su pourquoi, alors que c’était très important pour nous que cette mission ait lieu. En tout cas, c’est ce que les parlementaires panafricains maliens, qui étaient là, nous avaient dit: que vous aviez une mission au mois de septembre au Mali. On vous attendait pour nous appuyer par rapport à la situation qu’on vivait.Pour conclure, on doit être solidaire et nous parlementaires, nous devons prendre nos responsabilités par rapport à ce qui se passe dans nos pays, parce que beaucoup de choses qui se passent chez nous, sont commanditées de l’extérieur. Pour le cas du Mali, je dirais que la France n’a pas tout à fait joué un rôle positif. Il est vrai que la France nous a aidés pour nous libérer mais, avant, pourquoi avons-nous eu ce problème? C’est bien parce que la France a fait ce qu’elle a eu à faire en Libye, qu’on a eu ce problème.Donc, c’est pratiquement une reconnaissance!Ils sont arrivés avec l’opération Serval. Ils ont libéré Kidal; ils ont libérés Gao; pardon excusez-moi, ils ont libérés [Microphone éteint].Arrivés aux portes de Kidal, ils nous disent que les Maliens eux-mêmes doivent libérer Kidal. Donc, il y a un grand point d’interrogation; pourquoi ont-ils libéré Gao et Tombouctou et pas Kidal?Pour nous, il y a une complicité avec le Mouvement National de Libération de l’Azawad (MNLA).Je voulais partager cette expérience avec vous. On doit rester solidaire et puis on doit rester vigilant.Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements)

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HON. DELWA KASSIRÉ COUMAKOYE NOURADINE [TCHAD]:Merci Monsieur le Président.J’ai devant moi une fiche intitulée: « Présentation et débats sur les dix ans d’existence du Parlement panafricain: Réflexion sur son rôle ». Je n’ai pas compris le débat de ce matin. J’ai été désagréablement surpris par nos illustres intervenants qui ont eu de l’expérience, qui ont développé beaucoup d’idées, mais personne n’a parlé de la démocratie!Sans développer et renforcer le concept démocratique, Monsieur le Président, excusez-moi, nous n’arriverons jamais à avoir un parlement ayant un pouvoir législatif. Autrement dit, ces chefs d’États, à venir ou au passé, ont une conception du pouvoir à sens unique. Aujourd’hui, ceux qui sont en activité, tout en trompant la vigilance de l’opinion internationale, nous ont ramenés au système de parti unique qui ne dit pas son nom. C’est cela la triste réalité! Nous sommes revenus au parti dominant; ceux qui sont là ne veulent plus laisser la place, mais on ne peut pas tromper notre vigilance en remettant en cause nos maîtres européens d’hier!Je suis très inquiet pour l’avenir de l’Afrique. Je l’ai dit la fois dernière, les gouvernants coloniaux nous maltraitaient mais ils nous accordaient plus de respect que nos chefs d’États qui nous gouvernent et qui nous ont gouvernés, parce qu’ils considèrent ce pouvoir comme le leur; d’aucuns pensent même que c’est Dieu qui le leur a donné. Alors sur cette base, je n’ai pas d’espoir!En les écoutant ce matin, je n’ai pas d’espoir! Nous avons applaudi, mais j’ai applaudi par négation, parce que ce n’est pas cela qu’on attendait! Aucun d’entre eux n’a parlé de la démocratie pour l’avenir! Aucun!(Applaudissements)C’est quand même grave! Or, la lutte que nous menons, c’est pour la démocratie! Est-ce que ce sont ceux qui ont créé la démocratie qui doivent nous la ramener? Cela suppose qu’il faut renvoyer ceux qui sont en place, qui sont contre la démocratie, pour encourager ceux qui veulent le développement de la démocratie! Nous revenons à la case départ!Je souhaiterais que les Africains voient l’avenir autrement.Ce matin, j’étais gêné parce que la plupart de ceux qui étaient intervenus, ce sont ceux qui sont arrivés au pouvoir par les armes! Et comme beaucoup sont arrivés par les armes, les chefs d’États démocratiquement élus sont rares sur notre continent.Je me répète, je ne sais pas ce que sera l’avenir! Ceux qui sont au pouvoir aujourd’hui, et qui ne veulent pas le quitter, comment peuvent-ils promouvoir la démocratie? Je ne crois pas! Je suis pessimiste et je vous l’avais dit, la fois dernière; je ne crois pas au changement. Autrement dit, les peuples eux-mêmes choisiront leur manière d’arriver au pouvoir et on ne sera pas surpris demain des chamboulements de tous les régimes africains.(Applaudissements)Peut-être l’Afrique du Sud, puisqu’ils seront arrivés massivement, mais en dehors de l’Afrique du Sud, je ne vois pas de volonté démocratique. Je suis très inquiet et mon inquiétude s’est confirmée ce matin.Alors, adieu la démocratie et battons-nous pour la restaurer.Merci Monsieur le Président.(Applaudissements)

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HON. ABDISAMAD MOHAMUD HASSAN [SOMALIA]:Thank you, Hon. President. I would also like to congratulate you and your Bureau for the achievement of the Pan African Parliament (PAP). The biggest challenge that Africa has is peace and security. From the report from the Chairperson of the African Union (AU), peace and security comes up today, showing that today there is progress for the security of some countries, particularly Somalia. I would like to appreciate many African countries for contributing soldiers to come to Somalia. I would also like to thank President Museveni, who was the first one who sent soldiers to Somalia and has the largest number of troops in Somalia.Hon. President, I believe sending soldiers is not the only solution; the solution is to train the local security forces. This is important. I believe a few countries in Africa have the capacity to train security forces. It is important that instead of sending soldiers, we should create for each country their own security in order to control their countriesHon. President, it is common in our continent to have problems with security. If you do not have security, then you cannot challenge the biggest obstacle that we have. I also appreciate the report of other African countries such as Mali and other countries which shows that there is progress for their security. I would also like to thank you, Hon. President, for leading the PAP to the 10^th Anniversary.Thank you very much, Hon. President.

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HON. DR. BERNADETTE LAHAI [SIERRA LEONE]:Thank you very much Mr. President. Let me start by thanking you this morning for the one minute silence observed for the repose of the soul of our former President who passed away a few days ago.We the Members of this Parliament and the people of Sierra Leone are grateful for that gesture and we shall report accordingly when we go back to our country. Let me also take this opportunity to congratulate you and all the Members of the Pan African Parliament, those who have been here before us and those who are here presently, for having worked this long ten years to where we are here today.This morning when the first President of the Pan African Parliament was making her presentation, she did narrate to us the difficulties in establishing this institution, but at the same time, she also narrated to us that despite thoseDifficulties, this Parliament has made a lot of achievements, indeed very laudable ones, despite the fact that we still remain an advisory body.I want to thank all of us, we have travelled this long road, and I am sure we are beginning the second leg of this long road and while encouraging ourselves for what we have done, we must garner new zeal and spirit to move on because the work ahead for us is very big and challenging.We are celebrating ten years at the same time that the African Union is also matching the second 50th leg of its existence. I want to thank the presenter this afternoon for taking us through the strategic programme. I am not discouraged that the Pan African Parliament is not mentioned. You would make yourself relevant if you want to be. The document is there, we can take it, we can read it, we can discuss and debate it, and we can carve our own image so that we can also contribute to this 50^th year journey.Mr. President, Hon. Members, let me just end by saying that we are at cross roads in Africa. Our major challenge has to do with infrastructure, energy, road, transport and ICT. These are very important, and without which we cannot forge ahead. Whatever we can do in the next ten years to ensure that we also contribute to the debate in the infrastructural sector of this African continent, it will be good.Mr. President, I once more thank all of us for being here and I wish us the next ten years of hard work and unity in Africa and in this Parliament.I thank you very much.

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HON. ALEX CHERSIA GRANT [LIBERIA]:Thank you Mr. President.Mr. President, all Vice Presidents, distinguished Colleagues; I want to start by commending our leaders for the progress we have made so far and I want to give a quick retrospection and introspection of our activities; to suggest which fiber we can start the new decade for the Pan African Parliament with.Mr. President, as you can see today on continent of Africa; PAP is gradually becoming known among the people and among our leaders. However, much more needs to be done. Today, we can boast of former PAP Members assuming greater positions on the continent. We come to Parliament and celebrate them but again, when we look through all the reports, particularly for me, we have not really seen what has been their return to PAP.We are still fighting for legislative powers. We have PAP Members who I can say graduated from this Chamber but we do not see their input into making the progress we desire to get in this legislative powers.We have PAP Members who have left this place and become ministers but Mr. President, I am yet to see what would be their contribution to PAP on the issue of how PAP should become a legislative body as soon as possible. Some of our Members leave here and we come and celebrate them for their committees. Today, some of those committees become dormant. If you are minister; what is your contribution to PAP? Can we start thinking? Can we start thinking of how we can move a step beyond? We are beginning another ten years so it is important. Even for us here at PAP; from our various National Assemblies; what is our input? What do we tell our leaders and Speakers or our Presidents when we leave here? When we come back and we read over and over that the AU instruments at national levels are not being passed, who is supposed to push that these things be passed? It is us, the Members of the Pan African Parliament; but most of us when we leave as the guests of Ghallaghar; we forget that we have some outstanding things to do at home. It is important that we take a different dimension.If PAP should continue successfully in the next decade; we the Members here; let us reduce our lack of local capacity. When we go back to our various countries and because there is no data that we came here, our delegation from our local parliaments tell us that this is the step we have taken to ensure that the instruments are passed. This is the stance we are taking to advocate with our Executive. But if you go to the conference, please ensure that the signature or passage of our legislative instruments become a reality. We do not come here to hear reports from the Bureau. What the Bureau is doing its work but what are we doing ourselves to ensure that the passage of this AU instrument?Mr. President, I still find it difficult because in our regional caucuses, when we come here; in our permanent committee discussions we do not put the agenda on the speedy passage or speed up advocacy for the passage of our legislation.. Devolution of power is not a joke; so we should be serious at our local and national levels to ensure that we advocate with our Presidents and our other leaders so that PAP can move beyond this step because the hope of Africa lies within PAP.Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I want to thank you very much. God Bless all of us. God bless you.

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HON. AWAD HAG ALI AHMED [SUDAN]:شكرا السيد الرئيس،أوال أريد أن أهنئك وأهنئ مكتبك بالترتيب الممتاز لهذا االحتفال وخاصة في مثل هذا اليوم الذي تفاعلت معه كثيرا بتلك الكلمات القوية التي سمعناها من المتحدثين في تقديرهم للدور الذي قام به هذا البرلمان،وأملهم في أن يقوم بأدوار أخرى مهمة في المستقبل.كذلك انفعلت بالكلمات القوية التي سمعناها من القادة والرؤساء ودعمهم الكامل إلى إفريقانية واستقالل القرار واالعتماد على الذات والتح ّرر من االستعمار والوصايا.السيد الرئيس،في الفترة الماضية كما أكد المتحدثون صباح اليوم هنالك تح ّسن كبير في سير االنتخابات في إفريقيا بسبب دور هذا البرلمان في المراقبة،وكذلك هنالك تح ّسن في الحوكمة الرشيدة بالطريق المستمر حتى أصبح كل الرؤساء يتحّدثون عن الحوكمة الرشيدة،وحتى إذا رجعنا إلى ما قاله ّف إفريقيا هو موضوع الحوكمة،إذن اليوم موسفيني أن أهم أسباب تخل هنالك إعتراف بالمشكلة و حل المشكلة يبدأ باإلعتراف بها.امت لجان تق ّصي الحقائق بدور مهّم جّدا في تعريفنا بالمشكلة حتى نضع لها الحلول.السيد الرئيس،لقد الحظت خالل وجودي في هذا البرلمان خالل السنوات الماضية أنه ال يوجد خالف بين األفارقة على المبادئ األساسية،هذا في حد ذاته يؤكد أننا لنا وحدة أيديولوجية بين كل األفارقة،إن كان هنالك بعض الخالف في النماذج الديمقراطية أّيهم أفضل إلفريقيا هل نموذج )وسمنيستر( أم نموذج )الحزب الغالب( كما هو في اليابان أم نموذج )الحزب الواحد( كما هو في الصين؟ ولذلك أرى أن ندير في المستقبل حوارا فكريا عميقا بخصوص هذا األمر،ألننا لنا تجارب مثال:تجربة )السمنيستا( في كينيا أظن أنها من التجارب الخطرة جدا،ومن المشاكل التي حدثت بسبب الحزبين المتنافسين المتناحرين،وكذلك الحزب الغالب ربما يضعف المعارضة والمراقبة،ولذلك نحن نحتاج أن نتحاور في هذا األمر ال سيما أنه لدينا علماء كبار مثل عمر أبو نور الدين حتى نصل إلى النموذج األفضل إلفريقيا وليس بالضرورة أن نتبع نفس النموذج الموجود في الدول األخرى.السيد الرئيس،نحن محتاجون لمتابعة لتنفيذ قرارات هذا المجلس وتوجيهاته للبرلمانات الوطنية كما اقت (N.R.P )في ُرح صباح اليوم أن تكون هنالك لجنة لل لجنة النظراء.كذلك نحتاج للجنة لمتابعة تنفيذ ما نتخذه من قرارات في البرلمانات الوطنية،وذلك عبر ممثل أو مندوب لكل وفد يكون مسؤوال عن هذه المتابعة حتى يكون عملنا أكثر دقة وأكثر متابعة.أكرر تقديري وشكري وتهنئتي لكم متمنيا المزيد من التقدم واالزدهار لصالح إفريقيا الحرة المتطورة إن شاء هللا.وشكرا جزيال.

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HON. GABRIEL SMITH [LIBERIA]:Mr. President, Hon. Amadi; distinguished parliamentarians, I am glad that we have achieved 10 years of the birth of this institution. We are glad for the level and quality of achievements that we have made thus far. Considering the history of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) as stated here this morning by Dr. Mongela, our first President and finally where we are, I am convinced by will and reason that we have made strides.However, Mr. President, the distance we have travelled is too short. It seems to me that we are moving at a very slow pace of gravitating and if we continue at the pace that we are moving, I am afraid that with less than ten years to celebrate observatory authority. The PAP has the authority to observe electoral missions and make recommendations. That is what we are going to be left with.In the words of Martin Luther King Jnr., he says "power and seat is nothing without the man."Mr. President and my fellow Colleagues, it is about time that the PAP takes a radical approach in ensuring that we get what we deserve. What do I mean? The powers that we have or our legislative authority is subject of universal suffrage. Whether we agree that it makes sense to some extent, I would beg to differ greatly. As per the materials, we are elected on the basis of constituency, and the constituency is defined in the context of the electoral districts we are elected in. The constituency of the President is defined by the borders of the country. So, their constituency is the country and our constituency is our respective electoral districts and, more, besides having been elected from our respective constituencies, we converge into Parliament and amongst equals, we are again elected by them to come here and represent them. What more do they want? What mode of electoral process would they want us to be subjected to before this Parliament can be given its full authority of work; exercising oversight and legislative authority? It seems to me that our people are not just serious; we are still slumbering and we need to give them the level of awakening that they deserve. How do we do that? We would have to muster the courage as parliamentarians to work within our individual local Parliaments; that if the African Union (AU) is not serious enough to give the PAP the space it deserves to introduce those legislation that will enhance the integration and bring the economic and social integration of Africa, the qualities of law that will ensure that the voices of the people are heard on the Continent as envisaged by theFounding Fathers of the Organization of the African Union (OAU). Countries from the OAU, I wish I was proud to say that our President, Dr. William Tubman, was one of the dreamers. But the fact that the first meeting to bring the OAU into being was held in Liberia in the City of Sanniquellie. These were visionaries! But the top part of the direction was to bring their vision into being. And, so, their vision was that, in turn, we would have economic and social integration, and then we would move towards political integration. But seven decades have gone since the death; we might not be able to achieve economic integration because of the pace at which we are moving.So, Mr. President and my fellow Colleagues, I would like to submit that if the PAP in this decade that begins today - the next ten years we are moving in - if we are to make stride and changes on the continent of Africa to take our people out of the state of degradation, abject poverty, dehumanization, deprivation and all the ills that affect our citizens and which they are subjected to by our own very leaders, we must stand up to them. We have slept for far too long and it is time that we rose up to the situation of the day; to make sure that this Parliament can begin to enact laws; that we have a bearing of our local legislation. We are not saying now that the PAP must assume the role of local legislatures. No, that is not what we are saying; but we can develop model laws within which local statutes can be developed, that would compel those people who are resistant to change to realize that the people of Africa, speaking through the PAP, are ready for a change in Africa; a change that will ensure that we harness our resources.One thing that I would like to suggest as I close, Mr. President, is that each of us has a country within the broader politics, and have got a comparative advantage, as we heard the elder statesman and our President from Uganda say that this morning; that African is one of the continents that has comparative advantage when it comes to energy in terms of electricity. Why have we, as Africans, decided to stay low? We identified two or three countries in Africa that have that advantage and we can export our resources to those of us who may not have the productive capacity to industrialize now. We should sell our resources to our African brothers so that they can set up the manufacturing industries. One, there are no borders to an African country; when I can leave from Liberia and work in South Africa without any hindrance; and you can leave for Nigeria, land there and work; a man can leave from Somalia to go to Egypt and work without any hindrance! If we can move freely in our own borders, we would be achieving both economic integration and social integration on our continent, and that would serve as the basis for the political integration that African seeks to truly define her power.I thank you.(Applause)

REFERENCE: 1803-173633E

HON. PROF GEOFFREY LUNGWANGWA [ZAMBIA]:Thank you very much, Mr. President. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts on Agenda 2063.Mr. President, the experiences of the last 50 years on our continent indicate that the great majority of our people are living on the fringes or the periphery of the development process. The development programmes that our countries have been embarking upon have eluded the majority of our people.Mr. President, many of our people in the villages, in the poor urban slums, the vulnerable women, youth and children look at development as a pipe dream. They are at the end of what could have served them better to improving their livesMr. President, in order for Agenda 2063 to have an impact on the greater majority of our people, there is need for a paradigm shift. The predominance of the development model which, to a larger extent is unicentric, has not been in the interest of our people. This is exactly what President Museveni described as an ideological disorientation on the part of the leadership in Africa.Mr. President, for Agenda 2063 to have any meaningful impact on our people, there is need to shift our thinking to a transformatory paradigm; a paradigm of transformation, and this is the paradigm in which the great majority of our people should be able feel the development process; they should be able to observe the development taking place in their lives; they should be able to measure the development programmes that are impacting on their lives. For example, what transformation is there in the lives of our people when boreholes or clean water is provided; when health centres and schools are within reach; when subsidized agricultural inputs are taking place; when feeder roads are being constructed in the rural areas? What observable change in the lives of the people can be measured or seen? When this is done, then we have a more meaningful approach to development process that would impact on the great majority of our people. If the transformative paradigm is adopted in our thinking, PAP would have a greater role to play because it is a paradigm that is rooted in the lives of the great majority of our people in the villages and in the poor urban slums. This is the challenge of PAP as we look up to 2063.Mr. President, I thank you for the opportunity.

REFERENCE: 1803-174039E

HON. DIKGANG PHILLIP MAKGALEMELE [BOTSWANA]:Thank you Mr President. I want to start by congratulating you and the rest of the Bureau, as well as our staff for having arranged this10^thAnniversary Celebrations. You deserve to be congratulated. The fact that we had three Heads of State with us this morning and the other three having sent special representatives, we really could not have asked for more.Mr President, I also want to submit that celebrating PAP’s 10 years would not be complete if we only celebrate it here in Johannesburg. I therefore, want to propose to my fellow Colleagues that we should go back to our respective countries and continue with the celebrations. The celebrations that I am talking about do not necessarily have to be that expensive. For example, we can ask for a slot in our individual Parliaments, where a day is dedicated to sharing with fellow Parliamentarians the history of PAP and getting them to debate on PAP. That would give us more mileage and get the information to our people.Mr. President, in the context of Botswana and specifically to my constituency, I can assure you that I have already decided that I am going to hold what we call in Botswana a ‘khotshwa’ meeting which is a community meeting where we would also invite Hon. Hoya and Hon. Mabiletsa to come and also share part of this good story.Mr President, listening to you this morning as well as the rest of the other leaders of our continent, it became clear that we have set, for ourselves, very high standards. When you set such standards, it is very important that we should maintain them or even perform better. Therefore, as we move forward and start the journey of the next 10 years, we must really make sure that the next 10 years are even more successful than the first. Part of what I want us to seriously consider doing, as you know, Committees of our Parliament are really the back bone of our work there in our Parliament, and therefore, the issue of permanent Committees must be resolved just like yesterday. We need permanent Committee secretaries in order to really push the agenda of PAP forward over the next 10 years. I therefore, wish to humbly request to you, because I know that you are a listening President, together with your Bureau, I am confident that a decision will be taken on this issue of permanent committee secretaries.Mr President, part of our achievements as PAP over the last 10 years will not be complete, if we also do not come up with some form of documentation in terms of some of the important proposals which were presented in this Parliament by Hon. Members of Parliament and the experts that we had invited at different times so that we can also reflect on what they say and to see what has been presented and what we are able to implement. For example, a proposal was made this morning that we should have the APRM reports presented to our Parliaments. I know that we have interacted with Africans in the Diaspora and so, these are some of the building blocks which we should take into consideration as we move forward.Mr President, finally, President Museveni, I am not sure whether he read this when he gave his presentation early on. But in his speech, he is proposing that we should move towards one language for Africa. I think that is something we should take seriously because part of our responsibilities as Members of Parliament is the representative function. We can use that representative component or tool of our work to interact with our communities to agree on one common language for Africa.Mr President, I wish you and the Bureau and the rest of the PAP family all the best, as we start the journey for the next 10 years. I trust that God will guide and bless us. I thank you, Mr President.

REFERENCE: 1803-174545A

HON. SAID BRAHIM SAID [SAHARAWI REPUBLIC]بسم هللا الرحمان الرحيمشكرا سيدي الرئيس،بدوري أشكر مكتب البرلمان وأشكركم شخصيا وأهنئ البرلمان اإلفريقي بمناسبة نجاح احتفاليته بالذكرى العاشرة.السيد الرئيس،من خالل التقييم الذي استمعنا له في مداخالت اليوم أو مداخالت األيام ال ّسابقة من هذه الدورة،يبدو أن هنالك إجماع بأ ّن البرلمان اإلفريقي قّدم الكثير والكثير ونجح خالل السنوات العشر الماضية،والك ّل مجمع على أنه وصل مرحلة النضج أي المرحلة التي يمكنه االنتقال فيها من هيئة إستشارية إلى هيئة تشريعية تتمتع بكافة الصالحيات التشريعية والرقابية.إذن هذه هي الخالصة التي وقفنا عندها خالل التقييم،والقناعة التي حدثت لنا جميعا خالل هذه الجلسات التقييمية،ولكن السؤال مطروح:استمعنا اليوم إلى مداخالت القادة األفارقة وهم كذلك لديهم نفس القناعة بضرورة اإلسراع والتعجيل في تحويل البرلمان اإلفريقي من هيئة إستشارية إلى هيئة تشريعية تتولى كافة مهامها في الرقابة والتشريع،ولكن السؤال:هل كل القادة األفارقة لديهم نفس القناعة ونفس االستنتاج بضرورة تمكين البرلمان من صالحياته؟ هذا ما أخشاه - وكما قال الزميل من ليبريا- أن هنالك بعض القادة الذين ليست لهم قناعة،ومن ثم هنالك عمليات تسويف وترّيث ال ندري إلى متى ستتواصل ؟ الشئ الذي يفرض علينا كبرلمانيين وضع خطة واضحة ووضع تاريخ آجال معّينة من أجل أن يتحّول البرلمان اإلفريقي وأن يتمّكن من أداء دوره التشريعي،هذه هي النقطة األولى.النقطة الثانية:الصحافة تلعب دورا هاما في إفريقيا ولكن أرى أنها لم تقم بما فيه الكفاية في التعريف بالبرلمان اإلفريقي كمؤسسة والتعريف بالقضايا اإلفريقية لدى الدول،إذن هنالك نقص في عمل الصحافة اإلفريقية تجاه التعريف بقضايا القارة والتعريف بمؤسسة البرلمان خاصةوشكرا.

REFERENCE: 1803-174920F

HON. ASSOUMANA MALAM ISSA [NIGER]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Monsieur le Président,Comme la plupart de ceux qui m’ont précédé, je pense que vous méritez, vous et le Bureau, qu’on vous félicite parce que cette session extraordinaire a vraiment eu des résultats. Je crois que ce sont des actions comme cela qu’il faut mener. Si nous voulons que le Parlement ait un pouvoir législatif plein, il faudrait qu’on multiplie des actions concrètes.Si aujourd’hui, trois Chefs d’État et trois ou quatre Présidents d’Assemblées ainsi que beaucoup d’autres personnalités sont dans cette salle, c’est parce que des actions ont été menées; c’est parce que ces personnalités ont commencé à croire au Parlement panafricain.Pour cela, Monsieur le Président, je dis qu’il ne faut pas que nous fassions des fixations sur les pouvoirs législatifs pleins. C’est un objectif noble, certes, mais il faut que nous commencions à agir; que nous continuions à agir; que nous commencions à mener des actions concrètes. L’Union africaine a déjà la preuve que nous pouvons faire quelque chose.En 2011, le plaidoyer que nous avions mené sur la Charte africaine de la démocratie, des élections et de la gouvernance a apporté ses fruits et cela a amené les États membres à signer et à ratifier la Charte qui a été mise en œuvre en février 2012. Ce sont ce genre d’actions que nous devons mener pour montrer qu’effectivement, au cas où on nous donne le pouvoir législatif plein, nous serons en mesure de faire plus.Pour cela, j’ai un certain nombre de propositions, Monsieur le Président:La première proposition, c’est de faire ce que nous avons fait pour la Charte africaine de la démocratie, des élections et de la gouvernance, par rapport aux autres Chartes, à savoir la Charte sur la lutte contre la corruption, les transports maritimes. Il faudrait que nous menions des actions de plaidoyer sur notre propre initiative auprès des Chefs d’États pour que, non seulement, ces Chartes qui ne sont pas ratifiées le soient, mais aussi pour que nous fassions un état des lieux sur les Chartes qui sont ratifiées et qui ne sont pas mises en œuvre; que nous proposions des actions concrètes pour que ces Chartes soient toujours mises en œuvre.Quel est, en fait, le problème? Nous avons de belles Chartes qui sont souvent ratifiées, mais qui ne sont pas mises en œuvre. Que peut faire le Parlement panafricain pour qu’on puisse avoir au moins un début dans certains cas de mise en œuvre de ces Chartes? C’est à nous de réfléchir et de proposer des actions dans ce sens. L’Union africaine nous respectera!Deuxième proposition, Monsieur le Président,Le Président Phillip [DIKGANG] a fait la proposition et je me rappelle très bien que j’ai eu à faire la proposition dans cette salle. J’ai même eu à donner une date pour dire qu’au cours de cette date - je me rappelle très bien que c’est la date du 13 ou 14 janvier 2014 - dans chaque État membre du Parlement panafricain, qu’on fasse une journée du PAP pour qu’il y ait plus de visibilité pour le PAP et pour que les personnes et les Chefs d’États, les hommes politiques sachent ce que c’est que le PAP. Aujourd’hui, si ceux qui sont au pouvoir [Temps de parole épuisé].Généralement, je m’assois quand mon temps est terminé. Pouvez-vous me permettre? [Microphone éteint].Allow me, please one or two minutes for extra-time, Mr. President!Ok!Si aujourd’hui, ceux qui sont Chefs d’États ou Premiers ministres ne sont pas bien sensibilisés, mais sensibilisons ceux qui pourront être demain Premiers ministres ou Présidents pour que rapidement, dans un délai très proche, qu’on puisse avoir des personnalités qui croiront au PAP et qui vont donc être sensibilisés.Pour cela, Monsieur le Président, cela ne coûte rien au PAP; organisons le 23 mai, journée anniversaire de la création de l’OUA, comme la journée du PAP dans tous les États, sous la supervision des Présidents des Caucus régionaux.Dernière proposition, enfin, Monsieur le Président, il faut que nous fassions un deuxième atelier, parce que nous avons déjà fait un premier - je crois sur l’agenda 2063. Que nous menions notre réflexion au niveau du PAP: quelle peut être la contribution du Parlement panafricain dans la finalisation et la mise en œuvre de l’Agenda 2063? Que nous anticipions en termes d’actions sur ce que nous pouvons prendre comme part dans le déroulement de cet Agenda 2063.Pour cela, Monsieur le Président, je vous demande de proposer, au cours du Sommet de Malabo, qu’un délai de six (6) mois soit accordé à chaque État africain, partie prenante de l’Agenda 2063, pour qu’il propose un Agenda de mise en œuvre et de domestication de l’Agenda. Il ne sert à rien qu’on dise que c’est l’Agenda de l’Union africaine et que chaque État se couve dans son petit territoire, sans réfléchir pour domestiquer ce qui est contenu comme stratégies et comme objectifs dans l’Agenda 2063.Si vous faites cela, Monsieur le Président, le Parlement panafricain aura gagné en crédibilité.Je vous remercie.(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1803-175416F

HON. HUGUES ALEXANDRE BARRO CHAMBRIER [GABON]:Merci beaucoup, Monsieur le Président.Je voudrais, comme mes prédécesseurs, vous féliciter pour avoir organisé, notamment la journée d’aujourd’hui. Je n’ai jamais douté de votre leadership et je reconnais que vous me donnez vraiment le sentiment que, plus on avance, plus vous êtes à même de pouvoir nous faire avancer.Malheureusement, je déplore le fait que les Présidents du Parlement africain n’ont qu’un seul mandat. Je l’ai déjà dit, il faudrait deux mandats au maximum ou au minimum, pour permettre d’avancer les choses.Je ne le dis pas pour vous, Monsieur le Président, je le dis de manière générale, parce que d’ici 2063, nous aurons une vingtaine de présidents du PAP. Je me demande dans quelle mesure nous pourrons suivre les plans stratégiques d’ici 2063. Nous aurons également sept ou huit présidents de la Commission de l’Union africaine. Tout cela pour vous dire que personnellement, je préférerais qu’on ait un horizon stratégique plus proche et plus réaliste. Mais c’est vrai, il faut faire rêver les gens.Je ne puis m’empêcher de féliciter Madame GINWALA, ancienne Présidente de l’Assemblée nationale de l’Afrique du Sud, parce que cette dame est une fierté pour nous. C’est une génération qui s’est battue pour lutter contre l’apartheid et accéder à l’indépendance. Je pense qu’elle mérite vraiment toutes nos félicitations.(Applaudissements)Il appartient à notre génération de prendre le relais et d’être en mesure de nous battre, parce qu’ils ont mis cette institution sur les fonds baptismaux et elle sera ce que nous serons capables de faire. Je crois qu’ils ont fait leur part, et c’est à nous de prendre le relais.Dix ans, c’est beaucoup et c’est peu, mais quand j’écoute Madame MONGELLA, je pense qu’il y a eu quand même des progrès. Il ne faudrait pas qu’étant obnubilés par notre [Microphone éteint] des pouvoirs réels.Permettez-moi, Monsieur le Président, comme il manque beaucoup de collègues qui sont certainement épuisés, nous avons un peu plus de temps - c’est l’avantage.Il faudrait qu’on relativise. Il y a quand même des progrès dans la sensibilisation et sur certaines valeurs, sur certains principes qui doivent être ceux de la gouvernance et de la démocratie. Il est vrai que nous ne maîtrisons pas suffisamment tous les résultats, mais je crois que c’est une bonne chose.Je pense que lorsque nous avons des politiciens, des leaders de très haut vol comme le Président MUSEVENI, qui nous disent des choses intéressantes, il serait peut-être plus utile d’organiser des débats et de nous permettre de les amener à leurs retranchements! Lorsqu’il nous dit: « Le plus fort mange le plus faible », bien sûr, mais c’est également valable pour nous, Parlement, par rapport à eux qui ont ce pouvoir de nous donner les pouvoirs réels que nous réclamons. Là encore, il faudrait être vigilant pour ne pas se nourrir d’illusions, parce que le Président actuel de l’Union africaine nous fait des promesses, mais vous savez que les promesses n’engagent que ceux qui y croient et que malheureusement, ils sont là pour un an et après c’est le relais.C’est que je voudrais, à la suite de mon collègue ASSOUMANA, je crois que nous devons faire des choses concrètes. Sur l’intégration régionale, par exemple, Honorable Président, nous avons des choses que nous pouvons pousser pour la libre circulation des personnes et des biens. Je suis toujours embarrassé quand je vais dans un pays, que je présente mon laissezpasser et qu’on me demande: « Où est votre passeport national? ». Cela veut dire que là encore, nous avons des choses à faire.Sur l’énergie, on a parlé du potentiel. Nous devons pouvoir surveiller - et cela fait partie aussi de l’intégration régionale - des choses que nous pourrions pousser pour améliorer les lois et règlements dans les pays qui constituent de bons exemples et qui sont en avance dans ce domaine.Je crois que nous avons du travail! Mais pour cela, vous avez besoin d’une administration solide, Monsieur le Président, parce que je crois en votre leadership. Cependant, je pense que vous avez des marges pour faire en sorte que nous ayons une administration encore plus forte, en [Microphone éteint] aux éléments qui font effectivement du très bon travail, mais là où nous devons recruter, là où il faut changer, là où il y a des faiblesses, je crois qu’il ne faut pas hésiter, Monsieur le Président, à avancer.Enfin, sur l’Union africaine et le PAP, c’est la même chose. Nous devons faire en sorte que le PAP ne soit pas à la remorque de l’Union africaine et que le PAP puisse s’affirmer. Mais c’est une compétition et là encore, c’est le plus fort qui mange le plus faible.Merci Monsieur le Président pour votre indulgence.

REFERENCE: 1803-180127F

HON. JEAN MINANI [BURUNDI]:Merci Monsieur le Président.C’est à mon tour de vous féliciter et de féliciter le Bureau pour l’organisation de cette fête, parce que ça a été vraiment une fête.Aujourd’hui, c’est la première fois que j’ai bien mangé au PAP. Je vous assure c’était bien mieux préparé que les autres jours!(Rires de la salle)On avance!(Applaudissements)J’ai retenu quelque chose, Monsieur le Président, par rapport à l’histoire que le Président MUSEVENI nous a racontée, à savoir que « nous ne sommes pas comme les loups et les agneaux vivant ensemble en paix et en parfait amour, mais que nous sommes sur terre; les loups mangent les agneaux, le petit se fait manger s’il ne lutte pas ».C’est ainsi que je qualifie notre rapport avec la Commission de l’Union africaine. Si nous devons attendre que la Commission de l’Union africaine remorque le PAP, jamais nous n’aurons ce que nous cherchons, c’est-à-dire des pouvoirs législatifs.Je pense qu’en tant que Parlement, si nous n’avons pas réellement des pouvoirs législatifs et une autonomie, nous n’avons pas des raisons d’exister. Nous sommes là pour utiliser le peu de moyens dont disposent nos pays et dont dispose également notre Union.Franchement, il est très dommage que nous venions ici, que nous parlions, que nous faisions des motions, que nous partions et que rien ne soit suivi de ce que nous avons fait. Mais, il est aussi de notre faute, à mon avis, car je ne suis pas sûr que nous-mêmes, parlementaires, allions avoir ce pouvoir.Je suis étonné de voir les gens qui sont ici, des parlementaires très influents dans leurs pays, souventtrès proches de leurs gouvernements, dans leurs partis politiques - si je prends par exemple l’Honorable KANTENGWA - elle peut facilement parler à son Président. Si Chief CHARUMBIRA veut parler à son Président, il le fera facilement. Si mon ami d’à côté le souhaite, il peut parler à son Président, très facilement. Et beaucoup d’autres, je vais parler de cette dame-là [Microphone éteint] très influents chez eux. Donc, si chacun de nous prenait cela en cœur, il pourrait très facilement influencer les décideurs pour qu’ils décident rapidement.Est-ce que c’est la faute des Présidents qui décident ou c’est de notre faute, nous qui ne leur en parlons pas au moment de leurs réunions? Même si c’est de leur faute, pourquoi avoir créé et mis en place ce Parlement?Monsieur le Président,Si nous faisons une offensive diplomatique à partir d’aujourd’hui jusqu’au mois de juin, je suis persuadé que les décideurs vont finalement décider parce que nous démontrons de plus en plus que le PAP est devenu une nécessité.Ma deuxième intervention serait sur la démocratie et la bonne gouvernance.Monsieur le Président,Aujourd’hui, on s’aperçoit que certains Présidents modifient la constitution de leurs pays pour se faire un troisième, quatrième ou cinquième mandat. Mais que dit notre Parlement à ce propos? Que pourrait-il dire puisque la plupart d’entre nous font partie de ce même sérail, ce qu’on appelle la majorité au pouvoir; ils pensent que c’est normal.À quoi sert donc d’adopter des textes, de bons textes, la Charte africaine de la démocratie, des élections et de la gouvernance lorsque nous n’y croyons pas? Je m’excuse de tout ce que je suis en train de dire car je sais qu’en sortant d’ici, certains vont jusqu’à me lancer des insultes.(Applaudissements)Je m’en arrête là pour ne pas avoir des soucis [Interruption].(Rires dans la salle)J’ai compris et je vous remercie!(Applaudissements)

REFERENCE: 1803-180722E

HON. JOYCE MUSU FREEMAN SUMO [LIBERIA]:Thank you Mr President. My istinguished Colleagues, I would like to first of all start by congratulating the Pan-African Parliament on its 10^thanniversary, including myself because I am part of PAP.Reflecting on the 10 years of the existence of PAP, I want us to first of all commend ourselves for establishing the women caucus, the youth caucus and our participatory role in election observation missions outside of this place.We have seen the birth of democracy through election observation missions. I would like to congratulate and salute past Presidents who saw to the birth of democracy, particularly Dr Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, William Tubman of Liberia, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Sekou Toure of Guinea and Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. The reason I mentioned these five people is because I know that they were the first five Presidents who met in Senegal in late 1962 and saw to the birth of the Organisation of African Unity. I salute them. My special tribute goes to you Madam President, Ambassador Getrude Mongela for your continued advocacy role for the people of Africa.Like our Presidents, we were all elected in our various countries and they represent us here at the Pan-African Parliament. I want to make a special appeal to our Presidents, and plead with them to give this body legislative power because through here, we can strengthen the work of our various Parliaments. We are the children of Africa, Parliamentarians born from our various countries to this place. So, we believe that Presidents, who were also elected just as we were elected from our various countries, should consider giving us a legislative role.Let me now congratulate the President of Uganda. It is tough for Presidents to admit that the soldiers in their Government and country killed their own people. However, this is the President who was in power and noticed all the different conspiracies and issues that were growing in his country, but stood his ground. That is why today, there is total peace in Uganda, and I salute him.I would also like to salute Hon. Cecilia Ogwal. She is not here and I do not know why. The reason I am congratulating her is because in our donors’ meeting, she was one of those advocating that we settle our differences with our Bureau and our children and I must commend her. Today, I want to use this 10^th anniversary occasion to plead with all of us, that we should let byegones be bye-gones. We are just human beings position in PAP here and there are others standing somewhere, we can settle our differences and live in peace and continue to work together because the Union’s success is sureThank you very much for the opportunity.Applause

HON. ISATA KABIA [SIERRA LEONE]:Mr. President, I would like to join my Hon. Colleague from Sierra Leone to extend appreciation for the condolence you have extended to our family in Sierra Leone on the loss of our former President. I would also like to congratulate you on this 10^th year Anniversary, especially Founding Members whose resilience made it possible for us to be here as new Members. Some of the details shared this morning showed how far we have come as a Parliament. It is good to take stock so that even though we realize how hard it has been, we would know how far we have come.The last presenter also spoke about PAP not relegating itself to non-existence and we can do that as a Parliament. I would like to implore PAP to take a page from the women’s book because the women are making themselves more relevant by refusing to be left behind. I think as a Parliament we need to be more forceful to ensure that our voices are heard around the continent,even though today our legislative debate has been reduced to consultative hearings.The first 50 years was up to the men, but the next 50 years is definitely up to the women. We are very grateful for the political independence fought for by our fore-fathers, but there will be no economic independence without the women of Africa.As one of my Hon. Colleagues said, trying to development this continent without its women is like a bird trying to fly with one wing. It is impossible. The Youth of Africa also need to realize that their agenda is inseparable from the gender agenda. It is only when people like me, sitting at the decision making table would make the youth agenda succeed. We must make sure that the Child Rights Act is actually championed by the youth, instead of being an addendum to the women’s agenda. We cannot continue to marry off our girls at 13 and 15 years old and expect them to become 40 year old power houses and Presidents.Mr. President, value addition to our raw materials is important if we are to gain true economic independence. But we first must begin with value addition to our people. The paradox is that in the spate of high unemployment in Africa, there is a high need for skilled labour. Without the relevant education and qualifications, Africa will continue to move into jobless growth. Our economic independence fully depends on creating jobs but also creating the right skilled people to take up these job opportunities.Our President early on this week spoke about the fact there will be no development without peace. We know for sure that in Africa there will be no development without its women. The first President of the Pan African Parliament this morning likened PAP to a 10 year old child. If that 10 year old child is a boy, then his future is bright indeed. If that 10 year old child is a girl, she is more likely to have not been registered to attend school. She is more likely to drop out ten years old before she goes to secondary school. She is more likely to be given up into early marriage at 13, she is less likely to inherit anything from her too old husband, and therefore, affirmative action must prevail within our continent to redress that imbalance.I thank you.

REFERENCE: 1803-181616E

HON. CHIEF FORTUNE CHARUMBIRA [ZIMBABWE]:Thank you, Mr President. May I also join the previous speakers who have spoken highly of today’s events or celebrations. Indeed, I want to say that this has been a very successful day where we reflected and went through the issues around the development of Africa and others and the fact that we had the highest profile of speakers in the form of Heads of State and former Heads of State. I think this is an achievement and that we need to thank you, Mr President for the good leadership qualities and competencies, the Bureau in which you as a team, the staff of PAP and of course the Members of Parliament have made their own contribution to this.We have had the opportunity to look at the issues and most Members have adopted almost all the issues. But I just want to say that when we look at the issues of citizen-led processes on the continent, I think it reminds me of the fact that Africans adopted democracy without really understanding the full import of democracy. There is the misconception that once there are elections, then you have democracy. Democracy has been construed to mean voting and so, a country which votes very five years is then taken to be a democratic country and yet voting is only a means to democracy.I think this message, Mr President, needs to be emphasised in the next 10 yearsthat voting is only a means to democracy. In democracy, there are issues of the way decisions are made, whether people are involved in the day to day decision making processes? I can assure you that if we were to do some survey on the continent, I doubt if we could score anywhere like 10 per cent. We vote and forget about the people, the people are no longer involved in the process of governance and I think this is a very important issue for the next 10 years.I will not go into details with issues to do with peace and security. I think President Museveni did mention that much of it also is to do with our own fragile and weak institutions and that is why the foreigners ended up invading us. But in the next 10 years, I wanted to say that let us document lessons. If we were to use the first 10 years as today, it has been great and we have risen to the occasion; the Bureau, the President and everybody. I want to thank you very much.I have heard a few of the speakers saying that the President should run again and should be allowed to continue. I think that is the highest expression that you have done very well. I want to say that it is true, that this has been a great day with your team.Whiles over lunch, I was speaking to some people from Nigeria, and this is my last part, Mr President. We were agreeing that this man is very competent and I said that if he does not continue with PAP, maybe he should not end here but become may be a Governor in Nigeria - (Laughter) - but I was saying if you thought of that, please make it a stepping stone. I think you need something higher and in five to 10 years, we should hear you running for the highest office on the continent because when I look at you with the Presidents and the way you handled them, you were just one of the Heads of State, Mr President. I thank you.(Applause)

REFERENCE: 1803-182106E

HON. JULIANA KANTENGWA [RWANDA]:Thank you, Mr. President. I also wish to join the long list of Members who have congratulated you. Actually, thank you for agreeing to add me on the list; I had forgotten to register myself. Initially, I had thought that it may not be necessary. Looking around the room, I did not see many faces that have been here as long as I have been here, and I decided that I will not be doing justiceto the many of those who are not here by not taking the Floor.So, Mr. President, first of all, I want to congratulate you and your Bureau; others have done it. But I want to say one thing and I want it to be heard on the floor of the Parliament; that last night you were really very amazing. The General sought to provoke you, but you came out an amazing warrior to defend the PAP, which you serve; it was brilliant and I want you to hear that!(Applause)Mr. President, I wish Hon. Nkunda was here to hear me thank him for the vote of thanks this morning; she was just spot on. That was done very articulately and it was very brilliant of him to have done it that way.So, in summing up, I congratulate all of you; your entire team and the secretariat for organizing the 10 years celebration. It was carried out very well actually since we came. It was well organized; we had some few mishaps here and there because of lack of information. But all in all, I really want to sincerely thank you for what you have done.Having had the euphoria of the morning, then we heard from Dr. Kinyela on her presentation, which really came out as a reality check on how much we have achieved. We have been working for the last 10 years, but how much have we achieved? Throughout this week, we have been celebrating the achievements we have made; yes, they are there; my Colleagues have mentioned them and nobody should deny them; they are there. But when we look at the initial impetus---Mr. President, just permit me a few more minutes so that I can recap some of these issues. Article 11 of the Protocol is a preamble to the functions and powers. It starts like this, and I quote:-"The Pan African Parliament shall be vested with legislative powers to be defined by the Assembly. However, in the first term of its existence..."Which term are we in? We are in the Third Parliament.However, during the first term of its existence, the PanAfrican ParliamentShall exercise advisory and consultative powers only. In this regard, it may -Then it goes on. In part 3, it says:-"Work towards the harmonization or co-ordination of the laws of Member States."And so on, and so forth. Part 5 says:-"Request officials of the OAU/AEC to attend its sessions, produce documents or assist in the discharge of its duties."And so on, and so forth. This morning, we have heard about the desire by the APRM Team to have us debate that report.Mr. President, let me say that, actually initially, that was what used to happen. Our desire to have protocol transformation took us on as it was not really--- It really took us on and obsessed us so much that instead of the AU being obsessed with the review of the protocol, they just forgot all about it and it became our preoccupation. In so doing, it diverted us, because Article 25 of the same protocol says:-"1. Five years after the entry into force of this Protocol, a Conference of the States Parties to this Protocol shall be held to review the operation and effectiveness of this Protocol---"It should have been their responsibility and not our responsibility. Anyhow, their failure to do that in fact made us to pre-emptively try to move them or try to initiate the process, which is very good. But up to the present day, we begged them; we have been advocating and we beseeched them; we are still hoping against hope that they might do it - carry out their responsibility - there was no oversight or there was no other way any other organ could have carried out the oversight role to tell them: "Look, you are supposed to have done it." We said it and we were not listened to. We do not know in which language you could do it, but here now, 10 years later, one could ask, have they really kept their promises? I cannot help by just celebrating and not lamenting on a number of things.Mr. President, where is this Permanent Seat of the PAP? I want to tell my Colleagues here that I remember I was part of that Committee -not only did we look at the architectural designs, we even visited the site of the PAP. It was supposed to be built in 18 months; where are we now, 10 years after? That is one of the things that have not taken place.Mr. President, among other things, the debates of APRM used to be debated here, but now we have the space of PAP being squeezed progressively as we grow towards 10 years, that we do not have sufficient time to include all these agenda items that are important. At one time, we were debating and we had the space to debate the state of the AU; should we become the United States of Africa, should we become the African Union of States or whatever? All those were pertinent debates that were pointing to the direction of the AU.Mr. President, another thing that has disappeared is the status of our Regional Economic Communities (RECs). The rationalization and harmonization of the RECs was the intention of promoting intra African trade.(Silence)Mr. President, not only have they disappeared from the PAP agenda, but they have disappeared from the discourse of the African debate. Meaning that if you look back 10 years, I have been here and I have only grown older. I do not know how much wiser I have become in terms of integrating the African Continent. Mr. President, I hope this does not only apply to me; rather, I hope it only applies to me, but there is so much to also lament, as much as we celebrate.Additionally, Mr. President, when we look at the status of intra African trade, as it has been mentioned before, how much do our leaders desire? When we look at it, you cannot integrate without a purpose. The purpose is not just political integration. We would want to have a united voice, to be a strong economy which is able to speak and forge itself on the international scene. But when you look at it, the conclusion will be that, you cannot help but be tempted to think that there is some sort of Ideological disorientation which is taking hold on the African Continent and pushing us from the initial course that we had intended to be. But, hopefully, given the success of this celebration, there is hope and I can see some light at the end of the tunnel.I thank you, Mr. President.

REFERENCE: 1803-182853E

HON. P.C. BAI KURR KANAGBARO [SIERRA LEONE]:Thank you, Mr President. I would follow the queue of my Hon. Colleague from Sierra Leone to render my condolences to you this morning over the death of the late President Alhaji Tijan Kabbah. He was part of this AU arrangement.Mr President, this is a very interesting debate. However, I also join the queue to congratulate you and your staff and the Bureau for the wonderful work you did. I wish this today was the first day we started meeting because it gave us good knowledge of what is going on. What I have to say after congratulating you is that we would ask for more. The more you give, the more we would demand. That is what is in the rule of law. The more good you do, the more we expect from you. So, therefore, we would address an appeal to you to do a follow up not only to invite them here, some of them have committed themselves today. Let us follow up by visiting them, sending delegations so that they too, can bring in more of their colleagues. I think you have softened the ground on so many of the other leaders by inviting them to see us and talk to us. I congratulate you for a job well done. If you relax, the PAP would not go further. So, I would also follow the cue from my colleague who said earlier here that we should have some committees to campaign and meet these people.On the issue of funding, you know very well what is going on in West Africa, ECOWAS had an arrangement. They collect half of a percentage of all customs. That money automatically goes to ECOWAS. In that case, it is self funding and it is not like here because they have their budget. Just imagine 15 or 16 countries everyday collecting money and half of one per cent goes to ECOWAS. This is how they are doing it. We would want to have that. If we can have a per cent or half of all the 54 countries connecting every day, PAP will go further. For those of my friends, I do not know if they are around, who said we should do something with their youths and young people. I think, what we have to do is campaign and have the power to act like what you are doing here. I am sure when you wrote to them, you wrote very good things that made them come. You did not say come and talk and approve this and that. No, when we talk about African Unity, we have to look at the internal and external factors. Somebody mentioned Liberia in 1963. In 1963, the young man, may not be aware that there was always going to be a united Africa. But the Americans and Europeans came in and did not like that. So, they divided that conference into two groups, the Casablanca Group and the Monrovia Group. The Monrovia Group was headed by the President of Liberia. They said no, let us take it quietly, including my own Prime Minister at that time. He joined the Monrovia Group which made it impossible for the people of Africa to be united. The most radical group that happened that was the Casablanca group where they had Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Gamal Abdel-Nasser and Ben Bella. So, the records are quite clear. We accept that and up to today, that is what is going on. For Pan-African Parliament, let me tell you something, we send this to our Parliaments, so many of the treaties the Pan African Parliament to be endorsed have not been approved by our Parliament, including Sierra Leone, and right now, we are doing that. Some of them are out of 43 or so, some ten, five or six. Some have treaties of 1967 they have not approved. So, these are the things which we should do in Pan Africa Parliament to move our Parliaments and make them aware.Mr. President, please make Parliament more viable than what you are doing now in terms of making the Members of Parliament to move, protect and push the image of the Pan African Parliament. When we come back, let us report what we are doing, let us go to the radio, the newspapers, the news, the students; let us organize the unity and unification of the African continent.I thank you Sir.

REFERENCE: 1803-183446E

DR. FRENE GINWALA [FORMER NATIONAL SPEAKER OF SOUTH AFRICA]:Thank you, Mr President. I cannot really wrap up because I think Hon. Members in is this session have articulated, from their own experiences, the problems which were anticipated to some extent and it is one thing to be able to talk. However, if other people also had the power to act, then we will not get very far. So, we have got to be more persuasive. Parliamentarians have to be more persuasive and approach things tactically and plan what they want to do.I referred to this programme for 2063 and this is a challenge because the document itself refers to a citizen driven process. It refers to the AU organs, and the PanAfrican Parliament is an organ of the AU. So, if you claim that status, you will then have much more authority when you speak, an authority that they have to listen to. I believe, from what I have heard after I spoke, and listening to Hon. Members here, there is that desire to start becoming much more effective on the ground. However, you cannot be effective on the ground if you only see yourselves as effective here. So, you need to go back to your Parliaments and your own citizens and take the debates there because that way, you will move the pressures onto the Executive in a much more meaningful way. So, I would suggest that, that would be the way to go forward. Of course, as Parliaments, come together, raise your decisions and resolutions, I want to remind you, again, of what I said, but perhaps not forcefully enough, that when the Speakers and Parliamentary delegations of Africa refused to have a protocol designed by various consultants from Europe and elsewhere and said, we as Parliaments will draft the protocol. Eventually, they did agree and this protocol was drafted with very minor amendments accepted after the Togo Summit so that if possible, if you stay firm and are clear in what you are demanding, and not encroaching on what the Executive guards very seriously as its Executive authority, that does not mean we cannot be persuasive to change what the Executive authority wants to do. So, I wish you all good luck. Thank you very much for inviting me. I have enjoyed the debate, I have been depressed by it also.Thank you all.Applause

REFERENCE: 1803-183741E

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much Your Excellency, Dr. Frene Ginwala who was leader of the group of speakers of National Parliaments, who put together the draft protocols establishing the Pan African Parliament before it was adopted by the Heads of States.Hon. Members, we have come to the end of a long business day. Therefore, this House stands adjourned till tomorrow, Wednesday, 19^th March, 2014, at 9.00 a.m.I thank you.

Tuesday, 19 March, 2014

THE PRESIDENT:Please, be seated.

REFERENCE: 1903-091524EF

Hon. Colleagues, let us commence our business today. For our first Order of business, let me invite the Clerk to read the first Order of the day.

THE CLERK:Thank you, Honorable President. Presentation and Adoption of Resolutions and Recommendations for the Fourth Session of the Third Parliament.

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, I call upon the Clerk to read the First Resolution.

THE CLERK:Resolution to Congratulate Hon. Cecilia Atim Ogwal: Cognizant of the contribution made by hon. Cecilia Atim Ogwal as a Member of the Pan African Parliament and Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Administrative and Financial Evaluation; noting with appreciation the contribution she has made in the PAP, the Pan African Parliament resolves to express its appreciation to hon. Cecilia Atim Ogwal who has been appointed as the Opposition Chief Whip in her national Parliament for the work she has done at the Pan African Parliament and elsewhere.

THE PRESIDENT:The Question before this House is that we adopt the resolution. Is that agreed to?(Applause)

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much.I call on the Clerk to read the Second Resolution.

THE CLERK:Resolution to pay Tribute to the Former President of South Africa, His Excellency Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela: Noting with high appreciation the values defended by the former President of South Africa, His Excellency Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela; cognizant of his quest to bring equality in Africa and defend the rights of the most vulnerable in society, especially children and youth; recognizing the legacy he has left not only for South Africa and Africa, but the whole world; noting the strong lessons learnt from him who after 27 years in jail was elected and served for one five-year term as the President of South Africa; acknowledging the great contribution of His Excellency Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela for the launch of the PAP Trust Fund in 2007, the Pan African Parliament resolves:1.To join the rest of the world in celebrating the life and legacy of a fallen hero.2.That 18^th July, the United Nations designated as a day for celebrating Nelson Mandela, be recognized by PAP to bring together young leaders from all over the world to appreciate and discuss issues of democracy, peace and security.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you. Secretariat you remember that we had amended the word fallen hero and we had asked that his name at the beginning "His Excellency Nelson Nelson Rolihlahla" be maintained as the official name of Mandela. So, please, those amendments should be made.On the fourth paragraph it should read, "Noting the strong lessons learnt from him, who after serving 27 years in jail, was elected and served for one five-year term."Hon. Members, with those amendments do we agree to adopt these resolutions?

MR. CLERK:There is another amendment, Mr. President.

MR. PRESIDENT:A further amendment. Yes, please.

HON. JULIANA KANTENGWA:Thank you, Mr. President. I second the amendments that you have just put forward, but I also wish to add on that paragraph of, ‘noting the strong lessons---’ that after serving 27 years in jail, the biggest lesson was not only standing down after serving one term, rather it was that His Excellency Nelson Mandela was able to forgive those who had incarcerated him for the last 27 years. So, the forgiveness should also be reflected in that noting.

MR. PRESIDENT:Thank you very much. We take note of that. Yes, hon. Member!

[French: 09:21:26 - 09:21:52]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Le dernier paragraphe en français: « Que la journée du 11 juillet ... ». En français, quand une phrase commence par « que », on doit employer le subjonctif, donc « Que la journée du 11 juillet soit reconnue. » au lieu de « .est reconnue. ». Il faudrait donc lire: « Que la journée du 11 juillet désignée journée internationale MANDELA par les Nations-Unies (ONU) soit reconnue par le PAP ».Merci Monsieur le Président.

MR. PRESIDENT:Thank you very much. Secretariat, please, take note. Yes, please.

9:22: 00 [French][French: 09:22:00 - 09:22:15]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Oui, Monsieur le Président, dans le tout dernier paragraphe de la résolution, au point 1, je pense que ça a déjà été corrigé. On avait relevé qu’on ne dit pas: « un héros tombé », mais « le héros immortel ».

THE PRESIDENT:Yes, I have noted that already and I ask the Secretariat to make that amendment.The Question before the House is that we adopt this Resolution as amended. Is that agreed to?(Applause)

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you very much. I appreciate. I now call upon the Clerk to read the Third Resolution.

THE CLERK:Resolution from the Dialogue with Civil Society: Considering the contributions from civil society groups, the media and other stakeholders during the African Cultural Day on the role, mandate and work of the PAP in the last ten years and vision for the future in the context of the African Union Agenda, 2063; noting the concern of civil society organizations on the transformation of PAP from a consultative to a legislative body; recognizing the need to forge strategic alliances with Civil Society Organizations in order to promote human rights, legislative reforms within the justice sector and media; concerned that the issue of one Africa, one voice cannot happen without a borderless Africa; the PAP resolves to:1.Liaise with umbrella Non-Governmental Organizations, faith-based organizations and media to ensure that citizens and constituents at national levels append their signatures to the petition for continental legislative body and it is submitted to the Heads of States and Government in Malapo, Equatorial Guinea during the June/July, 2014 AU Summit.2.Ensure that campaigns for treaty ratification and domestication are priortized paritcularly the African Charter on democracy, election and governance; the African Union Convention on Prevention and Combating Corruption.3.Prioritize support to the advisory body on corruption.4.Establish a network of PAP MPs in the African Peer Review Mechanism to ensure that issues of oversight in the processes are addressed through country review missions, reviews of the country review reports, and monitoring of the national programme of actions as well as budgeting thereof.

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Members, is there any amendment?

[French: 09:25:18 - 09:25:31]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Il y a une proposition d’amendement là où il est écrit: « Regrettant que l’idéale ».Est-ce qu’on ne peut pas remplacer « Regrettant » par « Convaincu que l’idéal Une Afrique, une Voix ne peut être atteint sans une Afrique unie »?

THE PRESIDENT:Yes, what is your concern?

[French: 09:25:42 - 09:25:52]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Il s’agit de remplacer « Regrettant » par « Convaincu » au quatrième paragraphe!

THE PRESIDENT:You want to replace it with ‘convinced’ instead of ‘concerned’. Okay, that makes sense.Honorable Members, with that amendment, the Question before the House is that we adopt the resolution. Is that agreed to?(Applause)Thank you very much. Clerk, please, read out Resolution Number Four.

MADAM DEPUTY CLERK:Resolution and Achievement of the African Union Agenda, 2063: Noting the successful commemoration and celebration of the Tenth Anniversary of the Pan African Parliament; considering the achievements that the Pan African Parliament has made in the first ten years of its existence, in particular in its participation in elections as observer missions and advocacy for the ratification of the African Union legal instruments; cognizant of the challenges the Pan African Parliament has faced of inadequate financial and human resources; the Pan African Parliament resolves to urge members of the Pan African Parliament to spearhead the Tenth Anniversay celebrations at national level; play a leading role in the implementation of the African Union Agenda, 2063 Strategic Plan ensuring the participation of the African citizenry to achieve the vision.

HON. PHILLIP?????:Thank you, Mr. President. Having listened to the debates, and this is what we discussed yesterday afternoon, I think there is an issue that was raised on the specific role of Members of Parliament in ensuring that the transformation process is fast-tracked at the national level. It is very important that we come up, maybe, with Number Three which specifically speaks to the role of Members of Parliament in the transformation process, especially in the view of the fact that in your opening remarks last week, Mr. President you said that we are moist at the end of the tunnel. My view is that if there are no concerted efforts at the national level by MPs we will continue being close to the tunnel.

MR. PRESIDENT:Before you go, could you propose what you have said in writing so that we can add it? Yes, hon. Member.

[French: 09:29:32 - 09:30:31]

HON. ASSOUMANA MALAM ISSA [NIGER]:Monsieur le Président! Monsieur le Président!Je me rappelle qu’hier dans l’après-midi, Philip et moi avions eu la même idée, c’est d’être un peu plus précis par rapport à la nature d’activités à organiser pour être le fer de lance. Pour cela, il y a deux types d’activités possibles:Premier type d’activité: Comme l’a déjà proposé un député, on peut organiser des journées parlementaires nationales d’informations, c’est-à-dire qu’on dégage une journée où tous les parlementaires sont là, les médias sont là et on explique ce que c’est que le Parlement panafricain et ce qu’il envisage d’être;Deuxième type d’activité: On peut sortir du cadre de l’Assemblée pour organiser des journées nationales du Parlement panafricain et là, on invite la société civile et tous les jeunes et on fait des échanges, soit à travers une conférence ou un débat à bâton rompu.Donc, par rapport à ce premier point, je propose qu’on soit un peu plus précis quant à la nature des activités à organiser.

THE PRESIDENT:Please, make a clear proposal. We are adopting resolutions; we are not having a debate. So, if you have something you want to add, please, specify it so that we can consider it. If it is acceptable, we will adapt it.

[French: 09:30:51 - 09:31:14]

HON. ASSOUMANA MALAM ISSA [NIGER]:Une proposition donc, Monsieur le Président:« Le Parlement panafricain décide de: 1) engager les membres de l’Institution à être le fer de lance de la commémoration du dixième anniversaire à travers l’organisation, au niveau national, des journées parlementaires d’informations ou des journées dédiées au parlement panafricain. ».

9:31: 26 [ARABIC] AN HONORABLE MEMBER

THE PRESIDENT:There was no translation on that one. Translation, please. Arabic translation.

9:32: 04 [ARABIC] AN HONORABLE MEMBER

THE PRESIDENT:Okay. Secretariat, please, take note.

[French: 09:32:38 - 09:32:54]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Juste une petite coquille!« Le Parlement panafricain décide de: 2) jouer un rôle d’avant-gardiste ». Il s’agit d’un « d’ » « apostrophe »!Merci.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you.

HONORABLE PHILIP??????:Mr. President, on the proposal I made earlier on, I have written something here and I hope it is not too long. We should add this: PAP Members of Parliament should commit to increasing advocacy efforts at the national Parliaments aimed at fast-tracking the transformation process by motivating Motions, asking Questions, developing appropriate Private Members Bills and general lobbying using their oversight and representative roles.

MR. PRESIDENT:That is a bit long. I think that the PAP Members commit to increasing awareness and advocacy at the national level. Secretariat, please, take not and make the amendment so that we have a specific definition of what PAP Members should do at the national level.Yes, please.

[French: 09:34:27 - 09:34:56]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Merci Monsieur le Président.Je reviens sur la proposition faite, tout à l’heure, par notre collègue de la Côte d’Ivoire. Quand on dit: « jouer un rôle avant-gardiste », c’est juste! On dira plutôt: « jouer un rôle d’avant-garde ». Donc, tel que c’est écrit, c’est juste!Au niveau du troisième paragraphe: « reconnaissant les défis auxquels le Parlement panafricain a été confrontées », je crois qu’il y a un « e » muet de trop.Merci.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you. Secretariat, please, take note. Yes, honorable Member from Ghana.

AN HONORABLE MEMBER:Honorable President, in the first sentence of Page Five, the spelling of ‘successful’ is not correct.

THE PRESIDENT:Secretary take note.Yes, honorable Member.

AN HONORABLE MEMBER:Thank you, Mr. President. In the second paragraph starting with ‘considering the achievements of PAP’ looking at it the achievements after ten years have been reduced to election observation mission and advocacy for the ratification of the AU instruments only. If we could plug in something, ‘after ten years of its existence by demonstrating its relevance as the legislative arm of the African Union---’ What we have been debating is the need for the African Union to bring their budgets here for us to consider them. That realization has taken ten years. If we leave it as it is, we would not be capturing that increased acknowledgment of the entire AU of the existence of PAP. They are acknowledging it, however, in that they have seen that we have proved ourselves to be relevant.I propose that after ‘years of existence’ we add the following words, ‘by demonstrating its relevance as the legislative arm of the African Union’I thank you, Mr. President.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you. Secretary, take note.Honorable Members, the Question before the House is that we adopt the Resolution as amended.(Appplause)Thank you very much.I call on the Clerk to now read the Draft Recommendations.

MADAM CLERK:Recommendation on the African Union Budget for 2015: Considering the provision of Article 11(2) of the Protocol to the Treaty establishing the African Economy Community which states that the Pan African Parliament shall discuss its budget and that of the community and make recommendations thereon prior to its approval by the Assembly; noting with concern the low execution of the African Union Budget by the various organs and that more than 66 per cent of the operational budget is financed by five countries with very little input from the rest of the member States; observing the low contribution level of member States has affected the operations of the African Union as a consequence more than 95 per cent of the Programme Budget is dependent on partner funds; further observing the delay in adopting the proposals for alternative financing of the African Union since 2011; the Pan African Parliament recommends that:1.All organs of the African Union should improve the allocation rates of their budgets.2.The African Union systems and regulations should be reviewed and strengthened to ensure that member States timeously and regularly pay their contributions on time.3.All member States must improve the budget line on their contribution dues to the African Union which must be debated and adopted in national parliaments.4.The proposals for alternative funding especially those by the Obassanjo Panel be at the next Summit of Heads of States at Malapo so as to avoid over dependence on partners to finance Programme Budget of the African Union.5.The performance report should be brought to the Parliament, at least, one month before presentation of the budget on the Floor of Parliament.6.All organs of the African Union, especially the Parliament, must be fully involved in the budget preparation cycle to ensure that all interests of the African people are addressed.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you, honorable Members. I think Number 5 is talking budget performance and not the performance report. So, please, amend Number 5 to read ‘the budget performance report from the previous year should be brought to Parliament, at least, one month before the presentation of the budget on the Floor of Parliament.Honorable Members, the Question before the House is that we adopt this recommendation. Is that agreed to?(Applause)

THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF FINANCE COMMITTEE:Can I propose a small amendment there? I have an amendment on recommendation Number Two.

THE PRESIDENT:Honorable Deputy Chairman of Finance Committee, this recommendation came from your Committee.

THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF FINANCE COMMITTEE:Yes, I know very well that it came from our Committee, but if there is an error it needs to be corrected. We cannot leave it as it is.

MR. PRESIDENT:Okay, go ahead.

THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF FINANCE COMMITTEE:The amendment should be at the end of the sentence. Because we have said that member States timeously and regularly pay their contributions on time. We cannot repeat and say, ‘on time’ again. We should delete that ‘on time’ at the end. This is because we have already said, ‘timeously’. There is no need to repeat that.

MR. PRESIDENT:Thank you. Secretary, please, take note.

[French: 09:42:30 - 09:43:36]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Monsieur le Président, merci pour la parole.Les recommandations sont très bien élaborées! Je suis dans la version française au point 5 qui dit ceci: « Le rapport sur l’exécution du budget soit déposé au Parlement au moins un mois avant la présentation du budget à la Chambre du Parlement ».J’aimerais juste avoir des précisions, Monsieur le Président!S’agissant de ces précisions, j’aurais plutôt proposé que la formulation de cette recommandation soit de la manière suivante:« Le rapport sur l’exécution du budget relatif à l’exercice antérieur soit déposé au Parlement au moins un mois avant la présentation du budget de l’exercice suivant à la Chambre du Parlement ».En ce moment-là, ce serait clair, parce que lorsqu’on parle du budget ici, je ne comprends pas très bien de quel budget s’agit-il; du budget antérieur, du budget en cours, du budget de l’exercice suivant?C’est cela ma préoccupation, Honorable Président, je vous en remercie.

MR. PRESIDENT:Thank you. Secretariat, please, take note. I call upon the Clerk to present recommendation Number Two.

MADAM CLERK:Recommendations Emanating from Women Dialogue: Reaffirming that the world’s people are women and that a major factor for this is discrimination solely because they are female and that this discrimination has significant consequences for women and girls and often limits their opportunities in life; considering that supporting the equitable participation of women in political economic and social spheres will ensure that there is no control all over their lives; stressing the key roles of parliamentarians and other stakeholders in support organizations at all levels in facilitating the increased involvement of women in decision-making and leadership at all levels; the Pan African Parliament recommends that in achieving social and economic empowerment of women:1.Call upon member States to ensure that the agreed Maputo Protocol relating to the African Charter on human and people’s rights on the rights of women and the declaration on gender equality in Africa are implemented.2.Call upon member States to ensure that resource allocation undertaken in line with macro-economic policies benefit women.On addressing maternal health, including women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa:1.Maternal health, women sexual reproductive health rights are included in national policies.2.More domestic resources including from the private sector for maternal health, women sexual and reproductive health are mobilized and allocated.3.National parliaments should monitor effective utilization of national budgets for maximum productivity and accountability for better health of women and children.4.National parliaments should engage in community mobilization for responsible health behavior and social change for better demand for maternal health and women’s reproductive health and rights, information services, including family planning and prevention of gender-based violence and HIV infection.On promoting peace and security and all forms of violence against women:1.Call upon member States to strengthen women participation in initiatives to fight genderbased violence and take all the necessary measures and support reforms to protect women, girls and children from gender-based violence.2.Call upon member States to strengthen initiatives that promote economic empowerment of women and support for reconstruction for victims of sexual violence and gender-based violence.

MR. PRESIDENT:Yes, Professor.

AN HONORABLE MEMBER:Thank you, Mr. President. In the first line in the recommendations, they are affirming that the world’s people are women. I think this is too much. Most of the people of the world are women, but not all the people of the world are women.

MR. PRESIDENT:That is obvious, honorable. It is very obvious that all the people of the world are women.

AN HONORABLE MEMBER:So, let us prove the facts.

MR. PRESIDENT:I think they were trying to say ‘half’.

AN HONORABLE MEMBER:‘More than half’, Sir.

MR. PRESIDENT:So, we should say, ‘more than half of the world’s people are women’. Secretariat, please, take note.

[French: 09:48:10 - 09:48:23]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Merci Monsieur le Président.J’ai une observation au point 1, juste au dernier paragraphe où il est écrit:« ... Déclaration solennelle pour l’égalité de genre en Afrique soient mis en œuvre » et non « sont mis en œuvre »!

MR. PRESIDENT:Which 5(f) is that one?

[French: 09:48:37 - 09:48:56]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Le paragraphe 1!« Invite les États membres à s’assurer que le Protocole à la Charte africaine des droits de l’homme et des peuples relatifs aux droits des femmes adopté à Maputo et la Déclaration solennelle pour l’égalité de genre en Afrique soient mis en œuvre » et non « sont mis en œuvre ».Voilà!

MR. PRESIDENT:Thank you.

[French: 09:49:10 - 09:49:37]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Merci Monsieur le Président.C’est pour une raison de cohérence qu’au lieu de dire « Le Parlement panafricain recommande sur la réalisation de l’autonomisation sociale et économique des femmes, invite », il vaut mieux écrire:« Le Parlement panafricain, sur la réalisation de l’autonomisation sociale et économique des femmes, invite:1) Les États, etc. ».(Applaudissements)

[French: 09:49:38 - 09:49:40]

HON. ASSOUMANA MALAM ISSA:S’il vous plaît, Monsieur le Président!

MR. PRESIDENT:Secretariat, take note of that.

[French: 09:49:55 - 09:50:35]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Monsieur le Président,Je vais toujours à la page 3 où il est écrit: « Le Parlement panafricain recommande, sur la réalisation de l’autonomisation sociale et économique des femmes », à partir du moment où vous mettez « recommande », vous devez mettre: « 1) Que les États membres s’assurent que le Protocole de la Charte africaine... ».On ne peut pas dire « recommande » et dire après « invite ».Je ne sais pas si ceux qui parlent mieux français ici, sont d’accord avec je viens de dire.

[French: 09:50:36 - 09:50:37]

HON. ASSOUMANA MALAM ISSA:Monsieur le Président, il y a une amélioration.[French: 09:50:39 - 09:51:31]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:On doit dire: « Recommande que les États membres s’assurent que le Protocole à la Charte africaine des droits de l’homme et des peuples relatif aux droits des femmes, adopté à Maputo, soit mis en œuvre ».Au niveau 2, on dire aussi: « Que les États membres s’assurent que l’allocation des ressources dans le cadre des politiques macro-économiques profitent aux femmes ».En bas, sur la santé maternelle, on doit dire: « Que les droits des femmes à la santé sexuelle reproductive soient inclus ».Au numéro 2, on doit dire: « Que davantage de ressources nationales soient mobilisées. ».

MR. PRESIDENT:Secretariat, take note. Yes, honorable from Seychelles.

HONORABLE MEMBER FROM SEYCHELLES:Thank you, Mr. President. In relation to the first line where we were saying that ‘we are reaffirming that more than half of world’s people are women and a major a factor for this is discrimination’ this does not read write. I think it should read thus: ‘We are reaffirming that half of the world’s people are women and the major issue they face is discrimination solely because they are female and that discrimination has significant consequences.’ That will read better.

MR. PRESIDENT:Thank you. I hope the Secretariat has got that. The major issue they face is discrimination.

[French: 09:52:32 - 09:53:05]

HON. HAÏDARA AÏCHATA CISSÉ [MALI]:Merci Monsieur le Président.À la dernière page, petit (1): « Invite les États membres à renforcer la participation des femmes aux initiatives... », je voudrais ajouter: « ... aux initiatives de dialogue pour la paix et de lutte contre les violences. ».Je voudrais tout juste qu’on ajoute « dialogue pour la paix ».C’est important pour nous, Monsieur le Président, parce que nous avons ce problème au Mali où les femmes ne sont assez impliquées dans le dialogue qu’on est en train de faire actuellement pour la paix.Merci.

MR. PRESIDENT:I think that the initiatives they are referring to here are initiatives to fight gender-based violence. I agree with you that we could put another paragraph that women should be more involved in the peace process, but the initiatives we are talking about here are to fight gender-based violence.

MR. PRESIDENT:Secretariat, please, make sure all our colleagues have the documents for this discussion.Honorable Member from Tunisia, you have the Floor.

9:54: 45 [ARABIC] HON. MEMBER FROM TUNISIA

MR. PRESIDENT:Thank you. Secretariat takes note.

[French: 09:56:50 - 09:57:39]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Oui, je reviens sur ce que Madame CISSÉ a dit, tout à l’heure. Je pense qu’il faut effectivement, lorsque la recommandation porte sur le dialogue et que le 3^ème point porte sur la promotion de la paix, la sécurité et la lutte contre les formes de violences, il est important de dire au 1^er point: « Recommandent que les États membres renforcent la participation des femmes aux initiatives de dialogue sur la paix et la sécurité ainsi que de la lutte contre la violence. ».Comme cela, on a toutes les idées, puisqu’on parle de dialogue et que ce point-là traite de la paix et de la sécurité. Donc, il faut que les deux idées apparaissent dans le 1^er point des recommandations.

MR. PRESIDENT:Secretariat takes care of that and adds women participation and dialogue in the peace process and the initiative to fight gender-based violence.

AN HONORABLE MEMBER:On Page 4, Number 1, ‘Call upon member States to strengthen women participation in initiatives to fight gender-based violence---’ What about other violence? There is other violence besides gender-based violence. If you go on and take all measures to protect women and children from gender-based violence then we are concentrating here only gender-based violence. Women are exposed to violence other than gender-based violence.

MR. PRESIDENT:Thank you very much. Yes, Chairman of the Youth Caucus.

[French: 09:59:12 - 10:00:30]

HON. ASSOUMANA MALAM ISSA [PRÉSIDENT DU CAUCUS DES JEUNES]:Monsieur le Président,Par rapport à cette recommandation, je pense que l’Honorable TOURÉ a fait des observations, mais il faut simplement recommander qu’on la mette sous la même forme que les autres recommandations, que celle que nous venons de lire. Cela veut dire que là où on dit: « Le Parlement panafricain recommande », on y ajoute « que ».Pour la suite du texte, il faut employer le subjonctif présent.Au point 3 de la page 4, il est écrit: « Que les parlements nationaux doivent par leur contrôle assurer l’utilisation efficace des budgets nationaux pour une productivité et responsabilisation maximale de manière... ».J’ai deux observations à ce niveau. Si on prend en compte la recommandation sur la forme, on doit dire: « Que les parlements nationaux s’assurent par leur contrôle. » et ajouter « de l’utilisation efficace des budgets », parce que ce ne sont pas eux qui utilisent: « . de l’utilisation efficace des budgets ».Je propose pour la première observation qu’on supprime le groupe de mots « pour une productivité et responsabilisation ». Tout au plus, on peut l’ajouter et la phrase devient: « les parlements nationaux s’assurent par leur contrôle de l’utilisation efficace et efficiente des budgets nationaux de manière à garantir une meilleure santé des femmes et des enfants ».Je vous remercie Monsieur le Président.

MR. PRESIDENT:Thank you. Yes, honorable Member.

AN HONORABLE MEMBER:Mr. President, on Page 3 the last line that talks of promoting peace and security on all forms of violence against women, this suggests that we are promoting forms of violence against women. Is there something lacking here? I think it should read:’on promoting peace and security and prevention of all forms of violence against women.’ There is a word that is missing there.

MR. PRESIDENT:Thank you, Honorable Member from Kenya.

HONORABLE MILLIE ODHIAMBO-MABONA:Mr. President you notice that we have provided under recommendations emanating from the Women Dialogue considering that supporting the equitable participation of women in political, economical and social spheres yet when we come to recommendations there is no recommendation on the issue of women’s political participation. I am suggesting that we amend the part on achieving social and economic empowerment of women to be on achieving social, economic and political empowerment of women and include a third paragraph stating ‘call upon member States to undertake policy and legislative action to include participation of women in political life.On promoting peace and security and all forms of violence against women, I agree there are certain forms of violence that are not gender specific or may not be gender specific. One of them is the issue of counter trafficking in persons. This affects women from Africa and we need to mention it under the issue of genderbased violence.Thank you.

MR. PRESIDENT:Secretariat, please, take note of that issue of political participation. Honorable Member, please, writes it down so that they get a clear picture of that omission.Hon. Members, the Question before this House is that we adopt this Resolution with the amendment that has been proposed. Agreed?(Applause)Thank you.Recommendation Number Three. Clerk, please, read.End.Reference: 10:03: 47 [THE CLERK]

THE CLERK

RECOMMENDATIONS EMANATING FROM THE DIALOGUE ON YOUTH

Concerned by the future of the African youth who have a paramount role to play in the development of the African continent;Noting that the African youth, by its demographic weight constitute an important and indispensable resource for the development of Africa;Noting that the African continent has a high rate of unemployment and poverty;Conscious of its contribution towards a more prosperous future for the African people;Considering that education and skills acquisition constitute the foundation of the development of any Nation;Underscoring the need for African Members States to take immediate measures in order to mobilise sufficient financial resources with a view to ensuring the education of the youth;The Pan-African Parliament recommends that:1.All Member States of the African Union ratify, internalise and effectively implement the African Charter on the Youth in their respective countries;2.Members States implement all African strategies and policies relating to the youth;3.Members States create an environment and framework conducive to mobilising and keeping young graduates on the African continent and initiate frameworks for consultation between the youth and the leaders in order to enable them to participate in decision-making and policies concerning them;4.Members States put in place effective policies in order to facilitate access to education and training by the youth in the universities, schools and institutes of the continent;5.The African Union work for a continental integration through the free movement of persons on the continent.Thank you.

HON...:Thank you, hon. President. I see that there is a new recommendation regarding youth unemployment and how this should be tackled and I think that we should make necessary modifications to paragraph 4 of the recommendations to the fact that effective policies should be in consonant with providing implements for use. Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. Member from Mauritius could you repeat what you were saying?HON: We should, as mentioned in paragraph 4 of the need for policies to be in line, with the recommendation to provide implements for use. There seems to be a mismatch between what education is being provided and also this deliberately leads to employment. I think that we should rephrase paragraph 4 to take care of this point.

THE PRESIDENT:Yes hon. from Seychelles.

[French: 10:07:09 -10:07:13]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Monsieur le Président,Je voudrais apporter une petite correction: « Soulignant la nécessités ».[Reprise de la parole par le Président pour l’attribuer d’abord à un Honorable de Seychelles]

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. from Seychelles please takes the floor

HON (Seychelles):Thank you Mr. President. I would just like to point out that in the wording that we are using; African Member States, could we please remove the‘s’ where they are not supposed to be.In relation to the second recommendation; Members States implement all African strategies and policies relating to the youth; I think it is going to be a little bit too far. I would suggest that we remove the word ‘all’ and say; Members States implement African strategies and policies relating to the youth. All African strategies might not be commensurate with the context which the member states find themselves in a particular point in time. Thank you Mr. President.

THE PRESIDENT:I think that number 2 should be more specific. It should be more like all African Union decisions. Members States implement all African Union decisions and policies relating to the youth; that should be more appropriateHon. you have the floor now.

[French: 10:08:20 - 10:08:38]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Oui, je voudrais contribuer par rapport au sixième point: « Soulignant la nécessité pour les États membres de prendre des mesures immédiates », il faut ajouter « et conséquentes ».Merci.

THE PRESIDENT:Hon. can you refer to which particular paragraph you were talking about. Please rise; you are in Chamber.

[French: 10:09:02 -10:09:06]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:OK! Sixième point: « Soulignant la nécessité ».[Plusieurs honorables membres sont intervenus pêlemêle pour dire que l’intervenant s’est trompé, car il n’y a que cinq points et que par conséquent, il peut parler d’un sixième point. Ce que l’intéressé a d’ailleurs reconnu].

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you. Yes, hon member.

[French: 10:09:24 - 10:10: 09:]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Merci Monsieur le Président.Concernant la version française, la première phrase « Préoccupés », je pense qu’il faut enlever le « s ».À la quatrième ligne: « Conscient de sa contribution à un avenir plus prospère pour les peuples africains », je pense qu’il faut préciser qu’il s’agit bien de la jeunesse; sinon cela peut prêter à confusion. Il peut bien s’agir aussi bien du Parlement panafricain que de la jeunesse.Dans ce cas, je propose: « Conscient de la contribution de la jeunesse à un avenir plus prospère pour les peuples africains ».Je vous remercie Monsieur le Président.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you. Yes, hon. from Senegal.

[French: 10:10:22 - 10:11:09]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Oui, Monsieur le Président.Je reviens sur la préoccupation de mon collègue KONÉ: « Préoccupé et conscient ... ».Alors, si on considère que ce sont les parlementaires qui sont préoccupés, c’est bien sûr un « s » et en ce moment-là « Conscients » aussi devrait prendre un « s ».Maintenant, si c’est le Parlement, effectivement il a raison « Conscient » reste comme tel.Quant au paragraphe 5: « L’Union africaine œuvre à l’intégration continentale à travers la libre circulation des personnes », je voudrais bien ajouter « et des biens », parce qu’une intégration africaine doit aussi autoriser la circulation des biens.Je vous remercie Monsieur le Président.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you. Even services should be added; free movement of persons, good and services.Hon from Djibouti; you have the floor

[French: 10:11:30 - 10:12:10]

UNE HONORABLE MEMBRE:Merci Monsieur le Président.Je voudrais intervenir au niveau du point 3 des recommandations car je pense que cette recommandation contient beaucoup d’éléments.Alors, je voudrais proposer qu’elle soit scindée en deux.Ma première proposition serait que la première partie de la phrase soit rédigée comme suit: « Les États membres créent un environnement et un cadre favorable à la mobilisation et un maintien des jeunes diplômés sur le continent africain ».Ensuite, il faut proposer une deuxième en disant que: « Les États membres initient des cadres de concertation entre les jeunes et les dirigeants ».Ainsi, on comprendrait mieux la recommandation si on la scinde en deux.Je vous remercie Monsieur le Président.(Applaudissements)

THE PRESIDENT:That is a very good proposal; secretary please takes note

HON:Thank you Mr. President. On paragraph 4, end of recommendations; maybe it should read as follows: Members States to put in place and implement effective policies in order to facilitate access to education and training by the youth in the universities, schools and institutes of the continent; That is, we add ‘to put in place and implement effective policies’

THE PRESIDENT:Yes thank you very much. Yes Professor.

HON:Mr President, there is nothing mentioned about the risk of immigration to Europe. We have many reasonable doubts and a way to go to Europe. I do not know why that was not mentioned.Thank you very much.

THE PRESIDENT:Secretariat, please take note of migration. Yes hon. from Kenya.

HON:Thank you Mr. President. I suggest that we add again on that concern about the exclusion of youth voices in dialogue; then we include another paragraph - recommend that Member States take steps to increase youth participation in development agenda because yesterday we talked very largely about the issue of

THE PRESIDENT:What paragraph is that?

HON ...:I am suggesting that we add a new paragraph on the issue of youth participation.

THE PRESIDENT:On what?

HON...:The issue of youth participation as a whole is an issue of concern. Therefore, I am saying in the issue of youth development generally. So, I am saying; concerned about the exclusion of youth voices, that is what we were doing yesterday, we included youth in participation. We have written a lot of things about youth; what we are going to do for the youth but not how they are participating directly. I am suggesting that we include how youth participate directly.

THE PRESIDENT:Is that in decision making?

HON:Yes in decision making

THE PRESIDENT:It has been provided for in paragraph 3 that we are going to split into 2.Secretariat, can you reinforce it when you do that separation.Yes hon. from Tunisia

10:14:51HON.... (TUNISIA)

THE PRESIDENT:Secretariat, take note of that.Thank you. Yes hon.

[French: 10:15:41 -10:16:15]

UNE HONORABLE MEMBRE:Merci Monsieur le Président.Je reviens toujours au point 3: « Les États membres créent un environnement et un cadre favorable à la mobilisation et au maintien des jeunes diplômés sur le continent africain en créant des emplois pour éviter l’immigration illégale ».Au point 4: « Les États membres mettent en place les politiques efficaces pour faciliter l’accès des jeunes et spécifiquement de la petite fille à l’éducation et à la formation dans les universités ».Je vous remercie Monsieur le Président.

THE PRESIDENT:Hon, I think that is about youth in general and that includes young girls and boys. In some places, the problem is about boy or girl education. Yes Hon. Master Goya.

HON MASTERGOYA:Thank you Mr. President. I think we are making too many amendments to this so that at least at the end of the day we get a proper document. Nevertheless, I think the correction that was made by one of my colleagues earlier on recommendation number 4 that we should put the word ‘to’ in between states and put - this will change the proper meaning of this; the English context of this. Because if you look at the sub heading; it says, the Pan African Parliament recommends that Member States put in place; we can either put the word ‘should put in place’ but we cannot put the word ‘to’ in between there because of the word ‘that’ which is at the subheading at the top. Thank you Mr. President.

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you. Honorable from Niger.

[French: 10:17:51 -10:18:10]

HON. NASSIROU AMADOU [NIGER]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Je voudrais qu’on ajoute « sur le continent » au niveau du paragraphe 5. Ainsi on lira: « L’Union africaine œuvre à l’intégration continentale à travers la libre circulation des biens matériels et des personnes sur le continent ».Je vous remercie Monsieur le Président.

THE PRESIDENT:That has been taken care of already. Thank you. Hon from....

[French: 10:18:17 - 10:18:44]

UNE HONORABLE MEMBRE:Merci Monsieur le Président.Je m’excuse de revenir encore sur la page 5, au niveau du premier paragraphe où mon collègue de Côte d’Ivoire a demandé d’enlever le « s » du mot « Préoccupés ». Quant à mon collègue du Sénégal, il a précisé qu’il s’agit bien des membres du Parlement.Je pense qu’effectivement ce sont les membres du Parlement qui constituent le Parlement panafricain et comme on parle ici du PAP, pour moi, il faudrait enlever le « s » de « Préoccupés ».Je vous remercie Monsieur le Président.(Applaudissements)

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you. Hon Philip.

HON PHILIP:Thank you Mr. President. The other people who were discussing this of young people; the presenters indicated that close to 70% of young people reside in the rural areas and therefore I want to propose that we have a recommendation which reads: Deliberate efforts be made to enhance rural areas trade and investment promotion because in that case, there will be a specific focus towards rural areas, something that generally been neglected.

THE PRESIDENT:We right a new paragraph to your proposal.

HON PHILIP:Yes sir. I am proposing a new paragraph

THE PRESIDENT:Can you put that in writing and forward.

HON PHILIP:Yes I will.

[French: 10:19:54 - 10:21:33]

UN HONORABLE MEMBRE:Merci Monsieur le Président de m’avoir donné la parole.À titre personnel, je trouve nos recommandations trop timides par rapport à l’enjeu que représente la jeunesse.Cependant, je reviens sur le point: « Préoccupé par l’avenir de la jeune africaine », pour y ajouter « qui représente l’avenir du continent africain ».Le fait de dire qu’il a un rôle important à jouer dans le développement social ne suffit pas; il faudrait reconnaître que la jeunesse est l’avenir du continent. Pour ce faire, je voudrais que « l’avenir du continent africain » apparaisse dans le préambule.Je souhaite également voir un autre élément qui n’a rien à voir avec ces recommandations. En effet, je constate que dans les commissions permanentes du PAP, la jeunesse figure à côté des handicapés.On dit: « jeunesse et handicapés »! J’aimerais que la jeunesse quitte la Commission Permanente de l’Égalité en Genre, de la Famille, de la Jeunesse et des Personnes handicapées pour se retrouver à la Commission Permanente de l’Éducation, de la Culture, du tourisme et des Ressources humaines.On aurait dû en ce moment-là l’intégrer à la Commission Permanente de l’Éducation, de la Culture et de la Jeunesse et l’enlever de là où elle était.Je vous remercie.

THE PRESIDENT:The proposal is to amend the composition of our committees and that would be a different discussion for another day. Today let us just pass this resolution. Yes Chair of Western Caucus.

[French: 10:21:57 -10:22:22]

HON. AZIZOU EL HADJ ISSA [BÉNIN]:Merci Monsieur le Président.Je n’ai rien d’important, mais je voudrais simplement proposer à la plénière, le remplacement du premier « Notant » par « Appréciant », étant donné qu’il y a jusqu’à deux à trois dans le deuxième paragraphe du texte. On lira alors: « Appréciant que la jeunesse africaine de par son poids démographique constitue une ressource majeure... ».Je vous remercie Monsieur le Président.

THE PRESIDENT:Hon members, the question before this House is that we adopt this recommendation with the amendments.Agreed to.Thank you.Thank you very much hon members. Secretariat please ensures that the amendments are brought before me this afternoon to reconfirm and represent what we have agreed in this House.Hon members it is indeed with humility and a sense of responsibility that I address you this morning as we draw the curtain on the activities of the 4^th Session of the 3^rd Parliament of the Pan African Parliament. Especially as we draw the curtains on the celebration of our 10^th anniversary, it has indeed been a very momentous and historical session and I want to thank each and every one of you for your contributions, your support and your participation in this special celebration of our parliament.Let me also thank the secretariat of the Pan African Parliament for the hard work in preparing the session. I will also take this opportunity to thank you for your dedication to the cause of this institution in the manner in which we have concluded our deliberations on interventions that we have made during this session truly demonstrate our commitment to the sharing that we as representatives of the people of Africa are also alive to our responsibilities.My colleagues, we began the 4^th Ordinary Session with the review of the African Union Budget. Our Parliament for the first time discussed the Africa Union budget which is consistent with one of the functions provided for in the protocol which authorizes the PAP to discuss the AU budget and the budgetary allocation and make recommendations thereon for approval by the assembly of the heads of states. This was indeed historical and goes a long way in strengthening our position as an organ of the African Union.Previously, the PAP only looked at the status of the contribution of member states and this is the extent to which we had in the past regarding discussing African Union financial issues. We believe that some of the short comings in our handling of the budget session will be improved on in the year to come as we will be going to have a look at the budget performance from the previous years.Hon Colleagues, let me also use this opportunity to thank all the various agencies and partners who supported us during this period; various high commissions and embassies of Africa Member States based in Pretoria who have been very supportive; development partners and donors who in various ways supported the success of this session.I would also like on your behalf, to thank the Chair person of the Africa Union, the President of Mauritania; His Excellency Mohamed Ould Adbel Aziz. I would also like to thank His Excellency, the President of Western Sahara, Mohamed Abdelaziz and our leader and elder Statesman; President of the Republic of Uganda; His Excellency Museveni; we also want to thank former President Jerry Rawlings and all the other Speakers of National Parliaments; Heads of Governments and dignitaries who graced our occasion and who sent us messages of solidarity from across the continents.Hon members, that we are now ten years means that a lot more is expected of us as we begin the next ten years of the life of our Parliament. I urge each and every one of us to really dedicate ourselves to the cause of integration and development of our continent that is Parliament will be a loud and clear voice on the issues concerning the people of Africa and will continue to provide a platform for African people to be able to make any inputs to decision making process. This has been clearly demonstrated during this celebrated session and we have passed resolutions and made recommendations that women of Africa be given a clear role in development process and clear input in political participation; that the youth of Africa be provided the opportunity to be part of the decisions that will shape the future of Africa.(Applause)We are convinced that this Parliament will continue to provide all segments of our society an opportunity to make their voice heard loud and clear on issues concerning them.As we all go back to our various national Parliaments, we have also decided in this Parliament that members begin to advocate the cause of the Pan African Parliament in various national Parliaments. We are all due to ensure that the issues concerning the transformation of this Parliament is put on the agenda of the various national Parliaments and push for a day to debate the issues concerning the growth and development of our Parliaments and that you help us to sensitize the people of Africa on the need to grow this institution to one that can actually stand and speak for the people of Africa.Hon members, nobody will give us the space that we need without us demanding for it....(Applause)And as such I am convinced that despite that our mandate is limited to our advisory and consultative mandate, we must continue to make full use of our existing mandate. We must continue to occupy the space that we as members of Parliament are supposed to occupy on the affairs of our continent. Working together, we will be able to achieve a lot to help the development and to help the suffering masses on our continent.As Parliamentarians, we all represent various segments of the African society and I am convinced beyond all doubt that we have the capacity which in this House we have men and women with deep intellectual capacity. You have demonstrated it here time over time again on the floor of this House and I believe that the cause that we are fighting for is a just cause. If we continue to make our voice loud and clear, we continue to push the issues concerning the people of Africa; we will be able to make a change.I thank you for your continued participation. I thank you for your commitment and I wish each and every one of you safe journey back home and so that you meet your loved ones well and healthy and as we begin the process of ensuring that the Pan African Parliament is actually a voice for the voiceless millions of Africans. I thank you and God Bless you.(Applause)Hon members, we have now come to the end of our business, the very momentous 4^th session of the 3^rdParliament. This House is now adjourned sine die.The House accordingly adjourned sine die

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Pan-African Parliament Hansard Report, Fourth Session of the Third Parliament

Pan-African Parliament Hansard Report, Fourth Session of the Third Parliament

Monday, 10 March, 2014

ADMNISTRATION OF OATHS

PRESENTATION AND ADOPTION OF THE PAN­-AFRICAN PARLIAMENT CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

PARTIE II: CONDUITE GÉNÉRALE

4. ARTICLE 3 DU PROTOCOLE

3. OBJECTIF

8. PRINCIPES D’ETHIQUE ET ASPIRATIONS:

7. HONNEUR:

Tuesday, 11 March, 2014

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COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

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UPDATE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PAP APPROVED STRUCTURE

LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS

ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS

MEETINGS OF COMMITTEES AND REGIONAL CAUCUSES

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES

THE PAN AFRICAN PARLIAMENT 2014-2017 STRATEGIC PLAN

UPDATE ON MEDICAL SCHEME FOR MEMBERS

AU DIPLOMATIC PASSPORT FOR MEMBERS

FINANCIAL MATTERS

AFRICAN UNION JANUARY 2014 SUMMIT

7: BRIEFING OF AFRICAN AMBASSADORS IN SOUTH AFRICA

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

PRESENTATION OF THE 2015 AFRICAN UNION DRAFT BUDGET

PROGRAMME OF THE FOURTH ORDINARY SESSION

PAP-EUP PARLIAMENTARY SUMMIT

AWEPA 30TH ANNIVERSARY JUBILEE

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PRESENTATION AND ADOPTION OF THE PAN-AFRICAN PARLIAMENT CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

AWEPA 30^TH ANNIVERSARY JUBILEE