Activity Report of the Pan-African Parliament, July 2014 to May 2015
1.0IntroductionThis report highlights some of the key activities of the Pan African Parliament between July 2014 and May 2015. The report is predicated on the key deliverables of the PAP namely, the Plenary, the Committees and the Secretariat, showing the progress made and the challenges encountered in the course of their implementation.2.0Protocol of the Pan-African ParliamentWe are pleased to report that the Revised Protocol was finally adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government during the last AU Summit in June 2014, at Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. We take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to the policy organs of the AU for their support during the revision process. Furthermore, we take the opportunity to request for your continued support to ensure that the required number of ratification is achieved for it to come into force.When ratified, the PAP will be empowered to develop the legal framework upon which Africa can begin the process of building strong democratic institutions that would deepen democracy, good governance, transparency and accountability which are the prerequisites for development of peace and stability. It will also empower the PAP to develop the transnational policy frameworks based on AU Shared Values and on those AU policies and practices whose benefits transcend national boundaries within the continent, such as intra-African trade, trans national infrastructure, transborder movement of people, goods and services. In this way, the PAP can indeed become the voice of the voiceless peoples of Africa on challenges of continental integration and shared development amongst all Africans in line with the AU Agenda 2063.3.0Update on the implementation of the PAP organizational structureThe implementation of the PAP approved organizational structure is in progress in accordance with the Executive Council Decision EX. CL/720(XX1). So far, Interviews and selection processes for the following prioritized positions have been carried out: Clerk of Parliament D1; Deputy Clerk, Legislative Business and Conferences P6; Deputy Clerk, Finance, Administration and Human Resources P6; Head, Committees, Research, Documentation and Library P5; Head, Finance and Budget P5; Interpreter/Translator P4. Senior Internal Auditor P3; Senior Procurement Expert P3; Travel and Stores Officer P3; Senior Monitoring & Evaluation Officer P3; Senior International Relations Officer P3; Senior Protocol Officer P3; Senior Assistant Clerk P3; Senior Committee Clerk P3; Senior Library and Documentation Officer P3; Sergeant at Arms P3; Finance Officer Accounting P2; Finance Officer P2; Finance Officer Budget and Certifying P2; Human Resources Officer P2; Legal Officer P2; IT Administrator/Webmaster P2; and 5 Committee Clerks P1.Interviews and selection processes for the outstanding set of the prioritized professional staff positions as well as the GS staff category are currently ongoing, while most of the newly appointed staff members have commenced duties in their various positions.The recruitment and selection process were undertaken in a transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and professional manner, fully overseen and supervised by the AUC to ensure compliance with the AU recruitment guidelines as recommended by the Executive Council in its Decision on the implementation methodologies.Once more, the PAP would like to use this opportunity to thank the Permanent Representatives Committee and the Executive Council for approving an organizational structure for the Pan African Parliament and for providing the necessary funding for the implementation.4.0Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Ordinary SessionsIn conformity with Rule 28(1) of the PAP Rules of Procedures, the Parliament had its Plenary sittings twice during the period under review, for the 5th and 6th Ordinary Sessions of the third Parliament in October 2014 and May 2015 respectively. The Plenary debated and adopted resolutions and recommendations on issues related to the mandate of the Parliament and other important matters affecting the interest of African Citizens.The 5th Ordinary Session of the 3rd Parliament commenced on Monday, 13th October 2014 with the esteemed presence of our Special Guest of Honour, His Excellency, Mr. Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA, President of the Republic of Mali who addressed the Parliament and expressed his encouragement and support.The Sixth Ordinary Session of the Third Parliament of the Pan African Parliament was held from 18th to 29th May, 2015. This Session witnessed many memorable events including the AU Day celebration, the 3rd Intergenerational Dialogue and particularly the elections of the New Bureau and its subsequent inauguration. The opening ceremony of the session was graced with the esteemed presence of the His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta of the Republic of Kenya who addressed the Parliament and availed the members his words of encouragement and support.During the session, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma was also present at the opening of the 3rd Intergenerational Dialogue and presented a highly illuminating address, while the former President of the Republic of South Africa His Excellency, Dr. Thabo Mbeki made a presentation on illicit financial flows and ways of curbing them.4.1Elections of Members of the PAP BureauHon. Roger NKODO DANG (Cameroun) - PresidentHon. Eduardo Joaquim MULEMBWE (Mozambique) - 1st Vice PresidentHon. Dr. Ashebir W. GAYO (Ethiopia) - 2nd Vice PresidentHon. Suelma HAY EMHAMED EL KAID (Saharawi Republic) - 3rd Vice PresidentHon. Bernadette LAHAI (Sierra Leone) - 4th Vice PresidentThe PAP Permanent Committees, Regional caucuses, Women Caucus and Caucus on Youth met on May 28, 2015, to elect their new Bureaus, the election went very well as planned.5.0Parliamentary Committee activitiesDuring the period under review, the various Committees participated in a number of regional and international meetings and workshops. All the 10 permanent Committees of the Pan African Parliament also held their statutory meetings. During the meetings, the Committees had interaction with invited stakeholders, received presentations and organized workshops. Some of the Committee activities include the following:5.1Committee on Gender, Family, Youth and People with DisabilityWithin the cooperation framework between the GIZ and the PAP for 2014, and in line with the AGA Joint Work Plan for 2014 to 2016, the Committee on Gender held consultative meetings to promote the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa (the Maputo Protocol) from November 03 to 07, 2014 in Kigali, Rwanda.The aim of the meetings was to promote the ratification and implementation of the Protocol to ensure among others, the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women in Africa and to enable parliamentarians as representatives of the people to engage in discussions that contribute to the promotion of the welfare of the marginalized that most often include women.5.2Committee on Justice and Human RightsThe committee organized in collaboration with APRM, SAIIA and AfriMAP, a planning Retreat on the Pan-African Parliament African Peer Review Mechanism Network (PAN) held from 12-13 March 2015. The aim of the meeting was to discuss the processes and procedures for the formation of this network as well as its work plan and activities in 2015.5.3Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflicts ResolutionsThe Committee in collaboration with UNITAR organized capacity development and knowledge sharing Seminar for the members of the committee, the seminar was intended to support the members of the Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolution to be better equipped to fulfil their mandate in conflict prevention and resolution.The Committee also held a meeting on 15 May 2015, in preparation of the 6th Ordinary Session of the Third Parliament of the Pan African Parliament. The objective of the meeting was to receive presentations on peace and security situation in Africa and to prepare report for presentation before the Plenary.5.4Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and EnvironmentTen members of the committee participated in a side meeting at the 11th CAADP Platform Partnership Meeting, on Raising Awareness on the AU-NEPAD Guidance Note on Measuring the Levels and Quality of Government Expenditure in Agriculture on 24th March 2015. The Meeting was largely to make an exposition of the revised AU-NEPAD Guidance Note on measuring expenditures in the agriculture sector.Furthermore, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) organized a joint workshop for the Committee on Transport and Committee on Agriculture on sustainable energy in Africa on Saturday, 23 May 2015.5.5Committee on Health, Labour and Social AffairsThe committee participated in the NEPAD Consultative meetings on the Model law on African Medicines Registration Harmonization (AMRH). Furthermore the committee participated in the launch of the ECOWAS Steering Committee and Technical Working Group of the Medicines Regulatory Harmonisation Initiative and Consultations on the AU Model Law on Regulation of Medical Products in Accra, Ghana, as well as in the Stakeholders Consultative meetings for Central and Northern Africa on the African Union Model Law on Regulation of Medical Products and Harmonization in Congo Brazzaville and Egypt, respectively. The Committee had resolved to release a statement in solidarity with the affected population of the deadly EBOLA virus in West Africa5.6Committee on Transport, Communication, Energy, Science and TechnologyThe Committee organized Joint Workshop on: "Mainstreaming Sustainable Energy Access in Africa" on 4 August 2014. The workshop was facilitated by the Climate Parliament and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The overall objective of the workshop is to deepen the knowledge and understanding of members of Parliament with regard to renewable energy development and sustainable energy, so that they are better equipped to contribute to policy and financing discussions on these subjects.5.6.1Joint workshop for the Committee on Transport and Committee on Agriculture on Sustainable Energy In AfricaThe Members of the two committees, after receiving the presentations and deliberation, made recommendations on their role in the development of clean and sustainable energy.6.0The 6th Annual Conference of Speakers of African ParliamentsConsistent with our tradition and in line with Article 18 of the Protocol Establishing the PAP which requires the PAP to work in close collaboration with National Parliaments and Regional Parliamentary Bodies, the 6th Annual conference of Speakers of African Parliaments took place on 13-14 August 2014, under the theme, "Ten years of the existence of the Pan African Parliament: Reflections on its Role". As usual, the Conference was preceded by a Meeting of the Clerks of African Parliaments on the 12th August 2014. The Conference resolved amongst others, that the PAP in conjunction with National Parliaments should make concerted efforts to accelerate the ratification of the revised Protocol.7.0Regional meetingsThis Bureau has remained consistent in organizing Regional Parliamentary meetings on African Platform and Ratification of the African Union Legal Instruments with the funding support from our partners. During the period under review, the PAP has organized three Regional Parliamentary meetings. The PAP organized a regional meeting in Nouakchott, Mauritania for the Northern and Central regions, from 24-26 September 2014, on the promotion, ratification, domestication and implementation of AU legal instruments. This regional meeting is particularly unique for two reasons. First, it coincided with the 10th Year Anniversary of the establishment of the Pan African Parliament in March, 2004. Secondly, this is the first regional meeting since the approval of the PAP revised Protocol by the Assembly of the African Union at the June summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.Others were in Eastern Africa Region, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 19 - 21 November, 2014 and in Western Africa Region, Abuja, Nigeria on 29 April to 1st May 2015 respectively. As usual, the meetings were attended by Parliamentarians from the PAP, National and Regional parliamentarians, the AGA Organs, relevant Government officials, the civil society and the media.The proceedings primarily centered on the promotion of the ratification, domestication and implementation of African Union Legal Instruments. The objective was to raise awareness, create capacity and synergies among parliamentarians and the Nationals of member countries of the regions with a view to achieving the desired speedy ratifications and operationalization of these instruments.8.0The 3rd Intergenerational Dialogue with the Pan African Parliament and African YouthPAP organized in collaboration with African Union Commission on 22nd and 23rd May 2015, the 3rd Intergenerational dialogue with the Pan African Parliament and African Youth. The theme of the dialogue was: "Promoting a culture of good governance for citizen’s action for the empowerment of young women, as well as youth innovation and entrepreneurship".The 3rd Intergenerational dialogue with the Pan African Parliament and African Youth was convened under the auspices of the African Union Commission (AUC), the Pan African Parliament (PAP) and the Pan African Youth Union (PYU). Under the banner of promoting a culture of good governance for citizen’s action for the empowerment of young women, as well as youth innovation and entrepreneurship, the event was organized so as to take stock on the progress hitherto made at national, regional and continental level with regard to implementing youth development and empowerment.9.0Africa Day celebrationThe PAP organised on 25th May 2015, a celebration on Africa Day under the theme: "2015 the year of Women’s Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063".The objectives of the celebrations were to:(i)Strengthen PAP MPs to play proactively their oversight role in relation to the empowerment of women in Africa.(ii)Share experiences on strategies to promote women’s participation and leadership in decision-making processes in Africa.(iii)Review the progress of the African Women’s Decade (2010 - 2020) in so far as empowerment for Africa women is concerned.Explore strategic approaches in promoting economic empowerment for women in Africa.10.0Oversight functions of the PAPAs we have reported earlier, in order to facilitate its oversight functions, the PAP had adopted a Resolution (PAP/P(3) RES/03(1) on 18 October 2012 to align its Permanent Committees with the AUC Departments to ensure relevance, synergy, legitimacy and effective implementation of the policies and objectives of the OAU/AEC and ultimately, of the African Union" (Article 3 of the Protocol).To this effect, the PAP has regularly invited the various Departments of the AUC and relevant organs of the Union to attend our sessions and to make presentations on issues relating to their functions, which were normally debated and necessary recommendations made. In this connection, the PAP as part of its oversight functions, "to discuss the budget of the Union and make recommendations thereon prior to its approval by the Assembly", has for the second time, debated and made an input into the African Union budget.11.0AU/PAP Joint Election Observation Missions (EOM)During the period under review and in line with Decision No EX. Cl/Dec. 534 (XVI), the Pan African Parliament and other AU relevant organs to participate in the AU Election Observer Missions Accordingly, the PAP has participated in the following election observation missions:South Africa: Presidential, Parliamentary and Provincial held on 7th May, 2014;Malawi: Tripartite elections held on 20th May 2014;The Arab Republic of Egypt: held on the 26 to 28 May 2014Presidential Election in Zambia, January 2015;Parliamentary Election in Lesotho, February 2015;General Election in Nigeria, March 2015;General Election in Sudan, April 2015;Presidential Election in Togo, April 2015 andPresidential Election in Republic of Benin, April 201512.0External relationsThe development of a collaborative approach on engagement by the PAP has resulted in a more strategic and coordinated approach to partnerships with international and regional organizations and with the civil society. During the reporting period, the PAP engaged with the European Parliament (EP), the European Union (EU), and the United Nations (UN) with regard to strengthening partnerships to deliver more effective outcomes.Following meetings held on the Millennium Development Goal Agenda post 2015, the PAP with support from Development Partners established a framework to monitor the implementation of the MDG Agenda post 2015. The framework is called the MDG Barometer. A Regional Meeting on ‘Governance and Accountability Framework Required for the Post 2015 Development Agenda’ was convened in Johannesburg in May 2015 to agree on the framework. The framework will be used to track progress at national level on the implementation of the MDG programme. Members of Parliament will report to the PAP plenary meetings and the PAP in turn will produce an annual report called the MDG Barometer.The Pan African Parliament through the joint partnership with the European Parliament organized joint meetings both in Europe and Africa on the issue of African migrants to Europe. Both Parliaments agree that the situation in the Mediterranean is a tragedy and that the two continents should mobilize all their efforts to prevent further loss of life at sea. The two Parliaments further agree to tackle the root causes of the human emergency in cooperation with countries of origin and transit. Having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 the two Parliaments called for closer coordination of African Union and European Union Member states to develop policies to tackle the root causes of migration, underdevelopment, and violence in countries of origin to reduce further loss of life at sea.12.1The 30th AWEPA anniversary seminarThe 30th AWEPA anniversary seminar was hosted by the PAP on 2nd and 3rd October 2014. The objective of the seminar was to frame an African-European parliamentary dialogue on migration and development. The dialogue was expected to develop strategies on how to maximize the positive impact of migration on development and to agree on the role that Parliaments can play in the process.13.0Inter-organ collaborationCollaboration with AU Organs is an integral factor in achieving the overall objectives of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP). Conscious of this fact and in conformity with its mandate, the PAP takes the initiative to forge inter-organ relationships within the African Union governance architecture for synergy and more effective performance.13.1African Governance Architecture (AGA)The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is a key organ involved in the implementation of the African Governance Architecture (AGA). The PAP continues to partner and collaborate with the relevant Key AU organs in organizing and executing programs within the AGA platform as the continental institutional framework aimed at connecting, empowering and building capacities of African peoples in strengthening governance and consolidating democracy in Africa.14.0Resource mobilisationThe PAP continues to rely heavily on donor support for the funding of its programmes. With regard to resource mobilisation, most of the partners have indicated that they will support activities linked to governance and human rights. The following development Partners have indicated their willingness to continue to support the work of the PAP by providing financial resources namely; the EC; OSISA, UNDP, GIZ, ACBF and AWEPA.The GIZ and the EC in particular have committed to continue to support the PAP through the African Governance Architecture (AGA) where activities will be implemented jointly with other Organs of the AU such as the African Commission, the African Court and the Department of Political Affairs (DPA). The other funding modality of GIZ is through an Annual Work Plan in line with the GIZ Cooperation Agreement15.0Visibility of the PAPThe South African Broadcasting Cooperation has now established a 24 Hour channel with continental coverage. It will now be possible for the Pan African Parliament proceedings to be broadcasted live throughout the continent ensuring that African citizenry are aware of the role, functions and outputs of the Parliament. The Pan African Parliament has also teamed with civil society organizations in South Africa to raise awareness on issues affecting women and the Girl Child. Through this effort, the PAP hopes to raise awareness and track progress on MDGs pertaining to women.16.0Key challenges16.1Inadequate financial resourcesThe inadequacy of the approved budget for the execution of the PAP’s programmes and activities remain a major challenge for the institution. Even with the approved budget, only part of same is released. The PAP, like most other AU Organs, relies heavily on financial and technical support from donors to implement its programmes. This has not augured well for the effective implementation of its mandate and therefore needs to be addressed as a matter of priority.16.2Secretariat staffingThe inadequacy of the required number of professional secretariat staff for the effective execution of the mandate of the PAP remains a challenge. However with the approval of the PAP organisational structure and the provision of the necessary fund for its execution, the recruitment process is ongoing. It is hoped that at the fullness of time, this challenge will be a thing of the past.17.0Conclusion and recommendationsWithin the limit of its capacity as a consultative and advisory organ and despite its funding challenges, the PAP has made appreciable progress in the execution of its mandate. However, we believe that with enhanced mandate and adequate funding, the PAP will no doubt perform more effectively and efficiently achieve its strategic objectives.The PAP also believes that Agenda 2063 provides a unique platform to actualize the vision of the founding fathers of the AU. Given the failures of the past frameworks, it has become imperative that for continental growth, development and sustainability, the PAP as a continental Parliamentary organ of the African Union needs to be strengthened as a veritable instrument integral to the realization of the aspirations, goals and milestones of Agenda 2063.Against the above background, while we continue to thank the Assembly for adopting the revised PAP Protocol, we implore Your Excellencies to use your good offices to support its ratification.
