Chief Charumbira slams Africa over handling of conflicts
Farirai Machivenyika
Senior Reporter
PAN-AFRICAN PARLIAMENT (PAP) president Chief Fortune Charumbira has criticised the handling of conflicts that continue to plague some parts of the continent.
Speaking during a retreat with the African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) in Midrand, South Africa, last week, Chief Charumbira said more can be done to silence the guns in Africa.
This marked the first meeting between the two AU institutions in over a decade.
“Today, instead of being proud of this historic moment, I stand before you full of shame,” he said.
“Why am I ashamed? I am ashamed because today we are celebrating a historic moment that should, in fact, be routine. I am ashamed because we have reconvened after more than a decade when we ought to be convening every year. I am ashamed because while it has taken us 11 years to meet again, eastern DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) continues to burn under the weight of a conflict that has persisted for more than 30 years.”
He said the political and security situation in Libya remains fragile, adding that coups and counter-coups continue in West Africa.
“Terrorism and violent extremism have become the norm rather than the exception in the Sahel. Al Shabaab remains a lingering threat in Cabo Delgado,” he said.
Chief Charumbira expressed disappointment over a suggestion that had been made by the Permanent Representative Committee to postpone the meeting.
He reminded the gathering that Article 18 (1) of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the PSC of the AU clearly states that it must “maintain close working relations with the PAP in furtherance of peace, security and stability in Africa”.
“The collaboration between PAP and the PSC is, therefore, not on a whim but a constitutional imperative,” he emphasised.
Chief Charumbira also pointed out that the Constitutive Act of the PSC identifies it as the “standing decision-making organ for the prevention, management and resolution of conflict on the continent”, while the PAP Protocol mandates the parliament to “promote peace, security and stability on the continent”.
Chairperson of the PSC Ms Rebecca Otengo expressed willingness to work with PAP to achieve peace.
She acknowledged the role of PAP in fact-finding missions to conflict zones and election observation efforts.
“The activities are closely interrelated to the work of the AU PSC,” she said.
Ms Otengo highlighted a key issue: the limited implementation of PSC decisions.
“We would like to sit together with you and ask ourselves how we can ensure that the outcome of our engagements complements the work of both organs. How do we leverage the massive reach of the PAP to drive the socialisation and implementation of PSC decisions, especially those concerning member states?”
The retreat, though long overdue, served as a platform for these institutions to confront the challenges of conflict and instability head-on, with a shared commitment to finding sustainable solutions.
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