Pan-African Parliament in need of Government support

The Pan-African Parliament was established in March 2004, by Article 17 of The Constitutive Act of the African Union, as one of the nine Organs provided for in the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community signed in Abuja , Nigeria , in 1991.

By Yemti Harry Ndienla

The establishment of the Pan-African Parliament is informed by a vision to provide a common platform for African peoples and their grass-roots organizations to be more involved in discussions an
The ultimate aim of the Pan-African Parliament is to evolve into an institution with full legislative powers, whose members are elected by universal adult suffrage. The body has as objectives amongst others to Promote the principles of human rights and democracy in Africa; Encourage good governance, transparency and accountability in Member States; Promote peace, security and stability;
Contribute to a more prosperous future for the people of Africa by promoting collective self-reliance and economic recovery; Facilitate cooperation and development in Africa; Strengthen Continental solidarity and build a sense of common destiny among the peoples of Africa; and to Facilitate cooperation among Regional Economic Communities and their Parliamentary fora.

But, the body seems to be sailing in trouble waters and the President Hon. Dr Gertrude Mongella, has sounded a loud cry for help. Thus has called on the government of Central African Sub-region to continue to strengthen the members of the Pan-African Parliament from their countries as the Parliamentarians contribute to the integration of the African peoples.

Contentious of the fact the Central African Sub-region was lagging behind other sub-regions of the continent in terms of communication network Hon. Dr Gertrude Mongella, says governments should work to ease communication so that the MPs can move freely, share experiences and foster African integration. “Pan-African Parliamentarians come out of National Parliaments. Issues discussed at the continental level should be very well known to them so that they can disseminate the information back to their Parliaments”. Adding, “we need to see more movement of people from one place to another. We want our people to move and share the resources available in the African continent”. With more emphasis on the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), the President of the Pan-African Parliament said, “we wish to see the strong CEMAC Parliament that unites people of the sub-region”.
Pan-African Parliamentarians were in Yaoundé, Cameroon for the third consultative meeting between Regional Economic Communities and Regional Parliamentary Fora.
There is no doubt that by using the Parliamentarians, various government can forge ahead with continental solidarity and integration.