PAP calls for dialogue to solve Africa's conflicts

By Vision Reporter

THE Sixth Ordinary Session of the Pan African Parliament has adjourned, recommending dialogue to solve political problems on the continent.

In recommendations approved during the last sitting of the session held in Midrand, South Africa, the Pan African Parliament was concerned by the growth of terrorism, violent extremism and transnational criminality including human trafficking in Africa.

Terrorist groups and crises highlighted during the two weeks session included the Boko Haram in Nigeria, Al Shabaab in Somalia, Lord’s Resistance Army in Central Africa region; and the conflicts in Burundi, Mali and Saharawi Republic.

PAP noted that despite the considerable progress in democracy in the last two decades, conflicts in Africa are still caused by factors such as political and socio-economic exclusion, lack of democratic governance, poor organization of elections, human rights violations, inequitable distribution of wealth and terrorism.

The continental body recommended that “the African Union invite all member states to strengthen their capacity in the fight against illegal arms trafficking which continues to fuel wars in Africa.”

“The current peace efforts deployed by the African Union with the support of the United Nations and other institutions be intensified with a view to eradicating terrorism on the continent,” read part of the recommendations.

PAP also recommended that the AU strengthen the capacity of all organs and mechanisms in place to enable them play a bigger role in the prevention of conflicts in Africa.

AU member states were also asked to sign, respect and implement all the AU instruments relating to peace, security and good governance, in particular the African Charter on Democracy and Elections.

Friday’s sitting marked the end of the Third Pan African Parliament, during which Hon. Roger Nkodo Dang (Cameroon) was elected to replace Hon. Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi (Nigeria) as President.

Similarly, Hon. Eduardo Joaquim Mulembwe (Mozambique/Southern), Hon.  Suilma Hay Emhamed (Saharawi/Northern), Dr. Ashebir Gayo (Ethiopia/Eastern) and Dr. Bernadette Lahai (Sierra Leone/Western) were elected as Vice Presidents from the four African regions.

In the Committees, the Leader of Uganda’ s delegation Hon. Onyango Kakoba was re-elected to chair the Committee on Justice and Human Rights while Hon. Jacquline Amongin was elected to chair the Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment.

Uganda’s other representatives to PAP are Hon. Beatrice Barumba, Hon. Sam Amooti Otada and Hon. Elijah Okupa.