Midrand, South Africa – The President of the Pan-African Parliament, Dr. Fateh Boutbig, has called for a comprehensive transformation of the institution during the opening of the First Ordinary Session of the Pan-African Parliament, stating that the time has come for the body to play a more influential role in shaping continental decision-making and advancing the African Union's Agenda 2063.
In an article published on the occasion of the opening session, Boutbig argues that Africa is facing a period of profound geopolitical change alongside economic, social, environmental, and security challenges, requiring African institutions to move beyond diagnosis and embrace decisive action. "Africa no longer needs institutions that merely deliberate; it requires institutions that take the initiative and lead the change," he writes.
According to the President of the Pan-African Parliament, the institution's new leadership is committed to an ambitious reform agenda that includes modernizing parliamentary procedures, digitizing parliamentary operations, strengthening transparency and governance, and enhancing the Parliament's legislative, oversight, and evaluation functions.
Boutbig emphasizes that the Parliament must become an active partner in implementing Agenda 2063, which he describes as a strategic blueprint for building a strong, united, prosperous, and peaceful Africa. He also argues that the institution should play a central role in monitoring continental public policies and promoting legislative initiatives that foster economic integration, sustainable development, and greater opportunities for Africa's youth and women.
On the economic front, the President identifies the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as the continent's greatest economic opportunity in decades. He calls for the harmonization of national legislation, stronger parliamentary oversight of implementation, and increased intra-African trade to ensure the success of the initiative.
Peace and security also featured prominently in his message. Boutbig warned about the persistence of armed conflicts, terrorism, violent extremism, organized crime, and unconstitutional changes of government, calling for a coordinated African response based on dialogue, mediation, constitutional legitimacy, and the rule of law.
The article further highlights water security and sanitation as critical strategic priorities for the coming decades. Boutbig urges greater cooperation among African states in managing shared water resources and increased investment in water supply and sanitation infrastructure to guarantee safe water and adequate sanitation services for all Africans.
Looking ahead, Boutbig envisions the Pan-African Parliament evolving into a platform for strategic dialogue, a hub for continental initiatives, and a bridge connecting African Union institutions, national parliaments, and the peoples of Africa.
Concluding his message, the President stresses that Africa's leaders have a historic responsibility to transform aspirations into public policies and tangible results that improve the security, livelihoods, dignity, and future of every African citizen. He concludes by declaring: "This is Africa's moment, and it is the moment of its Parliament." (Mozanorte)
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