President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H.E. Dr. Fateh Boutbig, has called on African nations and their legislatures to embrace a new era of continental parliamentary transformation, urging the continent to move beyond dialogue and take decisive action to advance peace, economic integration, democratic governance and sustainable development.
Ahead of the opening of the First Ordinary Session of the Pan-African Parliament under his leadership on July 26, Dr. Boutbig outlined an ambitious vision to reposition the continental legislature as a stronger and more influential institution capable of shaping Africa’s future rather than merely responding to its challenges.
Describing the session as taking place at a critical moment in Africa’s history, he said the continent is confronting complex geopolitical, economic, security, social and environmental challenges that demand practical solutions and institutional reforms.
“The time has come for the Pan-African Parliament to become a more influential actor in shaping continental decision-making,” he stressed, adding that Africa now requires institutions that “take the initiative and lead the change.”
Central to his vision is a comprehensive programme of parliamentary reforms aimed at modernising the institution’s operations, strengthening transparency, improving governance and enhancing the quality of legislation and oversight. The reforms, he said, would enable the Parliament to play a leading role in implementing the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the blueprint for achieving “The Africa We Want.”
Dr. Boutbig underscored the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as the continent’s greatest economic opportunity in decades. He called for the harmonisation of national laws, removal of trade barriers, improved infrastructure and stronger parliamentary oversight to accelerate regional integration and boost intra-African trade.
On peace and security, the PAP President urged African countries to adopt a united response to armed conflicts, terrorism, organised crime and unconstitutional changes of government. He said parliamentary diplomacy should play a greater role in mediation, conflict prevention and peacebuilding while promoting constitutional governance and the rule of law.
He also reaffirmed the Parliament’s commitment to promoting democracy, human rights, accountability and the empowerment of women and young people, describing these as indispensable pillars of Africa’s development agenda.
Highlighting priorities for the current session, Dr. Boutbig identified water security and sanitation as one of the continent’s most pressing strategic challenges, calling for stronger cooperation in the management of shared water resources and increased investment to guarantee universal access to safe water and sanitation.
He also announced sweeping institutional reforms, including the digitalisation of parliamentary processes, strengthening standing committees and expanding partnerships with African Union organs, regional bodies and international parliaments to enhance the effectiveness and global influence of the Pan-African Parliament.
Dr. Boutbig urged Africans to seize what he described as a defining moment for the continent, saying Africa possesses the political will, human capital and natural resources needed to drive a new renaissance.
“Our historic responsibility demands that we transform aspirations into policies, policies into programmes, and programmes into tangible outcomes that improve the security, livelihoods, dignity and future of every African citizen,” he said, declaring: “This is Africa’s moment, and it is the moment of its Parliament.”
By: Christian Kpesese
