By Hassan Isilow
JOHANNESBURG (AA) - The fifth session of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) opened Monday in Johannesburg with issues such as peace and security on the continent, as well as good governance expected to dominate the agenda.
The continental body will also host a women’s conference discussing the role of parliamentarians in promoting international and regional human rights, such as the fight against female genital mutilation.
“I cannot over-emphasize the importance of your oversight role in pursuit of peace and security, promotion of democracy and good governance, in our continent,” South African Foreign Minister, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said at the opening of the continental assembly.
Mashabane said her country remains committed to strengthening continental bodies aimed at integration, sustainable development and attainment of peace and security.
“We are committed to the goals we have set, in particular ending poverty and silencing the guns by 2020,” she said.
The minister said Africa’s developmental agenda could only be achieved in a peaceful and stable environment, which is evidently not the case today as civil wars and terror acts have devastated such countries as South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria and the Central African Republic among others.
Tens of thousands of people have been killed during these conflicts, while millions have been displaced from their homes.
PAP President Roger Nkodo Dang -- also Cameroon lawmaker -- said his organization has achieved tremendous success over the past years, citing the advocacy efforts led by the institution which saw the United States ease sanctions on Sudan.
African MPs welcomed the U.S. decision of lifting most of the economic and trade sanctions first imposed on Sudan two decades ago.
The PAP was established in 2004, as a legislative organ of the African Union (AU), with the aim of ensuring full participation of the peoples of Africa and their grassroots organizations in governance and economic integration.
Each AU member contributes five members of parliament to the continental parliament, which holds two plenary sessions in May and October.