The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has emphasised the mounting challenges and priorities facing Africa.

Chief Fortune Charumbira was speaking during the opening of the second session of the 6th Pan-African Parliament in South Africa.

Charumbira emphasised the urgent need for clarity regarding parliamentary oversight and the responsibilities of the AU Chair, describing the existing conflicts as "tough odysseys."

"This parliament is fully aware that economic development for Africa, the issues of youth unemployment, and infrastructure development are issues that members of parliament will debate and contribute to ensuring our success. The agenda and the youth dimension will be a part of the discussion on the AfCFTA because we don't want to exclude women or the youth from the development agenda."

Another pressing issue raised by Charumbira was the need to harmonize trade laws and address governance to align with Agenda 2063.

He also voiced concern over the resurgence of unconstitutional changes in government, citing the situation in Sudan as a stark example.

"In the last two years or so, we have regressed, and the current situation in Sudan is a clear testimony that we need to pull up our socks as Africa when it comes to this issue of military takeovers. I believe it is eluding us, and we must sit down and discuss this matter in this forum. A parliament of this nature, with membership from all the countries, should take this issue seriously. We will find time during this session to examine issues of peace and security on the continent and why we continue to face challenges in these areas."

Amidst these challenges, Charumbira praised the achievements of Comoros in establishing stability after a history of military coups.

He called upon the Chair of the AU to utilise the strategies employed in Comoros to bring lasting peace to the entire African continent, urging a collective effort to eliminate unconstitutional changes of government.