From the 8th to the 26th of May 2023, the Second Ordinary Session of The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) was held under the African Union (AU) theme for 2023 “Accelerating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): The Strategic Significance of the Pan-African Parliament” in Midrand, South Africa. Seychelles was represented by Hon. Terence Mondon acting as the head of delegation, Hon. Wavel Woodcock, Hon Sylvanne Lemiel, Hon. Desheila Bastienne, and Hon. Conrad Gabriel. Additionally, in attendance was the Seychelles High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E. Mr. Claude Morel.
On Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th, the President of Kenya H.E. Mr. William Ruto made his Keynote Remarks for the opening of the 3rd Pan-African Parliamentarians Summit on Climate Policy and Equity in conjunction with the PACJA (Pan African Climate Justice Action) under the theme “The Continent at the Crossroads; Graceful just transition and NDCs implementation responsive to African development aspiration and economic realities”.
As well as attending their respective Committee Meetings, attendees had the opportunity to participate in the 4th African Union International Centre for the Education of Girls and Women in Africa (AU/CIEFFA) Workshop with the Pan African Parliamentarians for the national implementation of the “Africa Educates Her” Campaign: Legislation to ensure learning opportunities post COVID for Girls. The Members then presented and debated on the “State of Peace and Security in Africa”, with Hon. Woodcock delivering the conclusions and recommendations at the end of the workshop.
The Session also marked the Celebration of the Africa Day on Thursday 25th May, with the President of the PAP Hon. Senator. Chief Fortune Charumbira remarking that “this is a relevant day for us to celebrate our legislators; let us always have them in spirit and high honour”. The Sitting is scheduled to continue with other presentations and debates until the 2nd June 2023, before it concludes.
