The Pan-African Parliament announces its new leadership; the Bureau of the 7th session reflects the continent's balance.

Written by Omnia Hassan

Parliament announced Africa The Pan-African Parliament announced the formation of its Bureau for its seventh legislative session, a move that reflects the continental institution's commitment to fairly representing the five regions within its leadership structure.

The House of Commons office includes Africa A president and four vice presidents, geographically distributed between North, East, West, Central and South Africa, which reinforces the principle of regional balance that forms a cornerstone of the parliament's work.

Presidency from North Africa

The office was chaired by MP Fateh Boutbig, representing the North Africa region, which gives the region a pivotal position in managing the work of Parliament during this session. Boutbig is expected to lead efforts to activate the oversight and legislative roles of Parliament and support continental integration priorities.

East Africa in the position of First Deputy

The position of First Vice President went to Dr. Ashebir Gayo from the East Africa region, and his experience is relied upon to advance development and good governance agendas, in line with the aspirations of the region’s countries to enhance cross-border cooperation.

West Africa is represented by a second deputy.

The position of Second Vice-President went to MP Dr. Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings, representing West Africa. Her selection reflects a prominent female presence within the leadership of Parliament, and a message of support for women’s participation in continental decision-making.

Central Africa in the third deputy

MP Djida Mamar Mahamat was appointed as the third vice-president of the Pan-African Parliament for the Central African region, in a move that strengthens the region’s presence in parliamentary decision-making circles at the continental level.

South Africa completes the leadership picture

The formation of the office was completed with the appointment of MP Arlete da Visitacao as the fourth Vice-President, representing the Southern African region, thus completing the geographical representation within the leadership of Parliament.

Regional balance to advance the integration agenda

This formation reflects the parliament's philosophy of distributing responsibilities according to regions, to ensure a comprehensive vision when discussing issues of peace and security, sustainable development, and economic integration.

Strengthening coordination with African Union institutions

The new Pan-African Parliament Bureau is expected to play a pivotal role in revitalizing the work of parliamentary committees, as well as strengthening coordination with African Union institutions in the coming period.