Wetang'ula calls on Pan-African Parliament to cut trade barriers

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula (right) and Zambian Speaker Nelly Mutti at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi. [Courtesy National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has urged the Pan-African parliament (PAP) to be on the frontline in contributing to a prosperous future for the people of Africa by promoting self-reliance and economic recovery. Speaking during a meeting at Parliament Buildings with Pan-African Parliament President Chief Fortune Charumbira, who paid him a courtesy call, Wetang'ula expressed optimism that PAP would fulfil its vision of promoting continental unity and fostering a shared destiny among Africans. "The dream we Africans had of a Pan-Africanism parliament is still valid today and even as much as it has been greatly frustrated, we would like to see PAP grow to the level of European Union parliament with direct elections of members from member States," he said. Wetang'ula observed that it is the desire of Africans to see PAP get a continental mandate with jurisdiction, so that any legislative structure, however, limited, can be binding on member countries, particularly in free trade areas, peace, and security matters. He said the Pan-African parliament plays a critical role in supporting and driving issues of parliamentary and national significance, noting that it is essential to strengthening its ties with the National Assembly of Kenya. "The major role of the Pan-African parliament is to remove all existing barriers to thriving intra-Africa trade, issues of climate change that have highly affected Africa,'' he said. The Speaker called for the tackling of climate change which has had a severe impact on food security and has led to the extinction of some wild animals in African nations. Wetang'ula emphasized the need for Africa to adopt adaptation and mitigation strategies for global climate change since the continent suffers more from its adverse effects despite being a lesser polluter. He urged PAP to tackle trade-related issues and foster cooperation and development within Africa, highlighting the concern that the continent's access to and share of world trade is less than three per cent, despite being endowed with vast natural resources. Mr Wetang'ula urged PAP to foster cooperation among the parliamentarian of various regional economic communities. Effective implementation He also urged PAP to provide a voice for both Africans and those in the Diaspora and ensure the effective implementation of the policies and objectives of the African Union. "We would like to see PAP encouraging national and regional parliaments to ratify and integrate treaties adopted by the AU into their legal systems,'' he said. The Speaker also appealed to PAP to prioritise the promotion of human rights and democracy in Africa by advocating for good governance, transparency, and accountability in member states. He also urged PAP to create awareness among Africans about the objectives and policies related to the political and socio-economic integration of the continent, as a means to foster peace, security, and stability in the region. Present in the meeting was Kenya's representation to PAP were senators Margaret Kamar (Nominate), Danson Mungatana(Tana River), and MPs Rahab Mukami, Majimbo Kalasinga and Esther Passaris (Nairobi Woman representative). In another parliamentary diplomatic engagement with the Zambian delegation led by its Speaker Nelly Mutti, Wetangula said Kenya and Zambia share similar historical and political transformation backgrounds that must be nurtured. He called for enhanced diplomacy between African parliaments saying that pulling together will boost the region's legislation agenda leading to more development. "Zambia has been a friend to Kenya, we share a lot in common and both our two countries are tourism destinations hence we still have a lot we can do together given the goodwill and opportunities," said Wetang'ula. Wetang'ula informed the Zambian delegation that the House Business Committee as established in the Standing Order 171 of the National Assembly is chaired by the Speaker and forms the heart of the business of the House. Speaker Mutti indicated that the Zambian House Business Committee is one of the four housekeeping committees of the National Assembly.

Wetang'ula calls on Pan-African Parliament to cut trade barriers

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