The delayed authority of the Pan-African Parliament : consequences for African Union cooperation with the European Union

Abstract

This paper explores the repercussions of the delayed empowerment of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) on African Union (AU) interactions with the European Union (EU). The policy analysis argues that the empowerment of the PAP is intricately linked to the credibility and effectiveness of the AU on the global stage, especially in its engagement with partners such as the EU. Total empowerment of the PAP would not only enhance the democratic image of the AU but would also bolster its influence in international forums, fostering more effective governance and development across Africa. Addressing the challenges hindering the empowerment of the PAP is crucial for the AU to uphold its principles and objectives, thereby preserving and enhancing its standing in the global community. The PAP was established as a quasi-legislative organ of the African Union in Article 17 of the Constitutive Act, with a clear mandate to "ensure the full participation of African peoples in the development and economic integration of the continent." This policy analysis delves into the current functions and powers of the PAP, it evaluates the potential consequences of a weak PAP for the AU partnership with the EU, and it provides recommendations to empower the PAP to mitigate the adverse impact on the AU-EU relationship.