Pan-African Parliament Opens Seventh Legislature Amid Calls for Stronger Continental Oversight

The Pan-African Parliament has opened the First Ordinary Session of its Seventh Legislature in Midrand, South Africa, with renewed calls for stronger parliamentary oversight and a more effective continental legislative role.

The session brings together parliamentarians from across African Union member states to consider governance, integration and development priorities. In his address, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged the institution to strengthen democratic accountability, support implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and advance the continent’s broader development agenda.

A central issue is the Malabo Protocol, which seeks to expand the Parliament’s authority beyond its current consultative and advisory functions. Until the protocol receives the required ratifications and enters into force, the institution’s ability to pass binding continental legislation remains limited.

The gap between the Parliament’s ambitions and its formal powers has shaped debate about its relevance. Supporters argue that stronger legislative authority could improve oversight of African Union commitments and create a clearer democratic channel between continental institutions and citizens. Critics have questioned whether member states are prepared to transfer greater authority to a supranational body.

The opening session also places attention on the practical implementation of Agenda 2063, AfCFTA commitments and social priorities including water, sanitation and infrastructure. The value of the Seventh Legislature will therefore be judged not only by resolutions adopted in Midrand, but by whether the Parliament can secure stronger cooperation from national legislatures and African Union institutions.

Sources: Pan-African Parliament; Pan-African Parliament session advisory.