Pan -African Parliament courts Malawi
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) on Monday courted Malawi to be the second among 28 countries needed to ratify the revised protocol to give the organisation legislative powers to represent all people in Africa and their interests in the African diaspora.
PAP president Roger Dang pleaded for Malawi’s vote when he led a four-member delegation to an audience with President Peter Mutharika at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Monday.
During the meeting, Dang also bestowed the honour of PAP Goodwill Ambassador on First Lady Gertrude Mutharika.
He also extended an invitation for the Malawi leader to be the guest of honour at a key PAP meeting in May next year.
“We are here to seek your support to the activities of the Pan African Parliament through the ratification of the protocol,” Dang said, hoping that Malawi could become the second nation after Mali to ratify the revised protocol.
He also hoped that Mutharika would use his influence, including as champion for Higher Education and global champion for the Youth and the He and She Campaign, to encourage other leaders in making PAP an effective organisation.
Commenting on the First Lady’s recognition, Dang said she deserved to be PAP Goodwill Ambassador to champion issues affecting African women and the girl child because she already proved her passion and efficiency for this work when she was a PAP member in a Malawi Parliamentary Caucus several years before she became the First Lady.
Mutharika said PAP needs to be a key vehicle for promoting democracy and unity in Africa and for a continental cohesion in solving challenges like the environment, climate change, trade integration, education, fighting diseases and youth and women empowerment.
