AU must be relevant to Africans

Civil society organisations have urged that African Union (AU) leaders speed up the implementation of two key institutions, which will ensure the accountability and transparency of the AU following its launch. At a meeting on the sidelines of the historic summit, which has seen the AU replace the Organisation of African Unity, activists committed themselves to ensuring that the Union fulfilled its promise of being more "people oriented". Pan-African Movement general-secretary, Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem, told IRIN: "It was regrettable that the initial emphasis was placed on the executive branches of the Union but it is futile to cry over spilt milk. The challenge now is to identify those institutions that will give voice to ordinary Africans." The proposed pan-African parliament (PAP) and Economic, Social and Cultural Council are expected to "provide the room for enhanced people participation which is vital to making the Union friendlier to Africans". The PAP will be comprised of five members of each national parliament of the member states, at least one of whom must be a woman. It will advise and consult with the other organs of the AU. It is expected to promote the objectives of the AU, including the promotion of human rights and democracy, good governance, transparency, peace and security and stability in Africa. The Economic, Social and Cultural Council, analysts said, would also provide a valuable platform to promote social justice and balanced economic development. Chairman of the Inter-Africa Sustainable Development Group, Mohammed Abdel, said: "This is another institution where civil society experts can have an important role to play in partnership with government actors and the private sector. However, selecting its membership must be inclusive, participatory and generally democratic." Abdul-Raheem added that one of the key recommendations was the appointment of a commissioner for human rights and governance to build trust between government and the people. They also recommended that the summit increase female representation in the PAP from the proposed 20 to 30 percent. The civil society organisations also urged that the secretariat of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) establish a permanent mechanism for the participation of civil society. "It is important that the political and business leaders behind NEPAD realise the need for broader society's involvement in Africa's economic recovery," Mary Wandia from the African Women's Development and Communication Network told IRIN.