A delegation from the West African Group of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) visited the Senegalese National Assembly on September 30, 2026. Led by Honorable Lazare Yao Yao, the mission aimed to accelerate the ratification of the revised PAP Protocol and other African Union instruments. The discussions focused on strengthening the PAP's role and involving national parliaments in implementing continental commitments.
The delegation was received by El Malick Ndiaye, First Vice-President of the National Assembly, who reaffirmed Senegal's commitment to African integration, democracy, and peace. He emphasized the need for better follow-up on PAP recommendations and resolutions. The mission also promoted the ratification of the revised PAP Protocol and other African Union legal and policy instruments, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance.
Lazare Yao Yao stressed that mobilizing member states is crucial to advancing these texts, which aim to strengthen continental integration and democratic governance. The discussions also covered relations between the PAP and national assemblies. El Malick Ndiaye called for closer cooperation between the two institutions and greater involvement of national parliaments in promoting and applying continental commitments.
El Malick Ndiaye advocated for consolidating the PAP's institutional and legal framework and strengthening its resources to carry out its missions effectively. At the end of the audience, National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Senegalese Parliament's commitment to African unity and integration. He indicated that texts submitted for ratification are examined and voted on by the National Assembly within the best possible timeframe.
Ousmane Sonko emphasized the need to strengthen efforts to consolidate peace in African states. This mission by the West African Group takes place in a context where the PAP seeks to strengthen its ties with national parliamentary institutions and promote better ownership of African Union commitments by member states. The PAP is working to enhance its role and effectiveness in promoting continental integration and governance.
The discussions between the delegation and the National Assembly reflect the ongoing efforts to strengthen African integration and cooperation. The ratification of African Union texts is a crucial step towards achieving these goals. Senegal's commitment to African integration and democracy was reaffirmed during the meeting.
The visit by the West African delegation demonstrates the PAP's commitment to working closely with national parliaments to promote African Union texts and strengthen continental integration. The mission's objectives align with the PAP's goals of enhancing its role and effectiveness in promoting African unity and cooperation.
Key points
- The West African delegation's mission aims to promote the ratification of several African Union texts, including the revised PAP Protocol and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance.
