The
Pan-African Parliament, also known as the African Parliament, is the legislative body of the African Union. The African Parliament held its inaugural session in March 2004. At present it exercises oversight, and has advisory and consultative powers, which will last for the first five years of its existence, after that time period it will exercise full legislative powers. Its 265 Parliamentary representitives are elected by the legislatures of the 53 AU states rather than being directly elected in their own capacity. Initially the seat of the Pan African Parliament was in
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia but it was later moved to Midrand, South Africa.
Additionally, Ten Permanent Committees, were created dealing with different sectors of life in Africa.
The current President of the Parliament is Hon. Dr. Amb. Gertrude I. MONGELLA from Ukerewe, Tanzania.
The Parliament also consists of four Vice-Presidents. They are:
Southern Africa. Hon. Prof. Fernando José de França Dias VAN-DUNEM from Angola.
North Africa. Hon. Prof. Mohamed Lutfi FARHAT from Libya.
Central Africa. Hon. Elise Ndoadoumngue N. LOUM from Chad.
West Africa. Hon. Prof. Théophile NATA from Benin.
These officials are the composition of the Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament.
The Parliament is assisted by the Secretariat of the Pan-African Parliament.