By Salihah Evans
Rabat – The biannual summit of the African Union began on Monday, July 2, 2018, in Nouakchott, Mauritania. Radio France Internationale (RFI) has reported that irregularities found in the recruitment process have led foreign ministers to “temporarily suspend” the Pan-African Parliament’s budget.
In addition, the body could potentially be investigated for corruption.
The theme of this year’s summit is winning the fight against corruption. Corruption is an economically-crippling issue that influences countries throughout the African continent. Annually, Africa loses an estimated USD 50 billion to tax evasion alone. The executive council hopes to increase transparency within the Pan-African Parliament to fight against corruption.
The Pan-African Parliament was established March 2, 2001, at the Fifth Extraordinary Session of Heads of State. The purpose of the Parliament, outlined in Article 17 of the African Union Constitutive Act, is “to ensure the full participation of African peoples in the development and economic integration of the continent.”
After 33 years of absence, Morocco rejoined the African Union in February 2017. Morocco formally joined the Pan-African Parliament in May of 2018.
