The Pan-African Parliament is the governing body of the African Union, however at present it can only exercise advisory and consultative powers. Broadly based on the European Union Parliament, it will eventually include 256 MPs with MPs from all 53 member states of the African Union. The parliament is based on the Gallagher Estate in Midrand, South Africa. The current President of the Parliament is Ambassador Gertrude Mongella.

The stated objectives of the parliament are:

1. Facilitate the effective implementation of the policies and objectives of the OAU/AEC and, ultimately, of the African Union
2. Promote the principles of human rights and democracy in Africa
3. Encourage good governance, transparency and accountability in Member States
4. Familiarize the peoples of Africa with the objectives and policies aimed at integrating the African Continent within the framework of the establishment of the African Union
5. Promote peace, security and stability
6. Contribute to a more prosperous future for the peoples of Africa by promoting collective self-reliance and economic recovery
7. Facilitate cooperation and development in Africa
8. Strengthen Continental solidarity and build a sense of common destiny among the peoples of Africa
9. Facilitate cooperation among Regional Economic Communities and their Parliamentary fora

In one of its first actions the Pan African Parliament agreed to send a fact-finding mission to the Darfur region of Sudan.

External link

• Details of the second session of the parliament (http://www.africa-union.org/organs/pan%20african%20parliament/home.htm)