THE East African Caucus at the Pan African Parliament( PAP) is reportedly rallying behindHon. Albino Aboug from South Sudan in the upcoming Presidential elections for the continental parliament scheduled for the 29th of June 2022 in Midrand, South Africa. PAP will elect new leaders for all political positions in its Parliament later this month.
Aboug is a Member of the South Sudan National Assembly and the presidential special envoy for Salva Kiir. He has held numerous diplomatic positions across Africa and has been nominated “ the best person to unify the PAP and ensure the complete ratification of the Malabo protocol ” by the Speaker of South Sudan, Rt.Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba in a communication to all Parliaments in Africa.
Hon. Aboug is anticipated to run against eitherHon. Fortune Charumbira from Zimbabwe or Yeremia Chihana from Malawi both of whom are battling to represent Southern Africa and a yet to be nominated representative from North Africa. Aboug is deemed a shoo- in for the role by former Speaker of Kenya, Rt.Hon. Kenneth Marende who worked with, and guided him for numerous years. According to Marende, “ Aboug brings a fresh perspective to the parliament, and unparalleled insight of a child soldier, turned refugee, who became a business magnate and political leader in Africa ”.
Aboug says he’s a “ self- made man who battled his whole life for the freedom of Africans ”. Although both he and President Kiir come from the same state, he says they aren’t related in anyway. His diplomatic appoints were grounded on his political activism, diplomatic expertise and the strong network that he has developed with various heads of state across the world.
Once elected, Aboug plans to get the continental parliament full legislative powers within 18 months of taking office. The East African caucus at the PAP had taken a very strong stance in May 2021 to ensure the region is led by South Sudan this time. Unlike Southern and North Africa where various candidates have shown interest in the role, East Africa is uniting behind the candidature of onlyHon. Aboug. No other current member from the East has indicated interest to compete against South Sudan.
PAP meets 3 times a year for 2 weeks plenary sessions in SA.
Each member state of the African Union sends 5 MPs from the main political parties in their Parliament. Zambia’s PAP MPs areHon. Mirriam Chonya( UPND),Hon. Newton Samkai( UPND),Hon. Mulenga Kampamba( PF),Hon. Miles Sampa( PF) andHon. Menyani Zulu( Independent)
