Senator John Bonds Bideri and Senator Pélagie Uwera were elected by their fellow colleagues on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, to represent Rwanda in the Pan-African Parliament (PAP).
The two senators elected join other three deputies who were also elected on Monday, October 21,2024 they include; Deputy Bitunguramye, Deputy Jennifer Wibabara, and Deputy Aimée Marie Ange Tumukunde, making a total of five representatives for Rwanda in this Parliament.
Senator Bideri is already a member of the PAP and has been re-elected for a second term. He said that would continue to fulfill his responsibilities of representing Rwanda, as he already heads the Trade, Customs, and Immigration Commission of this legislative body. He views his re-election as another opportunity to lead and address issues that may hinder or not be in the best interest of the country.
Senator Uwera emphasized her commitment to encourage African countries to open borders to enhance regional cooperation, as this will lead to economic growth and improved living standards.
The PAP is the legislative body at the African level, part of the African Union. It is one of the nine institutions established by the 1991 Abuja Treaty, which founded the African Economic Community. Each country is represented by five members of parliament, with at least one being a woman, and they represent various political parties that hold seats in the national parliaments.
Members of the PAP are appointed by the national parliaments of the member countries and are not elected directly by the public. Rwanda is represented by three deputies and two senators, with their terms ending when the mandate of the parliament that elected them concludes.
The PAP comprises 275 members representing member states of the African Union, which officially adopted the agreement establishing this legislative body.
