The West African Regional Caucus of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has begun a four-day advocacy mission in Dakar aimed at accelerating Senegal’s ratification of several African Union instruments.
The mission, running from September 28 to October 1, 2026, is led by Regional Caucus Chairperson Lazare Yao Yao.
The delegation comprises six members from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Senegal and Sierra Leone.
The mission will focus primarily on the Revised Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community Relating to the Pan-African Parliament, known as the Malabo Protocol, adopted in 2014. The protocol seeks to strengthen PAP’s powers, including granting it legislative authority once it enters into force.
The advocacy will also cover the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance; the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment; and instruments on the rights of persons with disabilities, the right to nationality and eradication of statelessness.
Talks will further address several African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocols, including those on investment, digital trade, and participation of women and youth in trade.
According to the programme, the delegation will begin activities on Monday at Senegal’s National Assembly with a meeting involving Senegalese PAP members, followed by talks with the Committee on Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Senegalese Abroad, and parliamentary groups.
Meetings are also scheduled with ministries in charge of Industry and Trade, Family and Solidarity, and Justice, as well as the National Autonomous Electoral Commission (CENA) and the National Human Rights Commission.
The programme also includes proposed meetings with the foreign affairs minister, prime minister and president of the republic, subject to confirmation.
The mission aims to strengthen cooperation with Senegalese institutions and promote signature, ratification, domestication and implementation of the instruments.
It forms part of PAP’s mandate to contribute to AU objectives, particularly democratic governance, human rights protection and continental integration.
AP
