Members of Pan African Parliament debated and passed the African Union 2016 Budget as read by H.E Erastus Mwencha the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union.

This was in line with Rule 28(b) of the PAP Rules of Procedure which stipulates that “Parliament shall discuss the budget of the Union and make recommendations through the Permanent Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs to the Assembly.”

The 2016 draft budget is based on priorities of the Organs of the Union. Guided by the Agenda 2063, it is aimed at spearheading Africa’s rapid integration, prosperity and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African states.

The 2016 Budget was the first budget to be submitted after the adoption of the new Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR) which include implementation of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

It is also the first budget to be submitted under the newly composed Internal Budget Review Committee which is made up of all the heads of AU organs and agencies and is chaired by the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

The Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs made recommendations which were adopted by the Committee of the whole house. The order of priorities in the2016 budget is to promote peace, security and stability; promote human rights, democracy and good governance in Africa.

Additionally, PAP should take a lead role in the campaign for alternative sources of funding for the AU programmes. This translates into, the need for member states to be more committed to contributions to attract partner funding among others.