The African Union-African Diaspora hosted its Pan African Parliament Diaspora Engagement Conference from Thursday, December 5-8, 2024 in Dakar, Senegal, under the theme: “Pan African Parliament Engagement with Civil Society, the Diasporas, and the Media: Fostering Pan African Synergies for Citizen Engagement and Reparative Justice”.

The significant conference featured the representatives from the African Parliamentary Press Network, the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) of the African Union, and the Vice President of the Pan African Parliament Honorable Lucia Passos, the chairman of the African Diaspora Dr. Barryl Biekman, Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Vice President and Dr. Tumenta Kennedy.

Dr. Barryl Biekman, Chair of the African Diaspora 6th Region High Council delivered a compelling speech at the conference emphasizing on the importance of unity, reparative justice, and the crucial role of the African diaspora in the continent's development. She highlighted the enduring connection between Africa and its diaspora, underscoring their shared responsibility in building a unified African future.

Dr. Biekman also emphasized on the historical ties between Africa and its dispersed peoples, the contributions of organization such as the Europe Pan-African Coalition on Reparatory Justice, NCOBRA, and PARCOE in advancing the reparations movement. Paying tribute to elder leaders who championed the cause, she advocated for their active involvement in shaping the Program of Action for the upcoming Diaspora Year.

In her opening remarks, Honorable Lucia Passos, Vice President of the Pan African Parliament, stressed the importance of creating favorable conditions to attract Diasporas back to Africa nation. She recognized and praised the diaspora’s for their past contributions and encouraged the need for collaborative efforts for Africa’s to integrate them fully.

This event marks a pivotal moment in uniting Africa and its diaspora through shared visions of progress, justice, and integration.

Questions regarding this conference can be directed to the Secretariat AUADS department at secretariat@auadshighcouncil.org. or visit the Pan African Parliament’s official channels.