By Neelam Rahim

Newly-elected Pan African Parliament President, Fortune Charumbira, has appealed to African leaders to use resources at their disposal to handle the myriad of challenges the continent is facing.

Charumbira was elected unopposed as Malawian candidate Yeremiah Chihana’s nomination was cancelled because it failed to follow the AU’s protocol and unstopped by 161 delegates at the Parliament’s headquarters in Midrand on Wednesday night.

Thirty-one members abstained from the vote, while 11 spoilt ballots were counted.

The Zimbabwean MP was sworn in at the headquarters before the primary and second vice presidents were elected.

Charumbira vowed to create unity within the African diaspora, his top priority.

He says Africa has the potential to get its wealth without counting on other continents.

According to EWN, Wednesday night’s proceedings in Midrand were largely uneventful, despite fears that the standard sitting would collapse again following last year’s tensions.

But an agreement between the southern and northern blocs saw a peaceful transfer of power, with Charumbira elected unopposed.

In a brief acceptance speech, Charumbira told delegates behind closed doors that his three-year term would specialise in cleaning up the general public image of the African diaspora.

Charumbira also has the mammoth task of restoring confidence within the legislative arm of the African Union.

Last year, the Parliament couldn’t elect new leadership after the proceedings descended into chaos when MPs differed on the principle of rotation within the five regions.

African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat says it’s time for the Pan African Parliament (PAP) to wash up its battered image.