In a significant turn of events, Chief Fortune Charumbira, a prominent figure aligned with Zimbabwe’s ZANU PF party, has been ousted from his role as President of the Pan African Parliament (PAP). Charumbira, who was elected to the prestigious position in June 2022, has faced severe accusations, including sexual assault and embezzlement, leading to his removal.
The PAP secretariat has announced by-elections to fill the vacant positions of Charumbira and his fourth Vice President, Francois Ango Ndoutoume of Gabon. However, the specific reasons for their ousting were not disclosed in the announcement. Charumbira, who previously served as the President of the Chiefs Council, was compelled to respond to allegations of embezzlement and sexual assault in 2023.
The accusations against Charumbira are grave. He allegedly sexually assaulted a married niece and embezzled a staggering US$4.5 million from PAP funds. This includes a reported US$45,000 spent on a single trip to Egypt during his one-year tenure. Documents leaked last year detailed how Charumbira reportedly misused his authority to divert funds, finance trips for allies, and engage in other secretive activities, sparking public outrage.
Despite the severity of these allegations, Charumbira has dismissed them all as mere attempts to unseat him from his position at the head of the continental body. The process for nominating Charumbira and Ndoutoume’s replacements is scheduled for February 21, 2024, in a virtual online regional caucus meeting.
Charumbira’s tenure as President of the PAP was tumultuous, marked by controversy and internal conflict. His election, which was delayed by a year due to friction among Africa’s regional bodies, saw him secure a majority of the votes (161 out of 203). However, his term was overshadowed by self-inflicted issues. In September of the previous year, Charumbira narrowly escaped an earlier palace coup attempt when his deputy, Ashebiri Gayo of Ethiopia, declared himself the Acting PAP President.
Following his removal from the PAP leadership, Charumbira returns to his roots as an ordinary traditional leader. He now falls under the guidance of Chief Mtshana Khumalo of Matabeleland North, who succeeded him as the President of the Chiefs Council. Khumalo had been Charumbira’s deputy since 2018.
This development in the Pan African Parliament is a significant event, reflecting the organization’s commitment to integrity and accountability. The allegations against Charumbira and the subsequent response highlight the challenges faced by such institutions in maintaining ethical governance and transparency. The upcoming by-elections will be closely watched, as they will not only fill the leadership void but also potentially set a new course for the PAP amidst these turbulent times.
Charumbira’s fall from grace is a stark reminder of the importance of ethical leadership and the consequences of alleged misconduct. As the PAP moves forward, the focus will be on restoring confidence in its leadership and ensuring that the organization remains committed to its founding principles and the betterment of the African continent.
