[imagesource: Twitter / @JnrCarrl]

Last week, proceedings at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) made news after Julius Malema threatened to kill another member.

In footage of the incident, the EFF leader could clearly be heard to say “I’ll kill you outside. Outside this meeting, I will kill you.”

Standard fare for Malema, but embarrassing for African governance nonetheless.

Sadly, Monday’s events in Midrand, Jozi, descended even further into farcical territory, as a dispute over who should be the president of PAP.

PAP is the legislative arm of the African Union.

ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodiena threatened to lay charges of gender-based violence against Senegalese politician Djibril War, after he was seen kicking out at her.

Observe:

What in the Dr Malinga is happening here😂😂😭 #PanAfricanParliament pic.twitter.com/KuMm33SMKW

— uJuniya! (@JnrCarrl) May 31, 2021

Who’s keen for another edition of ‘awfully weak excuses from politicians’? Here’s News24:

…War denied intentionally kicking the South African MP.

“I had no intention of kicking her,” he said, adding that he was trying to kick a phone held by a Zimbabwean who was trying to take a picture of him.

During that same interview, War apologised to Majodiena live on air, and she accepted the apology.

I’m not buying it.

Not a good look for War, and all in all, not a great look for South Africa:

During the chaos, members of parliament continued to shout into their microphones.

“We’re being harassed by South Africans. An entire continent is being held hostage by South Africans.”

“We are being threatened here by South African members of parliament. We do not feel safe here. No one is coming to our aid.”

Some members alleged that security officers were entering the chamber, which made them feel unsafe.

Tensions had boiled over during the election process, with southern African delegates saying a rotation system should be used, with each of the five regions given a chance to lead.

Outgoing PAP president Roger Dang is from Cameroon, and some allege that he had been trying to ensure a West African candidate would be elected.

West African delegates shouted that southern Africa was delaying the election because they didn’t have the numbers, while southern African delegates shouted back that the Malian presidential candidate should be disqualified over the coup in that country.

As you can see, it was a total circus:

You know the wheels have come off when Malema is acting as a voice of reason, as he tried to calm things down.

He could be heard asking for parliament to be adjourned – “call the AU to come speak to this… a man beats a woman.”

The session was eventually adjourned, although there is a good chance of more drama today.

PAP is expected to vote for new leadership on Tuesday, starting from around 2PM.

[source:news24]