The African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has appealed to the members of the Pan-African Parliament to "recover their composure" after scuffles were reported in Monday's session.

He said the "shocking scenes of violence" had tarnished "the image of this honourable institution".

https://twitter.com/AUC_MoussaFaki/status/1399480017487343621?s=20

The scuffles were at a session set to elect a new leader for the continental body.

Local media in South Africa where the sessions are held reported that blows were exchanged during the scuffles.

The Pan-African Parliament, also known as the African parliament, is the legislative body of the African Union.

It has been touted as a "political transitory arrangement towards the United States of Africa".

None of the assassinations has ever been successfully investigated or prosecuted.