• Leaders meet in Ezulwini to strengthen regional cooperation

BY MBONO MDLULI

EZULWINI – Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States lawmakers from the Central Africa region have called for stronger regional cooperation and faster ratification of the Samoa Agreement during a high-level parliamentary meeting held in Ezulwini Valley on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

The meeting of the Central Africa sub-regional parliamentary group of the OACPS brought together Members of Parliament and senior officials to deliberate on issues affecting the region and the implementation of the Samoa Agreement.

Speaking during the meeting, OACPS Central Africa’s President Hon. Yaya Doumba Marius welcomed delegates and thanked them for taking time to participate in the discussions. He also expressed gratitude to OACPS Secretary-General Moussa Saleh Batraki for attending the gathering, describing it as the first in-person engagement with him since assuming office.

Marius said the meeting presented an important opportunity for Central African lawmakers to identify common priorities that could guide the region’s future engagement within the OACPS framework.

Ratification process remains a key concern

One of the main issues discussed during the meeting was the ratification of the Samoa Agreement, which was signed in November 2023 between the OACPS and the European Union.

The agreement provides a framework for cooperation in areas such as peace and security, economic development, climate change, governance, migration, and human development.

Marius urged member states to ensure that their countries either complete or begin the ratification process as a matter of urgency.

According to the presentation made during the meeting, only twelve OACPS member states have ratified the agreement so far. These include Seychelles, Mozambique, Botswana, Cameroon, Madagascar, Angola, Mauritius and Uganda, among others.

Of all the countries in the Central Africa region, only Cameroon has completed the ratification process.

The meeting heard that the 11^th OACPS Summit had already appealed to member states to accelerate ratification in order to allow the agreement to be fully implemented.

Communication and coordination highlighted

Delegates also discussed the need to improve communication and coordination among lawmakers in the Central Africa region.

Marius proposed the creation of a simple communication mechanism through email and WhatsApp groups to allow members to share information quickly and effectively.

He further suggested the establishment of a contact database for officials supporting parliamentary work in order to strengthen communication between the Secretariat and Members.

Participants agreed that stronger coordination would help the region advance its interests more effectively within the OACPS structures.

Focus placed on regional priorities

During the discussions, lawmakers exchanged views on the major priorities facing Central Africa and the challenges linked to implementing the Samoa Agreement.

Issues highlighted included peace and security, governance, economic growth, climate change and social development.

The meeting also stressed the important role that parliaments must play in ensuring that regional priorities are reflected in the implementation of the agreement.

Delegates noted that the process should remain inclusive and take into account the unique circumstances and needs of different regions within Africa.

Concerns raised over Assembly financing

Another issue discussed was the independent financing of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly.

Members emphasised the importance of finding a sustainable funding model that would ensure effective participation by lawmakers in parliamentary activities.

The Secretariat was tasked with taking note of the views expressed during the meeting and preparing follow-up recommendations.

The meeting concluded with appreciation extended to Members, the Secretariat and interpreters for their contributions and support throughout the proceedings.

EZULWINI – The Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Moussa Saleh Batraki of Chad has praised the Kingdom of Eswatini for successfully hosting the Eastern Africa Regional Parliamentary Group meeting ahead of the OACPS-European Union Regional Parliamentary Assemblies.

Speaking during the meeting held on Thursday, May 7, 2026 in the Ezulwini Valley, Batraki expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Eswatini, particularly His Majesty King Mswati III, for the warm hospitality and support extended towards the organisation of the important regional gathering.

Addressing delegates, parliamentarians and officials, the Secretary-General said it was a great pleasure to welcome participants to the meeting, which seeks to strengthen regional cooperation and parliamentary engagement among member states.

He applauded the commitment demonstrated by Honourable Members of Parliament who attended the gathering and emphasised the importance of the meeting in shaping the future of cooperation between OACPS member states and the European Union.

Batraki noted that the meeting offered an important platform for delegates to discuss regional priorities and deliberate on key issues linked to the implementation of the Samoa Agreement, which he described as ushering in a new phase in the partnership between OACPS countries and the European Union.

According to the Secretary-General, the agreement promotes a more structured and balanced dialogue that is closely aligned with the development priorities of member states.

He further highlighted the critical role played by parliaments in ensuring democratic accountability and connecting international commitments with the daily realities faced by citizens.

“Parliaments provide democratic legitimacy to our collective action. They help bridge the gap between international commitments and the realities experienced by our populations,” Batraki said.

He also stressed the importance of strengthening the operational independence of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly through sustainable financing mechanisms.

The Secretary-General explained that while support from the Secretariat and development partners, including the European Union, remained highly appreciated, there was a need for member states to develop a more stable and predictable funding system through their national parliaments.

The proposed mechanism, Batraki said, would help ensure that the OACPS Parliament continues to operate effectively, independently and credibly while advancing the interests of member countries.

He clarified that the intention was not to create unnecessary financial pressure on member states, but rather to secure the long-term sustainability and efficiency of parliamentary operations within the organisation.

Batraki encouraged delegates to engage in open, constructive and solution-oriented discussions throughout the meeting.

He assured participants that the Secretariat remained fully committed to supporting member states and ensuring that recommendations from the meeting would contribute meaningfully to the ongoing institutional process.

The gathering is expected to strengthen collaboration among Eastern African countries while deepening regional parliamentary participation on issues affecting development, governance and international cooperation.

Eswatini’s successful hosting of the regional meeting once again reflects the Kingdom’s growing role in facilitating important continental and international engagements.

(Featured Images sourced from: Pro-Media News & Swazi24)