BY THEMBA ZWANE
EZULWINI – The West Africa Parliamentary Group took advantage of the OACPS meeting to identify principal concerns and priorities for the subregion.
This is was during the West Africa Parliamentary Group Meeting held at Ezulwini Palazzo on May 8, 2026.
Chairperson, Mathew Nyuma, fi highlighted that there will be legislative exchange of views and priorities of West Africa, and the key issues relating to the continental implementation of the Samoa Agreement.
Documents Guide Discussions
“I wish to draw members’ attention to this important matter. The Secretariat has circulated the relevant documents that will guide our discussions and subsequent engagements. Should any member not have received these documents, kindly contact the Secretariat, which has been very efficient in ensuring their distribution,” he said.
Nyuma said as members were aware, the Samoa Agreement provided a broad framework for cooperation between the OACPS and the European Union on issues such as peace and security, human and social development, economic growth, climate change, governance, and migration. It also underscores the importance of dialogue at the regional level and recognizes the important role of parliaments in contributing to this process.
He said the implementation of the Samoa Agreement has now become a priority.
“Allow me to provide an update: at the 120th Session of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly, rules of procedure for the regional sessions, as well as guidelines governing partnership dialogue on the Samoa Agreement, were adopted. Members will recall that discussions on procedural rules began as far back as 2019, following earlier consultations held in 2015.”
Rules of Procedure
He emphasized the importance of obtaining and familiarizing of members with these rules of procedure. He said if they have not yet received a copy, they must liaise with the Secretariat so that the necessary working documents can be provided.
“The next step before us is the consideration and adoption of the draft terms of reference. This process will enable the Assembly to receive the necessary support through the governance structures at the regional level and provide opportunities for the relevant ministers to engage directly with our Assembly,” he said.
Nyuma mentioned also that the Assembly was now tasked with identifying the key priorities for the African region that will guide the work of parliamentarians in ensuring that this process remains inclusive and reflective of all regional specificities. As is the case in other subregions, this exchange, he said was intended to help identify the priorities and concerns that should inform their broader reflections at the level of the OACPS African Regional Parliamentary Group.
Priorities For West Africa
In particular, he said, members may wish to share their views on the following:
*The main priorities for West Africa within the framework of the Samoa Agreement;
*The key challenges affecting its implementation; and
*The areas where stronger parliamentary engagement may be required.
“Our objective today is therefore to identify the principal concerns and priorities of the subregion that can help inform our broader regional engagement going forward,” he said.
The chairperson then invited the Executive Secretariat to make a presentation, after which he give the floor to the Secretariat for further remarks and guidance.
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