09/07/2026
Deputy Opposition Leader Tables Report on First Africa–EU Parliamentary Assembly
The Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of Sierra Leone, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, on Thursday, 9th July 2026, tabled the Report on the First Session of the Africa–EU Parliamentary Assembly held in Ezulwini, Kingdom of Eswatini, from 7th to 14th May 2026.
Hon. Koroma presented the report on behalf of the Leader of Government Business and Head of Delegation, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, informing Parliament that the Assembly was convened under the Samoa Agreement, which succeeded the Cotonou Agreement and established a renewed framework for parliamentary cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union.
The Assembly brought together parliamentarians from 79 OACPS member states and 27 EU member states, representing over 1.5 billion people, to strengthen inter-continental dialogue, cooperation and parliamentary oversight.
Whilst presenting the report, *Hon. Koroma called on government for the speedy ratification of the SAMOA Agreement* and went on to highlight key addresses delivered during the Assembly, including that of OACPS Secretary-General Moussa S. Batraki, who stressed the vital role of national parliaments in translating international commitments into tangible benefits for citizens. He noted that discussions were focused on peace and security, youth empowerment, regional cooperation, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), value addition in Africa's extractive sector, stronger parliamentary oversight, and equitable economic partnerships.
The report also captured the EU Ambassador's call for visionary and inclusive leadership, emphasizing political stability, economic growth, youth empowerment, security, and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology to drive innovation while safeguarding future generations.
Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma concluded by emphasizing that the st