The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Africa Group recently convened in Brussels to consider the handover of coordination responsibilities for the Africa-EU Regional Protocol. This protocol is a key component of the Samoa Agreement, which governs relations between the European Union and OACPS member states. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Ambassador Daniel Evina Abe'e, Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon to the Kingdom of Belgium.
The meeting was attended by Heads of Mission of the OACPS Africa Group, who discussed the handover of coordination responsibilities for the Africa-EU Regional Protocol. H.E. Ambassador Sibusisiwe Mngomezulu of the Kingdom of Eswatini, the outgoing Chief Negotiator and Coordinator of the Regional Protocol for Africa, presented a report on the negotiation process. The report highlighted the collective contribution of Africa's four regions to developing a common African position.
The Africa Group emphasized the importance of ensuring institutional continuity as the work moves from negotiation to implementation. Participants stressed three priorities: establishing clear coordination mechanisms to guide the transition, ensuring strong regional participation across all four African regions, and preserving collective African ownership of the Protocol. A smooth handover of coordination responsibilities is crucial to maintaining a unified African voice as the Protocol enters its implementation phase.
The Samoa Agreement provides a framework for cooperation between the European Union and OACPS member states. The Regional Protocols, including the one for Africa, offer each region a tailored platform for cooperation with the EU. The OACPS Secretariat shared details of the meeting on its official channels, highlighting the significance of the Africa Group's discussions.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of H.E. Ambassador Daniel Evina Abe'e, who is also the Dean of the OACPS and African Ambassadors in Brussels. The Africa Group's discussions will enable a seamless transition of coordination responsibilities, ensuring that Africa continues to speak with one voice in its cooperation with the EU.
The handover of coordination responsibilities is a critical step in the implementation of the Africa-EU Regional Protocol. The Africa Group's emphasis on clear coordination mechanisms, strong regional participation, and collective African ownership will guide the transition process. This will enable Africa to maintain a strong and unified position in its cooperation with the EU.
The OACPS Africa Group's meeting in Brussels has paved the way for a smooth transition of coordination responsibilities for the Africa-EU Regional Protocol. The discussions will contribute to the effective implementation of the Samoa Agreement and ensure that Africa continues to play a significant role in its cooperation with the EU.
Key points
- OACPS Africa Group meets to discuss handover of Africa-EU Regional Protocol coordination
- Smooth handover crucial to maintaining unified African voice in cooperation with EU
- Africa Group emphasizes clear coordination mechanisms, strong regional participation, and collective African ownership
