The President of Gabon's National Assembly, Michel Régis Onanga M. Ndiaye, recently participated in the second session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACP) and the European Union, held from November 9 to 13, 2026, in Brussels, Belgium. According to a press release from the National Assembly, Ndiaye advocated for a more equitable multilateralism and a new governance framework for critical raw materials. This event brought together representatives from 79 developing countries, including 48 from sub-Saharan Africa, 16 from the Caribbean, and 15 from the Pacific.
During the assembly, Ndiaye emphasized the need for a more representative and equitable multilateralism on global security issues. He called for Africa's effective participation in major international decision-making processes, particularly in the United Nations Security Council, where the continent currently lacks permanent seats. The Gabonese leader also stressed the importance of strengthening the political role of the OACP and securing predictable financial and logistical support for African peace and security mechanisms, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2719.
Ndiaye also focused on the governance of critical raw materials, urging a shift beyond mere supply logic towards sustainable partnerships. These partnerships would involve local resource transformation, technology transfers, productive investments, and the creation of qualified jobs in producing countries. Furthermore, he advocated for Gabon's active participation in global reflections on the governance of strategic minerals. This approach aims to promote equitable cooperation that considers the interests of African populations.
The OACP, headquartered in Belgium, is an intergovernmental organization comprising 79 developing countries. Its member states face common development challenges and seek to build a stronger voice in global affairs. The organization's structure allows for dialogue and cooperation with the European Union, facilitating the discussion of critical issues such as multilateralism and raw materials governance.
Through his interventions, Ndiaye reaffirmed Gabon's ambition to position Africa as a full-fledged actor in global governance. He emphasized the importance of cooperation based on equity, reciprocity, and the consideration of African peoples' interests. This stance aligns with Gabon's commitment to fostering a more inclusive and balanced international order.
The Parliamentary Assembly provided a platform for Ndiaye to engage with European partners and other OACP member states on these pressing issues. His advocacy for African representation in global decision-making bodies and for a new approach to critical raw materials governance resonated with the assembly's objectives. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening partnerships between the OACP and the European Union.
As the international community continues to navigate complex geopolitical shifts, the call for more equitable multilateralism and sustainable governance of critical resources remains pertinent. Gabon's proactive stance, as championed by Ndiaye, underscores the country's dedication to contributing to a fairer global landscape. The outcomes of the Parliamentary Assembly will likely influence future collaborations between the OACP and the European Union, potentially shaping the course of international relations.
Key points
- The President of Gabon's National Assembly, Michel Régis Onanga M. Ndiaye, advocated for a more equitable multilateralism and a new governance framework for critical raw materials at the OEACP-EU Parliamentary Assembly.
