Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Sierra Leone’s Parliament, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, has called on the Government to expedite the ratification of the Samoa Agreement following his presentation of a report on the First Session of the Africa–European Union Parliamentary Assembly.
Hon. Koroma tabled the report on Thursday, 9th July 2026, on behalf of the Leader of Government Business and Head of Delegation, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma. The Assembly was held in Ezulwini, Kingdom of Eswatini, from 7th to 14th May 2026.
The Deputy Opposition Leader informed Parliament that the Assembly was established under the Samoa Agreement, which replaced the Cotonou Agreement and provides a renewed framework for parliamentary cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU).
The high-level gathering brought together lawmakers from 79 OACPS member states and 27 EU member states, representing more than 1.5 billion people, with discussions centered on strengthening international cooperation, democratic governance, and parliamentary oversight.
Presenting the report, Hon. Koroma highlighted key issues discussed during the Assembly, including peace and security, youth empowerment, regional integration, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), value addition in Africa’s extractive industries, and the need for fairer economic partnerships between Africa and Europe.
He also referenced remarks by OACPS Secretary-General Moussa S. Batraki, who emphasized the importance of national parliaments in ensuring that international agreements translate into meaningful benefits for citizens.
The report further highlighted calls from the EU Ambassador for visionary and inclusive leadership, political stability, economic growth, youth development, improved security, and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence and technology to promote innovation while protecting future generations.
Hon. Koroma stressed that parliamentary diplomacy has become an essential tool for promoting peace, accountability, development cooperation, and democratic governance. He said Members of Parliament, as direct representatives of citizens, have a responsibility to build bridges, strengthen regional integration, and influence policies that improve people’s lives.
He commended Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma for representing Sierra Leone effectively at the Assembly and urged the Government to implement the commitments and initiatives emerging from the engagement.
The report concluded with recommendations aimed at accelerating the implementation of the Samoa Agreement and deepening Africa–EU parliamentary cooperation.
