The European Union (EU) and its Member States have inked a transformative partnership deal with the African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), marking a pivotal shift from the previous Cotonou Agreement.

Dubbed the “Samoa Agreement,” this monumental pact sets the stage for a comprehensive relationship over the next two decades, encompassing critical themes of sustainable development, human rights, and peace and security.

In a landmark move for Sierra Leone and its partners in the African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACP), the country is part of the momentous “Samoa Agreement,” succeeding the previous Cotonou Agreement.

This pact is poised to shape the overarching legal framework governing Sierra Leone’s partnership with OACP States for the next two decades, focusing on critical areas such as sustainable development, growth, human rights, and peace and security.

The landmark agreement was solidified during the 46th session of the ACP-EU Council of Ministers in Samoa, heralding a new era in their diplomatic rapport. Embracing common principles, the accord emphasizes key priority areas, including human rights, democracy, governance, peace, social development, sustainable economic growth, environmental sustainability, climate change, migration, and mobility.

Distinctively structured, the agreement incorporates a foundational framework applicable to all parties, complemented by three regional protocols tailored to Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, addressing region-specific needs and nuances.

The EU, comprising 27 member states, and the coalition of 79 African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations represent a collective populace of approximately 2 billion individuals and possess over half the seats in the United Nations. Through this new Agreement, these parties are poised to confront evolving challenges like climate change, ocean governance, migration, health, and global peace and security with greater efficacy.

Charting the path forward, the provisional implementation of the Agreement is slated to commence on January 1, 2024. However, the Agreement’s full enactment hinges upon the consent of the European Parliament and ratification by all EU Member States and a minimum of two-thirds of the OACPS Members.

Sierra Leone’s inclusion in this transformative agreement holds significant promise for the nation’s future. As part of the OACP collective, the country stands to benefit from comprehensive cooperation in areas vital for its sustainable progress and security.