Deputy Opposition Leader Presents Africa-EU Assembly Report, Urges Samoa Agreement Ratification
Deputy Leader of the Opposition Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma has presented the official report on Sierra Leone’s participation in the First Session of the Africa–EU Parliamentary Assembly held in Ezulwini, Kingdom of Eswatini, from 7th to 14th May 2026.
The report, which was presented on behalf of the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, highlighted discussions and outcomes from the Assembly, including calls for stronger parliamentary engagement and the need for Sierra Leone to ratify the Samoa Agreement.
The Assembly, held under the Samoa Agreement, which replaced the Cotonou Partnership Agreement, brought together parliamentarians from 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific (OACPS) member states and 27 European Union countries to discuss issues including peace and security, youth empowerment, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), value addition in extractive industries, and economic cooperation.
Presenting the report, Hon. Koroma urged the government to accelerate the ratification process of the Samoa Agreement, noting that parliamentary approval is necessary for Sierra Leone to fully participate in the framework and benefit from its commitments.
The report also highlighted key messages from the Assembly, including the need for stronger parliamentary oversight in translating international agreements into national policies. OACPS Secretary-General Moussa S. Batraki called for enhanced legislative oversight, while the EU Ambassador emphasized visionary leadership and responsible use of technology, including artificial intelligence.
Hon. Koroma’s report recommended increased parliamentary engagement with Africa-EU institutions, stronger oversight mechanisms, stakeholder consultations, and measures to ensure that agreements reached at international forums are effectively implemented at the national level.
The presentation underscored the importance of moving beyond international commitments towards concrete actions that support Sierra Leone’s development priorities.