The Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma, on Thursday, 9th July 2026, tabled the report on the First Session of the Africa–EU Parliamentary Assembly, which was held in Ezulwini, Kingdom of Eswatini, from 7th to 14th May 2026.
Presenting the report on behalf of the Leader of Government Business and Head of Delegation, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma informed Parliament that the Assembly was convened under the Samoa Agreement, which replaced the Cotonou Agreement and established a renewed framework for parliamentary cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU).
He explained that the Assembly brought together Parliamentarians from 79 OACPS member states and 27 European Union member states, representing more than 1.5 billion people, with the objective of strengthening intercontinental dialogue, cooperation and parliamentary oversight.
During the presentation, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma urged the Government of Sierra Leone to expedite the ratification of the Samoa Agreement, stressing that its timely implementation would enhance the country’s participation in the evolving Africa–EU partnership.
The report highlighted key addresses delivered during the Assembly, including remarks by OACPS Secretary-General, Moussa S. Batraki, who underscored the critical role of national parliaments in translating international commitments into practical benefits for citizens. Discussions at the Assembly focused on peace and security, youth empowerment, regional cooperation, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), value addition in Africa’s extractive industries, stronger parliamentary oversight and equitable economic partnerships.
The report also referenced the European Union Ambassador’s address, which called for visionary and inclusive leadership to promote political stability, sustainable economic growth, youth empowerment and security. The Ambassador further emphasized the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to drive innovation while safeguarding future generations.
Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma stated that one of the Assembly’s strongest messages was the growing importance of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing peace, development and international cooperation. He noted that, as direct representatives of the people, Members of Parliament possess a unique democratic mandate to foster dialogue, resolve differences, strengthen regional integration and influence international policy for the benefit of their citizens.
He further observed that parliamentary diplomacy has evolved beyond being a complementary aspect of traditional diplomacy and has become an indispensable instrument for peacebuilding, accountability, democratic governance and development cooperation.
Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma also commended Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma for what he described as exemplary leadership and effective representation of Sierra Leone during the Assembly. He called on the Government to implement the resolutions and commitments emerging from the Africa–EU Parliamentary Assembly to maximize the benefits for the country.
The report concluded with a series of recommendations aimed at accelerating the ratification and implementation of the Samoa Agreement, while strengthening parliamentary cooperation between Africa and the European Union to promote sustainable development, democratic governance and shared prosperity.
