On Thursday, July 9, 2026, Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma tabled the report on the First Session of the Africa–EU Parliamentary Assembly, urging timely implementation of the Samoa Agreement to enhance Sierra Leone’s participation in the evolving Africa–EU partnership. Hon. Koroma stated that Members of Parliament hold a democratic mandate to foster dialogue and influence international policy. He emphasized that parliamentarians are "direct representatives of the people" who can "resolve differences, strengthen regional integration and influence international policy for the benefit of their citizens."
Assembly Details and Key Agreements
The Africa–EU Parliamentary Assembly convened in Ezulwini, Kingdom of Eswatini, from May 7 to 14, 2026. This gathering brought together Parliamentarians from 79 member states of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and 27 European Union member states. The Assembly represented more than 1.5 billion people. Participants discussed a range of topics, including peace and security, youth empowerment, and regional cooperation. Further discussions focused on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), value addition in Africa’s extractive industries, stronger parliamentary oversight, and equitable economic partnerships. The Samoa Agreement, which replaced the Cotonou Agreement, established a renewed framework for parliamentary cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU) during the event. This new framework is designed to deepen engagement and cooperation between the two blocs on critical global issues.
Parliamentary Diplomacy's Growing Role
Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma stated that a key message from the Assembly showed the increasing significance of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering peace, development, and international cooperation. He noted, "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." This perspective notes the critical role of elected representatives in shaping international relations and achieving shared objectives. Additionally, the European Union Ambassador called for visionary and inclusive leadership to advance political stability, sustainable economic growth, youth empowerment, and security. The Ambassador also emphasized the responsible application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to stimulate innovation while simultaneously protecting future generations. The call for responsible AI use reflects a growing global concern for ethical technological development.
Call for Action and Future Benefits
Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma urged the Government of Sierra Leone to expedite the ratification of the Samoa Agreement, emphasizing its importance for the nation's engagement with the European Union. He also called on the government to promptly implement the resolutions and commitments that emerged from the Africa–EU Parliamentary Assembly to maximize benefits for Sierra Leone. Hon. Koroma stated that Members of Parliament hold a unique democratic mandate to foster dialogue and influence international policy, noting, "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." This reiteration shows the conviction that parliamentary involvement is key for effective international policy implementation. The report he presented concluded with specific recommendations aimed at accelerating both the ratification and implementation of the Samoa Agreement within Sierra Leone. These actions are intended to ensure the country fully participates in the enhanced Africa-EU partnership framework, thereby leveraging new opportunities for development and cooperation. The timely adoption and execution of these measures are seen as vital for Sierra Leone to reap the full advantages of this renewed international partnership.
