Samoa Agreement Unveiled: 10 Key Facts You Need to Know
In a groundbreaking move, Nigeria joins forces with 72 fellow members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) to sign the Samoa Agreement—a pivotal legal framework for international cooperation.
1. What Is the Samoa Agreement?
– The Samoa Agreement represents a strategic partnership between the European Union (EU), its member states, and the OACPS countries.
– It addresses critical global challenges, emphasizing sustainable development, climate action, investment opportunities, and enhanced collaboration.
2. Why “Samoa”?
– The agreement was aptly named after the Island of Samoa in Oceania, where it was signed during the 46th session of the ACP-EU Council of Ministers.
3. The Signatories:
– On November 15, 2023, 27 EU member states and 79 African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries came together to sign the Samoa Agreement.
4. Ambassador Onowu’s Role:
– Ambassador Obinna Chiedu Onowu represented Nigeria during the signing at the OACPS Secretariat in Brussels on June 28, 2024.
5. Six Key Priorities:
– The agreement focuses on six critical areas:
– Human rights, democracy, and governance
– Peace and security
– Human and social development
– Sustainable economic growth
– Environmental sustainability and climate change
– Mobility and migration
6. Decision-Making Principle:
– Parties commit to making decisions at the most appropriate level—whether domestic, regional, or multi-country.
7. No LGBTQ+ Clauses:
– Contrary to earlier reports, the Samoa Agreement does not contain any provisions related to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer rights.
8. EU’s Commitment:
– All EU member states signed the agreement alongside Nigeria on November 15, 2023.
– Out of the 79 OACPS members, 74—including Nigeria—signed before the June 30, 2024 deadline.
9. Provisional Application:
– The Samoa Agreement has been provisionally applied since January 1, 2024.
10. The agreement is to be ratified after due consideration and approval by the Federal Executive Council, National Economic Council, and the National Assembly.
Stay informed as the Samoa Agreement unfolds! 🌍🤝📜
