Seychelles Delegation Participates in Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly in Eswatini
VICTORIA, Seychelles — A delegation from the National Assembly of Seychelles participated in the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States African Region Parliamentary Group and the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly meetings held in Ezulwini, Eswatini from May 7 to 15.
The delegation was led by Hon. Churchill Gill and included Hon. John Hoareau and ACP-EU Desk Officer Haley Payet. The OACPS African Region Parliamentary Group provided a preparatory platform for the African group to familiarise themselves with the new institutional framework, review the status of ratifications, and formulate a coordinated African position.
The African region is divided into four blocs with regional sessions convened to discuss priorities and present updates on ratification processes. Hon. Gill chaired the East Africa Region Parliamentary Group meeting, representing countries including Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
A key focus was the status of ratification of the Samoa Agreement, which continues to apply provisionally pending sufficient ratifications from both African and European parties. These discussions culminated in the adoption of regional positions, later presented during Bureau meetings.
The Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly featured debates between members of the European Parliament and African representatives on topics including the role of regional organisations and their parliaments in peace and security in Africa, and mobility and youth education. Seychelles contributed actively to both debates, offering concrete and comprehensive interventions.
The meetings concluded with consideration, amendments, and endorsement of recommendations for submission to the Council of Ministers.
