News Overview

Brussels, 3 November 2025 – The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) is pleased to announce the unveiling of its official 50th Anniversary logo, commemorating five decades of solidarity, partnership, and progress among its 79 Member States.

The logo was selected through a global design competition launched in May 2025, which attracted over 40 submissions from across OACPS regions and beyond. Following a rigorous evaluation based on creativity, symbolism, and alignment with the Organisation’s values, the winning design was submitted by Mr. Wishwanand Sheoratan from the Republic of Suriname.

The Selection Committee noted that it was not an easy task to reach a final decision, given the exceptionally high quality and diversity of the submissions received. The Committee further recognised the artistic talent, creativity, and commitment demonstrated by all participants, whose contributions reflect the vibrant cultural richness and unity of the OACPS regions.

The 50th Anniversary logo embodies the values of the OACPS, reflecting its shared vision of sustainable development and global cooperation. It will feature prominently in all activities and events leading up to the OACPS 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2025–2026, including the 11th Summit of Heads of State and Government, to be held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, from 27 to 29 March 2026.

The Secretary-General of the OACPS, H.E. Mr. Moussa S. Batraki, commended the creativity and diversity reflected in the competition, stating: «This logo symbolizes not only our proud history, but also our shared determination to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and equitable future for all Members of the OACPS » .

The OACPS extends its sincere appreciation to all Member States, and its gratitude to every artist and designer who took part in this initiative. Their imagination and passion truly embody the spirit of the OACPS, and the Organisation celebrates this milestone as a testament to the enduring unity, creativity, and spirit of cooperation that continue to define it.

The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) expresses its grave concern over the alarming increase in terrorist attacks targeting different religious communities across West Africa, particularly Nigeria. These reprehensible acts of violence, perpetrated by various extremist groups, have caused immense suffering and fear among innocent civilians, destabilising communities and threatening the very fabric of regional peace and security.

The Organisation recalls that terrorist attacks know no borders and spare no religious groupings. Christians, Muslims, and followers of other faiths have all suffered the devastating impact of terrorism. This shared pain reminds us that terrorism is not a struggle of religions, but an assault on humanity itself.

In this regard, the OACPS underscores the urgent need for a collective international approach to address this growing threat. Confronting terrorism requires unity, coordination, and solidarity among nations to effectively dismantle extremist networks and address the conditions that enable their spread.

The OACPS therefore calls upon the international community, regional organisations, and all partners in peace to redouble their efforts toward a comprehensive and inclusive strategy to counter terrorism in all its forms.

The Organisation further calls on all nations to stand in solidarity with those countries and communities deeply affected by terrorist attacks, and to provide the necessary support to strengthen their resilience, recovery, and security.

The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU) issued a Joint Statement on the occasion of United Nations Day, reaffirming their shared commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based international order with the UN at its core. The OACPS and EU pledged to work together to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, implement the Paris Agreement, and promote peace, democracy, human rights, and good governance. They underscored the importance of reforming the international financial architecture, implementing global programmes for SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs, and strengthening cooperation to achieve sustainable and inclusive development. The statement reflects the enduring OACPS–EU partnership and their resolve to uphold the principles of the UN Charter through coordinated action within the UN and other multilateral fora.

LINK TO THE PRESS RELEASE : https://consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/10/24/joint-statement-of-the-organisation-of-african-caribbean-and-pacific-states-and-the-european-union-and-its-member-states-on-the-occasion-of-the-united-nations-day/

Bureau of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly Convenes, urges swift ratification of the Samoa Agreement

Brussels, [03 September 2025] – The Bureau of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) convened virtually on 02 September 2025 under the chairmanship of Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, President of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly and Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.

In his opening remarks, the President welcomed the newly appointed Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Moussa Saleh Batraki, a distinguished Chadian civil servant with extensive experience in governance, peace and security, and international development.

Addressing the Parliamentarians from the new OACPS Headquarters, the Secretary-General Batraki highlighted the historic moment of the Organisation’s 50th anniversary, under the theme “A Transformed and Renewed OACPS in a Changing World,”underscoring the Organisation’s continued relevance as a global actor committed to multilateralism, solidarity, and the Sustainable Development Goals. He highlighted the PACTE Initiative, a bold capacity building initiative structured around four pillars, OACPS-EU partnership and monitoring its implementation; strengthening economic policy and trade capacities through South-South and triangular cooperation; supporting climate resilience; and promoting democratic governance, including stronger parliaments and transparent elections. It seeks to support the comprehensive reform framework aimed at modernising the Secretariat, strengthening financial governance, and enhancing the Organisation’s role in global diplomacy.

Looking ahead, the Secretary-General urged Members to accelerate the ratification of the Samoa Agreement, noting that the delayed ratification is not to the benefit of Members. He also drew attention to preparations for the 11th OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government, to be held from 27-29 March 2026 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

The Bureau congratulated the Secretary-General on his appointment and commended him on his visionary leadership on the vision for renewal and reform, assuring him of the Assembly’s full support.

Key items discussed during the meeting included:

• Proposals for revamping the Parliamentary Assembly into a modern and dynamic institution;
• Exchange of views on recent geopolitical developments and the strategic importance of the Samoa Agreement;
• The 2026 calendar of parliamentary activities and strengthening of working methods; and
• Possible thematic priorities such as the OACPS-EU parliamentary dimension, the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act, anti-money laundering legislation, and follow-up to major international conferences on financing for development and oceans governance.

The Parliamentarians called for full implementation of the Revised Georgetown agreement in particular with regard to recognising the Parliamentary Assembly as an organ of the organisation. The Bureau underlined the need to reinforce this recognition through the establishment of a new mechanism to fund and support parliamentary assembly activities, thereby equipping it with the resources and autonomy necessary to effectively fulfill its mandate.

The Bureau stressed that the OACPS’ 50th Anniversary should inspire bold thinking and innovation, urging members to embrace reform to ensure that the Assembly remains relevant, credible, and responsive to global challenges.

Communiqué de presse

Brussels, 23 September 2025 – The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) marked the handover of the Presidency of its Committee of Ambassadors and Council of Ministers from the Kingdom of Eswatini to the Solomon Islands, in line with Article 20 of the Revised Georgetown Agreement, which provides for an equitable rotation of leadership of the OACPS among the six regions.

Over the past six months, under the stewardship of H.E. Mr. Sibusisiwe Mngomezulu, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Eswatini, the outgoing Bureau has steered the Committee of Ambassadors with vision and resolve, focusing on key priorities including:

• Restoration of financial stability and credibility of the Organisation;
• Promotion of inclusivity, dialogue, and consensus-building;
• Support for the installation of the new leadership of the OACPS Secretariat; and
• Advancing implementation of the Samoa Partnership Agreement.

During its tenure, the Eswatini Presidency oversaw landmark achievements, notably the election of the new OACPS Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Moussa Saleh Batraki, adoption of the Secretary-General’s PACTE reform initiative,the nomination of the resource mobilisation champion, approval of the purchase of a new OACPS headquarters, and the official launch of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Organisation, culminating in preparations for the 11th OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government to be held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, in March 2026.

The Presidency also advanced the OACPS–EU Partnership by providing political guidance on the implementation of the Samoa Agreement, encouraging its ratification, and strengthening joint institutional frameworks. On the global stage, the Bureau amplified the voice of OACPS Member States in critical processes, including the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on climate change and the Financing for Development Conference (FfD4).

Taking over the Presidency, the Solomon Islands has pledged to build on these achievements while charting new priorities. Under the leadership of the incoming Chair, the Solomon Islands will focus on:

• Overseeing adoption of the 2026 OACPS Secretariat budget and the review of the OACPS Member States annual contribution mechanism ;
• Supporting preparations for the 11th OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled to held during the last week of March 2026;
• Advancing implementation of the Samoa Agreement, including the convening of joint OACPS–EU institutions;
• Overseeing the successful organisation of the 120th Session of the OACPS Council of Ministers; and
• Championing the ongoing OACPS reform process to strengthen governance, financial sustainability, and multilateral engagement.

In assuming the Presidency, the Solomon Islands reaffirmed its commitment to promoting solidarity, advancing institutional reforms, and ensuring that the OACPS remains a credible, visible, and influential global actor, particularly in advocating for the interests of Small Island Developing States and other vulnerable members.

Secretary-General Moussa Batraki extends his appreciation to the outgoing Chair for his stewardship and dedication, with which the responsibilities of the office were carried. He further conveys his deep gratitude to the President of the OACPS Council of Ministers, Hon. Senator Pholile Dlamini Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdown of Eswatini, for her outstanding visionary leadership and the way she steered the interests of the organisation during a critical juncture. Together their combined efforts have advanced the collective priorities of Member States and strengthened the credibility of the OACPS.

Secretary-General Moussa Batraki also expresses sincere thanks and profound appreciation to His Majesty King Mswati III for assuming the role of Resource Mobilisation Champion, a vital role that will support the Organisation’s reform agenda and enhance its capacity to serve its Member States

In welcoming the Solomon Islands, the Secretary-General Moussa Batraki indicated that the Secretariat stands ready to support the incoming Presidency as it embarks on its mandate to further strengthen the unity, resilience, and renewal of the Organisation in a rapidly changing global context.