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STATEMENT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON BEHALF OF THE ORGANISATION OF AFRICAN CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC STATES ON THE SITUATION IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
The OACPS joins the international community in expressing deep concern over the recent escalation of the protracted conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which has resulted in the loss of civilian lives as well as casualties among UN peacekeepers serving under MONUSCO
In solidarity with the Government and People of the DRC, the OACPS extends its sincere condolences and sympathies to H.E. Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, for the regrettable loss of life and property. We also extend our condolences to all troop-contributing countries, particularly those from OACPS Member States that have lost soldiers in this conflict and wish a full and speedy recovery to the wounded.
As an organisation committed to promoting peace, stability, regional cooperation, and peaceful co-existence of neighbouring countries, the OACPS calls for a renewed focus on dialogue and diplomatic engagement as the most viable path toward a peaceful and lasting resolution to the situation in the DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.
The OACPS acknowledges and commends the leadership the African Union through its Luanda Process facilitated by the African Union-appointed mediator, His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola and President-in-Office of the OACPS Summit alongside the East African Community (EAC) in advancing regional peace efforts through its Nairobi Process. The OACPS reaffirms its support for these critical mediation and peacebuilding efforts and encourages all parties to actively engage in these frameworks to foster a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
The OACPS supports the call made by the United Nations for the protection of civilians particularly vulnerable groups, such as women and children, in the conflict and underscores the importance of humanitarian access to affected populations and for the cessation of violence.
The OACPS welcomes the conclusions by East African Community and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) following their summits which are aligned with the democratic values promoted by the OACPS in its Revised Georgetown Agreement.
OACPS Urges Action to Unlock Africa’s Mineral Wealth at 3rd African Mining Forum
Anthony Brand, MSME Expert at the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), delivered a call to action at the opening of the 3rd African Mining Forum in Addis Ababa on behalf of H.E. Moussa S. Batraki, Secretary-General of the OACPS.
Addressing leaders from the African Union (AU), the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), the European Union (EU), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), commercial and artisanal mining industry experts and representatives from government, academia and civil society, the OACPS emphasized the critical importance of leveraging Africa’s mineral resources for sustainable development.
Hosted by the AU and AMDC with support from the EU and the Open Society Foundation, this year’s forum centered on critical discussion of the challenges and opportunities for the African Mining Vision (AMV) after 16 years of existence. The event, which was held from March 19 and 21,served as a vital platform for policy dialogue and partnership formation.
Anthony Brand articulated OACPS’s vision for the mining sector. In representing the organization which was established in 1975 under the Georgetown Agreement, with 79 Member States spanning Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, he underscored its steadfast dedication to development. He outlined the OACPS’ journey through the key OACPS – EU development partnership agreements – from Lomé and Cotonou to the Samoa Agreement signed in November 2023—all designed to transform Africa’s mineral resources into engines of advancement.
A key focus of his address was the OACPS Critical Raw Materials (CRM) Action Plan for 2025, developed from the OACPS CRM Position Paper which was presented at the May 2024 Ministerial Mining Meeting in Cameroon and endorsed by the OACPS Council of Ministers in July.
The action plan consists of several activities under four main pillars. Some of these activities include: creating an OACPS CRM Knowledge Hub to enchance institutional knowledge and frameworks, developing tools to support the strategic geo-positioning of OACPS Member States such as a Memorandum of Understanding template to facilitate trade negotiations, establishing trade and development policies that will leverage established partnerships with the European Investment Bank, African Development Bank, and other institutions to support CRM value chains. The plan also addresses sustainability issues through collaboration with development partners to strengthen environmental, social and governance capabilities.
Anthony Brand also highlighted the February 2025 launch of the ACP-EU Technical Assistance Facility on CRM, supported by €10 million in EU funding and implemented by the European Investment Bank. This initiative aims to strengthen investment, governance, and project development across OACPS member states.
Collaboration emerged as a central theme. Brand reiterated OACPS’s commitment to working with the AU to foster a mining sector aligned with the Africa Mining Vision. He referenced the third phase of the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme, which supports artisanal miners—particularly women and youth—through skill development and improved practices, complementing the OACPS Revised Private Sector Development Strategy to strengthen investor relationships.
In his conclusion, Anthony Brand issued a call for practical solutions, stating, “OACPS stands ready to work with stakeholders to transform Africa’s mineral wealth into prosperity.” He noted that the forum’s discussions would shape policies and partnerships essential to the sector’s development.
The event gathered prominent participants, including Mrs. Ron Osman from the African Union Commission, Mr. Gianluca Azzoni from the EU Delegation to the AU, Mr. Matthias Naab from the UNDP Regional Service Center, and Dr. Marit Kitaw, Interim Director of the AMDC, underscoring its significance to regional development.
STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE ORGANISATION OF AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC STATES ON THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
On the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, on behalf of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Moussa S. Batraki, joins the international community in observing the international day on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Secretary General Batraki recalls the OACPS is founded on the principles underpinned in the United Nations Charter that underline the values of the dignity and equality inherent in all human beings. As the world marks the 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), the Secretary General remains deeply concerned with the persisting racial discrimination across the globe.
Secretary-General Batraki reaffirms the OACPSs commitment to promoting human rights, equality, and social justice across its 79 member states. He recognizes that racial discrimination not only violates fundamental human rights but also hinders sustainable development and peace.
The Secretary-General calls upon all stakeholders, governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals—to renew their commitment to combating racial discrimination. He stresses the need to work together to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequality and to build societies where diversity is celebrated, and every individual is valued.
Secretary-General Batraki reaffirms the OACPSs shared responsibility to build a world free from the scourge of racial discrimination, where the principles of equality and justice are not just ideals but lived realities for all.
The Secretary-General stands with the international community in the global fight against racism dedicated to fostering inclusive societies where every person, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or origin, can live with dignity and equality.
On the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, on behalf of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Moussa S. Batraki, joins the international community in observing the international day on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Secretary General Batraki recalls the OACPS is founded on the principles underpinned in the United Nations Charter that underline the values of the dignity and equality inherent in all human beings. As the world marks the 60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), the Secretary General remains deeply concerned with the persisting racial discrimination across the globe.
Secretary-General Batraki reaffirms the OACPSs commitment to promoting human rights, equality, and social justice across its 79 member states. He recognizes that racial discrimination not only violates fundamental human rights but also hinders sustainable development and peace.
The Secretary-General calls upon all stakeholders, governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals—to renew their commitment to combating racial discrimination. He stresses the need to work together to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequality and to build societies where diversity is celebrated, and every individual is valued.
Secretary-General Batraki reaffirms the OACPSs shared responsibility to build a world free from the scourge of racial discrimination, where the principles of equality and justice are not just ideals but lived realities for all.
The Secretary-General stands with the international community in the global fight against racism dedicated to fostering inclusive societies where every person, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or origin, can live with dignity and equality.
STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE OACPS ON THE PASSING OF HONORABLE JOSEPH HYACINTHE OWONA KONO
The Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States H.E Mr. Moussa S. Batraki learnt with deep sadness of the passing of Honourable Joseph Hyacinthe Owona Kono, former President of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly and Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. Hon. Owona Kono passed away on the evening of Friday, March 14, 2025.
Hon. Owona Kono, a dedicated Member of Parliament from the Republic of Cameroon, served as the President of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly and Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly from 2017 to 2020. He served with distinction and will fondly be remembered as a forward-thinking leader who strongly advocated for multilateralism and parliamentary governance.
Secretary-General Batraki pays tribute to the late Hon. Owona Kono for his unwavering commitment to work of the Assembly where he strongly advocated for retaining the parliamentary dimension within the Samoa Agreement. Even after his tenure as President, Hon. Owona Kono remained deeply engaged in parliamentary affairs and continued to champion economic initiatives across Members of the OACPS. Notably, his instrumental role in supporting the banana sector, particularly through securing vital resources under the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) which not only strengthened the competitiveness and sustainability of the OACPS banana industry but also paved the way for economic diversification.
The Secretary General expresses his deepest condolences to the immediate family as well as to the Government and the People of the Republic of Cameroon and indeed Members of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly in mourning this untimely loss.
The Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States H.E Mr. Moussa S. Batraki learnt with deep sadness of the passing of Honourable Joseph Hyacinthe Owona Kono, former President of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly and Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. Hon. Owona Kono passed away on the evening of Friday, March 14, 2025.
Hon. Owona Kono, a dedicated Member of Parliament from the Republic of Cameroon, served as the President of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly and Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly from 2017 to 2020. He served with distinction and will fondly be remembered as a forward-thinking leader who strongly advocated for multilateralism and parliamentary governance.
Secretary-General Batraki pays tribute to the late Hon. Owona Kono for his unwavering commitment to work of the Assembly where he strongly advocated for retaining the parliamentary dimension within the Samoa Agreement. Even after his tenure as President, Hon. Owona Kono remained deeply engaged in parliamentary affairs and continued to champion economic initiatives across Members of the OACPS. Notably, his instrumental role in supporting the banana sector, particularly through securing vital resources under the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) which not only strengthened the competitiveness and sustainability of the OACPS banana industry but also paved the way for economic diversification.
The Secretary General expresses his deepest condolences to the immediate family as well as to the Government and the People of the Republic of Cameroon and indeed Members of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly in mourning this untimely loss.
Contract Notice | PROCUREMENT FOR SERVICE CONTRACT FOR TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONNAL EFFECTS OF STAFF OF THE OACPS SECRETARIAT TO THEIR FINAL DESTINATIONS
Togo National Day | April 27
Togo, a West African nation on the Gulf of Guinea, is known for its palm-lined beaches and hilltop villages. Koutammakou, inhabited by the Batammariba people, is a traditional settlement of fortresslike clay huts dating to the 17th century. In the capital, Lomé, are the multistory Grand Marché bazaar and the Fetish Market, offering traditional talismans and remedies relating to the vodun (voodoo) religion. ― Google
Capital: Lomé
Official language: French
Continent: Africa
Date of Independence: April 27, 1960
Dialing code: +228
Sierra Leone National Day | April 27
Sierra Leone is a country in West Africa, on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for the white-sand beaches lining the Freetown Peninsula. The capital city, Freetown, commemorates the nation’s slave-trade history with the Cotton Tree landmark and King’s Yard Gate. Both were known as places of refuge for returned slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries. Nearby Bunce Island was a key departure point during the slave trade. ― Google
Capital: Freetown
President: Julius Maada Bio
Currency: Leone
Date of Independence: April 27, 1961
Official language: English
STATEMENT BY THE OACPS SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE PASSING OF HIS HOLINESS THE POPE
The Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) H.E Mr Moussa S Batraki expresses profound sorrow at the passing of His Holiness the Pope, and, on behalf of the Secretariat and the entire OACPS membership, extends deepest condolences to the Holy See, the global Catholic community, and all people of goodwill.
Secretary-General Batraki recalls that His Holiness was a towering spiritual figure whose unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity inspired billions around the world. In word and deed, the Pope championed the cause of the poor, the marginalized, and the voiceless—many of whom reside in OACPS Member States. His tireless advocacy for a more equitable world, his appeal for global solidarity, and his call for the care of our common home resonated deeply with the core values and aspirations of the Organisation…
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The Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) H.E Mr Moussa S Batraki expresses profound sorrow at the passing of His Holiness the Pope, and, on behalf of the Secretariat and the entire OACPS membership, extends deepest condolences to the Holy See, the global Catholic community, and all people of goodwill.
Secretary-General Batraki recalls that His Holiness was a towering spiritual figure whose unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity inspired billions around the world. In word and deed, the Pope championed the cause of the poor, the marginalized, and the voiceless—many of whom reside in OACPS Member States. His tireless advocacy for a more equitable world, his appeal for global solidarity, and his call for the care of our common home resonated deeply with the core values and aspirations of the Organisation…
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Zimbabwe National Day | April 18
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa known for its dramatic landscape and diverse wildlife, much of it within parks, reserves and safari areas. On the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls make a thundering 108m drop into narrow Batoka Gorge, where there’s white-water rafting and bungee-jumping. Downstream are Matusadona and Mana Pools national parks, home to hippos, rhinos and birdlife. ― Google
Capital: Harare
Official languages: Shona, English, Tshwa language, Xhosa · See more
President: Emmerson Mnangagwa
Date of Independence: April 18, 1980
Dialing code: +263
STATEMENT OF THE OACPS SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE 31ST COMMEMORATION OF THE 1994 GENOCIDE PERPETRATED AGAINST THE TUTSIS IN RWANDA
His Excellency Moussa Saleh Batraki, on behalf of The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), joins His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, the Government and the people of Rwanda, in solemn commemoration of Kwibuka 31, marking the thirty-first anniversary of the 1994 genocide perpetrated against the Tutsis in Rwanda.
Under the theme, “Remember, Unite, Renew,” this annual observance provides a moment for deep reflection, collective remembrance, and a renewed commitment to the sanctity of human life.
Today’s solemn anniversary is a time to honour the memory of innocent lives lost during one of the darkest chapters in recent human history. The OACPS stands in solidarity with the people of Rwanda, paying tribute to their resilience, their pursuit of reconciliation, and their continuous efforts to rebuild a just and peaceful society…
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Statement of the OACPS Secretary-General on the Fifth Anniversary of the OACPS Foundation Day
Today, we celebrate a defining milestone in our shared history – the fifth anniversary of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). On April 5, 2020, the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States evolved into the OACPS, cementing the unity 79 member states across three continents under a strengthened and dynamic international organisation. This evolution enshrined in the Revised Georgetown Agreement ratified in 2019 at the Nairobi Summit, built upon the vision sparked in 1975, when Foreign Ministers gathered in Georgetown, Guyana laid the foundation for a collective response to the pressing challenges facing Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific…
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Statement by the OACPS Secretary-General on the attack on Cameroonian Soldiers
The Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), H.E. Moussa S. Batraki, on behalf of the OACPS, firmly condemns the terrorist attack carried out by Boko Haram on 24 March 2025 against Cameroonian military forces in Wulgo, located in the Lake Chad Basin.
He extends sincere condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives, as well as to the Government and people of the Republic of Cameroon. He also wishes a prompt recovery to those injured in the incident.
The Secretary-General expresses deep concern regarding this act of violence and notes that this event highlights the ongoing challenge posed by terrorism and extremist groups. He encourages all parties to work together in developing effective measures to address these threats.
H.E. Moussa S. Batraki reaffirms the OACPS’s steadfast support for the Republic of Cameroon and all member states of the Multinational Joint Task Force, as well as for broader regional and international efforts to promote peace, stability, and security in the Chad Basin and beyond.
The Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), H.E. Moussa S. Batraki, on behalf of the OACPS, firmly condemns the terrorist attack carried out by Boko Haram on 24 March 2025 against Cameroonian military forces in Wulgo, located in the Lake Chad Basin.
He extends sincere condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives, as well as to the Government and people of the Republic of Cameroon. He also wishes a prompt recovery to those injured in the incident.
The Secretary-General expresses deep concern regarding this act of violence and notes that this event highlights the ongoing challenge posed by terrorism and extremist groups. He encourages all parties to work together in developing effective measures to address these threats.
H.E. Moussa S. Batraki reaffirms the OACPS’s steadfast support for the Republic of Cameroon and all member states of the Multinational Joint Task Force, as well as for broader regional and international efforts to promote peace, stability, and security in the Chad Basin and beyond.
Senegal National Day | April 4
Senegal, officially the Republic of Senegal, is the westernmost country in West Africa, situated along the Atlantic Ocean coast. It borders Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest. Wikipedia
Capital: Dakar
Official language: French
Currency: West African CFA franc
President: Bassirou Diomaye Faye
Prime minister: Ousmane Sonko
Date of Independence: April 4, 1960
OACPS Secretary-General Condemns Criminal Gang Attack on Haiti’s Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM)
On behalf of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), Secretary-General H.E. Mr. Moussa S. Batraki having learnt with deep shock and sadness of the heinous attack by criminal gangs on the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti, which resulted in the tragic deaths of Kenyan peacekeepers conveys, deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the fallen officers, the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya, and wishes a swift recovery to those wounded in the attack.
Secretary-General Batraki is profoundly saddened by the deaths of Kenyan contingent officer Benedict Karibu on 25 March 2025, and another Kenyan police officer, Tompoi Kaetuai, killed while fighting criminal gangs. He condemns the heinous attack and reiterates the OACPS unequivocally condemnation such acts in all its forms and manifestation.
The Secretary-General emphasizes that these reprehensible acts of gang violence underscore the pressing need to intensify efforts to eliminate criminal gangs and restore the rule of law in Haiti. He calls upon all parties to unite in finding effective solutions that will dismantle these criminal networks.
H.E. Mousa S. Batraki reaffirms the OACPS’s steadfast support for the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission and endorses all regional and international initiatives aimed at restoring peace and security in Haiti. He reiterates the commitment of OACPS in promoting stability as an essential foundation for improving the well-being of their peoples and pledges the Organisation’s continued solidarity with the people of Haiti in their struggle to overcome these challenges.
Ethiopia National Day | May 28
Ethiopia, in the Horn of Africa, is a rugged, landlocked country split by the Great Rift Valley. With archaeological finds dating back more than 3 million years, it’s a place of ancient culture. Among its important sites are Lalibela with its rock-cut Christian churches from the 12th–13th centuries. Aksum is the ruins of an ancient city with obelisks, tombs, castles and Our Lady Mary of Zion church. ― Google
Capital: Addis Ababa
Currency: Ethiopian Birr
Prime minister: Abiy Ahmed Ali
Dialing code: +251
Amharic: የኢትዮጵያ ፌዴራላዊ ዴሞክራሲያዊ ሪፐብሊክ
Guyana National Day
Guyana, a country on South America’s North Atlantic coast, is defined by its dense rainforest. English-speaking, with cricket and calypso music, it’s culturally connected to the Caribbean region. Its capital, Georgetown, is known for British colonial architecture, including tall, painted-timber St. George’s Anglican Cathedral. A large clock marks the facade of Stabroek Market, a source of local produce. ― Google
Capital: Georgetown
President: Irfaan Ali
Prime minister: Mark Phillips
Government: Republic, Unitary state, Parliamentary republic, Semi-presidential system
Official language: English
PRESS-RELEASE_OACPS Concludes 119th Council of Ministers Session with Renewed Commitment to Reform, Regional Solidarity and Structural Transformation
Brussels, 25 May 2025 — The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) concluded the 119th Session of its Council of Ministers, held from 23 to 25 May 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. The session marked the Organisation’shistoric 50th anniversary, celebrated under the theme: “A Transformed and Renewed OACPS in a Changing World.”
Chaired by Senator Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Eswatini and President of the OACPS Council of Ministers, the session was the first regular Council meeting under the leadership of Secretary-General H.E. Moussa Saleh Batraki, who assumed office in March 2025.
Brussels, 25 May 2025 — The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) concluded the 119th Session of its Council of Ministers, held from 23 to 25 May 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. The session marked the Organisation’shistoric 50th anniversary, celebrated under the theme: “A Transformed and Renewed OACPS in a Changing World.”
Chaired by Senator Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Eswatini and President of the OACPS Council of Ministers, the session was the first regular Council meeting under the leadership of Secretary-General H.E. Moussa Saleh Batraki, who assumed office in March 2025.
Eritrea National Day | May 24
Eritrea is a northeast African country on the Red Sea coast. It shares borders with Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti. The capital city, Asmara, is known for its Italian colonial buildings, like St. Joseph’s Cathedral, as well as art deco structures. Italian, Egyptian and Turkish architecture in Massawa reflect the port city’s colorful history. Notable buildings here include St. Mariam Cathedral and the Imperial Palace. ― Google
Capital: Asmara
President: Isaias Afwerki
Currency: Eritrean Nakfa
Continent: Africa
Government: Republic, Dictatorship, Totalitarianism, Presidential system
Date of Independence: May 24, 1993
OACPS Launches 50th Anniversary Celebrations at Council of Ministers Meeting
Brussels, 20 May 2025 – The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) will officially launch its 50th anniversary celebrations during the 119th Session of its Council of Ministers on Saturday, 24 May 2025 at 14:30, at the Maison des Associations Internationales, Rue Washington 40, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
Established on 6 June 1975 in Georgetown, Guyana, the OACPS has expanded from 46 to 79 Member States across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. It is founded on the principles of unity in diversity, solidarity, and enhanced economic and trade cooperation among developing countries.
The opening ceremony will feature addresses by the Secretary-General of the OACPS, H.E. Mr. Moussa S. Batraki, and the President-in-Office of the Council of Ministers, Hon. Senator Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The keynote address will be delivered by H.E. President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of the Republic of Angola, current Chair of the OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government.
The event will unveil the official anniversary theme and mark the beginning of a year-long programme of activities running through June 2026, culminating in the 11th OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government.
Planned anniversary activities include a flagship celebration on OACPS 50th Anniversary Day (6 June 2025), along with youth engagement forums, cultural showcases, climate action initiatives, and stakeholder dialogues across Member States.
Media Contact:
Sousa Jamba
Tel: +32 499 41 73 50
Brussels, 20 May 2025 – The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) will officially launch its 50th anniversary celebrations during the 119th Session of its Council of Ministers on Saturday, 24 May 2025 at 14:30, at the Maison des Associations Internationales, Rue Washington 40, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
Established on 6 June 1975 in Georgetown, Guyana, the OACPS has expanded from 46 to 79 Member States across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. It is founded on the principles of unity in diversity, solidarity, and enhanced economic and trade cooperation among developing countries.
The opening ceremony will feature addresses by the Secretary-General of the OACPS, H.E. Mr. Moussa S. Batraki, and the President-in-Office of the Council of Ministers, Hon. Senator Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The keynote address will be delivered by H.E. President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of the Republic of Angola, current Chair of the OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government.
The event will unveil the official anniversary theme and mark the beginning of a year-long programme of activities running through June 2026, culminating in the 11th OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government.
Planned anniversary activities include a flagship celebration on OACPS 50th Anniversary Day (6 June 2025), along with youth engagement forums, cultural showcases, climate action initiatives, and stakeholder dialogues across Member States.
Media Contact:
Sousa Jamba
Tel: +32 499 41 73 50
ORGANISATION OF AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC STATES TO CONVENE 119TH SESSION OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
Brussels, 20 May 2025: The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) will convene its 119th Session of the Council of Ministers from 23 to 25 May 2025 in Brussels, Belgium.
The ministerial meeting will be held at the Maison des Associations Internationales under the chairmanship of The Honourable Senator Pholile Dlamini Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
This session marks the first regular ministerial meeting under the leadership of His Excellency Moussa Saleh Batraki, who assumed office as Secretary-General in March 2025.
The Council’s agenda will focus on four strategic priorities:
1. Institutional reform and financial sustainability measures
2. Implementation of the OACPS-EU Samoa Agreement
3. The official launch of the “OACPS at Fifty” commemorative initiative
4. Enhancement of inter-regional cooperation among the 79 Member States
The meeting will be conducted from 10:00 to 17:30 daily at Rue Washington, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
An official press conference will be held on Sunday, 25 May 2025, at 18:30 (Brussels time) at the Press Club Brussels Europe, Rue Froissart 95, 1040 Brussels.
The press conference will feature His Excellency Moussa Saleh Batraki, Secretary-General of the OACPS, and Her Excellency Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu, Chair of the Council of Ministers.
Media Contact:
Sousa Jamba
Tel: +32 499 417 350
Email: sousa.jamba@acp.int
Timor-Leste National Day | May 20
Timor-Leste, or East Timor, a Southeast Asian nation occupying half the island of Timor, is ringed by coral reefs teeming with marine life. Landmarks in the capital, Dili, speak to the country’s struggles for independence from Portugal in 1975 and then Indonesia in 2002. The iconic 27m-tall Cristo Rei de Dili statue sits on a hilltop high over the city, with sweeping views of the surrounding bay. ― Google
Capital: Dili
Official languages: Tetun, Portuguese
Currency: United States Dollar
Prime minister: Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão
Government: Democracy, Republic, Unitary state, Parliamentary system, Semi-presidential system
Calling code: +670
Cuba National Day | May 20
Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba, is an island country in the Caribbean, comprising the island of Cuba, Isla de la Juventud, and 4,195 islands, islets and cays surrounding the main island. It is located where the northern Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean meet. Wikipedia
Capital: Havana
Currency: Cuban Peso
President: Miguel Díaz-Canel
Prime minister: Manuel Marrero Cruz
Official language: Spanish
Continent: North America
Government: Republic, Unitary state, Socialist state
Cameroon National Day | May 20
Cameroon, on the Gulf of Guinea, is a Central African country of varied terrain and wildlife. Its inland capital, Yaoundé, and its biggest city, the seaport Douala, are transit points to ecotourism sites as well as beach resorts like Kribi – near the Chutes de la Lobé waterfalls, which plunge directly into the sea – and Limbe, where the Limbe Wildlife Centre houses rescued primates. ― Google
Capital: Yaoundé
President: Paul Biya
Prime minister: Joseph Ngute
Currency: Central African CFA franc
Dialing code: +237
OACPS Statement on uncertainty in multilateral trading system
The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) expresses its deep concern at the recent disruptions in the multilateral trading system caused by unpredictability and uncertainty around the imposition of tariffs and the fear of an escalation of a tariff war. These measures are likely to have serious economic consequences for OACPS Members, which are composed of Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States, small vulnerable economies and Landlocked Developing Countries.
Over the past 30 years since the foundation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), WTO Members have worked together to promote transparency and an open multilateral trading system that has enabled decades of global growth and stability, allowed trade to flourish and lifted millions of people out of poverty. Unilateral tariff measures raise concerns about the erosion of predictability in global trade and business.
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