Gambiaj.com – (MBABANE, Eswatini) – A delegation of Gambian lawmakers has joined high-level parliamentary discussions in the Ezulwini Valley, Eswatini, as African and European leaders intensify negotiations on trade, governance, development cooperation, and the future of Africa-European Union relations.
The Gambian delegation is participating in the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) African Region Parliamentary Group Meetings and the inaugural Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly taking place from 7 to 14 May 2026.
The team is led by lawmaker Abdoulie Ceesay and includes Madi M.K. Ceesay, Fatou K. Jawara, Sainey Jawara, and Samba Jallow.
On Friday, the Gambian delegation joined fellow lawmakers from across the sub-region during the West African Regional Parliamentary Group Meeting, where discussions centered on regional priorities and the implementation challenges surrounding the Samoa Agreement.
The Samoa Agreement is expected to play a major role in shaping future political cooperation between African states and the European Union, including trade relations, migration policy, climate financing, and development assistance.
African countries are increasingly seeking stronger bargaining positions in engagements with the EU amid growing concerns over equitable partnerships, financing commitments, and economic opportunities for the continent.
During Friday’s session, delegates also received official communication from the chairperson of the West African Group, Mathew Sahr Nyuma, as regional lawmakers deliberated on common positions ahead of broader continental and intercontinental discussions.
The Gambian delegation is being supported diplomatically by Pa Musa Jobarteh and Musa Camara.
The engagements in Eswatini are expected to continue with regional consultations, bureau meetings, and strategic discussions on the future direction of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly before the official opening of the first Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly on 12 May.
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