FINDING lasting mechanisms to enable independent financing of activities is among the priorities of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).
This was mentioned by OACPS Secretary-General Moussa Saleh Batraki during the first meeting of the Central Africa Regional Group held in the Ezulwini Valley yesterday.
This was ahead of the Africa Region Parliamentary Group Meetings and the 1st Africa–EU Parliamentary Assembly scheduled to continue until May 14 in the country.
In his address, the secretary-general called for the establishment of a stable and independent financing mechanism for the activities of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly.
He said the current dependence on the OACPS Secretariat and development partners, particularly the European Union to finance parliamentary activities was not sustainable in the long term.
He said while the support from partners remained appreciated, member States needed to establish a more predictable and self-driven funding mechanism to ensure the institution operated independently and effectively.
To this end, Batraki proposed that member States, through their national Parliaments, contribute equitably towards the financing of the Parliamentary Assembly in line with the new OACPS contribution system.
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According to the secretary-general, the aim was not to place an unjustified financial burden on member states, but to ensure that the OACPS Parliament had the resources required to function with autonomy, credibility and efficiency.
“It is therefore necessary to examine the establishment of a more stable, predictable mechanism driven more directly by the Member States themselves, through their national Parliaments,” he said.
He further urged parliamentarians to engage in frank and constructive discussions that would result in practical recommendations on the issue.
Batraki said the gathering also provided an opportunity for delegates to deliberate on regional priorities and matters linked to the implementation of the Samoa Agreement.
He described the Samoa Agreement as ushering in a new phase of partnership between the OACPS and the European Union, characterised by a more balanced and structured dialogue aligned with the practical priorities of Member States.
The secretary-general also highlighted the critical role played by Parliaments in strengthening democratic accountability within the partnership framework.
He said Parliaments were essential in giving democratic legitimacy to collective action, bringing international commitments closer to ordinary citizens and ensuring political oversight on shared priorities.
On another note, Batraki also thanked government and people of Eswatini, particularly His Majesty King Mswati III, for hosting the meetings and supporting the organisation of the regional parliamentary engagements.
