Brussels, 28 April 2020/ACP: The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (OACPS) is concerned by the continued presence of swarms of desert locusts, which threaten food security for at least eight Member States in East Africa. 

On behalf of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, welcomes and endorses the decision by the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to resolve the political situation in the Republic of Guinea Bissau following the Presidential elections held in December 2019, as expressed in the ECOWAS Communique issued on 22 April 2020. 

Brussels, 24 April 2020/ACP: The International Day for Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is now observed each year on 24 April. On behalf of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) the Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, reaffirms the OACPS’ commitment to multilateralism, which is indispensable in enabling States to develop and maintain a rules-based international order.

Brussels, 16 April 2020/ACP: In response to the global COVID-19 health crisis which is negatively impacting food and nutrition security throughout Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP), the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) has undertaken measures to assuage the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on actors along the value chains, notably family farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Tropical Cyclone Harold started on 1 April 2020 as a tropical storm in the Pacific region and rapidly strengthened on 6 April 2020 to a Category 5 cyclone.  The cyclone, with highest winds of 220km/hr, struck the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga and caused significant damage. The cyclone is currently active and thus far, there are reports of approximately 27 deaths; maritime rescue accidents and fatalities; displacement of thousands of households; substantial losses due to heavy rainfall, storm surges, fallen trees and branches and severely damaged public and private infrastructure.

Brussels, 7 April 2020/ACP: Today marks the 26th anniversary of the Genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in 1994. Over the past 16 years, the OACPS has commemorated this day in accordance with the decision of the 59th Session of the OACPS Council of Ministers. This attests to the OACPS’ unwavering solidarity with the Government and people of Rwanda, and our solemn commitment to never forget one of the most heinous crimes against humanity. 

Brussels, 7 April 2020/ACP: I am humbled to make this Statement on behalf of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) on the commemoration of one of the most atrocious tragedies to have occurred on the African continent, and indeed in the world. 

This solemn occasion is an annual reminder to pay homage to the women and men who lost their lives 26 years ago for no reason other than that of their ethnicity, when Rwandese extremists rose up against their compatriots.

The African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States offically became the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States on 5 April 2020. This follows the entry into force of the revised Georgetown Agreement which was endorsed by the ACP Heads of State at the 9th Summit of ACP Heads of State and Government in December 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Pan-African Farmers Organization (PAFO) and its member organizations pledge their support to ensure food security during COVID-19 quarantine. Read the full statement HERE.