Rabat, Thursday, 6th February 2025: The Honorable Speaker of the House of Parliament of Sierra Leone, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, delivered a key address at the high-level meeting of Speakers of Parliaments from Atlantic African States in Rabat, Morocco, on Thursday, 6th February 2025.
The meeting, which began on 5th February and runs until 8th February 2025, is part of an initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation among nations along the Atlantic coast. The focus is on addressing shared challenges, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing political and economic ties between Atlantic African countries.
Key objectives of the meeting include strengthening inter-parliamentary dialogue, supporting the Atlantic African States process, and establishing a parliamentary network that promotes sustainable collaboration among member states.
The gathering brought together parliamentary leaders to discuss critical issues such as regional integration, economic development, and maritime security. The event also supports the Royal Atlantic Initiative, which focuses on economic complementarity, sustainable resource management, and strategic investments.
Hon. Thomas emphasized that African Atlantic parliaments are working to improve legislative frameworks that underpin regional cooperation. He highlighted the importance of sharing best practices, engaging in cross-border dialogue, and addressing legislative gaps. These efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on poverty reduction, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
Hon. Thomas also stressed the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling climate change and building resilient communities, particularly in vulnerable coastal states. Additionally, he called for greater cooperation to enhance maritime security and combat piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking in Atlantic waters.
Hon. Rachid Talbi El Alami, Speaker of the House of Representatives in Morocco, welcomed the delegation of 23 African states and highlighted the importance of intra-continental exchanges. He noted that diversifying partnerships should be based on justice, fairness, mutual benefit, and a focus on skills transfer, employment generation, and infrastructure development. Talbi El Alami also stressed that Africa must rely on its own capabilities, moving away from a history of colonization, to achieve progress and prosperity through self-reliance and strong partnerships.
In a message read by Fouad Yazough, the Director General of Bilateral Relations and Regional Affairs, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, emphasized that inter-parliamentary action is key to developing a shared vision for the Atlantic African space. He called for joint action to strengthen maritime trade and improve efficiency in transport costs while unifying efforts to enhance the capacities of Atlantic African countries.
Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, advocated for deeper parliamentary cooperation to promote peace, security, and economic growth in Atlantic Africa. He called on fellow speakers to work together, put aside political differences, and create a united and prosperous Atlantic Africa.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint parliamentary declaration, committing to the PAAS objectives and the establishment of an Atlantic African Parliamentary Network. The declaration also included recommendations for sustainable resource management and the attraction of strategic investments to support regional development.
The event successfully laid the foundation for fostering inter-parliamentary dialogue, strengthening the role of parliaments in regional stability, and promoting sustainable collaboration among Atlantic African states.
The Sierra Leone Ambassador to Morocco, His Excellency Alhaji Momodu Koroma, and staff from the Sierra Leone Embassy in Rabat also participated in the meeting.
Aminaash Nyande Brima, Information Attaché, Sierra Leone Embassy, Rabat, Morocco
