The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Tuesday held a virtual Handover Ceremony of the Presidency of the OACPS Council of Ministers, marking the transition from the outgoing Presidency of the Solomon Islands to the incoming Presidency of the Republic of The Gambia, in line with Article 20 of the Revised Georgetown Agreement, which provides for an equitable rotation of leadership of the OACPS among the six regions.
During the ceremony, the Secretary-General commended the Outgoing President of the Council of Ministers,Peter Shanel Agovaka of the Solomon Islands, for his leadership during a challenging period for the Organisation, and warmly welcomed the Incoming President, Seedy K. M. Keita of The Gambia, assuring him of the full support of the Secretariat as he assumes office ahead of a historic OACPS Summit.
In his remarks, the Outgoing President of the Council of Ministers, Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Solomon Islands, reflected on the achievements of his tenure, notably
*The preparation and adoption of the 2026 OACPS Secretariat’s Budget;
*Advocacy for the timely payment of Member States’ contributions;
*Support for the OACPS reform process and institutional strengthening;
*Convening of the 120th Session of the OACPS Council of Ministers.
*Championing the implementation of the Samoa Agreement; and
The successful preparations for the upcoming 11thOACPS Summit of Heads of States and Government.
The Incoming President of the Council of Ministers, Seedy Keita Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of the Republic of The Gambia, outlined the priorities of the new Presidency, which places strong emphasis on reinforcing the financial stability and long-term sustainability of the Organisation with a renewed commitment to making the organisation more viable, responsive and fit for purpose.
To ensure continuity and effective implementation of Council decisions, The Gambian Presidency of the Council of Ministers will prioritise the following:
*Monitoring the successful implementation of the 2026 Secretariat Budget as well as follow up on the debt recovery plan;
*Ensuring membership stability by working to improve the confidence of the member states in the Organisation;
*Continued support to resource mobilisation efforts including engaging member states to better understand the challenges in meeting their membership contributions, which has a direct impact on the financial stability of the Organisation;
*Support a sustained political engagement to ensure successful preparations and high-level participation at the 11th OACPS Summit;
*Support the follow-up on the implementation and operationalisation of the Samoa Agreement, including engagement with the European Union;
*Support the governance reforms and the future stability of the OACPS.
In his closing remarks, the Secretary-General commended the Solomon Islands for its stewardship during a challenging period and expressed confidence that the incoming Gambian Presidency would build on the foundations laid to ensure continuity, coherence, and effective implementation of decisions adopted by the governing organs of the OACPS.
In welcoming the Gambia, the Secretary-General Moussa Batraki indicated that the Secretariat stands ready to support the incoming Presidency as it embarks on its mandate to further strengthen the unity, resilience, and renewal of the Organisation in a rapidly changing global context
The handover takes place as the Organisation intensifies preparations for the 11th OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government, setting the stage for a renewed agenda focused on deeper engagement with traditional and emerging partners, a reimagined and results-oriented Secretariat, and strengthened intra-OACPS cooperation among Member States.
