The Samoa Agreement is a comprehensive partnership addressing economic development, security, environment, migration, mobility, and climate change. It also covers investment opportunities, sustainable development, and cooperation among signatory countries. Signed by 79 countries, including 48 African, 16 Caribbean, and 15 Pacific nations, the agreement serves as the legal framework for EU relations with these countries, promoting economic development, democracy, and human rights.
The Samoa Agreement aims to tackle global challenges and foster cooperation in various areas, providing a platform for members to work towards sustainable development, economic growth, and improved living standards. According to The Cable, ACP countries, including Nigeria, initially declined to sign the Samoa Agreement due to concerns over the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity, interpreted as LGBTQ+ rights. A compromise was reached to promote and protect all human rights without specifically mentioning sexual orientation and gender identity, allowing the agreement to progress.
In Nigeria, the federal government confirmed signing the Samoa Agreement, which has faced criticism for potentially promoting LGBTQ+ rights. However, the government clarified that the agreement does not override Nigeria’s laws, including the 2014 legislation against same-sex relationships.
Below is a list of the 48 African countries that are parties to the Samoa Agreement, including Nigeria:
- South Africa
- Ghana
- Republic of Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Angola
- Cape Verde
- Botswana
- Burundi
- Central African Republic
- Comoros
- Congo (Brazzaville)
- Congo (Kinshasa)
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Equatorial Guinea
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Madagascar
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritius
- Islamic Republic of Mauritania
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Uganda
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Eswatini
- Tanzania
- Chad
- Togo
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
President Bola Tinubu has denied any plans to legalize LGBTQ+ rights in Nigeria. The federal government assured that Nigeria’s laws supersede the Samoa Agreement, and President Tinubu would not sign any agreement that contradicts the interests of Nigerians.