Nigeria has denied signing a partnership agreement with the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) that allegedly protects the rights of LGBTQ people. The agreement, known as the Samoa Agreement, covers six key areas of cooperation, including human rights, democracy and governance. It was signed by 106 countries in Samoa on 15 November 2023.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Thursday, saying that Nigeria was not represented at the signing ceremony and has not signed the agreement. The statement added that relevant Nigerian stakeholders are studying the instrument to ensure that its provisions do not contravene Nigeria’s domestic legislation.
Nigeria is one of the most hostile countries for LGBTQ people in Africa, where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by up to 14 years in prison under federal law. In some northern states that have adopted Sharia law, the penalty for same-sex sexual activity is death by stoning. Nigeria also enacted the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act in 2014, which criminalises all forms of same-sex unions and marriage, as well as any public display of affection or support for LGBTQ people.
According to a 2019 Pew Research Center poll, 91% of Nigerians believe that homosexuality should not be accepted by society, the second-highest rate of non-acceptance among 34 countries surveyed. LGBTQ people in Nigeria face widespread discrimination, harassment, violence and extortion from both state and non-state actors. Many LGBTQ Nigerians have fled the country to seek asylum in countries with more progressive laws and policies.
The Samoa Agreement is the successor of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement, which expired in June 2023. The Cotonou Agreement was a comprehensive partnership between the EU and the OACPS, formerly known as the ACP Group of States, that aimed to promote sustainable development, poverty reduction and integration into the world economy. The Samoa Agreement aims to build on the achievements of the previous agreement and address new challenges and opportunities, such as climate change, migration and digitalisation.
The Samoa Agreement has a common foundation and three regional protocols, which reflect the specific needs and priorities of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific regions. The agreement also includes a strong human rights clause, which stipulates that respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law are essential elements of the partnership and that any violation of these principles may lead to appropriate measures, including suspension of the agreement.
The EU and the OACPS have expressed their commitment to the effective implementation of the Samoa Agreement, which will last for 20 years. The agreement is expected to enhance the political dialogue and development cooperation between the two parties, as well as foster regional integration and trade. The agreement also recognises the role of civil society and other stakeholders in the partnership and provides for their participation and consultation.
Source: Business Day
