The Cotonou Agreement is a treaty between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States . It was signed in June 2000 in Cotonou, with the aim to reduce and eradicate poverty to promote sustainable development and gradual integration of the ACP countries into the global economy.
By Aviolata Gwashero
It was formed in three pillars which are trade, development cooperation and political dimension. The agreement signed between the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries and the E.U in 2000, expires in 2020.
It rules the political, commercial, cooperation and development relations between the two blocs, whose closer ties began in 1975. Trade flows with the African Caribbean Pacific Countries more than doubled in the period 2000-2014 Integration has maximized with the ACP states into the world economy as illustrated by the number of Agreements concluded, at country level strengthening human rights with increased and structured political dialogue (Article 8) and consultations (Article 96) shaping and financing education and health policies.
However certain provisions of the Cotonou Agreement on political cooperation have never been applied like Article 97 which foresees dialogue and sanctions against corrupt regimes which many scholars have admitted to be a great weakness of the treaty.
Zimbabwe is also among the countries that are under sanctions and this have affected integration and trade with the other countries.
Even though some countries are respected and adhered to, the LGBT rights and freedoms, the issue of human rights violation remains questionable.
The rate of export between African countries and the E.U has decreased in the extent that it has affected economic development in Africa.
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