The Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), based in Brussels and supported by the European Commission, is currently facing some serious financial concerns, as indicated by internal documents. These documents suggest that there may be €30,000 in potentially fraudulent credit card transactions, along with an additional €97,000 in expenses that raise questions about their appropriateness. Furthermore, nearly €1 million in unpaid salaries for staff members and €868,740 claimed for ineligible school fees by several employees have also come to light.
Established 50 years ago, the OACPS is navigating a challenging period, particularly in light of internal discussions surrounding the succession of its outgoing Secretary-General, Georges Chikoti. The situation has been further complicated by the European Commission’s recent decision to suspend long-standing funding, expressing concerns related to financial management. An official from one of the OACPS member countries, wishing to remain anonymous, characterized the organization as facing significant financial difficulties and noted that many member states feel a sense of embarrassment regarding the current situation.
This unfolding scenario follows previous examinations of the OACPS’s financial practices. In February 2024, the European Commission allocated €271,500 to oversee the organization’s financial operations, recognizing the need for improved bookkeeping measures. A study commissioned by the European Commission in 2021 also pointed to challenges in evaluating the OACPS Secretariat’s achievements and impact, with the most recent publicly available annual report dating back to 2021.
Additionally, the OACPS encountered a notable challenge in 2022 when South Africa, one of its largest members, chose to withdraw from the organization, citing a diminishing role in its relationship with the European Union.
As financial and administrative issues continue to surface, there are ongoing discussions about the future effectiveness of the OACPS in promoting development cooperation among its member states.
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