Article 11 Disputes – Suspension of application of the Protocol

The application of this Protocol may be suspended at the initiative of one of the two Parties after consultation within the Joint Committee if one of the two Parties violates one of the essential and fundamental elements of human rights and democratic principles as provided for in Article 9 of the Cotonou Agreement.

Furthermore, any dispute between the Parties over the interpretation of this Protocol and its Annexes or its application shall be the subject of consultations between the Parties within the Joint Committee, in a special meeting if necessary.

Application of the Protocol may be suspended at the initiative of one of the Parties if the dispute between the two Parties is deemed to be serious and if the consultations held within the Joint Committee under paragraph 1 have not resulted in an amicable settlement.

Suspension of application of this Protocol shall require the interested Party to notify its intention in writing at least 3 months before the date on which suspension is due to take effect.

In the event of suspension, the Parties shall continue to consult with a view to finding an amicable settlement to their dispute. Where such settlement is reached, application of the Protocol shall resume and the amount of the financial contribution shall be reduced proportionately and pro rata temporis to the period during which application of the Protocol was suspended.