Tayebwa rallies African legislators to defend sovereignty against European Union interference
“For instance, Uganda recently held elections that were free, fair, and successful. However, the European Parliament summoned Uganda’s Ambassador over the election; this was not right, and we rejected it,” Tayebwa said.
Uganda’s Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has urged African legislators under the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States to resist what he described as increasing interference by the European Parliament in the internal affairs of African countries.
Tayebwa made the remarks during a meeting of the Eastern Africa Regional Parliamentary Group in Ezulwini Valley ahead of the OACPS–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.
Speaking in his capacity as President of the OACPS and Co-president of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Tayebwa said African countries deserve respect for their sovereignty and independence in handling domestic matters.
He criticised the European Parliament for passing a resolution against Uganda’s January general elections and summoning Uganda’s ambassador despite earlier positive assessments by European Union observers who reportedly described the polls as free and fair.
“For instance, Uganda recently held elections that were free, fair, and successful. However, the European Parliament summoned Uganda’s Ambassador over the election; this was not right, and we rejected it,” Tayebwa said.
He said such actions undermine the principles of mutual respect and partnership outlined in the Samoa Agreement governing cooperation between the European Union and OACPS member states.
Tayebwa also cited the European Parliament’s 2022 resolution seeking to halt the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline as another example of external interference in Africa’s development agenda.
He noted that African legislators strongly opposed the move and succeeded in having the resolution rescinded during an OACPS meeting in Maputo.
“We opposed it strongly, and the resolution was later rescinded during an OACPS meeting in Maputo. This demonstrates the value of standing firm for Africa’s sovereignty,” he said.
Tayebwa called on African lawmakers to unite around strategic priorities that strengthen the continent’s bargaining power in global negotiations.
Among the priorities he highlighted were the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, addressing non-tariff barriers limiting African exports, improving access to European markets, and ensuring transparency in climate financing commitments.
He also urged legislators to fully understand negotiation documents before engaging international partners.
“For colleagues participating for the first time, I urged them to read all documents thoroughly and understand every detail, even down to a comma, so that we can negotiate from a position of strength,” Tayebwa said.
The OACPS–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly brings together lawmakers from Africa, the Caribbean, the Pacific and the European Union to discuss trade, governance, development and international cooperation issues.
