Thomas Tayebwa has called on African legislators under the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) to firmly resist what he described as growing interference by the European Parliament in the internal affairs of African countries.
Tayebwa, who also serves as President of the OACPS and Co-President of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly, made the remarks during a meeting of the Eastern Africa Regional Parliamentary Group in Ezulwini Valley. He stressed that African states deserve respect for their sovereignty and independence.
He criticized the European Parliament for passing a resolution against Uganda’s January general elections and summoning Uganda’s ambassador despite earlier assessments by European Union observers describing the polls as free and fair.
“I think we need to caution our colleagues from the European Parliament to reduce interference in the matters of our countries,” Tayebwa said. “We have not interfered in how they are handling their issues with Russia. They should leave our countries alone.”
Tayebwa noted that a similar incident occurred in Tanzania, where the country’s ambassador was reportedly summoned following elections. He argued that such actions contradict the principles of mutual respect and sovereignty enshrined in the Samoa Agreement, which governs cooperation between the OACPS and the European Union.
He further cited the European Parliament’s 2022 resolution seeking to halt the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, saying African states successfully opposed the move during an OACPS meeting in Maputo. According to Tayebwa, the outcome demonstrated the importance of African countries standing united against decisions that undermine their interests.
Members of the Ugandan delegation echoed similar concerns, urging African states to take a stronger stance against what they termed intimidation by the European Parliament.
Maurice Kibaalya questioned the credibility of the Samoa Agreement and other international partnerships in light of such actions.
“How can we trust the agreements we are signing?” Kibaalya asked. “Uganda ratified the Samoa Agreement in good faith, yet a parliament of another bloc is interfering in the affairs of an independent country.”
He warned that unilateral actions by external actors could discourage African states from committing to future agreements, arguing that the Samoa Agreement clearly provides for respect of sovereignty and diplomatic processes.
Amos Kankunda also condemned what he described as external meddling in domestic governance.
“We really condemn in the highest terms possible the idea of mingling in our internal politics,” Kankunda said. “We should be allowed to manage our own internal affairs as independent states.”
Similarly, Dickson Kateshumbwa stressed that sovereignty must remain central in all international engagements.
“The independence that comes with ratifying agreements like the Samoa Agreement must be respected,” he said. “We condemn in the strongest terms any interference in our internal political processes.”
Call for African Unity
Tayebwa also urged African legislators to strengthen their negotiating position by identifying common priorities capable of uniting the continent.
“We must get one or two clear riding points that bring us together as Africa,” he said, noting that while regions such as the Caribbean are united by issues like climate change, Africa must deliberately define and pursue a collective agenda.
He further emphasized the need for thorough preparation during negotiations with European counterparts, whom he described as highly detail-oriented.
“These are people who read everything — even a comma,” Tayebwa noted. “We must do the same if we are to negotiate effectively.”
Economic concerns also dominated the discussions, particularly the need for African countries to maximize opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Tayebwa described AfCFTA as the world’s largest trading bloc but said Africa has yet to fully harness its potential benefits.
“We would benefit much more from the African Continental Free Trade Area than many of these external agreements,” he said.
Legislators also raised concerns over persistent non-tariff barriers affecting African exports such as coffee, tea, and fish in European markets, while European goods continue to enjoy easier access to African economies.
Concerns Over Climate Financing
Climate financing emerged as another major concern, with lawmakers questioning the gap between international pledges and actual funding reaching African countries.
“They go to COP meetings and make commitments, but where is the money?” Tayebwa asked. “How is it helping our farmers?”
Keywords
Thomas Tayebwa, OACPS, European Parliament, EU interference, African sovereignty, Samoa Agreement, Uganda elections, East African Crude Oil Pipeline, AfCFTA, climate financing, African legislators, Maurice Kibaalya, Amos Kankunda, Dickson Kateshumbwa, Ezulwini Valley, Eswatini, non-tariff barriers, African trade, Uganda politics, EU-Africa relations
