Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who chairs the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and co‑presides over its joint parliamentary assembly, led a group of African legislators in denouncing what they described as increasing interference by the European Parliament in the internal affairs of African nations. The remarks were made during the Eastern Africa Regional Parliamentary Group meeting in Eswatini.
Tayebwa warned that recent European parliamentary resolutions targeting Uganda and Tanzania “overstep diplomatic boundaries.” He cited the European Parliament’s resolution on Uganda’s January 2024 general elections and the subsequent summoning of Uganda’s ambassador, noting that earlier EU observer missions had described the vote as free and fair. He also referred to a similar European stance after Tanzania’s elections, arguing that such actions undermine the mutual‑respect principles of the 2005 Samoa Agreement, which governs relations between the OACPS bloc and the European Union.
The deputy speaker recalled the European Parliament’s 2022 resolution calling for a halt to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project. He said African states had successfully resisted that pressure after the issue was overturned at an OACPS meeting in Maputo, emphasizing the importance of “standing firm against what is not right.”
Ugandan MPs present at the session echoed these concerns. Bugabula County South MP Maurice Kibaalya questioned the credibility of partnerships such as the Samoa Agreement if African countries continue to face external political scrutiny, asking, “How can we trust the agreements we are signing?” Rwampara County MP Amos Kankunda condemned what he termed “meddling in domestic governance,” urging that African states be allowed to manage their own affairs without foreign influence. Sheema Municipality MP Dickson Kateshumbwa added that the sovereignty inherent in ratifying agreements must be respected.
Beyond political interference, legislators raised broader issues affecting the continent. They highlighted trade imbalances, noting persistent non‑tariff barriers that hinder African exports of coffee, tea and fish to European markets. Climate financing was also a focal point; Tayebwa asked where the money pledged at COP meetings was going and how it was reaching African farmers.
In closing, Tayebwa called for greater unity among African legislators to strengthen the continent’s negotiating position in international forums. He urged the adoption of clear, common priorities, suggesting that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers more benefit to African economies than many external trade arrangements.
The statements signal a coordinated push by OACPS members to defend sovereignty, address trade and climate challenges, and recalibrate Africa’s relationship with the European Union. Further discussions are expected at upcoming OACPS and EU meetings.
