African Leaders Condemn European Parliament’s Interference in Sovereign Affairs
Deputy Speaker of Uganda, Thomas Tayebwa, has issued a stern rebuke against what African legislators describe as escalating interference by the European Parliament in the internal affairs of African nations. Speaking at a meeting of the Eastern Africa Regional Parliamentary Group in Eswatini, Tayebwa called on members of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) to unite in defending the continent’s sovereignty.
Tayebwa, who also serves as OACPS president and co-president of the joint parliamentary assembly, accused the European Parliament of overstepping diplomatic boundaries. He cited recent resolutions targeting African countries, including Uganda and Tanzania, as examples of undue meddling. “We need to caution our colleagues from the European Parliament to reduce interference in the matters of our countries,” Tayebwa stated. “We have not interfered in how they handle their affairs with Russia. They should leave our countries alone.”
The European Parliament’s resolutions have drawn sharp criticism from African lawmakers. Tayebwa highlighted the European Parliament’s response to Uganda’s January general elections, where Uganda’s ambassador was summoned despite earlier assessments by EU observers describing the polls as free and fair. Similar actions were taken against Tanzania following its elections, which Tayebwa argued undermines the principles of mutual respect outlined in the Samoa Agreement—a treaty governing relations between the OACPS bloc and the European Union.
The Deputy Speaker also referenced a 2022 resolution by the European Parliament calling for a halt to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project. He noted that African countries successfully resisted external pressure on the matter during a previous OACPS meeting in Maputo. “This shows the importance of standing firm against what is not right,” Tayebwa emphasized.
Ugandan legislators echoed Tayebwa’s concerns, warning that continued political pressure from Europe could erode trust in international agreements. Bugabula County South MP Maurice Kibaalya questioned the credibility of partnerships like the Samoa Agreement. “Uganda ratified the Samoa Agreement in good faith, yet a parliament of another bloc is interfering in the affairs of an independent country,” Kibaalya said. “How can we trust the agreements we are signing?”
Rwampara County MP Amos Kankunda condemned what he termed “meddling in domestic governance,” calling for African states to manage their affairs without foreign influence. Sheema Municipality MP Dickson Kateshumbwa also emphasized the centrality of sovereignty in international partnerships. “The independence that comes with ratifying agreements like the Samoa Agreement must be respected,” Kateshumbwa asserted.
Beyond political relations, lawmakers raised concerns over trade imbalances and climate financing commitments by developed countries. Tayebwa urged African legislators to unite around shared priorities and strengthen their negotiating capacity within international forums. “We must get one or two clear rallying points that bring us together as Africa,” he said.
African leaders also highlighted the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), arguing that the continent stands to gain more from intra-African trade than from external arrangements. Lawmakers pointed to persistent non-tariff barriers affecting African exports, such as coffee, tea, and fish, in European markets.
Climate financing emerged as another critical issue, with legislators questioning the gap between pledges made at global climate summits and the actual financial support reaching African countries. “They go to COP meetings and make commitments, but where is the money?” Tayebwa asked. “How is it helping our farmers?”
The meeting concluded with a call for African lawmakers to present a united front in international forums, ensuring that the continent’s sovereignty and priorities are respected.
— Reported by Nexio News
