The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has called for greater respect for African sovereignty and a stronger collective negotiating position in international engagements between Africa and Europe.
Tayebwa, who also serves as President of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and Co-President of the OACPS–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, made the remarks while addressing members of the Eastern Africa Regional Parliamentary Group during ongoing meetings in Eswatini ahead of the upcoming OACPS–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly session.
He highlighted what he described as concerning precedents in engagements between African states and the European Parliament, pointing to Uganda and Tanzania as examples.
“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. A similar situation occurred with Tanzania,” Tayebwa said.
He stressed that such actions should not be repeated in future diplomatic and parliamentary engagements, adding that African representatives would seek firm assurances during upcoming discussions with European Union counterparts.
Tayebwa also referenced past tensions over the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project, noting that the European Parliament had previously passed a resolution seeking to halt its construction. He said African delegates strongly opposed the move, leading to its eventual reversal during an OACPS meeting in Maputo.
“This demonstrates the value of standing firm for Africa’s sovereignty,” he said.
He urged African parliamentarians to unite around clear priorities to strengthen the continent’s collective bargaining power in global negotiations, emphasizing the importance of parliamentary oversight to ensure international agreements deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
Tayebwa also underscored the need to fully utilise the African Continental Free Trade Area while addressing non-tariff barriers that continue to limit market access, alongside efforts to improve access to European Union markets.
On development financing, he called for transparency and accountability in climate-related funding commitments, stressing that partnerships must be based on mutual respect.
Addressing first-time participants, Tayebwa urged thorough preparation and attention to detail in reviewing all official documents.
“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,” he said.
The meetings in Eswatini continue ahead of the OACPS–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, where further deliberations on trade, governance, and development financing are expected.
