African and European Parliament Lawmakers Clash Over Sovereignty and Election Oversight at Eswatini Meeting

African legislators condemned European Parliament interference in their countries' internal affairs during a meeting of the Eastern Africa Regional Parliamentary Group in Eswatini on 8 May 2026. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who serves as OACPS president and co-president of the joint parliamentary assembly, led the criticism and called on members of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States to defend the continent's sovereignty.

Tayebwa cited the European Parliament's resolution on Uganda's January general elections and its summoning of Uganda's ambassador.

EU observers had described those elections as free and fair. He noted that Tanzania faced similar treatment from the European Parliament after its elections. "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 doing their things with Russia. " The European Parliament passed a 2022 resolution calling for a halt to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project. That matter was overturned during an OACPS meeting in Maputo.

Tayebwa said this showed the importance of standing firm against what is not right. Ugandan MPs attending the meeting echoed his concerns. Bugabula County South MP Maurice Kibaalya questioned trust in international partnerships.

"How can we trust the agreements we are signing? 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. Rwampara County MP Amos Kankunda joined the criticism.

"We really condemn in the highest terms possible the idea of mingling in our internal politics," Kankunda said. Sheema Municipality MP Dickson Kateshumbwa stressed respect for sovereignty. "The independence that comes with ratifying agreements like the Samoa Agreement must be respected," Kateshumbwa said.

Tayebwa urged African legislators to unite around common priorities and strengthen their negotiating capacity within international forums. "We must get one or two clear riding points that bring us together as Africa," he said. He argued that African countries stand to gain more from the African Continental Free Trade Area than from some external trade arrangements.

Lawmakers complained about persistent non-tariff barriers affecting African exports such as coffee, tea and fish entering European markets. Climate financing also emerged as a key issue. "They go to COP meetings and make commitments, but where is the money?

Tayebwa asked. AllAfrica reported that beyond political relations the legislators raised concerns over trade imbalances and climate financing commitments by developed countries.