By Jamillah Oluka
Luanda, Angola. In a resounding victory for Africa, Mr. Thomas Tayebwa, the newly elected East African Representative to the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), has pledged to champion the continent’s interests and advocate for crucial reforms essential to propel Africa towards global prominence.
Amidst the backdrop of the picturesque Luanda skyline, Mr. Tayebwa, also serving as the Deputy Speaker and representing the Ruhinda North constituency in Uganda’s 11th Parliament, secured his position unopposed during Friday’s session at the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.
Nominated by Seychelles and Kenya, Mr. Tayebwa’s mandate extends across nine nations, including Mauritius, Djibouti, Comoros, and a cadre of East African nations, reaffirming a collective commitment to Africa’s advancement.
“I will be a steadfast advocate for the Global South, addressing critical issues such as climate change, gender equality, and equitable energy transition,” asserted Mr. Tayebwa in the aftermath of his election. “Our agenda must prioritize fair trade practices and ensure the voices of the Global South resonate at the heart of international discourse.”
Central to Mr. Tayebwa’s agenda is the imperative of equitable resource utilization without compromising environmental integrity. He adamantly rejects the notion that Africa, contributing a mere 3% of global emissions, should bear disproportionate burdens in the transition to sustainable energy practices.
The ongoing 64th Session of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly and inaugural meeting of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Angola mark a historic juncture. With over 500 delegates in attendance, the assembly is poised to inaugurate new parliamentary structures under the auspices of the Samoa Agreement, symbolizing a renewed commitment to collective progress.
Mr. Tayebwa’s ascendancy to prominence within the OACPS follows a trail of unwavering advocacy against perceived injustices. At a prior OACPS-EU Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels, he vehemently condemned unfair trade practices and levies imposed by the European Union on African exports, citing examples such as unjust tariffs on coffee and the export of EU-banned pesticides to developing nations.
The congratulatory messages from Ugandan leadership, including Speaker Anita Among and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, underscore the national pride accompanying Mr. Tayebwa’s elevation. Both lauded his commitment to Pan-Africanism and expressed confidence in his ability to effectively represent East Africa’s interests on the global stage.
The OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly serves as a beacon of democratic collaboration, embodying the collective aspirations of 79 member states towards sustainable development and global integration.
In assuming his role as East Africa’s emissary, Mr. Tayebwa embarks on a mission not only to amplify Africa’s voice but to catalyze a paradigm shift towards equitable global governance and prosperity for all. His tenure heralds a new chapter in Africa’s narrative—one characterized by resilience, solidarity, and unwavering determination.
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