By CHIMPREPORTS
LUANDA, ANGOLA- Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, is rallying leaders at all levels to reject what he calls an unacceptable proposal by the European Union (EU). The proposal requires Africa to bear the heaviest penalties of climate change, despite being the continent with the lowest emissions.
Tayebwa, recently elected to represent East Africa to the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) – the European Union General Assembly, emphasized the need for a fair and just transition that is not rushed during the 64th session of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly in Luanda, Angola.
He expressed concern over Africa being pressured to abandon fossil fuels without a properly negotiated transition plan. Tayebwa cited Uganda, set to explore oil in 2025, and emphasized that decisions affecting African nations should be part of a well-considered transition.
While addressing the assembly, Tayebwa urged African Members of Parliament to reject such proposals and advocate for a fair and just transition to clean energy. He emphasized the need for countries that have historically used dirty fuel to contribute more to the required $25 billion per year transition, stating that the European Union’s commitment of Euros 20 million was inadequate.
Tayebwa also called on the European Union to invest more in affordable solar energy for Africa, which boasts 60% of the world’s solar resources but only 1% of global solar installations. He raised the importance of clean energy and urged the EU to cease shipping counterfeit electrical accessories to Africa, advocating for quality and sustainable products.
Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice-President of the African Energy Chambers, highlighted that over 600 million Africans lack access to reliable and affordable energy. He emphasized the importance of providing reliable and affordable energy to enable development in agriculture and industry, urging a pragmatic approach to energy transition.
Marc Angel, Vice President of the European Parliament, outlined the EU’s commitment of up to Euros 20 billion to support renewable energy deployment in Africa, aiming to provide electricity access to at least 100 million people by 2030. He stressed the EU’s focus on increasing access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy services for Africans.
Michael Gahler, a Member of the European Parliament, encouraged African and EU investors to find common ground in implementing clean energy transition proposals. The ongoing discussions emphasize the importance of collaboration and equitable solutions in addressing the challenges of climate change and energy transition on the African continent.
Discussion about this post