Tendai Keith Guvamombe (Johannesburg)
The Vice President of the European Parliament, Mr. Younous Omarjee, delivered a strong statement at the opening ceremony of the Pre-AU and EU Summit Parliamentary Meeting in Midrand, Johannesburg, emphasizing the historic nature of the gathering and the need to significantly strengthen the bilateral relationship.
He asserted that the European Parliament views its responsibility as crucial to carrying this relationship forward, particularly as the upcoming Africa-EU Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, seeks to redefine the 25-year partnership.
Mr. Omarjee acknowledged the shared destiny of the two continents, noting that current statistics suggest the world is becoming “African in nature” and highlighting the deep connection between their youth and technological landscapes, where the EU is “Africanized” and Africa is “Europeanized.”
He stressed the importance of aligning the continents’ common horizons, such as the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the Joint AU and EU 2030 vision, to forge a sustainable partnership built on respect and fairness.
A cornerstone of his address was the EU’s firm commitment to supporting Africa’s global political ascent. In a significant pledge signaling a shift towards genuine equality, Vice President Omarjee stated that the European Parliament pleads with the UN that Africa will have equal representation.
This commitment directly addresses Africa’s quest for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, positioning Europe as a partner of stable principles.
Beyond political representation, Mr. Omarjee identified other critical areas for cooperation. He acknowledged that Peace and Security must be a fundamental point of discussion, refusing to “turn a blind eye” to devastating conflicts in the DRC, Somalia, Mali, and the Sahel region, and affirming Europe’s significant presence as a stable partner.
He also highlighted the importance of digital transformation and global emissions reduction efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Crucially, he reframed the continental narrative, urging that Africa should not be a continent of problems to be solved but a continent of solutions to be shared, advocating for a renewed and strong partnership.
