Tendai Keith Guvamombe
MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA – The partnership between Africa and the European Union (EU) was subjected to a fiery critique this Friday, as Senator Mike Nyambuya of Zimbabwe, a Deputy President for his nation’s Senate, called the 25-year relationship “paradoxical.”
Speaking at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP),during Debate on EU-AU Partnership, the Senator demanded an end to the condescending treatment of the continent.
Nyambuya cut straight to the core issue: Africa’s vast wealth, particularly its rare minerals, makes it a “major player” sought after by global powers.
He pointed to the bewildering array of international engagements—the US-Africa Forum, EU-Africa Summits, and relationships with India, Russia, and China—and questioned the flurry of interest: “Why all making relationships with Africa!?”
His sharp call: “Yet Africa is still treated as a child.”The Zimbabwean Senator questioned the sincerity of the EU and other developed nations by recalling the blatant injustice faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He reminded the conference that Africa was left behind, stating: “When COVID-19 came Africa was the last” to receive vaccines, while developed nations hoarded and distributed supplies among themselves.
For Senator Nyambuya, these actions prove the partnerships lack genuine commitment. He argued that African leaders are not fighting hard enough for their rights and demanded that sincerity be proven by capital investment.
His ultimatum was clear and direct: “Developed countries should put money on where their money is, then we know they are being sincere.”
Nyambuya’s powerful remarks expose a deep-seated continental frustration: Africa refuses to be viewed as a resource base or a passive recipient of charity. The time for mere summits and token gestures is over; the demand is now for sincere, equitable, and investment-backed partnerships.
