UGANDA : « INVESTIGATIONS » UNDERWAY IN THE COUNTRY OVER RIGHTS VIOLATIONS – FOREIGN MINISTER

General Odongo Uganda’s minister of foreign affairs

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Africanews

 General Jeje Odongo, Ugandan Minister for Foreign Affairs has hailed the EU and the African Union (AU) joint summit, as an « interesting conversation » between the Africa and Europe. General Odongo was speaking in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the key summit on Friday. He noted that the two regions « are developing a new approach on how to do business together ».

Reacting to a recent statement from the EU condemning the use of torture and the violations to human rights in Uganda, General Jeje Odongo also admits that « certain actions have happened » but says investigations are being carried out to hold the perpetrators accountable.

« We even sentenced some people to death on account of their actions », General Odongo said.

The EU and the African Union (AU) sealed a « renewed partnership » in Brussels on Friday, including the launch of a €150 billion European investment strategy and increased aid to produce vaccines against Covid in Africa.

The Europeans are also paving the way for a greater reallocation to Africans of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) special drawing rights for rich countries, but without a firm commitment, according to the joint declaration adopted at the 6th summit of the two organisations.

« Our common vision (…) is to consolidate a renewed partnership for solidarity, security, peace and sustainable economic development, » pleaded the African and European leaders, who have been meeting since Thursday to « reinvent » their relationship and « install a new software », according to the formula used by Senegalese President Macky Sall.