Ezulwini – His Royal Highness (HRH) Prince Lindani believes the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) member states must pitch upfront four ‘non-negotiable’ principles when pursuing global alliances.
Speaking at the OACPS and the European Union (EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly session at Ezulwini on Monday, the prince said the world will listen to an Africa that “speaks with one voice.
“When Africa walks together, global partnerships are strengthened. As Members of the OEACP–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Eswatini’s duty is simple yet profound: to create space for Africa to unite before negotiating with the rest of the world. 
“Africa enters this Joint Parliamentary Assembly cycle with four non-negotiables,” he said.
HRH stated that Africa’s primary objective should be to establish “real parliamentary power” that was both effective and efficient.
He urged for oversight and accountability to be more than mere words, asserting that parliaments must possess substantial authority.
The prince then proceeded to his second point, which was the global gateway. He stated that the gateway must be conducive to Africa’s development agenda and should not “impose external priorities.”
HRH Lindani said Africa must take partnerships aligned with Africa’s own aspirations and plans. Third on the list were meaningful investments in the youth dividend.
“Africa’s young people are not merely beneficiaries of development; they are drivers of transformation and economic growth,” he said.
Lastly, the prince said Africa must “demand climate justice, not climate charity”.
He stated that Africa is responsible for the least amount of global emissions, yet it is burdened with a disproportionate amount of climate change. He emphasised the importance of justice, impartiality, and sustainable support in order to inform global action.
“Honourable Members, our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean and Pacific regions are watching us. If Africa arrives in Brussels divided, the world will divide us further. But if Africa arrives with one voice, one position and one shared text, then all of us stand to benefit,” he said.
HRH Lindani pleaded for the assembly to be properly funded and the money trail traceable through oversight mechanisms to impact citizens’ lives.
“When a nurse in the Lubombo Region can trace European Union health funding to a functioning clinic because Parliament demanded oversight – then we will know we have succeeded.
“The Kingdom of Eswatini may not be the biggest country in this room, but under the peace and stability fostered by His Majesty, we remain a stable and committed partner. Let us use that stability to strengthen Africa’s collective voice and shared future. Africa united, OEACP stronger,” he said.
