Ugandan President Attacks West Over Libya

President Raul Castro of the Republic of Cuba greets Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni during his visit to the Caribbean island-nation. Museveni is accompanied by his wife shown in background., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Museveni attacks West over Libya

Monday, August 29 2011 at 00:00

President says Africa of today is not the same as that of 100 years ago. He adds that African Union is calling for dialogue in Libya.

President Museveni has reiterated his criticism of the West and attacked Nato for disorganising a friend, whose 42-year rule faces a humbling end.

Speaking at the annual Muslims Iftar dinner at State House, Entebbe on Saturday, Mr Museveni addressed himself on two fundamental issues: The economic crisis at home and the battle for Libya. He accused the West of greed and defended Col. Gaddafi’s mistakes even though, he said, the Libyan leader attempted to go behind his back to hijack his chiefs in Kampala.

“Gaddafi had his own mistakes, he came here and organised my chiefs without telling me. We cancelled that meeting and I warned chiefs because it was wrong,” Mr Museveni said. “But Gaddafi built a mosque for us and as a leader, he had his mistakes, but those Europeans have more mistakes and problems. They think the rest of us are fools except themselves. When there are riots in Africa, they call them pro-democracy and in London, they call them, criminals.”

Mabira talk

Although, Mufti Ramadhan Mubajje had questioned the proposal to give away part of Mabira Forest to Mehta Group to grow more sugarcane, the President brushed off the matter that has caused apprehension in the country under the carpet.

Offering a sneak-peek into the decision of last week’s African Union meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Mr Museveni said: “Those Europeans should know that Africa of today is not Africa of 100 years ago or even 50 years ago. Yesterday (Friday), we had a meeting and Africa is taking a decision to defend Africa’s independence. We want dialogue in Libya and we want a cessation of hostilities.”

President Museveni, however, said the war in Libya took the African Union by Surprise but promised the organisation, that has refused to recognise the rebel would work to resolve the conflict in Libya peacefully. “It took us by surprise but we are going to sort it out.”

The African Union has not recognised the National Transition Council, although individual members such as Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria, Tunisia and Burkina Faso have done so.