By Our Reporter
China is trying to solidify its relations with Uganda, as the West threatens sanctions over the African country’s bloody presidential election in January.
Yang Jiechi, China’s top diplomat, on Sunday met President Yoweri Museveni and congratulated him on his win in last month’s polls, which were disputed and preceded by a crackdown on opposition followers.
“Your re-election last month speaks volumes of the trust and support from the people of Uganda to your continued presidency,” Yang said while meeting Museveni in the city of Entebbe, on the shores of Lake Victoria. He said China hoped Uganda would “enjoy stability, development and progress”.Museveni, who has ruled since 1986, was declared the winner of the January 14 election with 59 per cent of the vote against opposition leader Bobi Wine’s 35 per cent, but observers and opposition figures said electoral fraud aided Museveni’s victory.
Wine was also placed under house arrest – illegally, a Ugandan court ruled – before and after the election, and dozens were shot dead by Ugandan police following protests over harassment of opposition figures. Yang promised that China would continue to fund projects in the East African country, mostly under the Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing’s transcontinental infrastructure investment strategy, and would also donate some Covid-19 vaccines. China insists it does not interfere in other countries’ internal affairs.
The United States and the European Union have threatened to sanction Ugandan officials over the disputed election and human rights violations. Last week, the EU’s parliament resolved to impose sanctions, after the US state department warned it would consider doing so against officials “responsible for the undermining of democracy and human rights in Uganda”.
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