Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ Yoweri Museveni, the president of Uganda, broke the diplomatic hush in Africa by harshly denouncing Israel, Iran, and Western nations for their involvement in the intensifying Israel-Iran conflict. Museveni, the current chairperson of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), offered a unique African perspective on the Middle East conflict in an open letter published on Tuesday, June 24, criticizing “mistake-makers” on both sides.
Museveni’s official X account shared the letter, presumably in response to criticism from Iran’s ambassador to Uganda, who questioned Museveni’s previous silence. The Ugandan leader made it clear that neither side nor their international supporters are innocent.
”In our long history of resistance, we abhor chauvinism of identity (race, tribe, religion, etc) or gender (looking down upon women) […] With that outlook, we have noticed and told most of the concerned actors, the following mistake – makers”, Museveni said.
Museveni held Israel responsible for its rejection of a two-state solution with Palestine and criticized Iran for its longstanding refusal to recognize Israel. He wrote, “We have told Israel and Iran that you have both made mistakes.”
Museveni cited the 1953 CIA-backed coup in Iran that overthrew democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh as evidence of Western powers. He claimed that the current theocratic rulers in Iran are the result of intense resentment caused by that act. Museveni stated, “It is they that created that big resentment that brought these clerics.”
Museveni’s remarks have unusual diplomatic weight because he is the chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement, a group of 121 members that rejects alignment with major power blocs and was formed during the Cold War. His intervention follows Israel’s missile strike on Iranian targets on June 12 and coincides with a cautious ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
Museveni concluded his letter by issuing a more general caution to international players: cease employing force as a Middle East foreign policy instrument. He warned, “Military intervention only leads to further escalation.”
Uganda’s international standing could be altered by the declaration, which would establish Museveni as a leader in international peace diplomacy in addition to being an African elder statesman. At a time when pressure on global neutrality is mounting, it also portends a more activist role for NAM under Uganda’s leadership.
