Kagame has finally bowed after realizing that a country cannot stand alone without relations with other countries. Thanks to the benefits of diplomatic relations that every country must embrace in order to survive. He opened his eyes and is calling for a truce between Rwanda and East African Countries.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has called for “brotherly discussions” among East African countries to resolve outstanding differences.
Kagame, who is the current chairman of the East African Community (EAC), spoke Friday while opening a one-day Strategic Retreat of the Council of Ministers and Heads of Organs and Institutions of the EAC in Kigali.
“Let’s maintain that same spirit of frank, brotherly discussion, aimed at finding the right remedies to the current challenges we face in the East African Community,” said Kagame.
The President’s speech is a sharp departure from a combative tone he has used to address his differences with neighbours.
He recently said regional integration was “not about countries taking from others for their benefit at the detriment” of others.
“How can people do business with each other without freedom of movement? How can people trade with each other when those who cross the border to your country are put in jail or disappear without leaving any traces? How can we do business with each other when your understanding of regional integration is only about your benefit? This cannot work. Regional integration can’t just be for you to take; it is about give and take,” he added while presiding over the opening of the 16th National Dialogue Council.
Kampala would later dismiss Rwanda’s claims, saying law-abiding Rwandans should feel free to visit Uganda but that wrongdoers would face the long-arm of the law.
But Kagame today said EAC needed to “urgently unblock obstacles in ongoing projects and to allow ourselves to finish the good work we have started together.”
Innovation
“As we approach the 20th anniversary of the renewal of the EAC, getting these things right, and steering the Community in the right direction is the best gift we can give the citizens of East Africa.”
He maintained that “only by working together will we spur innovation, create employment and generate the wealth needed to transform our East African Community.”
He said EAC knows “our region and what needs to be done to be part of this forward movement. We cannot afford to be left behind, or be the ones to delay the rest of Africa. In fact, the EAC has what it takes to actually lead this process.”
The EAC member states continue to grapple with ending conflicts over trade barriers, espionage and support for rival armed movements among others.
Kagame said the Single Customs Territory and EAC Common Higher Education are examples of interventions that directly benefit all their people and create popular momentum for deeper phases of our integration.
He also cited the African Continental Free Trade Area which he said proves that Africa “is starting to come together in a positive and productive way, that will create unprecedented opportunities for our people.”