Kagame was speaking while introducing the AU Reforms report at the African Union Heads of State Summit yesterday in Mauritania.
The Chairperson of the African Union thanked for the contributions that countries continue to make to the success of the reforms.
“I am pleased to note that robust consultations have been conducted by the Commission in the manner directed by the Assembly,” he said.
He said that AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities and African Union Organs have been included in the process. He said that such effort has enriched the implementation process, deepened the consensus and allowed misunderstandings to be clarified.
“A good amount of the controversy surrounding the 0.2% levy has dissipated as Member States have come to appreciate the flexibility with which it can be applied. Also that they will not necessarily be paying more and certainly not more than their fair share,” Kagame said.
“The reform has always been about preparing Africa for future challenges. That future is now. Because of the changes that have already been implemented, we are stronger and more effective than ever before,” he noted.
Kagame said that the Continental Free Trade Agreement championed by President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger is among the most historic achievements of the AU.
“An African Union capable of delivering a functional free trade area is actually the end point of reform,” he said.
Kagame said that the Continental Free Trade Area will not take long time to become reality
“44 countries signed in Kigali. Four more are signing here in Nouakchott. It is going to become a reality, before much longer,” he assured.
Kagame said that the reform’s emphasis of speaking with one voice as a continent will emerge as the most important provision of all.
“We need to present ourselves as a united front, and defend the interests of our people and our continent,” Kagame urged AU Member States.
He called upon continued support and engagement to bring the process to a successful conclusion as planned.
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