President Paul Kagame has attended the African Union(AU) mini-summit held this Saturday in Cotonou, Benin.
The summit which convened by president Boni Yayi of Benin, the current chairman of AU attracted African heads of states.
Thirteen African Presidents attended the closed door meeting in Cotonou called by President Yayi to discuss a road map for the AU as well as the management of strategic partnerships between Africa and the rest of the world.
It is also said the heads of state and governments discussed the security situation on the continent.
The current AU Chairman, President Yayi Boni, hailed the presence of his peers as the expression of the importance they give to the cause of the continent at a time when Africa is facing different challenges.
The meeting will review the situation in Sudan and South Sudan, the rebellion in northern Mali, the threat of the Islamic group of Boko Haram in Nigeria and also the Libyan issue, where the proliferation of heavy and light arms that can be used to destabilise neighbouring countries is a source of concern.
The Cotonou talks will end with a declaration on the basis of which the AU chairman will work with former African leaders for solutions to the present situation facing the continent.
In addition to the issues of peace and security, the AU presidents will look into good governance, democracy and the creation of a free trade zone on the continent to develop intra-African trade.
AU presidents attending the Cotonou summit are Yayi Boni of Benin, Idriss Deby Itno of Chad, Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo, Alassane Dramane Ouattara of Ivory Coast, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Jacob Zuma of South Africa, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, Faure Essozima Gnassingbe of Togo, Issifou Mahamadou of Niger, Ali Bongo Odimba Gabon and President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria.
Ethiopian Prime minister Meles Zenawi and the AU Commission chairman, Jean Ping are also attending the summit.
ENDS
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