President Paul Kagame in his first 2012 monthly press briefing has said that it is pathetic to find Africa with all its resources was reluctant in constructing the new African Union head Quarters in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
“It is ok to receive donation from China but on the other hand it’s pathetic to find Africa with all its resources was reluctant in constructing the building. The donation is a symptom to a big problem, Africa needs to do more to stand on its own,” said Kagame.
The African Union (AU) last weekend unveiled its new headquarters worth US$ 200million that was financed by the government of the Peoples Republic of china.
Critics argue that the construction that was financed entirely by the People’s Republic of China is a manifestation of the dependency on foreign AID that Africa has become.
Kagame’s reaction was triggered by the issue of Africa’s growing dependence on foreign aid adding it was a disgrace since the continent has enough resources to grow economies in member states.
During his periodical press conference, President Kagame has advised on the need to build national capacity to facilitate solving internal issues, the aim is to avoid outsiders in interfering in solving local problems which they often do so to pursue their own interests.
The press conference further covered issues related to both local and regional.
Concerning free education in the country, the president cautioned teachers who send away students who have failed to pay maintenance fee adding that it was not compulsory but rather voluntary.
About complaints from teachers over low salaries, Kagame noted for the meantime the government doesn’t have enough money to pay them according to what they think is handsome but rather wants to offer them credit through Mwalimu Sacco’s so they can improve their welfare in forming income generating activities.
In regard to deportation of genocide suspect Leon Mugesera from Canada, Kagame explained that the transfer process wasn’t a favour to Rwanda since the local judiciary has shown the potential to work professionally and that other foreign countries harboring genocide suspects should replicate Canada’s move and deport them to Rwanda to answer for their crimes.
The president further reminded members of the press on government priorities for this year which include food security, social transformation, peace and security and investments which are expected to boost the country’s economy.
“We will also enhance food security to be sufficient enough for exporting,” said Kagame.
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