Kagame delivered the remarks Friday, in the capacity of the African Union (AU) Chairman, at the 38th SADC Summit in Windhoek, Namibia.
Citing examples of Comoros, Lesotho and Madagascar where SADC has offered support recently as well in handling security issues, Rwanda’s President told SADC countries’ Heads of State that they will be called upon to do the same where similar action is required.
“Wearing the hat of Chair of the AU, I wish to stress that we must meet such issues up front. It has happened before. Crises of security with cross-border implications have been settled by other countries or regional groupings. After all, we are all connected. And we all know too well that there are matters that we cannot just wish away but we have to face them directly and find the right remedies for them,” he said.
Kagame said the AU is pleased that SADC and the AU accompanied the political process in Zimbabwe, and now matters are in the right direction and in the final stages in being resolved before the courts of law.
“SADC has a similar role to play in DRC. We applaud the latest developments there, showing respect for the Constitution and the Agreement of December 2016. This is an important step, and others are hoped for as agreed by the people of this great country, You can count on the AU as a partner if you need support.”
SADC has so far helped mediating opposition and government in DRC. The process has led to a calmer situation as the incumbent President Joseph Kabila stepped aside last week and let former interior minister Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary represent the ruling People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) in December 23 elections.
SADC has also nominated Hifikepunye Pohamba, the former President of the Republic of Namibia, to serve as the bloc’s Special Envoy to the DRC.
Commenting on the summit’s theme “Promoting Infrastructure Development and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development”, Kagame said infrastructure development and the free movement of persons are key to translating African aspirations into practical results for the citizens.
“Equally, the long-term prospects or prosperity and security of Africa, depend on creating the conditions and environment that enable our young people, to achieve their full potential, right here at home,” he said.
“We have the ability to do more for our countries individually, but even better, together. Today, more than ever, collaboration among African countries is not a choice. It is an imperative, in real terms.”
The AU Chairman urged participants to ensure actions are always fully aligned with ideals of the African unity.
He said some countries’ attitudes that weaken mutual trust and antagonise neighbours, slow Africa down while advancing the external interests of those who benefit from a divided Africa.
Kagame reiterated the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, saying the two will significantly increase the level of trade among African nations while strengthening their negotiating position globally in line with the African Agenda 2063.
Established in 1980, SADC has 16 Member States including Angola, Botswana, Comoros, DRC, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, the Kingdom of eSwatini, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
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