Is African unity finally unfolding before our eyes?

At his inauguration last week, President Paul Kagame delivered what observers have described as one of the most powerful Pan-African speeches in recent history. The President rallied Rwandans and other Africans to stand together and firm in the interest of their own people and countries in the face of hostility from the Western world. Kagame’s inauguration attracted 19 African Heads of State and Government as well as a host of former presidents and other current high-profile government leaders. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and his South Sudanese counterpart Salva Kiir embraced and shared jokes, while in attendance were also the President of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Brahim Ghali, and the Speaker of Parliament of the Kingdom of Morocco, Habib El Malki. The two nations have had political differences for several years now with one often snubbing invites to a function where the other is present. Ethiopia and Eritrea, the Horn of African nations that have also had troubled relations for long, were also represented at the event, the former by Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and the latter a high-powered delegation. “This occurrence, difficult to imagine in the past, shows that much more unites Africa than divides it,” Dr Richard Sezibera, a senator and former Secretary-General of the East African Community, said in a commentary published in this newspaper this week. Sezibera said an “unthinkable political tableau” unfolded at the inauguration. In his inaugural address, Kagame pointed out that, for centuries, Africa has faced adversity, but it is the continent’s civilisation that has sustained it. “Today it endows us with ambition, compassion and creativity. Without exception, there is infinitely more that unites us, as Africans, than divides us,” the President said. Observers say Africans, more than ever, have reason to join hands with one another today considering their common aspirations such as defeating poverty and achieving greatness. ‘Mutual respect’ Jean-Léonard Sekanyange, the spokesperson of the National Civil Society Platform, told Saturday Times that that such a big number of African leaders gathered in Kigali for the inauguration is testament of the “mutual respect and strong solidarity” that exists between Kagame and other African leaders. It also shows that African leaders are committed to advancing Africa’s interests, he said. “I want to believe that Africa has reached at a point of realising that we are stronger together and this might eventually force the West to change their position on Africa and start to look at the continent as strong partners,” Sekanyange said. He said Africa now needs leaders with a vision to transform the lives of their people, adding that geographical boundaries should not be a hindrance to integration. “In Africa, borders have for long been barriers, which is sad considering that you will find people in two, three or even more countries speaking the same language. Our leaders need to focus on the unifying factors rather than the physical boundaries. They also need to serve interests of future generations, that’s what will bring sustainable development,” Sekanyange added. ‘New momentum’ Prof. Francois Masabo, the acting director of Centre for Conflict Management at the University of Rwanda, said it’s high time African leaders championed a new momentum of unity, peace and prosperity for their people. “Kagame’s inaugural speech showed a great hunger for a united, and more prosperous and peaceful Africa. This is what African leaders should spearhead in their political agenda. Even countries that don’t seem to be friendly with each other have common challenges and need to work together,” Masabo said. In his address, Kagame also underlined Rwanda’s commitment to good relations with all countries. “Today, Rwanda defines no one as an enemy, whether domestic or foreign. Every Rwandan has a country, and with every other country, we seek partnership and cooperation,” the President said. He also praised his counterparts and other African leaders in attendance. “The presence of so many brothers and sisters from around Africa, Heads of State and former Heads of State, honours our nation deeply and gives us strength. We thank you.” “Africa has been with Rwanda when we needed you most and nothing gives our people greater pride than contributing, together with you, to the greatness of our continent.” African leaders who witnessed the inauguration were also impressed with the high attendance of Heads of State and Government. “Usually four or five heads attend inaugurations,” Swaziland Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini told Observer, a Swazi newspaper. Last year, President Kagame was tasked by his African counterparts during the 27th African Union Summit held in Kigali to lead a reform process of transforming the Union into a self-reliant continental body by 2018. Kagame was also tasked by his peers to oversee the implementation of the reform plan. The proposal includes a sustainable self-financing mechanism that would see the Union generate revenues to run its operations, as well as making the body more efficient and to tap into the potential of regional economic communities across the continent. If recent developments on the continent are anything to go by, there is no doubt that the continent’s quest for unity is quickly gaining momentum. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Is African unity finally unfolding before our eyes?