Kigali, 3 November 2018
President Kagame today expressed his gratitude to leaders from across Africa and beyond – especially those whose countries are members of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) – for rallying behind former Foreign Affairs Minister Louise Mushikiwabo in her bid to take the helms of the Organization.
The President was speaking at a reception organized in honour of Mushikiwabo’s election as OIF Secretary-General.
Held at the Kigali Convention Centre, the gathering was graced by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, ministers delegated to represent African countries, African Union Reforms Steering Committee members, senior government officials, and other invited guests.
In his remarks, President Kagame who doubles as the Chairperson of the African Union reiterated that whenever Africans unite towards a common goal, the continent wins.
“Whenever Africa has come together, we have always won. I saw unity in the African leaders, especially of the Francophonie part of Africa, all agreeing that Louise is the right candidate and we are going to put our weight behind her. And they did. I thank leaders of our continent and leaders beyond our continent, who supported the African position, which led to this success,” President Kagame said.
The Head of State added that when Africans come together, it becomes easier for the international community to support an agreed-on, African position. He highlighted that Mushikiwabo’s election was enabled but the mutual trust that exists between African leaders.
President Kagame assured Francophonie SG Elect Mushikiwabo of his full support, not only as Rwandan but mainly as a leader elected in her own right as Francophonie Secretary-General.