President Kagame delivers closing remarks as AU Summit concludes
Addis Ababa, 29 January 2018
President Kagame, as incoming Chairperson of the African Union has delivered closing remarks, drawing to a conclusion the 30th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of the Heads of State and Government that took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Reiterating the need for the African Union to sustain itself, President Kagame appealed for African collaboration, focus and commitment.
“We can generate resources from our own countries and if there is need from partners then the support will add to our own efforts. Africa isn’t going to remain as the place that depends on the rest of the world. We need to get results that we want. Reforms need a lot of mindset change, change doesn’t come easy, it requires hard work and sometimes taking risks but the most important thing is change is driven by the need for it. If people understand that there is need for change, they will be responsive to it.”
Concerning the ongoing AU reforms, President Kagame pointed out that since the beginning, African leaders decided it was time to consider reforms which would improve the business of leading individual countries and the continent.
Outlining the modalities for AU delivery, President Kagame stated that the strategy called for Africa to pull together its resources, be more efficient, effective, have one voice and support each other, saying Africa had adequate resources to take it the level and pace it desires.
In conclusion, President Kagame expressed his appreciation to everyone, and the African Union Commission and the Secretariat for organising the Summit.
“I also want to thank you all, for your contributions, and your commitment to the ideals of the African Union. I wish you safe travels, as you make your way back home. Thank you.”
President Kagame, accompanied by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat and President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo launched the Single African Air Transport Market on the sidelines of the African Union Summit 30th AU Summit.
President Kagame and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat held a press conference at the end of the closing speech, where they addressed various issues concerning AU reforms, fighting corruption, among other issues.