President Paul Kagame this Sunday in Addis Ababa handed over the African Union Chairmanship to the Egyptian president Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi, to lead the continental body for one year.
President Kagame who has led the AU for the past year thanked his fellow leaders for having entrusted him for leading the organisation during this eventful year.
“Our objective was to continue building a stronger and more capable African Union that is able to deliver on the pillars of Agenda 2063 and better represent Africa’s interests on the global stage. The steps forward that were achieved reflect the long-standing commitment and aspirations of Africa’s leaders and citizens. The Continental Free Trade Area was signed and now, less than one year later, it stands only weeks away from entry into force, thanks to the accelerating pact of ratification,” Kagame said.
Kagame added that they should not fear these changes, or attempt to delay them. That would be futile and counter-productive. They are the engines of productivity and prosperity for our youth. But in order to secure our place, we must face the world as a unified bloc, and work closely with other regional organisations and the private sector, to ensure that the rights and interests of Africans are guaranteed.
The handing over ceremony took place during the on-going 32nd African Union Heads of State and Government Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The new Chair, President Sisi called for the creation of more job opportunities and encouraged investments. He emphasised the need to resolve the ongoing challenges on the continent particularly terrorism and extremism.
