The ongoing African Union reforms process under the stewardship of President Paul Kagame will touch on the Union’s commission organisational set-up and also change the political nature of the continental bloc, Foreign Affairs minister Louise Mushikiwabo has said.

Mushikiwabo made the remarks following the recent first consultative meeting on the reforms with members of the AU Reform Steering Committee, chaired by President Kagame.

Addressing journalists in Kigali, yesterday, Mushikiwabo said the reforms will be on two forms; organisation and political.

"Organisational, that is the technical work on the commission itself and its set-up and how it should be managed,” she said.

Without revealing details on specific changes proposed, the minister said the nine-member team was preparing proposals to be discussed with African leaders."Once the proposals have been made, leaders taken part in discussions and given their views, the result will be a more efficient and focused commission of the AU and the organisation itself beyond the commission serving the current and real interest of Africa,” she said.

The reforms team, that comprises professionals and experts from nine African countries, earlier this month had a two-day consultative meeting in Kigali.The ultimate aim of the reforms is to ensure that the bloc and its organs are more functional and fit-for-purpose, in order to better serve the continent’s needs in a rapidly-changing economic, social, and political context in Africa and globally.

Pursuit of bilateral ties

Commenting on recent missions and visits to a number of African countries by the President and other government officials, Mushikiwabo said the visits sought to build political connections and pursue economic benefits.

"The recent activities in various African countries have to do with what we think is beneficial bilateral relations as well as regionally,” she said.Emphasising on the need for stronger South to South cooperation, the minister said Rwanda was keen to promote its partnership and ties with other African states.

"It is more important that Africa works together in a united way, that we give and take from one another and share our experiences which are closer than what we would get from other parts of the world,” she said.

Among the benefits cited from the diplomatic visits include increased trade ties and investment opportunities as well as expanding the presence of national carrier RwandAir, which seeks to primarily serve African destinations.

"The take-away include very good political connections and very important economic benefits. Our national carrier is expanding its presence across Africa and acquiring a larger fleet to serve primarily the continent,” the minister said.

On American elections

On Tuesday’s US elections won by Republican Donald Trump, Mushikiwabo said Kigali looks forward to working closely with the incoming administration. editorial@newtimes.co.rw