President Paul Kagame said that African problems and solutions are well known but what is missing is moving together from words to actions, with a sense of urgency.
He said this during his address to a joint session of the parliament of the Republic of Congo on Monday April 11.
It was part of his three-day state visit to Congo-Brazzaville where he was received by his counterpart, President Denis Sassou N’Guesso, upon arrival.
In his address, he said that as African governments, there is a need to move to deliver what they promised themselves but above all to the citizens.
"We cannot take pride in saying the right things, for decades, and then find ourselves many years from now, having said the right things but not actually achieved much.”
Members of parliament of the Republic of Congo follow President Kagame 's remarks on April 11. Photo by Village Urugwiro
Africa has been talking about integration and unity for as long as Africa has existed, he said, "We need to continue making fast steps. With the vast knowledge and resources our continent has, there is no reason to still be where we are today.”
Pointing at conflicts on the continent that have lasted decades, he said that there is no explanation for that, other than doing what we know is right. "It is high time to do better.”
African youth
As both countries look forward to continuing working together in a mutually productive and beneficial partnership for the people of Congo and Rwanda, Kagame said that the youth should be considered at the forefront.
"In particular, our joint efforts should continue to provide opportunities for young Africans, who are Africa’s biggest and most valuable resource, to enable our youth to utilize and benefit from their energies and talents,” he said.
Rwanda remembers
Kagame also told both Congolese Chambers of Parliament that Rwanda is in commemoration period of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi for the 28th time.
For Rwandans, he said, it is a time to remember and also recommit to strengthening our national unity.
"Rwandans want to make sure that the hard lessons of our tragedy are not wasted, but rather used to make us better people, capable of building a country that Rwandans deserve, and contributing to the well-being and success of our continent,” said the President.
On the second day of the State Visit, the two Heads of State will hold a tête-à-tête followed by a bilateral meeting alongside their respective delegations, according to the Presidency.
Following the bilateral talks, representatives from both delegations will sign bilateral agreements in the sectors of economic partnership for the promotion and protection of investments, mining, SMEs and handcrafts, culture and arts, as well as youth, sport, and civic education.