Security important to deepening regional integration, says Kagame

TO GO WITH AFP STORY BY STEPHANIE AGLIETTI (FILES) -- A file picture taken on February 22, 2012 shows Rwanda's President Paul Kagame gesturing as he gives a press conference at IFAD (The International Fund for Agricultural Development) headquarters in Rome. As the second and final mandate of Rwanda's President Paul Kagame draws to a close, there are increasing indications he may join other African leaders in bending the rules and staying put. Through the radio and newspapers, commentators appear to be lining up to sing the praises of an "active and efficient" leader who should not be allowed to take a break in 2017. Rwanda watchers say that in a country where the political debate is tightly controlled, campaigning for a third term has essentially begun in earnest. AFP PHOTO / TIZIANA FABI

KIGALI. — Security of the people and goods is important to deepening regional integration, Rwandan President Paul Kagame said Thursday on the annual national dialogue in the capital city Kigali.

“When we talk about regional integration, we should ensure that peace and security prevails in our countries,” said Kagame at the opening of the 16th National Dialogue, locally known as “Umushyikirano.”

Economic integration can succeed only if peace and security are established throughout the region, he said.

Rwanda has worked towards good relations in the region and integration, but the problem comes from how we work with each other, said the president.

Some countries in Rwanda’s neighborhood want regional integration to benefit them only but not others, according to him.

Regional integration “cannot just be for you to take and you don’t give anything, he said.

President Kagame who is also the chairperson of the African Union (AU), said during his tenure as the continental body’s chair, Africa has seen tangible benefits on continental integration efforts, for example, the establishment of AU Peace Fund, African Continental Free Trade Area, Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment.

The two-day meeting brings together members of the cabinet and parliament, representatives of the Rwandan community abroad, local government, civil society organization and diplomatic mission.

The meeting that runs through Friday mainly focuses on the transformation of the welfare of Rwandan citizens. – Xinhua