H.E. Jakaya Kikwete among dignitaries at the Kigali celebrations. The Republics of Rwanda and Burundi have both turned 50 sparking celebrations in their capitals and within the EAC region.
In Kigali, President Paul Kagame today led citizens of the country in marking the celebrations at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda. In his speech, President Paul Kagame urged Rwandans to seize the moment and to take and build on the opportunities that Rwanda and the Continent have to offer.
‘We, have far too long, surrendered the responsibility to transform our countries to various non-state actors that have no clear lines of accountability except to themselves – which resulted in their stranglehold on our countries. This is simply unsustainable, and we should seize the moment as a true turning point’, President Kagame remarked. The Head of State thus underscored the need for more collaboration, inclusiveness and treating each other fairly.
President Kagame noted that Rwanda was committed to contributing to regional global peace and stability which he noted would ensure citizens of the region travel safely, faster and further in the company of others. The Head of State urged the young people to take a more defined role in taking their countries to the next level.
‘Looking over the next fifty years, we must acknowledge the role of our young people as the new drivers of our transformation. It is our duty to pass to them a better Rwanda and Africa than we inherited. But our young people must also understand that they have a responsibility to take our countries to the next level’, the President stated.
Present during the celebrations were H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, their Excellencies Edward Sekandi, Vice President of the Republic of Uganda and Therence Sinunguruza, 1st Vice President of the Republic of Burundi. The EAC Secretary General, Amb Richard Sezibera, the EALA Speaker, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa and the Chairman of the African Union Commission, Hon. Jean Ping were among the dignitaries present.
Next door in Bujumbura, President Pierre Nkurunziza shall tomorrow (July 2, 2012) lead citizens in marking the 50th Independence celebrations at the Independence Boulevard.
Meanwhile, the EALA Speaker, Rt. Hon Margaret Zziwa has congratulated the Republics of Burundi and Rwanda on the occasion of their independence. In her message of goodwill to President Paul Kagame, Rt. Hon Zziwa noted that Rwanda was today a progressive state.
‘Looking back and reflecting on half a century of Rwanda’s independence, it is worth noting that today, the country stands as a glimmer of hope characterized by sound development, good governance and democracy. On this auspicious occasion, permit me also to congratulate you on the occasion of celebrating 25 years of the founding of the Rwanda Patriotic Front and 18 years of liberation respectively. The celebrations are apt and exemplify a deserved journey of resilience and we join in wishing you and all Rwandans prosperity,’ the letter to President Kagame read in part.
The Speaker also sent a message of congratulations to the President of Burundi, H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza on the similar occasion of independence. The Speaker hailed President Nkurunziza for his contribution to developing the country and the EAC region.
‘I note with much satisfaction that under your wise and able leadership, Burundi has continued to enjoy sustained economic development, peace and stability,’ a section of the message read.
Burundi and Rwanda both joined the East African Community in 2007.
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For More Information, contact: Bobi Odiko, Senior Public Relations Officer; East African Legislative Assembly; Tel: +255-27-2508240 Cell: +255 787 870945, +254-733-718036; Email: bodiko@eachq.org Web: https://www.eala.org Arusha, Tanzania
