President Paul Kagame called for sanctions to be reviewed and considered against two African countries, Sudan and Zimbabwe, to support their ability to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kagame spoke at the first Extraordinary Summit of Organization of African , Caribbean and Pacific States.
The meeting was chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and held via video conference.
Kagame said that while Covid-19 ‘s effects could persist for a long time even after the virus was defeated, increased cooperation and mutual interdependence would ensure the effectiveness of the international response.
“Effects of Covid-19 will persist long after the virus is defeated and the road to recovery will be long. Increased cooperation and mutual interdependence will be the hallmark of effective international response,” he said,
With uncertainty as to how long the pandemic will last, and its consequent disruptions, the response capacity of many African , Caribbean and Pacific states needs to be strengthened.
“In this context, it is important for African, Caribbean and Pacific States to cooperate closely on measures to end the pandemic and enhance economic resilience. In particular, coordination will be needed to ensure equitable access to treatment, vaccines and medical supplies,” he said.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whose input has been visible in improving testing capacity, and the African Union, which coordinates advocacy efforts as countries seek fiscal space to respond effectively, are among the notable aspects of existing cooperation.
In this context, Kagame called for sanctions to be lifted against Sudan and Zimbabwe in consideration of their ability to respond to the health crisis.
President Kagame said that the pandemic should not derail the ongoing negotiations to define the next phase of relations between the OACP states and the European Union.
He said the talks resulting from the Post-Cotonou Agreement would reflect the new realities of the changes in the social and economic growth of the OACP.
“At the same time, we should seize this opportunity to ensure that the prevention and recovery measures under discussion here are fully integrated into the final agreement. Europe will remain an important partner to our regions just as we are important partners for Europe,” he said.
Kagame also affirmed his support for and leadership of the World Health Organization under the leadership of Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus who was also present at the meeting.
