President Kagame’s AU Chairmanship: A Missed Opportunity for a United Africa

True progress for Africa requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond high-level rhetoric and addresses the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality and conflict.

Photo by James Wiseman on Unsplash

The African Union (AU) has long been viewed as a beacon of hope for cooperation, development, and solidarity across the continent. This multilateral organization, though established to promote unity among African nations, often grapples with the significant weight of historical divisions and contemporary challenges that threaten its effectiveness. During his tenure as the chairperson in 2018, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda brought a wave of optimism with an ambitious agenda intended to reshape the AU’s framework for addressing pressing issues affecting African countries. While Kagame’s leadership included commendable initiatives, it also revealed a critical paradox: despite advocating for substantial progress and reform, many of the underlying challenges faced by nations remained largely unaddressed, indicating a missed opportunity for genuine change.

Kagame took the helm of the AU with an ambitious vision encapsulated by the motto “Silencing the Guns.” In a continent plagued by prolonged conflicts and civil strife, his emphasis on fostering peace and security was commendable. The establishment of the African Standby Force under his leadership was a notable step toward a proactive approach to conflict resolution and peacekeeping. This proactive strategy aimed at enabling African nations to respond more rapidly to crises within their borders without relying heavily on external intervention, which has often been slow and politically fraught. However, while the rhetoric was promising, the reality fell short of substantive achievements. The AU’s efforts to mediate conflicts have frequently faced criticism for being reactive rather than proactive, lacking the requisite political will from member states to engage fully in peace-building initiatives. The need for a more robust and sustained investment in conflict prevention strategies was, and continues to be, evident. The AU needs to ensure its mechanisms are adequately resourced and that there is a shared commitment among member nations to prioritize peace and stability.

Equally notable was Kagame’s push for economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This initiative was designed to stimulate intra-African trade, create a single market for goods and services, and ultimately reduce the continent’s reliance on external markets. With ambitious goals set forth, the AfCFTA represents a significant step toward economic empowerment and self-sufficiency. However, the implementation of such an initiative remains uneven, often leaving some of the continent’s most vulnerable populations grappling with economic isolation and disparities. Small-scale farmers, informal traders, and other marginalized groups frequently find it challenging to participate meaningfully in these economic frameworks. The AU must establish clear mechanisms to ensure that the benefits of free trade are equitably distributed, particularly to those most affected by regional economic policies.

Kagame’s advocacy for governance reform also initiated discussions around the crucial topics of corruption, transparency, and democratic principles. His efforts to spotlight these issues were necessary; corruption remains one of the greatest impediments to development and stability across the continent. Kagame raised these concerns to gain support for good governance, which he saw as crucial for African unity. However, Kagame’s own governance style has come under scrutiny for perceived authoritarian tendencies. Critics argue that in pushing for democratic reforms outwardly, he simultaneously suppresses dissent and political opposition within Rwanda. The duality of this narrative serves to undermine the very democratic ideals that Kagame espouses. If the AU is to aspire toward true unity and stability, the issues of human rights and political freedom cannot be sidelined; they must be integral to any conversation on governance. It is critical for AU member states to collectively commit to upholding democratic principles and to hold accountable those who violate them, fostering an environment conducive to open dialogue and dissent.

Perhaps the greatest oversight of Kagame’s leadership was the neglect of socioeconomic inequalities that the continent grapples with daily. While Kigali has made impressive strides in development, the disparities across Africa are staggering. Millions of citizens in various countries continue to face abject poverty, a lack of access to education, and insufficient health services. A vision that fails to encompass the lived realities of these millions does not fulfil its promise of a united, prosperous Africa. It is crucial, therefore, for the AU to take a more nuanced and equitable approach to economic policies that cater to the diverse needs of its populations. Programs designed to alleviate poverty and foster education should be prioritized, ensuring that the agenda encompasses the voices of the marginalized—those who have often remained invisible in broader discussions.

As the AU moves forward from Kagame’s chairmanship, it must take heed of the lessons learned. True progress for Africa requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond high-level rhetoric and addresses the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality and conflict. It is a call for the AU to prioritize inclusivity and accountability, ensuring that all voices and experiences are woven into the fabric of African unity. This approach involves not only engaging with different sectors of society, including grassroots organizations and civil society, but also creating policies that reflect the felt needs of the people. Moreover, long-term commitment from African leaders to collaborate on common goals that transcend national interests is essential. Only through genuine partnerships and dialogue can the AU create a united front against shared challenges.

In conclusion, while Kagame’s leadership at the AU brought forth some crucial discussions and initiatives, the legacy of his tenure remains incomplete. The potential for leveraging his leadership to address the multifaceted challenges of the continent was not fully realized. For Africa to truly rise, it cannot afford to disregard the multitude of challenges that lie beneath the surface. The AU must embrace a holistic approach that prioritizes good governance, social equity, and participatory solutions. This approach will not only foster a sense of ownership among the citizens of African states but will also enhance the AU’s legitimacy and effectiveness as a forum for unity and cooperation. Africa deserves no less; the goal of forging a united continent is not just a lofty ideal but a necessary imperative for the future. The lessons of Kagame’s tenure should ignite discussions and actions that reaffirm the commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and sustainable development. For the dream of a united Africa to materialize, all member states must work collaboratively, looking beyond national interests to the greater good of the continent. The time for transformative action is now, and the AU’s role as a leader in this process has never been more critical.

Dr Peter Wandwasi obtained a PhD in Metaevaluation from the University of the Witwatersrand and writes as Research Associate at the Middle East and Africa Research Institute (MEARI), based in Johannesburg.