by Christopher Makaza
As the fight against the deadly COVID-19 intensifies, African Heads of State on Friday night held an important teleconference in which French President Emmanuel Macron, World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus and Chairperson of the AU Commission Dr Moussa Faki also took part, to discuss the coronavirus pandemic.
The Heads of State underscored the need for a comprehensive and coordinated continental approach, and to speak with one voice on Africa’s priorities.
Posting on his Twitter handle after the conference, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is chairperson of the SADC Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, described the virtual indaba, which also touched on sanctions imposed on Harare, as very important and fruitful.
“Very important call last night with leaders from across the region. This virus respects no borders. We must work together,” said the President.
During the conference, President Mnangagwa suggested that when the Global Fund for coronavirus is disbursed, ministers from the Bureau countries should hold such teleconferences so that they can share strategies.
The teleconference which was convened by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is the current African Union (AU) chair, comprised presidents Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Felix Tshisekedi (Democratic Republic of Congo), Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (Egypt), Macky Sall (Senegal), Ibrahim Boubacar Keita (Mali) and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Posting on his official Twitter account, President Kagame said the meeting was highly fruitful.
“We discussed the need for Africa to stand together, speak with one voice and work through our institutions to mobilise resources and harmonise the support from international partners. Thank you to initiatives by African institutions such as AfDB Group and Afreximbank for their support,” he posted.
President Kagame also bemoaned the devastating impact that COVIS-19 has had on the world.
President Kenyatta suggested that African countries should buy COVID-19 personal proactive equipment from each other, to enhance trade even during the lockdowns that many countries have imposed.
During the deliberations, the leaders resolved to enhance coordination in response to COVID-19, where it was agreed to establish continental ministerial coordination committees on health, finance and transport in order to support the comprehensive continental strategy.
The Heads of State underscored the need for a comprehensive and coordinated continental approach, and to speak with one voice on Africa’s priorities.
The leaders also agreed that international financial institutions needed to review their funding policies, while also advocating for a special fund for African nations to fight the pandemic.
The leaders also noted progress made in the operationalization of the African Union COVID-19 Response Fund established on March 26 2020 to which members pledged US$12,5 million and an additional US$4,5 million to Africa’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday toured many high density suburbs in Harare and Chitungwiza to assess the people`s adherence to the lockdown. After the visit the President highlighted that the Government would continue to review its actions to contain COVID-19 after the lockdown and adjust on time where necessary.
