Tanzania, Rwanda have common interest in people’s welfare

For many years, Rwandan leader Paul Kagame has been strict on issues such as corruption, efficiency among government officials and delivery of good services to the people.

Likewise, President Magufuli has started on the right footing in dealing with corruption, inefficiency and lack of accountability in public offices. His determination is recognized throughout the region that corruption is an intolerable evil. The two leaders can match in a tough tussle on that score.

The warm reception accorded to the president at the Rusumo border post, where Tanzanians and Rwandans witnessed the official opening of a One-Stop post and a bridge connecting the two countries, marked the opening of a new chapter in cooperation.

Since May 2013 diplomatic relations between the two countries had soured after former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete suggested at an African Union meeting in Ethiopia that the Rwandan government should hold peace talks with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebel group to end violence in the Eastern Democratic Republic Congo (DRC).

Again, diplomatic tensions between the two countries escalated after Tanzania accused Rwanda of backing former M23 rebels in eastern DRC.

There is no doubt that President Magufuli's visit to Rwanda signified the importance Tanzania attaches to strengthening relations with its neighbours and hence closed the dark chapter.

We strongly support the initiative as regional cooperation will not be achieved with some underlying frictions.
For example, the East African Community comprising Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Tanzania seeks, among other engagements, free movement of people and goods. This is a protocol that should be translated into action rather than verbally only.

The importance of cooperation and collaboration among member states cannot be overstated as the attached socio-economic benefits are numerous.

Mutual understanding between neighbours is the pillar of development whereas shared resources benefit the great majority and not a few individuals.

Elements of disunity must not be allowed to cut off the unifying cords of friendship. We have seen countries that made impressive progress through unification fall apart when disputes took root.

We believe our leaders in the region will come closer to enhancing effective implementation of agreements which will improve and strengthen socio-economic status of East African Community citizens.

The fact that human beings are talented in different fields, the region is bound to attain high levels of economic success as the strength of any country or region is not only measured by the power of its military arsenal but rather the economic stability and comfort of its people.

The two leaders have set pace towards mutual cooperation. There is no doubt that this spirit will trickle down to lower levels. Besides, the geographical boundaries established by the colonial masters are apparently insignificant as all human beings are citizens of the world.

We hope that government officials and the people of East Africa at large will embrace the stance demonstrated by the two leaders to the economic, social and political well-being of all.

/emn