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African leaders should lay solid political foundations for the continent's rise of democracy and economic strength, according to Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi.
He believes it is time for African leaders to take the opportunity offered by shifting global dynamics to advance constitutionalism, progressive democracy, and adherence to the rule of law.
"The tenets of democracy demand adherence to the rule of law and the guidelines established by the constitution." African leaders should set an excellent example for their followers by doing what is always right." Mudavadi stated.
Mudavadi commented during sideline bilateral negotiations while representing President William Ruto at the inauguration of Nigeria's 16th President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
With the global economic downturn, African countries, according to Mudavadi, have found themselves in a precarious position.
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He added that this necessitates political stability, peace, and a stable democratic environment if countries are to establish a new economic frontier for long-term prosperity.
He emphasized that Africa will ascend to be counted on the global map once African countries, via their leaders, embrace political rivalry to demonstrate the people's desire for progressive democratic growth.
"In a democracy, you must accept that there will be moments when you will win and times when you will lose." Leaders must always remember that the will of the citizens, as expressed through a transparent, credible, verifiable, legal, and approved method, takes precedence over personal selfish interests. "It's always important to let the people's will be done," he said.
He advocated for increased bilateral cooperation between Kenya and Nigeria, claiming that the two countries maintain good relations in several areas.
According to the PCS, Kenya and Nigeria have lately held lengthy negotiations on significant areas of interest that will benefit inhabitants of both nations and the entire continent.
He mentioned several cooperation documents inked by the two countries as an anchor to promises in commerce, service delivery, and democratic advancement.
"We have signed quite a number of agreements, including one that establishes a joint commission for cooperation dating back to 2013, one on cooperation in immigration matters signed in May 2014, and many more," Mudavadi pointed out.
When the cooperation instruments were signed, he urged the foreign ministries of both nations to work closely with their respective High Commissions to guarantee progressive evaluation and monitoring of resolutions.
Mudavadi stated that there is a significant potential if some of the other accords, such as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Bilateral Air Service Agreement, the Bilateral Trade Agreement of 2014, and the MoU on a Five-Year Multiple Entry VISA for significant business persons, are entirely realized.
"One of the areas we need to operationalize quickly is establishing a joint trade and investment committee, as envisaged in the 2014 Bilateral Trade Agreement." This would be a significant beginning point for critical discussions and shaping cooperative connections between Kenya and Nigeria," Mudavadi added.
