29 April 2020 - President Paul Kagame on Wednesday joined leaders from across the continent for the virtual African Union meeting chaired by AU Chairperson, President Cyril Ramaphosa bringing together the AU Extended Bureau with Chairs of Regional Economic Communities.

In his remarks, President Kagame noted an impressive progress registered in the fight against COVID-19 at regional level, adding however that more work was still to be done in terms of coordination and harmonisation. 

"We have made more progress in the East African region, but there is more work to do, particularly in the areas of coordination and harmonisation.  A comprehensive regional response plan is still needed, and really owning up fully to this heavy responsibility where we not only do our best in our countries but share information and harmonise the way we go about business in the whole region" President Kagame said. 

COVID response at the East African Community level has focused on minimising cross-border movements of people while ensuring continuity of free movements of goods. The community has also provided mobile testing laboratories to Member States to use at designated border crossings, President Kagame said. 

President Kagame further praised the decisive leadership of the Chair of the African Union, working with partners, in the ongoing battle against COVID-19 and stressed the need for coordination among regional economic communities and the African Union Commission. 

The Head of State also highlighted the importance of working together to procure equipment and testing kits collectivelly, "so that each country does not have to line up separately to get their fair share".