African leaders for transformation, eradicating corruption

African leaders attending an African Union summit here on Sunday called for efforts towards the continent's transformation.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari, and the newly elected Liberian president, George Weah, all called for efforts to fight challenges that hinder Africa's development and transformation.

According to Kagame, who took over the chairmanship of the AU on Sunday, said that Africa's defining challenge is to create a pathway to prosperity for the continent's people, especially the youth.

"Technology has evolved so rapidly in recent years, that Africa's window to follow that strategy is narrowing much more rapidly than previously understood," Kagame said, adding that "We are running out of time, and we must act now to save Africa from permanent deprivation."

Kagame also called on all Africans to work together in the realization of the continent's aspirations and ambition towards prosperity.

He also praised the ongoing financial and institutional reform of the AU, saying that "the programmes, policies, and priorities of the AU contain the right tools for the job."

According to Kagame, Africa has assets and strengths to build on, including the AU, and its tangible commitment to unity.

"This is an advantage, which no other region of the world possesses, in such abundance. Unity must be our starting point, as we do the necessary work of re-defining our plans and ambitions, in continental terms," he said.

The newly elected Liberian president, George Weah, in his first appearance at the AU summit, also called for collective efforts towards the continent's development.

According to Weah, one of the challenges that Africa needs to eradicate so as to embark on its development and transformation is corruption.

Noting the summit's theme -- "Winning the Fight Against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa's Transformation," Weah said corruption hinders Africa's progress and development.

Weah, who was greeted by fellow African leaders in his first ever appearance at the AU, also vowed to work together with other African countries for common development.

Weah further indicated his aspirations that the Assembly of Heads of State and Government will strengthen Africa's determination and political will to tackle the challenges that emanate from corruption.

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari, who was selected by the AU as champion against corruption, also said that "corruption is indeed the greatest evil of our time."

According to Buhari, corruption has created a system of distortion and diversion by destroying constructive, just and fair governance.

Buhari, who stressed the socio-economic impact of corruption and illicit financing, further urged AU member states to work on setting up stronger leadership and effective institutions towards eradicating corruption and setbacks against that hamper the continent's development.