Ruto calls for African unity in fight against Ebola, terrorism

Deputy President William Ruto and former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda during celebrations for the country's Golden Jubilee. [PHOTO: DPPS]

LUSAKA: Deputy President William Ruto has urged African countries to unite in combating threats posed by Ebola and terrorism.

Ruto who was speaking in Zambia where he represented President Uhuru Kenyatta during the country's jubilee celebrations said unity will enhance the continent's capacity to tackle the problems.

"Regional integration and unity are key to solving challenges facing Africa. We recognise that Africa's post-independence challenges are yet to be fully tackled .In fact there are emerging crises like Ebola and terrorism. I trust, however, that through unity and integration, we can multiply our capacity to overcome them, he said." Ruto said.

The Deputy President noted many African countries are gearing for change especially on good governance and peace.

In his speech, Ruto said that African leaders should live to their resolve and bring the much need prosperity to the continent.

"The role of regional economic Blocs in integration and pooling capacities to drive transformation is in convertible," he said.

The Deputy President noted that the African Union (AU) has identified unity and integration as an important vehicle to change the continent.

Ruto also challenged African leaders to focus more on moving the continent forward as it enters into the next half century of independence.

Ruto congratulated Zambian President Michael Chilufya Sata, the government and the people of Zambia for celebrating 50 years of independence, terming the occasion as a glorious milestone in Zambia's and African history. He also paid tribute to Dr Kenneth Kaunda who led to the independence of Zambia.