Museveni holds talks on situation in Mali

By Sarah Namulondo

President Yoweri Museveni has called on the African regional blocs to work for the unity of the countries on the continent.

The president made the call when he received and held a meeting with the current African Union (AU) Chairman and the President of Benin, Yayi Boni at State House, Entebbe on Jan. 17.

He stressed that the African continent needs economic integration, security and common defence at the African continental level.

Museveni added that even though political integration will also be needed it can come at a later date after those three have been instituted.

Museveni discussed various conflicts affecting the African continent particularly in Mali, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan and Somalia.

The president who came to seek for advice saluted Museveni for his exemplary role in restoring peace in Somalia and thanked him for the key role he played towards the stability of the DR Congo and South Sudan.

He then disclosed that he travelled to Uganda, among other issues, to brief President Museveni about the prevailing situation in Mali and to inform him of his full support to the international peace-keeping force for their decision of sending a force to the West African Country (Mali) which is battling an extremist rebel group in its northern region.

President Boni was accompanied by his Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Bako Arifaki Nassirou, and the Ambassador of Benin to Uganda, Mr. Ferdinand Monfcho and the Special Advisor to President Boni Ms. Diallo A. Mariam

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador James Mugume, attended the meeting.