Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni urged his African colleagues to consider the political integration of the continent as a way to guarantee its security.
Museveni made the call on Thursday after being sworn in for another five-year term in office after winning the Feb. 18 contested elections.
The swearing in was witnessed by several African leaders, diplomats and a mammoth crowd.
He said that while the continent was progressing well on the economic integration, the political integration should not be ignored.
He added that “political integration is critical in sheltering Africa against future re-colonisation or marginalisation.
“In Somalia, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, the Central African Republic (CAR), Mali, Libya and activities of Boko Haram in Nigeria should be of major concern to the continent.
“Some foreigners took advantage of Africa’s weaknesses for their selfish gain.”
He said Africa had the capacity to deal with its challenges, citing the case of Somalia and the CAR, where some countries deployed troops to pacify them.
According to him, it is not correct for Africans to suffer when the continent has the means to stop the hemorrhage of human life.
After swearing in and being handed the instruments of power, Museveni said his main priority in the next term would be fighting corruption.
He also said that he would work to make Uganda a middle income country.
Museveni had been ruling Uganda for over 30 years after he captured power in 1986 following a five year rebellion.