|
It is not clear to me how people can even think about peace and security while we see what is happening in Zimbabwe.
|
|
The problem is that when freedom fighter become presidents they become as corrupt as the rulers that they fought against.
|
|
Africa today is where Europe was 300 years ago. Even then, we are seeing reasonable peace and security in Europe ONLY in the last 50 years (and not in all of Europe).
|
|
I guess Africa will have to wait 300 years.
|
|
John Smith, South Africa 13 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
There are three trends at the beginning of the twenty-first century that must be taken into account by all serious politicians and/or academics: (a) globalization; (b) regionalization; and (c) integration. These rise from similar impulses but often lead to contradictory outcomes. Should the UK join the European Union, but carry forward the devolution processes in Scotland and Wales? Should the transatlantic special relationship UK-USA be privileged by both countries over and above the UE-NAFTA groupings?
|
|
This logic applies necessarily to Africa. Initiatives like the SADC and ECOWAS are parts of the integration of the African States as is the project of the African Union; though at different levels. But, given the complexity of the modern world, and the challenges posed by the uncertainties regarding the appropriate policy-packages to be followed, these initiatives are worth pursuing. If they succeed, we will celebrate; if they fail, other alternatives will follow... [ show full text ]
|
|
Eduardo Sitoe, Essex, UK 12 Mar 2002 12 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
The idea of an African Union is too many steps ahead of what the main issue plaguing Africa is. Until the borders drawn by our white colonizers are erased and REAL borders containing people that would consider themselves a nation are drawn, African countries will continue to wage war against each other internally for power and domination.
|
|
Somalia has split itself up into the northern Somaliland and southern Puntland and yet no one recognizes these countries. What is the sense in fighting for borders drawn by the same people that have brutalized the continent for years.
|
|
Yes, the normal folk of Africa don't care about all this. . . they don’t feel that they matter or have any control over something as basic as their own borders. [ show full text ]
|
|
Folahan, Texas 11 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
First and foremost, allow me this opportunity to concur with the majority of my people and true friends of Afrika who whole-heartedly believe in a United Afrikan State.
|
|
I just can't say more in support of this noble visionary idea, which has been shelved together with Afrika's dreams for so long. However, I believe that in formulating the AU rules and ideologies we should avoid repeating the mistakes African leaders have made in the past. The continent's ruling elites have always kept the "world power-houses' “ interests in the forefront of their thinking thus reflecting it in their policies. This has led to a conflict of interest between their fellow citizen's needs and wants and those of the neo-colonialists.
|
|
As a result, some leaders have ended up confused or made grave mistakes when dealing with their own people. By the time this leaders have realized this it has often been too late to reverse the situation. The result has been the creation of "rulers" from those who came in promising "leadership." [ show full text ]
|
|
J. Mukaga Odewa, Edmonton Albeta,Canada 11 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
I totally agree with the united Africa idea, but I don't know if every African agrees with it. If Africa has to be united, every African should have a say about it. Nobody wants those big-bellied politicians to go and make decision about the future of the continent that they only care about because of what it gives them and their corrupt friends. Africans, regular folks here have to decide if they want to have a united Africa or if they want to keep it the way it is. As far as peace goes, as long as you have those that are not Africans that want to steal from Africa, there will always be bloodshed.
|
|
Peter Peyechu, Raleigh, NC. USA 11 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
After having read, with interest, the comments posted here by my African colleagues, I would like to point out that almost all of the commentators are from outside of Africa. This is one of the main factors contributing to the lack of peace and security in the mother continent. All of our brains are abroad.
|
|
Only selfish, ruthless, uneducated groups who could not open their eyes to compare what they are doing to people to how the world, in general, is committed to improving life were left behind.
|
|
Africa will have peace and tranquility only if its Diaspora returns with commitment and involves the people to get rid of tribalism, nepotism, ignorance and irresponsibility.
|
|
Please keep in mind that Africa needs deeds rather than debates. [ show full text ]
|
|
Ahmed Marey, Mogadishu, Somalia 11 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
'African Union' - this is the only way to rid ourselves of civil strife and poverty. We, in Africa, need to speak with one voice, combine our GDPs, markets, militaries, human resources, natural resources and we shall be home free. Every African should support the proposed Union of African States.
|
|
Oswald K. Mungule, Lusaka, Zambia 10 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
The idea of a United African Nations is possible. The implementation of this idea is another cup of tea. I’m only twenty-six years old. I have read and heard and learned a lot about our history. Nothing good and valuable is to be gained from it as it is filled with horror and violence. People have given their opinions and views based on what they know and have seen in their lives. I think, as a young man and one of tomorrow’s leaders, that we should try to avoid past mistakes for the benefit of our children.
|
|
Our fathers have done their best to make Africa a good place for us but still we long for other places in the USA and in Europe. This is because they have done things wrong. When traveling abroad, young people are looking for an education, a good living standard, and a good job. If we want to make an Africa Union, let us first offer our people good educational structures so that they won’t have to go away and find it difficult to come back and live in these villages that we call towns. Then let us offer them security. Some young people, very young are taught how to kill, and how to depend on a weapon. Five years later, the very people who taught them violence, will be loudly shouting that there is insecurity. This is unfair both for those poor boys and girls who have deviated from their normal life and for all of the people that they will assault. [ show full text ]
|
|
Eric Bonin, Accra 10 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
I read all that is written on this page and I agree with some and I don't with others.
|
|
A lot of people blame former colonizers, but I don't. I blame our governments. Most of the countries of Africa have had at least half a century of freedom, but did we prosper? Did we become industrialized? Did we achieve democracy?
|
|
Except for a few, the answer is no. It's because our Heads of State have had a different agenda than what was required of them. They could've implemented reforms to stabilize their economies and securities, but no, they were obsessed with their own personal fortunes.
|
|
A could example of that kind of governance is my mother country and current home, Somalia. [ show full text ]
|
|
Mohamed Salad, Mogadishu, Somalia 9 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
The core factor causing Africa’s insecurity and lack of peace is the leadership crisis. Most African leaders, past and present, have not had the necessary qualities to lead Africa. These leaders have been behaving to be above the law. They have had no respect for democratic norms. Unless Africa restructures and gets rid of these leaders, the continent has no hope for peace and security for the near future or the long term.
|
|
Ismaiil Issa, Switzerland 7 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
Africa's misery was foreseen by the founding of the OAU in 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. To leave the borders as the colonial powers drew them was suggested and insisted upon by Emperor Haile Selasie, who was seen by African leaders as a black hero, almost as a messiah.
|
|
Until the state borders in Africa are removed, I'm not sure that Africa will get stability.
|
|
Hassan Ali Hashi, Germany
|
|
|
|
As I sit here and read I am appalled, I am hurt and I am crying. The first and foremost thing that should be done in Africa is to stop the abuse of human rights! Especially of children & women. I can think of no other time in the history of mankind where a people have dehumanized and destroyed so many of its children... It is a shame on Africa ....it is a shame on africans...it is a shame...please for those of you who can - do something...and save these children...from the senseless rapings and murders and severe criminal use of children!...
|
|
I am ashamed to see such things written about a land and a people I claim as my ancestral heritage. How can you even live in such a place that has so little concern for its women and children? Could it possibly be true that Africa and Africans are a barbaric breed of people? You have created a living hell for the women and children ... you can't feed them...you can't house them....you can't protect them....no basic fundamental rights!! [ show full text ]
|
|
An African-American , Texas, USA
|
|
|
|
Africa, Where and When
|
|
During my teen years from the segregated Southern USA State of North Carolina I listened to the resounding Africa-based agitation for freedom from colonial domination. Names like Kenyatta, Banda, Kaunda, Tshombe, Nkrumah, Balewa, Houphoett-Boiny and Lamumba wafted across the Atlantic to my black ears here in America. Beuchaunaland, Upper Volta, Nyasaland, Swaziland and "Belgian" Congo were depicted on maps in our Geography textbooks; often with "England", "Portugal", "France", "Spain" inserted for signification of who the colonial controllers were of much of Africa.
|
|
In Black Africa only two independent nations existed: Ethiopia with His Excellency Haille Selassie and Liberia with the redoubtable V. S. Tubman.
|
|
But the cry for liberation grew more thunderous, so that between the second and third decade of my life, some thirty nations gained a measure of liberation from London, Paris, Lisbon and Madrid. Former "terrorists", became "Fathers" of the various countries. These august souls faced the future with visionary audacity but a future which of necessity could but be shaped by the decades of pillage, plunder, killings, cultural disruption, forced assimilation, war, betrayal, theft and virtually every other instrument of colonial exploitation known to the planet earth. Watching from afar,as stunningly unsettling incidents were reported, I have murmured to myself, "Nation-building Ain't Easy! [ show full text ]
|
|
Joseph Harrington CLU
|
|
|
|
African Union is a great idea that will only be effective and efficient when we have leaders with the interest of the continent at heart.
|
|
This is a great opportunity for Africans to unite and see each other as one and find ways of resolving our differences instead of killing each other.
|
|
We must come together to utilise our resources efficiently for the benefit of all.
|
|
Ade, London
|
|
|
|
Africa can achieve unity economically, politically and otherwise. However, we must recognise that opposition is inevitable from within and outside Africa. We were one large family before the Europeans came and disrupted that union with slavery and imperialism. As easy as it took the European to make those boundaries, we should make it easier to erase them and forge into the future as one state.
|
|
First, we need to organise a powerful peace keeping force to control and intervene in some of the continent's most senseless wars. Then, we must set goals and deadlines for our different goals to be met. We must get rid of some of those neo-imperialist leaders who get most of their policies from Europe. Finally, we must open our eyes and look around the world. If we see where we are and where the rest of the world is, then I think that would be a wake up call for the skeptics. [ show full text ]
|
|
Kangsen Feka Wakai, Houston, Tx, USA.
|
|
|
|
The idea of the African Union is a good one. However, it will be difficult to implement when the continent is facing so many conflicts fuelled, supported and financed by some of our african leaders. All these conflicts should be resolved before we can have a true African Union.
|
|
Our leadership in Africa needs to make sincere commitments to the African people. There is need for them to invlove the people in the debate about the proposed Union, sensitize them and let them feel part of the process.
|
|
Tiangay Khan, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
|
|
|
|
Yes, Africa can and will achieve peace and tranquility. The words of Tommy Lasorda hold true: “The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.” The genesis of Africa’s instability stems from the remnants of colonialism, imperialism, ignorance, irresponsible and insensitive governments as well as poverty, among other factors.
|
|
First and foremost, Africa will have to establish a Federal level type of security machinery, an African Defense Force (ADF). With the removal of the clause of "non-interference", the ADF will counter any attempted coup d’etat'. The vicious cycle of civil wars and displacement will be countered through the African Union’s security initiatives.
|
|
Secondly, the presence of foreign military in most African states have done more damage than can be mentioned. Their removal will guarantee the sovereignty of the continent and free it from the manacles of external domination and interference. [ show full text ]
|
|
Jomo Kenyatta, Marietta, Georgia, USA
|
|
|
|
I find the comments posted most interesting. In some cases I agree, in others I agree to disagree! I daresay, policy-makers both within and outside Africa would do well to depend less on secret/intelligence service reports and read a wee bit of this stuff!
|
|
Africa's woes tend to be blamed on two broad sets of factors - internal and external. I often think of the former as 'internal cancers', covering things like governance, human development i.e. education, health etc. The internationalists blame 'outside cancers' like neo-colonialism, political interference, economic disenfranchisement and exploitation etc., etc.
|
|
My strong view is that it is a mix of these factors, rather than any one on its own, that makes our continent so sick. To address one, without a healthy appreciation of the other would be to give paracetamol to a patient suffering from measles, cholera and malaria - and hope she gets better. [ show full text ]
|
|
Omaru Badara Sisay (o_badara@yahoo.com), Scotland, UK 4 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
The biggest issue facing the architects of the African Union is a comprehensive plan to rid the continent's people of the widespread human rights abuses. The one indispensable resource that the union has to work with is, without any argument, the people.
|
|
We can talk at the higher level all we want about pooling and leveraging our natural resources in trade talks, in order to attain a fair shake in the global marketplace, we can pound on the need to strengthen regional trade among member nations, and we can come up with fine text and colorful graphs for various economic modules. All this will only turn out as 'paper talk', if the resources are not in place. Right now these needed resources are not in place. [ show full text ]
|
|
Patrick Sneh Davis, Sugar Land, TX 4 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
The move to an African Union will be positive for regional security if our leaders strive to create comprehensive strategic policies that will standardize the way national governments predict and respond to conflict.
|
|
Eddie Mandhry, Kenya 3 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
I would like to stress the importance of trade and economic cooperation in reducing conflict in Africa. One state is less likely to wage war upon another if its economic interests depend on the stability of that state.
|
|
John Petro, Orlando, Florida, USA 2 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
All that is happening in Africa is the legacy of western imperialism, and the result of neo-colonialism that still asphaxiates our infant economies and democracies.
|
|
Oginga Odinga said it quite plainly in his book, Not Yet Uhuru, that the colonialists had made it sure that Uhuru (independence) was handed over to their protege, who went on operating as the comprador class under cover of new presidents, ministers, businessmen etc.
|
|
While at independence the drive was to industrialize Africa, now the drive is to de-industrialize the continent and to invite foreign exploiters (under-cover investors) to exploit the cheap labour of Africans, and turn the whole of Africa into a supermarket of goods mass-produced in Asia, Europe and America (see Tony Blair's article- New African magazine- February, 2002; he says Africa, with its massive population of 700 million people is a huge market at the disposal of the EU.) Thus the up coming Marshall Plan for Africa is but another Berlin conference to further balkanise the region into economic spheres. [ show full text ]
|
|
Charles Mustapha Kayoka, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania 2 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
Africa is a continent that has been wrecked and torn apart by violent civil wars and interstate conflicts since mid 1960s. The 25 year old Angolan civil war, the rebel war in Sierra Leone, the Liberian conflict, the war in Southern Sudan are the painfully striking examples. The Ethiopia-Eritrea conflict and the Regional conflict in Congo-Kinshasa are yet more challenges thrown down by useless and wasteful inter-state conflicts.
|
|
As a young African living in Sweden, I have witnessed how political stability, peace and security has contributed to the industrial and technological advancement of Europe. Germany and Japan are best examples.
|
|
In order to resolve some of these conflicts, I think African countries should come up with a common defence to crash some of the violent-hopeless-useless-wasteful wars and groups such as Angola's Unita rebels because their leaders refused the positions of Vice presidency in their respective countries. Such groups should be given ultimatum to either give up and resort to politcal dialogue or face the whole continents military force, just as NATO implemented against Milosevic. What are they fighting for? why should they be allowed to continue? Dear brothers and sisters, they have drained the continent's resources for decades and increased its foreign debt. [ show full text ]
|
|
Godfrey Onen Kerali, Stockholm,Sweden 2 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
Peace and security in Africa will only be attained when the leaders become honest. Forgive past debt, reduce trade barriers, and don't give Africa any new money, food or clothing. Let Africans hash out their own problems. Aid is only used to prop up corrupt leaders. Forgiving the debt burden would give Africa a much needed clean slate. As for the political will for peace and prosperity; Africans will get rid of it's corrupt leaders once the aid spigot is turned completely off.
|
|
James Luciani, Edison , USA 1 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
The thing African leaders have not learnt and probably never will is that all political opposition is boosted by Europe for their own interest. Once the opposition is in power and realizes the harm done to his country by his angel protectors who brought him to power, and he finally wants to change things for the benefit of his own folk and land, another opposition is created and the story keeps on re-repeating itself.
|
|
The enlightened leaders are then called by name like: dictator/terrorist/communist and the machinery of sanctions/insults goes on until new leadership comes to power.
|
|
Today it is Zimbabwe, tomorrow S. Africa and after tomorrow Nigeria. Places like Sierra Leone are already colonized this time by a joint British/French force. [ show full text ]
|
|
Dina Weber, Switzerland 1 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
I have read with interest the comments posted here by my fellow Africans. I must say that everyone has made a lot of sense even though I disagree with some. The great news here is that at least we are all finally discussing what needs to be done and how we need to go about changing our beloved continent.
|
|
My personal opinion is that Africa's current problems can be attributed to a combination of factors. It seems to me that everytime we discuss the causes we tend to mention only three and ignore the rest. The discussed ones are slavery, colonialism, and bad leadership. Of course, we can all agree that these three contributed immensely to Africa's current demise but those are not the only ones. [ show full text ]
|
|
Banka, Atlanta, GA 22 Feb 2002
|
|
|
|
These are a few thoughts on Africa before we can engage on any constructive debates. Africa needs to change its worldview and attitude about its painful past.
|
|
AFRICA MUST MOVE ON
|
|
On October 4th 1994, the former economic development minister in Tanzania, A.R.M Babu, published an article in the New Vision entitled: CRISIS WILL UNITE AFRICA.
|
|
In his article, Mr Babu argues that the bloody crises that were occurring in Africa, were the result of the failure, by the African leaders after independence, to undo the pseudo-nation-states that colonial rulers had left behind. In other words, he argues that African leaders, those who took over from the colonialists, kept colonialism intact, in the absence of the colonialists.
|
|
There seems to be both moral and ethical implications to such an argument, and if it is proven to be correct, it must raise multiple questions for the present day African thinkers and their leaders. Suspiciously though, there seems to be a tendency to try and explain any present failures as emanating from the colonial era rather then finding meanings in both the continuous colonial legacy and the present challenges that the young states of Africa are facing in the ever changing international system. [ show full text ]
|
|
Bolombe L. Joseph, London
|
|
|
|
It is true that without peace, Africa will always be behind in terms of economic and social development. If African countries could commit themselves to trying to find lasting solutions for all of the conflits, whether peacefully or by force,there is no doubt that such efforts could reduce suffering for the African people. Criticism and empty words will never help Africa. Only strong actions against corrupt, irresponsible and useless leaders will get Africa out of misery.
|
|
Muhajj N., Leiden,Holland 1 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
I don't believe unity can be won without a war driven by the ideology of African unity. Please prove me wrong.
|
|
Mark Mahore, London UK 1 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
We are singing and dreaming about peace and love in Africa when we hate our continent. Since the last century, many of our brothers dreamt the same thing we are dreaming now, but when they got power, they only brought suffering, war, and every bad thing imaginable amongst their people. Many of us collaborated to kill our brothers and to damage our motherland. We hate ourselves, so peace cannot live amongst us. Doing things is not as difficult as we imagine.
|
|
Karim Alassane, Milan - Italy 1 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
The crux of the matter is a simple, yet complicated phenomena.
|
|
I need to know how many African Heads of States have "voluntarily" retired from their jobs- (ie said- "Enough is enough, I have done what I can for my people- it is time someone else stepped in to take over and do a better job"). In other words, we have no continuity in Africa and because of this cancer that is gnawing at the very fabric of African society, we will at all times stumble along the path towards national development and almost certainly fail to integrate, both sub-regionally as well as on a continental level.
|
|
The problems of Africa cannot be blamed on the West. After all, they have no obligation to aid us in our development. It is not, and should not be in their interest for meaningful development to take place in Africa. [ show full text ]
|
|
Jeggan Grey Johnson, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 1 Mar 2002
|
|
|
|
Being an African, I wish to remind our Head of States that technology is vital to poverty eradication on our continent.
|
|
I believe that with good governance and with technology as vital tool, our continent will attain reasonable prosperity. This is what I would like my leaders to believe.
|
|
Marko D. Simfukwe, Singapore 28 Feb 2002
|
|
|
|
Yes, Africa will attain peace and security if the leaders grow some more. You see, everything rises or falls to the level of leadership.
|
|
Ssaku, USA 28 Feb 2002
|
|
|
|
It is surprising that Muammar Gadaffi, who is responsible for instigating and sponsoring so-called liberation wars in Africa, should now stand up and say that the continent should unify.
|
|
For one, he needs to apologize and even pay reparations for the lives that he has indirectly destroyed in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and who knows where else.
|
|
In the case of Sierra Leone, in 1985, he influenced the megalomaniac students who dreamed of overthrowing a govt. These students later went to Mataba in Libya and formed the murderous R.U.F. in Sierra Leone.
|
|
Africa has much potential for growth with our minerals, fertile soil, an expanding intelligentsia, and awareness that only we the people can develop our continent.
|
|
In the first place, we need to insure democracy, free speech and even legislation similar to the first amendment in the USA. If the African media is freed from the shackles of censorship and allowed to be the real Fourth Estate, then we may be closer to making headway towards African development. [ show full text ]
|
|
Alpha Lebbie, Memphis, TN, U.S.A. 28 Feb 2002
|
|
|
|
First food, second peace, third democracy and then African Union.
|
|
When normal people have access to their basic needs they will be able to care and support politics. If you want a strong African Union that will last in time, you need the agreement of the people and not only of the elite, the goverment that has bread at its table every day.
|
|
Andrea Moraga, Chile 28 Feb 2002
|
|
|
|
Enough harsh rhetoric directed at elements that have, in one way or another, in the past or present contributed significantly towards the continent's myriad of crises. Finger-pointing and directing blame does not solve any problems.
|
|
We Africans can restart rebuilding from the grassroots - community development, where each individual citizen's human rights are recognized as an important piece of a big puzzle; the right to education, health, and other basic necessities - all of which contribute to the wellness of a society.
|
|
Speaking from the perspective a young African female, African women need empowerment - being able to make crucial life decisions about themselves, their children and communities. Men have to support them or this formula will not work.
|
|
Hypothetically, if every African village is involved in a grassroots project to promote the well being of its members, every other piece of the puzzle will fall in place ie democracy, economic growth, peace and stability, and relative social harmony. [ show full text ]
|
|
Tina Tieya, Toronto, Ontario 28 Feb 2002
|
|
|
|
African Unity, at this stage, is an ideal that is still far away.
|
|
I believe that the key precondition that has to be met is to (re)create political identities. Ideally, those must evolve from within and should not be imposed from the outside. The history of Africa, however, has been one where identities were coerced and enforced from the outside (colonialism).
|
|
African countries are having an identity crisis and that is why radical, nationalist, ethnic and religious extremism can get a foothold. Unity in Africa can only happen when we can answer what it means to be Mozambican, Angolan, South African, Senegalese, Ugandan etc.
|
|
Samora, Mozambique 28 Feb 2002
|
|
|
|
As the old saying goes 'self knowledge is the beginning of wisdom', I believe we Africans have somehow forgotten ourselves. A lot has been said about the culprits of African demise from colonial legacy, neo-colonialism, international monopoly to, quite recently, globalization. Internally, we blame tribalism/narrow nationalism, civil war, cross border conflicts, corrupt overlords and poor governance. Perhaps it is the combination of all these factors and even more that has left Africa socially, economically and politically stagnant.
|
|
There seems to be no end to the civil wars in many African countries, which the fighters justify by claiming that they are fighting for liberation, justice and equality. Moreover, conflict between neighboring countries remains as rampant as it was decades ago irrespective of the nations' commitment to respect colonial boundaries. [ show full text ]
|
|
Debebe Dessalegne, London 28 Feb 2002
|
|
|
|
In places where war is the order of the day, people starve, are displaced, massacred, unfed, and suffer to the extreme, but the diamonds continue to be dug out of the ground and the oil continues to flow. Only 2 or 3 of the many conflicts in Africa are truly (that is, only) ethnic in nature. Yes differences exist but they are exploited in order to get the resources.
|
|
We need to be reminded of were all the oil and minerals go, which happens to be the same place from which all the guns and ammunition come. The AU must ensure that all exploiters of minerals can only do so if there is peace and that the main beneficiaries are the indigenous peoples of the land. [ show full text ]
|
|
Gama Bandawe, Malawi 28 Feb 2002
|
|
|
|
Documented evidence shows that conflict is one of the major factors holding back Africa's socio-economic development.
|
|
The investment rate of return in Africa is about 30 per cent compared to European's 10-15 per cent. However, because of war and security uncertainties, the rate of return in Africa falls to below 8 per cent.
|
|
Africa Trade Insurance is a new initiative that aims at rectifying this situation. It is not the panacea but it is an important step that requires the total participation of all African countries.
|
|
Another option for Africa is to use private military/security companies to restore security confidence in their countries.
|
|
Stephen Mbogo, Nairobi, Kenya 28 Feb 2002
|
|
|
|
I believe that when it comes to ending conflicts and achieving peace, we Africans need a few pointers in governing.
|
|
Africa has a long history with dictators (Siad Barre, Idi Amin,etc.) and that needs to stop. We need to encourage democracy so Africans can join the industrialized world.
|
|
Another thing we (as Africans) need to do to have peace and tranquility, is to stop getting into our neighbors’ politics!
|
|
Two neighbors that amaze me are Ethiopia and Somalia. Somalia is a country with no central government and Ethiopia is considered the world's poorest country, yet Ethiopia spends millions destabilizing Somalia, by supporting its warlords. That’s sad to see, yet it's reality. Africans need to respect each other’s sovereignty and do whatever they can to help themselves and their neighbors. [ show full text ]
|
|
Amin Ahmed, Seattle,WA,USA 27 Feb 2002
|
|
|
|
The African Union is being instituted at the wrong time for Africa.
|
|
If we are trying to build a similar model to the EU let us make some critical comparisons. Firstly the EU currently comprises 15 states (much smaller than Africa). All these countries have very well developed and integrated economies. These countries are not buckling under unserviceable debt. These countries are not embroiled in war. These countries have the resources to commit to integration.
|
|
Africa simply does not have these conditions. The idea of an African Union is not realistic at this stage.
|
|
Let us first focus our efforts on regional integration with organizations like SADC and COMESA. When these are effectively functioning organizations at a regional level, perhaps then we can talk about an African Union. Why run before we can walk? [ show full text ]
|
|
Marcus ter Haar (Botswana), UK 27 Feb 2002
|
|
|
|
The demise of Africa is in the hands of the so-called intellectuals who propagate Western philosophies whilst rejecting the realities of Africa. Unity can be achieved regardless of the critics’ viewpoints. Give unity a chance - if we fail at least we will have the luxury of knowing that we tried. Africa has been plundered because no one is watching the store.
|
|
The point is that any intelligent individual who believes in the vibrancy of Africa will endorse this Union without any reservation. As long as we are divided, we will be spreading our arms for aid.
|
|
Checheche Namahonga, Chicago, U.S.A. 27 Feb 2002
|
|
|
|
The African Union is the key to our future. The point we should not forget is that we clearly do not need the IMF, World Bank or any foreign financial institutions to tell us how to run our affairs. If anything they need us more than we need them.
|
|
What we don't need is a stream of bad leaders either.
|
|
We Africans keep forgetting that no other continent has the resources that we have.
|
|
Decentralization of political and economic power is what we need, but at the same time we should have common goals in areas like security, education, health etc.
|
|
If we decentralize along ethnic lines, things like tribalism, corruption, and theft will not go away but will, at least be reduced to a localized level and, in-effect, be controllable. [ show full text ]
|
|
LK, NGO coordinator, UK 27 Feb 2002
|
|
|
|
I am sick and tired of the word peace. I really think that without justice there will be no peace.
|
|
African people are brainwashed, so much so that they want to live like Westerners. African culture is forgotten, African people are materialized from the influence of a white world. We are killing our fellow black man because of money, because of material goods.
|
|
Our leaders are following their own interest. They are greedy, taking the African wealth to the Western world and leaving nothing behind. Which African leader has a personal account back in Africa? Which African leader has a mansion in Africa? All that they think of, is that whenever they retire they want to move to Europe, taking African wealth with them and leaving behind the humble, clean-headed African women and children to suffer. [ show full text ]
|
|
Abu, Banjul the Gambia 27 Feb 2002
|
|
|
|
The nub of all these debates is the continuing inadequacy of Africa's post-colonial sovereignties. These are manifestly unsustainable.
|
|
Political integration follows economic integration and thus cements hard-won stability along the way.
|
|
The answer is to reject the preamble to the OAU charter, which discourages the redrawing of 'national' boundaries and to manage a peaceful reversion to more ethnically homogeneous polities.
|
|
In essence, tribalism is nationalism and only people who feel they belong together can evolve effective and convincing political mechanisms that reflect World Bank-sponsored virtues like probity, accountability and transparency.
|
|
Start now and it'll take some two to three generations to take root. Leave it to the usual suspects and we'll still be here talking to ourselves in the year 3002. [ show full text ]
|
|
Barry Morgan, Accra, Ghana 27 Feb 2002
|
|
|
|
I agree with most of Kayode's arguments, although I fail to see how war can be good even in the circumstances he described. I am ignorant on a few of the points, so forgive me if some of my comments appear overly simplistic or even naive.
|
|
This is the first I have heard of the African Union and I think it is fundamentally a good idea, however if it is to serve merely as the OAU under a different name then it will be a waste of resources and effort.
|
|
A union of African states like the European Union model would have definite merits. Conflict management is but one. Economic empowerment is an obvious goal, and one, if approached with the necessary political will, which could be a distinct possibility. [ show full text ]
|
|
Nnanna Uwakwe, London 27 Feb 2002
|
|
|
|
The idea behind an African Union may be good, however, at this time it is not in the best interest of the African people. I have had the privilege of living in six African countries, and the discrimination and the hatred was too vivid. Before we can form a union, we need to build our economies. We need stability in individual countries. We don’t need another OAU.
|
|
Atto Commey, U.S.A 27 Feb 2002
|
