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Africa: The Rich Must Act Now
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The Nation (Nairobi)
EDITORIAL
7 July 2008
Posted to the web 7 July 2008
Nairobi
Leaders of the Group of Eight rich nations meet in Hokkaido, Japan, from today to Wednesday. This annual meeting of the world's eight wealthiest nations is, unfortunately, in danger of becoming a talking shop in which issues discussed are rarely binding.
Africa and its endemic poverty is bound to feature prominently, as it has done without fail in the recent past. Unfortunately, this year, the soaring prices of fuel and food are bound to steal the limelight, as will the intractable problem of global warming.
However, there is unfinished business which should not be glossed over. During their meeting in Gleneagles, Scotland, in 2005, the leaders pledged to increase aid to the poorest African countries and write off debts to those that are highly indebted, but except for the debts forgiveness, most of the countries have reneged on their pledges. This is one issue that cannot be ignored for too long.
The other issue that must be tackled if the summit is to have much meaning is how to slow down the rising prices of food and oil. It is true that every country, with a few exceptions, has felt the effect, but some are more capable of feeding their people than others.
Perhaps it is time, as French President Nicolas Sarkozy argues, that the G8 was expanded to reflect the reality - that they are no longer the wealthiest countries on earth - and that at least one African country be included to articulate the continent's problems firsthand.
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Whatever happens, the G8 must strive to shed the image that it is a summit of the opulent meeting to indulge their craving for an annual carnival.
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