Africa being Ready for Change | |
http://www.sina.com.cn 2004/06/07 11:08 Beijing Review | |
Africa, long seen as the continent of conflict, is shaking off this image with new commitments of development and peace Military clashes and inter-tribal conflicts, seen as characteristic of African politics, have long undermined peace, stability and development on the world’s most impoverished continent. Born from the challenge of globalization, the African Union (AU), established in July 2002, has used its collective strength to resolve several regional disputes and domestic disturbances since its inception. The UN and the international community have also provided support in many fields, with some influential organizations in Africa, including the Economic Community of West African States and the Southern African Development Community, all acting to contribute in this effort. PROSPECTS OF PEACE: Recent years have witnessed political stability, economic prosperity and ethnic harmony in Rwanda, a country previously ravaged by ethnic cleansing In recent years, disturbed areas have been brought under control. July 2003 saw the Democratic Republic of Congo (formally Zaire) establish an ethnic union government, which signaled the end of military clashes that had ravaged the country for five years. The country has since entered a new stage of ethnic reconciliation and national reconstruction. In August the same year, a 14-year-old civil war was ended in Liberia. A full peace accord was signed among various stake holders and a transitional government was later established. In September 2003, the Sudanese Government reached a peace agreement with the anti-government militia group led by John Garang and prepared for a final ceasefire. One month later, the Burundi Government signed a peace accord with the opposing Hutu militia group in the South African capital of Pretoria, planning a general election at the end of 2004, to end the decade-long civil war. In January 2004, different militant tribes and political factions in Somalia eventually reached an agreement in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, pledging to set up an interim parliament and elect a president. The separated rule that lasted for 13 years is expected to end and a new government acceptable to all sides waits in the wings. Since the end of 2002, presidential or parliamentary elections have taken place in many African countries, including Nigeria, Togo, Rwanda, Guinea, Algeria and South Africa. Presidents of these six countries won landslide victories to continue their presidency. Social order in these countries is relatively steady, and no major clash or disturbance was reported during these elections. Kenya’s presidential election is an example of a power shift with minimum disruption. After 24 years at the helm, President Daniel arap Moi, whose African National Union Party has ruled the country since independence in 1963, lost an election for the first time. The subsequent transition was the first time in the country’s history that an incumbent stepped down for a new leader, and also the first occasion on which an opposition leader had won the country’s presidential race. Mwai Kibakiunder, under the banner of the reformist National Rainbow Coalition Party, thus enjoyed a smooth takeover of power. GOOD FOR ECONOMY: Libya relaxed its limitations against the private economy in 1997, a move that has had positive effects for consumers and businesses alike It is worth noting that problems deeply rooted in some African countries can hardly be eradicated with ease. Poor economy, increasing poverty, lack of good governance and unfavorable state images, together with ethnic and religious clashes and interference of foreign forces, make peace and stability in Africa even more fragile. For example, political disturbance in Cote d’Voire has lasted for four years, and the path to reconciliation still seems beset with difficulties. Later last year, military coup d’etat took place in several African countries-Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe and Guinea-Bissau. Bowing to great pressure from home and aboard, reconciliation was reached, and no national upheaval occurred in these countries. All this indicates that stable politics and peaceful societies are a trend of the times and will of the people in today’s Africa. Africa is the continent with the most sovereign states on earth. However, most of the 53 countries are undermined by complicated ethnic relations, unsteady politics and rampant smuggling of weapons. What makes the situation worse is that an internal incident can easily cross the border and cause a domino effect to surrounding countries. Therefore, political stability of all countries is the precondition for economic prosperity and social development on the continent. Thanks to the recent relatively stable political situation, African countries generally have enjoyed economic recovery. In 2003, economic growth in African countries reached 3.8 percent, continuing a nine-year growing streak since the mid-1990s. Now, per-capita GDP of 14 African countries exceeds $1,000, the best ever in history. Many African countries are devoted to ethnic reconciliation, state reconstruction and long-term political stability, and economic prosperity and social development are the new fruits of the continent. Rwanda is a good example. The Central African country once enjoyed advanced agriculture, an economic boom and a stable society. Unfortunately, genocide in 1994 changed the history of the country. In several months, an estimated 930,000 minority Tutsi and Hutu moderates, among less than 8 million nationals, were killed. With a large number of the labor force dead and exiled, the country finally collapsed economically. The new government, under the help of the UN and the international community, is actively remedying estrangement between ethnic groups and promoting ethnic reconciliation and strengthening unity. All these efforts yield favorable results. By the end of the last century, the national economy had recovered to the level in 1990. Its economic growth rate this year has remained at a steady 6 percent. Liberia had suffered civil war since 1990. The war led to an end of the once booming economy and bustling society, and began an exodus of refugees to its neighbors. The small country was then seen as the “root of disaster in Western Africa.” Its nationals, numbering 3 million, were fed up with war and longed for peace. In late 2003, the anti-government militants were pressed to abandon violence and participate in the construction of an interim government. During the past two years, the new government received great help from the UN and other friendly nations. Great efforts have been made to maintain the stability in the country, renovate its infrastructure, and lay a solid foundation for future development. Currently, achievements have been made in the renovation of roads, power plants and ports, supplies of drinking water and daily power. Establishment of the AU signals an important and solid step in Africa’s path toward collaboration and integration. The AU is seen as Africa’s premier institution and principal organization for the promotion of socioeconomic integration of the continent, which pays great attention to the task of safeguarding regional political stability. CALL FOR UNITY: Mozambican President Joacim Chissano (right) and former Interim Chairman of African Union Commission Amara Essy meet the press after the second session of the AU Summit last July For this purpose, the Peace and Security Council was founded inside the AU. At this year’s AU summit held in Libya in February, the leaders discussed issues including the establishment of a joint defense mechanism. They agreed to form a multi-national force before 2005, to intervene in military clashes between and within member countries. The AU also advocated its members to voluntarily make their government administration, economic policy and human rights issues transparent, and accept others’ supervision and evaluation, for the purposes of achieving good governance, political stability, economic prosperity and welfare of all Africans. The AU has also vigorously promoted the New Partnership for Africa’s Development. The program’s goal is the revitalization of Africa through eradication of poverty, empowerment of women and a halt to the marginalization of Africa in the globalization process. It aims to achieve this primarily through good governance. Since their independence, many African countries have undergone fluctuations in their political and economic development, often paying dearly in human lives. Politicians have been aware of the significance of political stability on their way to modernization. Some insightful African leaders have analyzed their own national conditions and the world situation that keeps developing, changing their policies and regulations accordingly on the road to development. These countries can inspire their counterparts to follow suit. The UN and the international community is beginning to pay close attention and provide support to African countries. The UN has strengthened peacekeeping efforts on the continent. A large number of capital and personnel have been poured into Africa. A total number of 16,000 peacekeepers are stationed in Liberia alone. The UN has made great contributions in its effort to safeguard political stability in Western Africa. China has long been Africa’s reliable friend. The country has actively participated in the UN-led peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Congo. Under the framework of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum held in 2000 and 2003, China and Africa have boosted their economic contacts and exchanges and achieved mutual benefit. By the end of 2003, a total of 117 new China-invested enterprises are up and running in Africa, and bilateral cooperation in energy development and hi-tech industries is getting off the ground. China has sponsored a variety of training programs and trained nearly 7,000 African personnel of a wide range of professions. The Chinese Government has fulfilled ahead of schedule its debt exemption commitments and cancelled 31 African countries’ debts totaling 10.5 billion yuan (nearly $1.27 billion). Follow-up activities of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum have been implemented as a strong support to African nations. China has provided aid, within its ability, to African countries to help ease difficulties during their development, which brings benefits to their ongoing sustainable development. By LU TING’EN
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