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B N W: Biafra Nigeria World News |
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Europe must change their approach to African Problems, says Abubakar
VICE President Atiku Abubakar has urged Western countries to adopt new methods of assisting African countries out of their myriad of socio-economic and political problems if the aides were yield the desired results.
Instead of establishing commissions and committees on African nations, many of which he said could not address the problems adequately, Abubakar urged a development co-operation between European and African countries as a way out.
He made the suggestion yesterday when Mr J. Peiding, vice president Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Peoples Congress of the Republic of China visited him at the State House, Abuja.
Abubakar contended that Europe and America's concern on the problems of African nations could be better addressed if they embarked on rigorous "overseas development cooperation of African countries by empowering African economies through the removal of trade barriers and the cancellation of huge debts being owed by African nations."
Said he: "The development of Africa has been stunted by its debt burden and 99 per cent of this debt is owed to Europe. So no matter what measures we take, without the eradication of these debts, the problem of achieving sustainable development by African nations will be a mirage," he stressed.
According to a statement by Adebayo Thomas (assistant chief Information officer), the vice president expressed optimism that the Tony Blair Commission would make a positive impact on the economies of African countries.
He nevertheless told Peiding who is a member of the commission to inform his colleagues in London that "Africa's major problem to development is her debt burden."
Abubakar also urged the Chinese minister to enlighten the commission on the problems of African countries especially, "the need for poverty eradication and access of African agricultural products to European markets."
He added that Peiding should "discuss the need for Europe to support the need for peace in Africa. This is because Nigeria has often taken the burden of all peace initiatives in the continent. Therefore, support from Europe and the rest of the International community in the area of conflict resolutions in Africa will be welcome."
Accompanied by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Wang Yongqiu, and eight others, Peiding said he would highlight Africa's problems to the Blair's commission during the meeting in London next week.
He said the need to have a comprehensive report of issues to be discussed at the sitting of the commission prompted to embark on a tour of four African countries. The countries are Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
The Chinese minister said he was aware of some of the problems facing African countries because he had worked in Nigeria between 1972 and 79.
According to him, "the issue of debt relief and accessibility to European markets will be a focal discussion at the meeting. I also need to stress that China will co-operate with Africa in pressing home these problems."
"After the commission's meeting in London," he added, "we intend to organise a seminar in China where all problems of Africa will be discussed."`
The development of Africa has been stunted by its debt burden and 99 per cent of this debt is owed to Europe. So no matter what measures we take, without the eradication of these debts, the problem of achieving sustainable development by African nations will be a mirage`
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