'Challenges remain for Africa'

2008-02-06 21:15

Washington - Africa has made important progress in recent years but difficult challenges remain.

These were the words of US President George W. Bush said in a message congratulating President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania on his appointment as the new president of the 53-nation African Union.

Bush also welcomed the appointment of Foreign Minister Jean Ping of Gabon as the new chairperson of the Commission of the AU, its executive arm. Ping is a career diplomat who served as president of the UN General Assembly in 2005.

In a message on Tuesday in an advance of a five-nation trip to Africa he starts next week with his wife Laura, Bush said he was confident the AU and the people of Africa will be well served by the leadership and vision of Kikwete and Ping.

"The African continent has experienced important progress in recent years," Bush said. "Economic growth is at historic highs, democracy is taking root in many countries, and efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other infectious diseases are showing results.

But he said difficult challenges remain including ending genocide in Sudan's Darfur region, restoring peace and stability in Kenya and bringing freedom to the people of Zimbabwe.

Bush said the US looks forward to working with Kikwete, Ping and the AU to address these challenges and build on recent improvements.

Bush said he and his wife were looking forward to their African trip, which will take them to Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana and Liberia.

- AP