Africa facing 'new evils'

2005-11-25 22:01

Midrand - The evils of colonialism and imperialism in Africa have been replaced by ignorance, corruption and despotism, United Kingdom High Commissioner to South Africa Paul Boateng said on Friday.

Addressing a sitting of the Pan-African parliament in Midrand, he said freedom fighters of old, including Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, had been imbued with a spirit of determination and valour.

"But yes, things have not gone as we thought they would. Things did fall apart."

Africa should not allow the mistakes of the past to be stumbling blocks for future achievement, Boateng said.

Fighting the new evils, he said, required the same valour, determination and clarity of vision and purpose employed in the continent's freedom struggles.

"I sense that spirit of valour and determination... is to be found here in this chamber and in the countries that you represent," he said.

There was a duty on those countries responsible for colonialism and imperialism, including his own, to help Africa address its new challenges.

To this end, Boateng emphasised how important it was that the next round of world trade negotiations succeed.

"We have got to right the wrongs imposed on this continent," he told the sitting. "We need special measures for the poor."

These would include rich nations eliminating agricultural subsidies and trade barriers.

"We know it will not be easy," Boateng said. "But I believe we can translate the will... into concrete actions that will benefit all."

A one percent increase in Africa's share in world trade would benefit the continent to the tune of $70bn - three times the aid increases agreed to at the recent Gleneagles summit of the Group of Eight (G8) developed countries.

- SAPA