News Feature

Newsletter 12

Peace, Good Governance Crucial for Sustainable Development in Africa

The poverty and instability by which Africa has been characterized mainly refers to the lack of good governance and democratic culture on the part of some countries. A need, therefore, arose to tackle the problem of good governance that is highly interrelated with the issue of development.

               The 4^th Summit of the Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) that gathered in the Sudan has seen the joining in of new members and went one step ahead to hearing reports on the reviewed countries.

               President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria in his opening statement to the Sixth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Africa Union underlined the positive move forward with regards to good practices in good governance amidst challenges facing the continent.

      " Today, even if a lot more is desired, it is noteworthy that  the  culture of good governance is gradually gathering favor in Africa," he said.

               One fundamental factor in the march towards sustainable development, democracy and good governance should be well established for a country to achieve socio-economic as well as political development.

               Ethiopia being a member of the APRM Forum, has long demonstrated its will and commitment to ensure a democratic culture in the country and thereby contribute to the continental endeavor.

               Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi was among the few African leaders who took part in the Progressive Governance Summit held in South Africa. Ethiopia's representation at such a prestigious gathering again highlights its commitment for the betterment of the life of its people and the African populous at large.

               The Summit discussed issues of peaceful co-existence among different nations and cultures, which is vital to growth and prosperity, and issues pertaining to WTO negotiations. 

               During the Summit Meles stressed the need, as a complement to Africa's endeavors, for successful WTO negotiations to tackle poverty around the globe.

               In the effort to pursue the African renaissance the role of each country is essential. Obasanjo has to this effect called upon AU member countries, which have not joined the APRM to join the forum and demonstrate continued involvement in the implementation of the Africa Reform Agenda.

               The repositioning of Africa in the world requires, apart from the political will and capacity on the part of its leaders, the realization of its cultural and educational renaissance.

               The aforementioned issue was widely deliberated at the Sixth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU where agreement has been reached to establish an African Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (AFESO) that will endeavor to ensure the cultural revival of the continent essential to its socio-economic development.

               Peace and security obviously remain the basis for a sustained progress in the areas of peace and stability in the continent. The events and developments in Guinea Bissau, Togo ,Burundi, Liberia and Cote d' Ivoire were mentioned on the meeting as making positive developments in the continent's collective and renewed determination to build a continent free of conflicts and instability.

               Ethiopia has always sought for a peaceful resolution of the border dispute with Eritrea. The five -point peace proposal forwarded by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi fell on deaf ears at the other side of the border. Ethiopia          still  insists  that  the  dispute   be   settled peacefully and through dialogue, thus showing its unreserved commitment to peace in the sub-region.

               Hailed by the international community for its peaceful approach to conflict resolution and for its sound policies and strategies that produced concrete results in the growth and development of the country, the Ethiopian Government reiterates commitment to the agenda of peace and development in the continent.

               While it recognizes the importance of peace and good governance for the prosperity of African Societies, the Ethiopian government, practically displays peace-loving culture in all its engagements regarding local, sub-regional as well as continental issues through active participation in the IGAD and AU peace endeavors.

               Ethiopia has registered a considerable growth due to its firm   stand  for  peace,  democracy   and  good governance. Seat to the African Union, it promotes these highly cherished values while engaging in various activities and endeavors aimed at pulling Africa out of biting poverty.

               Ethiopia is observing success stories amid challenges. Consistency in the country's economic growth, and exemplary achievements in poverty reduction reveal the level of its democracy and the administration's effectiveness in the area of good governance.

               The African Union aims at fostering political stability, economic growth, sustainable development and accelerated sub-regional and continental economic integration, and the role Ethiopia plays in this regard is significant.

               Ethiopia will continue in its effort and involvement to bring about peace and good governance that is key to a prosperous continent.