Kerekou urges concerted efforts to push Africa ahead

Accra (Greater Accra) 21 May ?99

President Matthew Kerekou of Benin on Thursday called for concerted efforts by leaders of Africa to reinforce unity on the continent.

More efforts should be geared towards promoting fraternal relations between Africa and African Americans, citing the African-American Summit as one of such steps that will not only unite the people but would improve on their economic lives.

President Kerekou made these points when he took his turn to address the Presidential plenary of the fifth African-African American summit currently underway in Accra.

The plenary session, which started yesterday and chaired, by Ghana's President Jerry Rawlings registered a record number of 12 African leaders in the eight-year history of the summit.

The dignitaries included Rev Jesse Jackson, American President Clinton's Special envoy for Africa and Rev Leon Sullivan, the convener.

President Kerekou said the time has come for Africans and those in the diaspora to ensure good management and good governance in order to achieve results.

He urged the world to invest in Africa saying trade with the continent on the eve of the millennium is not riskier than anywhere else.

"African economies are open, Africa is poised for joint ventures," the Beninois leader declared.

He expressed the optimism that with united efforts, Africa can enter the next millennium as a new world devoid of division, ignorance, wars and diseases.

President Kerekou lauded renewed efforts by Americans such as Rev Sullivan to bring investment and trade to Africa, citing President Bill Clinton visit to Africa last year as a major breakthrough that must be built upon.

President F. G. Mogae of Botswana also had good words for the organisers of the summit.

He said after long years of separation, the time has come for Africans and those in the diaspora to come together to develop the continent. "Nothing will separate us again."

"We need to chart a new course for economic growth of Africa," President Mogae urged.

He said he was in the United States with President Rawlings last month and was not too happy with the degree of ignorance that is still clouding Africa in America and urged all to turn the situation round.

The people of Africa are determined to live in peace and concentrate on issues of development, citing the various regional groupings set up to restore peace in crisis situations.

President Mogae commended ECOMOG saying it has made sacrifices in the search for peace.