Sudan calls for regional integration of Eastern Africa countries
March 26, 2008 (ASMARA) – Sudanese presidential advisor has called for regional integration of Eastern Africa countries to overcome political instability and achieve economic development.
In a paper he presented at the Regional Conference on the Role of Trade Unions on Regional Integration in Africa in Asmara, Mustafa Osman Ismail said regional integration is the means to face challenges imposed by political instability.
He called for unified policies and cooperation programmes so as to prevail over differences and achieve development and stability in the region.
The Sudanese official said continued conflicts in Eastern Africa hinder the exploitation of rich natural resources in the region in the common interest of the people. He added that the absence of reliable security is the main political challenge in the African continent, in general, and in East Africa, in particular.
Ismail said that tackling the existing unreliable security should emanate from the capacity of the concerned countries and organizations, as well as their commitment to resolve it, and not only from the magnitude of the challenge itself.
He pointed out the role of colonialism in dividing Africa and giving rise to persistent conflicts.
He further said that before examining the political challenges in the Eastern Africa region one should realize that although each nation has its own distinct history, culture and challenges, there nonetheless exist common factors in all countries of the region.
The Sudanese official held talks with the President Isaias Afwerki on bilateral relations and Darfur crisis.
A Sudanese delegation headed by Mustafa Osman Ismail arrived in Asmara on Wednesday to attend the regional conference.
(ST)