Ethiopian PM optimist about solutions to Africa’s problems

By TOM MALITI, Associated Press writer

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 6, 2004 (AP) — A commission set up by British Prime Minister Tony Blair to search for solutions to problems in Africa stands a better chance of success than past efforts because it forges closer links between Africa and powers in the developed world, Ethiopia’s leader said Monday.

Britain’s Prime Minister Tony Blair, right, is greeted by Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, left, in Addis Ababa, Wednesday Oct. 6, 2004 where Blair attended the Commission For Africa meeting. (AP)

Blair formed the 17-member Commission for Africa in February, and he plans to use Britain’s 2005 presidencies of both the G-8 group of wealthy nations and the European Union as platforms to raise the profile of Africa as well as solutions to its crippling problems of health, poverty and conflict.

The commission “will take us a significant step forward in restructuring the fundamental relationship between Africa and developed countries,” Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi told eastern African organizations meeting to discuss the commission and its work.

“Why would it take us one big step forward? Because it is associated with the prime minister,” Meles said.

He also suggested Blair’s reputation was at stake.

“Everyone will assess the failure of the commission with failure of the prime minister,” Meles said.

In the 1980s and early 1990s, African leaders developed several plans to see the continent out of its litany of crises, but few followed through with any action.

Meles also said that the commission stands a chance of succeeding because richer nations are beginning to accept that they can not progress if Africa does not.

“I think the G-8 and much informed opinion in the G-8 (countries) is beginning to recognize we are in the same boat. That we either sink or swim together,” Meles said.

The commission will continue its regional meetings in Douala, Cameroon, from Dec. 8-10, Lusaka, Zambia, from Dec. 13-15 and Alexandria, Egypt, from Dec. 14-16.

Nine of the 17 commissioners are African, including Meles; Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa; Anna Tibaijuka, a Tanzanian who heads the U.N. agency for human settlements; Kingsley Amoako, a Ghanian who heads the U.N. Economic Commission for Africa, and South African Finance Minister Trevor Manuel.

Other members include former International Monetary Fund Managing Director Michel Camdessus and the British Treasury chief Gordon Brown.

Blair chairs the commission, and all members serve in their private capacities.

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Commission for Africa: http://www.commissionforafrica.org