Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Addis Ababa (Fides Service)- The Darfur tragedy, the situation in Democratic Republic of Congo, the crisis in Ivory Coast, tension between Ethiopia and Eritrea. These are the main themes on the agenda for discussion by heads of state and government during an African Union Summit meeting which will open tomorrow 6 July in Addis Ababa, capital Ethiopia. The meeting will close on July 8.
The most urgent question is the war in the western Darfur region of Sudan where thousands of civilians are being massacred by pro-government militia backed by air raids. The United Nations, the African Union and various western and African countries have urged Khartoum to put an end to the fighting and let humanitarian organisations assist the civilian population now at the end of their tether.
The AU Summit will also discuss a programme to bring stability and peace to the continent. The programme will cost more than 600 million dollars a year, but the AU has an annual budget of only 40 million dollars. The member countries are likely to appeal to industrialised nations to help fund the initiative.
The African Union represents 53 African countries and was established in 2001. The Union replaced of the previous body, the Organisation of African Unity which had limited powers and functions. The new organism is modelled on the structure and organisation of the European Union. One of the next steps for the African Union will be to form a Continental Parliament.
Also present in the Ethiopian capital, UN secretary general, Kofi Annan, taking part in a Conference on Hunger in Africa. In his intervention, Kofi Annan, suggested that Africa, following the example of other continents, should launch a “Green Revolution ”. “With adequate national and international support, Africa can surely achieve the green revolution of the 21st century which it needs” the UN secretary general said. Kofi Annan suggested that this objective could be reached with the development of irrigation systems, progressive electrification and diversification of crops and the use of fertiliser. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 5/7/2004 righe 32 parole 375)
