Panafrican News Agency

COVID-19: Mahamat tells Africa 'stop dependency on outside, live on own resources'

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The COVID-19 pandemic has brutally reminded African nations of the imperative need to put a stop to dependency on the exterior, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said on Monday.

 

In his continental message to mark Africa Day, Mr. Mahamat said that this can be achieved by “living on our own resources, and resolutely focusing on our industrialisation process”.

 

According to his assessment, other entities with fewer resources were able to achieve this in record time.

 

“I strongly urge women, youth, intellectuals, academics, politicians, entrepreneurs, and civil society activists, to engage in fruitful and active discussions on the issue, which is key to our material survival, our independence, our freedom and our dignity.

 

“As we embark on this path, our leaders will be closer to our citizens, and our nations will become stronger. In my opinion, this inward-looking and self-reliance approach will be a catalyst for the renaissance of our nations. It is only when they are tested, that nations and states truly emerge. We are now at that point in history,” Mr. Mahamat emphasized.

 

The AU chief executive paid what he termed as “a well-deserved tribute" to the specialised organs of the Union in charge of this implementation, as well as to current AU Chairperson President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, for the pertinent initiatives taken. "My tribute also goes to all our Member States, which in a remarkable manner promptly took appropriate measures, consistent with the continental strategy.”

 

Right from the onset of the pandemic, he said, the continental response strategy was developed and implemented promptly.

 

Underlining the urgent need for Africa to develop new forms of resilience in a world in which multilateralism is sorely tested, Mr. Mahamat said that Africa must stop expecting solutions from others. “Africa should no longer be satisfied with this role of never-ending reservoir for some, and dumping ground for others.”

 

He pointed out that Africa’s food dependency and insecurity are unacceptable and intolerable, as is the state of its road, port, health and educational infrastructure.

 

“Africa’s land, forests, rich fauna, mines, energy potential, and maritime and inland waterways, hold the necessary resources to provide an adequate response to the needs of its peoples. We should boldly opt for an innovative approach that is inward-looking rather than outward-looking. Let us live on what we have, using what we have, in other words let us live within our means!"

 

Urging AU Member States to redouble efforts, determination and perseverance in strictly implementing the pillars of their strategy, he added: “We should go beyond the present situation, by preparing for post-pandemic conditions in the world.

 

“The only way to contain COVID-19 and its disastrous effects, is to ensure our food sufficiency, create millions of jobs, and save hundreds of millions of African citizens, who are currently seriously exposed to pandemics and various other hazards. This entails a real outpouring of solidarity for a truly strong and lasting African resilience.”

-0- PANA AR 25May2020