Africa Report gets young analysis |18 May 2005

The presentation, delivered by the British High Commissioner, Diane Skingle, gave an overview of some of the Seychelles-relevant sections of the 461-page report, drawn up by a group of "commissioners," mostly from Africa, but including experts from a range of non-African countries.
The report was developed following a lengthy consultation period, which included input from Seychelles, and High Commissioner Skingle said that the presentation was intended to let people judge the recommendations made in the report.

"The main aim is to make sure that the Commission for Africa is seen and understood by all the people in the East Africa region," she said.

The meeting was opened by the Minister for Education and Youth Danny Faure.

Addressing the audience of post-secondary school students and members of the National Youth Council and National Youth Assembly, the minister said that many African countries are facing extreme difficulties in ensuring "dignified lives for their people."

"Poverty in all its dimensions remains rampant; conflicts, both within and between states cause continuous instability," he said, before saying that Africa will have to look outside its borders to achieve further development.

"It is clear that the next phase will not be achieved without the assistance of the developed countries," said Minister Faure.

Much of the report examines progress made towards meeting the UN's Millennium Development Goals (MDG), most of which have already been met by Seychelles.

"Seychelles has a good story to tell others, maybe others could take some pride in what Seychelles has done and follow their initiatives."

The report recommends complete and partial debt reductions for the poorest of countries.

Another recommendation of the report is for an increase in fair trade for African products and freer trade within Africa.

A removal of tariffs on imports to Seychelles from Africa would reduce government revenue and may also threaten local businesses.

The High Commissioner recognised that the issue is far from straight forward.

"The commissioners acknowledge that this is a very complex situation. Just by removing all tariffs and barriers the good results won't come straight away. It is very complex and they acknowledge that."

The High Commissioner said that the report should be seen as complementary to the South Africa and Senegal led NEPAD (New Economic Partnership for African Development) and denied charges that it was neo-colonial, pointing to the fact that over half of the report's authors are prominent Africans.

Following the presentation a number of questions were raised by the audience touching on issues such as youth HIV/Aids awareness, debt relief and the degree to which the report is country specific.
Last week's presentation was the second discussion on the report, following talks on the report by members of the National Assembly.

"I was very encouraged at the turn out, there were lots of interesting questions, lots of interest in these issues. I look forward to seeing how they want to take it forward," said High Commissioner Skingle.