AASU asked African States to do introspection
The All Africa Students Union (AASU) has called on African States to do introspection in order to identify the root causes of their current predicaments and stop depending totally on outsiders for assistance.
The group said the current African situation, characterized by the existence of a multitude of weak states whose viabilities are highly questionable as in Somalia, Mali, Central African Republic among other states was a stumbling block for the development of the continent.
In a statement signed by Mr. Fred Awaah, Secretary General of the Union on the occasion of the International Day Against Poverty, expressed solidarity with the poor around the world, particularly majority of Africans.
The group also called for a more just international economic relation between poor and rich countries around the world and reiterated its call for the rapid integration of the African continent to allow for the free movement of peoples and goods.
“The group believes that Africa can find solutions to its numerous problems within the framework of bigger economic, social and cultural integrated environment
“Africa can effectively face its challenges when it speaks with one voice, put its resources together and fight corruption, nepotism and dictatorship; promote peace and solidarity” the statement added.
On October 17, 1987 over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger.
Subsequently in 1992 the United Nations General Assembly declared October 17 as the International Day for the eradication of poverty.
Since 1993 the Day has been observed as such around the World by people of all backgrounds, beliefs and social origins to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty, to renew their commitments and show their solidarity with the poor.
Considerable efforts have been undertaken by the International Community to fight against extreme poverty.
Thus at the Millennium Summit, world leaders committed themselves to cutting in half, by the year 2015, the proportion of people living in extreme poverty, on less than $1.25 a day.
Though important gains have been achieved, several critical gaps remain, necessitating continuous efforts to keep people aware of the issue. Unfortunately Africa continues to be riddled with corruption while the people are still mired in abject poverty.
Source: GNA