[Bono] Help fight African poverty, AIDS, Bono says during Michigan visit

from WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Bono asked an audience of business and civic leaders in Michigan's second-largest city to encourage the federal government to do more to help fight AIDS and poverty in Africa.

The rock star and activist also expressed hope Thursday night about a proposed peace agreement for the violence-plagued Sudanese region of Darfur.

"We just got news on this very day that there's a potential breakthrough," Bono said during a 40-minute speech to The Economic Club of Grand Rapids. "I ask you to pray for their success."

Bono made the comments before two rebel groups in Darfur said Friday that they would not sign the U.S.-backed agreement, possibly jeopardizing an accord aimed at resolving a crisis that has cost at least 180,000 lives.

Two million people or more have been forced to flee their homes in what the United Nations has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Decades of tribal clashes over land and water in Darfur erupted into large-scale violence in early 2003, with rebels demanding regional autonomy. The central government is accused of responding by unleashing militias upon civilians, a charge that Sudan denies.

"Africa is a continent bursting into flames and, deep down, if we really accept it, that Africans are equal to us, we would all do more to put the fire out," said Bono, 45.

Speaking to President Bush and members of Congress on Feb. 2 at the National Prayer Breakfast, the U2 front man challenged the government to donate an additional 1 percent of the federal budget to the world's poor.

One percent of this year's budget is about $26 billion.

In Grand Rapids, Bono said about 40 percent of the African population is Muslim. He warned that if more isn't done to help the continent's poor children now, there is a greater likelihood that they will grow up in violence and affiliate with radical Muslim factions.

"We can save a continent," he said. "We can change the world."

In January, Bono — whose real name is Paul Hewson — launched a new push in the battle against HIV and AIDS in Africa. He helped organize last year's Live 8 benefit concerts to pressure world leaders to provide more aid to Africa.

In December, Time magazine selected Bono, Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda Gates, as its "Persons of the Year" for 2005, citing their charitable work and activism aimed at reducing global poverty and improving world health.

About 2,000 people attended the sold-out annual dinner in Grand Rapids, which was open only to club members and their guests. Tickets cost $150 each.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell was the keynote speaker at last year's event. Other past speakers include former South African President F.W. de Klerk and former British prime ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major.