[Nelson Mandela] Fight against poverty will cement African democracy

from Yahoo News

MIDRAND, South Africa (AFP) - Success in the battles against poverty, unemployment and AIDS is crucial to the viability of democracy in Africa, Nelson Mandela has told a meeting of the continent's own parliament.

In a rare public appearance, the Nobel peace prize winner told members of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) that a greater effort was needed to deliver the citizens of the world's poorest continent from a life of poverty.

"Poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, lack of sanitation and clean water and
HIV/AIDS remain some of the biggest challenges on our continent," said the ageing former South African president.

"Let all rededicate ourselves to deliver a better life for our people."

The parliament was set up in 2004 as a sign of a commitment to democratic ideals in a continent which has all too often been blighted by coups and dictatorships in the post-colonial era.

Although it has no formal powers, it aims to be seen as the voice of the people across Africa by bringing together 265 MPs elected by members of 53 national legislatures.

"Let the PAP be the voice of the African poor. Let their voices be heard loudly and clearly in the corridors of power," said Mandela.

Mandela's appearance at the start of the sixth sitting of the parliament, which will continue over the coming fortnight, was timed to coincide with the launch of a trust fund to supplement the parliament existing budget which is met by the African Union.

Mandela said the fund was a worthy initiative that would provide resources and expertise needed to "make the continent a better place to live in."

"The trust fund has an equally great obligation to be an example of good governance and transparency," said Mandela.

Earlier the vice-president of the German Bundestag pledged 500,000 dollars (390,000 euros) to the trust fund on behalf of the government in Berlin.

"Germany wants to be a partners for a strong Africa. As chair of the G8 (group of industrialised nations) we are going to make this very clear in the coming year," said Sussane Kastner.

The United Nations has also pledged 50,000 dollars towards the fund.