Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau to the Russian Federation, Doyen of the African Diplomatic Corps in Moscow

This year, many African countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of independence. What are the results?

First of all, we note that this is the age of maturity, the child becomes an adult and takes responsibility for his fate. Can this be said in relation to African countries? We say with conviction and pride: "Yes", whatever the problems that some African States face. Africa is on the right track, and there is much more reason for hope than for afropessimism.

African countries have developed along different political, economic, and social trajectories. They were successful and failed. But there are common achievements.

Freedom. All African countries today are free and, in accordance with international law, equal to all other States of the world. They have their own institutions, and they fully enjoy their sovereignty. Whatever the violations and interference from outside, there is no recolonization of Africa today.

Democratization. This is a complex and lengthy process. But today there are no more one-party regimes in Africa. Elections are held regularly and in the presence of international observers, in which, in accordance with the Constitution, all citizens participate without discrimination. There are sometimes temporary deviations, but the democratic choice is not questioned in any way. And it is safe to say that African countries will achieve their democratic ideals faster than some countries that have taken two centuries to achieve them.

Today, in 2010, all conflicts are on the way to resolution. Their participants are involved in peaceful settlement processes that, no matter how long, have already become irreversible. Proof of this is the fact that conflicts in Africa do not make the front pages of international news today. This place is occupied by Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and some European countries that are at the center of violent events.

Development. We were called the third world, then backward countries. Today we are developing countries, and some are even rising. This means that we have also made some progress in the field of development. Despite the deterioration of the terms of trade, the failure of structural adjustment programs, and the failure to meet development assistance promises, we have persevered and still have all the chances for successful development.

Education. In 1960, we had almost no specialists, and we were told that it was necessary to invite foreign technical advisers in almost all areas. Today, African specialists hold top positions in multinational corporations, advanced technology development centers, and leading international organizations. At one time, the UN, UNESCO, and the Organization of the Islamic Conference were headed by Africans. Today, our brothers run the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the Organization of la Francophonie. Let's remind that in NASA, in Microsoft, in other structures scientists-Africans also work. We now have so many graduates that countries like Canada, France, and the United States have developed special programs to attract them. In these circumstances, we have to fight brain drain today.

Culture and sports. Some may ask, how did these sectors contribute to our liberation? I will cite the example of the United States of America, where the achievements of blacks in these areas have allowed them to assert themselves, win their freedoms, and gain economic and media influence. In Africa, Cesaria Evora, Wole Schoyinka, Didier Drogba, Kenenisa Bekele are among the elite of society and play a prominent role in their respective fields. In addition, the FIFA World Cup in Africa is an eloquent recognition of our achievements in this sport.

However, Africa faces great challenges in fully integrating into the process of globalization, especially in the following three areas.

* With the kind consent of Rogerio Herbert, the editorial board publishes his speech on May 25 this year at the extended meeting of the Academic Council of the Institute of Africa of the Russian Academy of Sciences, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Year of Africa.

Democratizing information. African countries do not have the capacity to influence the main information flows, in which they often appear in a biased or distorted form.

Democratizing the financial system. In many sectors, the African continent continues to be dependent on international financial institutions, which sometimes forces private investors to refrain from expanding their activities on the continent. However, recently the activity of such countries as India, China, Japan, and Brazil has been increasing.

Erosion of classical and traditional power structures and formation of new power networks.

Africa seeks integration within the framework of the African Union and the five subregional groupings. Its role in such universal organizations as the United Nations is also becoming increasingly influential, where it is justifiably seeking two permanent seats on the Security Council.

At the same time, civil society is consolidating and becoming more effective, and it is already a participant in all efforts for well-being in Africa and around the world.

Today, analysts agree that liberalism plays a crucial role in determining the path of development. Strong government institutions, independent power balances, good governance, support for private entrepreneurship, respect for human rights, etc. are needed.

Africa shares all these values and has resolutely embarked on a path of development that is economically efficient, environmentally sustainable, socially just, democratically sound, geopolitically acceptable, culturally diverse and fully humane. The choice in favor of such a development is irreversible. Africa puts the individual at the center of all reforms. We are convinced that mineral resources and other riches are not inexhaustible, and it is necessary to rely on intellectual advantages, know-how, and determination to succeed.

Today, in 2010, we will not indulge in either catastrophism or euphoria. We will give an objective assessment of the path we have traveled and try to move on together faster and more successfully. We will work, because without concrete actions it is impossible to achieve results. The future is not some already prepared destination, it is a place that we create ourselves.

Africans will never forget the outstanding contribution that the Soviet Union made to the liberation of the continent, to the elimination of apartheid, and to the establishment of the continent's independence.

Today, we are pleased to note the growing dynamism of the Russian-African partnership in all areas. This is evidenced by the impressive results of the visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to African countries in June 2009. Africa is sincerely interested in having Russia as a reliable, effective and friendly partner on the way to overcoming internal and external challenges and threats.

Translated from the French by E. N. BOTOV

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