Continental Unity Should be the Next Goal

President Chissano’s has been a message of continental economic cooperation, its transformation from a community of states into a union of peoples with a sense of a commonality of destiny.

As he met with members of both Houses of Parliament on this his farewell trip, the Mozambican President said SADC was today a solid community with an identity and personality of its own. This has been achieved because Africans are overwhelmed by a natural naivety that makes them believe in making the impossible possible.

Africans however needed to work for the integration of the continent, President Chissano said. 

Though the continent was still faced with many challenges, the core one was however, transforming the different regional groupings into a union of peoples. It is imperative that the ordinary people take ownership of the integration process and dictate the path to follow.  

"We have the challenge to win the battle against poverty and underdevelopment which is associated with the successful implementation of NEPAD."

Like the elder statesman he is poised to become, President Chissano had a word of caution for the continent’s leaders: “We also have the challenge to know when to stop to rest when the time comes.” 

Those taking over should all the same, be able to honour and revere the blood shed and sacrifices made in achieving independence, he said.

The Mozambican President was full of praise for Basotho, who he said was enjoying a climate of peace and stability and in a steady process of consolidating democracy. Its economic growth rate of around 5% was proof of the fact that it is recovering from the political turmoil of 1998.

Having realised that violent and destructive confrontation is futile, the Basotho found in constructive dialogue, mutual tolerance and respect for the difference and diversity of opinion, the road to peace and stability. This example should hopefully become an important benchmark, particularly for those still treading the path of harmony and reconciliation, he said.

3 November 2004