Forum for the Future of Aid

I agree fully with the Jean-Claude Shanda Tomme assessment. Failure of Leadership is the root cause of Africa's problem. Poverty is only one of the most visible signs of this deeper malaise.
Is democracy the solution? Yes, if it is true democracy, and not the kangaroo type being practised in a place like nigeria.Today, African nations are weighed down by governance structures that are alien. There's a disconnect between the 'selected'rulers and the teaming populace. This coupled with lack of accountability has led to a situation where the leader can appropriate the entire machinery of government for personal ends.
The challenge before Africa is not just Aids on top of Aids. The challenge is to develop an african democracy that is founded on 'the people' not political parties. This might sound odd, but the reality is that political parties are only parties in name only.
The International Community can help Africa re-discover itself, by exploring the subsisting local structures, still existing in villages and clans, usually monarchical, but certainly responsive to the needs and aspirations of the 'the people'
Financial aids must focus of Human Capacity Assistance in the areas of Teaching, Health Care; Budgeting; project management, local government administration. This should preferably involve seconding expatriates to the dying institutions, to revive, teach, and reposition the local people.
The phenomenon of failed nations is very real, and is still threatening the few surving colonial contrivances called nations in Africa.
The continent needs a new kind of leadership. Here lies the challenge.
bunmi Obembe