You're the Solution, Africans Are Told

October 15, 2004

Nation Reporter
Nairobi

The success of the Somalia peace process shows that Africa problems could only be solved by Africans, a president said yesterday.

"Fundamental solutions to problems facing Africa must be found from within," said Ugandan President Yuweri Museveni, warning that the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development will not allow any outsiders to interfere or mess with the Somalia peace process. He is its chairman.

He gave the example of the disastrous American intervention in Somalia in 1994, saying that at the time, he thought intervention by foreign troops would be the solution.

"At the time (when Americans intervened) I was the chairman of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and I spoke to President Bush Senior. I thought intervention would be useful but it wasn't," said President Museveni.

He said he expected the international community to assist Somalia with resources and not mere words.

But he said if the aid was not forthcoming, African countries should pool their resources and help as they had done in many instances like in the apartheid war and in the overthrowing of the Uganda's dictator Idi Amin.

"At this stage, I expect the international community to assist with money. It's not about words. If they (donors) don't, it is my proposal that Africa comes together and collect what it can. We can't just sit and watch," he said.

President Museveni said it was not true that Africa had absolutely no money. Even if it is not a lot, he said, Africa had some.

"If the international community does not do anything now, we (Africa) will do something, not only for Somalia but also for Burundi," he said adding that some projects could even be put on hold for the sake of Somalia.

About African leaders he said: "They think that if they are not president today, the world will come to an end. That people must die. If you are not president today, wait for another chance."

President Museveni thanked Somalis for "not letting us down" after a long and torturous process. He also thanked the Government of Kenya for its patience and endurance.

The main challenge now, he advised, was to build the pillars of State starting with the army, civil service and Judiciary.

Recalling that Somalia had one tribe, one language and one religion, President Museveni said the problem with Africa was not tribe or religion but underdevelopment.

"Under-development makes people lose sight of their priorities and engage in sideshows," he said.

A contrast between the rich and the poor was displayed when heads of State and government arrived in the country to witness the swearing-in of Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed.

Of the six presidents, a prime minister and two vice-presidents to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Yemen brought in the most prestigious plane while Tanzania premier came in the smallest.

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh arrived in a Boeing 747 Special while Tanzanian Prime Minister Fredrick Sumaye came in a 25-seater DHC Twin Otter.

While some came in presidential jets, others used national airlines.

Also in attendance were several foreign ministers, the secretary general of the Arab League and some warlords from Somalia.

Vice-President Moody Awori led 13 Cabinet ministers and other Kenyan officials in receiving the guests at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Nigerian President and current chairman of African Union Olusegun Obasanjo was the first to arrive at 9.10am and was followed by South African Vice-President Jacob Zuma who landed 20 minutes later.

President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria is welcomed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with a bouquet.

President Obasanjo was in a Gulfstream and Mr Zuma in a Fokker 7.

The Vice-President then received President Paul Kagame of Rwanda before welcoming President Ismael Guelleh of Djibouti in swift moves that saw him receive eight leaders in two hours. President Guelleh came in the second most prestigious plane, a Boeing 727, while President Kagame travelled Canadair.

Next to arrive was President Domitien Ndayizeye of Burundi (in a Gulfstream presidential jet), followed by President Ali Abdallah Saleh of Yemen, whose Boeing is a national carrier.

They were followed by Tanzanian Prime minister Fredrick Sumaye and finally President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, also the chairman of Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad).