From Africa Recovery, Vol.11#2 (October 1997), page 5

US highlights Africa's achievements

The US, which held the rotating presidency of the Security Council in September, initiated the ministerial session "to recognize and support a new quality in Africa's relations with the world," US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said. In many nations, she noted, "difficult reforms are producing economic growth and progress towards democracy."

Nonetheless, US Ambassador to the UN Bill Richardson told Africa Recovery, 65 per cent of the debates in the Security Council focus on Africa -- and usually its crises. It was rather "to highlight what is happening in a positive sense...democratization, elections, market economies, peaceful resolution of disputes," that the US convened the ministerial session.

The objective, Ambassador Richardson said, was to talk about sources of conflict, development, and nation-building and develop strategies for a peaceful and more prosperous Africa. But more important is that the meeting produce some follow-through and not end as another "public relations effort," he added.

The Security Council has discussed with the Secretary-General the importance of the report that he is to prepare by February, which will be a "very serious, substantial effort," the Ambassador said. It should address how a reformed UN, with a strengthened Security Council, can better address African problems.

Mr. Richardson credited the Organization of African Unity with conducting effective -- and largely "unsung" -- mediation in African crises. The US has provided over $10 mn over the past five years to strengthen the OAU's conflict management centre, and also supports peace-keeping "for Africa by Africans," he said, noting that it is among the donors that are funding the training of an African Crisis Response Force in six countries.

The US will be devoting further high-level attention to Africa, Ambassador Richardson said, with a visit by President Bill Clinton in 1998. During the Security Council meeting, Secretary of State Albright also announced that she plans to visit Africa before the end of this year.

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