Chair, I would like to focus my input on the status of political, economic and social situation in Africa for obvious reasons, perhaps. That there are problems in Africa even after many countries in the continent went through transition from colonialism to independence is not a deniable fact. I would like to assert, though, that the African situation is not as bleak as portrayed by the media, especially the international media. It is true that the continent continues to have political difficulties which have consistently continued for over a century.
However, what is usually overlooked is that key issues of African politics are linked to leadership in the continent. Africa has heroes and always had, but sadly we have seen African heroes and heroines turn into dictators, plundering natural resources. We have the political exclusion of Africans by Africans and dominance over each other. Be that as it may, we have consistently seen Africans tilting the scales. We have seen ordinary Africans expressing discontent with regimes imposed upon them. We have seen Africans gallantly fighting oppression and I dare say that that makes me hopeful about the African situation.
The economic situation is very much linked to the political situation. The hunger and deprivation experienced in Africa is a direct consequence of political and leadership instability because it engenders disease, warfare, misgovernment and corruption.
Africa is said to be very rich in minerals and other natural resources. However, the standard of living does not correlate with the continent's wealth. Quality of life and human development are at low levels. The United Nations' ranking of African states is significantly low because the continent sees greater inequality than any other region in the world.
Of course, the social situation and analysis in Africa is heavily influenced and affected by the political and economic instability. Africans have a high burden of disease and their living conditions, on average, are far from desirable. However, I would like to assert that Africans are beautiful, loving, colourful people and whatever challenges they are faced with, they are sure to overcome. [Applause.]