Chair, hon Speaker, Minister, Deputy Minister and colleagues, for many years Africa has suffered from its horrifying colonial past, and in the recent past many of our liberated states suffered under the greed and self-interest of many of their own people in leadership positions.
It therefore stands to reason that we, as Africans, face huge internal and external challenges if we are to consider the notion of a united states of Africa. The debate around these issues is always marked by comparisons with the European Union and even the United States of America. These are comparisons that would be very misleading. These two models have very distinctive variables contributing to their respective economic and social successes or failures.
The most important variable for successful African unification is quality and visionary leadership that has the necessary political will. Sadly, our recent history reflects a relatively negative response to this requirement. Far too many of our African countries lack leadership that is accountable to its own citizens, a fundamental prerequisite for the intended goal. We need African leadership that will put African people at the centre of the project.
Therefore the African people have to be at the centre of decision-making and implementation of public policy - in short, respect for democracy. I thank you.