When President Wade receives British Prime Minister Tony Blair in the next
few days, it would neither be a surprise nor a coincidence. It is emblematic
of the evolving relationships between G8 member countries and the few African
heads of governments who genuinely care about their people and are on a
demonstrable path of democracy. Mr Blair would pay similar visits to Ghana,
Seirra Leone and Nigeria. By the time the G8 meets in Canada in June, both
President Chirac of France and Prime Minister Chretien are expected to make
similar rounds on the African continent. Mr Wade who has emerged as a major
player on this whole concept of new thinking between Africa and the
development partners it needs to grow like the rest of the world , has
successfully cultivated key leaders and is expected to poise Senegal as a
primary beneficiary of any initiative that emerges from the G8 summit. Mr
Wade understands that for him to begin to address the major socio-economic
problems faced by Senegal , he has  to persuade potential donors that debt
relief and additional aid on their part would be complimented  by tangible
and verifiable steps on the part of the Senegalese government that resources
would be targeted to identified needs. With already strong democratic
credentials and a burning desire to make a difference , it is safe to predict
the G8 will find in him a worthy partner. Another important dimension in Mr
Wade's strategy is the very able team he has put together to pitch his agenda
in the capitals of the countries he is courting. They are first rate
diplomats who are smooth , serious , sophisticated and understand the
societies in which they operate. They are often well informed and well
connected with significant access to their counterparts in the countries they
serve.
       Now what about us The Gambia. Our case is tragic in that we are not in
the running for any of these initiatives even as our people need perhaps
tenfold more help. The development partners will shun our country because the
leadership is unworthy of engagement even by a simple test of decency.What
breaks my heart is the fact that it needn't be that way. With the right kind
of leadership we should be at the forefront with a clean outstretched hand of
cooperation to all who wish to help us be a productive member of the family
of nations.

<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>

To view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface
at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html
To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to:
[log in to unmask]

<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>