Carter on Africa

In response to “The Marines Need Not Land Again,” by Jimmy Carter, Commentary, Dec. 22:

Former President Carter rightly argues not to put off a problem in Africa until it is a crisis. His strategy is to invest in African children to eradicate diseases, malnutrition and illiteracy. But Carter fails to look at the solution in a holistic way. And that is precisely why many previous attempts at investing in Africa went down the drain.

Experience repeatedly shows there can be no development without peace. The U.S. foreign policy, therefore, ought to focus on promoting peace and democracy in Africa. Democracy in the African context means restoring the traditional powers of the elders, revitalizing indigenous institutions, implementing genuine national reconciliation, unity governments, learning the culture of democratic elections and abiding by the results (including working as a loyal opposition when losing an election).

This foreign policy should also have an African policy on ethnic problems--nearly 100 million Africans living in three countries are facing the immediate reality of the division of the nation-state--Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia. It can be expected that once a precedent is set, the dynamics of fragmentation will be accelerated.

The main tenets of U.S. policy could be such principles as the nation-state serving as a viable entity for economic development and peace, and bigger markets are more attractive than fragmented markets.

If the United States is an honest broker in this endeavor, we will see President Carter’s wishes come true when 10-year-old African children will abandon AK-47s and go to school to become responsible citizens. And this holistic approach may not even require $20 billion, since peaceful Africa has a huge potential to develop itself.

SOLOMON GEBRESELASSIE

Duarte