Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Pretoria (Fides Service)- “The terrorist attacks on London could dash Africa’s hopes of being the centre of world attention” Fr Efrem Tresoldi, head of Communications for the SACBC Southern African Bishops Conference told Fides. In fact the question of Africa debt relief was a major item on the programme of the G8 meeting in Scotland where heads of state and government have gathered to discuss, among other things, how to eliminate Africa’s poverty. “Now the priority is terrorism and anti-terrorism” the missionary said. “Besides killing innocent people these terrorists have hit the people of Africa”.
“Seen from Africa industrialised countries could appear to be closed in their selfishness and wealth. Now, just as they were about, at least in intention, to help fight poverty in Africa, this act of terrorism could make the world leaders meeting in Scotland change their agenda” said Fr Tresoldi.
“Let’s hope that the presence at the G8 of African leaders such as South African President Thabo Mbeki will keep discussion focussed on the problem of debt cancellation and lifting of protection barriers on farmers in industrialised countries to favour farmers in poor countries” the missionary said.
“Unfortunately this new wave of terrorism may lead governments to spend more on security and less on development and this would have a drastic effect on Africa” said Fr Tresoldi. “We fear that African governments too will want to spend more on anti-terrorism and less on health and education. And we sincerely hope the West will not make stronger antiterrorism measures a condition for more aid to Africa. Aid must be independent from any other consideration” Fr Tresoldi concluded. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 8/7/2005 righe 29 parole 313)
