Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, asked
African countries to invest heavily in their agricultural sector to decrease
their dependence on the developed world, ensure food security, and
significantly reduce hunger in their countries. He made his remarks at the
closing session of the Assembly of Heads of State of the African Union (AU).
President Obiang
said that Africa should reorient itself to ensure its independence and security
of African states through the safe production of its own consumer goods. “Africa
cannot be content to continue with the current dependence on the economies of
the developed world. Africa is sailing upstream against a dependency that
prevents them from moving toward sustainable development. Africa should rethink
its relationship with the developed world to reduce as far as possible the gap
that prevents access to development,” said Obiang.
“The development
of agriculture can greatly reduce this dependence,” he said. “Africa can ensure
food security and significantly reduce hunger in our countries. Africa should
heavily invest in agricultural development to transform itself in order to
accelerate growth to increase production and productivity,” said Obiang.
President Obiang
proposed to the African Union the establishment of a program that focuses on
the organization and exploitation of markets to promote trade and food security
and to eradicate hunger, malnutrition and rural poverty. This will also reinforce
the fight against climate change and agriculture.
He said that Equatorial
Guinea is already investing in its agricultural sector. “As part of our
diversification plan, Equatorial Guinea currently focuses on [agricultural] production
to achieve these goals. It is imperative to ensure the security and stability
of our states, since agriculture is the most vulnerable sector in times of
instability, war and terrorism.” said Obiang
“It’s no
coincidence that this session focuses on the issue of agriculture and food
security in Africa. We cannot talk about the development of Africa if there is
no agricultural development to ensure food security and avoid lifelong
dependence on imports of consumer products.”
He noted that Africa
counts on the support of organizations focused on agriculture and ways to
improve the sector, and urged continued support for those organizations.
“The African
Union must recognize and financially support the structures of non-governmental
organizations, businesses and institutions created in Africa to support agriculture,
such as the New Partnership for Africa’s
Development (NEPAD).”
Obiang linked
democratic and economic development. “Africa must contribute to a democratic
development aimed at achieving economic development of society and the welfare
of its citizens. It must be a democracy that seeks conflict reduction, he said.”
Obiang also
urged his fellow Africans to prioritize South-South cooperation, a cooperation
that respects the principles of equality.
“The last decade
has marked considerable advancements of the African states. Many of them aspire
to economic emergence in the near future. Nonetheless, the continent continues
to be a victim of endemic diseases and insecurity that require a unified
solution of the states.”
Obiang said it
was a great honor for Equatorial Guinea to host the 23rd African
Union Summit at “a moment that is crucial for the world nations as they
struggle to find solutions to economic crises, security, hunger and poverty,
and climate change that affect the world.” He said, “The participation of the heads of state and numerous
guests in this summit shows the interest and commitment that Africa and its
partners have to find solutions to current issues.”
A session on
agriculture and food security under the slogan “Transforming Africa's Agriculture, for Shared Prosperity and Improved
livelihoods, through Harnessing Opportunities” was held in the afternoon.
