Africa Guardian

MALABO, Equatorial Guinea, June 30, 2014/ — 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.