Peace and democracy, prerequisites to growth in Africa, Youssoufi tells si

Peace and democracy are essential conditions to growth and development in Africa, said Moroccan premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi, vice-chairman of the Socialist International (SI) in the Mozambican capital.

Addressing the SI Council meeting in Maputo, Youssoufi said those who really care for the continent should design and set up efficient mechanisms and instruments to prevent and ease out African conflicts.

He also called for sub-regional and regional integration to promote peace and stability saying democracy is also a pre-requisite to the growth and development so badly need by the continent.

He invited more world support saying African foreign debt should be settled and African products given preferential treatment in world markets. Beyond the continent woes, there are resources and populations working for better governance and future that should be approached as the new economic frontier, the SI vice-chairman said.

In the Mozambican capital, the prime minister conferred with president Joaquim Chissano on bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance ties. He also had discussions with SI chairman and Portuguese premier Antonio Gutteres and other African delegations.

The SI meeting in Maputo looked into issues of development, democracy and peace in Africa and the Middle-East.