I’d be somewhat concerned about the ramifications of “pushing” Human Rights as defined by the UN though. That sort of thing could easily lead to rebellion and / or reprisals.

We know we can improve the lives of many by the basic actions we propose. We have already been doing it in many areas, and having travelled in a number of sub-saharan countries in Africa, I know it can be done without troops. Most Africans are good people and willing to participate as they see this is real help and given to them without strings attached.

Much of the reason we have problems in many parts of Africa is due to foreign power intervention. True, there are a number of unstable governments, but unless we, as Africans, do something about it, few have the inclination to do so – and many of those do it from a viewpoint of getting something out.

The majority of investment in Africa by foreign powers is to get what Africa has. Without getting into a long discourse about it, history shows the contribution by foreign powers has been more destructive than constructive in many zones of Africa.

This is a rich continent. Just take a look at the scramble for Africa that has taken place and is again taking place – mostly around our minerals and resources. For who? Not for Africans.

That said, foreign powers or groups, with more humanitarian interests are most welcome in Africa. Foreign powers with self-interest (and these are the majority) are not. Exploitation – from the days of slavery to the current days of the mineral exploitation – is a part of our history. It has been destructive to the African societies.

We can help, we should be helping – and we intend to do our best to make a difference.

Change will only come to Africa as a benefit of occupation by a foreign power. There have been few stable and no lastingly non-repressive governments in sub-Saharan Africa since the Colonial days.