Madam, - Recent events in Uganda and Ethiopia, where the leaderships were unwilling to relinquish power, do indeed represent a massive setback to the alleged strides made in Africa in 2005, as pointed out in Rob Crilly's article "Where good governance remains a distant dream" The Irish Times, December 29th).
Both countries are major recipients of Irish taxpayers' money to the tune of €70 million in the coming year, despite their atrocious record on human rights and political corruption. Both leaders are dictators; both have blood on their hands; and both have been severely criticised for their callous treatment of their own citizens.
The success or failure of our efforts in these countries depends heavily on the willingness and the ability of governments to govern effectively and tackle corruption. But the simple fact is that good governance for the most part does not exist in the African continent. Africa is not badly governed because it is poor. It is poor because it is badly governed.
Good governance in all realms in public policy is needed to create sound, accountable institutions that can absorb and use aid effectively. Those who give aid are right to expect this kind of transparency and professionalism in recipient governments.
Isn't it extraordinary that this challenge has so far gone unmet by Ireland and the international community, despite the much touted Western vision for Africa espoused at the G8 this year? - Yours, etc,
JOHN O'SHEA, Goal, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.