Sir, - It is easy to be pessimistic about the situation in Africa as we approach the end of the millennium, particularly as humanitarian crises loom in many countries as a result of conflicts. While colonialism, corruption, opportunism, etc. have been blamed, poverty remains one of the root causes of the problem. Poverty, however, is not something Africa can sort out for itself. Like environmental issues, poverty has global dimensions - the debt issue being an example of one of the factors contributing to poverty in Africa.
Thus, Paul Cullen's article ("World's poorest region engulfed by conflicts", September 20th) is mistaken in suggesting that "only Africans can sort out the mess they have got themselves into". Whoever is to blame for the mess, it is the poor who are the victims, not the culprits. The international community therefore must shoulder its responsibilities and continue to hold out hope for the poor. And there are hopeful signs that the situation in Africa is changing, as witnessed by the number of democratic elections which have taken place on the continent over the last few years. Now is not the time for the world to turn its back on Africa. - Yours, etc.,
David Stratton, Africa Desk, Concern Worldwide, Camden Street, Dublin 2.