出国留学首选一诺留学

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　　“The first challenge is to grow African democracy,”U.S. Permanent Representative to the United NationsAmbassador Samantha Power said recently as shelaid out two challenges to the young Africansgathered at the Young African Leaders Initiative inWashington, DC.

　　“Democracy . . . is about . . . more than just holding an occasional election,” AmbassadorPower said. “Democracy means government that respects the will and the rights of its people —like the right to speak one’s mind without fear; or the right to gather with others to shareideas. Democracy means building the capable, independent institutions that can help defendhuman rights when they are threatened — such as impartial courts, accountable police forces,and strong parliaments.”

　　Senegalese line up to vote in central Dakar. (file)

　　In 1990, there were only four electoral democracies in Sub-Saharan Africa; today there are 19.

　　The second challenge, Ambassador Power noted, was to improve Africa’s stability andsecurity. “Africa”, she said, “is also in the midst of phenomenal economic growth” adding that“more needs to be done to ensure . . . equal access to the expanding opportunities thatgrowth offers.”

　　One major impediment to inclusive growth is conflict. To address the problems of conflicts,and groups like Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab that are terrorizing civilians across the region,Ambassador Power argued that Africa needs better trained, better equipped, and moreprofessional military and police forces.

　　“I make this argument as a long-time human rights advocate,” Ambassador Power said. “[Because] it is hard to imagine lasting peace without rights-respecting, professional securityand police forces . . . being part of the solution.”

　　“History hinges on the women and men who faced down their deepest doubts in those lonelyplaces, and walked out of them more determined than ever,” Ambassador Power said as sheurged the young African leaders to tackle the two challenges facing Africa. “That is how changeis made. You are going to go out there and make it.”