First rule of progess

IT is rightly hoped that the African Union will be a champion of good governance and human rights in Africa.

Sadly, this is not the signal that is being given by its silence and inaction in response to the unfolding humanitarian disaster in Zimbabwe.

The horrendous situation there, and the lack of response from the African Union, surely demonstrates in the clearest possible terms that the top priority issue impeding the development of African nations is the lack of good, honest governance.

Debt relief and aid are important issues, but secondary to good governance. Without it, debt relief, aid and trade will have no lasting benefits whereas with it, they will.

It is as simple as that.

We look to the UN and G8 for solutions to world poverty not for inadequate gestures.

Dr LF Lacey

South Strand

Skerries

Co Dublin