We cannot proclaim this century the African Century and then ignore the AIDS pandemic, as some political leaders are apt to do. To claim this century the African Century is to declare war on AIDS.

Information is a basic human right and the fundamental foundation for the formation of democratic institutions.

Africans require, want, the franchise on the basis of one man one vote. They want political independence.

A leader. . .is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.

I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.

Our march to freedom is irreversible. We must not allow fear to stand in our way.

Millions of people in the world's poorest countries remain enslaved by the chains of poverty. It is time to set them free.