The African Union has to act in order to put an end to armed conflicts that undermine the continent, to fight against the devastation caused by AIDS and other contagious diseases, to promote sustainable development of its member states.

Economic sanctions rarely achieve the desired results.

For about ten years now, the struggle for democracy and the respect of human rights has been in the focus point - if not a commodity - of political groups aiming to rise to power.

The most powerful State in the world, which up to now was relatively protected from terrorist violence, is no longer an inviolable sanctuary.

We do not control the trade of our resources, which are an important factor of prosperity for the dominant nations.

The principle of responsibility and collective sanctions is incompatible with the Western concept of justice.

In short, we have, among African countries, a duty of solidarity.