This is a second page of your comments about the deal has been reached by the G8 nations to help the world's poorest countries.
Is debt relief the solution to Africa's problems? Or should we be sending more aid? Send us your comments.
The second page of your comments:
It's great that they are wiping debt; it will be appreciated and will go a long way to improve Third World countries. What they tend to forget is the corruption that exists in African nations is at such a scale that debt relief or no debt relief, people need more than a miracle.
Taz, Glasgow
Sadly aid is not the answer. How much aid has already been poured into Africa? The real answer is structural change which is difficult to achieve in a large and diverse continent such as Africa.
John A Turner, Barry, Wales Monetary aid will not solve the problem. What it needs is education in how not to have children that they cannot look after and population numbers that their country cannot support.
Bob Matthews, Thurso, Scotland
The increase in aid to Africa will only have positive results if the countries giving aid are strict about where the aid goes to. It is no use 5% of aid going to the needy and 95% going to the corrupt.
Arthur Fawcett, Bradford, England
Rich countries have the moral duty of helping Africa but more important yet Africa must help itself.
Christian, Montreal, Canada
Absolutely not - it is time to let Africans stand on their own feet. We should be encouraging justice and fairness - not the culture of begging that now goes under the dubious term foreign aid.
Margaret S Maringa, Kerugoya, Kenya
There is no amount of money in the world that will help if it doesn't reach the people who need it. Until such barriers are overcome all that is happening is that criminals get their pockets lined.
Teena, England
If we really want to help Africa we should be marching on its leaders, not ours. Debt relief and aid is a noble thought, but totally pointless if the people running this large country take advantage of that help and give nothing to its people.
Steve, Milton Keynes
You won't be getting rid of African debt till kingdom come. It will never be better. They are so used to handouts that they can't do anything for themselves. Rather teach them to look after themselves. The money goes to the fat cats and will have no effect on the general population. Rather use the money and teach them about family planning. Mothers are giving birth while their children are dying of hunger in the same room. Pumping money into Africa is not the answer.
Drienie, Stafford
 |  Trade - not aid - is the answer |
Trade - not aid - is the answer. Aid breeds dependence. We'd help Africa far more if the developed world removed its tariff-barriers (and stopped subsidising our own farmers/industries too). This would allow African producers to sell to us at realistic prices - they'd get the benefits in a direct form.
Roger Price, Reading, UK I am sure this help will make a real change in each African's life. If what Blair is promising comes true, we, Africans, will be grateful to him and everyone helping.
Mamo Mamush, Virginia, USA
Why do people assume 'aid' is nothing more than cold, hard cash and that relieving debt and increasing aid is the complete solution? Africa is so vast that it will take a multi-faceted, global effort to eradicate its major problems. This isn't a reason not to give aid or debt relief though, it's just one way those of us living in a society that creates too much waste can begin to address the issue.
James, Oxford, UK
Some aid for education and infrastructure is good. But I think it would be even better if developed and developing countries negotiated investment agreements and provided for protection of investments. This way, industries from the developed world could help kick-start the economies of the developing world.
Garth, Harare, Zimbabwe
Nothing is 'the' answer to poverty in Africa or anywhere else. Multi-causal problems require multiple responses - and mainly in the areas where the problems exist. Outside help only works when there's inside efforts to be helped.
Rob Bland, Washington DC
No, Africa doesn't need another penny in aid. They need fair trade and a level playing field. So we need to get rid of the American protectionists, and the common agricultural policy. Then the billions we save could be spent around the world on products which have a fair price, and not a slave wage which we pay now.
Dave, Ramsgate, England
| People who work in development know that aid alone will not help without political will and support of the African people |
The world has been pouring aid into Africa for more than 50 years and not much has changed. People who work in development know that aid alone will not help without political will and support of the African people. The aid US and USA are giving to "save" Africa, for me, is very naive and patronizing. Let the African people decide for their lives and fate.
Michelle, Bonn, Germany It makes me sick. I see homeless on the street and two million of our very own pensioners are living in poverty. When you mention this to those do-gooders they don't want to know. I say look after our own starving first.
Jon, Nottingham
Indeed aid is an answer but what I have noted in our country it needs political will of the giver and receiver. For example over the past four years the Germans donated some money to Malawi for development of small towns. Knowing what has happened to their aid before they decided to closely monitor how their money was used and I am happy to share with you that we have a transformed town at Balaka where villagers sell their products in a place worth calling a market. It was not lack of trust on the part of the our friends the Germans but they know that our capacity to utilise aid is low so they started from there! This is global love!
Davie Chilalire, Zomba, Malawi
With past experience of what has happened with debt relief and aid, whose benefits are not visible on the ground, I doubt if these two are possible solutions to poverty in Africa. It seems they are meant to fatten the wallets of the African despots here. The ordinary African continues to suffer and the leader continues to enjoy the sweat of his country men. Possible solution, attach conditions to aid. Talk of presidential terms in Uganda.
Bangirana George Williams, Kampala, Uganda
Money aside, many African nations seem to resent European/US involvement in their affairs and blame nineteenth century colonisation for all their troubles. Perhaps the leaders of successful, developing nations such as India and China would invoke less resentment, have more in common with African issues, and therefore have more practical help to offer.
Lorraine, St Albans, UK
| If trade conditions are made fair, aid will rapidly become unnecessary |
Offering aid to Africa whilst unfair trading conditions remain against that continent is simply shedding crocodile tears over her problems. If trade conditions are made fair, aid will rapidly become unnecessary. Otherwise the whole exercise is a waste of time and effort.
Cletus Nze, Tring, UK Debt relief is about establishing incentives for more responsible and accountable government. Perhaps the West could write off a dollar in debt for each dollar of repayment, where there is a democratic government (free press and human rights standards). Two dollars for each dollar, if the government has a record of using its resources for the people and nations good. My concern, about a focus on writing off the debt, is that it reduces the resources available for delivery of aid programmes and discourages private sector lending. An increase in public and NGO aid and WT0 trade reform is as important.
Bruce, Wellington, New Zealand
I actually support the position of Bush on this one. Money to corrupt governments is money to buy German cars for sickeningly corrupt politicians. Money must only be used to buy medicines and the like, and from that point, Africa needs to help itself. Botswana is a great example of a democratic, post-colonial government working effectively and boosting economic growth - they should serve as a model to the rest of the continent.
Peter M, Edinburgh
Extreme pressure and even external intervention is the only language corrupt African governments understand. Until this happens along with mass education programs, all the money in the world will not solve the underlying issues. Past foreign aid has done little to advance standards of living and under the current situations is better spend elsewhere.
Tim Walsh, Malindi, Kenya
Africa is currently paying to the West more than it receives. Most of the debt went back to the West long ago in terms of consultants fees, overheads, luxurious lives for the so-called western "experts" in poor countries. All debts must be cancelled.
David Karani, Helsinki, Finland
Africa needs more fair trade than aid. Many studies have shown that if the West stops her restrictive trading practices, Africa will be better off. In Africa we are more interested in fishing for ourselves than being given fish.
Edgar T Mushore, Harare
First, the African countries need good governance. Secondly, the best foreign policy for rich countries that want to help poor countries is to stop subsidizing their own farmers. African farmers cannot compete with cheap imports. If African farmers were given a fair chance in the world markets, they would improve their own economies and hopefully develop stable governments that care about their citizens. Direct aid to African governments has not worked. Direct help to NGOs that have long term commitments is a superior option.
Tom Fell, Olympia, Washington, USA Aid is not the answer alone. Tracking down and prosecuting arms dealers (nations, organisations & individuals) is part of it too!
Steve, Northampton, UK
As with all complex problems, there is no simple solution and no magic wand. Aid is needed, debt relief is needed, fair trade is needed, political reform is needed, scientific progress is needed, etc. What we have to remember every step of the way though is that much of Africa's misery is the sad heritage of imperialism and therefore the moral responsibility of the countries that profit (and still profit) from the exploitation of that continent.
Annette Kupke, Dunblane, Scotland
It is comments like "We need to remove the dictatorships and put our teams on the ground to teach the peoples how to grow produce and farm the lands." That sometimes make me despair. The fact is that the UK and the US have supported many dictators over the years as long as it suits them economically and politically. Also, that statement about "teaching" is arrogance at its highest. The people of Africa can (and do) farm. However, most are stuck in the rut of subsistence farming, a great contributor to that being the trade policies of the West. Admittedly there are cases such as Zimbabwe where Mugabe's cronies are being given the land. However there are plenty of landless Zimbabweans who would be able to farm with no teaching from 19th Century paternalists from the north.
Dennis Lane, Brit, Currently in Pretoria, South Africa
Asian countries have came up and done it themselves. Why can't African countries manage it? Most money will go to the few at top.
R P, UK
In response to your e mails against sending aid to Africa- may I say that I had the privilege to go into Langa township (near the airport as the rich tourists arrive in Cape Town) and had a meeting with one of the residents the day before Gordon Brown went in - in Jan 2005 - and she along with thousands of others lost their tin shacks in a fire the following day. We have no idea in the western world how lucky we are with all our basics of running water, toilets, showers, baths and everything else we take for granted. These are thoroughly decent working people who work in the houses of wealthy whites doing their menial tasks like, cleaning and laundry.
Jenny Lazenby, UK
As a British-born African, I would say that aid is not the answer to Africa's problems. Pay us the correct price for commodities, stop flooding our markets, give us access to global markets and stop harbouring our dictator's money in your Western banks. Politically, stop supporting dictators that give you our goods for next to nothing. These are the answers to Africa's problem. We don't need charity, we need the end to Western hypocrisy.
Z, London
As much as I want to see human problems tackled in this world, I find my heart sadly empty when it comes to Africa. Maybe the reason why the world has held back from more aid is that in spite of a clear humanitarian desire to help, the individual countries are seen as bottomless money pits as nothing changes in spite of aid. I send my heartfelt congratulations to Mr Blair and Mr Bush for even getting this far. I hope their efforts to improve the leadership in some African countries makes a long term difference.
Jonathan, Oswestry UK
| This debt burden has created a syndrome of cyclical poverty, misery, hopelessness |
There is no doubt that Africa is plagued with tentacles of problems one of which is the debt burden. This debt burden has created a syndrome of cyclical poverty, misery, hopelessness and feeling of doubt as to when all these will be over. Because of this there is the general feeling that Africa needs help from rich nations including debt relief. However, I agree with President Bush that he has doubts regarding how much financial incentives could benefit the masses when we have corrupt governments, no respect for the rule of law and democracy, ineffective and efficient institutional framework to regulate the use of these assistance that will come from the developed countries.
Moro Sanda, Accra, Ghana
This is a political gimmick which is of no benefit to Africa. What Africa needs is not handouts but a reform to international trade where protectionism is the order of the day. I find it hypocritical for Blair and Bush to talk about debt relief while the trade conditions will ensure that Africa will remain in the same cycle of poverty, violence and corruption. Are there any finances to manage in Africa? I don't think so. Civil Wars are rife because of abject poverty and hopelessness.
Milton, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Having lived in Africa as a child and young adult and taken interest in the continent since, my sad conclusion is that the so called Aid that is given to Africa by politicians and governments only serves the political and commercial interests of the donor states, the Aid industry and enriches the African political elites. It will do nothing for the long suffering people of Africa. In twenty years time it will be worse and billions will have be squandered.
Paul Romeril, Dublin Ireland
To see people here complain that there tax pounds or dollars are being wasted on Africa is terrible. It may sound like a cliche but we are extremely lucky here in the western world. That people are condemned from their birth to a life of poverty simply because they are born in Africa rather than Britain should weigh heavily on the conscience of us all. There is no simple solution to the problem and it cannot be achieved by simply throwing money at it. However when African states struggle to just service their interest payments the role of debt cancellation is clear. For those still not convinced and lacking a moral conscience remember that a more prosperous Africa will benefit us economically too.
Nick Butt, Greenwich, London I worked for many years as an aid worker in Africa. I love the continent, and its people. After those many years, I came to a sad and painful conclusion: the best aid is no aid.
Bilbo, Adeje, Tenerife
As a young American student, I would like to see America do more to help alleviate poverty in Africa. Not only would it help to improve our already low standing in the eyes of the world, but it would also serve our humanitarian duty as a prosperous country to help peoples less fortunate. That said, let us realize that we are all part of the same hypocrisy. So many of the problems facing modern Africa are the results of selfish European imperialism. Perhaps it is time for European nations to take responsibility for problems they created, rather than trying to clear their consciences by passing the blame onto others. Mr. Blair's commitment to African relief is laudable and much of the criticism directed against the US is admittedly deserved. But it pains me to see how America is demonized the world over for problems which it had no hand in creating.
Robert, Chicago, USA
We should really look at the main problem: overpopulation. That is the source of all problems. We have to convince people that the world can only support so many people no matter how technologically advanced, or rich the world is.
John P, Osaka, Japan
America never got anywhere by giving money away and they not going to start now. As Oxfam said, the USA's aid is a drop in the ocean, an ocean which is ever deepened by the taxes and unfair trade we and the US partake in with Africa.
Michael Burgess, Carlisle, UK
The more money that's poured into Africa the less Africa will do for itself.
Allan, Vancouver, Canada
The best way to help a hungry man is to teach him to fish and not spoon-feed him. What Africa needs from the West is technical assistance and skills training. However for the same reason that a sugar daddy will be reluctant to have his "kept concubine" start to earn a living and become independent, I doubt the West has the will to impart these skills to Africa. After all who would then be left to buy all those weapons and finished western goods that find a ready home in Africa!
Anthony Ogunfeibo, London
To those who criticise Blair for wanting to do something I say this - look at what decades of indolence has done. Africa suffers through a combination of well meaning but ill-placed aid and latent African corruption. At least Blair and Brown accept that the status quo is unacceptable. Perhaps the G8 and their respective voting publics should (finally) also realise this.
Paul Drummond, Old Rayne, Scotland
Aid is important, but aid alone is not sufficient and may even lead to dependence. The CAP, Multifibre Agreement and the mechanism of transfer pricing take much more money out of developing countries than aid brings in. Without making the world economic regime fairer, aid will not solve anything.
Gary Coe, Melbourne, Australia
The poor people of the continent of Africa deserve all of the help the industrialised nations can generously give them. However there is one major obstacle that always ensures they never get the aid intended for them... corrupt politicians and officials. Donor countries must find a way around these people who cyphon off the majority of the aid they give. Then and only then will the rest of the world give more freely. Seize this opportunity Mr Blair and bring the corrupt governments to book.
Trevor, Nairobi Kenya
India and China provide a model for what works. I suggest that education is the key to a potential work force for outsourcing. If schools could be enhanced with health care and food programmes for students, possibly economies could be built to work out of the constant need for aid. I agree that money to corrupt governments doesn't work well. The money should go the aid programmes directly.
Roy, California
Africa is in need of help from the richest country in the world. I salute Mr Blair for his efforts to support the poorest country. God bless Tony
Tizebte, Minneapolis, US
It will take brave administrations to forgive the debts. The US may be near financially broke, but the path we're going down will make us morally bankrupt unless we do something. If Bush forgives the debt I and others will re-think their negative opinion of his administration. It has to start somewhere.
Maria, Chicago, USA
The problem with aid donations is that it doesn't address the underlying problems that African nations currently face; we are talking about poor infrastructure, corrupt governments and the growing number of the population infected with AIDS/HIV, which all adds up to deepening the poverty cycle. Until someone breaks the low productivity, low investment, low wages cycle, aid is not going to make a significant long-term difference.
Sarah, London
| Any aid or debt relief should be tied to democracy, human rights and accountability |
No amount of financial aid or debt relief can save Africa. Africa needs true democracy, human rights , accountability and management of resources to overcome its problems. On the issue of debt relief, Africa could never afford to pay anyway, so it should be written off. Many African leaders are corrupt and oppressive and that would not solve the issue. Any aid or debt relief should be tied to democracy, human rights and accountability.
Nelly, Los Angeles, USA Our tax money should go towards food, shelter, and health care for the people of our own countries before we start handing it over to others, especially when involving governments as corrupt as those in Africa. I feel nothing but sadness for the people of those nations, but it isn't our place to intervene, nor our responsibility to care for them ahead of our own.
Jennifer, London
I feel that many of the commentators here are falling victim to Sachs' myth that aid doesn't work. We aren't giving taxpayer money directly to corrupt African governments but rather to a network of highly specialized NGOs, many of them local and NOT staffed by expats, that are contracted by our government to carry out development projects. Indeed, they are often expressly forbidden to give money to any local government agency. But as usual, so many Americans have cynical and reactionary opinions that are based on ignorance.
Sarah, Boston, USA
Government debt in the US is at record levels, over 40 million citizens don't have health insurance, and Africa wants more money. We should take care of ourselves first.
Timothy King, USA
The intentions are good but there is absolutely no reason to believe that another attempt of funnelling money into Africa will make one bit of good. Maybe doing the opposite (dong nothing) would help Africans more as they relied on themselves rather than others from faraway lands.
Tom, Chicago, USA
Cutting out all agriculture subsidies in the wealthy countries would help Africa more than the subsidies.
Bruce Bajema, San Rafael USA
The G8 leaders should consider the cause and effect of debt. Cancelling debt where a country is mismanaged will be ill advised. Rather than cancelling debt, the money should be put into a type of trust fund. This will allow G8 countries to manage funds where countries have suspect governments.
Tom Melrose, UK
Without democracy and accountability, further aid will be wasted. We would do far better to muster the political will to do what is necessary to stop the mass murder and rape in Darfur.
Matthew Duckworth, London, England
Yes I think aid would be helpful for Africa, but only to an extent. Often the public is not informed as to how the aid will be used. In my humble opinion, I would like to know how the money donated will be used. How much aid goes to training people to say farm, how much goes to education, medical supplies etc. However, having said that, how much of the money is handled by the local politicians who are by and large corrupt. Before I make a donation I would like to know how the last effort by Sir Bob Geldof went. I believe if it had been used effectively, there perhaps wouldn't have been such a great need today for a similar program.
Shailendra Goswami, Minneapolis, USA
Aid makes people feel good but I don't think that aid, for the most part, has done much good for Africa as a whole or in the long term. Africans (collectively) have the responsibility to save Africa, and many are doing their best. Debt relief might be helpful, but total debt relief is insane and only goes to prove that if you want to invest your money wisely, don't invest in Africa.
Pete McHugh, New York City, USA
Ok, let me get this straight. Most people want the US and the UK to get involved in with the politics of these countries in Africa and stop giving money to tyrants. But when we actually do that in Iraq we're called murders. Would go guys please makeup your minds?
Dan, NYC, USA
Cancelling of debt is not the answer. The answer as an African myself is finding out what happened to the money that has now turned into debt, as most Africans the little that was sent to these poor countries has gone to the ruling government. The same thing will happened if more money is given if those that give the money do not take the time and effort to study where the monies go to and for what. And for Bob Geldof - you should be angry with the African leaders not Bush or Blair because they cannot give any more if the money they have already given cannot be accounted for.
Jennifer, UK
Time to call in that favour, Tone. If George turns you down you'll finally see that all your support during the war was a massive waste.
Owen Clayton, Lancaster
Of course aid isn't the answer. How many times have we to throw money at Africa just to see it melt away in the sun - or into the pockets of the corrupt leaders and officials there. The only answer for Africa is to use whatever money is available to build up its infrastructure, teach and train its people to eventually make the country self-sufficient. We should then trade with it on a proper and fair basis. But this is plain commonsense and we are being led by infants who are nonetheless corrupt, so what hope is there of the right route to help Africa and other nations in turmoil ever being followed?
Judith Chisholm, London, England
Aid and Debt relief lead to the mess that currently exists in Africa now. Why would we want to continue making the same mistake.
Sean Sherburne, Edmonton, Canada
I lived in the Sudan for 8 years. Unfortunately money is not the answer. It never gets to the people who really need it. It props up corrupt regimes and goes into their Swiss accounts. It empowers them to stay longer.
J Wilson, Pasco, US
If debt is cancelled, the IMF and World Bank will lose a significant section of their revenue; this will limit their ability to contribute to other valuable development projects in poor countries in the future. Consequently it is not as desirable as some Aid Agencies make it out to be.
Mischa Balen, London, UK
It's not an answer but it's certainly better than nothing. I just hope there's not an ulterior motive behind such a gesture.
Soong, Brighton, England
It's not about subsidising countries who are too lazy to do it for themselves. It's about trying to help repair a scar on what should be the world's conscience. Does anyone seriously think that if as many Europeans were dying of Aids and extreme poverty each year as Africans we would even need a conference? The money would be there straight away. People deserve the right to life. There is a moral obligation to move heaven and earth to try and help and anyone who thinks we should stand back and do nothing is an accomplice in their deaths.
Paul, London, UK
Money should be channelled into work programs, where jobs are created for locals and infrastructure (roads, schools, waterworks) built. Giving money to African governments or relieving debt is the same as pushing money down a wild boar hole.
Chris, US
I think a better question would be is there any political will for Africa to help itself?
Mark Mercer, Denver, USA
| Sadly, debt relief and aid will not resolve the 'African problem' |
Sadly, debt relief and aid will not resolve the 'African problem'. Africa is a huge continent of many differing peoples, cultures and societies with very different problems and issues. It's extremely patronising of us to lump them all together. Blair and Brown are as naive in this as Geldof and Ure.
Avyorth, Devon I'm quite sure African people don't want to live off hand outs. The principal reasons life is hard in Africa is environmental and their governments which is nothing to do with us or the US. Great idea to help them but it's hardly our fault, the Robin Hood ethic comes into force. No need to go to work today, Mr Bush and Blair will be along soon with a big pile of cash!
Pete, Macclesfield, UK
If aid can save a single human life that it is worth it. I generally support Blair's aims, particularly fairer trade barriers. The blocking of free trade stops Africa evolving and developing because other countries provide things for cheaper because Africa is so poorly treated.
Chris Terry, Weymouth, UK
The worrying thing is that on past experience, many countries in receipt of aid end up with much of it wasted, or even misused. Why should now be any different? As for debt relief, what about the hidden costs of this to taxpayers in the West, let alone customers of the various banks and other financial institutions?
John B, Milton Keynes, UK
| If we do nothing now, how many more millions will die of Aids and poverty? |
I'm really surprised at most of the comments so far! This is a unique opportunity for 'the West' to stop being so protectionist and selfish and redistribute a small fraction of their wealth. If we do nothing now, how many more millions will die of Aids and poverty?
Peter, London, UK No it isn't. Education would go much further than money in helping this continent out. After all the money that has been thrown at these countries over the years and what has it achieved. Poverty still reigns. Sure debt relief will assist but that really is not the way to go forward as in another 20 years debt will still be a problem.
David Hankey, Great Easton, England
Yes absolutely and more. It's about time the countries that reaped enormous benefits on the backs of Africans repaid their debt. The USA was built on slave labour, the UK, France, Portugal etc. all got rich from exploiting African's and their natural resources. They can never right the atrocities they committed, so aiding Africa is the very least that they can do and the very least that they owe.
Al, USA
Quite obviously, the whole world should do more. Africa is where humanity began and is one of the two key litmus tests for the future of life and the human species. There are those who have no vision, spiritual intellect or compassion for the less fortunate and the biosphere. As Carl Jung said the future hangs on a thread and that thread is the human psyche. It is time we woke up and fast. Everything depends on the next ten years.
Cyril Novalis, New York City
For a start, both countries could stop flooding Africa with weapons.
Gary Chiles, Wellington, New Zealand
Why isn't this question asked: Can Mugabe, Mbeki, Kibaki, Museveni, etc, etc, etc do more for Africa?
Mitesh Shah, Hemel Hempstead, England
Funny, what is the first thing Blair does after the election? He goes off shore. He's not interested in dealing with the troubles his government have caused at home, he and Gordon are off to make a name for themselves on the world stage for their after government careers. Are we going to sit here and watch all our tax money be sent abroad, talk about rubbing salt in the wound?
Robert Bahrani, London, UK
Political reform must come first before debt relief.
Joe Carpenter, London, UK
Trust Bush to go for the cheap option. He clearly has learned nothing, nor cares to learn anything, about what goes on beyond America's borders.
Dave Godfrey, Swindon, UK
People say the USA/UK still have huge problems, but compared to Africa we have so much. We shouldn't use our problems as an excuse to not support others. I'm pleased that Blair and Brown are pushing other countries to help, we should be doing all we can.
Laura, Norwich, UK
It's easy and since they have cut their teeth on Afghanistan and Iraq why don't they remove the leaders from power. If we lend more money through cutting debt relief, all we will do is line the dictators' pockets. We need to remove the dictatorships and put our teams on the ground to teach the peoples how to grow produce and farm the lands.
Whenever the colonial powers leave a country, it just goes into freefall through dictatorships. Communities have to be cared for through careful and prudent governance. Geldof's way is no way. Good music and awareness of the situation, but no solution.
Chris Kisch, Milton Keynes, UK
I think Bush and Blair should do everything they can for poorer countries than themselves because their democratic position makes it easier for them and maybe they can teach the countries what can be done to improve.
David Hilton, Hudds, UK
They should do what is right and enough. That is to free the markets and if they subsidize their own farming and industries they should give corresponding tax break to those producers who are not subsidized by their state. Mind you exploited and especially imported exploited cheap labour is a government direct subsidy and must be counted as one.
Mikko Toivonen, Helsinki, Finland
The United States is running up a huge debt as it is. Between giving money away to other countries and making a $600bn commitment to Iraq for ever changing reasons, Bush is bankrupting us. No, we can't do more for Africa. We're broke. Thank Bush.
Jim, NJ, USA
I think Africa needs rich countries help, but it is not only financial help. In Africa many people are dying not only because of poverty, but because of war or other reasons. If we want to support African countries, sending money only is no good. We have to tell African countries how to use them.
We also should medical, technical support. And the most important thing is to finish the wars. In some cases we should send armies to African countries. We also should send doctors or technologists.
Osamu Suzumura, Japan
This aid is welcome but let it come with fair and attainable conditions.
Haggai, Sichalwe, Lusaka, Zambia
| Our insistence on trying to save the world is short-sighted, ill-motivated and presumptuous |
As is so often the case nowadays, people are using their stance on the Africa problem to show how much they care. Just look at all those trendy wristbands which tell everyone how compassionate you are for proof of this modern disease. Dropping the debt and throwing money have become such fashionable moral imperatives that any attempt at a proper debate are inevitably quashed.
For what it's worth, I think that if we drop the debt it will put off future investors. Our insistence on trying to save the world is short-sighted, ill-motivated and presumptuous. Some of the po-faced supporters of these schemes should look beyond their Yank-bashing and self-loathing and take some time to analyse the full facts.
Russ, Egham, UK
The key to helping Africa is for aid going to NGOs rather than corrupt politicians, but above all we (EU and USA) need to stop dumping subsidised products on African markets and fair not free trade should be emphasised as a policy.
Nick Foster, Reading, UK
| The real obstacles to our people's economic emancipation (i.e., African rulers) are gratuitously indulged at every opportunity |
As an African, I am full of anger knowing that my people have become mere pawns in this very cynical and self-serving antic of doing something for Africa - whatever this means. This is a game in which the real obstacles to our people's economic emancipation (i.e., African rulers) are gratuitously indulged at every opportunity, while our people become increasingly poorer.
I just wish that the Blairs and the Geldofs of this world would stop exploiting my people's suffering in this way. It is, after all, the case, that no impoverished African has ever asked anyone for aid. If the Blairs and the Geldofs of this world cannot join us in demanding responsible governance on our continent, I say, leave us alone; stop prolonging our suffering with these antics. Enough is enough!
UE, UK/Nigeria
As an African who spent the early part of my life in Africa, saddens me to know that we (our leaders) cannot effectively handle our finances because of corruption and mismanagement. Britain and the US should not continue to help by sending money but to teach us how we can effectively manage our finances. This is such a shame.
Abou Jalloh, African living in Durham, North Carolina, USA
After reading the numerous reports about the debt of Africa, it seems that just throwing money at is not the answer. Essentially, there have been eight times the amount of original Marshall plan swallowed up by this continent. Where has this investment in services gone? Additionally, I think Bono, Geldof and Brown are equally trying to vie for Sainthood here and I would like to know how much they have donated, considering that all three of them are millionaires.
I agree that Africa needs help, but I think whatever solutions we try to provide are squandered by corrupt officials and forgotten by absent minded charity organizations, whose only answer is, give them more money. I wish I could have my debt cancelled!
Paul, Moscow, Russia
For those that would like the US to send more money that way, be careful what you wish for. US citizens, including myself, do not believe in taxation without representation. If we send our money, we will also expect to have some influence there. If you don't want our influence, don't ask for the money.
Mike, USA
Bush is the original empty promise maker. He hasn't delivered on his promise of aid to fight the Aids epidemic because it doesn't fit his and the religious rights moral interpretation of needy people. Should they do more? Of course. Africa is the most neglected group of nations on earth. Don't know about Blair but Bush is an embarrassment and cares only for his wealthy friends. Now there is a group of people he willingly and generously helps.
Bob, Chicago, USA
The only answer to world poverty is a worldwide effort to redistribute the resources of the world fairly, and cancelling of debt to Third world countries. The people of the world are slowly realising that this is the solution to most of the issues that face the planet - the environment, over population, poverty and terrorism. It seems it's only the politicians that fail to realise this (and they are suppose to represent the people). Share and save the world.
Michael Hyndman, Wellington
Africa is indeed a dying continent that needs help, but why must America, or any other country, keep donating vast sums of money over and over again. It is obviously not the answer. I get angry when I see America donating millions and forgiving millions of dollars in debt to aide the poor in Africa when I can not get a break on medication or health care or education. I am one of America's working poor making $15,000 a year.
I work two jobs, have two degrees in both graduate and undergraduate universities and have to take a small loan out of the bank and go deeper into debt if I get sick or need to go to hospital. Why should my government which is paid by my tax dollars keep giving and forgiving billions of dollars to a continent that doesn't get better because of it while her own people are suffering?
Marie Howey, Philadelphia, USA
The UK and US have both historically benefited from pimping Africa's natural resources, land, people and minerals. This isn't aid, this is restitution and payback.
Dameon, Atlanta, GA, USA
I have no desire at all to help Africa. There are enough things that need doing in our own country. Right now I contribute to four British charities, run a youth group for disadvantaged kids, and am campaigning to prevent a business development on common land. Britain is the responsibility of Britons; Africa is the responsibility of Africans.
James Farley, UK
If Bush stopped buying up so much of the worlds weapons he might have some money left to help the poverty stricken nations of Africa.
MJA, Germany
What is plundered is gone and no measure of financial aid can relieve an erstwhile colonised country to prosperity. The only way it can benefit the Dark Continent is by taking active interest in their infrastructure development. Giving money to one warlord for the time being wouldn't help. Invest in democracy.
Varun Tandon, Calgary, Canada
Debt relief does not work. All it does is make the situation worse for every �1 we pay them they pay us �1.50. Instead of giving them more money that adds to their debt, Tony Blair and George Bush should just call off the debt. Then the money that has been put aside for debt relief in Africa can be used to solve their own problems.
Stewart, Scotland
| Blanket commitments with little or no supervision have proven to be failures |
Aid should be given where and when it will be most effective and only for carefully thought out and supervised programs with specific goals and processes which will be monitored. Blanket commitments with little or no supervision have proven to be failures only serving to line the pockets of criminals at the expense of the taxpayers in donor countries. This cannot be allowed to happen if the aid is to do much good and the donors are not to remain cynical. Donors should think with their heads and stop thinking with their hearts.
Mark, USA
Just another example of Blair attempting to earn his place in history at the taxpayers' expense. First of all it was as the saviour of democracy in Iraq but as that's failed he's looking elsewhere, as the saviour of Africa. One thing is for certain, he will never be considered as the saviour of his own country.
Trevor, Cambs, UK
Blair and Bush should be concentrating on ridding Africa of those tyrants who are destroying it. They should ensure democratic government there. We have seen the terrible atrocities taking place in Zimbabwe, which other African states and the West are ignoring. Stop paying public money, little of which feeds the starving. Most of it finds its way into the pockets of corrupt politicians who are kept in place by these hand outs.
Robert Obako, Guildford, Surrey
I don't support the long-term subsidization of countries by richer nations. It provides no incentive for the countries to maintain themselves or evolve from anything other than countries waiting to be saved by other countries. Countries don't become prosperous nations by surviving on the welfare of others.
Robert, Middlesex, UK
Debt relief will only frighten away potential investors. Who is going to provide loans when they know they will never be paid back? If I ran my personal finances like most African governments ran theirs I'd be sitting in jail courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service.
Zach Smith, Bloomington, IN, USA
| I doubt that the richer nations will want to help Africa too much
|
For some of these nations in Africa, their leaders already have huge amounts of money. What benefit would it be to throw cash to these nations when their own governments are likely to siphon of large amounts of money for their own gain? I agree with the notion of supporting governments that promote internal improvements, but sadly I doubt that the richer nations will want to help Africa too much, since then 'we' will no longer have debt as a bargaining chip when it comes to trade talks.
Michael, UK I applaud Mr Blair (and Gordon Brown) for taking the initiative. I hope the aid is properly distributed and accounted for. I would also like to see the G8 nations were to the reconstruction of African states once they are back on their feet financially.
Jean, Czech Republic
The UK and US should do nothing for Africa. We already have enough troubles without their interference.
Des Currie, Umdloti, South Africa
I think it is about time England and the US took care of their own back yards before they start giving away taxpayers' money to other countries. There are people who can't afford medical treatment or prescriptions in the US and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Britain is no better. Crime is out of control and so are morals. Mr. Blair concentrate on Britain, or what is left of it!
Ann Zuritsky, Dronfield, England
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