UN General Assembly
1996

supporting that machinery through a trust fund, which generous donors, such as Japan, are beginning to pay into. In 1974, during the special session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Bongo, using an example from nature, and according to a Gabonese maxim, stated that: “When all the animals have been fed, calm reigns over the plains. (...) When the peoples of the earth have the vital minimum and maximum of dignity to which they are entitled, peace and harmony will finally have some likelihood of reigning on earth.” (Official Records of the General Assembly, sixth special session of the General Assembly, 2210th Plenary Meeting, para. 30) Development is certainly essential to peace. I would even go as far as to say that it is an intrinsic element of peace. Although Africa has been wrestling with serious economic, social and political problems for over two decades, it is safe to say that henceforth it will vigorously and courageously undertake the reforms needed for its recovery. However, African countries can make progress in