JPRS 83662

13 June 1983

Sub-Saharan Africa Report

No. 2809

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JPRS 83662

13 June 1983

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA REPORT

No. 2809

CONTENTS

CAPE VERDE

CHAD

CONGO

GABON

Joint Communique Issued on Kaunda's Tisit

(VOZ DI P0V0; 8 Apr 83) 1

AICF Expanding Activities in Nation

(INFO TCHAD; 6 May 83) 6

ADB Reportedly Financing Large Number of Projects

(INFO TCHAD, 28 Apr 83) .• • 8

UGEST Brazzaville Denounces Student Support for GUNT

(INFO TCHAD, 5 May 83) 9

Nation Reportedly Open to Western Economic Development

(Francois Perrier; L'USOTE NOTJVEL, 5 May 83) 10

GDR Technical Assistants' Contract

(BULLETIN QUOTIDIEN DE L*ACI, 30 Apr 83). I

1*

Revolution's Future Reportedly Dependent on Self-Reliance

(ETUMBA, 23 Apr 83) 15

Premier Says Expenditures Can Be Reduced Without Affecting Budget

(L'UNION, 20 Apr 83) 17

Briefs

French Cooperation Agreement Signed 18

GHANA

Briefs

Nigeria Seizing Traders' Goods 19

- a - [III - NE & A - 120]
GUINEA-BISSAU

Report on Algerian Prime Minister's Visit

(NO PINTCHA, 2T Apr 83) 20

Saude Maria Discusses Bissau-Conarky Relations

(NO PINTCHA, 27 Apr 83) 22

Briefs ,

Competition Involves 18 'Firms ^

MADAGASCAR

Final Results of Firaxsana Elections Given

(MADAGASCAR MATIN, l6 Apr 83) 25

AKFM Strength Demonstrated in Elections

(MADAGASCAR MATIN, 28 Apr 83) ,

2T

MOZAMBIQUE

NIGER

Pragmatic Aspects of FRELIMO's Congress Viewed

(Editorial; DIARIO DE NQTICIAS, k Mar 83) 30

Portuguese-South African Discussions on Cahora Bassa Power Plant

(0 DIA, 2Q Apr 83) •

32

Briefs

Swedish Red Cross Gift 33

Private Bank To Expand • 33

Consult Requests Asylum in Portugal 33

First Portuguese Defense Attache' 33

Portuguese Teachers1 Union Cooperation 3^

Joint FrenchrNigerien Cooperation Commission Meeting

(LE SAHEL, 29 Apr-1 May 83) 35

Deficiencies in Setting Up Society of Development Revealed

(LE SAHEL, 29 Apr-1 May 83) 37

SENEGAL

PAI National Conference Reported

(TAKUSAAN, 15-17 Apr 83) 38

Peanut Marketing Campaign Good Despite Problems

(LE SOLEIL, 111 Apr 83) 39
SIERRA LEONE

English Journalist Comments on Country's Press

(WEST AFRICAN, 2 May 83) h0

SOUTH AFRICA

John Pokela Describes Robben Island Detention

(John Ayaki Pokela; SPEAR, Apr/May 83) • ^

2

TANZANIA

Briefs

Economic Sabotage Trials

ZAMBIA

Briefs

Voters Registers Extension

^7

U8

-< c
CAPE VERDE

JOINT COMMUNIQUE ISSUED ON KAUNDA'S VISIT

Praia VOZ DI POVO in Portuguese 8 Apr 83 p 3

[Text] 1. The President of the Republic of the United National Independence

Party (UNIP), His Excellency Kenneth David Kaunda, made an official visit

of friendship to the Republic of Cape Verde from April 2-5, 1983, at the

invitation of His Excellency, President of the Republic of Cape Verde and

Secretary-General of the African Party for the Indepdndence of Cape Verde

(PAICV), Aristides Maria Perelra. The Zambian President was accompanied

by his wife, Betty Kaunda.

2. President Kaunda and his delegation received an enthusiastic and warm

welcome from the people of Cape Verde, who in so doing expressed their

feelings of friendship and solidarity for the people of Zambia.

3. During his stay in Cape Verde, President Kaunda and his delegation

visited the interior of Santiago Island, where they could see the determined

efforts made by the Cape Verdean people to rebuild the nation and achieve

socio-economic development and progress.

4. The two heads of state and their delegations held talks in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and cordiality. They discussed matters of

mutual interest and issues of fundamental importance for the international

community in general and for the African continent specifically.

5. The Zambian delegation at these meetings comprised the following

officials:

1) R. C. Kamanga, president of the Political and Legal Commission of the

Central Committee.

2) Prof. L. K. H. Goma, minister of foreign affairs.

3) W. J. Phiri, special assistant to the president (political affairs).

A) J. C. M. Punabantu, special assistant to the president (press).

5) D. C. Mulaisho, special assistant to the president (economic affairs).

6) Ambassador Kalenga Kangwa, under-secretary in charge of political affairs

and international cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

7) B. Zulu, ambassador of Zambia to Cape Verde and Angola.

8) 0. R. Haambote, undersecretary attached to the president's cabinet.
6. The Cape Verdean delegation was made up of the following officials:

1) Silvino da Luz, first commander and minister of foreign affairs.

2) Olivio Pires, first commander and secretary of the National Council

of PAICV.

3) Honorio Chantre, first commander and minister of defense.

4) Manuel Delgado, advisor to the minister of foreign affairs.

5) Amarante da Rosa, chief, Department of International Organizations

Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

6) Jose Duarte, chief, Department for Africa, Asia and Oceania, Ministry

of Foreign Affairs.

7) Jose Rocha, expert, State Secretariat for Cooperation and Planning.

8) Jose Filomeno Monteiro, press attache.

7. As regards relations between Zambia and Cape Verde, the two heads of

state reaffirmed their determination to use appropriate ways and means to

further the relationship of friendship and cooperation between the two

countries and peoples. To this end, the two heads of state agreed on the

urgent need for an exchange of views and experience between the two

countries' economic experts with a view to exploring possibilities for

cooperation.

Belief in African Unity

8. In reviewing the situation in Africa, the two presidents deplored the

crises afflicting the continent and their negative impact on unity within

the OAU. They reaffirmed their belief in African unity and their

willingness to help strengthen the OAU to put into practice the principles

contained in its Charter, and particularly the principle of the complete

liberation of the African continent. They reiterated their conviction

that negotiation, mediation, conciliation and dialogue are the only

satisfactory ways to find a peaceful solution to the crises in Africa

and to restore and consolidate African unity.

Condemnation of the Policy and Practice of Apartheid

9. As regards South Africa, the two heads of state spoke out vehemently

against the policy and practice of apartheid in all its forms and

manifestations, and specifically against the oppression and discrimination

practiced against the majority of the South African people by the Pretoria

regime. They went on to express their full solidarity and support for the

struggle of the oppressed South African people and they stressed their

determination to work hand in hand for the total erradication of apartheid

and the minority regime in South Africa.

Full Solidarity with the Nambian People in their Struggle under SWAPO's

leadership

10. The two heads of state reaffirmed their full support for the struggle

for national liberation carried out by the Nambian people under the

leadership of SWAPO, their only legitimate representative. They expressed
their profound indignation at the fact thap the independence of the Nambian

people continues to be jeopardized by the intransigence of the racist

South African regime. They categorically rejected any link between the

withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola and the independence of Namibia.

They repeated their conviction that Namibia's independence should be

assurred under resolution 435 adopted by the Security Council of the

United Nations in 1978.

11. In this connection, they urged all peace- and freedom-loving countries

to join forces so that an immediate and satisfactory solution could be fpimd

to the current deadlock in the negotiations for the independence of

Namibia. They repeated their conviction that lasting peace and stability

could not be established in southern Africa until an end is put to the

illegal occupation of Namibia by South Africa and until the abominable

system of apartheid in South Africa is actually dismanteled.

12. The two presidents angrily condemned the continuous acts of political,

military and economic aggression and sabotage committed by the racist

regime of South Africa against the Front Line countries and other African

nations outside southern Africa, and especially the invasion of the

southern part of the People's Republic of Angola and the aggression and

genocide in Lesotho. They noted that these acts of undeclared war on the

part of South Africa were designed to hamper international efforts at

funding a peaceful way leading to Namibia's independence and to undermine

the efforts of neighboring countries in their struggle for the economic

liberation of South Africa.

13. On this point, President Aristides Pereira paid tribute to President

Kaunda and the Front Line countries for their sacrifices and for the

important role they continue to play in supporting liberation movements

in southern Africa and their just struggle against the last bastion of

imperialist, colonialist and racist domination in Africa.

Confirmation of the Right of the Saharan People to Self-Determination

and Independence

14. With regard to Western Sahara, the two heads of state expressed their

concern over the increased tensions in that region, which could affect

other African regions and particularly western Africa. They confirmed

the right of the Sarahan people to self-determination and independence,

under the leadership of the Polisario Front, and they urged the parties

concerned to hold a dialogue under the auspices of the OAU, in order to

find a rapid and satisfactory solution to the crisis in Western Sahara.

This could preserve African unity and the credibility of the OAU.

Middle'East: There Will Not be Peace Until the Palestinian People Can

Exercise Their Rights

15. In connection with the situation in the Middle East, the two heads

of state expressed their concern and repeated their conviction that no

just and lasting solution for the region will be found unless Israel
withdraws from all the Arab territories occupied since 1967, including

Jerusalem, and unless the PLO participates in the negotiations on an

equal footing with the other countries concerned. They reiterated their

conviction that peace will only be possible in that region when the

Palestinian people can exercise their national, inalienable rights,

including the right to establish their own state.

16. In considering the conflict between Iran and Iraq, the two heads of

state expressed their concern over the human, material, moral and political

consequences for the region in particular and for the Non-Aligned Movement

in general, and they appealed to the warring nations to show their good

will and magnanimity, and put an end of this fraticidal war.

Concern over the Unprecedented Escalation in the Arms Race

17. The two presidents expressed their concern over the unprecedented

escalation in the arms race, which today more than ever increases the

possibility of a nuclear war and threatens peace throughout the world,

while the economic and social situation in the less developed countries

continues to deteriorate. They noted that the immense human and material

resources employed in the arms race could be better used in the development process to reduce the poverty afflicting the majority of the world's

population. They repeated their conviction that international security

and peace could only be achieved with general and complete disarmament,

and especially nuclear disarmament.

International Economic Situation: Appeal for a Common, Collective Position

on the Part of Developing Countries in the North-South Dialogue

18. With regard to the international economic situation, the two

presidents expressed their concern over the worsening situation and the

negative trends that continue to have an unfavorable impact on the

economies of the. developing countries. They stressed the need to continue

the North-South dialogue as a basis for creating a New International Order

that would be more just and equitable. They called for a common,

collective position to be taken by developing countries in the North-South

dialogue and they pointed to the urgent need to further and diversify

current efforts at South-South cooperation, with a view to promoting

technical and economic cooperation among developing countries. To this

end, they repeated their support for the objectives adopted at the Seventh

Summit Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement held in New Delhi, India,

7-11 March, 1983.

Regional Cooperation: Support for and Adherence to the Principle as a

Basis for an African Economic Community

19. As regards regional cooperation in Africa, the two heads of state

reaffirmed their support for and adherence to the principle of regional

cooperation as a basis for an African Economic Community, as provided
for in the Lagos Action Plan. In this regard, they noted the progress

that has been made by regional African groups, and especially the PTA and

ECOWAS. They agreed to intensify their efforts to achieve the goals and

objectives of the Lagos Action Plan for the economic development of Africa.

20. During discussions on regional cooperation, the two presidents

expressed their concern over the continuous process of desertification on

the African continent, and especially the Sahara region. However, they

expressed their satisfaction over the active role that the Intergovernmental Committee for Drought Control in the Sahara (CILSS) has been playing

under the leadership of His Excellency Aristides Pereira in helping to

control the drought and make themembers self-sufficient in food. In

this regard, President Kaunda congratulated President Pereira on the

dynamic and effective work he had successfully accomplished as president

of the Conference of Heads of the CILSS. The two chiefs of state stressed

the importance of the official visit to Cape Verde of President Kenneth

Kaunda and President Aristides Pereira's visit to Zambia in February

1982, and they expressed the firm conviction that these visits strengthened

and cemented the excellent relations between the two countries, the two

parties, the two governments and the two nations. They stated that these

visits should be made at all levels, including at the party level.

Increase of Contacts between the UNIP and the PAICV

22. In this connection, the two presidents decided to strengthen and

increase contacts between the United National Independence Party (UNIP)

of Zambia and the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV).

President Kaunda accordingly addressed an invitation to the PAICV and to

the Cape Verde government to send delegations at different levels to

Zambia. The two presidents expressed their satisfaction and pleasure at

the important role that the two parties, UNIP and PAICV, had played and

continue to play in the struggle against imperialism, colonialism, the

degradation of man, neocolonialisms racism and other forms of oppression

in Africa.

23. Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, president of the Republic of Zambia,

expressed his complete satisfaction at the results of his visit to Cape

Verde. He expressed his profound gratitude to Mr. Aristides Maria Pereira,

president of the Republic of Cape Verde and secretary-general of the PAICV,

to the government and the friendly people of Cape Verde for the warm and

brotherly welcome and generous hospitality accorded him and his wife,

Betty Kaunda, and his delegation, in the* best African tradition, during

their stay in Cape Verde.

9805

CSO: 3442/221
CHAD

AICF EXPANDING ACTIVITIES IN NATION

Ndjamena INFO TCHAD in French 6 May 83 pp 11-12

[Excerpts] Guy Dupasquier, secretary general of the International

Association Against Hunger (AICF) arrived in Ndjamena Monday, to take

account of the work done by that philantropic organization in our country.

AICF, which opened its doors in Ndjamena last year, became operational

the end of June by taking an active part in the "food transport" operation

into the interior of the country. Mr Dupasquier, who met Joseph Yodeyman,

minister of plan and reconstruction, yesterday morning, will continue

his talks with the authorities. This morning he is to go to Mongo where

an AICF subbranch is installed. Although no statement has been made on

future AICF projects in our country, it is possible that this association

may extend its activity and prolong its stay in Chad.

Some 16 kilometers from the small city of Bitkine, on the road to Melfi,

Moukoulou, a village of 1,500 inhabitants lost at the foot of the Guera

chain, does not escape the punishing sun which pitilessly bombards plants

and men. It is in this locality that AICF decided to build a well. For

this population, which like all those of the region, struggles for its

survival, such an offer is an unhoped for godsend. AICF understood this.

It undertook the construction and improvement of 20 wells in some 20

villages of the Mongo and Bitkine subprefectures. In these regions where

there are serious water supply problems, since February, AICF has put

into operation an assistance program in which WFP and OXFAM are participating.

The objective: to find a solution to the lack of water in the villages

most affected by the drought, by giving technical support to the villagers

who have decided to sink hew wells, and providing them with supplementary

food aid. This project has mobilized a large number of villagers.

AICF, which does not leave Paris with preconceived ideas and schemes

outlined on the bank of the Seine, uses a very simple technique:

it listens to the people speak of their likes, their needs, their wishes

and proposes to help them when they themselves have clearly expressed

their needs and made the decision to act first. Thus, when large

quantities of foodstuffs were stockpiled in Ndjamena, their transport into

the interior of the country presented a crucial problem. The starving

populations are waiting for these foodstuffs, which would save them from

dying. The authorities exerted considerable effort, but the means were
lacking. The government obviously needed support. AICF proposed its

services. Having obtained from the French ministry of cooperation and

development three trucks and two trailers, which were added to the four

trucks available from the start, it intensified its participation in the

WFP foodstuff distribution operations until the time when, at the request

of the state, it undertook the transport of French food aid to the Guera,

Batha, Biltine, Kanem and Lac prefectures.

This operation will be carried out In two stages. Fearing that the roads

will be closed during the rainy season, AICF will first carry out this

distribution operation in the Batha, Biltine and Guera prefectures, regions

which are inaccessible starting in July. Only later starting in June, will

shipments to Kanem and Lac, which can be serviced throughout the year, be

undertaken.

But if the routing of food aid remains the association's priority activity

for at least some months longer, AICF is also committed to expanding its

action. It wishes to go beyond simple emergency actions in order to

intervene more deeply in the field of development aid.

In the same way as in these two broad lines of action, AICF's help was not

lacking when it was necessary. It was the association which, among others,

planned the transport of the repatriates who wished to come back to their

region of origin when more than 10,000 Chadians living in Nigeria were

expelled from that country in January, thus placing the Ndjamena

authorities in a difficult situation. Thanks to a subsidy from the

European Economic Community (EEC), it even purchased foodstuffs intended

for the most deprived social classes of the population and which the

"MSF" (Doctors Without Frontiers) association endeavored to take over.

(ATP [CHADIAN PRESS AGENCY])

9434

CSO: 3419/899
CHAD

ADB REPORTEDLY FINANCING LARGE NUMBER OF PROJECTS

Ndjamena INFO TCHAD in French 28 Apr 83 p 1

[Text] Since Monday, Pierre Moussa, administrator of the African Development Bank (ADB), has been in Ndjamena where he will make a certain number

of contacts with the Chadian authorities. He told the CHADIAN PRESS AGENCY

that he came to Ndjamena with a very full program. The ADB is indeed

ready to grant Chad financing on a broad scale for the implementation of

a large number of projects.

ADB's priority project in Chad is the rebuilding of the Ndjamena international airport. "We want to restore everything that has to do with

civil aeronautics in Chad," Pierre Moussa stated. ADB will also intervene

in many other fields. It will take part in the development of the Lake

Chad polders, for which a package of 2 billion CFA francs was granted.

You will also note, among the projects of interest to ADB, the financing

of electricity for Ndjamena, the training and retraining of the STEE

[Chadian Electrical Energy Company] executives, the improvement of our

capital's sanitation.

ADB is also ready to take part in the opening of a reconstruction bank and

in the setting up of a Chadian financing fund; this institution, moreover,

envisages bringing technical assistance to small and middle-size firms

in Chad. From the same bank, our country could get emergency aid for

restoring Posts and Telecommunications, opening an agricultural bank

and financing and developing the :Chadian oil refinery. (ATP [CHADIAN

PRESS AGENCY])

9434

CSO: 3419/899
CHAD

UGEST BRAZZAVILLE DENOUNCES STUDENT SUPPORT FOR GUNT

Ndjamena INFO TCHAD in French 5 May 83 p 3

[Excerpts] A letter and a motion of support have revealed attempts at the

infiltration of Chadian student circles in Brazzaville. Taking it upon

themselves to speak in the name of the General Union of Chadian Students

and Trainees, a group of students sent to Bardal a letter, pompously

described as a "manifesto," in which they express the so-called support of

the Chadian students in Brazzaville for the stateless persons assembled

within the phantasmal GUNT [Traditional National Union Government].

This letter of allegiance evidently cannot be the work of responsible

students. Only persons led astray by the power of money can produce such

meanness. The reaction of UGEST/Brazzaville, which sent a letter of

denial to the Chadian Government, speaks for itself in this sense. This

association not only does not acknowledge sponsorship of this much vaunted

manifesto, but also emphasizes that by its statute it cannot take sides.

The aim of such an association, while defending the interests of the

students, is to awaken minds to the true problems confronting the country,

to reflect on the country's future and to make its contribution through

positive proposals.

The matter of the Brazzaville students' manifesto can make us think about

the attempts to manipulate Chadian students. The latter should bear in

mind that they have an important responsibility in the resurgence of a

national and nationalistic spirit. They should begin by transcending

the pettiness which has brought several years of instability to Chad.

(ATP [CHADIAN PRESS AGENCY]).

9h3h

CSO: 3419/899
CONGO

NATION REPORTEDLY OPEN TO WESTERN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Paris L'USINE NOUVEL in French 5 May 83 pp 167-169

/Article by Francois Perrier: "Congo, The Awakening of a Market"/

/Excerpts/ Realism dictates: The People's Republic of the Congo

is opening itself once more to the Western economies and reinvests

its off-shore oil revenues for the development of its territory.

French firms are already involved in the provision of the infrastructure. But in other fields everything still remains to be

done.

How much does France have to gain from the about 600 billion CFA francs earmarked

for equipment in the Congo's 5-year plan? A diplomat estimates it at 75 percent.

In fact French public works companies have begun to cut hundreds of kilometers of

roadway in the bush, to level runways for heavy freight aircraft, to lay tracks in

the swamps. The People's Republic of the Congo is reinvesting its off-shore oil

revenues for the development of its territory.

Since the 5-year plan started up 2 years ago, the country has once again offered

trade opportunities. And it is well on the way to becoming a proper trade partner.

That is no small event because, since gaining independence in 1960, this former

French colony has virtually been closed to the Western economies. The brief presidency of Father Fulbert Youlou was followed by 15 years of uncompromising Marxism,

during which time China, the USSR, Cuba and the Eastern countries were the only ones

to collaborate with the young people's republic.

In 1979, when Col Denis Sassou-Nguesso, the present head of state, came to power,

he found an economy in ruins. Even now the road network is so badly neglected that

it took 8 days of driving for the Paris-Dakar crew to cross the country, and caveins happen all the time on the railroad track linking Brazzaville with the coast.

The productivity of the state enterprises is disastrous. The example of the Nkayi

sugar factory may serve to illustrate the breakdown. In 1968, its record year,

the factory produced 100,000 tons of cane sugar; 10 years later the output was less

than 5,000 tons. Even now the Congo needs to import sugar for human consumption,

because the refineries were closed down in 1977!

This dramatic situation has compelled the regime to relax its economic policy.

French technicians have replaced the Cuban cooperators, the code of investments has

10
been revised and once again authorizes the establishment of foreign companies, and

Pierre Moussa, minister of plan, went to Paris to assure the National Council of

French Employers that his country was indeed open to international cooperation.

German Sugar Harvesters and Trailers Constructed in Epernay

This new liberalism, married to official Marxist dogmatism that is constantly reaffirmed despite everything, translates into a disconcerting cocktail and appears even

odder in the atmosphere of a Black African obedient child: The high school is dedicated to Marx, the barracks to Allende or Che Guevara, but last month the last

Soviet citizens left the dispiriting buildings of the Cosmos Hotel that the Frantel

chain is going to redevelop. The yard of the new PLM /expansion unknown/ is operating opposite the "Palace of the People" nearing completion by the Chinese workforce.

The fighter aircrafts are Migs (90 percent of military training personnel were themselves trained in the USSR), and militia men armed with Kalashnikovs accompany visitors to the factories. But the tractors at Nkayi are American, the sugar harvesters

German and the trailers were constructed in Epernay.

"The People's Republic of the Congo is one of the few African countries to behave

almost irreproachably with regard to civil rights," a French diplomat assures us.

And for the past 2 years all the banners, songs and slogans have emphasized the

country's great project: The realization of the ambitious 5-year plan. This proram, involving 1,100 billion CFA francs, spread from 1981-1986, carries the hopes

of the entire population. While it is essentially consecrated to the opening up of

the country, it must also finance vital equipment. At Ouesso, at the northern border, the opening of a modest hydrocarbon deposit is to resolve at one and the same

time the issue of water supplies, cuts in the telephone service and the shortage of

motor fuel. The river, the only access from Brazzaville, is actually impassable in

the dry season, and the absence of storage capacities makes some weeks very difficult.

The success of the plan largely depends on the evolution of world oil prices. The

fiscal receipts for off-shore oil in fact provide two thirds of the Congo's finances.

In 1982 4.5 million tons were produced. The beginning of operations at the wells

of Yanga Marine and Senji gives rise to the hope of 6 million in 1984 (see UNITED

NATIONS No 10, p 60). But this possible development depends on the tax rate charged

by the Congolese Government.

At the beginning of the year the Brazzaville authorities were taxing on a basis of

$31 per barrel a gross market price of $27 or 28. Negotiations are being pursued

between the two companies Elf Congo and Agip—the Italian company represents a

third of output—on the one hand and the Congolese Government on the other. But the

two parties have only a slim margin for maneuver. Insistence on unduly high taxes

would lead to a drop in production, though neither side has an interest in this happening. Elf now needs to amortize heavy investments carried out in recent years.

And the government cannot hold back without peril the plan to which it is committed.

Traces of Uranium Discovered in the Ouesso Region

Nor can the government underestimate the training effect of Elf Congo's operation on

the total national economy. The company's investments have required the installation

11
of a logistic platform covering 15 hectares at the harbor of Pointe-Noire. And closs

by, the shipyard of Bouygues is constructing offshore platform jackets that are subsequently supplied to all oilfields in the Gulf of Guinea. Elf Congo employs about

1,000 people and devotes 18 million hours per annum to training. "That means 10 percent of working hours," indicates Bernard Druneau, manager of the training center;

"we are training a generation of Congolese technicians in primary maintenance."

In the past 2 years the company has spent 40 billion CFA francs on exploration.

The pursuit of that effort will depend on the new fiscal terms. In particular with

regard to the Emerald deposit. Congolese territorial waters actually contain the

most important deposits handled by the Elf group worldwide: 592 million tons confirmed, located only 200-450 meters down, under 70 meters of water. But the fractured schistous formations do not yield more than 3 percent of their resources. The

oil men had to strew the ocean with more than 30 platforms on 12 square km of coastline to arrive at that mediocre result. The will therefore inject the deposit with

500 tons of steam daily, at 200-250 C, to liquefy the oil and dilate the pool strata

This technique has had appreciable results in homogeneous sandy formations but has

never yet been tried in similar geological conditions. The company must invest

Fr 490 million in this pilot scheme Emerald—steam, that is to go into operation in

1984. But at the present tax rates, the extra work involved in the exploitation

would make the operation profitable only if oil prices were around $40 per barrel.

The Congolese Government also expects Elf to carry on other industrial operations.

To begin with by developing natural gas resources. Arthur Martel, director general

of Elf Congo, confirms that "the deposits are large but the gasholders poor and

closed down. To justify the establishing of a liquefying unit, 100 billion cubic

meters output would be required. We are nowhere near even half that volume. On the

other hand, we are now studying the setting up of a production unit for urea and

methane, because that would require less gas."

Elf technicians have also been running the Pointe-Noire refinery since December

1982. It had not operated since 1972, the date when work began. And for 10 years

the Congo imported gasoline and fuel, although the wells are only a few kilometers

from the refinery installations!

Also on behalf of Elf, the Compagnie Generale de Geophysique is going over the Duck

Beak area of the Ouesso region with a fine magnetic toothcomb, because traces of

uranium were found there.

While petroleum now allows the Congo to escape from stagnation, its rulers are preoccupied with preparing for the post-petroleum era. "It is the aim of the plan to

bring in energy and communications so as to permit activities to take off," explains

Pierre Moussa. "Even if the decline in oil prices should require us to cut the program, we will not sacrifice our break-out, because it is vital for our future."

At Ouesso, Colas Congo is now constructing a runway capable of accommodating Boeing

737's. The city expects even greater results from the Brazzaville-Ouesso road, construction of which has also begun. The latter is an operation by Dueler from

Mirande (Gers), and the first section from Owando to Ouesso has already been hacked

12
out, 310 kilometers across the bush; 4 rivers were crossed by bridges 120-140 meters

long, and 10 kilometers have been metaled. The construction yard employs 380,

about 40 of whom are expatriates. The excavators had to be transported by river.

"The road and the shoulders will have to be able to cope with heavy logging truck

traffic," explains Jean-Louis Gaucher, the technical director. In fact the future

road will serve as the spinal column of the entire country. The logs now floated

to Brazzaville by river will be conveyed by road.

Lumber, the Second Resource of the Congo

"The forest represents our real and inexhaustible wealth," Pierre Moussa points out.

The government is pressuring Elf Congo to invest in forestry. This diversification

of the oil companies is very much an element of the present negotiations.

Arthur Martel replies that "we know about oil refining. Lumber is not within our

scope." Still, Elf is involved in a research company that is studying the feasibility of a pulp manufacturing plant to be established on the coast. Already

10,000 hectares of eucalyptus trees have been planted in the coastal swamps, on poor

soil unsuitable for farming. The authorities are counting on the yields of these

clones that have a great deal of ligneous productivity and on the perfect uniformity

of that lumber to supply a cellulose pulp factory operating for export and with a

capacity likely to achieve 250,000 tons.

With a gross production of 600,000 cubic meters of logs, lumber is the second resource of the Congo. The country's exceptional forestry potential would deserve

substantial development. Pierre Moussa is looking for partners. He is making no

secret of that fact.

A Congolese proverb says "fish follow the current." The business world has begun to

respond: It is almost impossible to find a hotel room in Brazzaville, and each

evening the lounges of the Meridien are transformed into dormitories.

French firms have carried off tenders for most of the major infrastruetural construction projects. They are also largely represented in the oil business.

In Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire people wear Bata shoes and drink Kronenbourg beer.

But neither Renault nor Peugeot can get beyond the asphalted roads of the capital.

In the other departments everything still needs to be done. It would be a pity to

miss out on the Congolese awakening.

11698

CSO: 3419/933

13
CONGO

GDR TECHNICAL ASSISTANTS' CONTRACT

Brazzaville BULLETIN QUOTIDIEN DE L'ACI in French 30 Apr 83 p 3

/Article: "Cooperation Between the GDR and the Congo^V

/Text/ Brazzaville, 30 April—A. cooperation agreement was signed yesterday

£29 April/ in the__conference room of the Ministry of Cooperation by the government of the GDR /German Democratic Republic/ and the government of the RPC

/People's Republic of the Congo/. The two governments were represented,

respectively, by comrade Gerd Reicherdt, charge d'affaires of the GDR Embassy

in the People's Republic of the Congo, and comrade Wilson Abel Ndessabeka,

secretary general of the Congolese Ministry of Cooperation.

This agreement covers the assignment of persons engaged in cooperation activity.

It provides that four persons will be sent by the GDR to the Congo.

These persons will provide their services in the Ministries of National Education

(as an expert adviser in pedagogy) and Public Health and Social Affairs (as

specialists in general medicine). Two other experts will serve in the Ministry

of Industry and Fishing as management and planning advisers.

This contract was prepared in the framework of the scientific and technical

cooperation agreement which was signed by the two governments on 3 December 1982

in Berlin, covering the years 1983 and 1984. The German experts will have a

tour of duty in the Congo of 24 months.

5170

CSO: 3419/883

ih
CONGO

REVOLUTION'S FUTURE REPORTEDLY DEPENDENT ON SELF-RELIANCE

Brazzaville ETUMBA in French No 693, 23 Apr 83 pp 1, 2

/Article: "Increasing Productivity and Strictness in Management^/

/Text/ During the sessions of the Third Extraordinary Congress of the Congolese

Labor Party (PCT) an in-depth analysis showed that our country has considerable

advantages in the social and economic area. These advantages allow us to

perceive real possibilities for national liberation, the prelude to the

building of the socialist society to which we aspire. This led those attending

the party congress to define a revolutionary strategy which represents a clear

break with the international capitalist division of labor. The strategy thus

adopted is a strategy of development aimed at refocusing our national economy,

which has previously been directed to foreign markets and controlled by financial

capital interests.

Between the sessions of the Third Extraordinary Congress and the 12th Session

of the Central Committee of the PCT, which is now being held, we covered a lot

of ground. While still keeping in mind the pertinent analyses presented at the

congress and the strategy adopted on that solemn occasion, we prepared the

1982-86 Five-Year Plan which we are now implementing.

The time has come for an evaluation showing what our capacity is to implement

the plan. The Central Committee meeting now in session has undertaken this

effort without any sense of complacency. Avoiding any anticipation of the

findings and the directives that might be approved by the Central Committee,

the speech by President Denis Sassou-Nguesso at the opening ceremony sounded

the alert in two areas:

—first, the turbulent aspects of the international situation and the

constraints imposed by the world economic situation. These are factors which,

taken together, constitute an objective reality which we must face up to and

deal with in the implementation of our plan;

—elsewhere, the recovery plans applied by our state enterprises have not

produced the results that we counted on: 30 billion CFA francs have been lost!

Whether we are talking about the plan or recovery in our state enterprises,

what is involved is the same thing: the future of the revolution and the

15
welfare of our people. We have no other recourse than to rely on our own

strength. There is where the human factor always comes up, the key question

of discipline and enthusiasm in our work, of revolutionary commitment and an

acute sense of duty to the masses of the people. "Today we need, more than

ever, to march along our path with our ranks close together, so that we will

be able to emerge from this period of turbulence without too much damage."

We have to increase our efforts in terms of productive work and strictness in

management.

5170

CSO: 3419/883

16
GABON

PREMIER SAYS EXPENDITURES CAN BE REDUCED WITHOUT AFFECTING BUDGET

Libreville L*UNION in French 20 Apr 83 pp 1, 4

/Excerpt/ Mr Leon Mebiame, prime minister and head of state, officially

opened the first regular annual session at the Congress Building of the 12 March

city yesterday before the 93 delegates, the government members present in the

capital, those of appointed bodies, the heads of diplomatic missions assigned .

to Libreville and the group "Kounabeli."

The first and the second speaker noted each in his turn that the last three

month break between sessions had not destroyed the elected representatives'

contact with each other or with affairs of state.

But this was not the essential part of the two speeches made yesterday at

12 March because Mr Augustin Boumah and Mr Leon Mebiame both spoke of the

negative effects of the worldwide economic crisis on Gabon's economy. It was

the second time that the prime minister had spoken of Gabon's economic situation

following the devaluation of the franc and the drop in oil prices decided on

by OPEC, of which Gabon is a member.

However, Mr Leon Mebiame said that we could reduce our expenditures without

necessarily affecting the budget by seeking greater productivity in our

resources and administration, especially by giving free rein to competition

with the creation of administrative markets and by commissioning studies from

the professional study bureau, etc.

"How much could our budgetary revenues be increased," the prime minister

wondered, "if price controls were more successful in achieving their goal."

In the final analysis, Mr Leon Mebiame affirmed, the government will correct

what is correctible, but this will require a climate of conscientiousness,

confidence and frank cooperation, he added. With this in mind, the cooperation

of the National Assembly was once again promised him yesterday by the president

Augustin Boumah.

Let us note that a planning session takes place today to decide on the subjects

chosen for discussion during this session. It will certainly involve legislatives

bills and ordinances, either proposed by the government or drawn up by the

National Assembly.

9825

CSO: 3419/886

17
GABON

BRIEFS

FRENCH COOPERATION AGREEMENT SIGNED—An economic and financial cooperation

agreement was signed in Paris yesterday by the French minister of cooperation

and development, Mr Christian Nucci and the Gabonese minister of state,

minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mr Martin Bongo. This cooperation

agreement, signed while the great mixed French-Gabonese commission is being

held in Paris, doesn't include any commitment to specific figures. It renews

the cooperation between the two countries governed by the 1974 agreement, while

taking into consideration the evolution of the economic and financial situations

of the two countries and the necessity of developing Gabon^ The mixed

commission should complete its work this afternoon. /Text/ /Libreville

L'UNION in French 15 Apr 83 p 1/ 9825

CSO: 3419/886

18
GHANA

BRIEFS

NIGERIA SEIZING TRADERS' GOODS--Ghanaian traders returning from Nigeria face

the bleak prospect of losing their goods. This is because Nigerian customs

officials at the Murtala Airport in Lagos have begun seizing goods including

textiles and other essential commodities. Ghanaian traders interviewed at

the Kotoka International Airport on their return told newsmen that in some

cases only half a piece of cloth is allowed. All commodities like soap,

toothpaste, mackerel, biscuits, and food items are confiscated. A GNA [GHANA

NEWS AGENCY] report from Lagos has confirmed that since the exercise began

early last week the hardest hit are Ghanaian traders who shuttle between

Accra and Lagos. [Text] [AB232215 Accra Domestic Service in English 2000 GMT

23 May 83]

CSO: 3400/1452

19
GUINEA-BISSAU

REPORT ON ALGERIAN PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT

Bissau NO PINTCHA in Portuguese 27 Apr 83 p 4

[^Text] Questions of cooperation between Guinea-Bissau and Algeria and the next

OAU summit meeting, to take place in June in Addis Ababa, were the principal

issues taken up with our government officials during the recent 24-hour visit

to our country by Algerian Prime Minister Ben Ahmed Abdelghani. The prime

minister brought a message from President Chadlis Bendjedid to Joao Bernardo

Vieira (Nino), his Guinea-Bissau counterpart.

"This is my first visit of this kind to your country, within the framework of

the traditional relations that have always existed between Algeria and GuineaBissau. We had the opportunity to take an accounting of the status of bilateral

relations and to study ways to expand and dynamize that cooperation," the

Algerian prime minister said, in a press conference with national and foreign

newsmen shortly before he left Bissau for Cape Verde.

"This visit is particularly important in that it is taking place less than 2

months before the next OAU summit meeting. Hence it is timely to express

ideas, exchange opinions and define positions," added the leader of the Algerian

delegation.

Asked about the basic objectives of the recent meeting (26 February) between

Chadli Bendjedid and King Hassan II of Morocco, Abdelghani stressed! "The

basic purpose of the resumption of relations between Morocco and Algeria was to

assist Morocco and the Western Sahara to arrive at just solutions to the conflict between the two countries, to bring about self-determination and independence for the Saharan people."

During his visit to Bissau, the Algerian leader met with Comrade Joao Bernardo

Vieira (Nino), secretary general of the PAIGC and president of the CR [.Revolutionary Council]. The prime minister invited Comrade Victor Saude Maria, his

Guinean counterpart, to pay a goodwill visit to his country; the date will be

duly announced through diplomatic channels. The Algerian leader also placed a

floral wreath at the tomb of Amilcar Cabral, in Amara.

Regarding bilateral relations, it was stressed in a joint communique following

the meeting that the two prime ministers reaffirmed the need to maintain and

strengthen cooperation between Algeria and Guinea-Bissau in all areas, on the

basis of respect for their interests and mutual advantage. They noted with

satisfaction the climate of brotherhood, solidarity and friendship that has

always characterised relations between the two countries.

20
Examining the international situation, Comrade Victor Saude Maria Poised

the recent positive development of relations among the countries of the Magreb.

The two parties also noted with satisfaction the decision by the Committee of

12, in Nairobe in February, to hold a summit meeting of OAU chiefs of state and

government this June in Addis Ababa.

Also regarding the OAU, the two delegation leaders reiterated their firm determination to preserve the OAU, which is seen as the most suitable means to

achieve the total and definitive decolonization of Africa and to outline the

policies for cooperation on a continental scale, which will strengthen the

solidarity and independence of the African countries.

Saude Maria and Abdelghani voiced their conviction that, with regard to the

situation prevailing in the northeast of Africa, the resolutions to come out of the

Addis Ababa summit will provide a suitable framework to bring an end to the

conflict between Morocco and the POLISARIO Front.

Negotiation by the concerned parties, the Saharan peoples' right to free expression of their chosen future and recognition of their inalienable right to

Klf-ie?ermination and independence are the elements that could permit a just

ana lastS solution to this problem, which is a legacy from the colonial rule,

according to the two chiefs of government.

Also according to the joint communique, the two parties appealed to the intersteadtast assignee to tL SuS «rlcan prople in struggle against oppression,

SloitationÜÄ-, as »all as the Front Line countries in thetr reststance to Pretoria's aggression.

v.- „ t-v,* ci t-iiarion in the Middle East, the Guinea-Bissau and Algerian

eTeg o^re udSris^s Zionist regime an^reaffirmed their support

for the just struggle of the Palestinian people, led by the PLO.

, , i„„ Hne^,,««^ th«* international economic situation, namely the

The two leaders also d^"8?

6

?^/^ reoercussions on developing countries, worsening world economic crisis and its repercussions ^«

seriously jeopardizing thiir reconstruction efforts.

*r aXr^^r^m^£=s ^sSÄeirls

solidar Wandcooperation/faetors «Men eould be instrumental in „itigattng

the erfeetsTf theTnternational erisis and asserting their eollecttve tndependence.

i • „^„„„h AfT-iCa,, should proceed

IrSÄ^Ä SAe'e'lrineipAn aiÄrfon.*'

6362

CSOs 3442/230

21
GUINEA-BISSAU

SAUDE MARIA DISCUSSES BISSAU-CONAKRY DELATIONS

Bissau NO PINTCHA in Portuguese 27 Apr 83 p 4

[Text] Comrade Victor Saude Maria, prime minister of Guinea-Bissau, called

relations between our country and the People's Revolutionary Republic of Guinea

an example of the achievement of the desired South-South cooperation.

The prime minister was speaking to newsmen yesterday afternoon before departing

for Conakry on a 4-day visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Lamana

Beavogui. In support of his statement;, Saude Maria noted that there are Gumean

cadres in our country "who are making an active contribution" in various socioeconomic sectors "without making great financial demands on our government and

working as if they were in their own country."

This fact is, in the words of Comrade Saude Maria, quite significant, since it

a practical example of the possibility of achieving the desired South-South

cooperation between poor countries by exploiting the real potential at the

disposal of our continent.

According to Maria, a member of the PAIGC Political Bureau and vice president ^

of the Revolutionary Council [CR], the general tendency of most African countries

is to turn to the industrialized world, although Africa has great potential

which could be very well exploited in certain sectors.

According to the official, this potential, in addition to adding more income

to the scarce resources of our countries, also permits the much-mentioned

cooperation among the underdeveloped countries, with the best use of that real

potential. "The example of our Guinean comrades, whose work we much appreciate, is proof that this cooperation is possible and could contribute greatly

to strengthening our [relations] and developing our countries," Maria stressed.

Referring to his 4-day visit to Conakry at the head of an important party and

government delegation, Saude Maria said it is within the framework of regular

contacts between our parties and states, which were intensified after 14 Novem

berj President Bernardo Vieira has recently been paying regular visits to that

country.

The vice president of the CR declared that our people still remember the role

played by the brother people of Guinea-Conakry, in the person of their eminent

leader, President Ahmed Sekou Toure, during our struggle for national liberation.

Guinea-Conakry was a secure rear guard for the PAIGC combatants and directly

suffered the effects of that war.

22
The cooperation initiated following Guinea-Bissau's independence (cooperation

which Saude Maria said is "going well" and "received new impetus after 14

November," when it «Vas decided to maintain high-level contacts") is proof of

the determination of the two governments to strengthen their bonds of friendship

and expand cooperation to a wide variety of sectors of common interest.

It is in this context that Guinean cadres are cooperating in the areas of health,

rural development, natural resources, public works and education, and our technicians^ working together in the execution of the project for the exploitation of the Rio Coliba/ Corubal, of great importance not only to the hydroelectric sector but to agriculture and ranching.

Boundary Problem

Questioned about the maritime boundaries between the two countries, our prime

minister reported that discussion of this issue is going well and that the visit

by ComradeTansana Beavogui, his Guinean counterpart, to Bissau last December

enabled the two countries to address the problem; at this time, things are

going well" and "in the interest of the two countries and peoples. The matter

will later be closely examined by the competent ministries.

agreed"Jit it would be discussed by the Grand Joint Commission, which was

scheduled to meet in March.

The mission also took up the need to establish trade between the two countries?

the trade program was also examined by the Special Commission, and the two

parties determined to combine their efforts to this end.

Bissau and Conakry have also discussed the possibility of the joint exploitation

8

natural resources, as well as the signing of a judicial accord, with

on the agenda of the proceedings between the two aeJ-egacion» *eu y

tive prime ministers.

6362

CSOi 3442/230

23
GUINEA-BISSAU

BRIEFS

COMPETITION INVOLVES 18 FIRMS— A total of 18 civil construction firms,

including 4 Portuguese companies, were pre-qualified to bid on the construction of the new Bissau port and 4 other ports in the northern and southern

areas of the country; the project is expected to cost a total of $48.5 million, or about 4.8 billion escudos. The Portuguese companies (SOMACO, SOMEC,

J. J. Bento Pedroso and Soares da Costa) are competing against subsidiaries

of French, English, Dutch, Norwegian, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian and U. S.

firms. Financing for this extensive undertaking, considered the costliest in

the country to-date, is assured by the World Bank, Arab Bank for the Development of African Countries, Kuwaiti Fund, Saudi Arabian Fund and OPEC nations.

[Text] [Lisbon TEMPO in Portuguese 5 May 83 p 30] 8568

CSO: 3442/233

2k
MADAGASCAR

FINAL RESULTS OF FIRAISANA ELECTIONS GIVEN

Antananarivo MADAGASCAR MATIN in French 16 Apr 83 pp 1, 3

[Text] Passions have somewhat subsided today in the aftermath of the 13

April elections on that Wednesday which will remain blazoned in our memories

as a day which gave birth to so many exciting new developments it would be

pointless to enumerate them. We have amply and explicitly covered this last

election in our many commentaries. However, the "historic coalition"

between AKFM [Congress Party for Malagasy Independence] and AREMA [Vanguard

of the Malagasy Revolution], which was so successful, could well stand a

fresh look in another context. Will these two groups always stay in tandem?

Or will this alliance—which is at the same time both natural and unnaturalremain an exception to the rule? In all events, it must be recognized that

without this marriage, the task of managing the majority of firaisana in

Antananarivo would have been rendered infinitely more difficult, and the

community as a whole would undoubtedly have been the big loser.

Here, then, are the final results from the 13 April elections in the

Fivondronana of the capital; the names of the presidents of the executive

committees (presicomex) in the six firaisana, and the make-up of the said

committees.

Firaisana I: Presicomex: Randriamihäsinoro E. Samuel (AKFM). Executive

committee: 5 AKFM and 4 AREMA.

Firaisana II: Presicomex: Randriamanjara Justin (AFKM). Executive

committee: 5 AKFM and 4 AREMA.

Firaisana III: Presicomex: Ranoarison Eusebe (AFKM). Executive committee:

5 AKFM, 3 AREMA and 1 MRM [Militants for the Establishment of a Proletarian

Regime].

Firaisana IV: Presicomex: Rabemanantsoa Paul (AREMA). Executive committee:

4 AKFM and 5 AREMA. It should be noted that this is the only firaisana where

the president's party was in the majority in the 3 April round of voting,

by a narrow margin over AKFM. As agreed, therefore, the AREMA candidate

enjoyed massive support from his alliance "partner." We understand that

the inhabitants of that firaisana greeted the election of Mr Rabemanantsoa

Paul with great relief.

25
Firaisana V: Presicomex: Randrianaly Georges (AKFM). Executive Committee:

5 AKFM and 4 AREMA.

Firaisana VI: Presicomex: Rasoloarimanana Justin (AKFM). Executive

Committee: 6 AKFM and 3 AREMA.

Everyone agrees that these figures mean the AKFM is going to capture the

fivondronana of Antananarivo. If it gets as many votes on 24 April, in

the people's council elections in the fivondronana,•the AKFM will be able

to make due without the "services" from the mass of AREMA voters. And it

may well have the presidency of the capital fivondronana handed to it on a

silver platter.

In fact, Pastor Andriamanjato's party now has 280 electoral delegates

(grands electeurs) in all, compared to 71 for MFM, 25 for VITM

[People's Movement for National Unity] and 45 for MONIMA K. [National

Movement for the Independence of Madagascar-K]. This lead will be increased

further in the upcoming elections for the VIP's, the presidents of the

people's councils and the fivondronana executive committee. Only AREMA5

with its 180 Antananarivan electoral delegates can stop

this irresistible momentum of AKFM. Also it is conceivable that at the

higher level of the VIP's, the two abovementioned revolutionary organizations

might show their sense of generosity if not fair play toward the other

three parties by giving them a few seats. Such a gesture would certainly

be appreciated by the voters in the capital.

9516

CSO: 3419/858

26
MADAGASCAR

AKFM STRENGTH DEMONSTRATED IN ELECTIONS

Antananarivo MADAGASCAR MATIN in French 28 Apr 83 pp 1, 2

[Text] There were substantial indications, even before the elections for

the fivondronana [administrative units] people's councils, that the

Malagasy capital would end up headed by the AKFM [Congress Party for

Malagasy Independence]; now we must acknowledge that this has indeed come

to pass. If we put such emphasis on the fivondronana of Antananarivo, it

is primarily because it was given so much attention by all the political

parties in the Front. To summarize, if we add the number of seats

obtained by AKFM (19) and the firaisana presidencies it captures (5),

bearing in mind that those firaisana [district] presidents are statutory

members of the people's council, we get a total of 24 seats or electoral

delegates (grands electeurs). It will be recalled that AREMA [Vanguard of

the Malagasy Revolution] won 12 seats Sunday and one firaisana executive

committee presidency (presicomex), MONIMA-K [National Movement for the

Indepencence of Madagascar-K] won 3, MFM [Militants for the Establishment

of a Proletarian Regime] 6, VITM [People's Movement For National Unity] 2,

for a total of 24. The name of the game now is to see whether it will be

"every man for himself" in the upcoming election of the membership of the

executive committees of the fivondronana of Antananarivo.

If the four other parties do not come to an understanding—as is feared—

there is nothing to prevent AKFM from reaching the goal it has been working

to achieve since 27 February, the date of the initial VIP elections:

winning the fivondronana Of the capital.

No one gave Pastor Andriamanjato's party much chance of emerging the winner

in Antananarivo. It must be conceded, of course, that AKFM could not have

won without AREMA, which cleared the way for its victory in the fivondronana.

Indeed, without AREMA's support in the 13 April round of voting, the

"Colombe" could not have flown so high. But one question remains: will

AREMA get its piece of the "pie" in the allocation of seats on the executive

committee, whose presidency at this point seems locked up by Mrs Bao

Andriamanjato?

However, the situation in the other region is different from the situation

in Antananarivo. One might say without exaggeration that the president's

party is virtually the law in nearly all the fivondronana. And the results

27
posted yesterday at the Coupole confirm what we say. Out of the 1,193

seats to be filled, 929 are in the hands of AREMA. The relative standing

of the other parties remains unchanged, except for the fact that MFM is now

in the number two position. We would also note that Maharanga's VSM

[MONIMA Socialist Group] has not yet succeeded in electing a single

people's councillor, and that UDECMA [Malagasy Christian Democratic Union]

seems content with its lone seat. Moreover, it is astonishing that we have

so far received the results from only 67 of the country's 110 fivondronanas.

And we can only congratulate the faritany of Antsiranana, which dispatched

its results to the ministry of interior in record time.

In that faritany, where only four revolutionary organizations fielded

candidates for the fivondronana people's councils, 171 seats were at

stake: AREMA took 140, followed by AKFM with 13, VITM with 11 and MFM

with 7. In the fivondronana of Sambava AREMA decisively beat AKFM, its

only opponent, by a 28-seat margin. On the other hand, the margins were

less onesided in Antsiranana I and Nosy-Be; in the other areas the

performance of the three other parties was less impressive. In that same

province, none of the electoral delegates of the three fivondronanas of

Antsiranana I, Ambilobe and Nosy-Be, failed to cast their vote. This shows

a sense of responsibility one would like to see demonstrated elsewhere.

Complete Results in the Faritany of Antsiranana

Number of seats and percentage obtained by each party.

Fivondronana AREMA AKFM VITM MFM

Antsiranana I 5 _ 5 2

Antsiranana II 11 1 0 2

Ambanja 18 - - 3

Ambilobe 14 1 1 -

Andapa 21 1 - -

Antalaha 16 5 1 -

Nosy-Be 7 1 4 -

Sambava 30 2 - -

Vohemar 18 2 - -

TOTAL 140 13 11 7

81.87% 7.60% 6.43% 4.10%

28
Faritany AREMA AKFM VITM MFM MONIMA K.

Antananarivo 180 88 18 27 5

Ansiranana 140 13 11 7 -

Fianarantsoa 128 11 10 13 1

Mahajanga 132 4 11 5 —

Toamasina 211 9 11 10 —

Toliary 137 2 2 4 2

VSM UDECMA

TOTAL 928 127 63 66

9516

CSO: 3419/858

29
MOZAMBIQUE

PRAGMATIC ASPECTS OF FRELIMO'S CONGRESS VIEWED

Lisbon DIARIO DE NOTICIAS in Portuguese 4 Mar 83 p 2

[Editorial] [Text] Are short and average term changes to be expected

for Mozambique in the course of decisions issuing from the Fourth FRELIMO

Congress which has just taken place in Maputo? Let it be said that all

the inferences which can be immediately drawn are not too accurate. For

two different reasons; first, because of the very nature of the regime,

with its laws and regulations, largely closed to foreign curiosity; then,

because of the scanty information to which the Portuguese organs of Social

Communication have have had access, a phenomenon which must nut be unrelated

to the absence of the ANOP correspondent in the Mozambican capital, expelled

for reasons which have not been clarified.

But only in the light of available elements does it become possible to

perceive the main priorities which those in charge have in mind. One of the

conclusions of the congress indicates the need to stimulate the private sector,

especially in the fields of industry and agriculture, since it constitutes an

important source of ample food supply. Strengthening the economy,

predominantly the state economy, in fact, constitutes one of the goals to be

achieved as soon as possible and as quickly as possible because of the

gravity of the present situation.

Moreover, the Fourth Frelimo Congress was, so to speak, limited to

authorizing a series of guidelines which the political system has already

put into practice. Some observers pointed out, as apropos, that the Maputo

government seems little concerned with the theoretical contradictions

arising from the fact of a Marxist government's opting for a liberal economic

model. The denationalization of some companies, opening up to foreign

investments for large projects, as well as the proposal to set up mixedcompanies, are certainly proof of an indisputable pragmatism which guided a

project geared toward revamping production.

This new offensive is aimed at coping with a crisis situation which a

prolonged drought has intensified, and is also seeking to eradicate the

centers of discontent evident in some sectors of the population, in a state

of present poverty and which the Mozambican rebel movement has tried to

capitalize on in their favor.

30
Six years after the Third Congress, the first one held after independence,

FRELIMO has a variety of tasks which constitute an undeniable challenge

to its organizational ability. It surely was not by chance that this last big

assembly took place under the motto: "Defend the fatherland, overcome underdevelopment, build socialism," since the mandate of the proposals is not

arbitrary.

8870

CSO: 3442/226

31
MOZAMBIQUE

PORTUGUESE-SOUTH AFRICAN DISCUSSIONS ON CAHORA BASSA POWER PLANT

Lisbon 0 DIA in Portuguese 20 Apr 83 p 4

[Text] According to diplimatic sources, a Portuguese technical mission

in Pretoria (South Africa) yesterday began consultations aimed at finding

solutions to problems concerning the operation of the Cahora Bassa lines.

Almost all the energy produced by the Cahora Bassa central power plant in

Mozambique is sold to South Africa, but the operation is very irregular

because of the frequent attacks on the transportation lines which are 1,500

kilometers long.

The attacks, especially the destruction of towers, are committed by the

National Resistance Movement anti-FRELIMO rebels who, Mozambican authorities

allege, receive material support from South Africa.

For every idle day of the lines—which have their terminal in the Apollo

exchange near Johannesburg—-Portugal, a major shareholder of the Cahora Bassa

power plant, suffers a loss of 10,000 contos.

The Portuguese mission, which is in Pretoria, is heady by Castro Fontes,

administrative chairman of the Cahora Bassa plant and we know that

conversations were agreed upon between the authorities of both countries.

According to sources>the conversations have a preliminary character, probably

intended to clear the way for others on a higher level of decisionmaking.

Portugal has also asked South Africa for an agreement with the view to

establishing new tariffs for the energy supplied at the Apollo exchange,

but their aspirations did not reckon with South African authorities'

significant openmindedness to the idea»

The position which Portugal holds in the Cahora Bassa power plant stock

amounts to about 82 percent and it is the Portuguese treasury which

was taken care of the taxes with the amortization of the voluminous credits

which have financed the construction of the dam.

8870

CSO: 3442/226

32
MOZAMBIQUE

BRIEFS

SWEDISH RED CROSS GIFT—The Swedish Red Cross recently gave the Mozambique

Red Cross two Mercedes ambulances. This is the second time that the Swedish

Red Cross has presented the same model ambulances to its Mozambican counterpart.

[Text] [Maputo NOTICIAS in Portuguese 27 Apr 83 p 2] 8870

PRIVATE BANK TO EXPAND—According to information from ANOP [Portuguese News

Agency], citing Maputo banking sources, the Totta Mozambique Standard

Bank, the nation's only private one, may soon see its field of action

expanded to operations heretofore forbidden it. The authorities seem well

disposed to the bank shareholders' demands with a view to activating its

activities. Since 1975 the bank was been forbidden to engage in operations

involving foreign money and has also not been permitted any involvement in

foreign trade. [Text] [Lisbon 0 JORNAL in Portuguese 29 Apr 83 p 28]

CONSUL REQUESTS ASYLUM IN PORTUGAL—The Mozambican consul, Francisco Victorino

Eatricio, who late in January had been sent to Maputo, escorted by an

SNASPE [National People's Security Service] agent, is now in Lisbon where

he has requested political asylum. During the months he spent in

Mozambique, Vitorino Patricio was subjected to all kinds of pressure to

extract from him a complete written report on his activity in the Portuguese

capital since the Mozambican ambassador Ataide fled to Paris. Despite the

vigalance maintained on him and doubtless taking advantage of the knowledge

acquired during his previous work in airport offices, he succeeded in

boarding with a ticket under a false name, on a Mozambican air transport

plane and arriving undetected in Lisbon. Because of the kindness and

graciousness with which he listened to the various requests. Vitorion won

many friends among all those seeking consular services. He is now waiting

for the Portuguese authorities to pass judgment on his requests for

political asylum. Also awaiting a reply to the same request is Dr Ismael

Sulemane, who was head of staff at the Maputo Military Hospital and who is

now in Lisbon since the end of 1982. [Text] [Lisbon 0 DIA in Portuguese 22

Apr 83 p 1] 8870

FIRST PORTUGUESE DEFENSE ATTACHE—Eduardo Velasco arrived in Maputo on a

familiarization tour in preparation for his definitive transfer contingent

on the solving of such problems as housing. The "agreement" on his

nomination was given last November, after the proper Mozambican authorities

33
had recommended that Portugal accredit a military attache in the country.

Military cooperation between Mozambique and Portugal, described in the

April 1982 agreement, has developed slowly, particularly because of the

lack of financial support. When in October 1982 the Mozambican minister of

defense visited Portugal, he was asked to open a 5.6 million contos line

of credit, but there are no indications that he had already achieved an

agreement. The line of credit is intended to finance importations of

military material and logistics support for the Mozambican Armed Forces

during the next 5 years. There is now in Maputo a Portuguese military

engineering mission headed by Major Pinto Soares and which is working on the

initiation of new military quarters. [Text] [Porto 0 PRIMEIRO DE JANEIRO

in Portuguese 18 Apr 83 p 5] 8870

PORTUGUESE TEACHERS' UNION COOPERATION—-Portuguese teachers' unions, particularly the one in Greater Lisbon, and the National Organization of Mozambican

Teachers, early this week are going to initiate a forceful cooperation

agreement the purpose of which is.to safeguard the independence of each of the

present systems in their respective countries, to improve the teacher

situation in Mozambique and Portugal and the quality of teaching given

in their respective schools. The unions' international relations Section

of the recently formed federation is going to devote itself to the study of

school failure (as statistics clearly show that in Portugal 500,000 youth

fail in their studies annually) the same occurring in Mozambique, according

to the national overall picture; on another subject, it mentions that the

organizations' signatories of the agreement will strive to maintain an

active international solidarity, although it is believed that, in the

near future, Portugal may have more to give than to receive, with its obvious

concern to give only that which is requested, and never more than that.

Lisbon and Maputo, at the unions and ONP [National Teachers Organization]

level, are diligently going to exchange delegations and insist on

correspondence exchange. The agreement is to be signed on Tuesday, to take

advantage of the presence of the ONP delegation which is attending the

Teachers' Congress and is composed of Manuel Araujo and Mose Mabote,

concluding, however, long standing negotiations and beginning with documents

which, somewhat significant, were proposed by Maputo. [Text] [Lisbon

EXPRESSO in Portuguese 30 Apr 83 p 24] 8870

CSO: 3442/226

3U
NIGER

JOINT FRENCH-NIGERIEN COOPERATION COMMISSION MEETING

Niamey LE SAHEL in French 29 Apr-1 May 83 pp 3, 4

[Excerpts] The 18th session of the joint French-Wigerien Cooperation

Commission began yesterday afternoon in Niamey. For the present, the

discussions are taking place at the experts' level.

The opening of the session was chaired by Sandi Yacouba, secretary general

of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and head of the Nigerien

delegation. The French delegation is led by Christian Joudiou, director

of development projects of the French Ministry of Cooperation and

Development.

The opening, which took place in the conference room of the "Understanding

House," included two brief speeches, one by Sandi Yacouba and the other

by Christian Joudiou.

In his speech, Sandi Yacouba first welcomed the French delegation to Niger.

He said: "As we receive your delegation, we have the strong feeling of

receiving representatives of a country that is a friend of Niger, a

country with which we have many imperishable historical ties."

He added: "My country places a high value on France's aid to its

economic and social development. It realizes the sacrifices it has made

and praises its efforts to promote in the international arena the concept

of greater fairness in international economic relations among nations,

and the concept of active solidarity between developed and developing

countries."

Speaking about the current session of the joing commission, Sandi Yacouba,

who is the senior official for all Niger's joint commissions, said that

the session gives the two sides the opportunity to define our cooperation,

that is to review the basic factors, identify the inadequacies and

positive aspects in the implementation of the decisions of the previous

session, propose ways and means to remedy these inadequacies, explore

new fields for activity, and in the process outline the prospects in light

of this thorough and objective examination.

35
In conclusion, the secretary general said that the Nigerien delegation is

approaching the session's work in the spirit of receptiveness and outgoing

friendship that has always characterized the discussions in our important

commission.

In reply to Sandi Yacouba, Christian Joudiou thanked the Nigerien

officials and leaders for their welcome. He also stated that the joint

commission session would give the two sides the opportunity to review a

number of cooperation projects.

Christian Joudiou also mentioned the topic of the seminars that have

been held in Zinder and Maradi, noting that their importance has been

appreciated by the lenders and also by French aid officials.

In conclusion, Christian Joudiou said that France's concern in the framework of our cooperation is always to improve the operation of French

technical assistance.

9920

CSO: 3419/889

36
NIGER

DEFICIENCIES IN SETTING UP SOCIETY OF DEVELOPMENT REVEALED

Niamey LE SAHEL in French 29 Apr - 1 May 83 p 4

[Text] The prefect of Tahoua, Maj Tandja Mamadou, returned Wednesday to

the capital town of his department after a 3-day tour of the northern

part of Tahoua District. This information and educational tour took

him to three important places in the area visited. During his tour, the

prefect found the people mobilized and ready for the task of national

construction. However, in the course of Prefect Tandja's discussion with

representatives of the socio-professional associations a number of

deficiencies became apparent. It was concluded that some members of the

committee for establishment of the Development Corporation have not

assumed their role very effectively. An educational campaign will thus

be necessary when the Development Corporation enters its active phase.

Maj Tandja Mamadou, during his tour, spoke to the people visited about

several topics, including the rural exodus, performing work with order

and discipline, and peaceful cooperation between breeders and

farmers. He also visited dispensaries and medical stations in the area,

and a market-gardening enterprise. He also devoted attention during his

tour to the problem of deforestation in the area. In this connection,

he made a point of persuading people not to cut down trees unnecessarily.

9920

CSO: 3419/889

37
SENEGAL

PAI NATIONAL CONFERENCE REPORTED

Dakar TAKUSAAN in French 15-17 Apr 83 p 5

[Text] A national conference of the PAI [African Independence Party] was held

on 3 April 1983 at the House of. the People in Guediawaye, under the chairmanship

of Comrade Secretary-General Balla Ndiaye. After listening to the report of

Comrade President Majhmout Diop, which was faithful to the teachings of

scientific socialism and in conformity with the decisions of the 29th plenum

of its central committee held on 10 January 1982, the PAI voiced satisfaction

at having participated fully and completely in the legislative and presidential

elections of 27 February 1983.

After the imposing ceremonies marking the 25th anniversary of the party and the

holding of the 3rd extraordinary congress, these elections were for the PAI

a privileged occasion to strengthen the party and its organization, and further

to disseminate the ideas of Marxism among the toiling masses and give vigorous

impulse to the unity of the patriotic forces.

The national conference of the API analyzed in depth and in relation to Leninist

goals the different activities conducted by the party before and during the

electoral campaign. It examined in a lucid way the lessons of this rich

revolutionary experience and outlined the new perspectives which are being

offered to the working class and to the toiling masses of the country for the

Momsareew, and the Defarsareew...

The national conference considers with satisfaction that with the candidacy of

Comrade Majhmout Diop, a Marxist party is being presented for the first time

in presidential elections in black Africa, and that it is worth saluting this

event as a good illustration of the advancement of the ideas of the great Karl

Marx on our continent, ideas for which Majhmout Diop is precisely one of the

first and most solid standard-bearer,

...Considering that the sordid campaign of calumnies directed particularly

against Comrade Majhmout Diop which are emanating both—a normal convergence—

from neocolonialist circles and pseudo-Marxist circles—is actually aimed at

this tireless and incorruptible revolutionary leader and through him at the

PAI...

The national conference encourages the political executive secretariat (SEPO)

in the work undertaken in unification.and to persist at the opposition level

in frustrating the anti-democratic moves of the PS [Socialist Party] and the

anti-popular measures which it (the PS) is preparing against the workers.

6108 38

CSO: 31H9/821
SENEGAL

PEANUT MARKETING CAMPAIGN GOOD DESPITE PROBLEMS

Dakar LE SOLEIL in French 14 Apr 83 p 3

[Text] Eight-hundred-thousand tons of peanuts were sold for the 1982-83

agricultural campaign by 31 March, the official date of closing of sales. They

represent a value of 53,439,013,442 francs. This is considered a good result.

It is much higher than that of the last campaign of 1981-82, which was

687,737, but still far from the record of 1976, which was 1,412,000 tons.

A tendency of the peasants to start selling at the beginning of the campaign

was noted. This tendency had two negative consequences. Excessive deposits

at the cooperatives and especially an inadequacy of financing, which generated

speculation in warehouse receipts. Despite this hitch, parallel selling was

weak.

Once they are gathered, the peanuts must be shipped to the oil plants of the

SEIB [Baol Electric and Industrial Company], or the S0NAC0S [National Company

for the Marketing of Oil Seeds of Senegal]. The situation is not very

satisfactory. It varies, nevertheless, from one zone to another. In the SEIB

zone, that is, the Diourbel region and the Department of Linguere, the pace

is normal. If it is maintained, shipments will be completed before the end

of May. Out of the 100,000 tons to be moved, 60,000, or 60 percent, had already

been shipped by 6 April, at a rate of 700 to 800 tons daily. The excessive rate

of rejects must be deplored, however. It was fixed at 2.3 percent, whereas it

was 1.70 percent last year for this zone.

For the SONACOS zone, or, in other words the rest of the country, the situation

is likewise normal for Cap-Vert, Louga, Thies, the Sine-Saloum, and eastern

Senegal. More than half the stocks have already been shipped. In Casamance,

on the other hand, it is less than half—42,000 tons compared to 90,699. This

situation is all the more worrisome because Casamance is along with Eastern

Senegal, the region where it rains earlier. But the very old stock of vehicles

consists of 143 small trucks and 18 large ones. This does not make the shipment

of the nuts possible before the first rains. SONACOS also took protective

measures, namely mobilization of 40 trucks of the Union of Cooperatives and 15 of

private shippers. Furthermore, the quota of the decorticating center of Kolda

was raised and two new collection centers were created at Ziguinchor and Bigona.

Finally several large cooperatives are going to be covered with a tarpaulin.

6108

CSO: 3419/821

39
SIERRA LEONE

ENGLISH JOURNALIST COMMENTS ON COUNTRY'S PRESS

London WEST AFRICAN in English No 3429, 2 May 83 pp 1057-1058

[Text] EDITORS OF Sierra Leone's independent

newspapers have formed the "Guild of

Editors", an association that plans to

operate alongside the Sierra Leone Association ofJournalists (SLAJ) (West Africa,

April 25).

The president of the Guild, Mr. I. B.

Kargbo, who holds a degree from the

University of Sierra Leone, is quoted as

saying in his post-election speech in

Freetown, that he would do all in his power

to ensure that respectability is restored to

the independent newspapers. As a team,

he said, all editors should fight not only to

maintain the free press, but also to introduce a new sense of responsibility. He

maintained that the Guild is not an opposition group, but a partner to government in

its national development.

This is the second attempt, in recent

years, by independent newspapers to

establish an association. The first was in

1973, when a group of journalists of the

print media and stringers established the

Sierra Leone Newspaper Union ofJournalists with Bruno Grant of the defunct The

Nation as president of a 12-man executive.

The union was, however, short-lived as it

was overshadowed by the Sierra Leone

Association of Journalists.

Sierra Leone's press scene has suddenly

witnessed a proliferation of''newspapers'

within the last two years, in spite of the

enactment of the "killer" Press Bill of

1980, which in practice has still not come

into force. There are at present, the

long-established Daily Mail which is controlled by government; the ruling party

newspaper We Yone which has not been

published for the past eight months and no

less than 11 independent newspapers —

the Flash, Oracle, Globe, Progress, Advocate, Watch, Panorama, Sabanoh, Voice,

New Shaft and The National, with a talk of

a 12th to be shortly established, i.e. The

Citizen. All of them are based in Freetown.

Of all the independent newspapers in

Sierra Leone's contemporary press scene,

,it would appear that only one. The Progress,- which unfortunately ran into problems recently with the article on the Liberian Head of State, has a definite purpose

and direction. The Progress, which is

weekly, is more or less a hard-core sports

news sheet, which also carries local and

world news briefs as well as entertainment

columns. Its regular column, "Out of the

Bag" features light-hearted briefs on important people and happenings in the local

community.

A good many of the other independent

news sheets appear to be preoccupied with

the exposure of corruption, mismanagement of public funds and other ills in the

society. Altogether, they seem to be doing

a worthwhile job in that they act as a

mirror for government as well as a watchdog for the public. Some of the views

expressed in them could be said to reflect

the views of the masses on certain issues.

Nevertheless, looking at the standard of

these news sheets, both in appearance and

content, one may be tempted to suggest

that rather than the proliferation of newspapers, it would be better for some editors

to come together to establish three or four

good national and regional newspapers

each with its own style and purpose.

Most of the independent papers are

published very irregularly because of printing and other problems; the layout of many

is uniformly bad, few have anything to offer

in the way of news, and across the board,

many of them lack professionalism, literary

style and elegance in the use of language.

1+0
There is not enough.serious ariarysfs,cömment and interpretation coming out of

them. The reason for this type of unprofessionalism exhibited by-Sierra Leone's new

breed of newspaper editors can be attributed to the fact that a good many of them

have had no formal training nor experience

in journalism before venturing on their

own as "editors", in many cases as oneman proprietor and editor. There is no

school of journalism in the country; opportunities for training abroad is very limited,

and there is, indeed, a limit to the number

of personnel that can be employed arid

trained on the job in the two established

papers — We Yone and Daily Mail, and in

the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The Däly Mail and We Yone are themselves experiencing considerable difficulties in the press scene.

The country's only daily, the Daily Mail,

can no longer be said to be daily, since for

quite a while, it has been published very

irregularly. This paper normally publishes

the Government Information Services version of the daily news bulletin already

broadcast about six times altogether on

both radio and television, a usually very

well thought-out editorial in its opinion

column, occasional features on world and

local issues, world news briefs and few

advertisements and public notices including the popular "In Memoriam". The

outside back page carries almost exclusively sports news.

The Daily Mail, which is the oldest

surviving newspaper in Sierra Leone seems

to have lost its grit of yester-years. Presently controlled and funded by government,

and in spite of the injection of sophisticated printing machines from Italy and a

graduate editor of considerable experience

in the field of journalism, serving as both

acting managing director and editor, the

paper seems to lack journalistic prowess

and finesse of similar government national

dailies like The Daily Times of Nigeria.

The acting managing director and editor

who is working against the odds to keep

the paper alive, once told this correspondent that the problem is finance. His

predecessors had left huge debts, with very

little funds to attract trained journalists

and paid columnists. With the rising cost of

overheads and distribution problems, it

may be difficult for the paper to regain its

past image and without help may fold up.

"The We Yone, the bi-weekly of the

present government, has been off the

news-stands since November last year. The

problem? The We Yone press at Fort

Street, which houses the old and faithful

Lino printing machines, was thrown-out of

its premises by the landlady, who wanted

to convert the flat for her private use. The

machines have since been out in the cold.

Adjustments- are currently being made to

the We Yone's new permanent home at

Brookfields to house the "ejected" printing machines. From all indications, and as

confirmed by Sam Metzger, the paper

which had built-up a formidable reputation

as Sierra Leone's No. 1 newspaper, should

resume publication shortly.

Indeed, a few attempts have been made

by government over the last three years to

implement the controversial Newspaper

Amendment Act of 1980 which from al!

intents and purposes is seen as a deliberate

weapon to weed out a good many of the

independent news sheets. The Bill requires

that proprietors of newspapers should register, their papers with the''Ministry of

Information with an accompanying registration fee of Le2,000, renewable after

payment of a further fee of Lei,000

annually.

The Bill empowers the Minister of Information and Broadcasting to refuse to

register, or renew registration of a newspaper, or cancel or suspend a registration

already granted.

A six-man committee under the chairmanship of QC Mr. Johnny Smythe, was

subsequently set-up to look at the various

applications for registration and to make

recommendations in the light of the provisions of the Act.

According to reliable sources, five newspapers were eventually recommended for

registration and sent to State House for

approval. This approval is still being

awaited, but it is doubtful whether the

APC government would want to enforce

this act with all its provisions and ramifications. In spite of the relatively poor standard of newspaper journalism in the country, the press is admittedly doing a yeoman's job. With the establishment of the

Guild of Newspaper Editors and the

accompanying promise of its president to

restore a sense of responsibility and respectability to the independent press, it is

hoped that several papers will eventually

merge, and that sanity will return to Sierra

Leone's press scene.

Indeed, a press, particularly if it is free,

as it relatively is in Sierra Leone, can help

to chart the destiny of a nation. The

memories of the press in the mid-'60s

must still be fresh in the minds of many

adult Sierra Leoneans. for it was through

the free press of the mid-'60s that the

APC Party was able to tilt public opinion in

its favour, and to become the first opposition party in contemporary Africa to win a

general election through the ballot box.

Why can't we have history repeated?

CSO: 3400/1457 1+1
SOUTH AFRICA

JOHN POKELA DESCRIBES ROBBEN ISLAND DETENTION

Ikeja SPEAR in English Apr/May 83 pp 15, 16, 26

[interview with John AyaM Potela,chairman of Pan African Congress of AnZania,

by Tam Fiofori in Johannesburg]

[Text] THE struggle against apartheid in South Africa is as

old as colonialism in Africa. This was is not a rnatter

of preference, but one of priority for the preservation of

the dignity of the blackman

Even the early Zulus

commanded by King Chaka

resolutely challenged the invading white depredators

and met their incursion

with ferocious determination: The cost bravely to a

superior force, and can b.\

forgiven. The ongoing struggle for the restoration of

majority rule in Smith

Africa wiJl inevitably see

the arrogant and ruthless

racist suffer defeat.

This month, we are revising

the South Africa racist enclave:

the battle lines, life in the.nototorious Robben Island prison

and the -men and who have

kept the» torch of freedom

burning. What follows is a report of interview with lead as

of the liberation movements

in Southern Africa.

BATTLE HOTS UP

The battle against apartheid

in South Africa itself has escalated to the alarm and frustration ofthe racist minority white

regime. * -

The military wings of the

ANC and P.A.C. (Pan Africanist

"Congress~of Azania) have persistently Hit key targets with

accuracy and efficiency. In December 1982 the ANC effectively struck on nuclear installations^ In Tanzania, newspapers

warned all Frontline countries

to be vigilant and on the lookout for retaliatory raids on

i'iem.

The headquarters of the

O.A.U. Liberation Committee is

in Tanzania and most of the

liberation movements of Southern Africa have their strongest representation there. "The

leaders and planners of these

liberation movements know that

1983 looks like another tense

year in the battle against racist

repression in their countries in

Southern Africa. The battle lines

as before, are clearly drawn.

For three.days in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, another battle was staged against racise

repression in southern Africa.

k2
This was in the form of a sanctions workshops and semjnar

organised by NACAP, the Nigerian Anti:

Apartheid Movement,

as end-of-year activities in 1982,

the year that the United Nations

had designated as 'Year of Mobilisation of Sanctions Against

South Africa.'

Opened by the Vice-Pre si dent/

Dr. Ekwueme, the workshop was

well attended by the top architects of the world and African

battle against the racist policies

of the minority white^regirrie of

south Africa, Alhaji Maitama

Sule, Nigeria's Ambassador to

the United Nations and Chair1

man of the U.N. Special Committee on Apartheid, Sam Nujoma,

President of SWAPO, Professor

Magubane of the ANC,. Mr./

John Nyati Pokela, Chairman of

PAC, Ambassadors from Tanzania, Angola, Zimbabwe, antiapartheid movement in England,

University community; the Nigerian Labour Congress, and observers actively participated in the

important workshop. , .

LIBERATION MOVEMENTS

The ANC and the PAC are

the two main liberation.movements in South Africa, and both

of them are officially and

equally recognised by the O.A.U.

Liberation Committee, and bilaterally as well by many countries in the world, Nigeria included. Hence the presence of

both movements at the Jos

workshop.

Both movements benefit

from all the material, financial,

educational,'diplomatic and political aid xNigeria .offers all the

liberation ftiovements in' Southern Africa. The ANC, is the

oldest äntf somehow parent.

movement.' Jts prominent leaders have included Chief Albert

Luthuli and Nelson Mandela.

Mandela is the originator

of the 'Mandela Plan,' a plan

of all-front action, which is

still the conersone of ANC's

policy.' Nelson has been held

in detention for over twenty

years by the racist white minority regime Of South Africa.

He is at the infamous Robben

Island.

The PAC, was formed on

the 6th April, 1959. Its beginnings can be traced to the ANC

in 1943 when the ANC Youth

Wing was formed. By 1948 there

was a chapter of this wing at

Fort Hare University, and the

-student-members included J. N.

Pokela, Robert Mugabe, M. Sobukwe.

Bu the fifties, there had

emerged two factions, the Africanists with their, Pan African

vision, and the others. It was

these Africanists who left, and

formed the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (S.A.) in 1959.

.Their current Chairman is 62

year old John Nyati Pokela.

who has been in the politics of

liberation for nearly forty years

now.

, ROßBEN ISLAND

He was imprisoned at. Robben

Island for thirteen years, and

he' was there with, Mandela,

Namibian leaders, and other

ANC and PÄC activits who had

. been abducted by the racist

regime. As a true nationalist

freedom fighter, Pokela insists

that observers and potential

sympathisers and aid-donors

should see the similarities in the

ANC and PAC, rather than emphasise the differences. For one

thin, they both know they have

a common enemy, and they are

both victims of. the ruthless racist repression of the enemy. In

an interview in Jos, Pokela

talked about life on Robben Is-,

land.

Mangaliso Sobukwe, the later

leader of the PAC, commented,

M
"We are witnesses today of cold

and calculated brutality and bestiality, the desperate attempt of a dying generation to remain "in

power. We also see,a new spirit

of determination,a quiet confidence, the determination of a

people to be free whatever the

cost."

It is this determination that

shines through in the courage

of the many freedom fjghters

in the face of racist repression

in Southern Africa.

A.. ". ...I met Mandela

and Susuli on Robben Island,

and in the thirteen yearsI was

on Robben IslandI discussed

the question of unity wity Mandela. When I arrived, he said he

had discussed it with leaders of

the PAC like Mothopeng who is

still in prison, and other PAC

members, and they felt that

unity was the only thing. In

1976 Mandela andI personally

as individuals, that we should

tell the organisations outside to

work towardsa common actionand agreernent,"

Q.: Why were you sentenced to Robben Island?'

A.: ". . . I was sentenced

for saboutage. WhenI arrived

in prison over 640 were members of the PAC, and over 400 of

them had been convicted of saboutage. I was charged with

attempting to derail the Blue

Train. The Blue Train, moves

between Johannesburg and Cape

Town and carried ohly whites

wen we made the attempt. We

had already lessened the bofts

of the rails. Secondly,I was

charged with attackinga police

station in Kingdom's town, and

one of our men was caught on

top of the roof."

Q.: .-,. .-. What kind of trail

did you get?

DOUBLE TRAIL

A.: ". . . . I went to Basutoland when it was still under

the British in 1963. ThereI was

charged under the 'Prevention of

Violence Abroad Act,' which

was formulated by the British

in Lesotho. Under this law, ifa

person who wasa South African

we caught planning to try to

overthrow South Africa, he was

charged." I was therefore charged in

Lesotho in 1965 for trying to

organise and train people to go

and attack Squth Africa. Then I

won the case in court. But the

enemy felt that I was guilty even

though I had been acquitted. So,

they kidnapped me Lesotho in

1966, and was placed in detention for eight months."

Many times, I was kept in

dark rooms, left there hungry

and tortued. Then I was ultimately charged under saboutage;

for attempting to- blow the

Blue Train arid attempt to destroy a police station. In June

1967, I was convicted toa

term of twenty years, seven of

which ran concurrently. ,

"When I was charged in the

racist regime and when I was

charged in Lesotho, the witnesses that were used in Lesotho

came from South Africa, and

when I was ultimately kidnapped and brought to South

Africa and charged, the same

witnesses who had given evidence in Lesotho were brought

again to come and give evidence.

"So I argued that I was being

charged .twice for one and the

same offence and that witnesses

that were used were the same.

This argument I feel, contributed to the'decision of the judge

that the seven years should run

concurrently; because in Lesotho where I was charged using

the same witnesses I was acquited. So I had to serve thirteen

full years; to the minute, and I

was taken to Robeen Island."

u
ISOLATION

Mangaliso Sobukwe's answers

to questions on Robben Island

are as follows:

Q.:". . . What were some of

your experiences at Robben

Island?

, A.: ". . . On Robben Island,

in the morning we go to work in

the quarry. When we came back,

we were usually' in big groups of

up to eight hundred, we would

be stripped naked and searched.

Young and old, big and small,

under all types of weather, cold

or rainy, we woujd have to stand

there,and wait to be searched.

That was one bitter experience

Icannot easily forget.

Then we ate outside in the

oepn, squatting whether it was

dustry or rainy we had to squat

out in the open for our food.

Then those of us who were

regarded as leaders, were thrown

in isolution.

In 1967, I was put in isolation, because it was fell that I

was trying to unite members of

my organisation and members

of other organisations.

I was sent into isolation for

two months. From 1971 to

1972 again, because I was unit?

ing our people after I had been

put into maximum security with

Mandela, Susuli and others, I

was sent to isolation for nine

months. I was not even allowed

töTead a Bible. During the day,

the mats were taken out, and ;l

had to sleep on the hard floor.

From September 1972 to

May 1973, I was again kept iri

isolation, hardly getting any

correspondence, blankets kept

out,' my visits cut off, arid I

could not even talk to the prisoners because it was felt that_l_

was uniting members of the

PAC and those of the Black

Consiousness movement. *

We used to go* on hunger

strikes. I remember in 1972

when the Namibians joined us,

we went on a hunger strike. We

were all in maximum. The

Namibians clashed with the

racist warders, and all the political prisoners supported the

Namibians. Toisvos cell was just

opposite mine.

They had just been there

hardly a few hours when the

clash started. We were all beaten

up and stripped naked again in

their cells, and made to fa.ce the

wall. These Were some of the

ugly experiences one got on

Robben Island.

NO MEDICAL CARE

"Also, the treatment particularly in the general section of

medical treatment, was ver^

poor. A large number of people

left prison and were found to be.

Tuberculosis cases. -By the time

I left Robben Island, about sixteen people had suffered from

and died of cancer. ' |

Cancer, is a disease that is

generally accepted as one that

ultimately leads to the sufferer's

death quickly. As such, the

sufferer of cancer, should for.

purely humanitarian reasons be

allowed to go and die in the

presence of his family and people. But the racist regime refused

that these people, who had this

terminal disease, should not go

and die with their people.

When Browne Fischer, a

member of the Communist Party

of South Africa, under charges

was found to have this terminal

disease-cancer, even though he

was a communist because he was

white, he. was allowed to go and

die In the hands of his brother.

But the racist regime do' not

like a black man who has the

same terminal disease to go and

die in the hands of his brother.

You can.see then the extent of

1*5
Apartheid; Whether ili, sick or

not sick, the colour there is used

Whether dead or alive, you are

still discriminated against because of your colour.

So you can see the depth of

racism in South Africa. It is this

type of'life Apartheid forsees for

black people in South Africa. -

We in prison Were kept ignorant about the things that were

happening outside. By the time I

left we were not even allowed to

read newspapers. Any prisoner

found with a piece of paper or

newspaper, was sent to isolation

as punishment. Sometimes we

were at the mercy of ruthless

warders who had ho mercy at

all. They beat prisoners withoutany provication."

Q How could you evehtually leave South Africa? v

ESCAPE TO FREEDOM

A.: ". . . I was released from

Robben Island on the first of

June in 1/980. When I left Robben Island, members of the IfAC

felt that if should come out and

take the leadership of the PAC.

When I got into South Africa,

the activists inside the country

said that I should come out to

take the leadership. Those

abroad .had also said the same

thing when I left prison. That

is why I am now Chairman of

the Pan Africanist Congress. .

"South Africa has wide

borders and you can move. That

is why hundreds of our people

have been able to go through

South African border?, by

jlevious clandestine ways'. This

is how I did it."

Q.: ... Do your experiences

in» Robben Islarfd and South

Africa, make you' bitter?

A.: ". . .As a revolutionary,

you don't become bitter. A:

-revolutionary* is committed to

change society whilst he himself

is undergoing a change. A revolutionary aims at destroying the,

enemy. As far as destroying the,

enemy is concerned, that is still"

my task. And I still find that.itt

is a just cause. Since 1948 when

I joined polities', I have 'maintained that the struggle of my

people IS MY STRUGGLE. I am

satisfied that inside the country.,

the Azantan people now know

their enemy. Their enemy first

and foremost, are the racist

regime and the imperialists.

Their second.enemy, are those

who are helping the eneYny to

continue to opress'and\ exploit

the black people. Thirdly, those

Of the Azanians who are prolonging the exploitation of our

people."

CSO: 3400/1460

U6
TANZANIA

BRIEFS

ECONOMIC SABOTAGE TRIALS—Forty-two persons have been arraigned today

before the special tribunal of Mbeya to answer charges connected with

economic sabotage. All those accused denied the charges against them and

were remanded until September. [Summary] [Dar es Salaam Domestic Service

in Swahili 1700 GMT 30 May 83 EA] At Kigona yesterday Judge (Raymond

Mwakisu) refused bail for 23 persons accused of economic sabotage. He

said that at this stage the tribunal will only be taking pleas of guilty

or not guilty. All the accused pleaded not guilty but were remanded until

15 August this year, when their cases will be heard again. [Summary]

[Dar es Salaam Domestic Service in Swahili 1700 GMT 30 May 83 EA]

CSO: 3449/21

hi
ZAMBIA

BRIEFS

VOTERS REGISTERS EXTENSION—The elections office will not extend the period

of checking voters registers because it is unconstitutional to do so. The

spokesman explained today that as far as the elections office was concerned,

the 7-day period of checking on the voters registers ended yesterday. He

said he had made consultations with the director of elections and the chairman of the elections commission, and they had said there will be no extension

of the period of checking of the voters registers. [Text] [MB231929 Lusaka

Domestic Service in English 1800 GMT 23 May 83]

CSO: 3400/1463 END

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