LE MAURICIEN: This morning you presided over the first meeting of the Council
of Ministers. What are the government's priorities for the next 3 months?

Mr Jugnauth: First of all, there is a problem left behind by the former govern-
ment, which recruited 25,000 persons or more. We have heard that there are
letters, perhaps written for purposes of the election campaign, which were
randomly distributed to people. These letters are reportedly still being dis-
tributed to people, according to the information which we received this morning.
Thus as a result of these letters, people are now going to locations where there
is no work, nor even anyone to receive or direct them. They were only requested
to report to this or that location. This is therefore one of our first concerns.
This is an unusual problem which we will have to face.

We have even learned that people who were already working left their jobs to
go to the locations indicated in the letters to get a so-called new job. We
have to get all the necessary information in this regard and establish order.
Our second priority will be to establish order throughout the government. We
will try to do as much as possible to end waste, to eliminate fraud and corrup-
tion. We will tackle customs first of all. The third priority is social. It
concerns drugs. We want to combat this scourge right away and prevent it from
continuing to spread, as it has been doing, particularly in the recent past.

Another priority: stimulating the economy. We have to take every possible
measure concerning the free zone and industrialization in general, small and
medium-size businesses in order to create productive jobs. In this way we could
channel unemployed young people to such jobs. In every country, after reaching
a certain age, anyone must be able to use his strength and intelligence to earn
his living, if only to maintain his dignity, to survive.

LE MAURICIEN: What is the legislative calendar for the next few months? You
have announced a number of constitutional reforms. Will they take place before
the end of the year?

Mr Jugnauth: I myself, at any rate, would like to move as quickly as possible.
But as we know, it will first be necessary to seek legal counsel, to prepare
documents. As for ourselves, if additional work is required, meeting two or
three times a week, we will do so. We will try to go as fast as possible. But
at this stage it is quite difficult for me to tell you precisely how that will
take place. But we will do as much as possible and also go as fast as possible.

LE MAURICIEN: Questions are being asked about possible changes of department
heads in the government. What will be your general policy in this regard in
coming weeks?

Mr Jugnauth: Our general policy, as we have said, will not be a policy of ven-
geance or spite. Of course, there will be changes and that is necessary because
of the very fact that we have reorganized certain ministries, but in general
there will be nothing unusual and I ask all members of government to have no
fear. We met at 1300 hours with the executive secretaries of the ministries,
the PS [expansion unknown]. I pointed out that they are there only as civil
servants and that if they owed loyalty to the former government in the past,

15



differences of opinion would arise, but this in no way alters the fact that
a given country and another can understand each other well.

"Our Ambassadors Will Be Competent, Honest, Worthy Men Who Will Do Honor To
Our Country Overseas"

[Question] What place can we expect neighbor islands to take in the heart and
the diplomacy of the new regime?

[Answer] A very large place! Both for sentimental reasons and for our own
best interest. There again, unfounded accusations have been made against us
because of our position with respect to regional cooperation.

Diplomacy cannot claim to be efficient if it cannot achieve at least neighborly
relations. Our first concern is to establish neighborly relations with the
countries of the region. Second, we have seen how, in the past few years,
world problems have become regional problems. We have witnessed the rise in
the world of groupsof countries formed on the basis of geographic realities,
who want their views to be heard by the international community as a whole.
This is a natural and logical phenomenon. Is not Europe itself the expression
of such a regionalization? The same phenomenon is taking place in Latin
America, in the Arab countries as a whole, in Africa; in spite of failures,
are we not witnessing attempts by African countries at regrouping themselves
in Western, Eastern, Southern Africa?

I believe, therefore, that the islands of the Indian Ocean have a number of
realities in common, because of our isolation from the large international
centers, because of a certain Indian Ocean culture. It is obvious that all
of these countries are concerned by the political problems of the Indian
Ocean (such as militarization or supplies). The same base causes the same
threats to hang over several countries. We can also say that, for simple
reasons of economy of scale, it would obviously be logical to attempt to
regroup these countries, so as to achieve a better coordination of our indus-
trial and trade policies, which would benefit all of us. Considering the
stage of industrial development reached by Mauritius, we could even say that
such cooperation would benefit Mauritius more than other countries. This is
why one of the main lines of our policy will be to work toward a coordina-
tion of efforts in this region. In doing so, of course, we must in no way
get involved in questions which are a matter for the foreign policies ‘of the
various states. Each state chooses the way best adapted to its needs and
circumstances. We, in Mauritius, have chosen a way that does us honor and
that we intend to maintain, although this is not a reflection on the way
chosen by the other islands.

Therefore, we can see that such cooperation would offer many advantages and,
during my term in office, I plan to work actively during the years to come
to create the Mascarene Common Market which has been so much talked about
and now has a chance of succeeding.

36



Our role, and that of an increasing number of countries is to use all means
available to us to restore the credibility of the nonaligned movement which,
in the past, may have been weakened by certain actions.

"Today, Mauritius Has Recovered All Its International Prestige"

[Question] The prime minister, Mr Aneerood Jugnauth, has recently made his
the formula "Friends of all, enemies of none." In the complex world in which
we live, is this realistic?

[Answer] Definitely! Our nonalignment is not only a political concept, it is
also a security imperative. We are living in an extremely troubled area of
the world, and the first role of diplomacy is to make sure that it exerts
itself in such a manner as to guarantee and safeguard the security of the
nation.

What are the facts concerning our area? The truth is that all military
strategists in the world agree that, if there ever is a direct conflict
between the great powers who fight to control the oceans (the sources of
Yaw materials, the ports, the bases), it would start in the Indian Ocean!
Therefore, our first duty is to practice a policy that will keep away from
our shores the threats which this power struggle hangs over our region.

This is essentially the reason why we want, why we are determined to remain
nonaligned. We know that if, tomorrow, directly or indirectly, Mauritius
were to align itself on one or the other of the powers who fight for this
region, the island and its population would inevitably become a target for
one or the other superpower. I am personally very much concerned. I know
that the lack of imagination of the previous government's diplomacy has caused
threats to hang over us. If our former leaders had had a little imagination,
they would never have allowed Diego Garcia to become what it is now! You

can manipulate facts as much as you want, but the truth is that the creation
of the Diego Garcia base has resulted in an accelerated militarization of the
Indian Ocean. Because of their lack of imagination, a new situation has been
created and has rapidly become a threat, first for us, but also for all the
nations in this region. Therefore, we must avoid making the same mistake
today. We intend to use all the means at our disposal to accomplish just
that.

[Question] What are these means? Do you have a concrete approach to the
definite problem of the Indian Ocean demilitarization?

[Answer] Obviously, Mauritius alone does not have the means of a policy which,
in time, would obtain the demilitarization of the Indian Ocean. But we note
that international opinion, and especially public opinion in the countries of
this region, has become aware of this problem. In New York, where the Confer-
ence on Disarmament has just taken place, there was a lot of talk about the
Indian Ocean. By taking measures in this direction, all of us can make con-
tributions, tke sum total of which could result in a situation different

from the present one. Let us not forget that, only a few years ago, the poli-
tical configuration of this Ocean, with the 36 countries that border it, was
entirely different.

32



PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT RESHUFFLED

Niamey LE SAHEL in French 15 Jun 82 p 1

[Text] By Decree No 82-85 PCMS, dated 14 June 1982, the Provisional

Government of the Republic of Niger is reorganized as follows:

NIGER

--President of the Supreme Military Council, Chief of State, Minister of
National Defense, Minister of Interior: Col Seyni Kountche;

--Minister

--Minister
Adamou 3

--Minister
--Minister
~-Minister
--Minister
--Minister
--Minister
--Minister
--Minister
--Minister
--Minister
--Minister
--Minister

--Minister

of

of

of

of

of

of

of

of

of

of

of

of

of

of

of

Finance: Quartermaster Moussa Rondi;

Public Health and Social Affairs: Maj Moumouni Djermakoye

National Education: Capt Mamane Ousseini;
Plan: Annou Mahamane;

Posts and Telecommunications: Brah Mamane;
Information: Garba Sidikou;

Hydrology and Environment: Yahaya Tounkara;
Foreign Affairs and Cooperation: Daouda Diallo;
Justice: Mahamadou Halilou;

Civil Service and Labor: Issoufou Mayaki;
Mines and Industries: Oumar Diallo;
Commerce and Transportation: Hamid Algabid;
Rural Development: Dr Ari Toubo Ibrahim;
Youth, Sports and Culture: Oumarou Mamane;

Higher Education and Research: Illa Maikassoua;

ya



IVORY COAST

PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES DRIVE FOR FOOD SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Abidjan FRATERNITE MATIN in French 9 Jun 82 p 28

[Text] The Political Bureau met yesterday from 1000 to 1230 hours at the
Presidential Palace, chaired by the head of state, the president of the
party.

The main topics of this important meeting were: analysis of the political
and economic situation in the country, a review of events in Africa and
elsewhere, the search for genuine neutrality, and a major agricultural cam-
paign to achieve food self-sufficiency.

There follows the text of the communique of the Political Bureau executive
committee issued yesterday evening.

Communique of the Political Bureau

As announced, the president of the party and head of state, Felix
Houphouet-Boigny presided yesterday, Tuesday 8 June 1982, from 1000 to 1230
hours at the Presidential Palace, over a meeting of the PDCI-RDA Political
Bureau.

This important working session of the high party leaders took place, as usual,
in the atmosphere of calm, frankness, and confidence which is characteristic
of PCDI meetings.

Before analyzing the political and economic situation in our country, the
party president gave a broad and thorough review of events in Africa and the
world.

After expressing regret at the conflicts and tensions currently affecting
some areas of Africa and disturbing other countries in the world, President
Houphouet-Boigny again referred to the necessity to resort to dialogue and
negotiation,. which he has always urged, in order to resolve the conflicts
and seek peace--the precondition for development.

Africa: Genuine Neutrality
Concerning our own continent, the president stated that Africa must seek

a genuine neutrality in order to avoid becoming the battleground for disputes
between thw two blocs which are dividing up the world.



at 141 Avenue de la Liberation in Lome. He also said that other outlets have
also been established in the community centers of Adjangbakome, Tokoin and
Tokoin-Casablanca, not to mention the Togblekope outlet. In the interior of
the country, Major Walla said, commodities will be available for purchase at
all the regional and prefectural capitals, including Vogan, Notse, Atakpame,
Kpalime, Sokode, Kara, Bassar, Mango and Dapaong. [Text] [Lome LA NOUVELLE
MARCHE in French 4 Jun 82 p 1} 9516

SAUDI PRINCE'S VISIT--A Saudi prince, His Highness Muhammad al-Faysal Al Sa'ud,
president of the oversight council of "Dar al-Mal al-Islami Trust, has been in
our country since yesterday afternoon. He was met at Lome-Tokoin International
Airport by Mr Tete Tevi-Benissan, member of the Political Bureau and minister

of finance and economy. Asked the purpose of his visit to our country, his
highness told the press that it was a part of the continuing dialogue with Togolese
authorities on economic matters and said he would hold talks that might lead

to the creation of banking and trust companies to support the country's
development effort. "My trip," he stressed, “will help me understand your
country better." As president of the oversight council of Dar~al-Mal al-Islami
Trust, his highness talked about that institution, which came out of the work
of the Taif Islamic Conference and which operates on Islamic principles. It
organizes companies along the lines of the Islamic economic system and invests
its funds in developing countries, to the profit of the latter as well as the
shareholders of the newly established companies. It is a multinational insti-
tution and has shareholders in all Muslim countries. With respect to areas in
which our country and Dar al-Mal al-Islami Trust will work together, his highness
Al-Faysal Al Sa'ud said that these will be determined after studies in the field
and’ will take into account the potential our country offers. The Saudi prince
also stressed that our country has much potential, and it was to study this
potential in depth that he made his visit to Togo. [Text] [Lome LA NOUVELLE
MARCHE in French 4 Jun 82'p 1] 9516

PROHIBITION ON GRAIN WHOLESALING--For the entire population to benefit from the
collective effort, wholesale distribution of foodstuffs is prohibited. These
products will be sold retail, in other words by the kilogram. No buyer will be
allowed to have more than one bag. These instructions were released yesterday
to the press by Major Walla, head of TOGOGRAIN, the national agency responsible
for the purchase, storage and marketing of food products, following some
important decisions taken Wednesday by the Council of Ministers (expanded to
include the Central Committee) on the subject of grain marketing. Major Walla
said speculators will never be permitted to buy up supplies at TOGOGRAIN's
outlets and redistribute them at a profit. He called on one and all to
scrupulously follow regulations governing purchases out of a sense of civic
duty. The head of TOGOGRAIN also reminded the people that outlets for the sale
of foodstuffs (corn, millet and kidney beans) are now located at the former
TOGOGRAIN headquarters on Boulevard Circulaire and at the new national office

CSO: 4719/1065

51



--the importer or wholesaler is henceforth required to sell retail in his shop;

--with respect to monopolies, the quantities reserved for approved wholesalers
dealing in small quantities cannot exceed 50 percent of the order;

~-the accrued authorized margin of expenses and profits granted at the level
of retail prices on the fabrices will not exceed 45 percent of their import

value;

--all dealers are required to post sales prices clearly and visibly on the
fabrics;

--wholesalers dealing in small quantities in a prefecture will have to be from
this prefecture.

9380
CSO: 4719/1106

hg



sure, when the weekend comes, to go back to one's family village to stock
up on clusters of banana plantains, the main dietary staple in its pureed
form, "matoke." Certainly, the shelves of Kampala stores are filled with
luxury products bought by local businessmen in Bahrain or elsewhere with
dollars in overseas accounts. But should one be surprised that customers

are so few and far between?

9516
cso: 4719/1028

55


TOGO

AGBESSI BUAGBE ARTICLE ON PRESIDENT'S CAMPAIGN FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
Lome LA NOUVELLE MARCHE in French 8 Jun 82 p 3

[Article by Agbessi Buagbe: "We Are Firmly Committed to the Construction of a
New Togo"]

[Text] Social justice--the foundation of an egalitarian society and an agent
of national concord and unity--is a living reality of General Eyadema's policy.
The principle of social equality and basic human rights is recognized by the
Part as an indispensable condition for peace, this cherished peace to which
the Togolese of the New Market attach enormous value after having been deprived
of it by preceding regimes.

As a guarantee of a people's happiness and of a country's development, peace
is a primary objective of the Rally of the Togolese People which is sparing no
effort to perserve it for the benefit of all Togolese. The scope of. the
measures which were taken on Wednesday 2 June by the Council of Ministers
expanded to include Central Committee members, once again confirms the deter-
mination of the Party and of General Eyadema's government to make Togo a haven
of peace, to improve the population's living conditions, and to consolidate
national concord and solidarity. These measures deal with the marketing of
food products and the reform of the pagne trade.

The objective being pursued by the Party and the government is to enable all
Togolese to have indispensible articles at reasonable prices, in particular
food and clothing products. According to the measures taken last week in the
Council of Ministers, the sales price of food products throughout the entire
national territory has been set as follows:

--corn or millet: Fr 7,000 per 10-kg sack;
--beans--Fr 16,000 per 100-kg sack.

These prices, which henceforth put cereals within the reach of all purses,
have only been possible thanks to the large-scale action conducted by the
Togolese government and people within the framework of the policy of self-
sufficiency in food advocated by the Eyadema regime. Thanks to this policy,
our storehouses are overflowing; TOGOGRAIN, the national office of purchasing,
conservation and marketing has been improved; a National Solidarity Fund in-
tended to support TOGOGRAIN's action has been created. The spontaneity of
ny

hi?



MAURITIUS

MMM/PSM OFFICIALS REVIEW PLANS TO REFORM CIVIL SERVICE
Port Louis LE NOUVEAU MILITANT in French 24 May 82 p 2

[Article: "Reform of the Civil Service: Next Government Will Develop Master
Plan"]

[Text] The forthcoming government headed by the MMM/PSM will establish a
commission to develop a "master plan" on the in-depth reforms to be applied
to the civil service. The need for such reform was emphasized Thursday

[20 May] at the Plaza by Paul Berenger and Armoogum Parsuramen at a forum
organized by the Federation of Civil Service Trade Unions (FSSC) on the
occasion of its 25th anniversary.

Paul Berenger began his remarks by welcoming the initiative taken by the
FSSC to organize the forum a few days before the elections. "You are
already contributing in your own way to ensuring that the elections will be
held in a civilized way," he said. He added that unanimity of view is
clear between the FSSC and the MMM/PSM Alliance on the need for a profound
change in the civil service. Structural reform of the civil service, which
will become even more efficient, will allow it to. participate in the
economic recovery and development of the country.

Paul Berenger asked, however, what kind of change should be made in the
structure of the civil service. He declared that the MMM/PSM Alliance was
in complete agreement on establishing a commission to review the entire
structure. He recalled having raised this question in the Legislative
Assembly and in the Public Accounts Committee.

He said that reforms were absolutely necessary, particularly in view of
the wish and desire of the civil service to participate in the development
of the country. However, this wish is blocked by the existing structure.
No reform in the civil service will be imposed on it by the government.

In terms of industrial relations, the MMM/PSM Alliance will repeal the

IRA [Industrial Relations Act]. Everything will also be done to encourage
the participation of civil servants in the administration.

Colonial "rules and regulations" should be brought up to date. Civil
servants should be able to attend training courses at the University of

19



[Question] Could such a cooperation and coordination also be extended to
matters of defense?

[Answer] .The defense of the national territory falls more within the province
of the Cabinet as a whole; but, certainly, this question will have to be dis-
cussed soon, when we take the measures that any state must take to ensure the
defense of its territory. Our primary concern will be to ensure the full in-
dependence of Mauritius from any other country.

[Question] Let us talk about foreign assistance. How do you conceive assis-
tance to Mauritius as a whole? What are your reasons to hope for increased
assistance from the outside world, as you gave to understand during the
campaign?

TAnswer] The visits we are expecting during the next few days will already :
make it possible to clear the ground and to know in more details what possi-
bilities are open to us.

We are considering a philosophy, a practice of foreign assistance different
from those practiced or advocated by the previous government. We know that
prospects “for assistance from the EEC and from a number of organizations
exist; they are available and should be taken advantage of, but we must have
a development philosophy that can be integrated to what is alreay available.
Our government's program, the Queen's speech mention a number of development
projects for which financing might be easier to obtain than for some of the
prestige projects for which the previous government used to sollicit foreign
aid. We also know that Mrs Gandhi's visit in August will make it possible
to revive the joint Indian-Mauritian commission and resume the financing of
interesting industrial projects, joint ventures, projects for small village
industries, expert studies, etc. In this respect, some revival can be ex-
pected soon. The visits of Messrs Penne and Cot will have the same effect.
Already tomorrow, I intend to discuss with Mr Penne a number of specific
projects. We have every reason to believe that, after a period which the
Mauritians may think a bit long, but which is necessary, financing will be
found for a number of projects.

With respect to other regions of the world, especially the Arab world, pos-
sibilities exist that the previous government did not know how to use. I

have discussed this question with the Libyan minister of Foreign Affairs and
he mentioned the projects suggested by Libya to the previous government,
especially the exportation of Mauritian tea to Libya, the exportation of sugar,
the financing of certain industrial projects, possible importations of Libyan
oil. These are projects which remained pending for stupidly partisan reasons,
and which will be revived soon. This week, I shall receive a visit from the
Algerian ambassador to Madagascar.

In addition, in view of the South African situation, Australia will represent
an important alternative and will be called to play an important part to
alleviate Mauritian dependency from South Africa. I am expecting an envoy
from the Australian government next week, for in-depth conversations.

37



Briefs
Cocoa Prices
Shea Prices
Saudi Prince's Visit
Prohibition on Grain Wholesaling

UGANDA

Severe Economic Measures Gain Approval of IMF
(Jean-Pierre Langellier; LE MONDE, 23-2 May 82) sseccee

UPPER VOLTA

Brazilian Technicians Study Feasibility of Ethanol Production
(L'OBSERVATEUR, l-6 Jun 82) ..

CNES To Present Seminar on Remote Sensing
(LIOBSERVATEUR, 7 Jun 82) .cccccccccccccccccccccccvcsces

-c-

52

56

57



the beginning of the next school year. The government will keep its word on
the nondismissal of redundant secondary school teachers.

The National Educational Authority will be an advisory board which will
include the present socioreligious "authorities."

The minister does not wish to see his ministry's budget reduced, "for the
obligations are real." However, he insists, every penny of this large budget
will have to be used efficiently. "This has not been the case so far as
confirmed by the allocation of Rs 15 million to a single institution, while
others are short of absolutely everything." As we already mentioned, in the
same perspective the facilities of the JSS and other establishments will be
maximally utilized.

On the other hand, the minister told this newspaper that a representative of
the World Food Program will be visiting Mauritius soon in order to review the
distribution of the program's aid in food among school children.

He stated that the government will pay close attention to Rodrigues, acting
in conjunction with the competent ministry. Rodrigues will be visited by an
inspector at the end of each term instead of only once as is the case now.
An education commission will be organized within the framework of the
Rodrigues Island Council.

Finally, R. Jaddoo informed us, the plan already adopted by the previous

government for the creation of a Mauritius Educational Broadcasting Authority
will be made law.

5157
cso: 4719/1182

30



which is completely normal, such loyalty must now be shown to the new government,
because their duty is to the country and the government. We have confidence

in them and hope that they will have no more fears. We hope that they will
cooperate with us 100 percent.

LE MAURICIEN: You have indicated that the municipal representatives appointed
by the former government will be replaced with new, politically neutral repre-
sentatives. When will you go ahead with this change?

Mr Jugnauth: I discussed that with the parliamentary group just today. We
had said that we would appoint neutral persons, but there were other positions
expressed, to the effect that former elected municipal representatives should
be appointed, before the next elections. But we have not made any decision
as yet. The leadership will discuss this. We have also learned that there
were scandalous appointments recently in municipalities. This is why we want
to set up limited groups to only administer municipalities until the next elec-
tions, which we will organize as quickly as possible. I just received today
a letter from the election commissioner, Mr Harold Glover, who told me that

if we want to hold the elections as quickly as possible, we must contact him
vight away because it takes time to begin the necessary procedure and organize
the elections.

THE NATION: Could you tell us what are your foreign commitments in the coming
days and whether you will attend the next OAU summit in Tripoli?

Mr Jugnauth: I will perhaps go to the OAU summit in Tripoli, since tradition
dictates that the head of the country attend that African summit. But that
does not necessarily mean that that will be the case. Everything depends on
our priorities. Regarding my foreign commitments, I have none at the present
time and in any case, I don't plan to leave the country and I don't plan to

do so for matters which I do not consider important. I will leave the country
only when I feel that it is absolutely necessary for me to do so.

THE NATION: Can you tell us whether the new government will keep its promise
to repatriate the 900 Mauritian workers currently on Diego Garcia? When will
the procedure get underway for returning the Chagos Islands to Mauritius?

Mr Jugnauth: What we said was that the already existing agreements concerning
the workers will be kept. Of course, we do not approve of the base and our
policy will consist of campaigning to transform the Indian Ocean into a zone

of peace. Regarding action which we will undertake to recover the Chagos Islands,
it is obvious that we cannot wage war as in the case of the Malvinas. What

we have always said is that we will make every necessary effort at all diplomatic
levels and in all existing international forums, with the aid of countries such
as India and other neighboring Indian Ocean countries so that our sovereignty
over the Chagos Archipelago, which includes Diego Garcia, will be recognized.

We will then continue the campaign for demilitarization of the Indian Ocean.

And when we say that, in our opinion, whether it is the USSR or the United States,
it is the same thing. All foreign powers must withdraw from the Indian Ocean

and we will make every effort so that those powers feel no need or threat in

the region. Such conditions must be established so that those powers will hoist
anchor and go establish their bases close to their own shores.

16



265,900,000 rupees; India, 232,900,000 rupees; and New Zealand, 161,100,000
rupees.

The total Mauritian import bill for 1981 rose by five percent, from
4,721,400,000 rupees in 1980 to 4,976,800,000 rupees. Asked to comment

on this increase of five percent in the value of our imports, informed
sources stated without hesitation that imports had declined in 1980. "You
have to take into consideration the fact that the Mauritian rupee suffered
from a number of adverse developments on the foreign exchange market in 1981,
not to mention the devaluation of 27 September 1981, and it is normal for the
volume of our imports to decline," they declared, to support their views.

On the other side of our trade balance, exports declined by 10 percent in
1981 compared with 1980, from 2,999,000,000 rupees in 1981 to 3, 341,000,000
in 1980. This decline is explained by a drop in receipts from the export of
sugar. The decline in sugar export income was in the order of 543,314 rupees
for exports of 432,764 tons of sugar in the course of 1981. Receipts from
tea exports approached 49 million rupees for 696 metric tons exported.

Despite these disappointments, principally in terms of our sugar industry,
there was enormous satisfaction in the performance of the free trade zone,
which handled more than 1 billion rupees, or more precisely, 1,087,127,000
rupees in exports for 1981. Receipts from the free trade zone come just
after those of the sugar industry which, with exports of 1,735,332,000
rupees (sale of molasses included), still holds first place in terms of our
exports.

The principal countries to which our exports were sent were Great Britain,
1,651,000,000 rupees; France, 587,300,000 rupees; West Germany, 161,100,000
rupees; the United States, 150,100,000 rupees; and Italy, 129,800,000
rupees. South Africa imported Mauritian goods valued at 48.6 million rupees
last year compared with 25.3 million rupees in 1980. Despite this increase
in Mauritian exports to South Africa, the trade balance favorable to South
Africa rose to 431.9 million rupees. Great Britain continues to run an
unfavorable trading balance in its transactions with Mauritius, on the order
of 1,227,000,000 rupees in 1981. It should be noted that Bahrain, from
which we purchased petroleum products valued at 771,800,000 rupees in 1981,
made a 100-percent profit in its trade with us. Mauritius did not export
anything to that country in 1981.

The latest indications regarding the trade balance for the first 9 months
of the present fiscal year show a new improvement compared to fiscal year
1980-1981. The deficit in the trade balance recorded for the period from
July 1981 to March 1982 totaled 514,700,000 million rupees compared with
1,175,000,000 rupees for the period from July 1980 to March 1981. Receipts
from Mauritian exports increased by 497.5 million rupees during the period
concerned, and the value of Mauritian imports declined by 161.7 million
rupees. The restrictive policy followed by the government regarding luxury
imports is the principal cause for the decline.

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22



Mr Jugnauth: We cannot leave the embassies empty, obviously.

HORIZONS NOUVEAUX: Some journalists entered the field of journalism before

a good number of our politicians entered the field of politics. A good number
of these journalists are with small newspapers. But these newspapers do not
benefit from advertising paid for by the capitalists. Do you plan to grant
subsidies to small newspapers?

Mr Jugnauth: I cannot make any commitments in regard to that question. It

has not been discussed. I don't know exactly what you mean by small newspapers.
Tomorrow you may have 50 small newspapers which have been established in order
to receive subsidies. And recently we have had newspapers like THE HINDU. No
one can tell me that subsidies must be given to such a newspaper!

HORIZONS NOUVEAUX: Can you tell us when your government's ministers will
publicly declare their financial holdings?

Mr Jugnauth: Actually, every minister will have to do so, in accordance with
the law. We will also ask our Legislative Assembly members to do so when we
meet to discuss the matter as soon as possible. We will make everything public;
we have nothing to hide.

HORIZONS NOUVEAUX: Since there has been a great deal of corruption and waste,
will there be investigative commissions and sanctions regarding the use made
of public funds?

Mr Jugnauth: Our policy, as we have already said, will not consist of conduct-

ing a witch-hunt. We will examine each case and if it proves necessary, we
will conduct an investigation.

11915
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18



MAURITIUS

NEW FOREIGN MINISTER INTERVIEWED
Port Louis LE MAURICIEN in’French 2 Jul 82 pp 5,7

[Interview with J.D. De L'Estrac, minister of foreign affairs: "New Ministers
For New Policies. What Diplomacy Tomorrow?"; date and place not specified]

[Text] Mr J.D. De L'Estrac: "Independence is the keyword
of our foreign policy.”

[Question] Mr De L'Estrac, in foreign policy, the first public act of the new
regime has been the official recognition by Mauritius of the African National
Congress in South Africa, of SWAPO, of the PLO, and of the SDAR [Saharan Demo-
cratic Arab Republic]. How should this be interpreted?

[Answer] First, as fidelity to commitments which are as old as the MMM it-
self. Now that it is in power, the MMM cannot forget that, initially, its
struggle took place in an international context of liberation, along the
lines of a resolutely Third-World and progressist philosophy.

It should also be interpreted as a sign of political independence, since we
made this decision of our own free will, without pressure of any kind; and
this is also how, during the weeks and months to come, in the international
organizations where we will be called to contribute in solving world problems,
we intend to play our part, however modest it may be.

Therefore, independence is the keyword in this new approach of our diplomacy.
"Our Nonalignment Is Both a Political Concept and a Security Imperative"

[Question] From now on, what will be the general tone of Mauritian diplomacy,
and how will the new government express its nonalignment?

[Answer] From our first few days in office, I had the opportunity to tell

tke countries represented in Mauritius--and all other countries as well--

that Mauritius intends to be first and foremost a nonaligned country. I am
well aware that such a concept may still give rise to suspicions of ulterior
motives; however, when we, in the government, talk about nonalignment, we refer
mainly to the charter which was that of the founders of the nonaligned movement.

31



concerned with the other 30 percent. Why? Indonesia, for example, is moving
ahead with an intensive clove cultivation project. The only thing that saves
us, for the moment, is that Malagasy clove extract does not produce an oil
stain on cigarettes, since our clove is less oily than Indonesian clove. But
there can be no doubt that with advancing technology our main buyers will
someday manage to produce a clove equal to our own. What will happen then
to our clove exports? Vanilla? This is still the most stable product, even
though it has shown some stagnation for the last year or two. But there is
competition from synthetic products.

"So we must, once and for all, get out of this impasse. We must find a way
to better deploy our resources and maximize the profitability of export
industries. And one of the simplest ways to do this is to devalue the
currency, since this improves the competitiveness of our products on the
international market.

"Take meat, for example. My generation learned that there were more zebus
than Malagasies. But it turns out that our meat is no longer "marketable"
because of its price on the international market. The price [charged for
meat by] some competing countries is lower than ours, and we hope that with
the devaluation of the Malagasy franc our meat industry will start off again
on a more sturdy foundation. The same is true for a number of other products:
sisal, graphite, etc...

"And this might mean a change, a mutation. Strictly domestic production
might drop" in favor of exports. I am thinking of tallow. Here in
Madagascar we have tried to make tallow. When you have cattle, you wonder
why we import tallow from abroad to make soap. Who is there who has not
suffered from the soap shortage? Well, our tallow is more expensive than
the imported product; and so our industries prefer to buy it from foreign
sources. With the 15 percent devaluation, it becomes more profitable to
produce tallow locally. If you look at other. products. in the same light,
you will see that the devaluation does not have negative effects. So it
is certain that we are moving toward a diversification of our production
and toward a situation in which our economic sector is more competitive
internationally."

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13



UPPER VOLTA

CNES TO PRESENT SEMINAR ON REMOTE SENSING
Ouagadougou L'OBSERVATEUR in French 7 Jun 82 p 10

[Text] The National Space Studies Center (CNES) will hold a regional seminar
at the facilities of the Ouagadougou Advanced Polytechnical Institute from

7 to 10 June 1982 for the purpose of showing earth images of the kind to be
transmitted by the French SPOT [earth observation] satellite in 1984.

These images will be simulated from a specially equipped airplane and will
be taken over different regions of Upper Volta, Mali, Niger and Senegal.

This seminar will bring together representatives of most of the 24 countries
in the recovery zone of the receiving station.

A large French representation, made up of personnel from the GDTA [Group for
Development of Aerospace Remote Sensing], CNES and the Ministry of Cooperation
and Development, will also be present.

After the official opening of the seminar by the representative of the
Minister of Public Works, Transport and Urbanism and the Minister in charge
of Remote Sensing, and the greeting of participants by Jean-Pierre Ouedraogo,
director general of the CRTP [Ouagadougou Regional Center for Remote Sensing],
the activities will focus on the following topics: rural and agricultural
development, geology, cartography and hydrology.

These four major topics for study will be taken up on the one hand during
plenary sessions for discussion of the results of the simulations by the
appropriate African and French researchers, and on the other hand during
discussion workshops.

The French SPOT satellite represents in fact a decisive stage in the
application of space technologies to economic development. Thanks to the
sharpness of this satellite's images, which are well suited to the
cartographic characteristics and needs of the African countries, it should
make a significant contribution to appreciable improvement in the inventory
of natural resources.

Among the principal applications already envisaged are the complete renovation

and improvement of topographic maps, inventory and forecast of crops, as well
as their health surveillance (drought, diseases...), cartography and

57



The christening of the jack-up platform "AMAZONE" and the supply ship "TENDER
BEHANZIN," continued Comrade Ohouens, goes beyond the basic tradition observed
when a ship is placed in service, and there are several reasons for this:

First of all, the choice of the christeners, Comrades Tossou C. Marie and
Abdoulaye Rockya, has a deep meaning for the Beninese people, since these
two christeners are daughters of heroes and martyrs of the Beninese Revolution.

Then, the delivery of the jack-up platform "AMAZONE" is a decisive stage in the
progress of the project to develop the Seme petroleum deposit. In fact, of all
the project equipment, the "AMAZONE" is themost complex, the most important, and
the most expensive. It is the central part of the project. It represents more
than 1 quarter of the capital invested, at a cost of 10.5 billion.

Finally, the "AMAZONE" is the property of the Beninese government. The supply
ships "TENDER BEHANZIN" and "TENDER BENIN" have been leased for 11 years.

In concluding, the minister of industry, mines and energy addressed his warm
congratulations to the executives of SAGA-Petroleum and Kvaerner Engineering
who have been working untiringly since 1976 to observe the schedule for all
the project work.

"We are taking advantage of this solemn occasion to renew our deep appreciation
to the government of the Kingdom of Norway, and in particular to the financial
institutions DNC, EKSPORT-FINANS, and Garantie Institute for their positive
contributions to the resolution of the project's financial problems."

The ceremony was followed by a tour of the "AMAZONE," during which Comrade
Barthelemy Ohouens signed the jack-up platform's guest book.

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Catholic Educational Authority in this area. Thus, it has already been
decided that the rebuilding of some Catholic schools will be financed with
World Bank funds (Rs 50 million). As to the problem of repairing some 50
buildings, which the ministry has been leasing to private persons for a

number of years, it was decided not to proceed with repairs but to include
them in the lease-purchase project.

Still on the level of primary education, the ministry intends to extend edu-
cational and guidance activities to areas other than languages and mathema-

tics. The practice of manual work, gardening, etc. will be introduced if not
generalized. The cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture will be sought

in a variety of projects, along with that of the Ministry of Fine Arts, Cul-
ture and Recreation (the portfolio of Rama Poonoosamy, who has taken over all
that was previously under "cultural affairs"), so that the children may be

exposed to this educational facet from his earliest age. Let us point out

that the competent ministry will help in the area of school sports.

Let us now see what will be accomplished on a medium- and long-term basis in
the secondary education sector. According to the ministry, it will not be
possible to go back to the use of the JSS by the fourth and fifth grades.
The World Bank will be contacted with a view to financing the building of
other establishments, including vocational technical schools, similar to the
ITTC and the Lycee Polytechnique in Flacq. However, the ministry has an
entirely different concept of the use of the buildings. "I say: Open," R.
Jaddoo specified, in reference to the immediate intention of placing the
facilities and services (libraries, sportsgrounds, laboratories, etc.) of
these buildings at the disposal of students attending other high schools and
young people in town and country.

The minister had the following to say on the subject of grade three examina-
tions: "Since we have just taken over, we have preferred to have this exami-
nation taken on the national level for the third consecutive time in order to
be able to review its purpose. This should not be a competitive test but a
test for the orientation of the students who show an inclination for areas
which are more specific and better adapted to their performance. We can say
that such was not the case under the previous government, which considered
this examination mainly a means to reduce the number of students reaching the
fifth grade."

The University Open to Working People

The minister dwelled more extensively on the examinations policy. He would
like to see the Mauritius Institute of Education in charge of grade three
examinations, the organization of grades fourth and fifth examinations and
the use of acquired experience. The eventual institution of a Mauritius
School Certificate is also being contemplated. The problem will be discussed
within the framework of a centralization of the institutions involved in this
area (MIE, Mauritius University, etc.). A union examination will be given as
well at Mauritius University. R. Jaddoo recently discussed the matter with
the vice-chancellor and the principal of the MIE. The minister intends to
ask that the Education Institute cadres go to Cambridge during the period of
drafting the questions and checking the answers, in order to familiarize

28



victim of constant ideological impoverishment, bent on preserving achievements
rather than developing the initiative, deaf to the indignation aroused by its
methods, arrogant to the point of being unconscious, to the point of defying

the electorate by offering them Badrys and Moorbas, the PTR dug its own grave.

Hiding behind the figure of its old leader ("chacha power" in 1976, "Ramgoolam
or Berenger" in 1982) in order to better hide its shortcomings, it thought that
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam [SSR] was immortal and made him the shield for all
its weaknesses and cowardice. If today it is possible to feel a certain sadness
for SSR as an individual, booted out of power--as he himself acknowledges-—-

it is impossible to keep from pointing out that SSR himself allowed his personal
respect and prestige to be exploited until the end by a clique of incompetents
who were glad to be able to conceal their incompetence in his shadow.

In the PTR's own interest, it is finally good that it has been routed from power.
Its recovery as part of the opposition will now oblige it to reconsider itself
and to finally begin to listen to the country.

Will it do so? This is already doubtful, judging from the atmosphere of the
PTR meeting on Tuesday and the party's invitation to SSR to ... remain.

11915
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25



BENIN

FRENCH LINES OF CREDIT

Cotonou EHUZU in French 7 Jun 82 pp 1, 6

[Text] At the Ministry of Finance last Saturday, the minister of finance,
Comrade Isidore Amoussou, and Mr Deram, director of the Central Fund for
Economic Cooperation [CCCE] in the People's Republic of Benin, signed a credit

agreement for 2.15 billion CFA francs.

The signing of this agreement with the CCCE, the French Republic's organization
for development assistance, is consistent with French-Beninese cooperation.

The credit granted is for the partial financing of an Office of Posts and Tele-
communications project to include:

--the construction of a land-based antenna for satellite telecommunications
in Abomey-Calavi,

--adaptation of the microwave network,
and technical assistance to the Office of Posts and Telecommunications.

The total cost of the project amounts to 4.15 billion CFA francs and is dis-
tributed as follows:

--Office of Posts and Telecommunications: 200 million;
--the French Republic's Aid and Cooperation Fund [FAC]: 600 million;
--the CCCE: 2.15 billion;

--commercial loans guaranteed by COFACE [French Insurance Company for Foreign
Trade]: 1.2 billion.

The CCCE loan was granted at a 6 percent interest rate for 16 years, including
a 7-year grace period.

The loan is being guaranteed by OCAM's Fund for Guaranty and Cooperation for
1.15 billion CFA francs, and by the Council for Understanding's Loan Guaranty
Fund for 1 billion CFA francs. The two guaranty agreements will be signed
very shortly.



ANGOLA

BRIEFS

LISBON DENIAL--A spokesman for the president of the Portuguese Republic
categorically denied the presence of Portuguese military in the People's
Republic of Angola. Since UNITA affirmed that its forces had killed two
Portuguese officers in an ambush near Caluquembe, the presidential spokes-
man added that the victims may have been former Portuguese military who
decided to remain in Angola after abandoning the Portuguese armed forces.
[Text] [Paris AFRIQUE DEFENSE in French No 52, Jul 82 p 32]

cso: 4719/241


MAURITIUS

JUGNAUTH ON NEW GOVERNMENT'S POLICY, PRIORITIES, PLANS
Port Louis LE MAURICIEN in French 17 Jun 82 pp 5-6

[Interview with Prime Minister Aneerood Jugnauth by various unnamed journalists;
date and place not specified]

[Text] At the end of his press conference, Mr Jugnauth was congratulated by
editorial staff member Lindsay Riviere, who spoke on behalf of the Mauritian
corps of journalists. Mr Riviere conveyed to Mr Jugnauth the best wishes of
the Mauritian press for the success of his government program in coming years.
Mr Riviere said that he hoped that the government would develop cordial and
candid relations with the press and that the people, through this press-govern-
ment dialogue, would have access to this policy of truth, which the new prime
minister himself desires.

This is how the interview developed between Mr Jugnauth and the journalists:

LE MAURICIEN: Because of the absence of a parliamentary opposition, the role
of the press during the next 5 years will be extremely delicate and important.
It is important for the press to be able to play its role in the society which
we want to build. Can you tell us the main features of your policy concerning
the press and whether you can pledge to the country to undertake a constitu-
tional reform to guarantee expressly, in black and white, freedom of the press
in the country?

Mr Jugnauth: Thank you for your congratulations. Concerning the absence of
an opposition in the Legislative Assembly, I must say that we are also aware
of this and as a result, we also think that, of course, the press will have
a special role to play. Not only the press, but also the "backbenchers" in
the assembly. As for our policy, freedom of the press will be protected 100
percent. In fact, it is already guaranteed in our constitution, but if there
is something to be added, we will do so, because we want complete freedom for
the press. But freedom which is, of course, in accordance with the law. The
press must function without any hindrance, without any obstacle. We want the
truth to come out, for the public to be constantly informed. Thus in the name
of this government, I give you every possible guarantee that there will not
be any handicap, any constraint which would keep the press from playing its
role 100 percent in the next 5 years.

14



BENIN

OIL EXPLORATION SET TO START
Cotonou EHUZU in French 7 Jun 82 pp 1, 6
[Article by H. Akponikpe]

[Text] In a few weeks the first gushes of Beninese oil will flow--true or
false? Either way, the preparations or arrangements aimed at culminating in
this result are proceeding at a rapid pace. In this connection, the Beninese
state has just acquired two more ships: a supply ship and a jack-up platform,
which are themselves one of the central parts of the project.

The christening ceremony for these two ships took place last Saturday on the
Autonomous Port of Cotonou's new pier in the presence of heavy Party and State
representation and a large Norwegian delegation. The presence of executives of
the SAGA-Petroleum Corporation, which has been contracted to develop the Seme
petroleum deposit, was also noted.

As at any christening, each of the two ships was entitled to a christener.

Therefore, in christening the supply ship "TENDER BEHANZIN" in the name of the
Beninese people, the christener, Comrade Tossou C. Marie, (age 14), daughter of
the late Tossou C. Mathieu, a martyr of the Beninese Revolution, wished her
godchild long life and good luck everywhere on any sea.

As for the darling young Abdoulaye Rockya, (5 years old), daughter of the
lamented Abdoulaye Issa, a martyr of the Beninese Revolution, she wished the
jack-up platform which she christened "AMAZONE" in memory of our warlike
Amazons, much success and a long life for the prosperity of our country, the
People's Republic of Benin.

In the three speeches delivered in succession by Messrs Leif Landverk of Wil
Wilhelmsen Offshore Services, Van der Hagen of Stord Verft, and by the repre-
sentative of the general manager of SAGA-Petroleum, we must note the determin-
ation of the Norwegian delegation to work to strengthen and deepen relations
between our two countries, and the desire of the Norwegian executives respon-
sible for developing our petroleum wells to bring this project to a successful
conclusion.

In reply to the preceding speeches, our minister of industry, mines and energy,
Comrade Barthelemy Ohouens, noted that according to Beninese custom, a christen-
ing is not just a ceremony during which the parents give their child a name,
but that in Beninese tradition, the christening is the newborn's official pre-
sentation to society.

he



Mauritius. Paul Berenger made a commitment to ensure that "certainly before
the end of June a dialogue between an MMM/PSM government and the FSSC will
be undertaken in a serious and sincere fashion." The MMM/PSM Alliance,
Berenger said, will extend all its support to the FSCC to arrange for
publication and application of the PRB [expansion unknown] report.

After having spoken of the role of the civil service in the changes

proposed by the MMM/PSM Alliance, A. Parsuramen declared that civil servants
will be able to express themselves freely and without constraints. So that
the civil service may plan its role suitably, the existing organizational
structure cannot remain unchanged. A. Parsuramen proposed that the functions
of secretary to the cabinet and chief of the civil service be separated.
Regarding recruitment and promotion, competence, the merit system and
existing procedures will be respected. He also repeated the support of the
MMM/PSM Alliance for publication and application of the PRM report.

The forum was presided over by K. Venkatasawmy, president of the FSSC. At

the meeting, G. Duval represented the PMSD [Mauritian Social Democratic
Party].

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cso: 4719/1060

20



263190

JPRS 81511

11. August 1982

Sub-Saharan Africa Report

No.. 2673:

sh 80608661

FBIS| FOREIGN BROADCAST INFORMATION SERVICE



NIGERIA

BRIEFS

FRENCH MISSILE PATROL VESSELS--Three missile-launching patrol boats, P 101
Siri, P 102 Ayam and P 103 Ekun, departed Cherbourg on 9 May 1982 and arrived
in Lagos on 28 May 1982. They were not equipped with their missiles. [Excerpt]
[Paris LA NOUVELLE REVUE MARITIME in French Jun-Jul 82 p 122]

LOAN FOR SOKKOTO STATE--Yesterday the government of Sokkoto got a 96 million
naira loan from the World Bank. Sokkoto state governor Dr. Garba Nadama
signed the loan agreement on behalf of the government. [Excerpt] [Kaduna
GASKIYA TA FI KWABO in Hausa 15. Jul 82 p 2]

FULANI URGED TO REGISTER--Last week, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, secretary-general
for public relations of the Nigerian nomads' "Miyatti Allah" organization,

called on all Fulani, men and women, in Nigeria, to go register at a polling
place. [Excerpt] [Kaduna GASKIYA TA FI KWABO in Hausa 15 Jul 82 p 7]

cso: 4797/22

43


IVORY COAST

VISITING MITTERRAND IMPRESSED FRIENDS, UPSET 'EXPANSIONISTS'
Abidjan FRATERNITE MATIN in French 29-31 May 82 pp 1, 28
[Article by Auguste Miremont: "A Disturbing Presence"]

[Text] There is still room for discussion of French head of state Francois
Mitterrand's official visit to Africa.

A number of observers have claimed that the trip was undertaken to "reassure
and convince" France's African partners that the political changeover in
that country did not affect the continuity of French-African relations.

As for President Mitterrand himself, he affirmed at Yamoussoukro that he did
not need to "reassure." Indeed, we are aware of France's loyalty to its
commitments and its friendships. Governments may change in tone and ideology,
but secular France's respect for its commitments endures, in the interest of
not losing its credibility. Moreover, France's voice would not be as strong
in the international community if it lost the confidence and friendship of
our states which enable it, naturally because of the historical ties of cul-
ture and language, to play the role of defender of our interests.

However, it was useful for our continent to hear the voice of the "Mitterrand
France," the France with socialist colors.

Also, it was beneficial for the French leader to reaffirm the major principles
of his African policy: maintenance of privileged relations with French-
speaking Africa, French presence but not. interférence, and guarantee of our
country's security, but refusal to be its "gendarme."

How sweet this voice was to our ears affirming that France wanted to escape
from the infernal cycle of East-West relations in order to bring the wealthy
nations to reason: to commit itself to endeavors of co-development with the
Third World.

How inspiring it was to hear this voice calling for preservation of peace

as the world's greatest asset; appealing to our "old man" to use his prestige
to help end African conflicts; urging that we master the "two main dangers
threatening the very existence of mankind"--nuclear proliferation and the
worsening of the gap between the rich countries and the poor countries; and
advocating that we work toward food self-sufficiency in order "to assure our
children the opportunity to live in harmony."



GABON

BRITISH AGRICULTURAL, FORESTRY MISSION
Libreville L'UNION in French 8 Jun 82 p 4

[Excerpt] The mission of British businessmen and experts travelling under
the aegis of the British Agricultural Export Organization, which. began on
Monday, 24 May, was completed on Tuesday, 1 June. During their visit, the
goal of the 11 companies represented in this group was to study the
possibilities of agricultural and forestry development.

The Embassy of Great Britain at Libreville indicates that the results of
this first mission are quite positive, especially when one learns that
certain members of the delegation might soon be returning to Libreville in
order to conclude agreements.

In fact, some companies found our country to be an area conducive to
investments in agriculture, forestry and fishing. Thus, in the fishing
sector, Fishkey Ltd. plans to build a domestic fleet of fiberglass trawlers,
easy to use and not requiring special training. For Mike Beacham, it's a
question of promoting traditional fishing methods by providing very practical
equipment.

As for Massey Ferguson's agricultural machine representative, Mr B. Van
Nieuwenhuyzen proposes setting up an agricultural equipment assembly plant
in Gabon.

Concerning the forest, Mr Ellis of the EFG Corporation [expansion unknown],
which is part of the PLC Group [expansion unknown], the largest private forest
management organization, is particularly interested in reforestation and in
Gabonese woods for the British market. In fact, as Michael Horne, second
secretary at the United Kingdom's embassy, later affirmed, Gabon possesses
many species which are still unknown in the country.

Messrs R. Gilmour and M.T. McNeill were surprised while visiting Port Gentil
by the success of the Agripog project. As a result, they are planning to
build a similar unit in the vicinity of Libreville.

The British mission, very enthusiastic about the results achieved during its
first contacts, intends to inform the United Kingdom's businessmen about
Gabon's potential, with the goal of promoting exchanges between the two
countries.

9939
cso: 4719/1108


UPPER VOLTA

BRAZILIAN TECHNICIANS STUDY FEASIBILITY OF ETHANOL PRODUCTION
Ouagadougou L'OBSERVATEUR in French 4-6 Jun 82 pp 8, 9

[Excerpts] The minister of rural development, Squadron Chief Andre Roch
Compaore, returned from Bobo-Dioulasso on Sunday, 30 May, after a working
visit to the Hauts-Bassins Department where he observed on-site the activities
of some of the services attached to his ministry.

During his on-site visit, the minister of rural development also chaired a
joint meeting of Brazilian businessmen and Voltan technicians at the
facilities of the West Volta Livestock Raising Project in Bobo.

The purpose of the meeting was to obtain a status report on the sugar sorghum
growing project, which is designed to permit production of ethanol on the
one hand and grain for human consumption on the other.

The meeting produced several conclusions. Thus the Voltan group committed
itself within the framework of the project to designate an authorized
spokesman as yet unnamed, while the Brazilian companies involved will set
up a group which will deal with the Voltan party.

The project proper will be implemented in three phases: the first phase
relates to general studies; the second phase concerns the feasibility study,
and a study of agricultural and industrial facilities; and the third phase
will. involve mainly technical assistance operations to be supplied to the
project.

Between now and then, the Voltan government is to start negotiations with
the Brazilian government to produce an overall draft cooperation agreement.

8143
cso: 4719/1132

56



I have already received the ambassadors and have informed them of the decision
of the government. In the coming days, the government will probably announce
a few appointments to our embassies. The Mauritians have already seen what
criteria we apply in appointing men to important positions. They have seen
the town councils. Everywhere, we want the men most suitable for the job we
have in mind. To our embassies, we shall appoint men who can explain and apply
our new policies, who understand what we want to do, men with a firm hand,
worthy and perfectly honest (for our embassies have too often been nests of
ill-used privileges and abuses). Also, we want working and functional embassies
with competent. men who know their field. We are going to rely to a very large
extent on our embassies in our efforts of industrial, commercial and touristic
promotion. We have no use for the proponents of continuous cocktail parties
(although these are sometimes part of an ambassador's obligations). We are
going to appoint men who will do honor to their country and who will worthily
and intelligently represent Mauritius in the countries to which they will be
appointed. This will soon be seen in the days and weeks to come.

9294
cso: 4719/1180

39



MAURITIUS

NEW EDUCATION MINISTER INTERVIEWED
Port Louis LE MAURICIEN in French 6 Jul 82 p 5

[Interview of Ramduth Jaddoo minister of education, conducted by Judex
Acking: "We Shall Advance Slowly But Surely"]

[Text] Holding a ministerial portfolio in a shadow cabinet is one thing and
the realities of power another. In the case of Ramduth Jaddoo, minister of
education, the transition "was a real shock. I had to face the bureaucracy."
This was his answer to us during an initial interview which took place less
than some 15 days after his appointment. Since then however, he has become
used to it, and the dialogue with his closest associates and the other per-
sonnel has begun, he is pleased to point out. He has divided the adminis-
tration of this cumbersome service into six sections, with a heavy emphasis
on coordination, something virtually nonexistent until then: "I now ask the
heads of services to meet, whereas in the past they engaged in endless
correspondence in the performance of their functions."

We came out of this interview aware of the direction which the MMM/PSM/OPR
government intends to pursue in the field of education and the work of the
ministry. The general lines of this policy according to which, R. Jaddoo
said, "One cannot go fast, as this area is different from the others," are
the following. Teachers, parents, principals, unions, educators, university
professors and all others involved in this field know that change will strike
here as well, particularly when the National Educational Authority and the
National Educational commission will begin to function.

The ministry's intention is to extend to the national level the preschool
service which receives UNICEF aid. To this effect, the contract of the two
French cooperative workers attached to this unit were recently renewed (let
us note in this connection that in the long run the kindergartens will be
placed under the jurisdiction of the municipalities, under the supervision of
Mrs S. Aumeeruddy-Cziffra, minister of Women's and Family Rights). The
government is also planning to organize an educational service for the very
young and for grammar-school students.

As regards the physical facilities for primary education, the problem of
buildings will become the target of a coordinated activity which will be
undertaken at the earliest possible moment. The minister has already met
with Msgr Margeot, bishop of Port Louis, regarding the requests of the Roman

27



SENEGAL

CANADIAN WHEAT DONATION
Dakar LE SOLEIL in French 4 Jun 82 p 4

[Excerpt] Yesterday morning at Pier 8, Mr Souleymane Ndiaye, Senegal's
commissioner for food assistance, accepted a donation of 3,083 tons of
wheat from Canada.

This donation, presented by Mr Marc Perron, Canada's ambassador to Senegal,
is worth nearly 250 million CFA francs, and brings the total amount of
Canadian donations to our country for fiscal year 1981-1982 to 8,728 tons of
wheat, worth 750 million CFA francs. The wheat will be sold on the local
market and the proceeds will help finance development projects.

Marc Perron stressed this judicious use of food assistance, expressing the
complete support of his country and its pleasure in "sharing its national
production with a friendly country." Canada's ambassador then expressed
the wish to see such ceremonies increase in the future, before he revealed
that Canadian and Senegalese experts will soon begin talks in order to
negotiate the food assistance protocol for 1982-1983.

For his part, Souleymane Ndiaye, commissioner for food assistance, emphasized
his pleasure in receiving this gift from Canada, "whose assistance is always
geared to our needs."

Ndiaye noted that Senegal, which produces no wheat, but instead imports 100

to 110 tons of it each year, is currently striving toward self-sufficiency
in food, with the production of rice, corn and millet.

9939
cso: 4719/1108

bh



MAURITIUS

RAMGOOLAM THANKS PARTY WORKERS

Port Louis LE MAURICIEN in French 23 Jun 82 p 4
[Text] Port Louis, 22 June 1982

My dear fellow countrymen,

On my personal behalf and on behalf of the Labor Party, I wish to thank all
those who had confidence in us and who voted for the Party of National Alliance,
as we asked them to do. I also thank those who worked at my side, my colleagues
in the cabinet and final assembly, the new candidates, all those who contributed
in one way or another. I am thinking particularly of those who worked anony-
mously and whose assistance was valuable to us.

My thanks also to the press, even if it sometimes did not treat me with con-
sideration, and to the police, who managed to maintain order during one of the
most difficult election campaigns, and also to our political adversaries, who
watched to see that the campaign was proper and civilized.

I thank the public for their tokens of sympathy which they continue to show
me and which touch me greatly.

To the supporters of the Labor Party, which I have had the honor of directing

for more than 30 years, I would say that the defeat which we suffered on 11 June
has not killed in me or in the party the desire to continue to serve the Mauritian
people. A meeting of the party's Executive Committee will soon determine the
course to be followed after a critical analysis of the situation facing us today.
We will then decide what must be done. It is the duty of the Labor Party's
supporters not to be discouraged, since for the Labor Party, as it has already
been said, "the fight goes on."

The party's general headquarters are still open to our supporters, who can bring
their problems to us. As in the past, we will continue to help them to find
solutions to them.

I take advantage of the opportunity offered to me to again thank my successor
for the good wishes which he and his associates conveyed to me and whose fairness
I appreciate.

Sincerely, S. Ramgoolam

11915
cso: 4719/1155

26


The CCCE's involvements in the People's Republic of Benin are numerous and
take many forms.

In 1980, the Fund contributed 1.9 billion CFA francs in financing to work to
enlarge the Cotonou International Airport and to the construction of the
Akpakpa thermal power plant.

In 1981, the Fund participated in the construction of a land-based antenna
and in the Beninese Development Bank's Study Fund in the amount of 2.2 billion
CFA francs.

Comrade Amoussou thanked Mr Deram and expressed the desire that the favorable
atmosphere of cooperation which exists between France and the People's Republic
of Benin be developed and strengthened in the direction of the mutual interests
and advantage of our two countries.

9693
csO: 4719/1103



THE NATION: If that approach fails, as it has failed in the past, what will
be the new government's position regarding the United States?

Mr Jugnauth: Listen, we shouldn't be pessimistic! I prefer, without committing
myself, to do a job, to make an effort, and then to view the results. We will
act in the light of those results.

THE NATION: Can you keep your commitments concerning the implementation of
the PRB [expansion unknown] report and payment of a 30-percent wage compensation?

Mr Jugnauth: With regard to the PRB in any case, the question is not applicable
for the time being, since there is no longer any PRB report. It was rejected
by both the former government and the trade unions. When we have a new report,
we will make a decision in the light of the new recommendations. As for the
wage compensation, we think that the burden is very heavy, especially for wage
earners who are below the scale, particularly farm workers, craftsmen, the people
with the lowest wages in this country. Those people deserve 30-percent compen-
sation. I hope that my finance minister will agree with me on giving a 30-
percent increase to certain categories of workers. I don't agree that those
receiving the highest wages should have the same percentage. This will have

to be discussed, but in my opinion graduated compensation, based on a certain
scale, would have to be granted. Actually, our priority is to raise the living
standard of the most underprivileged classes in this country. That is our
priority.

THE NATION: Another priority concerns unemployed persons with diplomas. They
were estimated at 700, but when they registered, their number came to 2,000.
What will the government do in their case?

Mr Jugnauth: In our opinion, there is not just a problem of unemployed persons
with diplomas. All unemployed people constitute a problem in our eyes. We
must work, do as much as possible, and we will see. But we cannot create
artificial jobs which would lead the country into financial ruin. We want to
do a serious job. We have just assumed power; I am not yet familiar with the
exact situation. But what we promise is that we will do everything possible
to gradually absorb all unemployed persons into the labor force.

THE NATION: It appears that the government's composition has caused some dis-
satisfaction in the ranks of the MMM/PSM [Mauritian Socialist Party]. According

to Mr Jagdish Goburdhun, a GRSE/Montagne Blanche Legislative Assembly representative,
meritocracy has not been respected.

Mr Jugnauth: That is an opinion. Everyone has his own opinion. When I do
something and then ask the opinion of 50 people, each one will have an opinion
different from that of the others. In any case, I can assure everyone that
the primary criterion was meritocracy. And we are satisfied that every member
of the government can fulfill his responsibilities, is competent and can
"deliver the goods," as they say in English. The public will judge us in

5 years.

THE NATION: Are you going to recall all Mauritian ambassadors abroad?

17



$700 million--and the debt service alone absorbs nearly two-thirds of the
country's hard currency earnings.

Ridiculously Low Purchasing Power

Having shown its good faith by carrying out the wishes of the IMF, the
Ugandan Government believes it now deserves sympathetic consideration from
the money lenders and investors. With the help of the Commonwealth
Secretariat, it has put together a short-term economic recovery program
(July 1982-1984) that contains 80 projects and gives unflinching priority to
the productive sector. According to the experts, this recovery plan is
realistic, for it aims first of all at rapidly obtaining hard currency

by expansion of export crops. Almost one-third of the financing is earmarked
for the agricultural sector.

For the moment, exports do not even cover even 60 percent of the import

bill. The tax advantages the government has offered have not sufficed to
draw in investors. Despite the symbolic value of the return of the two great
Indian families--Mehta and Madhvani--which have started on rehabilitation of
their old sugar plantations, only an infinitesimally small minority of the
40,000 Asians thrown out of Uganda 10 years ago have returned to the country.
Some came back "just to look" and quickly departed again. The rest just
drew a veil over the past. Local entrepreneurs, most of them hostile to the
regime, are still standoffish. The industrial sector consists of only

a few factories, which in many cases are "running" at a crawl. Fuel
consumption, a good indicator of economic activity, is lower than it was in
1979.

Most of the commercial crops--tea, cotton and tobacco-~show few signs of
recovery, despite a significant increase in the price paidto the peasant
grower. Cotton production has reached the lowest level in 10 years.
However, the government can take a measure of satisfaction intwo respects.
First, Uganda has once again become self-sufficient in corn (according to
information provided by the EEC, the surplus should approach 20,000 tons
this year). The Ugandan soil is so fertile that it is not a question of
[crop] performance but simply of a return to normal. Second-~and this is
more important, coffee production, which provides the country with 95 percent
of its exchange earnings, is increasing rapidly. The increase has been so
great that for the 1981-1982 season it has achieved a 40-percent increase
in its world market quota. This boom would be even more profitable for
the state if the latter were able to reduce the portion of the crop--
estimated at 20 percent--lost to contraband trade, most often via military
vehicles. Of course, Gen Oyite Ojok, the army chief of staff, is also the
president of the Coffee Marketing Office...

It will be many long months before the average Ugandan benefits from an
eventual recovery of production. His purchasing power is ridiculously low.
The minimum wage is equivalent to the price of three bottles of local beer...
It is difficult even for a high-ranking official to "make do" for more than
a week on his salary alone. So, one gets by as one can. One takes several
jobs, one skips dinner--a handful of peanuts takes its place--and one makes

5h



is possible that our policies will differ in this respect. I am now having
discussions on this. whole question, and I must say that our position has
been understood by the foreign countries involved. I believe that they under-
stand our concern about the situation in the Indian Ocean, and I have very
much appreciated the manner in which the ambassadors of the ccuntries involved
have accepted the position of our government.

[Question] Concerning Diego Garcia more precisely, in your opinion, what can
we hope, should the question be some day referred to the International Court of
Justice in order to establish Mauritian sovereignty on the Chagos archipelago?

[Answer] No decision has yet really been made as to whether the question of
Diego Garcia should be submitted to the International Court of Justice. We
have already indicated that we might consider this possibility, but it may be
premature to say that the government will definitely submit the question to
the International Court. The Court cannot make a decision on a question un-
less there is a preliminary agreement between the parties to the dispute. We
are not yet there. For the moment, our action is political and diplomatic.

The first thing to do in this respect. is to dissipate the confusion which
existed under the previous government on the actual position of Mauritius

on the Diego Garcia question. We must now restate unequivocally where we
actually stand on this question. We are doing just that now, first with the
countries involved themselves, and also in international forums (OAU, UN, etc.).
We must sort out the facts, and this is what we are doing now. When this is
done, we will have to restate solemnly in all international forums the posi-
tion of our government on this question. We will then proceed with all
possible offensives: political, diplomatic, legal.

“Nothing Has Changed in Our Relations With the West. On the Contrary, Our
Traditional Relations Will Be Revitalized"

[Question] In view of the new orientations which may affect Mauritian diplo-
macy, are there any reasons to fear a lack of cooperation from the West?

[Answer] I see no reason to fear any such thing. You see, we must now leave
behind us the empty slogans which were poured out by some of our opponents
during the election campaign. As far as Mauritius’ internetional relations
were concerned, they tried to associate us with an apocalyptic future. What
do we have now? Today, we are receiving a visit from Mr Penne, a special
advisor to President Mitterrand. Our opponents will note that Mr Penne is

a Westerner, that until now he had come to all countries of our region and,
in my opinion, must have used a lot of imagination to plan his trips so as
not to land in Mauritius! We shall receive him this week. This is a gesture
of a Western country toward the new Mauritian government, and we know that
France has played, and is playing a fundamental part with respect to Mauritius'
relations with the EEC. France is a faithful friend of Mauritius. It has
been and still is. In spite of our cpponents' declarations, I note that we
are moving toward a strengthening of our relations with France. Mr Jean-
Pierre Cot, the French minister of Cooperation, has already announced his
visit for August.

3h


As for Great-Britain, in August I shall be received in London by the British
minister of Foreign Affairs. I have already received a very warm message
from the British and our relations with London are extremely cordial.

With respect to the United States, I do not believe that disagreements which
must exist between countries belonging to different regions and following
different policies can constitute a handicap to traditional normal diplomatic
relations.

Based on the assurances we have been given by Western countries represented in
Mauritius, we have therefore no reason to fear a deterioration of our relations
with the West. On the contrary, I have the feeling that, during the last months
of the previous government, these relations had become more formal than real.
Some unblocking has been taking place since 11 June and, as a result, coopera-
tion projects which had been abandoned are now being re-examined. In the past
few days, I have received the U.S. ambassador. He corfirmed that there would
be no change in the projects that had already beer approved by the United
States, that their goodwill toward Mauritius would continue, as would all the
agreements which must be renewed by our two countries. In fact, new projects
might be considered by Washington at the request of the Mauritian government.

The climate of the dialogue which is now beginning between the new government
and foreign countries, therefore, indicates that, far from deteriorating,
Mauritius' relations with the West will, on the contrary, be revitalized.

“Privileged Relations With India and France, For Sentimental Reasons and
Because We Understand Each Other"

[Question] The prime minister, Mr Jugnauth, recently stated that India and
France would play a 'privileged' part in Mauritian diplomacy. What do you
understand by ‘privileged’ part?

[Answer] I believe that historical and cultural traditions that, quite ob-
viously, are--and will remain--strong with countries like India or France
will have the effect that our relations are on a different plane than with
countries who are just as much our friends but whose traditions and cultures
differ from ours. There again, facts verify these affinities. In spite of
her very busy schedule, Mrs Indira Gandhi will come to Mauritius on 23-26
August. This is the sign of a relation which, certainly, is a political
relation but also a sentimental relation.

Historical, cultural, geographic realities are such that, indeed, in the case
of India we can talk of "privileged" relations. This is of course a fundament-
al fact. There remains to be seen if this de facto privileged relation will
result in a privileged political relation; this is another side of the question.

I told you before how much we value France's friendship. It is also quite
obvious that new links will be created between socialist Frarce and socialist

Mauritius.

Of course, inspite of these privileged relations with India and France, we
shall preserve our full independence and there might be situations where

35



TOGO

BRIEFS

COCOA PRICES--By a signed decree by the president of the republic, the closing
date for the season for purchasing cocoa from the main 1981/82 crop has been

set for 22 May 1982. In another connection, by a decree signed by the president
of the republic, the opening date of the season for purchasing cocoa from the
intermediate 1982 crop has been set for 7 June 1982. In conformity with the
packaging specifications purchase prices for cocoa bean producers have been set
as follows for the different grades at all trading points: high grade and
regular cocoa: Fr 225 per kilogram; borderline cocoa: Fr 50 per kilogram.
Through application of the marketing costs schedule, the values to be billed to
the Togol Agricultural Products Office [OPAT] have been set at CFA 248,197 per
ton for superior and regular cocoa and CRA 64,403 per ton for borderline cocoa.
Total supplementary transportation costs that OPAT will reimburse to approved
purchasers have been set as follows: Litime Region: Fr 2,000 per ton; Akposso-—
Nord Region: Fr 1,300 per ton; Akposso-Plateau Region: Fr 1,300 per ton; Akebou
District: Fr 1,300 per ton; Pagala Region: Fr 1,300 per ton; Dayes Region:

Fr 1,300 per ton. The reimbursement of the costs depends on the presentation
of packing tickets relating to this transportation. [Text] [Lome LA NOUVELLE
MARCHE in French 10 Jun 82 pp 1, 4] 9380

SHEA PRICES--By a signed decree by the president of the republic, the opening
date of the season for purchasing shea from the 1982/83 crop has been set for
22 June 1982. The purchase prices for shea nuts from the indicated crop has
been set at Fr 45 per kilogram at all trading points. Through application of
the marketing costs schedule, the values to be billed to the Togo Agricultural
Products Office (OPAT) has been set at Fr 60,659 per ton. The total supple—
mentary transportation costs that OPAT will reimburse to approved purchasers
have been set as follows: Tone Prefecture: Fr 5,880 per ton; Oti Prefecture:
Fr 4,440 per ton; Bassar Prefecture: Fr 1,180 per ton; Keran prefecture: Fr
2,660 per ton; Doufelgou: Fr 2,120 per ton; Koza Prefecture: Fr 1,560 per
ton; Binahh Prefecture: Fr 2,280 per ton; Assoli Prefecture: Fr 1,040 per
ton; Nyala Prefecture: Fr 800 per ton. [Text] [Lome LA NOUVELLE MARCHE in
French 10 Jun 82 p 4] 9380

50



MAURITIUS

PTR'S FUTURE ANALYZED
Port Louis LE MAURICIEN in French 17 Jun 82 p 4
[Article by Lindsay Riviere]

[Text] Having recovered their emotions from last weekend, the officials of
the outgoing government are this week trying to analyze the causes of the
humiliating defeat of 11 June, with one question as their main concern: After
that election rout, does the Labor Party [PTR] still have a future?

An initial trend already seems to be emerging: the necessity of starting from
scratch. The Labor Party and its new allies, the RPL[Rally for Progress and Liberty]
and the Francois Group, now represent only one in four Mauritians. And even
that may appear debatable today. For after the recent smooth transition, which
has probably swept away the fears which the PAN [Party of National Alliance]

was trying to exploit, and the normal reflux of some of the defeated toward

the victors, it is not certain that if the general elections were to be held
again next Sunday, the PAN would again receive the same number of votes! Losing
control of the executive branch and absent from the legislative branch, its
municipal and village representatives soon to be removed, the Labor Party no
longer has any means of control. Its long period in the wilderness is starting.

Two factors will accentuate its difficulties:

(a) The Boodhoo Phenomenon. The leader of the PSM [Mauritian Socialist Party],
reelected with 77 percent of the votes and a driving force of the MMM/PSM alli-
ance in rural areas, has now fully secured, on one hand, the traditional Labor
Party electorate and, on the other, the middleclass electorate of the cities.
By quickly occupying ground, the PSM could therefore absorb what remains of
the Labor Party electorate. And the likelihood is that it will do so in order
to put itself in a better position in relation to the MMM in anticipation of
the 1987 general elections.

(b) The new government's social program. The MMM and PSM have overtaken the

PTR on its left and got themselves elected precisely because they managed to
embody the hope for a more aggressive social policy. By the positions which

it defended during the campaign, the PTR has itself come across as an obstacle

to change. Thus it appears to be able to constitute only a rightist opposition.
And the country's current mood hardly seems willing to put up with rightist views.

23



Kampala--"Kwisa" in Swahili means "It's all gone...there is nothing left."
For years, in the stores and markets of Kampala, it was a byword for
scarcity. For several months now it has been heard much less frequently,
for the markets are once again well provisioned, and the shelves in scme
small stores are overflowing with consumer products...more or less current
ones: sugar, salt and soap, but also cassettes from Hong Kong and
champagne from France. There are no more gasoline lines, and the public
transport system is functioning almost normally. This renewal of the urban
economy, while fragile and largely artificial, has not passed unnoticed

in this capital city that has long been anemic.

The resurgence of trade is a result of the shock treatment administered last
June. At the urging of the International Monetary Fund [IMF], President
Obote adopted a series of severe financial and budgetary measures: floating
the currency exchange rate, eliminating price controls, reducing public
outlays, heavy emphasis on investment and fiscal reform. This reform policy
got quick results. The Ugandan shilling, which until then was excessively
“syollen," lost 90 percent of its nominal value.! The gap between the
official rate and the parallel market rate has become considerably smaller.
The price of basic necessities shot up quickly and then began a gradual
decline. The black market disappeared, except for some spare parts. The
butchers' stalls and shop windows filled up.

Most importantly, the IMF was satisfied and came to the rescue. It
promised $197 million in balance of payments assistance stretched out over
a 13-month period. The first two installments were disbursed in June and
November 1981 and the third at the end of April. This money made it
possible to settle the bills owing to the oil companies operating in

Uganda, whose purchases had declined by 50 percent in a single year. IMF
experts assigned to the Ministry of Finance and the central bank are keeping
watch to make sure the aid money is well spent.

Uganda is also benefiting from other assistance programs. The World Bank
and its subsidiaries will be loaning $135 million for the purchase of
capital goods. The European Economic Community [EEC], which has "suspended"
its aid under the Amin Dada dictatorship, will provide some $220 million,
primarily for the benefit of the agricultural sector and mostly in the form
of grant aid, between now and 1984. The primary sources of financing are
India, Great Britain and above all the FRG. The Bonn government, which
under pressure from the Bundestag is exercising increased vigilance with
regard to human rights violations, might still reduce its assistance if
repression continued unchecked. Several Western countries have either
cancelled Uganda's indebtedness to them or--as in the case of France--
rescheduled it. Nevertheless, Uganda's public debt remains huge--more than

1. $1.00 U.S. = 86 shillings
2 The clandestine opposition claims in its monthly bulletin, with statistics
to back it up, that $31 million were given to Zambia to pay back a debt

contracted by Mr Obote's party to finance the December 1980 legislative
elections.

53


MAURITIUS

MMM/PSM Officials Review Plans To Reform Civil Service
(LE NOUVEAU MILITANT, 2) May 82) ..

1.7-Billion-Ruppee Trade Deficit Reported for 1981
(L'EXPRESS, 25 May 82)

PIR's Future Analyzed
(lindsay Riviere; LE MAURICIEN, 17 Jun 82) .scsccceceee

Ramgoolam Thanks Party Workers
(IE MAURICIEN, 23 Jun 82) csccccccccccccccccccccecececs

New Education Minister Interviewed
(Ramduth Jaddoo Interview; LE MAURICIEN, 6 Jul 82).....

New Foreign Minister Interviewed
(J.D. De L'Estract; LE MAURICIEN, 2 Jul 82) ....

NIGER

Ministerial Missions Supervising Setting Up of Village
Development Councils
(LE SAHEL, 7 Jun 82) ceccccccccceseccccccccccessssceues

Provisional Government Reshuffled
(LE SAHEL, 15 Jun 82) ccccccccccccccccccccccccccscvccee

NIGERIA

Briefs
French Missile Patrol Vessels
Loan for Sokkoto State
Fulani Urged To Register

SENEGAL

Canadian Wheat Donation
(IE SOLEIL, l) Jun 82) ccccccccscccccccccccccsccecccecees

TOGO

Editorial Praises ECOWAS as Vehicle for Future of Africa
(Editorial, Assiongbor Folivis LA NOUVELLE MARCHE,

L Jun 82) ccccccscccccccsccccccscccccscesesececscccseces

Agbessi Buagbe Article on President's Campaign for Social
Justice
(Agbessi Buagbe; LA NOUVELLE MARCHE, 8 Jun 82) ccscccece

-b-

19

21

23

26

27

31

ho

yl

43
43

4S

7



--Minister of Public Works and Urbanism: Moumouni Yacouba;

--Secretary of State for National Education: Modieli Amadou;
--Secretary of State for Interior: Amadou Fiti Maiga;

--Secretary of State for Plan: Al-Housseini Mouloul.

This decree, which repeals Decree No 81-138 PCMS, dated 31 August 1981,
supplemented by Decree No 81-196 PCMS, dated 9 November 1981, will be
published in the Official Journal of the Republic of Niger.

By Decree No 10 PCMS/MDN/SAG dated 14 June 1982, Maj Youssoufa Amadou
Maiga is appointed commander of the National Gendarmerie, with the rank

and privileges of Commander, in replacement of Maj Ausseil Pierre.

All previous orders to the contrary are rescinded, particularly those
contained in Decree No 27 CMS/MDN/SGJM dated 3 September 1981.

This decree, which is effective on the date of its signature, will be
published in the Official Journal of the Republic of Niger.

8143
cso: 4719/1129

2



NIGER

MINISTERIAL MISSIONS SUPERVISING SETTING UP OF VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT COUNCILS
Niamey LE SAHEL in French 7 Jun 82 p 4

[Text] The ministerial missions supervising the setting up of village
development councils are continuing their work in the country's hinterland.
Mr Mamane Oumarou, minister for youth, sports and culture, is criss-
crossing the Niamey region, while Mr Amadou Fifi Maiga, state secretary
for the interior, deals with the Tahoua region. Mr Brah Mahamane, the
planning minister, finished his tour of the Agadez region yesterday.

For ten days, the planning minister met with the people of this region,
to find out what has been achieved and what remains to be done in the
context of setting up village development councils.

In the same vein, it should be noted that El Hadj Mai Lawan made a five
day tour of the Aguie canton. This tour, which was also within the
framework of setting up village councils, took him to 30 villages. He
was accompanied on his trip by various technical heads and representatives
of Samariya [expansion unknown] and the Development Company.

For his part, the sub-prefect of Guidan-Roumdji, Mr Ango Maikassoua,
also made a tour of his district. The subprefect and his aides criss-—
crossed the canton's 67 villages, according to sources in Guidan-oumdji
and Chadakori.

Independently of its mission of supervising the work involved in setting

up village development councils, the subprefectorial delegation consulted
the people it visited in order to ascertain together those mistakes liable
to hinder the preliminary efforts to make the public aware of the program.

In light of already completed works, the very methodical proceedings made at
the village level should be noted. Thus, in each of the identical village
meetings, the members and president of the delegation were first introduced,
as were the essential goals and objectives targeted by the mission. The
presence of members of different rural organizations had to be carefully
managed. Discussions regarding the new course of Nigerien development were
begun, and the honest selection of representatives to the village development
councils was witnessed. Finally, all the different questions concerning the
development actions which will take place on the sites were dealt with and
of course put into perspective.

9939
cso: 4719/1108

ho



President Houphouet-Boigny emphasized: "Such neutrality is essential to the
African continent if it wants to overcome its: great lag in economic and
social development."

Our party president then gave the Political Bureau members an interesting
account of the proceedings of the recent summit of ECOWAS heads of state and
government held in Cotonou 28-29 May 1982.

In this connection, the head of state praised the excellent organization of
the meeting and expressed his congratulations and thanks to the fraternal
People of Benin and their leader, President Mathieu Kerekou. President
Houphouet~Boigny also cited the high standard and quality of the work, which
reflected the great maturity of the leaders of our region. He..then reaffirmed
his faith and hope in ECOWAS, framework and symbol of a happy and united
future for West Africa, a strong link in African unity.

"Depend on Ourselves"

President Houphouet-Boigny then turned to the Ivory Coast domestic situation,
which he discussed at greater length. He expressed satisfaction at the
atmosphere of peace and stability which has prevailed in the country since
the recent reconciliations in all areas following the appeal by the president
and party.

The president said: "The Ivory Coast now has a single objective: development.
Each day that passes strengthens our profound belief that our only chance
to get out of the crisis is to depend on ourselves."

The president, whose great interest in agriculture is well known, then took
the opportunity to again appeal to the party leaders, and through them to the
dynamic people of the Ivory Coast, to increase their efforts to achieve food
self-sufficiency, which must no longer be merely a slogan but become a con-
crete reality.

President Houphouet-Boigny then announced that "in a few weeks, party
missions, veritable crusddés for development, will travel through all areas
of the country to launch, explain, and stimulate a vast agricultural campaign
to increase production of food crops, the basis for the feeding of our
people," thereby giving substance to one of the important decisions of the
latest PDCI congress.

This great agricultural campaign, which is awaited expectantly by the
country, will be supported by the government, party, and all the dynamic for-
ces of the Ivorian nation, which, through general mobilization and work,
will undoubtedly win a new wager, that of achieving food self-sufficiency,
which should be the major objective of all the African peoples.

After a very informative exchange of views on the president's important
address, the members of the Political Bureau, responding to the head of
state's appeal, decided to form party missions to undertake shortly the tours
of the country.

10


UGANDA

SEVERE ECONOMIC MEASURES GAIN APPROVAL OF IMF
Paris LE MONDE in French 23-24 May 82 p 8
[Article by Jean-Pierre Langellier]

[Text] The consultative group on Uganda (which comprises
the representatives of 10 countries, most of the European,
including France, Great Britain, the FRG, Denmark and
Italy, as well as the United States, Japan and several
European and international assistance organizations),
meeting in Paris under the auspices of the World Bank,
completed its work this week, emphasizing the participants’
resolve to contribute to recovery efforts for this country,
whose financial needs have been estimated at $1.4 billion
over a 3-year period.

The communique said that certain donors stressed that the
success of the recovery program depends on the ability
of the Ugandan Government to preserve law and order and
improve the internal security situation. The text says
that the Ugandan delegation, headed by Mr Abraham Waligo,
minister of housing and urban development, reaffirmed his
government's commitment to democracy, the rule of law and
the protection of human rights.

The figure of $1.4 billion covers all of Uganda's financial
needs, including balance of payments support and the
financing of projects called for in the 1982-1984 recovery
plan totaling $736 million, 80 percent of which $556
million) is needed in hard currency. Emphasis was put on
rapid-disbursing aid, as well as on technical expertise.

IDA [International Development Association], a subsidiary
of the World Bank, has just provided a $35-million
assistance package for industrial reconstruction.

The consultative group will meet again in 18 months to

review progress in implementation of the Ugandan
recovery plan.

52



surveillance of natural pasture lands and forestry resources, etc. As regards
water resources, detailed information about the hydrographic network is also
expected with an acceleration of research on the sites of dams. With respect
to geology, SPOT is expected to help refine cartography and to discover new
deposits of raw materials or precious minerals.

Organized 2 years before the launching of the satellite, this regional
seminar on SPOT data should permit indoctrination of the future user

organizations and prepare advance training of the African engineers and
technicians who will daily use the images from space beginning in 1984.

As the end of the seminar, a number of conclusions and recommendations will
be issued by the participants, particularly as regards the need for the
West African region to be equipped with a station to directly receive the
SPOT images at the CRTIO.

8143
cso: 4719/1132 END

58



MADAGASCAR

FINANCE MINISTER EXPLAINS DEVALUATION
Tananarive MADAGASCAR MATIN in French 8 Jun 82 pp 1, 2

[Text] The Madagascar franc is floating against a currency basket. Mr
Pascal Rakotomavo, the minister of finance, disclosed this news at a press
conference last Thursday at the Central Bank headquarters at Antaninarenina.

Today we continue with the finance minister's remarks, which were made in
French. But first we must correct a "typographical error" in the Friday

4 June edition. Talking about the economic circumstances surrounding the
national debt, and nevertheless maintaining that there should be subscribers
from all walks of society, Minister Rakotomavo said: "Otherwise how can we
claim that the rich are less rich and the poor less poor?" (and not the
converse).

Here, then, is. our Chancellor of the Exchequer's explanation of the "new"
Malagasy franc and the devaluation:

"You ask me what is the percentage breakdown of each of the currencies in
the currency basket. This is a problem linked to the deposit of documents
with international authorities. So I will just give you the names of the
currencies making up the basket. They are the French franc, the dollar, the
yen, the German mark, and the pound sterling. These are the currencies
which make up the basket that determines the value of the Malagasy franc.

In other words, the Malagasy franc is tied to the average value of these
currencies in relation to their fluctuation. For the sake of convenience,
we still make use of the French franc in our calculations. But that is only
a mode of calculation, and we also continue to refer to the daily fluctuations
of these currencies.

"So when we devalue, we are devaluing in relation to the basket. We are not
devaluing with respect to any particular currency.

"Why should we have devalued, when we are not an industrialized country, at
least for the time being? The answer leads us to a vicious circle.
Devaluation is one technique, among others, for suppressing inflation. Up

to the present time, our exports have been basically the so-called industrial
crops, export crops. You know, coffee, cloves, vanilla, pepper, etc. They
account for 70 percent of our exports. Our diversification effort is

12


JPRS 81511

11 August 1982

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA REPORT

No. 2673
CoNTENTS
ANGOLA
Briefs
Lisbon Denial 1
BENIN
French Lines of Credit
(EHUZU, 7 Jun 82) ssscccccccccccccccccccsccccccseccecees 2
Oil Exploration Set To Start .
(H. Akponikpes EHUZU, 7 Jun 82) seccocccccscesesscescees 4

GABON

British Agricultural, Forestry Mission
(L'UNION, 8 Jun 82) scccccccccccccccccccsccccccsececcecs 6

IVORY

Visiting Mitterrand Impressed Friends, Upset 'Expansionists!
(Auguste Miremont; FRATERNITE MATIN, 29-31 May 82).sceee 7

President Announces Drive for Food Self-Sufficiency
(FRATERNITE MATIN, 9 Jun 82) sesccccccccecceseseeececese 9

MADAGASCAR

Finance Minister Explains Devaluation
(MADAGASCAR, 8 Jun 82)...

eee ec eccccccccecaccescces 12

Jugnauth on New Government's Policy, Priorities, Plans
(Aneerood Jugnauth Interview; LE MAURICIEN, 17 Jun 82).. 1h

-a- [III - NE & A = 120]



It is also obvious that, to achieve this objective, we are dependent on the
political will of the great powers, on a real desire on their part to under-
stand the concern of the countries in this region. This is why the other side
of our diplomacy will consist in maintaining a dialogue with these great powers.
In the pest few days, we have also demonstrated our desire for a dialogue and

I. think that, in spite of objective realities and in spite of the desire we have
expressed on repeated occasions to fight for the removal of all bases from this
region, we must preserve all possibilities of a dialogue with the countries
which are at the root of its militarization.

This is why, bilaterally but also internationally, Mauritius will continue its
dialogue with the great powers, without this dialogue ever in any way becoming

- a door open to compromises on what we feel is a vital necessity for the
Mauritian people and for all the people of this region.

"Mauritian Diplomacy Is Coming Out of a Long Period of Hibernation"

[Question] One of the first intentions published in this respect concerns the
possible closing down of Port-Louis to foreign warships. Are we to expect
during the coming weeks a formal announcement of the new government to the
effect that warships are no longer welcome in Mauritius?

[Answer] I have already touched on this question with diplomats of the coun-
tries involved and, in the name of the government, I have promised that this
decision would not be made suddenly. In this respect, we have indicated that
we cannot claim to be nonaligned and to work for the demilitarization of the
Indian Ocean and, at the same time, allow military activity to take place in
our own port. To us, this is merely a question of being consistent and faithful
to our principles!

But this problem, too, may be solved through dialogue. I have told the ambassa-
dors of the countries involved that our government wished to give them a moral
delay before the measure is applied. We do understand that, under the condi-
tions which prevailed until now, the military activities of the countries in-
volved were programmed a long time ahead and that any sudden decision on our
part could cause problems, and we do not wish this to happen since some of
these countries are friends of Mauritius.

Therefore, the closing down of Port-Louis to warships will take place in due
time but, certainly, this decision will not be applied in the very near future.
We wish to leave the countries involved enough time to redeploy their activities
as they see fit, but we also do not wish this gesture to be interpreted as
unfriendly or hostile. This is why we attach as much importance to how we do
things as to what we do.

[Question] In this respect, will you, like Seychelles, adopt a policy of
quotas concerning the number of ships, or will you ask for an end to warship
calls?

[Answer] Our primary objective is to reduce the number of warship calls in

Port-Louis and, in due time, to discontinue these calls altogether. For
reasons of their own, the Seychellois have adopted a policy of quotas, and it

33



MAURITIUS

1.7-BILLION-RUPEE TRADE DEFICIT REPORTED FOR 1981
Port Louis L'EXPRESS in French 25 May 82 pp 1, 12

[Text] Mauritian imports for calendar year 1981 rose to 4,976,800,000
rupees, of which 1,197,000,000 rupees were for imported foodstuffs, thereby
leaving a deficit in the trade balance of about 1,699,000,000 rupees for
1981 compared with a deficit of 1,105,000,000 rupees in 1980.

In reviewing the most recent trade statistics published for 1981, it is
noted that South. Africa, which was the foremost trading partner of Mauritius
in terms of imports, lost its leading position to socialist France.

First of all, informed sources in the Mauritian foreign trade sector

explain that this decline in Mauritian imports from South Africa was about
24 percent, or from 634.5 million rupees in 1980 to 480.5 million rupees in
1981. This decline was in no way due to a change in trade policy by the
Mauritian Government regarding South Africa. The explanation for the
decline may by found in the depression the Mauritian construction industry is
presently experiencing.

The country imports construction steel fromSouth Africa, and in the course
of the past year the value of these imports declined by 40 percent, from
158,844,000 rupees in 1980 to 95,639,000 rupees in 1981. With the
deterioration of the rate of exchange of the rupee in the foreign exchange
market, these same sources consider that imports showed a considerable
reduction in volume.

In 1981, Mauritius imported merchandise valued at 535,200,000 rupees from
France (505,300,000 rupees in 1980) and 480,500,000 rupees from South

Africa compared with 634,500,000 rupees in 1980. For our energy needs in
terms of gasoline, fuel oil and kerosene, the import bill rose to 771,800,000
rupees compared with 513 million rupees in 1980, despite the fact that there
has been a tendency toward a decline in the consumption of gasoline and other
petroleum products.

The other principal Mauritian trading partners in 1981, in terms of imports,

were Great Britain, from which imports totaled 423,500,000 rupees; Japan,
282,400,000 rupees; Australia, 275,800,000 rupees; the United States,

21



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Headlines, editorial reports, and material enclosed in brackets
{] are supplied by JPRS. Processing indicators such as [Text]
or [Excerpt] in the first line of each item, or following the
last line of a brief, indicate how the original information was
processed. Where no processing indicator is given, the infor-
mation was summarized or extracted.

Unfamiliar names rendered phonetically or transliterated are
enclosed in parentheses. Words or names preceded by a ques-
tion mark and enclosed in parentheses were not clear in the
original but have been supplied as appropriate in context.
Other unattributed parenthetical notes within the body of an
item originate with the source. Times within items are as
given by source,

The contents of this publication in no way represent the poli-
cies, views or attitudes of the U.S. Government.

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TOGO

EDITORIAL PRAISES ECOWAS AS VEHICLE FOR FUTURE OF AFRICA
Lome LA NOUVELLE MARCHE in French 1 Jun 82 pp 1, 3
{Editorial by Assiongbor Folivi: "ECOWAS: The Beginning of Reality"]

[Text] As we approach the 21st century, Africa is trying by every means possible
to assert its emancipation.

But quite a few of the colloquia and seminars taking place in African capitals
pass the critical economic needs by and go down the primrose path of political
arcana, becoming lost in disunity, suspiciousness and byzantine disputes.

Fortunately, the conference just held under the ECOWAS [Economic Community of
West African States] banner at Cotonou escaped that sterile mold. For by its
endorsement of ECOWAS's continued advance, that fifth regular conference has
laid a cornerstone in the building of the Africa of tomorrow.

Actually, ever since 1975, ECOWAS--with its 150 million inhabitants and 6.2
million square km of land--has played a key role in that effort, fashioning and
promulgating the machinery appropriate to the economic, commercial, social and
cultural interdependence of the peoples of our subregion and to their inde-
pendence of the outside world.

Given the persistence of the broad features of the old international economic
order, as evidenced by the decline in the prices of our raw materials and
deterioration of the terms of trade between the industrialized and developing
countries, and given the linguistic, administrative, geographic and economic
barriers imposed by colonialism with contempt for the natural affinities of the
African peoples, regional economic groupings (of which ECOWAS is for the time
being the only viable example in Africa) are vindicating the determination of
our heads of state to create a united front to confront the economic problems
we face on this continent.

In the very near future, people and goods will circulate freely among all
[member] states; every citizen of ECOWAS will be able to live and work wherever
he wants; the states will be linked by modern telecommunications} livestock
breeding centers and joint exploitation of energy resources will make it pos-
sible to achieve both food and energy self-sufficiency.

The Africa of tomorrow, thanks to its own potentialities, will thus be able
to raise the standard of living of its people.

hs



themselves with the modern organization of examinations. In his view, in the
long range, joint ventures may be organized with Cambridge for periods of 5
to 10 years with a view to holding examinations and joint certification until
Mauritius will be able to go it alone in this area.

What about textbooks? The ministry intends to help mainly poor children, on
the basis of parental possibilities and textbook costs. This will be part of
a Book Scheme, similar to the Book Loan Scheme and the Book Sales Scheme.
Domestic production of booklets and other educational tools will be consi-
dered. Contacts to this effect have already been established with Longmans
and Macmillan. In R. Jaddoo's view, in addition to governmental and interna-
tional financial aid, a medium-term centralization of available means must be
achieved in printing and publication. Discussions have already taken place
or will be held on this subject with the MIE, Mauritius University, the
Mahatma Ghandi Institute and the Governmental Printing Press. Mauritian
authors will be largely represented without any decline in quality.

Another important problem is that of the language to be used in primary and
secondary schools. According to R. Jaddoo there should be no evasiveness in
this area. "We firmly favor the use of the environmental language in school,
particularly Creole and Bhojpuri." Although no clearly defined policy has
existed so far, the minister specified, it is important to note that "no
rigidity will be displayed by the government. Let it be clearly understood
that the French language will not be excluded." As we know, the Speech from
the Throne made a mention of the establishment of a department of languages.
Creole will be studied scientifically in order to determine its grammar,
lexicon and vocabulary, the creation of a dictionary for school use, etc.

Adult Education will be reviewed. According to R. Raddoo, this study must be
conducted within the overall framework of the reorientation of education on
the level of a national commission to be established soon. He includes in
this context the establishment of a modern university, which would offer
greater access to secondary school students and working people. He disclaims
any right to interfere in the operations of Mauritius University and the MIE.
"I favor total autonomy. However, I believe that it is important for such
institutions to be headed by competent people rather than boards of trustees,
as is the case of the MGI, where politicians acting as private citizens
formulate the guidelines." R. Jaddoo is of the opinion that the university
could teach courses which do not necessarily lead to diplomas and ensure the
participation of officials from his and other ministries in university
activities either as students or lecturers. This will also resolve the
problem of the time wasted by the current faculty.

The dialogue with the trade unions and other associations will be continued
in the area of industrial relations. The minister shares the opinion of the
teachers concerning their low salaries in terms of their work: "Together we
must agree on a formula which, after a while, could result in the rehabilita-
tion of this category of citizens and working people." The employment of

people without degrees in secondary education and the status of people with
graduation certificates and diplomas in the various educational sectors will
be the topic of meetings aimed at a "total reshuffling." The ideal is to

employ everyone according to his potential. A solution may be found before



We do think that relations between Mauritius and Australia could be much more
extensive than what they have been until now. South Africa is a country which
has known how to use for its own ends the fact that relations with the West
were not established on a basis that would make an extension possible. For
reasons both political and of self-interest, we are going to work actively to
establish more extensive political relations with Australia. That country,
too, has shown a desire for an opening toward its immediate neighbors and,
beyond them, toward the Indian Ocean and Africa. The Mauritian government

has proved unable to use the Australian potentialities and it may also be true
that, for a long time, Australia remained self-centered. But all this is
changing now. Because of its industrial development, because of its position
as a medium-size power in the region, Australia is decided to achieve an
opening. It is for us now to take advantage of this desire. We shall cer-
tainly do so and we will see Australia play an important part in our diplomacy
in order to reduce Mauritius’ dependency from South Africa.

There is a whole range of prospects! At this stage, I cannot of course say
how much assistance we can expect; it is for the ministries of Finances and
Planning to do so. My job as foreign minister is to create a climate favorable
to the satisfactory progress and realization of assistance projects. Already,
the Mauritians are witnessing the end of the island's diplomatic hibernation.
Within a few days, the country has started living again and arousing interest
overseas. Mauritius is finding again its international prestige.

[Question] What is your approach to the question of Mauritian embassies
overseas?

[Answer] One of the first measures we took in this respect was to recall our
ambassadors abroad, ambassadors who had been appointed for political consider-
ations. In any self-respecting democratic country, when a new government comes
into office to apply a new policy, it must be given a free hand to do so with
new men. In the case of Mauritius, the labor government could think of nothing
better than renewing the contracts of foreign-service diplomats for periods
which, in some cases, extend to 1987. As a result, we find ourselves in an
absurd and unacceptable situation: a government whose mandate was not renewed
took the liberty of renewing the mandates of those it had appointed. This is an
abuse of power which is characteristic of the former regime.

This is why we are taking the necessary steps to change the law so that no
government will be authorized to appoint anybody for periods extending beyond
the government's own mandate. This will be a new demonstration of our respect
for democracy. After receiving a mandate for a given period, we should not
abuse this mandate to give those whom we have appointed a term in office much
longer than ours.

But the labor government did worse: the contracts of the appointed diplomats
provide that, should a new government wish to terminate their contracts, it
would have to pay them the full amount of what they would have received for
the full contract period (salaries plus indemnities). This, of course, is
unacceptable and the government intends to change the law quickly so as to
disengage ourselves from the commitments made by the previous government and
to install the new diplomats we wish to appoint to apply our new policies.

38



The PTR will also have to deal with many other circumstances which will be un-
favorable: the opportunism of its supporters of yesterday, who will quickly

be revealed as more regimentally minded than the new government's officials,

the erosion of its agents' morale, already apparent last Friday and which was
complete by Saturday, the undoubtedly gradual abandonment of its overseas support
if the MMM/PSM continue to play the game.

Under such conditions, what future does the PTR have?

It will undoubtedly be based on the analysis and self-criticism which its leaders
will make of that defeat.

But the PTR is already looking for scapegoats. At PTR headquarters on Tuesday,
some people regretted that an agreement was not made with the PMSD [Mauritian
Social Democratic Party] (even though an analysis of the figures clearly shows
that even combined, PTR/PMSD forces could not have stemmed the tide of change),
others blamed the RPL and still others were annoyed with the electorate's
"ingratitude."

However, the truth is to be found elsewhere:

The Labor Party has constantly lost ground since the 1959 general elections.
This is a verifiable historical fact. The opposition of the IFB [Independent
Forward Bloc] in the early 1960's, which was timid at first, and then the mass—
ive opposition of the PMSD around the middle 1960's, gradually eroded its
popular support. In 1967, it was only with the help of the IFB and CAM [Moslem
Action Committee] that the PTR passed the 50-percent mark. In 1976, this
dropped to 38 percent and to even less in the 1977 municipal elections. No
one in the PTR ever wanted to acknowledge this and learn its lessons. Thanks
to its parliamentary majority (often obtained under what conditions!), the PTR
always had the illusion of constitutional power even though it no longer had
the support of the people.

The major cause of this erosion of its electorate was: Since independence,

the PTR has constantly been cutting itself off from the people and everyday
realities. Satisfied with its record, it is still amazed today that others

are not. Having provided the people with decent living conditions, it is amazed
that they ask for more. Involved, through prize award ceremonies, in a long
monologue with the nation, it thought it had been involved in a dialogue. Sur-
rounded by parasites and sycophants, it allowed itself to be flattered. Per-
petually traveling overseas, its perception of local reality became distorted.

It finally became obvious that neither the outgoing prime minister nor the mini-
ster of finance nor their associates understood the country any longer. The
Labor Party's failure, besides that of its management, is above all a failure
of communication.

This failure itself has a basic reason: the lack of replacing men and ideas,
which would have brought the leaders close to new realities.

The PTR has systematically refused to dismiss its chiefs, to rethink its
ideology and to adapt to modern times. Lost in nostalgia for the past, a

2h



How firm this voice was in criticizing the old, rich nations which do not
understand the solidarity and complementarity which they should have with us;
calling on them not to reject the comprehensive negotiations which would
bring about a just economic system, including among other things stabiliza-
tion of raw material prices; castigating the speculators in London, Chicago,
and New York, those "sharks" who care only about accumulating money and pay
no attention to the fate of the producers; and adding the true remark that it
is not up to the powers to act on our behalf.

Yes, they needed to be reaffirmed, these principles which are also those
of President Houphouet and of the Ivory Coast. Thus, the two heads of state
were able to reconfirm a total identity of views.

A certain element of the French press, presenting itself as expert in African
realities after only a short visit, took malicious pleasure in misrepresent-
ing, in petty and spiteful terms, our development efforts because they do not
correspond with their views. However, that press element is certainly not
going to prevent us from continuing in our path and our struggle for relation—
ships founded on respect for dignity, and on justice. Why indeed should they
have wanted to appear as censors, moralizers, and guides, rather sticking

to the facts, which speak well enough for themselves?

Note also the ridiculousness of that certain Arab-African radio, whose
officials, well known for their fanaticism, attack in full verbal delirium

the "African peoples...(who) speak the language of the colonists, and adopt
the colonists' religion," and the "salaried African agents who go along with
the French policy game." This same radio called Francois Mitterrand's visit
to our country the visit of a "colonizer to his colonies," and called on our
people to "take up arms to avenge their dignity, downtrodden by the white man."

Where can mindlessness lead? To what imbecilities? Certainly, the outmoded
reactions of a blind nationalism under the thumb of the imperialism of

an Eastern state and a religious intransigence leading to a dangerous mad-
ness are not going to cause us to end our relations with anyone we choose,
particularly with France.

We are proud of France's friendship and its support, and we are grateful
to it for having understood our concerns and having supported them everywhere.

Francois Mitterrand, though he may not have sought to reassure, did convince,
as I have already said, by the sincere, fervent tone of his statements,
and by the firmness of his stands.

This is exactly what disturbs, both on this continent and elsewhere, the
lackeys of other imperialisms with their impulses toward territorial or
religious expansionism.

9920
cso: 4719/1113



Although all previous attempted groupings in the 1960's failed, ECOWAS is
betting that Gen Gnassingbe Eyadema's Togo and Nigeria did the right thing by
bowing to their peers.

The many concrete and credible results of the fifth conference, achieved by
hard work in a spirit of reason and calm, are so many dynamic factors for
pooling the great potential of the 16 states of the subregion.

The important decisions taken by the heads of state at Cotonou must be seen in
that light, especially the decision to proceed with immediate construction of

the headquarters of the cooperation fund for equalization and development, the
linchpin institution of the community.

The political will shown by the heads of state to build up ECOWAS institutions,
like that manifested at all their summits, may well be dismissed as "dreaming"
by Africa's enemies, but for us this is a dream bearing the seeds of the future.

It is often said that if one dreams alone it is only a dream. But when people

dream together it is the beginning of a reality. ECOWAS is the beginning of a
reality, the debut of the Africa of tomorrow.

9516
cso: 4719/1065

6



voluntary contributions to this fund proves how conscious the Togolese are of
the problems affecting its improved situation.

Pagnes: Posting Prices

The wording of these measures taken in the Council of Ministers on the market-
ing of cereals and on the reform of the pagne trade is clear and precise and
cannot lend itself to any error of interpretation whatsoever. Thus, any fail-
ure to respect these measures can only be done in bad faith.

In this connection, on the subject of pagnes it will be noted with particular
interest that the importer or wholesaler must henceforth sell retail in his
shop. The opposite practice which was current and which gave a certain category
of individuals the right of monopoly over the goods was responsible for the
rises in price which characterized the pagne market.

It will also be noted with interest that all dealers in the markets are required
to post sales prices clearly and visibly on the fabrics. The strict application
of this measure intended to prevent fraud will undoubtedly guarantee the success
of all these decisions. Scrupulous and regular auditing at these levels by the
competent departments is thus of prime importance.

But we, the militants of the Rally of the Togolese people, must not wait for
audits to conform to the decisions made by our Party.

The true RPT militant proves himself by the respect he fosters for Party ideals,
the faith he puts in the New Market policy, his effective contribution to
national construction, his behavior in view of the decisions made by the Party
or the government on the people's behalf. It is not enough to say that one is
a militant: it must be proved by acts consistent with the Party's political
line. This political line essentially has the objective of peace, national
development and the people's happiness. If we are true militants, our acts and
ideas should always tend in the direction of harmonious construction of the
nation. Cheating and dishonest practices are flagrantly inconsistent with the
Party's teachings and do not promote national development. We must become acute-
ly aware of the necessity of preserving our dignity and our pride in belonging
to the great Party of Public Safety which is the Rally of the Togolese People.

Thanks to this Party and its founding president, General Gnassingbe Eyadema, we
are firmly committed to the construction of a new Togo with a new way of
approaching Togolese problems which has well defined dynamics: instilling in
all sons of this country confidence in place of mistrust, esteem in place of
hatred and solidarity in place of divisions.

With respect to the pagnes, the Council decided:

--to recognize three operators: the importer or wholesaler, the wholesaler
dealing in small quantities, and the retail dealer;

48



Prefects, subprefects, and party secretaries general, as well as elected
officials of the youth, will all participate in this major campaign of
consciousness-raising and mobilization, on which depends the continued
harmonious development of our country.

Before adjourning, the Political Bureau members expressed their respectful
thanks and hearty congratulations to the party president for the always
lucid, wise, and accomplished way in which he conducts the affairs of the
country.

They once again assured him of their unfailing support.

9920
cso: 4719/1113

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