Togolese Students Union for Democracy
P O BOX: 3504~ Jacksonville, Florida 32206
Fax: (904) 260 - 3816 ~ Phone (904) 260-8174
General Colin L. Powell
U.S. Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
January 26, 2001
Dear Secretary of State:
As you move to take up your new and very important position as United
States Secretary of State for the new administration, I am delighted to
have this opportunity of wishing you every success in this great adventure.
Your nomination by President Bush and confirmation by the U.S. Senate
came at a time when the need for change in U.S. foreign policy is compelling.
This change however should not only be one of place and office bearers;
it should also reflect a paradigm shift- a fresh vision, new perspectives,
new strategies, directions and tools. We are seriously concerned about
different statements made by President Bush before and after the election
that Africa does not fit in with America's interests.
While it is true that during your confirmation hearing before the U.S.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee, you did admit that "we need to maintain
our outreach to Africa with more substance," we are still calling upon
you to address U.S and African relations in a more vigorous tone.
The world is at present undergoing tremendous changes in its long and
cherished history. We are now members of an integral part of a diverse
and rich society and we must resolve to make our contribution to bring
about better understanding among various communities to promote democratic
values, peace, economic prosperity and harmony. While the rest of the world
is marching toward democracy and free market, the African continent is
still plagued and held hostage by an oligarchy of corrupt dictators committed
to systematic violations of human rights and the plunder and destruction
of Africa's resources.
I particularly want to direct your attention to the crisis in the Democratic
Republic of Congo, the human tragedy in Sierra Leone, the impunity in Togo,
and the plague of HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa. Let us make no mistake about
African aspiration for democracy and progress. But to do this, we must
be eager to promote and extend everywhere the spirit of sympathy, justice,
peace and optimism. I believe that the world will have no peace unless
we extend democratic ideals and economic prosperity to every remote corner
of our global village.
I am confident that you would help a great deal in shaping a new U.S.
- Africa relations in a sense of peace and prosperity for the whole humanity.
Sincerely yours,
Jacksonville (Florida), January 26, 2001
Lionel M. Akpabie
President - in - Exile
Togolese Students Union for Democracy
P O BOX: 3504~ Jacksonville, Florida 32206
Fax: (904) 260-3816 ~ Phone (904) 260-8174
