General Alberto Chipande on the right

 

November 12th, 2016, the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development (ISSCAD), Peking University, hosted Gen. Alberto Chipande, a distinguished Mozambique military officer and an accomplished politician who delivered a lecture titled: “Africa State Building: Challenges, Prospects and Constraints”. Present at the event were students most of whom are from developing countries, entrepreneurs and government officials. Digging into history, Gen. Chipande stated that Africa has a long history of colonization and that the founding fathers of many African countries fought earnestly while some lost their lives during the struggle for political emancipation and self-determination.

 

The veteran however, stressed that although political independence has been achieved, yet a lot of countries still experience economic servitude and are grossly underdeveloped. He therefore called on young Africans to work towards the economic independence and development of the Continent. He encouraged students to practically apply education received at the renowned Peking University to the development of their father land. He emphasized the need for “political unification and economic integration” in different African countries, saying without these measures, the much needed development Africa needs today might elude it. He stressed that the process of unification and integration will facilitate and boost trade, bring about peace, political stability and of course all-round development.

 

He applauded China for the massive infrastructural investment in the different African countries while commending them for developing Africa’s human capital by offering scholarships to young officials and professionals. This he termed “wealth redistribution” which ultimately will be a win-win situation with associated positive impacts in the long term. Fielding questions from participants, the highly passionate Gen. Chipande calls for the formation of strong political system in Africa and stressed the importance of political parties that will be patriotic with clear-cut ideology. Without strong political parties with members who are disciplined and encompassing by placing the general interest of the pubic over and above personal interest, “development will remain wishful thinking”, he concluded.

 

He reiterated that a strong political party will play key role in developing and fine-tuning policies for the Executive government and will also invoke appropriate sections of the party’s constitution on erring members of the party particularly those who have taken up leadership position in different organs of the country.

 

South-South Round table hosted by ISSCAD PhD. student Mr. Gomera Said in ZHIFUXUAN meeting room in Langrun Garden

 

The President of the ISSCAD class committee and a PH.D student of ISSCAD, Mr. Willie Ganda, in his closing remarks, thanked General Alberto Chipande for his very insightful address and assured him that participants will hold-on to his recommendations and strive to contribute or champion the development of their countries. 

 

Reported by Omole