Omar Bongo

“The African Union has to act in order to put an end to armed conflicts that undermine the continent, to fight against the devastation caused by AIDS and other contagious diseases, to promote sustainable development of its member states.”

“The introduction of political pluralism often quickly led to bad results.”

“Certainly, Africa accounts for only l % of world trade, and we cannot assure our development on our own.”

“In spite of our poverty and our economic dependence, we do not have to give in, neither because we are sometimes abandoned nor because of the wish of some nations to impose their economic or political models.”

“If the Soviet Union and the United States have not experienced direct military confrontations, on the other hand, they supported, armed and trained Africans, to fight other Africans.”

“The free market economy is supposed to be the only path leading to the happiness of humanity by promoting wealth and prosperity, power and influence of nations.”

“It is important to stress: Africa is also a victim of the September 11 attacks.”

“The principle of responsibility and collective sanctions is incompatible with the Western concept of justice.”

“My actions to promote peace, the mediation missions which I carried out during many conflicts, which very often occurred between brothers of the same country, are not driven by any ulterior motives or any calculations based on personal ambitions.”

“I'm not aiming for the Nobel Peace Prize!”

“It is not right to associate the fight against international terrorist networks with an imaginary crusade against Islam.”

“In short, we have, among African countries, a duty of solidarity.”

“But the Western countries that link their partnership with the poorest countries with respect for democracy also have to consider that they have obligations towards these countries.”