There Is Hope for Africa

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WHILE ON A VISIT TO THE CARTER CENTER projects in 10 African countries, I read TIME concerning "The Agony of Africa." This was a heartrending description of the continent, with which I agree. It is true that much of the suffering is self-inflicted and some African leaders have betrayed their own people. It is also true that many of the catastrophic conditions have been caused and are being perpetuated by the greed of debtors, the inefficiency of international agencies and the priorities of most major donors who now concentrate their support on Eastern Europe and the fragmented Soviet Union. But the courageous . struggles of the African people toward peace, democracy and a better life deserve recognition and support.

I had not been to Africa since last October, when our center led an international group that monitored a successful multiparty election in Zambia. The new government is typical of a rapidly growing number of democracies in Africa that are struggling to establish free markets and new opportunities for the people despite natural disasters and treasuries robbed or wasted by predecessor regimes.

We began this trip in Ethiopia. I have been to Addis Ababa many times, but am always surprised at the lush greenness and precision farming around the capital city. After overthrowing the communist regime of Mengistu Haile Mariam, acting President Meles Zenawi is attempting to implement a free-market system, protecting human rights, forming an independent judiciary and sharing political power in this poorest of all nations. With some degree of luck and moderate assistance, Ethiopia can become the most dramatic example of progress in recent history.

We went to Togo, where opposing leaders had ended months of violence by announcing a political accord and a firm election schedule the day I arrived. I consulted for hours with President Gnassingbe Eyadema, Prime Minister Joseph Kokou Koffigoh and leaders of the major political parties. Although accused of serious human-rights violations in the past, Eyadema led all the others in urging me to help assemble a body of international observers to ensure that honest elections are held as scheduled in December. This is an encouraging sign that often delayed plans for multiparty democracy will be completed. Togo will soon become the third African country to mount Guinea-worm eradication programs in all endemic villages.

Cotonou, Benin, is a city already transformed by democratic elections and new freedoms, despite the country's continuing poverty. The formerly drab and relatively lifeless streets bustled with activity during our visit. President Nicephore Soglo, who won a free election last year, is struggling to reform the nation's economy by privatizing industry, promoting free trade and rebuilding the agricultural system.