African nations should reduce their penchant for seeking donor funding and “formulate development strategies on the basis of the principle of self-reliance so as to overcome the existing economic problems in a short period of time,” according to Eritrean national defense minister Woldai Futur. In a regional trade union conference, the minister called on neighboring countries to follow the example of Eritrea, a country that, he claimed, does rely on foreign development aid, and forbids major donors to operate. “Although pursuing such development strategies would require expenses during a transitional period, it nonetheless would pave the way for a bright future to member states, in particular, and the region, in general,” the Eritrean official added.
Source: Eritrea urges east Africa to wean itself off aid (AFP)
