The signatures were collected in recent months in more than 25 African countries where Rome-based Sant’Egidio is developing humanitarian works. Sant’Egidio, attending the African Union summit as an observer, on Saturday read a report on its activities for peace, and against AIDS and poverty.
The appeal signed by the youths said: «The world is pessimistic about Africa: It thinks it is a continent without hope. However, our pessimism, that of Africans, is the worst.»
«Together, let us make a new pact for Africa,» the appeal added. «A pact for the future of our continent. Too many tears have been shed. Too many lives have been mowed down. The world needs Africa, it needs a better Africa. Don’t be afraid to be better. Our mother, Africa, is beautiful. With courage, let us love her more and better.»
Sant’Egidio, a Catholic movement founded in 1968, mediated the peace talks that ended the civil war in Mozambique.
