THE SOVIET UNION AND AFRICAN COUNTRIES

In: The annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Band 354, S. 1-8

Abstract

Africa is no longer a silent continent but, rather, a continent of great expectations. In the 1960's, participation of the new African states in the solution of internat'l problems, large & small, is a fact of internat'l life. It has been the policy of the USSR, throughout the period of the emergence of independent states in Africa, to support, esp in the UN, anticolonial struggles & decolonization proposals & resolutions. The USSR, aware of the discrepancies between former colonial countries & their ex-possessions re trade, indust'al development, educ, & Med care, is pursuing a policy toward Africa calculated to assist the African countries in attacking & ending backwardness. This policy supports nationalization of the properties of foreign monopolies, development of local industry, creation & strengthening of a state-owned sector of the economy, & radical agri'al reforms. The USSR is convinced that practical measures must be taken to mitigate the damaging effects of worldmarket price-&-demand fluctuations on African economies. These measures include equal trade agreements, low-interest credits, guaranteed market, supplying necessary equipment, & training local African personnel. The USSR feels that the African nations' position of positive neutralism fully corresponds to African needs & interests, & permits freedom of choice in SE development. AA.