The Asian-African Summit 2005: In search of possibilities

The Asian-African Summit 2005: In search of possibilities

Teuku Faizasyah, Pretoria, South Africa

The coming together of Asian and African leaders in Jakarta and Bandung for a summit on Apr. 22 and Apr. 23, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Asia-Africa Conference, is a good time to reflect on the relevancy of building a "new bridge" between the two continents.

There are questions that require answers, such as: whether or not there is a place for closer cooperation between Asia and Africa within the new international structure? What is the significance of the commemorative summit? Could the events bring new impetus to the relationship between Asia and Africa after 50 lackluster years? How to understand the psyche of Africa toward Asia and the notion of building a new strategic partnership between the two?

Pondering on the above issues -- perhaps on some others -- is indeed relevant. Hence, the commitment of the two continents to building a new strategic partnership should be assessed critically, based on its merit as well as looking at it from a practical perspective.

As a matter of principle, a closer cooperation between the two continents is indeed valid. The political freedom and independence achieved by many Asian and African countries post- Bandung Conference (1955) has not been matched by freedom in other fields, such as the economy and information and technology.

For many citizens of Asia and Africa, the concepts of political freedom, independence and emancipation appear abstract, because they remain strangers in their own home. Such problems stem from the failure of the many Asian and African governments to stand on their own two feet. Moreover, mismanagement, political instability, ethnic conflict, corruption and health hazards -- particularly the spread of HIV/AIDS -- have further exasperated the situation.

The reality of dependency is still prevalent in some Asian and African countries, considering that there are cases where their sustenance is dependent on the generosity of rich countries (including former colonial powers), international economic institutions, international development agencies and even charity organizations.

The tendency to look to the West as a role model and to the East for support -- that is, among their own peer groups -- needs to be rectified. In fact, there should be no problem with countries in Asia and Africa harnessing the "Look East paradigm" espoused by former prime minister of Malaysia Mahathir Mohamad. China, India, South Korea and Malaysia in Asia, and South Africa and Botswana in Africa are among countries that can serve as a model for development. Undoubtedly, they have been successful in meeting the expectations they had of independence.

From a practical perspective, learning from peer groups with the same level of experience makes better sense than to leapfrog to master advanced technology from the developed world.

Although the new strategic partnership between Asia and Africa should not become a fortress, it is important that the two continents look first at their sources of strength, that is, their capacities, resources and best practices.

Countries of the two continents could also learn from each other on issues other than development. For example, although living in poverty -- Robert Guest in the Shackled Continent noted that half of Sub-Saharan Africa's 600 million people live on just sixty-five American cents a day -- Africans are committed to democratization, a commitment that some Asian countries are still lacking.

Africa is aware that its development is inter-linked with the notions of stability, democracy and good governance. Therefore, Africa is putting extra resources into the attainment of stability, democracy and good governance.

A new partnership between the two continents is also relevant in view of the lack of common knowledge among Africans and Asians about each other. Africa's references on Asia are often outdated such as, in the case of Indonesia, they know more about the Sukarno era than the successive governments post-Sukarno. At the same time, Asia has a lot of misconceptions about Africa and tends to share the global stereotype of Africa as a continent plagued with problems.

Asia remains a riddle for many Africans. They wonder why some Asian countries -- liberated from colonialism at the same time as they were -- are well ahead in development. What is behind their success stories? Although there are no definitive answers to that question, there are at least two propositions:

First, Asia is fortunate for having a number of countries that function as engines of growth within their own sphere. Countries like Japan, South Korea, Singapore, India and Hong Kong function as locomotives for development so that other countries in the region willingly jump on the bandwagon. Unfortunately, there are not many model countries in Africa and thus far, only South Africa and Nigeria are functioning as driving forces.

Second, Asians have the determination to improve their situation and progress. They share the basic trait of optimism and are willing to work hard in order to depart from their destitution.

A closer cooperation between the two continents is also necessary in the context of an international structure where the majority of countries in Asia and Africa are still "mediocre" international players. A concerted voice from Asian and African countries on international issues would serve as an alternative voice, or perhaps a moral voice, which the world and major powers could take into consideration.

Thus, the marginalized countries of Asia and Africa need to regain their rightful position within the international structure. Fifty years ago in Bandung, they established a history of vocalizing an independent voice amid the bi-polar world -- and no one would dispute that the Bandung Conference helped pave the way for the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

The summit is indeed timely, but it should not be viewed as such for nostalgic reasons. The summit should address and rectify the problems that have befallen many Asian and African countries. By learning from the success stories of some Asian and African countries and by making use of the available frameworks, hopefully the determination of Asia and Africa through the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership (NAASP) will result in the betterment of their well-being and position within the international structure.

The writer holds a Ph.D. on Diplomatic History and Conflict Resolution from the University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand and currently resides in Pretoria, South Africa.