Africa's main trading bloc seeks to overcome hurdles to economic unity

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2006

DJIBOUTI (AFP) — Leaders from Africa's largest trading bloc called for cooperation to overcome hurdles blocking integration at a summit shrouded by festering conflicts within some member states and regional tension. The incoming Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) chairman, Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh, pledged that his leadership would focus on growth, which has been scuppered by instability.

"During the year of our chairmanship, Djibouti's focus shall be to further maximize elements of cooperation, institutional refinement and increased membership involvement, essential to our growth and prosperity of the organisation," Guelleh said. "COMESA is Africa's richest region, with huge potential in electric power generation, oil reserves,...