MIDRAND, South Africa, Nov 13, 2006 (AFP) - Success in the battles against poverty, unemployment and AIDS is crucial to the viability of democracy in Africa, Nelson Mandela told a meeting of the continent's own parliament Monday.
"Millions on our continent have struggled over decades and centuries for the ideals of democracy, liberty, freedom and equality," the Nobel peace prize winner said at the seat of the parliament in Midrand, South Africa.
In a rare public appearance, Mandela told members of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) that a greater effort was needed to deliver the citizens of the world's poorest continent from a life of poverty.
"Poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, lack of sanitation and clean water and HIV/AIDS remain some of the biggest challenges on our continent," said the ageing former South African president.
"Let all rededicate ourselves to deliver a better life for our people."
Mandela said the future of democracy on the continent relied heavily on good governance.
"Too many lives were sacrificed in the liberation struggle across Africa for us not to ensure that we create transparent and accountable systems of government on all levels."
The parliament was set up in 2004 as a sign of a commitment to democratic ideals in a continent which has all too often been blighted by coups and dictatorships in the post-colonial era.
Although it has no formal powers, it aims to be seen as the voice of the people across Africa by bringing together 265 MPs elected by members of 53 national legislatures.
The parliament's current president, Gertrude Mongella of Tanzania, said: "This house is geared to creating one African people and one voice."
In 2009, the parliament's position on the continent will be strengthened as it takes on full legislative powers.
"Let the PAP be the voice of the African poor. Let their voices be heard loudly and clearly in the corridors of power," said Mandela.
Mandela's appearance at the start of the sixth sitting of the parliament, which will continue over the coming fortnight, was timed to coincide with the launch of a trust fund to supplement the parliament's existing budget, which is met by the African Union.
Mandela said the fund was a worthy initiative that would provide resources and expertise needed to "make the continent a better place to live in."
"The trust fund has an equally great obligation to be an example of good governance and transparency," said Mandela.
Earlier the vice-president of the German Bundestag pledged 500,000 dollars (390,000 euros) to the trust fund on behalf of the government in Berlin.
"Germany wants to be a partner for a strong Africa. As chair of the G8 (group of industrialised nations) we are going to make this very clear in the coming year," said Sussane Kastner.
The United Nations has also pledged 50,000 dollars towards the fund.
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