Thomas Sankara at the OAU: I would like this conference to clearly declare that we cannot pay the debt. Not in a rebellious spirit but just to avoid being assassinated individually. If Burkina Faso is the only one that refuses to pay, I wont be here at the next conference. On the other hand with everybodys support, we can do it. And when we are saying that we should not pay the debt, were not refusing our responsibilities or not keeping our words. Its just that we dont have the same moral standards as others. Between the rich and the poor, moral standards cannot be the same. The bible or the Koran cannot serve those who exploit and the exploited the same way. We should have two editions of the bible and the Koran. Brothers, with everyones support, we will make peace at home. Well be able to use Africas full potential as well to develop our country because our land is rich. We have enough manpower and a very large market, from the North to the South, the East to the West. We have enough brainpower to create or at least go and learn science and technology where it can be learnt. Mr President, lets present a united front against the debt, here in Addis Ababa. Lets make sure that this conference will decide to limit the arms race between rich and poor countries. The clubs and knives that we buy are useless. Lets make sure that the African market belongs to Africans. Lets produce in Africa, manufacture in Africa and consume in Africa. Lets produce what we need and consume what we produce instead of importing goods. Burkina Faso came here to show you our locally produced cotton, woven in Burkina Faso and tailored in Burkina Faso to clothe our people. My delegation and I are dressed by our tailors and our farmers. Not a single thread comes from Europe or America. Im not presenting a fashion show here, but I would simply like to say that we must accept to live the African way, its the only way to live in freedom and with dignity. Thank you Mr. President. Our homeland or death. We will win!
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 12:10:14 +0000
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