AGAPE forum denounces neo-liberal economics

The Alternative Globalization Addressing People and Earth (AGAPE) forum on linking poverty, wealth and ecology which concluded its meeting in Dar es Salaam last Friday has denounced neo-liberal economic globalisation in Africa.

On a final list of recommendations issued at the end of the forum, the clerics, who participated at the meeting, said the current context of neo-liberal economic globalisation undermine African sovereignty.

`Driven by motives of endless economic expansion and profit maximisation�rather than provision for life and care of community and ecology�neo-liberal models of wealth creation are threatening the entire web of life,` reads part of the recommendations.

Apart from denouncing neo-liberal economics, the religious leaders have reminded developed countries of the wealth that was built and sustained on the continued extraction and plunder of Africa`s resources as well as the exploitation of its people.

The leaders reclaimed: `African communities` sovereignty over decision-making processes, productive means and resources` and affirmed that the continent`s people are creditors of a tremendous economic, social and cultural, and ecological debt.

They have further called for the developed countries to stop silencing and trivialising voices of African people as they seek to expose the negative impacts and contradictions of neoliberal economies.

The four-day forum consultation started on November 5, this year.