Donors call for greater transparency

While recognising the progress Angola has made since the end of the civil war last year, the European Union (EU) has called for an improvement in transparency in public sector expenditure. EU foreign ministers, meeting in Belgium this week, welcomed the "substantial political changes in Angola in 2002" but also encouraged the government "to implement transparent management of public resources ... for the benefit of all Angolans". Greater economic transparency would lay the foundation for sustainable economic and social development, the EU said in a statement. The EU added that it was prepared to assist efforts by the authorities to reform the economy, through cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the donor community. Given the devastating effects of almost three decades of civil war that destroyed much of the country's basic infrastructure, the government is now faced with the monumental challenge of rebuilding the country - a task requiring significant international aid. But despite a broad international commitment to assist reconstruction efforts, donors have called on the government to stamp out financial mismanagement, arguing that Angola's own finances are not being put to better use. The government should "intensify its efforts to relieve the serious humanitarian situation," the EU said. The World Food Programme plans to feed 2.2 million people in Angola during October. The EU also called for the completion of the necessary preparatory work to ensure the successful outcome of a UN-backed donors' conference. Although a date for the conference has yet to be announced, fiscal transparency is expected to top the agenda.