[ISL] Insular Africa Organizes

[rfmcdonald]

IRIN reports that the various island nations off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean have just finished a summit intended to help reverse their recent history of economic decline.

Host President Marc Ravalomanana, presidents Azali Assoumani of the Comoros, James Michel of the Seychelles, and newly elected Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam of Mauritius are attending, with French President Jacques Chirac representing Reunion, a French overseas territory. At least 1,000 participants are expected at the meeting, which kicks off on Friday.

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Despite various attempts at boosting inter-island economic integration, domestic political upheavals, especially in the Comoros and Madagascar, have sabotaged these efforts. The Comoran archipelago has seen more than 21 coups since independence in 1975, while a tussle over Madagascar's presidency in 2002 almost crippled its already fragile economy.

Mauritius has long been a leading exponent of an Indian Ocean zone of cooperation, even though it has favourable trade links with France and Britain. However, the relatively well-off country finds itself facing economic uncertainty after the European Union (EU) earlier this year announced it would drastically cut the price paid for sugar imported under a quota system. Stiff competition from Chinese textile companies has added to its economic woes.

"Since this is a high-level meeting, we expect some concrete steps will be taken to ensure economic relations among the islands are strengthened. Mauritius, as one of the IOC founders, has always thought that we need to look for solutions to our economic problems among us. The meeting will also emphasise strengthening our regional cultural identity," Mauritius foreign affairs deputy director for cooperation, Dev Phokeer, told IRIN.

The five island nations have certain features in common: all have been colonies or protectorates of either Britain or France, have multiethnic populations, and a variety of religious faiths.