Tanzanian Parliament Member Calls for Socialism in Africa

"Africa in the 1980s requires a fundamental change in order to develop in peace and stability," Joseph Mungai, a member of the Tanzanian Parliament, told an audience of about 50 last night at the opening session of a conference on "Socialism, Development and Planning in Africa."

Mungai observed that despite two decades of independence from colonial powers "millions of peasants are still living in the midst of poverty, hunger, and disease."

Blaming the "power-mongering politicians and bureaucrats" who dominate the governments of developing African nations, Mungai called for a shift of power to the masses and for "a new breed of dedicated public servants."

The major task African intellectuals and political observers now face is a restructuring of the political system that can provide a means for peaceful change and progress, Mungai said.

Visions

Paschal Mihyo, a law professor and associate dean at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, said last night that socialism offers "the best possible solution" to Africa's developmental problems.

Mihyo said socialism was a political and economic necessity in most African countries, adding it provides governments there with "legitimacy and popularity."

The conference will continue today with workshop panels on African development and planning.