BBC Monitoring quotes from the African Press 8 October 2004.

(From BBC Monitoring International Reports)

The following is a selection of quotes from editorials and other material published in the 8 October editions of the African press. As indicated, some material from 7 October is also included. Unless otherwise stated, the newspapers are published in English.

Blair commission should give prominence to Africa's external debt

Tanzania's Guardian [independent]: "African countries' external debt has become unsustainable. Most African countries' debt servicing obligations are over 150 per cent of export earnings... The debt question is important for Africa's development and the Blair commission should give it prominence in its deliberations." (Editorial - "A case for debt cancellation for Africa")

Blair's visit will "force" world to focus on Africa

Kenya's Nation [top selling daily - independent]: "Tony Blair is in Africa hoping to use a summit in Ethiopia to force an international community obsessed with Iraq and terrorism, to focus on the continent he once called a 'scar on the conscience of the world'..." (Commentary by Chrispus Kiliko - "Fair trade rules will do more than aid")

Kenyan paper says Somalia has "grand chance" of breaking with past

Kenya's Standard [independent]: "A new day will dawn on Somalia on Sunday [10 October] when a new president is elected. The onerous duty will fall on Somali MPs... It is imperative that Sunday's players know that this is Somalia's grand chance of making a clean break with the past." (Editorial - "Somalia's red letter day")

Ugandan paper criticizes president for public backing of Mugabe

Uganda's Monitor [independent]: "Museveni can be a skilful diplomat, but it's hard to …