It takes courage and vision to call leaders of the weakest continent on the planet�politically and economically�to unite and gain control of what�s under their feet and tap the talents of its people to develop the continent and rise to the top of civilization.

But that�s what Col. Muammar Gadhafi did Sept. 1-10. The leader of the Libyan Al-Fateh Revolution urged 43 African heads of state gathered in his country for the celebration of the revolution and a special meeting of the OAU (Organization of African Unity) to stop groveling at the foot of their former colonial masters� tables begging for crumbs. Instead, he said, let us unite and bake our own loaf of bread so Africans can eat until they are full.

It�s not a problem for a man like Gadhafi to issue such a call. He doesn�t have to worry about what the western industrial powers think of him. He knows that many of them despise him for his revolutionary stance, although there are signs that some sensible governments in Europe are beginning to warm relations once again. Even the United States is lobbing signals that it may want to reconsider its recalcitrant stance against the Muslim nation.

But it�s impressive that these African heads of state responded to his call in such record-breaking numbers. Even though several leaders who should have been there were not, this historic conference to decide how quickly Africa will hasten its pace toward a United States of Africa in order to survive in the new millennium, will prove to be a benchmark in the rise of Africa.

And hasten its pace it must. Africa is crumbling under the burden of debt, disease and disunity. AIDS, the disease that attacks the immune system, is making Africa a continent of orphans, and even the children are now being infected with the disease in large numbers. What is Africa going to do about it? It�s not enough to complain that the debt burden to the west is unfair. What is Africa going to do about it? Nations are forming global economic and trade blocks so that when they walk, they walk like giants in the land. What will Africa�s response be?

Another obstacle of African progress is greed. The lust for wealth at the expense of the masses is a major reason for Africa�s weakness. In 1999, coups are not uncommon in the Motherland. And some of those who have seized power have pilfered the resources of the country for personal gain.

The recent OAU meetings are a start to a brighter future. The leaders decided that earlier timetables for moving the unity agenda�documented in the Abuja Treaty of 1991�were much too long. By December of next year, the OAU�s Council of Ministers will have a document laying out timetables. By 2001, the heads of state will confirm the recommendations, once again, in Sirte, Lybia.

The world awaits a stronger Africa. But the prevailing powers fear a stronger Africa probably because they feel Africa will be as unjust and merciless with her power as they have been with theirs.