entrenchment of underdevelopment. It is, therefore, inevitable that devices and preventative mechanisms must be formulated and effectively implemented, not only to mitigate the crisis, but also to prevent future recurrences. This would, however, call for a drastic change in attitudes, which will open up new dimensions, and for structural reforms compatible with the critical needs that will deal radically with the fundamental causes of development problems in the region. There is need not only for radically improved domestic policies, but also for careful specification of the roles to be performed by donors to support and sustain domestic policy reforms. -38- 7. There is no doubt that Africa will require external assistance and support if it is to achieve a structural transformation and secure rapid and sustainable growth. External assistance should not only be positive in its magnitude, terms and conditionality, but must also address the basic structural issues that underline the crisis. While African countries are making every effort to cure permanently the deep-rooted malaise in their social and economic structures, international support measures should be such as to assist that endeavour. Thus, the donor community is called upon to address urgently and support positively Africa's long-term development needs in the following areas: (a) The full execution of all commitments made to Africa by all developed countries and multilateral institutions, so that the concerned countries can effectively implement their national development programmes; (b) Greater resource flows from all sources, in line with national and sectoral priorities and the needs of the region to sustain development and increase individual and collective self-reliance, as stipulated in the Lagos Plan of Action for the Implementation of the Monrovia Strategy for the Economic Development of Africa and the Final Act of Lagos (A/S-ll/14); (c) Support as a matter of urgency for the African least developed countries 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the concept of underdevelopment and the need for structural reforms to address the fundamental causes of development problems in Africa. It emphasizes the importance of external assistance and support to achieve rapid and sustainable growth, and highlights the need for increased resource flows and support for African least developed countries. The text also mentions the Lagos Plan of Action and the Monrovia Strategy, which suggests a focus on economic development and regional cooperation.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade