been forced to abandon national development programmes and have been compelled to make structural adjustments. That has been followed by severe austerity measures which have rarely had the hoped-for positive effects. The deterioration in physical infrastructure persists, as does a deterioration in production capacity and the serial bankruptcy of public or semi-public enterprises, the cost of which increases the financial burden on the State. The social cost is unbearable: continual social tensions and the demoralization and discouragement of the labour market, public officials, workers and farmers. This social anemia has a serious effect on productivity, contributes to a slow-down in economic activity and even brinqs it to a halt in certain sectors. It is scarcelY surprising that in such circumstances the rate of infant mortality is risinq, famine is spreadinq and areas of poverty are grCMing larger and larger. The immediate concern of the poor countries is the struqqle for survival. Given the paradoxes and contradictions that have led to the economic impasse and stagnation that exist in those oountr ies, we wonder how they can recover. How will Africa be able to recover with an indebtedness equal to 44 per cent of its q ross domestic product and a newly created but already costly and non-comPetitive industry that is already, in certain cases, obsolete? How can it recover when its export Products, its main sources of revenue, are devalued and depreciated on the international market? RM/25 A/S-18/PV. 8 119-120 (Mr;; · Monqbe; ·Benin) A serious and grave metamorphosis is occurring at the expense of developinq countries, particularly the poorest among them. Indeed, in the present-day restructuring of the world economy against a backqround of crisis for the have-not majority of poor countries, the interdependence being urqed uPOn them is producinq contradictory effects. BCT/ga A/S-18/PV.B 121 (Mr. Mongbe, Benin) 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the economic struggles of developing countries, particularly in Africa, and the challenges they face in recovering from economic stagnation and debt. The author highlights the negative effects of structural adjustments, austerity measures, and debt on the economy, infrastructure, and social conditions. The text also touches on the issue of export devaluation and depreciation on the international market.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade, Employment