Some modern African states have tried to do away with them but found they cannot.

Some African states played a role in the slave trade.

Then, as is so often the case now, African states were run with little thought to the benefit of their subjects.

Some west African states are still recovering from civil war.

These steps would be far more effective if they were joined by major African states.

There is an entire continent of African states to take the matter into hand.

He's the exact kind of man an African state needs at this point.

Going further, 41 African states say their right to such aid is absolute.

The bush grew more or less at the junction of three African states.

I also agree that African states have an important role to play in improving conditions there.