Washington, US (PANA) - Cameroonian Ambassador to the US, Jerome Mendouga says African journalists have a

lead role to play in ongoing efforts to give the continent a new image and political direction.

He said at the inauguration of the National Association of African Journalists (NAAJ) in the US at the weekend, that African countries were united in pursuit of a common vision for the liberation of their

people from underdevelopment.

"Presently, the only news you hear about Africa is crisis, diseases, poverty, corruption and other ugly

events," he said, adding: "This is what you should strive to reverse."

Mendouga, the dean of the African diplomatic corps in the US, said the continent and the US had natural

relationships.

He urged black journalists in the US to pool their professional and financial resources for improved

information, education and entertainment of their people.

The envoy said journalists should embark on effective advocacy to project major accomplishments of Africa,

and how best the people could understand the basic freedoms associated with democracy.

The head of Voice of America's English-to-Africa Service, Shaka Ssali, enjoined African journalists

to help enlighten the international community so as to end the negative stereotyping of Africa.

An interim executive committee elected for NAAJ at the occasion included Eyobong Ita (President), Adam

Ouologuem (Vice President, Print), Segun Aderiye (Vice President, Broadcast), Lai Balofin (Secretary), Laolu Akande (Treasurer), Paul Ndiho and Femi Odere (media owners' representatives).

Ita said NAAJ was formed in pursuit of equality, eradication of discrimination against African

journalists in the US, and for projects to improve the literacy standards among African youth.

Mayor Anthony Williams of the District of Columbia in a statement, said NAAJ "strives to inspire, motivate and encourage growth and development among African journalists in their pursuit of written and

broadcast excellence."