Africa: Leaders permit NEPAD to monitor aid pledges

African leaders kicked off debate on role of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) in ensuring the economic success of the continent. Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the NEPAD must begin to play the role of an African watchdog, with a responsibility of monitoring the release of billions of dollars pledged for the continent's economic, social and environmental de v elopment over the years.