Like the Israelites after the fall of the first Temple (recorded in the book of Lamentations), Somalia’s people suffer innumerable woes. With residents fleeing in the hundreds of thousands, their Jerusalem lies deserted and destroyed (Mogadishu), and many believe that their enemy, Ethiopia, has become their occupying master, just as the Babylonians conquered the Jews. But as scarcity abounds and insurgency forces attempt to scuttle peace talks in Somalia, little attention has been paid to a recent deal of the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) with CNOOC, the Chinese oil corporation.

The 2008 Presidential Campaign heated up even before the warm summer of 2007.  There is much talk about money these days and who is leading whom in that category.  Presidential Forums are all the rage and have allowed the candidates to expound on faith, poverty and race.  At AFJN, we are interested in hearing what a future president may have in mind concerning Africa policy. 

As mentioned in an earlier article, AFJN joined a group of other Africa-focused agencies to produce a questionnaire on Africa policy for the candidates.  The questionnaire is ready and has been sent to candidates of both parties, requesting responses for August 1st.  At that time, we will study their responses and issue a press release with our assessment.  We will not, however, endorse a candidate.  In October, all candidates registered with the Federal Election Commission will be invited to a Presidential Town Hall meeting on Africa here in Washington.  Click here to find the questions and more about the Town Hall.