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.

A statement was released this week by a very broad coalition of churches opposing the European Partnership Agreements (EPA).  The statement is impressive in its gathering of churches that don't often find each other signing the same documents.  Signees include the Catholic Church-Kenya Episcopal Conference and AMECEA, the Anglican Church, The Assemblies of God and the Prebyterian Church, amongst others.  The Churches reject the EPAs on a number of grounds, in particular for the threat to their food security. They also seek to reiterate their belief that trade "should be at the service of people and not for profit. Hence trade policies should enhance people's livelihoods through the protection of human rights."  To read the statement, click here.