Making the Case for Africa Together
This article is from the April-June issue of Around Africa, by Rev Rocco Puopolo
One of the strengths of having the headquarters of the Africa Faith and Justice Network in Washington, DC is the opportunity to collaborate with other progressive Africa groups that follow the many issues that call for education and advocacy. One such gathering is the monthly meeting of the Advocacy Network for Africa (ADNA).
This long serving coalition has brought together faith-based groups as well as others that work on issues of the Continent in a united effort to make change for the better possible. At our meetings we also invite members of the administration or Hill staffers who specialize in African affairs to come and give us time for both input on current administration or Congressional policies as well as dialogue on current issues.One particular and practical collaborative effort is that we put together a briefing book at the beginning of each new administration or Congress. Together we offer a picture of the concerns and suggestions that we hope Congress takes up on behalf of the people of Africa. This year is no different as the 112 Congress begins its work, particularly regarding fiscal concerns and other challenges to our economy. No one agency is able to address the wide variety of issues that confront educating and advocating for Africa. But the ADNA briefing book is a strong united effort that covers a good representation of these concerns.
This year’s briefing book for the new Congress highlights Security in Africa, Food Crisis in Africa, Economic Reform, Democracy and Governance, Democratic Republic of Congo and Climate Change. This particular booklet is a cooperative effort mainly by ActionAid, the Institute for Policy Studies, Jubilee USA, Africa Faith and Justice Network, the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate with other ADNA members supporting the briefs through edits and additions to the documents drafted.
The brief on Security in Africa focuses our concern about the rise of AFRICOM, the U.S. military command for Africa that became operational in 2008. We believe that until African countries have stable and democratic governments accountable to their people, any increase in military support by outside countries like the US are detrimental to their independence and growth. US-Africa policy needs to be driven by diplomacy, development and genuine partnership, not military engagement. A democratic and peaceful Africa is better for the world, as well as for business. Only this will bring true human security to the peoples of Africa.
Another brief looks at Food Security in Africa, where millions of people have been pushed into hunger and extreme poverty, due to a number of factors, some natural, but others policy related. It underscores the need for the US to take leadership globally to prevent price spikes as in the recent past (2008) and to reduce volatility in global food markets, fulfilling pledges to increase investment in small holder agriculture and adaptation to climate change.
When it comes to Economic Reform for Africa, the ADNA briefing book focuses on suggestions for fair trade rather than free trade, and enabling African countries to retain their fair share of corporate profits earned within their borders by strengthening taxation rights. Lending practices and the debts need to be reviewed and changed. Foreign Aid needs to be maintained and reformed, not diminished, housed under USAID Leadership, not the Department of Defense.
Regarding Democracy and Governance in Africa, this year we witness an unusually high number of elections on both national and local levels. But simply promoting free and fair elections in the name of democracy is not enough. It presumes a strong civil society and institutions that are vital components of any state’s political legitimacy. The election is only the final output of democratization. Functioning political space requires the freedom of expression, association and personal autonomy. Citizens need the right to speak and take leadership positions within society in order for political pluralism to develop. Checks and balances of power need to be respected. The United States can support Africa’s long term security and political stability by engaging with states in a manner that promotes broad institution-building measures.
A particular country that faces this challenge of moving towards democratic and participatory systems is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There is a special brief that highlights what the US government must do to contribute to this effort. It could be as simple as implementing the Congo Relief, Security and Democracy Promotion Act of 2006 which President Bush signed that year. This is the law but it has never been fully implemented.
Lastly, the briefing book looks at Climate Change. The effect of climate change threatens food production, will cause internal and cross border displacement which is predicted to result in conflicts and more. Three specific recommendations that ADNA makes is that the US establish a plan to ensure a US emission reduction commitment beyond the 3% below 1990 levels already committed, dedicate new and additional funding for climate change adaptation, especially for African countries and work though the transitional Committee to ensure that the Green Climate Fund is governed by a representative board which would include civil society and affected communities with actual voting rights.
Please click here to find the full texts of each brief. Then take time to write or call your Member of Congress or Senator to share these concerns in order to promote peace and justice for the peoples of Africa. If we invest in the suggestions above, we will achieve peace, stability and justice on all levels. Defunding poverty reduction programs, health care (particularly HIV/AIDS prevention and care), development and diplomatic initiatives would only add to the disasters that have plagued Africa and stunt its growth. Let’s not short change Africa!
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