Focus Campaigns

Militarization of US Africa Policy (AFRICOM)

Since the 1980's, AFJN has been troubled by the increased role of the U.S. military in Africa. Though the rhetoric stemming from the Defense Department may say otherwise, the central objectives of the new Africa Command are thus: (1) to counter terrorims (2) to protect access to African oil resources, (3) to respond to increased Chinese presence on teh continent. AFRICOM will place much humanitarian work under the jurisdiction of the Defense Department and will engage in training foreign armies. Our primary concern is that AFRICOM will marginalize and endanger the African people for the sake of U.S. strategic and private interests.

Deomcratic Republic of the Congo

For too long, Congo has been used for its natural resources at the expense ofthe Congolese people. Since 1994, 5.4 million people have died in DRC, making it the deadliest war since World War II. AFJN is committed to ending this crisis in the heart of Africa.

Restorative Justice

Contrary to the Western form of criminal justice, many African societies have a system that allows a perpetrator to be reintegrated into a community, as long as the grievances of that community are addressed. AFJN is working to raise awareness about the benefits of restorative justice and is encouraging the U.S. government to place an emphasis on community-driven justice in its foreign policy. Within the next year, AFJN will continue gathering testimonies and esays for a book project on restorative justice.

Afican Synod

The Second African Synod will be held at the Vatican between October 4-25, 2009. The theme for the synod is "The Church in Africa at the Service of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace," with scriptual reference to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount - "You are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world" (Matt. 5:18). Shortly after the previous, 1994 African Synod, AFJN published a book detailing its process and outcomes. AFJN, along with the Catholic Task Force on Africa, is working to invite the U.S. Church to be insolidarity with Africa for this ecclesial event. Learn more at www.yesafricamatters.org.