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THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
22 November 2006
Dear Ambassador Stith,
I write to thank you for your note of 15 November 2006, enclosing a special edition of the communique and a DVD of the African Presidential Roundtable 2006, held in Johannesburg from 19 to 21 April 2006.
In organizing this event and disseminating its outcome, the African Presidential Archives and Research Center and the University of the Witwatersrand have provided a service both to the participants and to the international community. I send my congratulations and my best wishes for the continued success of this series of important meetings.
Yours sincerely,
Kofi A. Annan
Ambassador Charles R. Stith Director African Presidential Archives and Research Center Boston University Boston AMBASSADOR CHARLES R. STITH
November 15,2006
His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan Secretary General of the United Nations UN Secretariat S-3800 New York, NY 10017
Dear Your Excellency,
I hope all is well. On this end, I have been quite busy as more and more people and programs focus on the issue of leadership and" Africa. Of late, I was recently in London for the launch of _the._tvlo Ibrahim Prize for AFncan Leaders and Johannesburg for die 2nd General Assembly of the Africa Forum. As I write this note, I am preparing to go to Brussels for an extension of the African Presidential Roundtable, which we are cosponsoring with die Africa Forum and the Freidrich Ebert Stiftung.
Enclosed is the special edition of die Communique and a DVD of die Johannesburg Africai~PlelidehdaTTloundtable 2006. These two items represent the official summary of our deliberations. I thought jou'd appreciate having both. I would be very interested in your feedback.
Thanks for your continued interest and support of our work.
I avail myself of this opportunity to reiterate to you the expression of my highest consideration.
APARC 141 BAY STATE ROAD • BOSTON, MA • 02215 PHONE: 617-353-5452 • FAX: 617-353-1969 www.bu.edu/aparc In The News: African Presidential Roundtable 2006
The Royal Gazette (Bermuda), April 17, 2006 - "Brown attending African Presidential Roundtable" The Nation (Kenya), April 19, 2006 - "Former Heads of State Talks Open Today in South Africa" Radio Gold (Ghana), April 19, 2006 - "Rawlings Attends Roundtable Session in S-Africa" Xinhua News Service (China), April 20, 2006 - "Former African Presidents To Discuss US- Africa Relations" UN Wire (USA), April 21, 2006 - "Former African Leaders Eye Solutions to Continent's Woes" Agence France Press (France), April 22, 2006 - "African Presidents Call on Diaspora to Return" Sunday Times (South Africa), April 23, 2006 - "Africa's Elder Statesmen Share Leadership Tips" Sunday Nation (South Africa), April 23, 2006 - "How I See It" Sunday Independent (South Africa) and Club Ghana (Ghana), April 23, 2006 - "Both Cheers and Sneers for the Ex-Presidents" City Press (South Africa), April 23, 2006 - "Africa's plea to Afro-Americans" The World of Work 2006 Team (South Africa), April 23, 2006 - "African development requires leadership and ethics!" The African (South Africa), April 24, 2006 - "Showing Former African Leaders the Carrot, Rather Than the Stick" Daily News (South Africa), April 24, 2006 - "Is Africa's ex-presidents' meeting waste of time?" IPS (South Africa), April 24, 2006 - " Tough Questions for Former Heads of State" The EastAfrican (Kenya), April 24-30, 2006 - ".. .We've Come a Long Way, Baby!" The EastAfrican (Kenya), April 24-30, 2006 - "Africa Needs Former Leaders" BU Today (USA), April 25, 2006 - "Africa Needs Private Sector Investment: APARC brings former African presidents together for economic talks" Vuvuzela (South Africa), April 27, 2006 - "Witsies quiz ex-presidents" CNS News.com, April 27, 2006 - "Africans Want to Improve Media Image in US" The Nation (Kenya), May 1, 2006 - "Ex-presidents need to be kept busy" The Atlanta Journal Constitution (USA), May 3, 2006 - "Ousting Strongmen will strengthen Africa" Boston Herald (USA), April 16, 2006 - "Roast of the Town" BU Today (USA), May 4, 2006 - "APARC director will receive two honorary degrees"'
1 SABC Africa SABC Africa. SABC2, Radio Red Bull, Voice of the Cape, 702/Cape Talk, KayaFM, Lesedi, Motsweding, Thobela, RSG, Phala-Phala, Radio France International. rinter friendly article from the Royal Gazette http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?Date=20060
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Article published Apr 17, 2006 Brown attending African Presidential Roundtable
Deputy Premier Dr. Ewart Brown is flying to South Africa this week after accepting an invitation to join a dozen former African leaders in Johannesburg. He is a guest of the African Presidential Roundtable 2006 meeting and will find himself in the company of former leaders from countries including Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Botswana and Cape Verde. The Tourism Minister will join at least 12 former African leaders for the two-day gathering, which as its main themes is focusing on Africa's image in the American media, the Diaspora and Africa's development and increasing capital flows to Africa. Dr. Brown intends to talk on aspects of tourism and "engaging the Diaspora in African development". He told The Royal Gazette: "It's wonderful to be invited to be in the company of these former leaders." The Tourism Minister said he would talk about Bermuda's Diaspora heritage trail to African delegates who will be amongst the likely 400 attending the Diaspora conference in Bermuda this coming September. The Minister has also been promoting Bermuda in the US during the last few days where he attended the Miami Heat basketball event, which Bermuda partially sponsors to promote the Island as a vacation destination to Florida residents.
ifl 5/8/2006 11:12 AM The Nation (Kenya) 4/19/06
Former heads of State talks open today in South Africa Story by NATION Reporter
Former African heads of State are in South Africa for a four-day summit that opens today.
The aim of the conference in Johannesburg is to provide a credible forum for former democratically elected leaders to discuss issues that impact on relations between Africa and the United States.
Other key participants will be students and faculty members from several American and African universities.
Welcome speech
The meeting is sponsored by the African Presidential Archives and Research Centre (Aparc) under the direction of Ambassador Charles Stith of Boston University.
Retired president Daniel arap Moi, who leaves the country this morning for the summit, is expected to deliver the welcome speech at the meeting.
The conference will also discuss a research project undertaken by Aparc to explore media coverage of Africa in the Western World, the investment potential of the African Diaspora in Africa's development, and private capital flow to the continent.
© Copyright 2006 http://www.nationmedia.com/dailvnation/nmgcontententrv.asp?categorv_id=l&newsid= 71356 io Gold 90.5 FM http://www.myradiogold. com/articles. php?nd=71 (
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Select your name: Headlines Type your messages Rawlings attends roundtable session in S-Africa 2006-04-19 Former President Jerry John Rawlings leaves Accra on Wednesday, for Johannesburg, South Africa to participate in the African ^ Wc:^ Presidential Roundtable 2006, scheduled for the Witwatersrand University. ^s gaN&f A statement in Accra said the former President would be accompanied by Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings and Mr Victor Emmanuel Smith, Special Assistant and Director of Public Affairs of Fit Lt Rawlings.
The Roundtable is held annually under the auspices of the African Presidential Archives and Research Centre (APARC) of the Boston University.
Former African Heads of State, policy makers and public sector leaders are expected to deliberate on issues of growth and development of the continent at the Roundtable.
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•f 1 5/1/2006 4:01 PM Xinhua News Service (China) 4/20/06
Former African presidents to discuss US-Africa relations
JOHANNESBURG, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Ten former African presidents are scheduled participate in a two-day roundtable discussion beginning from Thursday at Wits University, Johannesburg, on issues that impact on U.S-Africa relations.
The topics to be discussed include facilitating private capital flows to Africa, engaging the Diaspora in Africa's development and Africa's image in the American media.
The former heads of state expected to be at the roundtable are Nicephore D. Soglo of Benin, Sir Q. Ketumile J. Masire of Botswana, Pierre Buyoya of Burundi, Aristides Maria Pereira of Cape Verde, Fit. Lt. Jerry J. Rawlings of Ghana; Daniel arap Moi of Kenya; Karl Auguste Offmann of Mauritius; Ali Hassan Mwinyi and Benjamin William Mkapa of Tanzania and Dr. Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia.
David Monyae of the Wits International Relations Department said: "The aim of the event is to provide former leaders, who constitutionally retired from the presidency seat as required by democratic rule, with a platform to discuss issues pertaining to Africa, to share and reflect on their experiences during their term of office with the continent and upcoming leaders on issues of economic and political governance."
This joint event hosted by Wits University and the African Presidential Archives and Research Center at Boston University is a follow-up to three previous annual roundtables. Enditem
© Copyright 2006 http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-04/20/content_4450247.htm Friends:
The following story from UN Wire 4/21/06 may be of special interest because the project it describes is conducted by UNA-GB Board member, Charles Stith.
Larry
Eleven former African heads of state are meeting in South Africa to discuss issues such as how to promote private capital flows to the continent. Some view the talks as a good way of engaging the former leaders to do good for Africa, while others see little value in the exercise. Inter Press Service News Agency Agence France Press 4/22/06
African presidents call on diaspora to return
Ten former African presidents yesterday called on Africa's diaspora, especially those in the United States, to return and use their skills and economic power to help develop the world's poorest continent.
Former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda made the call at a two-day gathering in Johannesburg of the leaders, including Botswana's Ketumile Masire, Pierre Buyoya of Burundi, Kenya's Daniel arap Moi and Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania.
"There are (numerous) reasons why African leaders need to be more strategic in cultivating a relationship with the diaspora," said Kaunda, who ruled Zambia from 1964 until handing over power in 1991.
"The annual aggregate income of African-Americans is $750-billion.
"That economic potential needs to be harnessed for Africa's development and to create expanded economic opportunities for African people worldwide," Kaunda told a Press conference.
A severe skills shortage in Africa also needed be addressed, he said.
There were 200 000 African scientists in the United States, more than on the entire continent, Kaunda said. There were 40 000 African doctoral graduates outside Africa, he added.
"It is important to do more than lay out a welcome mat to encourage our brothers and sisters to come back home," he said.
"We must develop strategies to recruit and encourage and demonstrate that we are serious about their return," he said.
Ex-Ghanian leader Jerry Rawlings said the image and stature of leaders like South Africa's Nelson Mandela did much to improve how the continent was perceived by the West.
"(It) brought so much goodwill to Africa, and South Africa did in fact take advantage of that goodwill," he said.
The two-day talk-shop was organised by Boston University's African Presidential Archives and Research Centre and the University of the Witwatersrand.
Also attending were Nicephore Soglo of Benin, Aristides Pereira of Cape Verde, Karl Offman of Mauritius and Ali Hassan Mwinyi of Tanzania.
© Copyright 2006 AFP
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: . . PhotoAVilliam Oeri Retired president Danie! srap Sloi addresses the Press at tlia Isms Kenyatia Interisationa! Airport yesterday on arrival from South Africa where he attended a former presidents' meeting. He said the former leaders discussed issues on Africa's economy. He ivas unhurt during a vehicle pile up in Johannesburg. APRIL 23 2006 THE SiIMM\ lM)K!1iM)E\T Both sneers ex- Ten of Africa s former leaders met in Johannesburg to discuss the continents perplexing issues
BY PETER FABRICIUS western powers, budgeted specific percentages for corruption in interna- tional contracts. "There's nothing more ex- than an ex- "Corruption is the backbone of inter- MP," the liberal Helen Suzman used to national trade," Soglo said. He probably say after she retired from parliament intended to sound ironic but English is many years ago. Except perhaps an not his first language, so he ended up ex-African president, one might add, sounding rather cynical and blase. Former African presidents were Ali Hassan Mwinyi of Tanzania becoming extinct But since removing made explicit Soglo's implicit point - governments by ballot rather than bul- that Africans should not be blamed let has become more fashionable, they entirely for corruption, as it was "two- are becoming more and more e.xtant way traffic" involving both a giver and Charles Stith, the former United a receiver. States ambassador to Tanzania, who At this point .an irreverent student heads the African Presidential doodled a caricature of Mwinyi in her Archives and Research Centre at notebook and paraphrased him in a Boston University, has gathered them bubble to say; "corruption is like gay together in a forum that annually sex; there is a giver and a receiver". debates bigissues perplexing Africa. The first question about corruption This week 10 of them met at the had been directed, significantly, to University of the Witwatersrand to Kenya's Daniel arap Moi. With a discuss how to improve Africa's nega- completely straight face, he catalogued tive image in the United States media .the many measuj;es-lils,.couritry.,was.. and h6w to tap the .skills and capital of allegedly taking to ta'cide It* Then one the African diaspora to help develop the student asked, to loud applause, whether continent. it was really in Africa's interests for even Afterwards the 10 ex-presidents held democratically elected presidents to stay a press conference and then answered in office for a long time. questions from Wits students. Keturnile Masire, who was Botswa- The students mostly gave them big na president for 19 years, said leaders cheers when they were introduced in should stay in office as long as their the Great Hall - especially the feisty people thought they were performing Jerry Rawlings of Ghana and Kenneth well. "We have somehow got carried Kaunda, the liberation hero of Zambia, away with new arrivals," he said, dis- who waved his trademark snowy-white missing growing trend towards two- handkerchief to acknowledge their term limits as a fashion apeing Amer- acclaim. ica. But the applause often turned to Even the Americans had only intro- bemusement and sometimes even duced a two-term limit for presidents astonishment when the ex-presidents after one of their presidents (Franklin answered questions. Nicephore Soglo of Roosevelt) "overstayed his usefulness". Benin, drew gasps when he was asked No one complained about Britain's what Africa should do about the Margaret Thatcher or France's Jacques endemic problem of corruption. He Chirac staying in office for more than opined that corruption was not just a two terms, Masire said. No one - moral issue but a business decision and "except Zimbabwe's President Robert hftw thfi envfyrnmfints of - ohiwted tn Rrit«in's Primp 125 3 p 03
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Roy Blurnenthai Sunday, April 23, 2006 Celeste Pascalia Lesley Emanuel Psychewellbeing zaneie yoliswa Last Friday I attended a conference which brought 8 former Cyrille Mutornbo African presidents to address the public at wj.c.s. Great Patrick Samuel BAKA SNONGA initiative! This was part of the African Presidential Cheily Roundtable co-organized by Boston University and the Maina Mutonya African Presidential and Archives Research Center Lebohang (' ;":-"• ' '•''•'JYvP^JrJZivlrJiS'i:^.)- :."1-5\Ci'-^^jL^^J^^ Burundi!, Beatrice ••; : • - from Botswana, ^a^i;;^ from Ghana, YI jeanpower Zambia, .":..ll^£ from Mauritius, ii'^Jl^il^pJ Susan Kimathi : • /• •: • "•••••. • -• ;• :v (Cape Verde), .jllLyar^ B MKa^s (Tanzania), and •-• .•:-:;.. (Tanzania) were there. They are controversial figures since many people relate African misery to them. Avoiding the blame game, i took away two things from them: Google News Edit-Me • Excellence Kaunda (Zambia) said: 'Young people, you Edit-Me are the legacy of Africa, and if you do not take over your responsibilities, then Africa is lost'. « N Soglo (Benin) argued that, once in office 1 was March 2006 confronted by things that 1 never learnt from Aorii 2006 university: ! realized that corruption was a world institution, institutionalized and protected by the westl
Drawing from that, my first premise is that African development needs a strong leadership form the current
1 of 4 5/9/2006 9:39 AM : World Of Work 2006 Team: African development requires lead... http://witstrainees.blogspot.com/2006/04/african-development-requi...
generation.
Many attendees at that conference may disagree with me. Indeed, the discussion we had mostly turned around questions like: corruption, why very long stay in offices, why didn't you implement what you are saying now, why, why and why.
Disagree or not, WHY is the most difficult question on this earth. One day, after watching some pictures of some 'wanted' gangsters in his city, a little boy went to see a police officer in his vicinity and asked him this very question: "why did not you guys catch these gangsters when you were shooting them?"...
And so was our conference.
To answer the question on overstay in power, ex president Ketumile Masire stood up as the respondent on behalf of the group. His argument, "you can be in that office as long as you perform...in the US, people were overstaying up to when one took too long. Then they decided to fix a term. We are simply coping from them. Chirac in France, Thatcher in UK, etc overstayed and no one complained..."
Another argument ex African president sticked to, was that: we fought for our independences.
The real question that we should ask our self, as next generation or rulers, is how well prepared and ready are we compared to them?
It's always good to look at deficiencies of a predecessor, but I think we better move the debate beyond that.
Being endowed with diversity of natural resources brought misfortune to Africa. Western countries, helped by African elite in power have been looting our riches. The aim of those powers has always been to have control over the Liberian or Sierra Leonean diamond. Belgian declared DR Congo a geological scandal! Since the last discovery of petrol in Chad, the country is now subject of international attention from some western powers after years of neglect.
of 4 5/9/2006 9:39 AM Fhe World Of Work 2006 Team: African development requires lead... http://witstrainees.blogspot.com/2006/04/african-development-requi..
As Soglo (Benin) said, corruption is like tennis game, you need a receiver on the other side to send the ball back to you. Do not blame African leaders only; it's a highly organized network. Moreover, your university curriculum will never teach you about that.
When blogging on that, I do not mean that we should go for corruption! Instead, it teaches me about ethics, and that is my second premise.
If African leaders do not understand their role in the expected change, things are likely to not improve. Zimbabwe celebrated her national day 5 days ago, but the situation there leaves much to desire. Mugabe is a great nationalist, true and great, but we want to see that being translated in improvement of people's lives and national economics. Emigration in that country has tremendously increased, would you tell me that Mugabe is doing well. On the other side, his opponents seem to be short of inspiration.
LD Kabila took over Mobutu's 32 year-rule in DRC. I liked that guy, fluent in more that 7 international languages. His discourse was seducing: "Le peuple congolais a besoin du changement" (= Congolese need change). Indeed, we were tired of Mobutu. Then, Kabila ruled for 4 years but except his discourse, he never proved to be the nationalist (Lumumbist, ) he claimed to be.
South Africa, at least what sub-Saharan Africa can be proud of, is still struggling with a crisis of leadership and a jobless growth that is not yet correcting the wealth divide caused by Apartheid.
This generation of ours is the next to take over the destiny of the continent. What a huge responsibility! If we are not aware of it, we are likely to do the worse.
Cyrille
posted by Cyrille Mutombo @ 9:58 PM
3 of 4 5/9/2006 9:39 AM
DAILY"JOT;WS Mmuliiy, April 1AJ 20flfi FEATURES sex- waste of time? THE two-day forum, which WITH eleven former African heads of don't write," he added, kicked off on Thursday, was "engaging with them in this organised by the African state gathered at the University of the kind of forum could be Presidential Archives and Witwatersrand in South Africa (Wits) for beneficial. And also, they Research Centre at Boston could be used in leadership University — based in the the fourth African Presidential roles on some of the pressing U.S. city of the same name issues and challenges that the — in association with other Roundtable, questions are being asked as continent is facing, drawing American, and African to what they can achieve after leaving from their past experiences." universities. Most importantly, "it Former Kenyan leader office. A Correspondent writes. would make them realise that Daniel arap Moi, Jerry they can still play a positive Rawlings of Ghana, Kenneth the American media, questionable benefit. role, that there's life after Kaunda of Zambia and engaging the diaspora in David Monyae, a lecturer State House." Ketumile Masire, erstwhile Africa's development—and in the international relations If former heads of state in president of Botswana, were facilitating private capital department at Wits, said the certain countries continue to amongst those participating flows to Africa. leaders were coming to play an active role in public in the roundtable, in the While certain observers "share their experiences with life, the same cannot be said South African commercial saw the discussions as an academics, students and for many African leaders, hub of Johannesburg. initiative that could put the other members of the public who either cling to power Themes under discussion experience of the former in an open space where ideas until death — or are forced at this year's gathering, leaders to good use, others are exchanged." into oblivion once out of which began on Thursday, have dismissed the forum as "Sometimes we want to office. included Africa's image in yet another gathering of forget and move on because But Ross Herbert, project of the legacies of some of head at the NEPAD and these leaders," he added: governance programme at "But for important historical the South African Institute purposes, we need to engage for International Affairs, also them on these and other based at Wits, has doubts current issues and record about the forum's them for prosperity." possibilities for success. Christopher Fomunyoh, a "In theory, the gathering senior associate for Africa at has the potential to the National Democratic accomplish a lot. But my Institute for International concern is that the big issues Affairs (NDI), has similar are not on the table," he said, views. such as "how to explain the He was involved in the weak and self-serving African Statesman Initiative, leaderships in most African which held a symposium in countries." the Malian capital of Bamako In addition, there were in 2005 to utilise the questions about corruption experiences of former and other ills that had marred leaders. (The NDI is a non- the periods for which the profit organ based in former heads of state were in Washington that assists office—and which were still leaders across the spectrum part of their legacies. in promoting democracy.) NEPAD — the New "A lot can come out of Partnership for Africa's getting people to speak about Development — is an their presidential leadership initiative aimed at attracting in practical terms," he said. investment to the continent in According to Fomunyoh, exchange for improved the Wits gathering provides governance. It got underway a "bank of knowledge that is in 2001, spearheaded by not readily available." South African President MR Daniel arap Moi "Because most of them Thabo Mbeki, Olusegun MR Ketumile Masire MR Kenneth Kaunda
Obasanjo of Nigeria, Archives and Research to two years in residence at Liberia have already spent A'bdoulaye Wade of Senegal, Centre, noted that the Boston University. time at the centre, and it is Hosni Mubarak of Egypt and roundtable was a key Masire, Kaunda, Karl expected that the programme Algeria's Abdelaziz initiative undertaken by the Auguste Offmann of will be extended to African Bouteflika. institution — established to Mauritius and Ruth Perry of Universities, Last year's forum had complement Boston featured discussions that University's African studies were not "punchy enough, programme. bordering on waffling on the The aim of the centre, he part of the former leaders," added, was to study trends of said Herbert. democratisation and free "The other participants market reform in Africa, and seemed too polite to push the to provide a forum for the former leaders to talk about exchange of insights about real and concrete issues." political and economic But, while some of the developments in sub- leaders had dubious records Saharan Africa. from their time of office, this In the United States and did not mean that whatever elsewhere, life after the they said should be cast presidency includes the away, observed Prince establishment of presidential Mashele, senior researcher at libraries and other the Institute for Security knowledge centres to honour Studies in the South African the legacies of former leaders capital, Pretoria. — something for which there "If there's an element of are few parallels in Africa. good that we can learn from It is with this in mind that them, so should it be," he the African Presidents in said, noting that the forum Residence Programme was offered "a space for debate, set up at the African and creating a bridge Presidential Archives and between these leaders and Research Centre; it offers the academic communities." opportunity to former Charles Stith. director of democratically-elected the African Presidential African leaders to spend up MR Jerry Rawlings ^OLITICS-AFRICA : TOUGH QUESTIONS FOR FORMER HE... http://www.ipsterraviva.net/Africa/print.asp?idnews=63.:!
24/4/2006 POLITICS-AFRICA : ".'.. ' • •' -' • -;~ORrv'r^ '-^.'os G':: C:TATF By Bate Felix
JOHANNESBURG - A public discussion with eleven former African leaders attending an African Presidential Roundtable, crowned the two-day event held at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg recently.
About four hundred people - including staff, students, invited guests and other members of the public - filled the Wits Great Hall for an exchange of views with the ex-leaders.
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Africa bureau chief Milton Nkosi moderated the proceedings, which saw the floor opened for queries to the former presidents.
In an echo of last year's forum the proceedings got off to a slow start, with most people making comments rather than asking questions. As Jerry Rawlings, former Ghanaian head of state, would say later, "Sometimes the public seem too timid and too polite to question the actions of their leaders."
But eventually, some of those present gathered the courage to raise delicate issues.
Questions on corruption during and after the leaders' terms in office, the inability of the ex-presidents to fight it, the tendency of some to over-extend their stay in power, and the failure of liberation movements to fulfil their promises, were amongst the matters dealt with.
The pointed questions included a query from the moderator to former Kenyan leader Daniel arap Moi. "Mr Moi, corruption, Kenya - any regrets?" he asked, to the cheers of the audience.
After asking for the question to be repeated, drawing chuckles from the crowd, Moi responded, "Of course corruption is a deadly thing that has destroyed many nations." He said the fight against it should continue, mentioning various agencies that had been set up in Kenya to do just that.
Moi served as president of Kenya from 1978 to 2002. Though he started out with popular support, Moi was ultimately accused of political repression, human rights abuse and allowing graft to flourish. The former leader has himself been implicated in the Goldenberg affair, involving the fictitious export of gold and diamonds, considered one of the worst scandals to occur in the country.
Rawlings acknowledged the ease with which leaders could be drawn into corruption: "Knowing fully well how easily corruptible the position can be, it is your place (as head of state) to empower your people with a sense of defiance, and the courage to stand up to you and question your actions."
"We in Africa are at times too subservient and too polite, and lack the courage to stand up to our leaders and question them," he added. "We have been brought up to think that it is disrespectful."
Rawlings was at the head of Ghana for 19 years, first for a brief three-month period when he led a group of soldiers in a coup. After handing over to civilian rule, Rawlings again took power by force in 1981, accusing the government of being responsible for "doing the same mess they were doing before."
While some have described him as a benevolent dictator, others accuse him of leading a reign of terror in Ghana. He has been widely criticised for overseeing the execution of eight army generals after the first coup, and also the torture and murder of people who opposed his regime.
When a Wits student asked the heads of state to explain the reasons why they had stayed in power for so long, Ketumile Masire, former president of Botswana (1980 to 1998), said there was not necessarily
1 of 2 5/8/2006 11:16 AM JTICS-AFRJCA : TOUGH QUESTIONS FOR FORMER HE... http://www.ipsterraviva.net/Africa/print.asp?idnews=63
anything wrong with leaders remaining in office for an extended period.
"You should be in office as long as you can perform and as long as it is in the interest of your people," he observed.
But, Masire conceded that term limits were sometimes demanded because certain African leaders overstayed their welcome.
Added Kenneth Kaunda, who was head of state in Zambia from independence in 1964 to 1991, "I stayed for 27 years in office without any apology to anybody."
Kaunda was one of the longest serving presidents of Africa; the latter part of his rule, in the 1980s, was characterised by widespread corruption, economic crises, and public discontent.
The roundtable ended with a call by the former heads of state to members of Africa's diaspora, to return and use their skills and wealth to help develop the continent.
Kaunda said there were 200,000 African scientists in the United States, more than on the entire continent, and 40,000 African doctoral graduates outside Africa.
"It is important to do more than lay out a welcome mat to encourage our brothers and sisters to come back home," he noted.
"We must develop strategies to recruit and encourage, and demonstrate that we are serious about their return."
The forum, which began Thursday, was organised by the African Presidential Archives and Research Centre at Boston University in the United States — in conjunction with other American, and African, universities. This year's gathering was the fourth of its type.
>f2 • 5/8/2006 11:16 AM APRIL 24-30, 2006
ast Thursday, two cars carrying Look at Libya's Muammar Gaddafi. former presidents Ali Hassan When he visits a capital and decides to Mwinyi of Tanzania, and Jerry fly in his own transport, the convoy is fRawlings of Ghana along and often so big; it causes massive traffic Rawlings' wife Nana, were involved in a jams in its own right. crash in Johannesburg. If the number of former presidents in a Mwinyi and Nana were taken in for country matters, it might a strong check ups after the accident. The rum- incentive for the more despotic African bustious Rawlings, unsurprisingly, was leaders to move forward on reform, if unharmed. countries were rewarded on that basis. Mwinyi and Rawlings were in a con- A Retired Presidents Index (RPI) voy of several police-escorted cars tak- Onyanso-Obbt*f . • C> • • o would, for example, measure how many ing 10 former African leaders to the times a country has had its president start of a two-day meeting at the Uni- arap Moi, and Uganda's Godfrey stepping down without trying to amend versity of the WitwatersraEd. Binaisa (although he was deposed by the constitution when his term is up; On the face of it, this was bad news. the military and never stepped down how much freedom such presidents In reality, it was the best thing to hap- gracefully nor had a chance to: be enjoy and, of course, how many leaders pen in Africa for many months now. defeated fairly at elections), East Africa have been murdered by rebels or coup- Recent events in Africa - stolen elec- lias more than 200 per cent the number making soldiers, or been exiled. tions, constitutions amended to allow of free former presidents the continent With Nyerere, Mwinyi, and Mkapa. presidents to rule for life, coup had at the end of the 1970s. having stepped down and not been attempts, crackdowns in Ethiopia - This change signifies that, in the past molested afterwards, Tanzania would have caused a lot of distress probably get 9 out of 10. about the continent's Kenya would get 3 for Moi. prospects. Just about 25 years ago. outside Uganda would actually get -9 However, that there are 10 apartheid South Africa, a former because the army or rebels Mcked out its previous former: African presidents By- African president was someone very'few ^ insg asas free menn is remarkable xr . _ _ • j leaders, and those who even- indeed. Just about 25 years Africans had seen tually returned did so after ago, outside apartheid South many years of exile. Two of Africa, a former African president was 16 years, some African leaders have them, Kabaka Freddie Mutesa and Prof someone very few Africans had seen. At held honest elections, which made it Yusuf Lule, returned hi coffins. Late that time, former presidents were all possible for them to lose. Secondly, oth- dictator Idi Amin was buried in Saudi people who lived in exlle,: or had been ers have respected constitutional limits Arabia. And President Yoweri Museveni killed in a coup or a palace conspiracy. on terms and stepped down. changed the constitution to remove In one of the great ironies of our eon- We tend to forget these former presi- term limits so he can succeed himself. tinenti the only country where former dents exist until something like the A country with a better RP Index presidents could be found was South crash in Johannesburg comes along, would get more debt relief. The poor Africa. For while the white suprema- perhaps because their circumstances performer would be asked to come back cists rulers condemned the black are not as extravagant as when they after its grade improves.. Worth trying? majority to live in conditions of slavery, • were in office. For example, if all the 10 they practised democracy among them- presidents were still big men in office, Charles Onyango-Obbo is Nation Media selves. their convoy could easily have stretched Group's managing editor for conver- Today, if you add Tanzania's Ben for 10 kilometres - and we would all gence and new products. E-mail: Mkapa and" Mwinyi. Kenya's....Daneil have noticed that cobbo @nation.co.ke APRIL 24-30, 2006
frica's former of highly trained profession heads of state met als who work in the West last week in They could contribute tc .Johannesburg, Africa's recovery if the} South Africa to discuss how returned home. they can help reduce Africa's Whereas there is tall social, economic and politi- about the : importance o: cal problems. democracy, Africa also need! Their meeting followed a stronger culture of gooc the formation a few months governance. The Westen: ago in Maputo of a select style of democracy may no club of former African heads be what Africa needs to gov of state with Nelson Man- ern itself. What the conti dela as its patron. The Afri- nent needs is leadership tha can Forum, as it is now will'. ensure that African; known, is ah informal net- benefit from their resources. work that works for the Nigeria: the sixth larges development of the producer of oil in the world continent is an example of resource. As John Pesha, the not benefiting local people interim executive secretary Besides the country's smal of the forum, says, the elite, those who benefit fron former African leaders are its ofl are Swiss bankers anc elders who': do not repri- Western multinational oi mand but only advise. firms. Those who live in oi This initiative is said to producing areas, wh( have been championed by endure the disruption, th< former Mpzambican presi- noise, pollution, and the cor dent Joaquim Chissano and ruption that the oil industn aims at mapping out strate- has generated, have little tc gies to assist in the develop- show. ment of Africa. Africa needs its elde: One area our elder states- statesmen. But for them to men could advise on is the make a meaningful contritu continued lack of good gov- tion, they must go beyo;u ernance. While some of reminiscing about the part them are themselves partly They could give lectures ir to blame, they have some- our universities and sh^x thing to offer in their retire- light on the way forward. ment. Despite Africa's current Oscar Kimanuka. is a coi problems, which include mentator on social and et poverty and the HIV/Aids nomic issues based in Kigt pandemic, the continent Email:oscar_kim2000@ya remains ironically a source oo.co.uk Today | University Headlines Africa needs private sector inves... http://www.bu.edu/phpbin/news-cms/news/?dept=4&id=38996&te...
April 25. 2006 Africa needs private sector investment APARC brings former African presidents together for economic talks By Chris Berdik
On April 20 and 21 former African presidents came from Botswana, Burundi, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, and several other countries to brainstorm about their continent's future. The University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, hosted the 10 former heads of state for the fourth annual African Presidential Roundtable, organized by the African Presidential Archives and Research Center (APARC) at Boston University.
For two days, the former presidents met with global business leaders, diplomats, and ' university students and Charles stith, director of APARC, which discussed several Sides Of one organized the African Presidential fundamental issue: Africa needs Roundtable 2006 last week in South Africa, more private investment to grow and develop economically. According to the World Bank, the gross national income per capita in the 45 nations of sub-Saharan Africa, representing more than 725 million people, increased just .02 percent between 1990 and 2002. While the amount of private investment in Africa is growing, from $10.6 billion in 2004 to a projected $28.5 billion in 2006, the amount of private-sector money flowing into Africa and the Middle East combined still equals only about 8 percent of investments in emerging markets, according to the Institute of International Finance, Inc. Asia, by contrast, will receive about 40 percent of these investments.
APARC was established as a complement to BU's African Studies Center to study current trends related to democratization and free-market reform in Africa. In addition to hosting a residency program on campus for former African heads of state who leave office voluntarily, it encourages a multidisciplinary approach to teaching about Africa and organizes forums for African leaders to engage other public and private sector leaders regarding Africa's global relationships.
The former presidents attending this year's roundtable, who included Jerry Rawlmgs of Ghana, Daniel arap Moi of Kenya, and Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, also discussed Africa's image in the American media and the lack of investment by Africans who have moved to other parts of the world and prospered, two issues deemed critical to improving the continent's financial picture, according to Charles Stith, director of APARC and a former U.S. ambassador to Tanzania.
"Improving Africa's 'brand' and engaging the African Diaspora in Africa's development are critical to increasing private capital flows to the continent," says Stith, noting that this year's Presidential Roundtable was "particularly significant" because in January several former African heads of state formed the African Forum, to advocate of 2 5/1/2006 3:46 PM Today | University Headlines | Africa needs private sector inves... http://www.bu.edu/phpbin/news-cms/news/?dept=4&id=38996&te...
on issues of importance to Africa's development, and the roundtable discussions "might inform their agenda."
Stith reports that the former African presidents concluded "that sitting African heads of state need to develop strategies to creatively and constructively engage the Western media [and] give higher priority to engaging the Diaspora on visits to Western nations."
)f2 5/1/2006 3:46 PM v'uvuzelaOnline - Witsies quiz ex-presidents http://www.vuvuzelaonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&t...
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i-iont Page Witsies quiz ex-presidents HASSAN GABIRAARI and REFILOE LEPERE | Thu, 27 Aoril 2006 News WITSIES found themselves in the company of former African leaders at the African presidential Features roundtable conference which was held on campus last week.
Aits The conference was a joint collaboration between Wits and African Presidential Archive Or-nici1 Research Centre at Boston University.
Sport It aimed to review progress to democracy and good governance on the continent.
Archive One of the delegates, former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda said, "We fought for Africa together and we can build the African economy together."
About Us The conference co-ordinator, Wits lecturer David Monyae, said: "The conference was a Gallery collaboration where students come to learn from former leaders on subjects that affected Africa and her diaspora." Calendar The Friday lunchtime talk gave students a chance to ask the ex-presidents about past, present Qdssifiecls and possible future problems facing Africa, such as corruption, neo-colonialism, visa issues and long-term African leaders. Game:
Fnrum Former Ghanaian president Jerry Rawlings said the best way to fight corruption was to empower people. Litter;. Former Kenyan president Daniel Arap Moi said that anti-corruption bodies had to be put in place to check corruption. Useful StLiff
Wits were represented by 10 students from the International Relations Department at the closed
All the American celebs are visiting meetings. SA because ... Other student delegates were from American universities and countries in Africa. They've heard we have the
hottest women in the world According to Philani Mthembu, an international relations honours student, the conference was Our beautiful landscape an opportunity to give input on the democratic rule in Africa. They want to be 'charitable'
They're hiding from the Caylee Talport, an international relations student, said "there was a lot of talk and patting each international press other on the back but it was a great experience as a student".
The conference was the fourth of its kind and, according to Monyae, it was a success because it received a lot of support from media and the delegates.
1 of 3 5/8/2006 11:28 AN CNS News.coni 4/27/06
Africans Want to Improve Media Image in US
By Stephen Mbogo CNSNews.com Correspondent
Nairobi, Kenya (CNSNews.com) - A group of former African presidents is discussing ways of improving the continent's image among Americans.
Meeting at Wits University in Johannesburg, the ex-leaders spoke about the need for developing strategies to counter negative media coverage.
Major media outlets should be urged to cover Africa in a more "fair and balanced" way, said foraier Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda.
American non-governmental organizations should be encouraged to train Western and African journalists covering Africa, and U.S. journalism schools should be asked "to develop specific tracks" for covering emerging economies and developing democracies, particularly in Africa, Kaunda said.
Melissa Baker, the director of Research International - a public and social research group in Africa - said the continent's image in the U.S. is important to ensure that it enjoys trade, security and other U.S-led initiatives.
Among them is the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, which accords more than three dozen selected Africa nations preferential U.S market access for specific exports.
Baker said African leaders were aware that positive publicity in the U.S. about economic and political reforms in Africa helped to attract foreign direct investment.
"Africans want more Americans, for instance, to come to Africa as tourists. African leaders are now aware that publicity marketing means good economic returns."
She noted an emerging trend of African governments committing resources for foreign marketing activities, and the deployment of publicity officers in some African missions abroad, especially in the West.
"It's about preserving [and expanding] the export markets."
Chris Abong'o of the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Studies at the University of Nairobi said the ex-presidents' discussion arose from necessity rather than choice, because "it's the U.S. that now dictates global political, social and economic trends." Kenyan political researcher and attorney Kingori Choto said the former African leaders were looking in the wrong direction - the main problem with Africa had to do with poor political and economic governance.
"Response to some critical problems by African leaders is too slow," he said. "It took a decade for Africa to respond to HIV/AIDS when the disease had already ravaged millions of people."
Choto said the former political leaders were wasting time, and that some of them had themselves contributed to problems that bring Africa negative media coverage now.
"They are part of the problem. It's like a thief complaining that other thieves are getting bad publicity in the media."
Africa needed genuine political, social and economic reform that would raise living standards and help transform Africa's image in the U.S and elsewhere.
The seven ex-presidents meeting in Johannesburg included former Kenyan leader Daniel arap Moi, whose tenure's latter years were marked by serious allegations of corruption and human rights abuse; and Jerry Rawlings, who twice seized power in Ghana unconstitutionally before being elected into office twice during the 1990s.
Other issues discussed by the former presidents included how to attract investments from the U.S.
They also called on African-Americans to play a greater role in African development efforts.
The meeting was held under the auspices of The African Presidential Archives and Research Center, based at Boston University.
© Copyright 2006
http://www.cnsiiews.com/ViewForeignBureaus.asp?Page=/ForeignBureaus/archive/2006 04/INT20060427c.html The Nation (Nairobi) 5/1/06
COMMENTARY
Ex-presidents need to be kept busy by Chege Mbitiru
A recent gathering of African Exes would have gone unnoticed, except in the neighbourhood. Then a stupid thing happened—traffic accident. The media worldwide paid attention. Two vehicles in a motorcade of 10 retired African presidents collided. There were no injuries, but journalists updated long ago written obituaries. Editors politely call these hoped-for- scoops "preparedness." The former presidents in the convoy were MrNicephore Soglo of Benin, Sir -Kerumile J. Masire of Botswana, Mr Pierre Buyoya of Burundi and Mr Aristides Maria Pereira of Cape Verde. The rest were Flight Lieutenant Jerry J. Rawlings of Ghana; Mr Daniel arap Moi of Kenya; Mr Karl Auguste Offmann of Mauritius; Mr AH Hassan Mwinyi and Mr Benjamin William Mkapa of Tanzania, and Dr Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia. Others should have been there. They include Mr Sam Nujoma of Namibia and Mr Joachim Chisanno of Mozambique. They know there is a time to quit. So should have been former South African President Frederic Willem de Klerk, a come-lately revolutionary. Presence of leaders was overdue. These include Presidents Omar Bongo of Gabon, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and Uganda's Yoweri Museveni. Apparently, they believe les etat c'est moi—the state is me! Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg and the African Presidential Archives and Research Department [cq] at Boston University in a United States town of the same name sponsored the meeting. It was the fourth of the kind. The agenda included how to facilitate private capital flow to Africa, engage the Diaspora in the continent's development and African image in the American media. Media image at home seems to be a better proposition. Mr David Manyae, a Witwatersrand's spinner, said the aim was to give presidents who left office democratically a forum to do a few things. One was to discuss African issues and reflect, and share, their experiences with upcoming leaders. The turnout was unimpressive. First the sad part: A study by the Human Sciences Research Council in South Africa registered 204 African presidents in office between 1960 and 2004. More than half of them were overthrown. Only 25 cases, or 12 per cent, qualified as voluntary retirements. No wonder hanging on to power became as African as bongo—the drum not the animal. Mr Roger Southall, a South African researcher, gives an explanation. Any grandma in Africa can, but that is another story. For a president "to leave office means losing not just power but access to wealth." It was, therefore, only logical presidents hang on to power, ruthlessly got rid of opponents, bought loyalty through patronage and looted treasuries. Accounts in foreign banks became retirement schemes, often, Inchallah!
That, of course, is past. Mr Southall points out that 17 of the presidents who stepped down have done so since 1990, eight since 2000. These ex-presidents did not leave office for the same reasons President Leopold Sedar Senghor of Senegal or the late President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania did. They fought for survival in the world that came to being after the Cold War. They lost. Strong arm tactics To a certain extent, Africans ought to be grateful to former colonial powers for contributing to the so-called "second liberation." For reasons other than love of "oppressed" Africans, Western powers applied strong arm tactics to get multi-party politics back on track in Africa. Politicians are as realistic as they are opportunistic. It is no longer in vogue to hound ex- presiderits. Well, President Fredrick Chiluba did that to Mr Kaunda. President Levy Mwanawasa has been at it with Mr Chiluba. Those are exceptions rather than the rule. The norm is to hand the Exes "golden parachutes," also known as severance agreements. Incumbent presidents know almost to a person, the Exes left behind machineries capable of causing trouble. Mr Southall cites Mr Moi and, prematurely, former Liberian President Charles Taylor. "However much it galls democrats that a Daniel arap Moi or Charles Taylor should escape justice for brutal and avaricious sins, the fact remains that they retain a potential capacity to reduce their countries to mayhem." "However much it galls democrats that a Charles Taylor should escape justice for brutal and avaricious sins, the fact remains that he retains a potential capacity to reduce his country to mayhem." Consequently, need exists to find a role for Exes. They have been at the forefront. Fifteen of them issued a "Bamako Declaration" last June. It sounded as if they became politically "born again." Oh! All the noble deeds they plan for the continent! Included was fight against malaria. Well, they grew up with the disease and did nothing about it while wielding absolute power. The list is endless. Supporters of a new role for the Exes have a point. Prince Mashele, another South African researcher, says some of the Exes may have "dubious records" but "if there's an element of good that we can learn from them, so should it be." Sure! That is if most of the Exes were to explain why they pursued certain policies and why they think these policies failed. There is evidence galore. That way, whatever the Exes say might be palatable, just.
Mr Mbitiru is a freelance journalist.
© Copyright 2006 Nation Media Group
http://wwvv.nationmedia.com/dailvnation/ni'ngcontententrv.asp?categoi'v_id=25&newsid=72167 ! Atlanta Journal-Constitution / ajc.ccm Monday, April 3,2006 / A13
"Liberia: Portrait of a Failed State" by John-Peter Pham
By CHARLES R. STITH Charles Stith spent perfecting a vision to revi- heads The African talize this war-torn and destitute It had to be satisfying for any- Presidential Center nation state? one who loves justice or believes at Boston Univer- There are 53 countries on the in karma to see former Liberian sity. He served as continent of Africa. Fifteen are strongman Charles Taylor in the the U.S. Ambas- presently led by governments news humiliated, handcuffed and sador to Tanzania elected by standards that could pass doing the "perp" walk. That Taylor during the Clinton international scrutiny. In almost was a despot deserving persecution administration. three-quarters of the countries on and prosecution for his unbeliev- the continent the right to rule has able crimes against his people and not have happened (or taken place been determined by bullets rather his neighbors is inarguable. and . without more carnage) had it not than ballots. Does the prosecution undeniable. Does he deserve the been for Obasanjo negotiating .of Taylor further the prospect of world's disdain and repudiation? Taylor's exit with the promise of negotiating exit strategies for lead- Yes. But, I would suggest that the asylum. At the time, many heralded ers of these countries ? present effort to serve him his just Obasanjo's statesman-like effort as Taylor's negotiated exit was not deserts is a tad more complicated marking a new day relative to Afri- the first case of a successful and than some would like it to be. can leadership dealing with Africa's necessary transition of power in Af- Prosecuting Taylor might add problems. The first questionthis rica,'Two of the most notable were to Liberia's bloom or satisfy the effort to prosecute Taylor at The the negotiated settlements that led world's desire for probity, but it Hague raises is: Given that Taylor to democratic elections in Zimba- could well be Africa's bane. While left office because of an African bwe and South Africa. Apartheid in sending Taylor to jail (or the gal- brokered deal, does subjecting him South Africa was, by definition, a lows) is the obvious answer to what to prosecution, in the West no less, crime against humanity. ought to be done in light of the further undermine Africa's ability If life was fair, and "Hollywood heinous crimes he committed as to deal with Africa's problems ? endings" were fact instead of Liberia's head of state, either op- If there was ever a country that fiction, the questions I've raised tion raises more questions than it typifies the tragedy reflected in relative to Taylor's prosecution answers. black bard Langston Hughes' clas - would be moot. But, we live in the It is interesting that many of sic poem, "A Dream Deferred," it real world. Imperfect solutions (or those shouting the loudest for Tay- is certainly Liberia. To right this politics as the art of the possible) is lor 's head on a platter did very little country after more than a century what gives us the pretense or pos - to get him out of office when he was of neglect and decades of disastrous sibility of some semblance of order brutalizing his people and terroriz- leadership is going to take all of the in the world. ing his neighbors. Taylor ultimately time, talent and attention of the Dealing with the considerations left office because of a deal brokered present government. The second I 've raised (or the implications of by Nigerian President Olusegun question the Taylor prosecution such) might require us to'"hold our Obasanjo. While some assert that portends is: Given the significant noses" when it comes to Taylor's the glow of Liberian President Ellen nature of Liberia's problems, should situation. But at the end of the day, Johnson-SMeaf's election will be the country's leadership devote its it is deals like that which prompted dimmed if Taylor is not brought much-needed attention and energy Taylor to step aside that might be the to justice, the world seems to have to seeking vengeance, or would very thing that causes other despots forgotten that her election might their time and energy be better and dictators to see the light. and former lieutenant gwer- nor 'f&m &f$/sM was rMiemed for a good ca'ose Ttiesdsy idght An O'Neill "roast" at the filed the ISfSeltfe Street Hisa&Ee fester, a Mi-service medical practice based is ELoxbury. "We're going to skewer, scandalise, lambaste and lampoon him," Ambassador Csse-hae SfKfe said. "Tommy's- E presence on the scene. Be- cause of the work he does, the city, state and country are better places. If we also get to have fun at his expense, all the better'• US, Heps. fjitssK* and fd Massachusetts House Speak- ney fe&s&ar "FSasfe"' joined Stita at the head table for aa event co-chaired by CEO CEO'
Mayor wss auctioneer. Comedian WMttier CEO fescieffee yfflllsms predicted tbar O'Neill's sacrifice of Ms ego wotdd raise $400,000. "We serve 12.000 people from 20 different couctries {tt(H 53 percent have no iosur- ance," she said. Today University Headlines | APARC director will receive two... http://www.bu.edu/phpbin/news-cms/news/?dept=4&id=39116&tc ..
May 4. 2006 APARC director will receive two honorary degrees Q&A: Ambassador Charles Stith says Africa needs help from African-Americans
Former U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania Charles Stith, founder and director of the African Presidential Archives and Research Center (APARC) at Boston University, returned from Africa last month to learn that he had been awarded honorary degrees from two prominent Southern universities in recognition of a career as a minister, a civil rights activist, and a civil servant. Stith will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of South Carolina on May .5 and one from Clark Atlanta University on May 15.
Stith had been in Johannesburg, Charles Stith, founder and director of South Africa, attending the APARC. fourth annual African Presidential Roundtable, which was organized by APARC and hosted by the University of Witwatersrand. The two-day conference, on April 20 and 21, brought together former African presidents from Botswana, Burundi, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, and several other countries to discuss the progress and the needs of sub-Saharan African states, with particular focus on two issues: the continent's image in the American media and the engagement of Africa's Diaspora in the development of Africa. Stith spoke with BU Today about APARC's mission and Africa's needs.
BU Today: What exactly is the problem with Africa's image in the American media?
Stith: The preponderance of media coverage is overwhelmingly negative. It's about disaster and disease and destruction from war. That's a problem for the continent because it's through those lenses that the average American sees the continent. So there is reluctance to invest and reluctance in terms of tourism.
Is there a disconnect between the reality of Africa and the image presented by the American media?
Well, you don't see stories about South Africa, which since elections in 1994 has experienced the longest period of sustained growth in its history. There are no stories about the increased investment in education in Ghana or Botswana or the development in downtown Dar es Salaam in Tanzania or the five-star resorts in Mauritius. And there are other opportunities for tourism people aren't aware of.
What are the reasons for this disconnect?
Part of it is the press's rule that "if it bleeds, it leads." That kind of mentality in the popular media is one reason, and the other is just laziness on the part of reporters covering the continent. It's easier to cover disaster, disease, and destruction than to battle with editors
Df3 5/8/20069:32 AM BU Today | University Headlines | APARC director will receive two... http://www.bu.edu/phpbin/news-cms/news/?dept=4&id=39116&te...
f «- who have preconceived notions about the continent.
What can be done about it?
I think it's important for reporters to develop strategies to counter the deluge of negative coverage, but a main goal of our conference was to look at ways to re-brand the coverage and market Africa better. It's important for institutions like Boston University and the College of Communication, which can look at training future journalists, to cover developing countries so they have a better understanding of context and the content of what's going on in some of these places.
There was a piece this week on the front page of the New York Times reporting on the 900 percent inflation rate in Zimbabwe. Harare is described as a place that suffers from electrical blackouts and a place where cholera and dysentery sweep through the streets. Is there something wrong with that coverage?
It's the same story. Substitute the headline, white-out the name of the country. But you don't read about inflation rates that had double digits in Tanzania in the 1980s but are in the low single digits today. There are positive economic indicators in South Africa, such as the millions of units of housing that were built for people who were displaced during apartheid, and yet we hear the same story over and over.
Why does it matter what the American media write?
It would make a difference in a way as simple as giving Americans a willingness to tour the continent. Folks don't appreciate its wonders. Tanzania's Olduvai Gorge is home to some of the oldest human remains ever found. Mount Kilamanjaro is the rooftop of Africa. That drive from Victoria Falls to Cape Town rivals a ride on the Orient Express.
The roundtable also discussed engaging Africa's Diaspora in the continent's development. What does that mean — engaging Africa's Diaspora?
It means leadership on the continent having very specific strategies. It's not enough to say, "Here's the welcome mat, come on in." It means getting people to appreciate that Africa is more than the sum of its problems. Tourism is a source for hard currency. It can significantly and exponentially grow that sector, creating incentives for investment. The African-American community has an annual aggregate income of $750 billion a year. If one percent of that were harnessed in terms of Africa's development, it would be huge. That represents more than we send in foreign aid to the entire continent.
In what ways might it be engaged?
One thing that is critical is that as African leadership comes to this country, they make a specific effort to reach out to African-American communities. When they are in the UK they make a specific effort to reach out to Africans in London, because those folks have tremendous skills and tremendous resources.
What are the obstacles?
Understanding that is an important point of our roundtable. We began to walk leadership through the benefits, the upside of engaging the African Diaspora in development, and brainstorming about ways to do that. The primary impediment is folks' appreciating the need to do it.
What is the plan?
Our mission at APARC is pedagogical. We want to create a forum to help them engage one another. Our hope is that more former heads of state and retired senior officials in multilateral organizations engage and pick up the mantle on these issues. Our mission, in terms of providing a forum and data to discuss these sorts of things, has been fulfilled.
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