Ghana Ce 17,000 I Kenya KShs 190 I Nigeria N 300 I South Africa R 17 May/June 2009 Vol.10 No.1 Switzerland CHF 5.– I UK £ 2.20 I Euro Countries € 3.50
THE VOICE OF AFRICA IN THE DIASPORA
Afro-Pfingsten: S.Kuti Kourouma Book Prize Photo News: Tunisia © Creamer Media
Six receive Africa Link Solidarity South Africa: Thirteen Parties Make it into Awards the New Parliament
Mike Mueller Charities: Women Evaluating the first 100 days of Obama Empowerment, Children Education… Presidency FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS TO AFRICA
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“We understood this responsibility requires commitment and sacrifice”
IMPRINT ISSN 1661-44-29 (Being the speech of Johnson Oduwaiye, President Africa Link Organisation at the 2nd Edition AFRICA LINK of Africa Link Solidarity Award held on April 4 2009, in Gümligen, Switzerland) (Registered in Switzerland) A service to Africa and Humanity (All protocols observed) Published by AFRICA LINK ORG. On behalf of Africa Link Organisation I tɨFQSPNPUJPOPGNVUVBMMZCFOFmDJBMMJOLT Postfach 156, 8914 Aeugst am Albis welcome you heartily to the 2nd Edition between the economies of African States Switzerland of the Africa Link Solidarity Awards in and that of Switzerland and the neighbor- which we recognize tonight individuals ing countries of Europe; Tel. +41 44 776 25 60, Fax +41 44 776 25 63 [email protected] and organisations that in the opinion of tɨFQSPNPUJPOPGCFTUQSBDUJDFTJOHPPE www.africalink.ch our readers and the solidarity awards jury governance, democratic values and people- have made contributions worthy of hon- centered development in the nations of Editor-in-chief our prior to and in the course of the year Africa. Mr. Johnson Oduwaiye 2008. We started Africa Link Tel. +41 79 664 13 54 [email protected] magazine as an information One out of our six award win- channel through which these Editor ners, Mrs. Evelyne Matthys- aspirations and objectives could Mr. Atsen Ahua Kraft, will receive her award be articulated and the public [email protected] posthumously, as she is no made aware of the activities Associate Editors more with us in the flesh, hav- of the African community in Mr. Mohomodou Houssouba ing departed to the great beyon the country, and their positive Misseli M.Bationo after receiving the news of her contributions in various ways Contributing Editors award. I must also mention highlighted. Mrs. Folake Idowu, Dr. Priscilla Bowens (US), that just as we were concluding J. Oduwaiye As pioneers of the organisa- Sherlock Fortuin, Mr. Gerome Tokpa, arrangements to receive our tion, we understood from the Mr. Paul Nzeshi (Nigeria), Mr. Dennis Champion of Democracy for this edition, onset that taking on this responsibility would Onyango (Kenya), Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tejan Kabba, former require commitment and sacrifice and would president of Sierra Leone, we got the sad not yield any financial returns in the short Technical Editor Write to Express news that his beloved son passed away and run. We however hoped and continue to hope so he had to sadly cancel his appearance in that Africans and friends of Africa would Pictures person here tonight. Please also hold him in eventually see the value of the organisation All by Africa Link, your thoughts. and the magazine in particular and step onto except otherwise stated Your Excellencies, honoured guests, before the plate to provide the sustainable support PR Officer we proceed further, may I request that we rise that we need to attain our full potential. Mr. Carlson Ngwa and observe a minute’s silence in memory ɨFmSTUJTTVFPG"GSJDB-JOL BQBHF and honour of Mrs. Matthys-Kraft and Mr. bilingual (English & French) newsletter came Editorial Board Members Tejan Kabba Junior. out in April 2000. Mr. Peter Hevi, Dr. Sarah Kamau, May their souls rest in perfect peace! For the first five years, members had to Mr. Carlson Ngwa, Mr. Dirk Visser, Africa Link Organisation was founded in continuously dip their hands into their pock- Ms. Carole Soricelli April 2000, and registered in canton Zurich ets as well as to sacrifice time and energy to Layout under Swiss law as a benevolent and not-for- LFFQUIFQVCMJDBUJPOHPJOHɨJTXPVMEOPU Typefact, Zürich profit organisation with membership open to have been possible without the support of our all individuals that share its aspirations, aims printer, Mr. Rolf Lichtenstein, who made it Account No. 0276-813239.40N and objectives that include: possible for us to continue production even UBS Bahnhofplatz 10 CH-8910 Affoltern am Albis tɨFQSPWJTJPO PG B QMBUGPSN GPS QPTJUJWF when resources were not available for us to interaction among Africans, African Di- pay our bills on time. We have since received Opinions published do not necessarily aspora communities and people of African support from some of the African Missions in reflect those of the editorial board descent in Switzerland, the neighboring Berne and Geneva as well as some companies All correspondence to countries of Europe and world-wide; that have supported us with their advertising. AFRICA LINK, Postfach 156 tɨFQSPNPUJPO PG DVMUVSBM BOE NVUVBM ɨJTIBTFOBCMFEVTUPJNQSPWFPOCPUIUIF 8914 Aeugst am Albis, Switzerland understanding between African Diaspora technical presentation of the magazine as well or E-mail to [email protected] communities and their host communi- as our editorial offering and to establish our © by Africa Link Org ties worldwide to enhance harmonious presence on the web with increasing access cultural, economic and social integration; to our website from Diaspora communities
May/June 2009 3 CONTENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS
Award Adress 3 Swiss-Line 6
2009 Africa Day Celebration’s New Initiative Interview 8
Mike Mueller Charities Promise Women Empowerment, Youths’ Education… Book Award 10
Kossi Efoui wins Ahmadou Kourouma Award 2009 Africa Day Celebration page 6 Election 11
“An eloquent lesson in democracy” Photo News Tunisia 12 Election 13
Thirteen Parties Make it into the New Parliament Award 15
Africa Link Solidarity Awards Ends On A High Note
Health 21 Algeria’s Presidential Election page 11
Rolling Back Malaria
FIFA to Use Football as Health Enhancement Business&Economy 23
Investors convinced Africa is biz destination Politics&Diplomacy 24
The First 100 Days of the Obama Presidency Celebration 26
“We are proud of our achievements” Africa Link Solidarity Awards Photo News page 16–17 Echoes 27 Exhibition 28
Geneva International Book Fair: Salon Africain Religion 29
“Loving Everyone, Trusting No One” Entertainment 30
Afro-Pfingsten Festival Celebrates Jubilee
South Africa Freedom Day Celebration page 26
4 May/June 2009 AWARDS ADDRESS
from other regions of the world. We are very grateful to all who have supported us in cash and kind these past nine years. We want to reassure you of our commitment to being a clear, mature, effective and sustained African voice that becomes a reliable reference point for the African community and its friends not only in Switzerland but also worldwide. Your Excellencies, distinguished guests ladies and gentlemen, it would be stating the obvious to say that we need an information organ here if we want to project our good image and disabuse the minds of the public of the unpalatable ways in which we are be- ing projected. Atsen Ahua reading the citation for H. E. Masri at the Awards ceremony Just recently at Nigerian Investment Business Forum for Nigerian Governors, Four out of our six recipients of the Africa heads that have shown outstanding perform- Ambassador P. Helg, former Swiss Ambas- Link Solidarity Awards tonight are Swiss ance in the physical and human development sador to Nigeria, now political head at the people that have been nominated by Africans of their communities. Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs remarked in in appreciation of their contributions to ɨF"XBSET$PNNJUUFFIBTBMTPEFDJEFE his goodwill message to the forum that Swiss changing lives positively in the continent. UIBUUIFFWFOUXJMMCFCJBOOVBMɨFCFJOHUIF investors were “wrongly afraid” to invest in We have concurred and give honour to who BXBSET UIFOFYUFEJUJPOJTUIF /JHFSJBɨFGFBSJTEVFUPMBDLPGHFOVJOF merits it. We hope other communities and XIJDI DPJODJEFT XJUI UIF th anniversary and positive information about the country. individuals that have the capacity to reach out of the Organisation. We invite nominations He is able to say this because he has lived in in friendship and support will be encouraged for the various categories, namely, Champion the country, interacted with the people to to step out and be counted also. of Democracy for good governance and understand the huge positive potential that Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, transparency at national level, Champion the prospective investors were not aware of ladies and gentlemen, it is a fact that the of Development for contribution to human and are therefore afraid for lack of proper global economic turmoil has touched eve- and physical development at sub-national information. He later advised Nigerians on ryone that is in any way connected to the level, Friend of Africa for contribution by the need to provide more positive informa- global economy. If anything is to be learnt non-Africans to making a positive difference tion about doing business in their country to from it, it has proved beyond all reasonable to the lives of Africans and their communi- disabuse the minds of investors especially the doubt that while there is enough on this ter- ties anywhere in the continent and Envoy of iOFXDPNFSTwɨJTTBNFBEWJDFJTSFMFWBOUUP restrial ball for all our needs, there can never Excellence, to African diplomats and inter- many an African country. be enough for the greed of even a few of us. national functionaries whose contributions ɨJTJTXIBU"GSJDB-JOLJTUSZJOHUPEP It seems that greed as the motivation for our have lifted the profile of Africa and their We are not trying to do any whitewashing, as productivity will not pay, and can only bring countries in the international community. those of you who have followed our content us all down in the long run. I would therefore Nominations for Africa Link Supporter is will testify. We however know without the like to appeal to you all that as we chart the of course exclusive to us as we are the ones shadow of a doubt that there is much that course for the future, consider substantial who know where the shoe pinches and who is positive about our continent that should and sustainable support to organisations like eases it for us. be shared. We need your support to be able Africa Link. Lastly, while I would like to recognise to do this. We have come this far with dogged deter- the sacrificial contribution and dedication ɨFBXBSETJOJUJBUJWF BTXFTUBUFEBUJUT mination and sacrifice to catch your attention of all members of Africa Link Organisation maiden edition, is to encourage individuals and have you recognize us as a viable partner towards the sustenance of the magazine, I and organisations that contribute to the social with your support. We look forward to your would like to single out the relentless effort and economic development of the continent starting tonight through your donations and of the editor of the magazine, Mr. Atsen in ways that make a difference in the lives pledges. Subsequently, we trust that you will Ahua who has sacrificed all that is humanly of ordinary Africans in ways that may not make provision for us in your annual budgets possible to see the publication to where it necessarily catch the headlines. We made it particularly to support the sustenance and is today. Atsen came to Geneva as a United plain that although we need funds to sustain improvement of the publication. Nations spouse in 2003. He soon joined up our activities and initiatives, the Solidarity As we had indicated at the maiden edition with us and has been consistent, contributing Awards will not be a cash and carry matter. of the Awards, we have added another cat- his professional skill and sensible counsel We have therefore involved our readers, both egory, the Champion of Development Award without a salary until July last year when our subscribers and our net community in the that will be presented beginning from the he had to move on to Nairobi Kenya from nomination of candidates for this 2nd edition. FEJUJPOɨJTHPFTUPQPMJUJDBMBDUPSTBOE where he has joined us for this occasion. We have decided that henceforth this will be social entrepreneurs at the sub-national level ɨBOL ZPV "UTFO "OE UIBOL ZPV BMM GPS the way that we will go. such as provincial, state or local government your attention.
May/June 2009 5 SWISS-LINE
African Forum for Dialogue: 2009 Africa Day Celebration Introduces New Initiative
The African Union Commission through the Forum, and to afford it the necessary the African group based in Geneva has enhancement. established a new initiative, the African Heads of International Organisations Forum for Dialogue, to be held annually and Agencies, the Geneva-based diplomatic during Africa Day celebration as a part of community and international officials, repre- the celebration and to exchange views on sentatives of the host country at cantonal and African issues. federal level, representatives of the private sector, the civil society, the African Diaspora ɨFPCKFDUJWFJTUPTIPXUPUIFJOUFSOBUJPOBM and the local and international press will be community and the world at large that Africa guests of honour of the African Union Com- is far from collapsing under the pressure of NJTTJPOɨPTFXIPUBLFJOUFSFTUJO"GSJDB conflicts, famines and misinformation; rather will also be given the chance to take part in it is continuously progressing on all fronts. the Forum and share their views. ɨJT'PSVNXJMMQSPWJEFBQMBUGPSNGPS ɨF'PSVNXJMMDPODFOUSBUFPOUIF dialogue, exchange of views and discussions, involvement of the partners and the inter- hosted by personalities with solid experience national community and their awareness of in a given theme selected for the occasion. "GSJDBTQSPCMFNTɨFSFXJMMBMTPCFBOFĊPSU ɨFmSTUFEJUJPOPGUIF'PSVNXJMMCFIFME to promote an exchange of expert opinions on 27 May 2009 under the High patronage on the theme of the responsibility for Africa’s of H.E Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the AU Ambassador Masri development, promote wide participation of African Union. member countries, the civil society, in par- For the inaugural session and in order giving rise to concrete proposals or recom- ticular the Swiss and Europe-based African to ensure maximum success for the upcom- mendations. communities, as well as create a platform to ing years, special emphasis will be placed ɨJTZFBSTUIFNFi"GSJDBTEFWFMPQNFOU strengthen Africa’s partnerships and identify on bringing participation in this Forum to Whose responsibility?” is likely to provoke opportunities for cooperation and develop- the highest possible level, with some of the rich debates from different quarters namely, ment with various players. most renowned African and international States, International Organisations, Special- renowned persons. Given the current global ised Agencies, Regional Bodies, and Civil financial and economic crisis and its impacts 4PDJFUZ BNPOH PUIFST ɨF DIPJDF PG UIJT CORRECTION on development in general and the current particular theme is fully in line with the development challenges confronting Africa OFX4USBUFHJD1MBOPGUIF"GSJDBO in particular, the 2009 Forum will address Union Commission. a specific theme in a thought-provoking A high-level delegation of the African fashion, prompting a critical approach and Union is expected from Addis Ababa to grace
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May/June 2009 7 INTERVIEW
Mike Mueller Charities Promise Women Empowerment, Children Education…
On April 6, 2009, the former president of the Liberian community of Switzerland, Michael Mueller launched a humanitarian and philanthropic body that he founded last year to cater for the education of young Liberians, and economic empow- erment of women among others in an ef- fort to rebuild the country after 15years of war, and provide an environment where citizens of Liberia will have the means to reach their full potential.
Such a gesture by Africans in the Diaspora has been recognised and encouraged by the African Union as a way of developing the continent. Mr. Mueller granted Johnson Oduwaiye an interview after the launch of the body named after him - Mike Mueller Charities (MMC) – where he revealed why he decided to embark on this humanitarian adventure.
Excerpts from the interview. Michael Mueller
Did you ever live in Liberia and for how Were you (you and your parents) directly this traumatic period of Liberian history. long? affected by the war, and in what way? She was in Liberia throughout the war period I was born in Liberia and lived there We were not really affected in term of loss with her family. for eleven years before I relocated with my of lives, but a lot of my family members were parents to Switzerland. Later when I grew affected in other ways. My sister was missing When did you conceive the idea of found- up I decided to visit Liberia on a regular for about two years without our knowing ing MMC, and what led to it? basis, even during the period of war. My her whereabouts, after which we were able After becoming a parent I started to think visits were not only family related but also to rescue her. We also had to rescue my two of how to give something back to Liberia for me to get a better understanding about nieces and brought them to Switzerland. I especially for the kids. As a member of the my country of birth. met the lady who became my wife during Liberian community of Switzerland (Licos),
Mr. Mueller during a visit to Demonstration School… … also a visit to JFK Memorial hospital
8 May/June 2009 INTERVIEW
the ideas kept growing but I realised to suc- How do you intend to carry out the eco- were present to grace the occasion. In fact ceed I needed support from larger Liberian nomic empowerment of women? Is it by there were people from all walks of life who communities not only in Switzerland but also providing them with start-up money to came to support the initiative. It was also from Europe and America. I contacted the start personal businesses? the first of its kind to see the Liberians in European Federation of Liberian Associa- We will be working together with women the Diaspora, Europe and the USA join tions (EFLA) and the U.S. based Coalition organisations to provide them with educa- hands to support such humanitarian efforts. of Concerned Liberians (CCL), and both tional skills for small businesses to be results One of the highlights of the occasion was organisations agreed to collaborate with me oriented, and also on how to get access to UIF EPOBUJPO PG 64 CZ ..$ UP UPTFFNZJOJUJBUJWFNBUFSJBMJTFEɨVTUIF micro credit. Monrovia Demonstration School which is birth of MMC. one of the oldest primary schools in Liberia. Why did you decide to launch the organi- MMC promised to donate an ambulance to Providing education for young Liberians sation first in Liberia, and not in an Euro- the JFK Memorial hospital within the next is one of the objectives of the organisa- pean country where you could have proba- six months. tion. Up to what level of education do you bly received more financial contributions? intend to provide? MMC is first about helping poverty reduc- How many people and institutions have 0VSGPDVTJTPOFMFNFOUBSZTDIPPMɨFSF tion in Liberia, so it is a matter of [impor- already benefited from the MMC initia- is a saying here in Switzerland, which trans- tance] that charity begins at home. We want tive? lates like this “what Hans does not learn to sensitise first the people in the country ɨF%FNPOTUSBUJPOTDIPPMJTUIFmSTUUP when he is little, he will not learn when he about what we want to do. With the colla- benefit from the initiative. And the donated becomes an adult” So a child of 8 years old boration of EFLA and CCL based in Europe money is to carryout some renovation works XIPIBETQFOUZFBSTPGIJTMJGFJOUIF-JCF- and the U.S., we will be able to organise on the school building which is very much rian war would be an adult of 23 years after different fund raising activities in these needed right now before the rainy season. We the war, thus would not be able to recover places. are going to monitor the work. what he had lost in his youth. What’s more he has to go through pro- How was the turn-out at the launch? Lastly in what area/s would you want the HSBNTPGEFUSBVNBUJTBUJPOɨFSFJTTPNVDI MMC was well received by the govern- Swiss government to assist Liberia? to do in post-war Liberia. We are aware of ment and the people of Liberia. We had ɨF4XJTTHPWFSONFOUJTBMSFBEZXPSLJOH our limitations, but we want to start from H. E. Joseph Boakai, the vice president of through international organisations to assist somewhere and that led to a decision to focus Liberia, Ambassador Clavenda Bright-Parker, in rebuilding the country. However I would on primary education. Acquiring primary Special adviser to President Sirleaf-Johnson, want the Swiss government to assist through school education is a good foundation to President of the Senate Cletus Wotorson MMC in the areas of youth education and fighting poverty and the illiteracy rate which and many officials from the Executive as healthcare. will also help in the building up of the new well from the Legislative branch of govern- generation. ment, and some international organisations www.mikemuellercharities.org
At MMC launch: l – r: Liberian Senate President Mr Mueller flanked by Chief Opral Benson, right, The Principal of Demonstration School (backing Cletus Wotorson, Vice President Joseph Boikai and left by Amb Clavenda Bright-Parker and Mr. the camera) Mr. Moore receiving a cheque of the and Mueller Derek Moore MMC board member US$ 10,000 donated
Board members of Mike Mueller Charities with the Vice-President of Liberia H.E. J. Boikai (3rd left) Guests helping themselves to Liberian Cuisine
May/June 2009 9 BOOK AWARD
Kossi Efoui wins Ahmadou Kourouma Award By Misseli M. Bationo / Folake Idowu
The Togolese author of Solo d’un revenant, of an orphan who Kossi Efoui has been declared the winner becomes a child sol- of the 6th edition of the Ahmadou Kour- dier when travelling ouma Award at a simple ceremony held to visit his aunt in on April 23 in the African pavilion at the Liberia. Geneva Palexpo International Book Fair. At the outbreak PGDJWJMXBSJO$ÙUF ɨF"XBSE GPVOEFEJOJOIPOPVS EA*WPJSF JO of the late Ahmadou Kourouma, an Ivorian Kourouma stood and author of many books offers a cash prize against the war as of CHF 5,000. Present at the ceremony were well as against the his widow and daughter and members of the concept of Ivorian award jury. nationalism, call- ɨFFMEFTUTPOPGBEJTUJOHVJTIFE.BMJOLÏ ing it “an absurdity family, Ahmadou Kourouma was born in which has led us to Mr. Efoui, 2nd left, together with some members of the jury pose with the JO$ÙUFEA*WPJSF3BJTFECZIJTVODMF chaos.” President prize cheque he initially pursued studies in Bamako, Laurent Gbagbo ac- .BMJ'SPNUP XIFOIJTDPVOUSZ cused him of sup- was still under French colonial control, he porting rebel groups participated in French military campaigns from the north of the in Indochina, after which he journeyed to country. France to study mathematics in Lyon. In France, each ,PVSPVNBSFUVSOFEUPIJTOBUJWF$ÙUF of Ahmadou Kour- EA*WPJSF BGUFS JU XPO JUT JOEFQFOEFODF JO PVNBAT OPWFMT IBT ZFUIFRVJDLMZGPVOEIJNTFMGRVFTUJPO- been greeted with JOH UIF HPWFSONFOU PG 'ÏMJY )PVQIPVÑU great acclaim, sold Boigny. After brief imprisonment, Kourouma exceptionally well, spent several years in exile, first in Algeria and been showered Mrs. Kourouma, middle, as Mr. Efouri reads from the book UIFOJO$BNFSPPO with prizes including BOE5PHP CFGPSFmOBMMZSFUVSO- 1SJY3FOBVEPUJOBOEɨF1SJY(PO- ,PTTJ&GPVJXIPXBTCPSOJO TUVE- JOHUPMJWFJO$ÙUFEA*WPJSF DPVSUEFT-ZDÏFOTGPS"MMBIOAFTUQBTPCMJHÏ JFE1IJMPTPQIZBUUIF6OJWFSTJUZPG-PNÏ Determined to speak out against the In the English-speaking world, Kourouma He is playwright, chronicler (especially for betrayal of legitimate African aspirations at has yet to make much of an impression: de- Jeune Afrique) and novelist (La Polka and La the dawn of independence, Kourouma was spite some positive reviews, his work remains 'BCSJRVFEFDÏSÏNPOJFT 1SJPSUPUIJTMBUFTU drawn into an experiment in fiction, his first largely unknown outside college classes in award, he has won many prizes including OPWFM -FTTPMFJMTEFTJOEÏQFOEBODFT ɨF African fiction. the Grand Prix Tchicaya U Tam’si for his 4VOTPG*OEFQFOEFODF DPOUBJOTBDSJUJ- At the time of his death, he was working UIFBUSJDBMQJFDFi-F$BSSFGPVSwJO UIF cal treatment of post-colonial governments POBTFRVFMUP"MMBIOAFTUQBTPCMJHÏ FOUJUMFE /FX3BEJP5BMFOUQSJ[FJOBOENPTU in Africa. Twenty years later, his second Quand on refuse on dit non (translated notably in 2002, he received the Grand prix CPPL.POOÒ PVUSBHFTFUEÏmT BIJTUPSZPG roughly as When One Disagrees, One Says MJUUÏSBJSFEFM"GSJRVF/PJSFGPSIJTCPPL i-B a century of colonialism, was published. In No), in which the protagonist of the first Fabrique des ceremonies”. IFQVCMJTIFE&OBUUFOEBOUMFWPUFEFT novel, a child soldier, is demobilized and Solo d’un revenant is his third and lat- bêtes sauvages, (translated as Waiting for the SFUVSOTUPIJTIPNFJO$ÙUFEA*WPJSF JOXIJDI est book which was published in 2008 and Wild Beasts to Vote), a satire of post colonial a new regional conflict has arisen. chronicles the story of an African immigrant Africa in the style of Voltaire in which a Presenting the prize, Prof Jacques who returns to his country after ten years of HSJPUSFDPVOUTUIFTUPSZPGBUSJCBMIVOUFSAT Chevrier, the award president explained massacres. It is told in a manner in which the transformation into a dictator, inspired by the reasons Kossi Efoui was judged the present and the past are linked indirectly and QSFTJEFOU(OBTTJOHCÏ&ZBEÏNBPG5PHP*O XJOOFSɨFTFJODMVEFIJTBCJMJUZUPEFQJDU inconclusively, while at the same time, the IFQVCMJTIFE"MMBIOAFTUQBTPCMJHÏ in a baroque style, the tortured mind of his narrator is trying to remember and forget, in (translated as Allah is Not Obliged), a tale characters. a ghostlike manner, a past that did not occur.
10 May/June 2009 ELECTION
Algeria’s Presidential Election: “An eloquent lesson in democracy” By Mola Ajisafe
“This truly is an eloquent lesson in de- mocracy,” President Abdelaziz Boutef- lika of Algeria remarked after the results of the April 9th election in which he was re-elected by a wide margin. He thanked Algerians for the “precious confidence” given him by their votes.
ɨF1SFTJEFOUXPOIJTUIJSEUFSNJOPċDF by a landslide according to media reports NPOJUPSFECZ"GSJDB-JOLɨFZFBSPME HPU QFSDFOU PG UIF UPUBM WPUFT BO- nounced the Minister of the Interior and Lo- cal Authorities Noureddine Yazid Zerhouni, beating the other six candidates by a wide NBSHJO-PVJ[B)BOPVOFXJUIQFSDFOU came second followed by Moussa Touati XJUIQFSDFOU BOE%KBIJE:PVOTJXJUI QFSDFOU President Abdelaziz Bouteflika ɨF NJOJTUFS FTUJNBUFE UIF UVSOPWFS BUQFSDFOUPGNPSFUIBONJMMJPO Bouteflika has however promised to In her own comment Louiza Hanoun said registered voters which included overseas TQFOECJMMJPOPOEFWFMPQNFOUQSPKFDUT she had referred a fraud case to the consti- OBUJPOBMTɨF"MHFSJBOTJO4XJU[FSMBOEBMTP and create 3 million jobs, his remedy for an tutional council, and called for reforms to cast their votes in the election. economy in which energy accounts for about “ensure independence of this institution to ɨF1SFTJEFOUCFDBNFFMJHJCMFUPSVOGPS 96 percent of exports but where other sectors provide for a real democracy”. third term after term limits were removed have been choked by under-investment, ac- ɨFZFBSPMEQSFTJEFOU XIPIBTCFFO from the constitution last year. Some critics cording to a media report. JOQPXFSTJODF IBTSFQFBUFEMZTBJEIF see the removal as a means of paving the way After he was declared the winner in the needed a massive victory to continue his for him to serve as president-for-life. election, Abdelaziz Bouteflika said “the civic policy of national reconciliation and recon- But his supporters were of the opinion sense that the Algerian people have shown struction following an Islamists’ insurgency that he deserves to be given the credit for towards the programs suggested by the six which claimed the lives of many Algerians. steering the country back to stability after candidates in the presidential elections is His victory was a record for an Algerian B CMPPEZ DJWJM DPOnJDU JO UIF T UIBU teaching a lesson on democracy,” while president since the former one-party state DMBJNFEPWFS MJWFT expressing his respect for the other candi- mSTUBMMPXFEPQQPTJUJPOQBSUJFTJO According to a Reuters.com report, dates, and paying tribute to their democratic ɨF"GSJDBO6OJPO XIJDIJTQBSUPGB the President reiterated during the last day of convictions. 200-strong monitoring mission with the the election campaign, “I continue to regard One of the candidates Ali Fawzi Rebaine Arab League and the Islamic Conference, the restoration of civil peace as a national said that his defeat in the presidential elec- congratulated Algeria for the “freedom and priority, as long as hotbeds of tension and tion would not end his political life. He transparency” of the election. QPDLFUTPGTVCWFSTJPOTVSWJWFwɨFPQQPTJ- promised to continue his activity in “objec- Bouteflika began his political career at age tion however believed his hammering on tive opposition.” He added that his participa- 25 after Algeria gained independence from the threat of renewed violence from Islamic tion for the second time in the presidential 'SBODFJO'SBODF1SFTJEFOU/JDPMBT militants was an attempt to distract Alge- election was motivated by the contribution Sarkozy was among the first to send him a rians from the economic problems facing to making the history of the nation through message of congratulations in which he of- the country. proposals and alternatives. fered “warm and friendly” congratulations.
May/June 2009 11 PHOTO NEWS TUNISIA
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The Ambassador of Tunisia to Switzerland Mrs. Rafiaâ Limam Baouendi held a recep- tion at Hotel Bellevue Palace, Berne on 20 March to mark the Tunisia’s national day. It will be recalled that H. E. Limam Baouendi was recently posted here after many years the embassy was managed by Chargé d’affaires. This might have attracted many guests in- cluding a high number of business people. 7 8 Here are some shots taken by Africa Link at the reception.
1 Amb. Rafiaâ Limam Baouendi, her man, and Mr. Ghazi Ben Salah the Counsellor and his wife 2 H . E. Apolinario Correia, Dean of African Diplomat, Berne arriving at the reception 3 Mr. Richard Reilly, Vice Consul U.S. Embassy with his spouse 4 l – r: Amb. F. Mufti Abbas of Pakistan, H.E. E. Diarrassouba of Côte d’Ivoire 5 H. E. Baouendi and her man welcoming a diplomat 6 Amb. Baouendi embracing AU Amb. Rachida 9 10 Masri 7, 8 A cross section of guests including some diplomats from North Africa. 9 H.E. Binzi and his wife chatting with Vatican Ambassador. 10 Guozhong Huang UPU Vice-director General & spouse chatting with Chokri Ellili also of UPU 11 Some of the dignitaries at the reception 12 Guests helping themselves to Tunisian cuisine
11 12 ELECTION
South Africa Thirteen Parties Make it into 4 the New Parliament By Keith Gottschalk
The ruling African National Congress fifth country in the world to legalize same-sex (ANC) was resoundingly returned to marriages by gays and lesbians, the African power by 11,650,748 votes. Though this Christian Democratic Party, dominated by was almost a million more than its votes in concerned Pentecostalists, could still not the previous election in 2004, as a percent- BWPJE IBMWJOH UP WPUFT FRVBMMJOH age the ANC fell back from 69% to just PGTVQQPSU below 66%, due to the increased number All told, about four party members and of people voting. Since the media heralded elected representatives were killed over the a 53% majority in the US and UK elections QBTUOJOFNPOUITPGFMFDUJPOFFSJOHɨJTJT as a “landslide” victory, it was not surpris- not as peaceful as elections in Botswana and 6 ing that ANC leaders and supporters were Mauritius, but better than the most recent celebrating. elections in Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. ɨFNPTUTFSJPVTFMFDUJPOJSSFHVMBSJUJFTXFSF Opposition parties had whipped up fears that the head of a polling station in KwaZulu- of the “dangers” of a two-thirds majority Natal Province was found trying to stuff 62 to mobilize all their supporters to go to the forged IFP votes into a ballot box. She was polls. In fact, no South African Government promptly arrested. In unrelated incidents, could ever revoke our Bill of Rights, or legal- Jacob Zuma after complaints of opposition parties, the ize G. W. Bush-style tortures, without the Independent Electoral Commission fired two 70% majority specified in our constitution. allowed to add its voice to the spectrum of further heads of voting stations for bias. No An equally jubilant Democratic Alliance views and interests in Parliament. election disputes involved more than a few (DA) boosted its performance as the official All the remaining parties lost votes to hundred votes. PQQPTJUJPO XJUI WPUFTSBJTJOHJU UIFTFUISFFXJOOFSTɨF*OLBUIB'SFFEPN GSPNUPPG1BSMJBNFOU Party (IFP), of Zulu traditionalists led by Z + Z ɨFCJHHFTUTFOTBUJPOXBTUIFOFXQBSUZ 1SJODF#VUIFMF[J TISVOLEPXOUP $POHSFTTPGUIF1FPQMF $01& ɨJTCFHBO votes, with the consequence that its allocation Never before has the letter Z had it so as a break-away from the ruling ANC less PG.1TESPQTGSPNUP5PQQMFE good. While Jacob Zuma will enter the Presi- than five months ago, but still managed to from third place by COPE, it now ranks dential office suite in the Union Buildings, XJO WPUFT OFUUJOHJUUIJSEQMBDF fourth. With the ANC getting three times Helen Zille will move to the Leeuwenhof XJUIPGWPUFTɨJTJTBOJODSFEJCMF as many Zulu votes as the IFP, no one will official residence as Provincial Premier of achievement for a party less than five months now repeat the stereotype that the ANC is the Western Cape. old. By contrast, the Azanian People’s Or- an “anti-Zulu Xhosa party”. Helen Zille symbolises the DA’s make- ganization (AZAPO) on its thirtieth anni- ɨFPUIFSQBSUJFTFBDIHPUVOEFSPOF over for the twenty-first century. Her parents versary, and the Pan-Africanist Congress of percent, typically shrivelling to half their were both half-Jewish, who had to flee the Azania (PAC) on its golden anniversary, both vote from the previous election. And not- ɨJSE3FJDI;JMMFBOEIFSIVTCBOE SFUJSFE struggled to get one out of every four hundred withstanding South Africa becoming only the sociology professor Johan Maree, are both WPUFT $01&IBEB;"3NJMMJPO Quakers, while her media officer is a Muslim. budget for its election campaign, versus the THE NEW PARLIAMENT Her “re-visioning” strategy for the DA DA’s ZAR 50m and the ANC’s ZAR 200m. saw its logo revert from the apartheid-style 0 PARTY VOTES Parliamentary COPE’s biggest contribution to Parlia- Seats oranje-blanke-blou (orange-white-blue) to ANC 11 650 748 (65.9%) 264 ment will probably be its MP Wiseman DA 2 945 829 (16.66%) 67 its original blue colour in a sea of T-shirts. Nkulu, a respected and solid economist. COPE 1 311 027 (7.42%) 30 She adopted the same populist electioneering IFP 804 260 (4.55%) 18 ɨFTFXPVMECFUIFPOMZQBSUJFTUPSFUVSO ID 162 915 4 strategies as Zuma, starting every campaign UDM 149 680 4 to Parliament if South Africa had Germany VF+ 146 796 4 rally with pop songs and dancing. She made ACDP 142 658 3 and Poland’s five percent threshold of votes UCDP 66 086 2 a point of trilingual speech-marking in as a cut-off point. But in South Africa’s more PAC 48 530 1 Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English. She kept MF 43 474 1 democratic system, every party with as little AZAPO 38 245 1 her message uncomplicated: fight corruption as one out of four hundred votes (0.25%) is APC 35 867 1 and cronyism.
May/June 2009 13
2 ELECTION
ɨF%"TPVHIUDSFEJCJMJUZUISPVHIB symbolism of their actions was obvious to Zuma’s populist style of electioneering bottom-up strategy. It out-manoeuvred the any Rwandan or Sudanese. tried to placate as many divergent lobbies as ANC to build a coalition that gives it control possible. But the harsh realities of the cur- of the Cape Town metropolitan Council, CONTROVERSIES rent global depression give South African South Africa’s second-largest city of three governments of any party all too little million, and its legislative capital (Tshwane Great controversy arose over the national margin to manoeuvre much from present / Pretoria is the executive capital). She sought prosecution office abandoning charges of cor- QPMJDJFT ɨF POMZ FYDFQUJPO JT UIBU UIF to project “clean government”. Next, the DA ruption against ANC presidential candidate Government is departing from a balanced switched slogans from “build a strong opposi- Jacob Zuma. As this occurred three weeks budget to finance South Africa’s biggest-ever tion” to “the party of governance”. before voting, all opposition parties worth infrastructure boom, stretching throughout ɨJTFMFDUJPOTBXJUXJOBOBSSPXNBKPSJUZ their salt naturally highlighted corruption the next decade. JOUIF8FTUFSO$BQF1SPWJODF BEEJOH in their campaigns to get votes. African business executives and other working class Coloured voters to middle-class As part of their electioneering, the DA tourists have witnessed how each airport white votes. At this article’s deadline, the DA announced that it was consulting lawyers and double-carriage highway has become still moots a coalition with the Independent over the possibility of bringing a private one vast construction site for expansion. Democrats (ID) and COPE, to win their prosecution. But as only three private pros- Railway lines are being extended right into support, so as to take control of many further ecutions have succeeded since South Africa the airports in Johannesburg and Cape municipalities in this and other provinces. XBTVOJmFEJO ;VNBXJMMOPUMPTFBOZ Town. European-style bus services, with sleep over this. Researchers and civil society buses every ten minutes, are scheduled for SPLITS NOT ETHNIC watchdogs will remain vigilant to monitor all major cities. whether corruption is in fact rising or falling ESKOM, the electricity parastatal, is Western Afro-pessimists dismiss elections during Jacob Zuma’s term in office. frantically racing to build two huge coal- in Africa as merely an ethnic census. To the ɨFNPTUDPOWJODJOHEFGFODFPG;VNBUP fired power stations inside South Africa, and contrary, every black party that is a rival to date was published in a recent weekly on-line negotiate consortiums to construct hydro- the ANC preferred to form a coalition in the circular letter from the ANC’s HQ. Authored electric power outside, and import their Cape Town metro with the white-dominated by the ANC leader in KwaZulu-Natal, it electricity through an upgraded Southern DA, instead of a coalition with the predomi- addressed the two most widely-publicised African Power Pool (SAPP). Africa Link nantly black ANC. allegations in the abandoned prosecution readers should monitor progress on the ef- Similarly, South Africa has been truly charge-sheet. forts to raise capital for HE power stations fortunate that splits in its political parties ɨFPOMJOFMFUUFSQPJOUFEPVUUIBUUIF such as Inga 3 in the Democratic Republic IBWF OPU GPMMPXFE FUIOJD CPVOEBSJFT ɨF ZAR 500,000 gift from the French arma- of the Congo, plus others in Angola and twin influences on the ANC in parallel of NFOUT DPNQBOZ ɨJOU XFOU UP OPU ;VNB Mozambique. four generations of Christian liberals and but to the Zulu king for renovation of royal Other interest groups have different con- Communists means that non-racialism is residences. It noted that while Zuma could cerns for Zuma’s administration. Feminists SBSFMZUPPGBSGSPNUIFTVSGBDFɨF1"$TQMJU not prevent a legal investigation against him- and other gender activists will be nervous GSPNUIF"/$JOPWFSEFNBOETGPSB self, he could still offer to prevent it against of any possible tilt to cultural conservatism. NPSFNJMJUBOUTUSBUFHZɨF6%.TQMJUGSPN the foreign company. Greens will step up the heat over South Af- UIF"/$JOJOQSPUFTUBHBJOTUXPSLJOH It concluded by observing that many rica’s carbon emissions, generically-modified with former collaborators with Bantustans. South African businessmen were perpetually organisms, and that money-gobbling white COPE split from the ANC in 2008 as the lobbying cabinet ministers and provincial elephant, the pebble-bed modular atomic losing clientelistic faction in rivalry over executive members to meet potential foreign reactor. patronage and posts. QBSUOFST ɨFZ FYBHHFSBUFE UIFJS JOnVFODF Amongst the top priorities for the incom- ɨFSVMJOH"/$IBTB;VMV1SFTJEFOU B with the political leaders to the potential ing government should be creating jobs to Tswana Deputy President, and a Coloured GPSFJHO QBSUOFST ɨJT XBT POMZ QJDLFE VQ lessen unemployment, and to speed up (mixed-race) Finance Minister who is ranked by the political leaders from time to time, as building public housing. It also needs to fourth in party seniority. COPE has Xhosa, such meetings were each one-off. minimize commuting costs and distances for Sotho and Tsonga leaders. Similarly, when ɨJT"/$EFGFODFEPFTOPUBEESFTTUIF the working class by shifting public housing both the PAC and AZAPO suffered three- undesirable practice of pressuring arms deal- from single-story houses to medium-rise way splits over the past five years, all splinters ers to make donations that helped the ruling blocks of flats. were multi-ethnic. ANC win over the Zulu king from the IFP It might be in South Africa’s grasp to It is unlikely that more than 2% of whites - instead of accepting the tender with the largely upgrade itself from the third world voted for the ANC, and unlikely that more lowest price. But it does defend Zuma from UPUIFmSTUXPSMECZ JGJUTMBTIFTSFE than 2% of blacks voted for the DA. But allegations of personally receiving any bribe. tape, and makes its education system more when Jacob Zuma repeatedly campaigned efficient, especially technical training. amongst poor white Afrikaners, and usu- FUTURE POLICIES ally gave speeches in English, while Helen Keith Gottschalk lectures in Political Stud- Zille electioneered through numerous black ɨFNFEJBTGPDVTPOB;VNBQSFTJ- ies at the University of the Western Cape, in townships, speaking Xhosa, the non-racial dency has centred on economic policy. South Africa
14 May/June 2009 AWARDS
Africa Link Solidarity Awards Ends On A High Note
By Folake Idowu
On the 4 April 2009, Africa Link was the the Africa Envoy of access of the Diaspora proud host of the 2nd Edition of the Africa Excellence Award, Mrs communities worldwide Link Solidarity Awards and Fundraising Regula Ochsner of As- to ongoing events in Gala in Bern, Switzerland. This auspicious sociation of ADES, and Switzerland and beyond. event took place at Mattenhofsaal in Güm- UIF5PHPɨVO"TTPDJB- It is now considered as a ligen. tion received the Friends reliable reference point of Africa Awards, and for information for the Indeed, Africa Link Organisation has lastly, Mr Rolf Lichten- African community. come a long way since April 2000 when its stein and Mrs Evelyne Earlier in the publication Africa Link magazine came out Matthys-Kraft, received evening, the President JOUIFGPSNPGBQBHFCJMJOHVBM &OHMJTI the Support to Africa disclosed that the event 'SFODI OFXTMFUUFSɨFNBHB[JOFIBTTJODF Link Awards. would forthwith become grown to become a full colour magazine and ɨFBXBSETXFSFQSF- a bi-annual event and is well appreciated in the country especially sented by the Chairman H. E. Correia presenting his opening that another category of by the African communities. Since its incep- and the Co-chairperson remark the awards, namely the tion, it has not been an easy road as there were of the occasion, Mr. Champion of Develop- a great number of challenges that had to be Apolinario Correia the Angolan Ambassador, NFOU BXBSE XPVME GFBUVSF JO UIF overcome in order to persevere and service and Mrs. Rafiaâ Limam Baouendi, the Tuni- FEJUJPOɨFBXBSEXJMMHPUPQPMJUJDBMBDUPST its growing readership. sian Ambassador respectively to the recipients and social entrepreneurs at the sub-national In his speech, Africa Link President John- who thereafter gave acceptance speeches. level for their outstanding performance in son Oduwaiye paid homage to all those who H. E. Khadija Rachida Masri, who the physical and human development of their had supported and encouraged Africa Link received the “Africa Envoy of Excellence” DPNNVOJUJFT ɨF GPSUIDPNJOH 4PMJEBSJUZ since its inauguration. Among others, Mr. Award, remarked in her acceptance speech "XBSETXJMMDPJODJEFXJUIUIFUIBOOJWFS- Oduwaiye thanked Mr. Rolf Lichtenstein, that African countries are all currently going sary of the Organisation. the printer of the magazine for making it through a transition. It is the duty of the Afri- Among the dignitaries present at the possible to continue production even when can Union to support positive initiatives and occasion were, Her Excellency Mrs. M. resources were not available for the organi- ensure that no matter the outcome, Africa Abbas, the Ambassador of Pakistan to Swit- TBUJPOUPQBZJUTCJMMTPOUJNFɨFTBDSJmDFT comes out victorious. She went on to thank zerland, Dr. Rolf Bloch and his spouse, Mr. of members, financial help and support Africa Link and promised she would cherish George Umbricht and his spouse, president offered through advertising over the years the award for the rest of her life. of SwissChamSouthern Africa (SCSA) and have enabled the sustenance of the publica- Earlier while welcoming guests to the Managing Partner at Umbricht Attorneys at tion and improvement on both the technical event, H. E. Appolinario Correia, congratu- -BX .SɨPNBT4FHIF[[J 1BSUOFS3BJOCPX presentation of the magazine as well as the lated the efforts of Africa Link Organisation unlimited GmbH. Almost all the African editorial contribution. in bringing to the forefront, the endeavours ambassadors to Switzerland in Berne were ɨF 1SFTJEFOU XBT BMTP OPU SFNJTT JO of Africans living in the Diaspora, and urged present to support and encourage the Africa thanking the editor of the magazine, Mr. the general public and African diplomats Link team. Atsen Ahua, whose relentless efforts and in particular to support its laudable efforts. ɨFHVFTUTXFSFUSFBUFEUPBSJDIEJOOFS sacrifices have helped the magazine flourish. Also Dr Martin Uhomoibhi, the Nige- which among others was comprised of Alge- Mr Oduwaiye also stated that the Solidar- rian Ambassador to the UNO Geneva, and rian and Tunisian dishes, and South African ity awards initiative was originally created Switzerland gave a cheerful and encouraging wine which were provided by the embassies in to encourage individuals and organisations speech asking the organisation to continue its #FSOFɨFFNCBTTJFTPG/JHFSJBBOE"OHPMB which contribute in a concrete manner to good work. Africans, he said, should continue also contributed financially to the realisation the social and economic development of the to commend and amplify the good works of this event. continent. To this end, in this 2nd edition of that have been achieved by fellow Africans. A Nigerian musician, Oti Lucky, a.k.a. the Solidarity awards, six awards were given. Africa needs a critical mass to assure change. Oti Brown, entertained the guests with ɨFSFDJQJFOUTXFSF"MIBKJ%S"INBE5FKBO “Yes, Africa can!” He also spoke about the new and old tunes in African beats, a sweet Kabbah, the former President of Sierra Leone diplomatic calendar which he said greatly OPTUBMHJB ɨF FWFOU EJSFDUFE CZ 4IFSMPDL who received the Champion of Democracy helps diplomats to know one another during Fortuin ended on a high note and was well and Good Governance award, H.E. Khadija their sojourn in Switzerland. appreciated by the guests, making it an Rachida Masri, the AU Ambassador and Per- Currently, Africa Link’s presence on the event that will not be quickly forgotten by manent Observer to UNOG, who received Internet is notable as it has increased the all those present.
May/June 2009 15 AWARD
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AFRICA LINK AWARDS
1 Felix Matthys receives the award on behalf of 8 9 his late mother 2 Dr. Charles Senessie receives the award on behalf of former President Dr. Tejan Kabbah of Sierra Leone 3 Mrs. Regula Ochsner poses with her award 4 VP Togo/Thun association Mr. Ulrich Graf receives the award on behalf of the association 5 Amb. Rachida Masri poses with the award 6 Mr. Rolf Lichtenstein poses with his award 7 A group photograph of the recipients with Mr. A.Ahua (left) and Mr. J.Oduwaiye (right) 8 l – r: Amb. Abbas of Pakistan, Mr. G. Umbricht, 10 11 Dr. & Mrs. Rolf Bloch 9 Mr. T. Seghezzi and Mr. & Mrs. G. Umbricht 10 Ambassadors Binzi, Baouendi and Riache of Cameroon, Tunisia and Algeria respectively. 11 Amb. Diarrassouba of Côte d’ivoire with Mr. & Mrs. Wolfram Marwik of World Justice Forum 12 l – r. Amb. Masri, Mrs. Masmoudi and Amb. Baouendi 13 Dr. & Mrs. Moussibahou Mazou 12 13 1
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1 A group photo with some Awards recipients 2 l – r: Mr. E Amporful, Head of Chancery embassy of Ghana, Mr S. Tshivhula Counselor Embassy of South Africa and his spouse 3 Mrs. Michaela Kvasnicka , Ms. Stohler and Alhaji Issa Abdullahi 4 r – l (sitting) Mrs. Pat Santsche, Mrs Mary Eggenberger-Kekong and Mrs. Folake Idowu 5 Mrs. Modupe Otitoju-Brown, Assistant to Cotecna Vice President Mr. Alpha Sy 6 Dr. C. Yanze-Kontchou and Mrs. Angela Bryner 8 9 7 r – l: Mr. D. Ekeruche, Minister Embassy of Nigeria, Mr. Usman G. Bukar, Accountant, embassy of Nigeria, and Amb. F. M. Abbas of Pakistan 8 Amb. M. Uhomoibhi of Nigeria with Mr. & Mrs. J. Oduwaiye 9 Pastor John Sagoe (backing the camera) Dr. Senessie and Dr. K. Moghalu 10 Mr. C. Ugochukwu, Mrs. Virginia Althaus 11 r – l: Mr. Sherlock Fortuin, Amb. Correia and Andrew Benson 10 11 AWARDS
Africa Link Solidarity Awards “Africa impoverished by rapacious forces” By Folake Idowu
When Dr Kingsley Moghalu, CEO and has seen”, it also has a negative influence founder of Sogato Strategies S.A., a com- because financialization has created a great pany based in Switzerland which provides deal of paper wealth to the detriment of the assistance and works in strategic partner- industry. He blamed globalisation for the ship with various interested stakeholders, potency of the current crisis and expressed the gave his keynote address during the Africa view that globalisation only works success- Link Solidarity Awards and Fundraising fully for those countries which were able “to Gala which was held in Bern on 4 April maintain internally resilient economy before 2009. One would have expected him to fully embracing globalisation”. merely speak about the dire state of the He explained that Africa is certainly a current financial crisis and its calamitous continent with a strong potential for sus- effect on Africa. tained growth, adding in the words of the former United Nations Secretary-General On the contrary, in his keynote address Kofi Annan that, “If African nations were to titled “Africa as pristine opportunity to the improve infrastructure and improve energy global economic recovery” he took a positive and link our countries up, we can improve spin on the role Africa could play in this Dr. Moghalu trade among ourselves by $250 billion before global financial meltdown. we even think of trading with other regions”. Dr. Moghalu discussed the evident causes mentioned capitalism, the financialization of ɨJTJTQPTTJCMFCFDBVTFUIF"GSJDBODPOUJOFOU of the crisis as a whole and then went on to the world economy and globalisation. He said – contrary to common assumption – is not focus on the three underlying and subversive that while capitalism “remains the greatest poor at all. crises that remain major issues of concern. He creator of wealth and progress the world So although Africa has been left im- poverished by “rapacious forces” and the withdrawal of foreign investment has fur- ther stifled the developmental efforts of the continent, this could change if there was sustainable long term foreign investment. However, before such a change can be wrought, Africa must first undergo a govern- ance transformation and utilize a capitalisa- tion model which works to its benefit. On the whole, Dr Mogahlu’s speech was optimistic as he truly believes that Africa is the future. Although he urged Africa to look inwards and to first develop its own internal markets before looking to go global. He also encouraged investors to seriously consider investing in Africa because it offers interest- ing and viable new business opportunities for the savvy. He firmly believes that now is the time to invest as Africa is the engine for change and global financial recovery. After all, “Africa is the last frontier in emerging markets” and the promises this holds are innumerable.
Dr. Moghalu being congratulated by H. E. Masri after the presentation (Full text of the address in the next issue)
18 May/June 2009 APPRECIATION FOR AFRICA LINK SOLIDARITY AWARDS 2008
Africa Link Organisation expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all those who honoured its invitation to the 2008 Africa Link Solidarity Awards held at the Mattenhofsaal in Gümligen, Berne Canton of Switzerland on April 4, 2009.
Your identification with and support for Africa Link’s efforts to promote excellence in Democracy, Good Governance and Transparency in the nations of the mother continent as well as harmonious and positive relationships within the African Diaspora communities are valued and appreciated.
We would like to express our appreciation to our readers whose insights and wealth of information enabled us to come up with a crop of credible candidates for the awards and our jury whose wisdom came up with our final list for the 2008 awards.
We also express our gratitude to our Awardees, all busy and engaged people who found the time to be with us. We reiterate our sympathy with the families of Matthys-Kraft and Tejan Kabbah who were prevented by bereavement from being with us in person but thank them heartily for ensuring that even in their sorrow, they ensured they were adequately represented at the awards gala.
We thank the African diplomatic missions in Switzerland for their moral and material support towards the successful organisation of the Awards gala. We particularly appreciate the financial support of the Embassies of Nigeria and Angola, the Embassies of Algeria and Tunisia for providing more food than the assembled guests could do justice to and the South African Embassy for ensuring that our distinguished guests were plied with some of the choicest wines from the Western Cape.
We salute the solidarity shown by Her Excellency, Mrs. F. M. Abbas, the Ambassador of Pakistan to Switzer- land who joined her African counterparts for the occasion as well as dignitaries from Switzerland and other countries of Europe whose presence and contribution we deeply appreciate.
We express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, whose thought-provoking keynote address on the opportunity presented by Africa as pristine investment environment has provided material for lively dis- course among serious African development actors.
Various members of Africa Link Organisation contributed time and energy to ensure the success of the evening. We appreciate the energy and care of Mr. & Mrs. Shedrach Uzenab, Mrs. Mary Eggenberger-Kekong, Mrs. Precious Woodtli, Mrs. Abiodun Adex who were very helpful. Of course you are already standing by for the 2010 awards. Also Alhaji Issa Abdullahi and Mr. Remi Alao who provided transportation, Mr. Alex Adjei who provided the pictorial and video coverage of the gala night as well as Oti Brown whose delicious combination of African oldies and new beat kept us well entertained.
Our Master of Ceremonies, Sherlock Domburg-Fortuin who piloted the evening with a combination of pa- nache and aplomb from beginning to end is appreciated and has to be on stand-by for the 2010 edition.
To all our readers we wish you’d been there! Please plan to be there for the 2010 edition that will also celebrate Africa Link Organisation’s decade. Start planning now to be there as the details will follow soon.
Atsen J. Ahua Secretary Johnson Oduwaiye, President May/June 2009 19 Jubiläums- THEXXX festival SOUL 20. Afro-Pfi ngsten OF 27. Mai - 1. Juni 2009 AFRICA Winterthur - Switzerland
FREITAG, 29. MAI 2009 AFRIKA-MARKT Do - Sa 10 - 22 h Neumarkt, Kasinostrasse, Untere Steinberggasse ROOTS & REGGAE 19.00 - 01.30 h TIKEN JAH FAKOLY WELT-BAZAR Fr 12 - 22 h KY-MANI MARLEY Steinberg- Metzg- und Spitalgasse Sa 10 - 22 h IJAHMAN LEVI FAIRFAIR Fr / Sa 10 - 22 h JUNIOR TSHAKA & AWADI Kirchplatz FUM LALOH YORO MASSA SAMSTAG, 30. MAI 2009 KINO LOGE Oberer Graben 6 NOCHE LATINA 19.00 - 01.30 h Vorpremiere PANDORA’S BOX ORISHAS Donnerstag, 28. Mai 2009 20.00 h «Horizonte» Filme aus einer Welt ORQUESTA ARAGON Freitag, 29. Mai - Mittwoch, 10. Juni 2009 NOVALIMA MADERA LIMPIA LARIBA REGINA RIBEIRO WORKSHOPS Alte Kaserne SONNTAG, 31. MAI 2009 Diverse Kurse in der Kategorie Tanzen, Perkussion, Gesang, Kochen uvm. Mehr Infos: www.afro-pfi ngsten.ch DANCE & DRUMS 14.00 - 17.30 h
MAMADY KEITA & SEWA KAN PFINGSTFEIER Halle 53 KIJUBALLETT - KING UKWEZI So 9.30 - 10.45 h Musikalische Pfi ngstfeier AFRICAN SOUL 19.00 - 01.30 h AFRIKA-BRUNCH Halle 53 SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80 Sonntag 11.00 - 13.00 h SALIF KEITA AUSSTELLUNGEN TOURE KUNDA Kunstwerkraum / Alte Kaserne ADJIRI ODAMETEY EMASHIE KULINARISCHES BAYE MAGATTE Tropical Bars & Restaurants Sulzerareal / Halle 53 Nonfood Stände Halle 53 May/June 2009 20 Food Stände Sulzerareal ms- HEALTH Rolling Back Malaria By Misseli M. Bationo
On the 25 April 2000, African leaders as- Malaria Burden In Africa ɨJSE SFTFBSDIUPmOEBWBDDJOFBOECFUUFS sembled at the African Summit on Roll drugs, diagnostics, insecticides, and other Back Malaria in Abuja, Nigeria, commit- ɨBUTUIFSFBTPOXIZ UIF.BMBSJB%BZ tools. ted themselves to, among others, “halve was particularly important as it is just a year malaria mortality of Africa’s people by UP UIF 3PMM #BDL .BMBSJB UBSHFU GPS The strategy 2010”, and resolved to “initiate appropri- halving the Malaria burden, and the target ate and sustainable action to strengthen for universal access to health services and for For the first part of the strategy, a massive the health systems so that by 2005, 60% .BMBSJBFMJNJOBUJPOJO"GSJDBɨFDPMMFDUJWF scale-up in antimalaria programmes in of populations at risk (especially pregnant efforts of all concerned sectors and partners the malaria heartland has been witnessed. women and children) have access to pre- needed to be therefore trebled at all levels. Global Fund round 7 approved a total of ventive measures, while 60% of those suf- It is in this connection that the theme for 64 NJMMJPO GPS NBMBSJB BOE SPVOE fering from Malaria have access to prompt Malaria Day 2009 was selected: Counting B GVSUIFS TUBHHFSJOH 64 NJMMJPO treatment”. At the 2000 Lomé Ordinary the malaria out. ɨF 64 1SFTJEFOUT .BMBSJB *OJUJBUJWF BOE Session of their Assembly, they declared, Nine out of ten cases of Malaria world- the World Bank’s Booster Programme have 25th April of every year as Africa Malaria wide occur in Africa South of the Sahara, continued to scale up operations in the ma- Day. and 90% of Africa’s population is at risk of MBSJBIFBSUMBOEɨFTFJOWFTUNFOUTBSFQSP- Malaria, most of them children below five ducing substantial reductions in malaria in At the 2006 Abuja Special Summit on years and pregnant women. With about 250 countries such as Brazil, India, and Zambia. HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the million attacks annually, Malaria is the cause Furthermore, the private sector is increasing leaders reaffirmed their previous commit- of death of almost one million Africans, its investment to control malaria in countries ments and resolved to promote universal most of them children. Its impact on socio- like Angola, Ghana, and Nigeria. BDDFTTUPIFBMUITFSWJDFTCZ UISPVHI economic development is immense (about Two years ago, countries pursuing the strong health systems. 64CJMMJPOBOOVBMMZ BOEDPOTFRVFOUMZ second part of the strategy received little Furthermore, at the April 2007 3rd Ses- malaria has slowed economic growth by up to support. Elimination is now an active field, sion of the AU Conference of Ministers of QFSZFBSUISPVHIEFBUI BOEMPTUIPVST from policy to implementation. At present, Health (Johannesburg, South Africa), the of economic productivity as well as public 39 countries (over a third of all malaria- AU Commission Chairperson launched the funds and family income endemic countries) have set ambitious, yet i.BMBSJB&MJNJOBUJPOJO"GSJDBCZ$BN- Over the last two years, the world attainable, goals for freeing their country QBJHOwɨFTBNFZFBS "QSJMXBTEFDMBSFE has made remarkable advances in malaria from malaria in the foreseeable future. World Malaria Day. which put approximately half of the world’s Among these countries, various regional Since then, Member States and the global population at risk, particularly those living in malaria-elimination collaborations have been community are more committed and many lower-income countries. It infects more than established, including the E8 (Elimination efforts are made to meet these pledges. NJMMJPOQFPQMFQFSZFBSɨFCVSEFOPG 8) in southern Africa and the Asia Pacific ɨBOLTUPUIJT NVDINPSFGVOEJOHIBTCFFO malaria is heaviest in sub-Saharan Africa but Malaria Elimination Network. mobilised for related programmes, while the disease also afflicts Asia, Latin America, ɨF.BMBSJB&MJNJOBUJPO(SPVQ .&( countries have ensured that more Africans the Middle East and even parts of Europe. was convened by the Global Health Group at have access to information, prevention and Two years ago, nobody was mentioning the University of California (San Francisco) prompt treatment, which has in turn, saved FMJNJOBUJPOBOEFSBEJDBUJPOɨFO PO0DUP- to support countries that are pursuing or a lot of suffering and many lives. CFS #JMMBOE.FMMJOEB(BUFTNBEF considering elimination. MEG recently In addition, on 25 September 2008, the their famous speech in Seattle, USA, calling published two documents on elimination. UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for for global eradication. ɨFTFEPDVNFOUTXJMMBTTJTUQPMJDZNBLFST Malaria convened an MDG Malaria Summit One year ago, there was no consensus on investors, and implementers as they make at which the Global Action Plan on Malaria how to achieve a malaria-free world. Cur- decisions related to the second part of the was adopted and over US$ 3billion was rently, a Global Malaria Action Plan has strategy. committed for accelerated implementation been developed under the leadership of Roll For the third part of the strategy, malaria of prevention and treatment programmes. Back Malaria, which set out a three-part research—including drugs, vaccines, and ɨFNJEUFSN1SPHSFTT3FQPSUUIBUJT strategy. First, aggressive control in the ma- diagnostics—has continued to flourish. currently considered indicated that a lot laria heartland to achieve low transmission ɨF.BMBSJB&SBEJDBUJPO3FTFBSDI"HFOEB had been achieved, although much more BOENPSUBMJUZJOUIPTFUSPQJDBMDPVOUSJFT (MalERA) has been recently launched and is SFNBJOFEUPCFEPOFUPBUUBJOUIF"CVKB with the highest burden of disease. Second, developing a comprehensive research agenda BOE.JMMFOOJVN%FWFMPQNFOU(PBM progressive elimination from the endemic to ensure that the technologies to free the (MDG) targets margins inward to shrink the malaria map. planet of malaria are available.
May/June 2009 21 HEALTH
FIFA to Use Football as Health Enhancement
By Omo Abinuwaiye
A research study conducted by FIFA Prof Dvorák, an expert in neurology Medical Assessment and Research Centre and spinal cord injury said F-MARC wants (F-MARC) has resulted in over a 30% re- to apply the same plan to use football as duction in health care costs. The research a universal education tool to prevent and based on prevention of injuries among treat the major threats of diseases such as football players has proven that the estab- obesity, diabetes, hypertension and diseases lished preventive program “The 11” is an of the heart and vessels. He added that the effective way to reduce injuries. tool would increasingly be used to spread simple but effective messages on how to While speaking on the topic “Foot- protect oneself from the most devastating ball for Health in Africa” to members of infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis Dr. Dvorák, right presenting a sample of ball to SwissCham Southern Africa (SCSA) at a and malaria. be used at FIFA 2010 World Cup to Mr. George Umbricht, president of SCSA luncheon recently held in Zurich, Prof. In order to implement this plan, F- Jirí Dvorák, Chief Medical Officer of FIFA MARC, in collaboration with Grassroot Soc- and Chairman of F-MARC explained the cer (www.grassrootsoccer.org) has developed multiple benefits that could be derived from a similar program which was established in promoting football as a health enhancing March 2009 and will be promoted during leisure activity. the most expensive airtime during the FIFA He said it is a well known and undis- 8PSME$VQ puted fact amongst doctors, governments Prof. Dvorák confirmed that FIFA was and health care organisations that there can positively surprised at South Africa’s medical never be enough money to cover health care service standards and its preparation for both costs now or in future “therefore, prevention the FIFA Confederations Cup this year and is the path to pursue. the FIFA World Cup next year. Some participants listening to the presentation
WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION The cotton initiative
The Agency for International Trade and Cooperation (AITIC) and the C-4, proponent countries of the Sectoral Initiative in favour of Cotton held a Joint Conference entitled “The Sectoral Initiative in Favour of Cotton: State of Play”. The event took place on Thursday 23 April in the Centre William Rappard (WTO).
Launched on 30 April 2003 by Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali, the Sectoral Initiative in Favour of Cotton aimed to shed light on the harmful consequences in cotton-producing countries of the subsidies that certain developed countries provide to their l–r: Mr F. Traoré, President of the African Cotton Producers, H.E. Prosper national producers. Vokouma, Permanent Representative of Burkina Faso to UNOG and WTO On the eve of the WTO Director-General's Consultative Framework Mechanism on Cotton, the Conference offered an Mamadou Sanou, Minister of Trade, Business Promotion and opportunity to bring a new perspective on the trade and develop- Handicrafts of Burkina Faso and Minister Coordinator of the ment issues for the cotton producing countries and take stock of $ .S)BSTIB74JOHI %FQVUZ%JSFDUPS(FOFSBM 850 %S the initiative in the context of the WTO agricultural negotiations. Anne-Sophie Nivet-Claeys, Project Manager, iDEAS Centre; and ɨFNFFUJOHXBTDPDIBJSFECZ)&.S1SPQFS7PLPVNB .S'SBOÎPJT5SBPSÏ 1SFTJEFOUPGUIF"GSJDBO$PUUPO1SPEVDFST permanente representative of Burkina Faso on behalf of HE Mr Association (APROCA), Burkina Faso. by Misseli M.Battiono
22 May/June 2009 BUSINESS&ECONOMY Investors convinced Africa is biz destination By Mola Ajisafe
Dr. Denis Worral, Chairman of Omega Investment Research, opened the 2nd edi- tion of the Trade & Investment Exchange organised by Rainbow unlimited GmbH by drawing the attention of the partici- pants to the publication in TIME maga- zine (March 23, 2009, Annual Special Issue) titled ‘10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now’ in which Africa is regarded as a business destination.
“For TIME magazine to say this is very r – l: Kevin Fletcher of Roche, Dr. Denis Worrall, and Thomas Seghezzi of Rainbow unlimited important”, said Dr. Worral while he asked the business world to take note, and stop seeing Africa as a hopeless continent for busi- ness, and only good to go there on holidays. He talked about improved economic growth on the continent which the IMF predicted to be 6%. Also a sign of economic growth, he said that a few years ago there were only three Stock Exchanges on the continent “but today the number has increased to 20.” He expressed the action being taken by major countries in sub-Saharan Africa to abolish l – r: Dr. H. Mshinda of Tanzania Com. For Science&Tech., R. Bandyophadhyay of Bioclones Ltd. SA economic integration barriers thus encourag- ing the integration. He reminded the European investors to be mindful of China, India and now Arab investors who are investing in every area of economic opportunity including mining, UPVSJTN BOEmOBODFɨFZBMTPTFFUIF continent as naturally friendly. ɨFSFXFSFNBOZDPNQBOJFTGSPN4XJU- zerland and neighbouring countries present at the forum scouting for opportunities to be part of the emerging African market. Also from the continent were representatives from l – r: E. Amporful of Ghana I. P. C., Lukonde Lunasi of Angola N. A. I. A., Ms. Sibusisiwe Bango of both private and public sectors to provide Empretec Zimbabwe and Adesoji Adesugba of NIPC, Nigeria information on business opportunities avail- able in their countries. panies still remain in Africa when there is forum is essential to convince investors to One of the important questions to come BDIBOHFPGHPWFSONFOU w)FBEEFE iɨF come to Africa. It was a very successful up at the forum concerned the instability change of government does not stop you business forum and as a result the organisers of African governments, a thing believed from making a profit which is what business have already planned the 3rd edition to be to discourage investment in Africa. To is all about.” IFMEJO;àSJDIGPS.BSDIVOEFS this a Swiss investor who has been doing From the interaction at the forum many a new name – 3rd Swiss-African Business CVTJOFTT JO (IBOB GPS PWFS ZFBST SF- participants agreed to have learnt a lot about Exchange (SABEX). NBSLFE iɨFRVFTUJPOJTJGJUIBTBTFSJPVT doing business in Africa, and the business negative effect why is it that so many com- PQQPSUVOJUJFT BWBJMBCMF ɨFZ GFFM TVDI B You cannot afford to miss it!
May/June 2009 23 POLITICS & DIPLOMACY
Evaluating the Toughest Job in the World: The first 100 days of Obama Presidency
By Priscilla Bowens
Forty-three men have done it. traders on Wall Street led to They have had their moment to the near collapse of financial lead. Now it is the 44th’s turn markets around the world be- and everybody is watching. U.S. cause so many markets are tied President Barack Obama could to the U.S. economy whether not have run a more perfect cam- in terms of trade or the value paign to stir the consciousness of of the U.S. dollar. Wall Street American citizens towards tak- firms then approached the U.S. ing an active role in the political government to ask for help or process. He ran on the promise a bailout as it is commonly of “Change you can believe in”. known. Under former Presi- This change he consistently dent George W. Bush, the U.S. emphasized had to be from the Congress and Senate approved bottom up. While there were his proposal to bring much many campaign promises, as needed help to the firms but there usually are, Obama honed this was only beginning. After in on the war in Iraq, America’s taking office in January 2009, broken healthcare system, the President Obama presented struggling economy, renewable President Obama the U.S. Congress with pro- energy, repairing broken ally re- posed legislation that would lationships, and education. One can read TJPO PG UIF T 3PPTFWFMU IBE KVTU CFFO follow up with more bailout money for Wall all about it in his Blueprint for Change, a elected and his political party won an over- Street because it was obvious that the initial multi-page document outlining his vision whelming majority in the federal legislative money was not enough to get banks lending for a new America or in his best-selling bodies. In order to move the country in the again and avoid major financial losses due book The Audacity of Hope. right direction Roosevelt acted swiftly to to acquired toxic assets that no one wanted FOBDUOFXMBXTCZDPOWFOJOHGPSEBZT to buy. Obama led talks with the opposition It is obvious that Obama’s campaign was with the new legislature where each and party, the Republicans, but to no avail. Even successful but what about the promises that every piece of legislation he introduced was though it was clear as to what needed to be were made? We examine those assurances passed and signed into law almost instantly. done, the Republican members of the U.S. IFSFJOBOBTTFTTNFOUPGIJTmSTUEBZTJO ɨJT NPWF TFU B QSFDFEFOU GPS TVCTFRVFOU Congress voted en bloc against the Presi- office. Some may wonder how a person with presidents as a gauge of future success of their dent’s bill. So Obama did what he does best so many problems to handle and decisions time in office. Fast forward eighty years later and took his message to the people in the to make be fairly assessed after only three with the first American president of African form of countless interviews and e-mails, months in office. But when your predecessor descent taking office amidst a conundrum disseminating information on his govern- has left you with an extensive To Do list such of sorts. ment sponsored website www.whitehouse. as: fixing a global economic crisis, two Mid- In order to effectively summarize the gov and conducting town hall meetings in dle East wars, and a staggering budget deficit, Obama Administration’s attempts in rebuild- numerous American cities. Eventually the rapid action is not only demanded by the ing America we have divided the assessment bill known as the American Recovery and people but required to keep the country from in terms repairing the country at home and Reinvestment Act passed but Obama has had collapsing into another Great Depression. repairing the country’s image abroad. to rely much more on his political capital We need only refer to former U.S. Presi- with the American people and less on his dent Franklin Roosevelt for a quick history Taking Care of Home political capital in Washington, D.C. MFTTPO PO UIF JNQPSUBODF PG UIF mSTU To be fair, the bill also includes provisions days in office of a U.S. president. As America Unscrupulous lending practices led by for federal, state, and local infrastructure, struggled to recover from the Great Depres- United States bankers and stock market education, healthcare, tax cuts, green energy
24 May/June 2009 POLITICS & DIPLOMACY
UFDIOPMPHZ BOETDJFOUJmDSFTFBSDIɨFQBT- the leaders of Latin America in a fashion that Dafur, rebuild and return the displaced refu- sage and signing of this bill will likely be was not lost upon the contingency, especially gees to their homes, and allow humanitarian the measuring stick by which the current with known critics such as Venezuela’s Hugo BJEJOUPUIFSFHJPOɨF644UBUF%FQBSU- president and his fellow party members are Chavez who appeared to be open to dialogue ment has also issued a statement on Zimba- judged in the coming elections. with the new administration. bwe reaffirming its support of the transition ɨF64IBTBMTPEFDJEFEUPTFFLNFN- government in the form of humanitarian aid Repairing Relationships Abroad bership in the questionable UN Human and encouragement of sustained economic Rights Council where a majority of alleged stabilization, rule of law, and free and fair With the universally unpopular war raging violations point towards Israel. No one elections through implementing goals set out in Iraq and the Taliban firmly established in truly knows how effective the U.S. will be in the Global Protection Agreement. While Afghanistan, many believe that the United in this role but many see it as a step in the humanitarian aid in the form of food and States has stretched its military thin in the right direction. A recent reminder of why medicine are helpful, it has been repeatedly War on Terror and its charge of promoting Israel has been accused of misconduct was encouraged by many African nations and worldwide democracy even if it means in- the military campaign dubbed “Operation former ambassadors that U.S. openness vading other countries as it sees fit. As one Cast Lead” that began in December 2008 to trade and assistance in infrastructure can guess, this view is widely unpopular where Israeli forces, determined to strike a development are just as important as the among Americans and other world citizens IFBWZCMPXBHBJOTU)BNBT LJMMFEPWFS promised aid to promote stability across as America’s actions affect the entire global Palestinians. Over half were presumed to the continent. We will see if the Obama community. Many U.S. allies refused to be civilians. Israel ignored UN calls for a Administration begins to move even more participate in the Iraq war; with dozens cease-fire with the United States abstaining towards this arena when it relates to foreign more withdrawing all of their troops over a from the UN Security Council vote but both policy with African nations. period of the now seven year saga. Obama U.S. congressional houses passed resolutions Obama’s willingness to “extend an open has promised to withdraw all U.S. combat in support of Israel’s right to defend itself. hand if [others] unclench their fists” however USPPQTCZ4FQUFNCFSCFZPOEUIFFY- In the beginning of the Gaza war, Presi- has recently been tested by North Korea and UFOEFEUJNFPG.BZBTIFQSPNJTFEPO dent Obama had not yet taken office so his its decision to test missile defense rockets and UIFDBNQBJHOTUVNQɨJTEPFTOPUIPXFWFS responses were minimal at best. But after the SFGVTBMUPSFTVNFTJYQBSUZOFHPUJBUJPOTɨF include a U.S. force of 35,000 to 50,000 inauguration, while visiting Ankara, Turkey, ever present Somali pirates have also tested troops that will stay behind to help build Obama reminded both Israel and Palestine the new President’s patience as was evidenced infrastructure, train Iraqis, and provide sup- of the U.S. backed road-map peace plan by the unsuccessful hijacking of an American port for counterterrorism. Obama has also between the two states that was renewed vessel reportedly headed to Kenya with food turned much needed attention to Afghani- in Annapolis, Maryland in 2007. Israel’s and other aid. stan, where most can argue that the U.S. is newly elected Prime Minister Benjamin MPTJOH BOEIBTEFDJEFEUPTFOEPWFS Netanayhu, serving in this capacity for a The Next 100 Days U.S. soldiers to aid in the effort. second time as well as Palestinian President On his most recent overseas trip, Obama Mahmoud Abbas both acknowledged the President Obama faces mounting criticism made stops in England, France, Germany, United States commitment which has re- from those who see the United States turn- Belgium, Turkey, and Iraq not only to dis- cently included a 900 million dollar pledge ing into a socialist country, bending over cuss the current economic crisis but to mend to the Palestinian people for humanitarian backwards to appease our allies, naively relationships with old allies, shore up support aid. But the United States has also decided to inviting our enemies to the dinner table, and for the war, and forge new ties with those in boycott the United Nations Durban II Con- mounting enormous debt for future genera- the Muslim word. Most feel that the U.S. is ference in Geneva because of the language tions. Indeed more government programs taking on a fresh perspective, “a new era of towards Israel in defining its Zionist state which translate into borrowing money make engagement” as the Obama Administration as racist and the invitation and key speak- Obama look as if he were on a spending calls it, when it comes to foreign policy. For ing position of Iran’s President Mahmoud spree. But after the policies of his predeces- example, a few weeks ago Obama lifted a ban Ahmadinejad. sor offered little room for economic growth on traveling privileges for Cuban Americans ɨF 6OJUFE 4UBUFT SFMBUJPOTIJQT XJUI where tax cuts were the prescription for suc- who wish to send money and travel to Cuba African nations, while not as widely cov- cess with unlimited refills and dialogue with to visit relatives. And leading up to the recent ered in the mainstream media as the global other world leaders boiled down to incessant Summit of the Americas Economic Forum economic crisis or wars in the Middle East, demands, it leaves the President no other in Trinidad, President Obama sat down IBWFDSFBUFEJUTPXOIFBEMJOFTɨFDPOnJDU DIPJDFCVUUPUSZTPNFUIJOHEJĊFSFOUɨJT with Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon in Dafur and Zimbabwe dominate the talk after all is supposed to be the “Change we to discuss efforts to thwart the deadly drug at the U.S. State Department. While Obama can believe in”. In the end history will be the cartels that Obama said places much respon- himself has not officially given a detailed true judge of Obama’s effectiveness in office, sibility on the shoulders of the U.S. because statement on the matters in his capacity as but for now American citizens are watching of increased cash flow to Mexico and illegal President, the U.S. government has called and listening intently because the politicians drug consumption in the U.S. which fuels for the leadership in Sudan under President know that the next U.S. Presidential election its distribution. During the Forum, it was Omar Hassan Al-Bashir, who has been is only three years away. What will the ral- clear that Obama attempted to reach out to indicted by the ICC, to end the killing in lying cry be then?
May/June 2009 25 CELEBRATION
“We are proud of our achievements” By Johnson Oduwaiye
South Africans have a lot to celebrate judg- our friends in Switzerland” for support to ing by the state of their country’s economy overcome these challenges. and political situation. What’s more, five Earlier in his welcome address, Mr. days before the 15th anniversary of the 4PMPNPO 5TIJWIVMB $IBSHÏ EBĊBJSFT 4" Freedom day celebration held in Berne on Embassy Berne re-traced the genesis of the April 27, the country held its 4th Demo- Freedom Day Celebration which started cratic Election, which like the previous fifteen years ago when South Africans of ones, was said to be free and fair. all races exercised their right to vote for the government of their choice for the first time In his keynote address, His Excellency, in the country’s history. South African Ambassador designate to “From then,” he said, “South Africa trans- l–r: Amb. Johannes and his wife, and Switzerland George Johannes congratulated formed from apartheid-pariah state to begin Mr. Tshivhula and his wife the people of South Africa for the excel- a long journey of building a democratic, non lent way they conducted themselves during racial, non sexist state based on rule of law, the election campaign, and “we thank the respect for human dignity, freedom and Independent Electoral Commission for the equality.” work done across the length and breadth of On the recently concluded elections which our country.” he said were declared by SADC, African He added, “I am sure the high turnout of Union and the rest of the international com- our people must make many countries very munity as free and fair, he proudly remarked: envious of such numbers who still see voting “I am sure that nobody dare challenges us as a means to change their social, economic when we say that South Africa’s democracy and political conditions.” is strong, resilient and matured.” The Ambassador delivering his address Ambassador Johannes said South Africans are proud of their achievements over the last ZFBSTEVSJOHXIJDINJMMJPOTPGMJWFTIBWF been transformed for the better. He alluded the change to their commitment to build a nation which provides a better life for all, adding, “A better South Africa in a better Africa for a better world.” According to him, “our national liberation has been about moving from the apartheid past to- wards non-racialism, equity and unity in H. E. Apolinario Correia, left, stressing a point in diversity.” L – R: Mr. P. Angui, Mr. E. Amporful and Mrs. a chat with the ambassadors South Africa, he expressed, is determined Arasha of Embassy of Côte d’ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria respectively. to improve their economy to ensure better and improved service delivery, and a sustain- able future for her children through improved education and health care. To meet the goals set by Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (ASGISA) particular attention has been paid to the issue of scarce skills that would impact negatively on the public and private sectors. ɨFBNCBTTBEPSVSHFEUIFDJUJ[FOTUPXPSL Mr. Pessina Mario, Director Berne Trade Fair, Amb Magday G. Sharawy of Egypt and together in facing the enormous challenges A cross-section of guests listening to the Mr. Tobias Burkhalter, Director Casino the country has, believing “we can count on ambassador’s speech Restaurants Berne
26 May/June 2009 ECHOES
The first 100 Days of Mills Presidency Nigeria AU Sign Pact on African Central “Our Promises to the People Bank Headquarters were Sacred” ɨF'FEFSBM(PWFSONFOUBOEUIF"GSJ- can Union Commission last month signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) President John Evans Atta Mills said his his government’s promises to the people were for the establishment of the African Cen- government met the economy in a worse “sacred” and “we should abide by them”. tral Bank (ACB) headquarters in Abuja. state but there were enough State assets, On the appointment of Metropolitan, ɨF.P6FTUBCMJTIFTBTUFFSJOHDPN- which his government would manage pru- Municipal and District Chief Executives mittee to oversee the process. Maxwell dently to turn the economy around. (MMDCEs) President Mills said a lot of con- Mkwezalamba, commissioner for Eco- sultation took place and he had high regard nomic Affairs signed on behalf of the He said whether he would subscribe to any for his party’s team that went round to select African Union while Mansur Muhtar, foreign prescription or not to salvage the the candidates and warned that those who minister of Finance, signed on behalf of economy would be dic- would fall short of his the Federal Government. tated by the exigencies of government’s standards A statement from the bank in Abuja the time, adding that his would be fired. the MoU is the third in a series of host government was tackling On his movement agreements establishing Steering Com- the nation’s economy in to the Jubilee House, mittees to work toward the establishment a holistic manner. President Mills said that of the three envisaged African financial President Mills gave was not his priority. He institutions. the assurance during the said there were promises ɨF JOTUJUVUJPOT BSF "GSJDBO *OWFTU- activities marking his that had to be fulfilled ment Bank to be based in Tripoli, Libya, mSTUEBZTJOPċDF first “before I go and get the African Monetary Fund to be based He said his government ensconced in the Jubilee in Yaounde, Cameroon, and the African had achieved most of the House”. Central Bank, to be located in Abuja, things it set out to do On his position to statement explained. within the period, but President John Evans Atta Mills review the Vodafone/ added that the mandate Ghana Telecom deal PG UIF HPWFSONFOU XBT OPU EBZT CVU before he came to power, he said a review Angola four years. could take place at any time, even after the Government Approves 4,000 He repeated that he would run an open, re-branding of Ghana Telecom as Vodafone. Houses Accord honest and transparent government, and that He said the government was still gathering Angolan Government has approved his government’s promises to the people were information that was not available to them the contract signed between the National “sacred” and “we should abide by them”. while they were outside the government. Housing Institute and the Spanish firm President Mills said agriculture remained ɨF1SFTJEFOUTBJEBOBUJPOBMEFCBUF “Aretech Urbanismo Sostenible” for the one of his government’s priorities and it would soon be opened to finally determine DPOTUSVDUJPOPG FDPOPNJDIPVTFT was working to reintroduce the Youth in whether to run the Senior High School (SHS) in the provinces of Luanda, Cunene and Agriculture Programme. He said the auster- DPVSTFGPSUISFFPSGPVSZFBSTɨFQSFWJPVT Zaire. ity measures being put in place would pay government started implementing a four-year ɨF IPVTFT BSF UP CF CVJMU JO EJWJEFOETCFZPOEEBZTBOEUIFSFXBTOPU SHS programme, rather than a three-year months time, meant for medium and even one decision that he had taken that, on programme. low income families, with priority to the hindsight, he would want to correct. He gave his administration “high marks” victims of floods, displaced people, youths He said those promises that needed more POJUTQFSGPSNBODFJOUIFmSTUEBZT TBZ- and ex-combatants. time to fulfil would be met in due course and ing the Government had achieved a lot of the ɨFNJOJTUFSPG6SCBOJTBUJPOBOE there were positive signals from the investor things it set out to do, but noted that while )PVTJOH +PTÏ'FSSFJSB TBJEPGUIFUPUBM and business communities. On the falling UIFmSTUEBZTXFSFUSBEJUJPOBMMZSFHBSEFE T2 and T3 model houses, 2000 will be value of the cedi, President Mills said the as honeymoon for governments, his did not built in the district of Viana ( Luanda), previous administration had foreign reserves enjoy any honeymoon. whereas Zaire and Cunene provinces will and imports cover to support the cedi. President Mills stressed the need for a get the remainder. He expressed confidence in his appointees thorough approach to governance, devoid ɨFQSPKFDUJTQBSUPGUIF/BUJPOBM to reach performance targets to execute the of taking hasty political decisions that the Housing Programme designed for the Better Ghana agenda of his party, but warned government might regret later, but said the construction of one million houses. that he would not spare the rod on errant records showed that his administration had “We are concluding our action plan appointees and those who failed to deliver. moved rather fast. He said he did not want to that will define the goals to be attained He repeated that he would run an open, repeat some of the mistakes that were made VOUJMUIFFOEPG honest and transparent government, and that in the past.
May/June 2009 27 EXHIBITION
Geneva International Book Fair: Salon Africain By Omo Abinuwaiye
In 2003 a special pavilion Salon Africain One of the few publishers present Mrs. amination rather than reading for pleasure. du Livre, de La Press et de la Culture was Agnes Gyr-Ukunda of BAKAME Publica- iɨFZEPOPUDPOTJEFSJUBTBOJNQPSUBOUQBSU created within the arena of Palexpo Book tions from Rwanda also featured children of education”, she said. Fair to exhibit, encourage and promote books in Kinyarwanda language, and one “We have to organise work-shops to create African books and publications, authors book in English language by a Zimbabwean an awareness about the importance of reading and publishers. author. culture as an integral part of education,” she Mrs. Gyr-Ukunda started her publish- explained, adding that the efforts are gradu- ɨFZFBSMZJOUFSOBUJPOBM#PPL'BJSJO(FOFWB JOHDPNQBOZJOUPFODPVSBHFSFBEJOH ally yielding positive results. She intends to exhibits thousand of books in different lan- culture which was seriously lacking in her publish some children books in English and guages from the all over the world. However country. She blamed it not on poverty rather French as the languages are highly used in the Salon Africain du Livre is stalked with on lack of encouragement by the education her country. books in French language, except the Africa authorities, teachers, and even parents, ex- Mrs. Gyr-Ukunda however does not limit Link table that provided English publication plaining that the pupils were more inclined her publication to novels, she publishes pri- among the lots. to reading their text-books to pass their ex- mary school text-books which are being used all over Rwanda.
An author displaying two of his books
Mrs. Gyr-Ukunda attending to some school children Africa Link’s stand at the Fair
Daniel Favre (left), President of the french speaking journalists in Switzerland with Africa Link Editor-in-chief Johnson Oduwaiye at the Some book-stands at the exhibition Book Fair.
28 May/June 2009 RELIGION
“Loving Everyone, Trusting No One”
By Rev. Richard A. Davis
*Text: John 2:13-25* flesh and bone. It is his own physical body. anyone; for he himself knew what was in The concluding part of the sermon we started His concern isn’t about the use of the temple everyone.” in the last issue. Read on: property; it’s about his own impending death I don’t know that I’ve ever heard a and the betrayals that will bring it about. preacher speak of this. I don’t think I’ve Here he was in his Father’s house, standing ever said it publicly myself, but I now accept As I’ve often said, I love Jesus, but I dis- among his Father’s children—the people it as true. Jesus loves us, but he doesn’t trust like religion. I consider myself a person he loves the most—and yet, he knows that us! He loves us deeply. So much so that he of faith, but I don’t like being called “re- at that very moment they are plotting to died for us. He wants us eternally with him. ligious,” because to me religion is a man- murder him. I don’t question that. But I must accept that made system that is often used to control John confirms this when he explains, Jesus doesn’t trust us. Nor does he trust me. people rather than liberate them. “Jesus was speaking of the temple of his Why? Because as someone prone to sin I have body. After he was raised from the dead, his proven that I am not trustworthy. God gives us the gift of faith. We then disciples remembered that he had said this; What are the implications of this text for turn around and create a religion that stifles and they believed the scripture and the word me? It’s clear. Even though God loves me, JUɨJTJTUIFFTTFODFPGUIFPĊFOTF+FTVTGFMU that Jesus had spoken.” He doesn’t trust me. Because He knows me, I think. Prior to this, he had In messing up the temple property, Jesus He knows what I am capable of. And He demonstrated nothing but respect for the gives a public preview of the mess the people wants me to know that myself. I think I do. temple and its rituals, but on this occasion are about to make of him. Here he is the one iɨFSFJTOPPOFSJHIUFPVT OPUFWFOPOFw something really set him off. All of his life he holding the whip, but in a few short days that 3PNBOT had enthusiastically participated in the life of whip will be turned on him. Here he is the Given that, who can we trust? Only one, his local synagogue. But this time something one ravaging the temple, but soon it will be and he is Christ Jesus. I can’t trust myself, was different. his temple that’s ravaged. Here he is the one but I trust him, and that’s all I need to keep Why? Because this time he felt the full scattering the moneychangers, but it is his my hope alive. Jesus has passed the trust test weight of religious hy- execution that and proven himself worthy. Time and again, pocrisy. Not to men- will be sealed by he has proven to me that he is trustworthy. tion that the mounting “But Jesus on his part an exchange of So he has my full trust and my complete stress within his soul money. devotion. had reached the break- would not entrust How gut- Listen carefully. I am not saying that we ing point. He now himself to them, wrenching and shouldn’t trust others in the lesser things in knew that within days heartbreaking life. We have to trust others and we should. these people would because he knew all this must have Many people around us are trustworthy in turn their backs on been for Jesus! these lesser things, but only one is trustwor- God, turn their backs people and needed ɨPTF IF MPWFT thy when it comes to our eternal destiny. He on him, and nail him no one to testify about will abandon is Jesus. Nothing else—no one else—in this to a cross. How can him, turn on world or the next is worthy of our trust when we know what he was anyone; for he him- him, and deny it comes to redeeming our spirit. thinking and feeling? him. So who can It’s fine to have role models, people we ɨF POMZ XBZ JT UP self knew what was in he trust? admire and respect who are worthy of our listen to what he says everyone.” John closes admiration and respect. But we must never in response to those this scene in the make idols of them. And we must never trust who are shocked by way he opened them completely. Chances are, sooner or later, his actions and wanted him to prove that he it, reminding us of the irony here. “When they will let us down. When it comes to giv- has the authority to display such contempt. [Jesus] was in Jerusalem during the Passover ing your life fulfillment and eternal security, i+FTVTBOTXFSFEUIFN A%FTUSPZUIJTUFN- festival, many believed in his name because don’t trust in your spouse, or your children, QMF BOEJOUISFFEBZT*XJMMSBJTFJUVQɨF they saw the signs that he was doing.” or your parents, or your siblings, or your best +FXTUIFOTBJE AɨJTUFNQMFIBTCFFOVOEFS i.BOZCFMJFWFEwɨBUTXPOEFSGVM.BOZ GSJFOETFWFOJOZPVSTQJSJUVBMMFBEFSTɨF construction for forty-six years, and will you saw what Jesus did and were convinced he is only one who can and will provide for your raise it up in three days?’” the Messiah. But what did that do for Jesus? deepest needs is the one who holds eternal 3FNFNCFS XIBU * KVTU TBJE ɨF XPSE Nothing. Because what comes next may be life in his hands. Jesus Christ. temple refers primarily to a building, not to the most profound statement in the whole persons. Now the temple Jesus is referring to passage: “But Jesus on his part would not Rev. Richard A. Davis is the Senior Pastor of is a physical building, but it isn’t a building entrust himself to them, because he knew the International Protestant Church of Zurich made of stone and mortar; it’s one made of all people and needed no one to testify about (IPC)
May/June 2009 29 ENTERTAINMENT
Afro-Pfingsten Celebrates 20th edition
By Aida Tekle
The Afro-Pfingsten Festival of Switzerland hottest Swiss Premiers, Novalima from Peru is set to celebrate the 20th edition of the who will present a new Afro-Latin trend. festival with over 20 well-known bands, out of which 11 are making exclusive ap- The Soul of Africa pearances and a sensational Swiss Premier (African Night Sunday 31 May) all guaranteed to make the festival the best Toure Kunda from Senegal was one of the and richest that has ever taken place. first to export music from their homeland to UIF&VSPQFBO4DFOFɨFJSTPOHA&NNBXBT ɨFQSPHSBNPGFWFOUTJODMVEFTOPUPOMZ XFMMLOPXOJO'SBODFEVSJOHUIFTɨFZ musical performances, but also a fantastic toured with Carlos Santana and co-wrote the compilation of a number of international Regina Ribeiro from Brazil TPOHA"GSJDB#BNCB"EKJSJ0EBNFUFZGSPN film premiers, a colorful African Market, a Ghana, and Salif Keita from Mali known as World Bazaar, a FairFair (an Informational by the early-Reggae artists such as Peter Tosh. the golden voice of Africa will take the stage. 'BJS BTXFMMBTmSTUDMBTT8PSLTIPQTɨJT His performance will be followed by Tiken Seun Anikulapo-Kuti from Nigeria who in- program is once again going to be held in the Jah Fakoly who sings passionately about herited from his father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, legendary Winterthur Hall 53. progress, democracy and a united continent. not only his talent, but also his band Egypt ɨF'BJS'BJS BOFXGFBUVSFJOUIFGFTUJWBM ɨFTIPXXJMMDMPTFXJUI,Z.BOJ.BSMFZ 80 is expected to show whose son he is. A JTBOJOGPSNBUJPOGBJSXJUIUIFUIFNFAGBJS- the youngest of Bob Marley’s children from breath-taking live performance is guaranteed. OFTTɨFJTTVFTUPCFEFBMUXJUIBSF8PSLJOH Jamaica. Together in Development, Global Situations/ ɨFTFDPOEEBZXJMMCF/PDIF-BUJOBXJUI Swiss World Music Stage Political Questions, Fair Trade, Micro Fi- the Latin flavor from Regina Ribeiro from ɨF4XJTT8PSME.VTJD4UBHFJTUIFBEEJ- nance and Existence Precaution. Brazil. She sings, composes and dances. Her tional stage to the Main Stage where new music is a mix of Afro-Brazilian Rhythm and discoveries and established artists alike will The Main Stage Concert Program Soul. Among others performing that day are be given a platform to perform. Expected to ɨFDPODFSUTSVOGSPN'SJEBZo.BZ Orquesta Aragon from Cuba, and Afia Mala feature in this category are Yoro Massa, Fum featuring Roots and Reggae on Friday 29 from Togo. Lariba from Cuba will perform Laho, Junior Tshaka, Didier Awadi from May. It will be jump-started with Ijahman their unique blend of Hip Hop, Salsa, Brazil- Senegal, Madera Limpia from Cuba, Baye Levi from Jamaica whose music is influenced ian and Reggae. Following will be one of the Magatte and Emashie.
SAFrica African Cultural Festival 2009 Date: SAT 8Th & 9Th AUGUST 2009
08.00 - 22.00 MUSIQUE MARCHÉ FooqAfq9ete F lkl ri ue ri uaine 0 ESSEN BAR`S Highlights:
-Best Dressed Couples/family
-National Quiz (What do you know about Switzerland/Africa) -Podium Discussion : Integration
-Massai Show
-Djembe Classics AT
-African Queens' Beauty and Fashion Show WAISENHAUSPLATZ BERNE EINTRITT FREI SWITZERLAND Contact: 0763391098 www.saf03.ch [email protected] 30 May/June 2009 ENTERTAINMENT
Afro-Pfingsten: “I did not imagine the festival would last “
By Mola Ajisafe
“I could not imagine 20 years ago that we would one day be celebrating the jubilee of the Afro-Pfingsten festival” Daniel Buhler, one of its founders, told Africa Link in his office while commenting on the 20th Edition of the festival to be held from May 27 to 1 June, 2009.
ɨFBOOVBMFWFOUXIJDIIBTNBEFUIFDJUZ – Winterthur – where it is being held more famous beyond the country’s borders was founded by three people who were dealing in different aspects of percussion – sales, ESVNNJOH EBODJOH BOE XPSLTIPQT ɨFZ decided to team up believing such a union would be more productive and profitable. Daniel Bühler, the organiser of Afro-Pfingsten Festival In the beginning all they did was organ- ize workshops and use the occasion to sell look for new sponsors. When there are not How did they come about the instruments. Unfortunately the relationship enough sponsors the festival will ground. So name? did not work out as they had expected. A few every year runs the risk of being the festival’s years later they had to part ways. last year. He said it has nothing to do with his spiritual Buhler has since been managing the Buhler said he was grateful that he could life. “[It has] nothing to do with my or our festival with new hands to support him. He be a part of such a project which has made going to church or not. It was a coincidence could not imagine that the festival would many people happy, and one that has pro- that we chose a long weekend of one of the survive until now, particularly when one has moted Africa, its culture, music, cuisine etc. Christian holidays in a year to hold the to depend on sponsors who are there today He looks forwards to receiving support from workshop. We did not realize initially it was but tomorrow may not be in a position to African diplomats in Switzerland one day for a weekend of Pentecost. When we did we just render assistance which means one has to service to the continent. named the festival after Pentecost.
THE AFRO-PFINGSTEN FILM FESTIVAL
Pandora’s Box such as Miriam Makeba and Africa. It is a passed away in July 2008 at 83 years old. (from Yesim Ustaoglu, Turkey) film about the US Civil Rights Movement This film is a Homage to his musical career. May 28th at 15:00, 18:00 and 20:00 filled with music, soul, power and classics The film contains stunning images, unfor- It tells the story of three siblings who must like Makeba’s ‘The Click Song’, King’s ‘The gettable music and moving interviews search for their mother suffering from Thrill is Gone’ and naturally Brown’s ‘Soul from the Congolese people that were Alzheimer in the mountainous region of Power’. touched by his music. Istanbul. In addition, all three of the Luck by Chance siblings lead very troubled lives in the city Au Loin Des Villages of Istanbul. It is a very touching story (from Zoya Akhtar, India) (from Oliver Zuchuat , Chad) about the love of family. June 4th – June 10th at 15:00 and 20:00 th th nd It is a love story about a young actor who May 29 , May 30 , June 2 and June rd Soul Power moves to Mumbai to become a movie star 3 at 18:00 (from Jeffrey Levy-Hinte, USA/Congo) and falls in love with another actress. They In April 2006, thirty thousand Dajos May 29th – June 3rd at 15:00 and 20:00 both dream of success and stardom and found refuge in eastern Chad. They were June 4th – June 10th at 18:00 want a leading role in a big motion picture. the survivors of the war in Darfur. This The musical festival ‘Zaire ‘74’ monitored film tells the story of the refugees. There North America’s huge Rhythm and Blues On the Rumba River are images of the refugees telling their talents James Brown and the all mighty (from Jacques Sarasin, Congo) stories, children drawing pictures of the JBS, Bill Withers, BB King and the Spinners May 31st and June 1st at 18:00 war, young girls singing about the war, but – along with the Top Acts from Africa Antonie Wendo, a musician from Congo, no images of the actual war.
May/June 2009 31