Africa Report

Home , Lol Mahamat Choua, Senate of Nigeria, Village Urugwiro

PROJECT ON BUSINESS AND POLITICS IN THE MUSLIM WORLD

AFRICA REPORT

First Quarterly Report on Africa

January to March 2008

Reports for the period for January to March 2008

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Ijaz Shafi Gilani

Contributors

Abbas S Lamptey Snr Research Associate Reports on Sub-Saharan AFrica

Abdirisak Ismail Research Assistant Reports on East Africa

INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD

BUSINESS AND POLITICS IN THE MUSLIM WORLD

AFRICA REPORT

First Quarterly Report on Asia

January to March 2008

Reports for the period January to March 2008

Department of Politics and International Relations International Islamic University Islamabad

2 BUSINESS AND POLITICS IN THE MUSLIM WORLD

AFRICA REPORT

First Quarterly Report 2008

Table of contents

Reports for the month of January

Week-1 January 16, 2008 05 Week-2 January 29, 2008 10

Reports for the month of February

Week-1 February 19, 2008 24 Week-2 February 26, 2008 82

Reports for the month of March

Week-1 March 04, 2008 117 Week-2 March 18, 2008 161 Week-3 March 25, 2008 207

Country profiles Sources

BUSINESS AND POLITICS IN THE MUSLIM WORLD

4 Weekly Presentation: January 16, 2008. SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA- (LOOKING BACK AT 2007) Abbas S Lamptey Period:December 2007/January 2008

Introduction: This introduction aims to provide a conspectus of some of the important events that took place in Sub-Saharan Africa during the year 2007.There was cornucopia of events on the continent. However, this paper seeks to highlight those issues which might be of particular interest to civil society organizations or those groups that are engaged in public advocacy activities of one kind or the other. Issues relating to violence against women and attacks against their fundamental human rights for no other reason other than that they are women pose serious challenges that most Sub-Saharan African countries must address. The challenges that women face during war as well as peace time, including rape and women trafficking as well as the legislative measures taken by some countries, such as sierra Leone, to alleviate the plight of women will be looked at in some detail by this paper. Another issue which is of paramount importance relates to the proposed establishment of United States African Command on the continent. During the year under review, the United Stated floated the idea of a United States African Command (AFRICOM) whose establishment, it is believed, will result in thousands of American soldiers being stationed in Africa. The purpose of this command as announced by the US is to help quell civil unrest wherever it occurs on the continent before it spills out of control, not to mention the purported economic benefits that such a command would bring to the host nations on the continent. While some regional groupings in Africa such as the EAC and SADC have outrightly rejected the idea, other African governments have been quite equivocating in their reaction to the idea. As usual, there occur serious human rights violations across the continent. The human rights condition in countries such as Sudan, Somalia, Chad, the Gambia, Zimbabwe, DR Congo, Rwanda ,to name a few, worsened during 2007. In Zimbabwe, sweeping surveillance laws that give the government the right to tap phone calls and e-mail communications of journalists and that also give the government the right to spy on ordinary citizens, is seen by many as a desperate attempt on the part of the government of Robert Mugabe to throttle freedom of the press.

In Chad, a number of French Aid workers were arrested and charged with child trafficking offenses when they were about to board a plane to France with 50 children. The French Aid workers had lied to the Chadian authorities that the children were orphans from southern Sudan. However, it was later learnt that the children are Chadian and that all of their parents are alive and living in Chad. From the Gambia and Senegal in West Africa to Uganda, Eritrea and Ethiopia in East Africa, and to Chad, DR Congo in

5 Central Africa to Zimbabwe in Southern Africa, human rights violations against ordinary citizens, members of the opposition and journalists have not stopped. An important development on the continent though is that during the past few years more than 43 African countries have fully embraced democracy although there are still problems regarding the way democracy is practiced on the continent. For instance, during the April 2006 Nigerian elections there were serious allegations by both international and local observers of massive vote rigging and fraud. According to international observers’ missions from the EU and ECOWAS, the elections have not been conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner. These were marred by widespread fraud and vote rigging. It was widely observed that the then incumbent(Olusegun Obasanjo) rigged the elections in order to make sure that his handpicked man succeeds him in the presidency to avoid being probed for allegations of corruption or for any other wrongdoing during his term in office. In spite of this apparent flaw in the application of democratic norms, one would still commend Nigeria for the smooth transfer of power from one civilian government to another; it has never happened before in the entire post colonial history of the country. A similar case is the ongoing violence in Kenya precipitated by allegations of vote rigging at the December 27 elections. The picture which we now see after the December 27 elections has been nothing but dismal. The ODM opposition party has cried foul and made serious allegations against the ruling party for rigging the elections. In spite of losing as many as 20 seats in the elections, the ruling party claimed victory and its leadership was sworn into office in a hurriedly arranged ceremony at the presidency. Already more than six hundred (600) people have lost their lives the rioting and street fighting and shooting incident that has greeted the fraud allegations. The stability that Kenya has enjoyed over the years and which has made her the envy of most African countries seems to be evaporating very fast.

In South Africa the struggle between President Thabo Mbeki and Zuma (the former vice- president) for the leadership of the African National Congress (ANC) threatens the unity of the party. It should be recalled that President Mbeki had sacked Zuma after a sexual harassment case was brought against him. During the year a list of the continent’s 100 best books of the 20th century was published.

Ali Mazrui, an African intellectual, came up with the idea in order to direct the world’s attention on the achievement of African writers who have had their work published during the 20th century. At the top of the list was Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe’s THINGS FALL APART, a novel which has been translated into more than 120 languages of the world. On the issue of governance, a survey that can be described as unprecedented, was sponsored by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and conducted by the Kennedy School of Government with the help of an advisory council of African academics, to pick the continent’s best and worst-governed nations. The survey which was called the ‘Ibrahim Index of African Governance’ picked Mauritius as the best

6 governed country in Africa for the year 2007. At the bottom of the list are Sudan, DR Congo, Chad and Somalia. Zimbabwe occupied the 31ST position while Nigeria trails behind at the 37th position. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Award for Leadership went to Joachim Chissano, the former president of Mozambique. The award carries a cash prize of US$200,000. It is believed that by offering financial security following retirement from active political life, the Ibrahim prize will provide Africa's best leaders with the platform and means to continue to contribute to public life in their countries and the continent at large. The Ibrahim Index of African Governance also aims to encourage good democratic practices and behaviour on the continent. HIV/AIDS continue to devastate the continent. The Aids pandemic is prevalent in Southern and East Africa where the governments there are fighting to grapple with not only finding cheap antiretroviral drugs but also with the issue of Aids orphans. With no cure in sight, the disease will continue to take its toll on the human capacities of the countries most affected by it. The agriculture sector in this region has suffered immensely as a result of the AIDS pandemic. Thus HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria continue to take their toll on human lives in the continent. Kenya and Tanzania have declared war against TB and Malaria respectively, and women continue to be the most vulnerable to the HIV/AIDS disease. Climate change and issues of the environment are other important concerns of all the governments of sub-Saharan Africa because these are issues very much connected to food security. Lack of rain in certain regions of the continent, often blamed on the gas emissions and industrial activities of the advanced nations of the North, creates a famine situation on the continent. Conservation of the environment and the ecosystem were of priority concern to countries such as Uganda where the sale of a forest reserve to a businessman precipitated a nationwide riot leading to the death of several citizens. In Namibia farmers protested a government bill that would have turned a game reserve into a park for holiday makers. Flash floods in different parts of the continent were also blamed on climate change.

Most part of the discussion that took place during the Commonwealth meeting in Uganda was dominated by the issue of climate change and the environment, thus overshadowing discussion on development issues. In the same vein, a system of carbon trade also took up much of the discussions at the Commonwealth forum. In East Africa discussions on the environment have been dominated by the issue of polythene shopping and packaging bag, locally known as Kaveera or Buveera.The plastic bag has created a litter problem in many cities of East Africa. In Uganda it was blamed for choking the drainage system which causes flooding during the rainy season. In Nigeria there was public debate about finding a better way of packaging sachet water. The call was based on the environmental and health hazard associated with the product. In the Ivory Coast, the guns have gone silent. Following the Ouagadougou agreement brokered by Thabo Mbeki and Campaore of Burkina Faso, the warring factions in the Muslim north and the Christian south of the country have decided to lay down their guns and talk peace. Rebel and militancy

7 activities in the Niger Delta region in South-Eastern Nigeria continued unabated. Kidnappings of oil workers for ransom continued. The Yar’Adua government promised to settle the issue if he is voted into office during the election campaign. It remains to be seen how resolute his government is in its quest for peace. The senate of Nigeria lambasted former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo for the manner in which he ceded the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. The senate claimed that they were not informed of the decision to hand over the Peninsula to Cameroon. However, Obasanjo insisted that both the Upper and Lower Houses of parliament were duly informed of the handover, and he reiterated his position that Nigeria will not renege on the hand-over agreement. The effort at finding lasting solution to the problem between the rebel movement, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) based in northern Uganda, and the government in Kampala continues. The LRA has stated that its fighters will remain in hiding even if a peace deal with the government is reached unless the indictments against its leaders by the ICC are lifted. China’s aggressive inroads into Africa have left the Americans and Europeans with no choice but to follow suit and invest in the continent. Following in the footsteps of the China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting held in Beijing in November 2006, the European Union floated the idea of EU-Africa summit which was held in Lisbon, Portugal in December 2007. China’s deepening involvement in with Africa is giving the West (Africa’s former European colonial benefactors, oppressors and exploiters) sleepless nights. The fact is that China’s Zero-condition policy is very appealing to the governments in Africa.

Besides, China actively supports Africa’s infrastructure, social, economic and human resource development, and it is investing massively in all of these sectors of Africa’s economy. The EU which has been shying away from significant investment in the continent is now seeking partnership with the continent in areas such as energy, climate change, migration, mobility and employment, democratic governance and political and institutional architecture. The EU is also seeking Economic Partnership Agreements with individual African countries as well as with regional organizations. According to a World Bank /IFC report, Tanzania and Ghana are the two of the top global reformers for 2005- 2006 and the continent as an entity moved up the rankings. The report titled DOING BUSINESS 2007: HOW TO REFORM said Africa has moved from last place to third in the year’s ranking for reforms that encompass new enterprises, formal sector jobs and growth. This marks the first time Africa has been among the top three reformers following Eastern Europe and the OECD countries in the number of business-friendly regulation reforms. On the Pan-African front, many indicators point to the fact that the move toward Africa’s integration is definitely on course. At the 9th AU Heads of States Summit meeting in Accra/ Ghana in July 2007, the AU’s Audit Committee was charged with the responsibility of identifying the loopholes of the organization and to make important suggestions for the integration of the African continent. In East Africa, the five-member EAC states plans to strengthen trade ties with the introduction of a common

8 market by 2010, and then adopt an EU-style single currency in the same year. The situation in Zimbabwe deserves special attention and in-depth analysis. The country is facing a dire economic situation. Inflation is running in triple digits, and many ordinary Zimbabweans and professionals such as lawyers, doctors, accountants etc are fleeing the country into neighouring South Africa. This has created an acute refugee problem in South Africa whereby the daily flow of refugees from Zimbabwe is estimated to run in the hundreds. The human rights situation in Zimbabwe has worsened. The opposition MDC is frustrated with the ruling Zanu-PF party. In the ensuing pages, I intend to look into all of these issues in some greater detail under the appropriate headings.

------END TEXT (to be continued) ------

BUSINESS AND POLITICS IN THE MUSLIM WORLD

9 Annual Presentation: JANUARY 29, 2008 Sub-Saharan Africa Abbas S Lamptey Period: DECEMBER 2007/JANUARY 2008

Introduction: This introduction aims to provide a conspectus of some of the important events that took place in Sub-Saharan Africa during the year 2007.There was cornucopia of events on the continent. However, this paper seeks to highlight those issues that might be of particular interest to civil society organizations or those groups that are engaged in public advocacy activities of one kind or the other. Issues relating to violence against women and attacks against their fundamental human rights for no other reason other than that they are women pose serious challenges that most Sub-Saharan African countries must address. The challenges that women face during war as well as peace time, including rape and women trafficking as well as the legislative measures taken by some countries, such as sierra Leone, to alleviate the plight of women will be looked at in some detail by this paper. Another issue which is of paramount importance relates to the proposed establishment of United States African Command on the continent. During the year under review, the United Stated floated the idea of a United States African Command (AFRICOM) whose establishment, it is believed, will result in thousands of American soldiers being stationed in Africa. The purpose of this command as announced by the US is to help quell civil unrest wherever it occurs on the continent before it spills out of control, not to mention the purported economic benefits that such a command would bring to the host nations on the continent. While some regional groupings in Africa such as the EAC and SADC have outrightly rejected the idea, other African governments have been quite equivocating in their reaction to the idea. As usual, there occur serious human rights violations across the continent. The human rights condition in countries such as Sudan, Somalia, Chad, the Gambia, Zimbabwe, DR Congo, Rwanda, to name a few, worsened during 2007.

In Zimbabwe, sweeping surveillance laws that give the government the right to tap phone calls and e-mail communications of journalists and that also give the government the right to spy on ordinary citizens, is seen by many as a desperate attempt on the part of the government of Robert Mugabe to throttle freedom of the press.

10 West Africa to Uganda, Eritrea and Ethiopia in East Africa, and to Chad, DR Congo in Central Africa to Zimbabwe in Southern Africa, human rights violations against ordinary citizens, members of the opposition and journalists have not stopped. An important development on the continent though is that during the past few years more than 43 African countries have fully embraced democracy although there are still problems regarding the way democracy is practiced on the continent. For instance, during the April 2006 Nigerian elections there were serious allegations by both international and local observers of massive vote rigging and fraud. According to international observers’ missions from the EU and ECOWAS, the elections have not been conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner. These were marred by widespread fraud and vote rigging. It was widely observed that the then incumbent (Olusegun Obasanjo) rigged the elections in order to make sure that his handpicked man succeeds him in the presidency to avoid being probed for allegations of corruption or for any other wrongdoing during his term in office. In spite of this apparent flaw in the application of democratic norms, one would still commend Nigeria for the smooth transfer of power from one civilian government to another; it has never happened before in the entire postcolonial history of the country. A similar case is the ongoing violence in Kenya precipitated by allegations of vote rigging at the December 27 elections. The picture which we now see after the December 27 elections has been nothing but dismal. The ODM opposition party has cried foul and made serious allegations against the ruling party for rigging the elections. In spite of losing as many as 20 seats in the elections, the ruling party claimed victory and its leadership was sworn into office in a hurriedly arranged ceremony at the presidency. Already more than six hundred (600) people have lost their lives the rioting and street fighting and shooting incident that has greeted the fraud allegations.

The stability that Kenya has enjoyed over the years and which has made her envy of most African countries seems to be evaporating very fast.

11 called the ‘Ibrahim Index of African Governance’ picked Mauritius as the best governed country in Africa for the year 2007. At the bottom of the list are Sudan, DR Congo, Chad and Somalia. Zimbabwe occupied the 31ST position while Nigeria trails behind at the 37th position. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Award for Leadership went to Joachim Chissano, the former president of Mozambique. The award carries a cash prize of US$200,000. It is believed that by offering financial security following retirement from active political life, the Ibrahim prize will provide Africa's best leaders with the platform and means to continue to contribute to public life in their countries and the continent at large. The Ibrahim Index of African Governance also aims to encourage good democratic practices and behaviour on the continent. HIV/AIDS continue to devastate the continent. The Aids pandemic is prevalent in Southern and East Africa where the governments there are fighting to grapple with not only finding cheap antiretroviral drugs but also with the issue of Aids orphans. With no cure in sight, the disease will continue to take its toll on the human capacities of the countries most affected by it. The agriculture sector in this region has suffered immensely as a result of the AIDS pandemic. Thus HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria continue to take their toll on human lives in the continent. Kenya and Tanzania have declared war against TB and Malaria respectively, and women continue to be the most vulnerable to the HIV/AIDS disease.

Climate change and issues of the environment are other important concerns of all the governments of sub-Saharan Africa because these are issues very much connected to food security. Lack of rain in certain regions of the continent, often blamed on the gas emissions and industrial activities of the advanced nations of the North, creates a famine situation on the continent. Conservation of the environment and the ecosystem were of priority concern to countries such as Uganda where the sale of a forest reserve to a businessman precipitated a nationwide riot leading to the death of several citizens. In Namibia farmers protested a government bill that would have turned a game reserve into a park for holidaymakers. Flash floods in different parts of the continent were also blamed on climate change.

The issue of climate change and the environment, thus overshadowing discussion on development issues, dominated most part of the discussion that took place during the Commonwealth meeting in Uganda. In the same vein, a system of carbon trade also took up much of the discussions at the Commonwealth forum. In East Africa discussions on the environment have been dominated by the issue of polythene shopping and packaging bag, locally known as Kaveera or Buveera.The plastic bag has created a litter problem in many cities of East Africa. In Uganda it was blamed for choking the drainage system that causes flooding during the rainy season. In Nigeria there was public debate about finding a better way of packaging sachet water. The call was based on the environmental and health hazard associated with the product. In the Ivory Coast, the guns have gone silent.

12 Following the Ouagadougou agreement brokered by Thabo Mbeki and Campaore of Burkina Faso, the warring factions in the Muslim north and the Christian south of the country have decided to lay down their guns and talk peace. Rebel and militancy activities in the Niger Delta region in South-Eastern Nigeria continued unabated. Kidnappings of oil workers for ransom continued. The Yar’Adua government promised to settle the issue if he is voted into office during the election campaign. It remains to be seen how resolute his government is in its quest for peace. The senate of Nigeria lambasted former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo for the manner in which he ceded the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. The senate claimed that they were not informed of the decision to hand over the Peninsula to Cameroon. However, Obasanjo insisted that both the Upper and Lower Houses of parliament were duly informed of the handover, and he reiterated his position that Nigeria will not renege on the hand-over agreement. The effort at finding lasting solution to the problem between the rebel movement, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), based in northern Uganda, and the government in Kampala continues.

The LRA has stated that its fighters will remain in hiding even if a peace deal with the government is reached unless the indictments against its leaders by the ICC are lifted. China’s aggressive inroads into Africa have left the Americans and Europeans with no choice but to follow suit and invest in the continent. Following in the footsteps of the China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting held in Beijing in November 2006, the European Union floated the idea of EU-Africa summit which was held in Lisbon, Portugal in December 2007. China’s deepening involvement in with Africa is giving the West (Africa’s former European colonial benefactors, oppressors and exploiters) sleepless nights. The fact is that China’s Zero-condition policy is very appealing to the governments in Africa.

Besides, China actively supports Africa’s infrastructure, social, economic and human resource development, and it is investing massively in all of these sectors of Africa’s economy. The EU, which has been shying away from significant investment in the continent, is now seeking partnership with the continent in areas such as energy, climate change, migration, mobility and employment, democratic governance and political and institutional architecture. The EU is also seeking Economic Partnership Agreements with individual African countries as well as with regional organizations. According to a World Bank /IFC report, Tanzania and Ghana are the two of the top global reformers for 2005- 2006 and the continent as an entity moved up the rankings. The report titled DOING BUSINESS 2007: HOW TO REFORM said Africa has moved from last place to third in the year’s ranking for reforms that encompass new enterprises, formal sector jobs and growth. This marks the first time Africa has been among the top three reformers following Eastern Europe and the OECD countries in the number of business-friendly regulation reforms. On the Pan-African front, many indicators point to the fact that the

13 move toward Africa’s integration is definitely on course. At the 9th AU Heads of States Summit meeting in Accra/ Ghana in July 2007, the AU’s Audit Committee was charged with the responsibility of identifying the loopholes of the organization and to make important suggestions for the integration of the African continent. In East Africa, the five-member EAC states plans to strengthen trade ties with the introduction of a common market by 2010, and then adopt an EU-style single currency in the same year. The situation in Zimbabwe deserves special attention and in-depth analysis. The country is facing a dire economic situation. Inflation is running in triple digits, and many ordinary Zimbabweans and professionals such as lawyers, doctors, accountants etc are fleeing the country into neighouring South Africa.

This has created an acute refugee problem in South Africa whereby the daily flow of refugees from Zimbabwe is estimated to run in the hundreds. The human rights situation in Zimbabwe has worsened. The opposition MDC is frustrated with the ruling Zanu-PF party. In the ensuing pages, I intend to look into all of these issues in some greater detail under the appropriate headings.

WOMEN IN SUB-SAHARA AFRICA. 2007. Most researchers and scholars attribute problems of women in Africa to the patriarchal nature of the African society. In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a woman’s role in society is largely determined (or constraint) to some extent by the socio-cultural as well as the economic milieu within which women have to operate. Adherence to some traditional practices denies women their basic and fundamental rights. In some places traditions and customs are held so strongly that women risk being labeled as ‘western’ or pursuing agenda of and parroting the ideas of international agencies if they make any attempt to turn their backs on cultural norms and practices or raise their voice against violations of their rights. There’s an entrenchment and extension of a system of practices and laws that sanctioned men’s rights to regard women as their property. In several instances women are seen as sexual objects, and their role is restricted only to domestic affairs including bearing of children. The idea of gender equality is alien to the African tradition- everywhere women are subsumed under the power of the man. The spectrum of violence against women, whether in peace time or in war, is seen as a reflection of this unequal power relationship. Apart from domestic violence, which is usually taken to mean wife- beating by abusive or alcoholic husbands, there are other forms of violence perpetrated against women. Women are usually the victims of sex trade and human trafficking, sexual slavery, forced marriages, physical abuse, economic deprivation, and psychological abuse. In SSA, women live in conditions of abject deprivation, and are subjected to attacks against their fundamental rights for no other reason other than the fact that they are women. It is disturbing that violence against women are escalating in SSA, largely due to increasing conflict in the region. Combatants and their sympathizers in conflicts throughout SSA have raped women as a weapon of war with near impunity.

14 Women are bought and sold, trafficked to work in forced prostitution with insufficient government attention to protect their rights and punish the traffickers. Abuses against women are relentless, systematic and widely tolerated, if not explicitly condoned inmost countries of Sub-Sahara Africa. In SSA women constitute 60-80 percent of agricultural workers, but while women do most of the work, it is their men who appropriate the cash. Women and girls are denied access to education, employment, political participation, health care facilities, nutrition and family planning. Another concern is the exposure of women to life-threatening diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Husbands who work in the cities return home to the village on weekends and refuse to use condoms. Lack of education about the virus in rural Africa has become a growing liability on the ability of governments to check the spread of the disease. In SSA 61 percent of Aids infected people are women. There is growing ‘feminization’ of Aids in Africa. When women migrate to cities to escape the restrictive rural economic opportunities and ideological controls, their lack of schooling qualifies them for underpaid jobs such as domestic servants, municipal public workers, or they end up in self-employment activities in the informal economy. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is also practiced within a large area from the Red Sea in the Horn of Africa to the Atlantic Ocean in West Africa. Discriminatory laws relating to inheritance, domestic relations and rape deprive women of basic rights and exppose them to human rights violations. When it comes to conflicts, as we have seen in the DR Congo, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Somalia, Burundi, Rwanda the situation of women is alarming. There are unprecedented dimensions of forced internal migrations where the numbers of the internally displaced women and refugees reaches horrendous proportion. According to World Bank report 2007, there are 6 million refugees and 15 million internally displaced persons in Africa alone. Women and Children are the most vulnerable groups, comprising the vast majority of victims and often becoming targets and being repeatedly victimized by the attacks.

In spite of all this, there seem to be some ray of hope on the continent as far as women issues are concerned. There is growing recognition among policy makers in SSA that gender inequality slows economic growth and increases the difficulty of overcoming poverty. Thus issues of women are increasingly taking a centre-stage in mainstream political discourse. Empowering women is empowering the family and therefore, positively impacting the future of the whole society. The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People's Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa seeks to address the problems facing women on the continent. However; about 30 countries have not ratified the protocol. Even countries that have ratified the protocol such as the Gambia and South Africa put up reservations. However, recognizing the gravity of the situation, some individual countries of SSA are using legislation to address their own and unique problems regarding the rights of women. In 2007, the Mozambique government approved a law that will make human trafficking a prime punishable with long prison sentences after the International

15 Organization for Migration found in a study that over 1000 Mozambican women and children are trafficked into South Africa each year. In Uganda, MPs have amended the Rape and Defilement Law making it mandatory for offenders suspected of being HIV positive to undergo medical tests. Suspects found guilty of infecting their victims with HIV/AIDS s will be liable to a death sentence. Women in Sierra Leone stand to enjoy unprecedented rights under new laws making wife-beating criminal offence, allowing women to inherit property, and protecting young women against forced marriages. The three laws was enacted by Sierra Leone’s parliament on June 14 2007.In Uganda, the government has asked Muslims to draft proposals on domestic relations.’ The law on the Muslim domestic relations will be formulated to implement the provision of Article 129 of the constitution, which provides for the establishment of Khadi courts to handle Muslim matters related to marriage, inheritance and guardianship of children. In Nigeria, the Society of Septists and Gynecologists of Nigeria (SSGON) said that failure to pass the National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH) and Convention on the Elimination and Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) bills at the Nigeria legislative houses was causing retrogression to the Nigerian women. The challenge before SSA now is to find creative ways to change the social conditions of women. Women are recognized as a fundamental force in the quest to eradicate poverty and maintain the stability of families and societies. Without improving the status of women, SSA cannot expect any real progress in society and especially in the battle against AIDS. On December 12 2007,President Paul Kagame received the 2007 African Gender Award, which he won in January, for the substantial gains made in advancing the cause of Rwandan women. The Women Africa Solidarity (FAS) and the Committee of the African Women selected the Head of State, who received the biennial award from Dakar, Senegal, for the prize for Peace and Development (AWCPD). The ceremony was organized by the largest regional women’s forum, Femmes Africa Solidarité (FAS), the Pan-African Centre for Gender, Peace and Development, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and The Diasporan Touch and with the support of numerous other partners. Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade handed him the prize. The award-giving ceremony was the key highlight of the African Gender Forum held under the theme "African Women and Migration." The Award is given at the government level to recognize African leaders who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in encouraging gender parity in politics. Since the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has been distinguished for its integration of women in the reconstruction process and its fight against gender-based violence. Rwanda is the only country in the world that can count 48% of women MPs in their national Parliament. Two other recognitions were also presented. The first was presented to a stakeholder from the Rwandan private sector, Banque Populaire pour la Promotion de la Femme. The

16 second recognition award was presented to the Rwandan civil society organization Pro Femmes/Twese Hamwe. AFRICOM The United States of America is seeking to expand its military presence on the continent and has proposed to establish US Command Bases in several countries on the continent. However, African governments are wary of the idea, and US government officials who made several trips to different nations of the continent did not find any ready buyers of the idea except perhaps in Liberia where Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the first female president on the continent, not only welcomed the idea but also pushed the US government to allow her country to play host to the new US African Command (AFRICOM). Although US government officials want Africans to believe that AFRICOM is a well-intended idea, African governments are nearly unanimous in their opposition to it and think that it will be wrong, if not disastrous for the entire continent, for any African countries to allow their territories to be used for the purpose.

BIRTH OF AFRICOM

In February 2007, just 2 months after U.S. aerial bombardments began in Somalia, the Bush Administration solidified its militaristic engagement with Africa when the Department of Defense (DoD) announced the creation of a new U.S. Africa Command infrastructure, code name AFRICOM, to “coordinate all U.S. military and security interests throughout the continent.” President Bush said in a White House statement, “This new command will strengthen our security cooperation with Africa and create new opportunities to bolster the capabilities of our partners in Africa.” Ordering that AFRICOM be created by September 30, 2008, Bush said, “Africa Command will enhance our efforts to bring peace and security to the people of Africa and promote our common goals of development, health, education, democracy, and economic growth in Africa”.

Navy Rear Admiral Robert Moeller, director of the AFRICOM transition team, emphasized that “By creating AFRICOM, the Defense Department will be able to coordinate better its own activities in Africa as well as help coordinate the work of other U.S. government agencies, particularly the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development” But many Africans question how a unilateral US Africa policy could help to bring health, education and development on the continent.

THE REAL INTENTION The true intentions of the US Government, many analysts believe, is to control the increasingly strategic natural resources on the African continent, especially oil, gas and uranium. In what is becoming a multi-polar world with increased competition from China, among other countries, for those resources, the U.S. wants above all else to

17 strengthen its foothold in resource-rich regions of Africa. Nigeria is the fifth largest exporter of oil to the U.S. The West African region currently provides nearly 20 percent of the U.S. supply of hydrocarbons, up from 15 percent just five years ago and well on the way to a 25-percent share forecast for 2015. While the Bush Administration endlessly beats the drums for its “global war on terror,” the African context underscores that the real interests of the Neoconservatives is less Al Qaeda and more access and control of extractive industries, particularly oil. Defense Department officials told reporters at the Pentagon that U.S. officials from several government agencies met with African leaders in various nations and discussed U.S. reasons for setting up a command with responsibility for engagement in Africa, the organization of the command, possible mission areas, and the future location of the AFRICOM headquarters.

Defense Department officials joined representatives from the State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development, Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, and the AFRICOM transition team in their visits to Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, the African Union, Ghana and Senegal. “AFRICOM will have a different mission set than other combatant commands, focusing heavily on security cooperation and building partner capacity of African nations. Military exercises will be conducted on the continent, but the command's role in kinetic operations has not been determined”, said Ryan Henry, principal undersecretary of defense for policy.

THE RESPONSE

Africom's first public links with the West African country of Liberia was through a Washington Post op-ed written by the African-American businessman Robert L. Johnson, "Liberia's Moment of Opportunity." Johnson forcefully endorsed Africom and urged that it be based in Liberia. Welcoming the idea, the Liberia president, Sirleaf Johnson wrote “Since the announcement of the creation of Africom, a new unified American combatant command responsible for Africa, there has been much skepticism over its intent and what it will be able to achieve on the continent. Africom should be seen for what it is: recognition of the growing importance of Africa to U.S. national security interests… The Africom charter specifies that the new command will focus on conflict prevention, rather than intervention. It will work with African states and regional organizations, such as the African Union and Ecowas, in coordination with other donor countries, to improve security capabilities and promote military professionalization and accountable governance… If Africom aims to use its "soft power" mandate to develop a stable environment in which civil society can flourish and the quality of life for Africans can be improved, African nations should work with Africom to achieve their own development and security goals… There is no greater engine for development than a secure nation, and no better way build a secure nation than through building professional militaries and security forces that are responsible to civilian authorities who safeguard the rule of law and human rights… Liberians can only hope that the United States will use Africom to

18 raise standards for engagement and help change "the way of doing business" in Africa. Africom is undeniably about the projection of American interests—but this does not mean that it is to the exclusion of African ones.”

While speaking at a reception marking the 231st Independence Anniversary of the United States, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said "Liberia, the U.S. historic ally, has stood resolutely with the United States, through good times and bad, and is offering its territory as it has done in the past, for the establishment of AFRICOM headquarters."… President Sirleaf welcomed the new United States policy towards Africa's security and development as reflected in the proposed establishment of a new Africa Command. The Liberian leader described the move as not only a project of U.S. interest and power, but as a new approach to assisting African countries that are committed to democratic governance, sustainable development and improving the quality of life of their people, in a secured environment, and with the cooperation and support of the United States. However, not many African share the Liberian President’s sentiments.

Criticizing the idea, one analyst wrote: Let's be clear, consolidation and expansion of U.S. military power on the African continent is misguided and could lead to disastrous outcomes. Remember, Liberia's 26-year descent into chaos started when the Reagan administration prioritized military engagement and funneled military hardware, training and financing to the regime of the ruthless dictator Samuel K. Doe. This military "aid," seen as "soft power" at that time, built the machinery of repression that led to the deaths of an estimated 250,000 Liberians. Basing Africom in Liberia will put Liberians at risk now and in the future. Liberia's national threat level will dramatically increase, as the country becomes a target of those interested in attacking U.S. assets. The Bush Administration has already been given the exclusive role of restructuring the Armed Forces of Liberia. A U.S. private military contractor, DYNCORP, was tasked to carry out this function. After more than two years in Liberia and an estimated $800,000 budget allocated, DYNCORP has not only failed to train the 2,000 men it was contracted to train, it has also not engaged Liberia's National Legislature nor civil society in defining the nature, content or character of the new army, the Bush Administration will have an unacceptable amount of power to dictate Liberia's security interests and orchestrate how the country manages those interests. The Bush Administration's new obsession with Africom and its militaristic approach leads to an Africa policy that brings U.S. interference in the affairs of Africa along with more weapons, equipment, and military hardware than schools. By helping to build machineries of repression, these policies reinforce undemocratic practices and reward leaders responsive not to the interests or needs of their people but to the demands and dictates of U.S. military agents.

19 What Africa needs least is U.S. military expansion on the continent (and elsewhere in the world). What Africa needs most is its own mechanism to respond to peacemaking priorities? Fifty years ago, Kwame Nkrumah sounded the clarion call for a "United States of Africa." One central feature of his call was for an Africa Military High Command.

Today, as the African Union deliberates continental governance, there could not be a better time to reject U.S. military expansion and push forward African responses to Africa's priorities. Africom must be rejected at all cost. Further, Liberia, long suffering the effects of militaristic "assistance" from the United States, would be the worst possible base. However, the US thinks that many Africans misunderstand AFRICOM.

Speaking in the US Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, the Deputy Commander for Military Operation, United States Africa Command, Vice Admiral Robert T. Moeller, said that AFRICOM's foremost mission is to help Africans achieve their own security and to support African leadership efforts. He explained that AFRICOM would better enable the Department of Defence and other elements of the US government to work with partners in achieving a more stable environment in which political and economic growth can take place. “We will strive to cooperate and complement the efforts of the African Union (AU) and its African Regional Economic Communities (REC), the nations of Africa, our European allies and other partners and friends with strong interests on the continent.” In spite of US relentless efforts to sell Africom on the continent, many remain skeptical. During a briefing on the implementation of government's programme of action by Cabinet's International Relations, Peace and Security cluster, the Defence Minister of South Africa, Mosiuoa Lekota, expressed the following sentiment: “There is broad consensus among African countries that foreign forces - specifically in the form of the United States' new African Command - would not be welcomed to establish themselves on the continent” The minister indicated a hesitance on the part of African countries to host the US's new dedicated command for the continent…"The Africom [the US Africa Command] initiative has raised a lot of interest and attracted a lot of attention because ... Africa has to avoid the presence of foreign forces on her soil," Mr. Lekota told reporters. "If there was to be an influx of armed forces into one or other of the African countries, that might effect the relations between the sister countries and [would] not encourage an atmosphere and a sense of security," he added. As a start, the 14- country Southern African Development Community had taken a decision that none of its members would be willing to host US forces, he said.

The defence minister added, however, that "it is not unnatural" that one or two countries on the continent may differ from this position, but indicated that a decision not host US armed forces would likely be upheld by the AU's 53 members in the interest of unity.

20 “The interests of unity of African nations supersedes any individual view [of a constituent member]," he added. Meanwhile, Mr Lekota said that the recent SADC summit progressed towards launching the SADC armed brigade, which he described as "an important step towards constituting a regional force that will complement the strengthening of the African Union peace force".

The US ambassador to Gabon Katherine Canavan said that the establishment of the United States Africa Command would be a unique military command that would incorporate representatives from other US government agencies, such as the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Speaking at an official opening of Lobatse Tebelopele Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre, Canavan said the reason for its (US Command) establishment has been greatly misunderstood in southern Africa. She said the agencies would not have representatives on the Africa Command so the military could direct their operations but that the US Department of Defence "can better support efforts to improve conditions in Africa by promoting economic development, combating disease, and responding to natural disasters and famines".

However, doubts about the US intention still remain. One writer opposed to the idea had this to say: Rational decisions about access to oil resources and geostrategic regions such as the Horn of Africa and the Middle East dominate US foreign policy decisions. The continent that must host Africom is characterized by a vulnerability to globalization and identity politics. It is therefore disturbing to note that democracy; health, education; economic growth and development are being tied to military interests. Why would the military improve these services? The war in Iraq has proven that military might does not produce compliance or acquiescence within a region or a country. Neither could the military create conditions under which democracy could grow and flourish. Much has been done in the name of democracy that has resulted in destabilization and destruction of the host country, a process not easily reversed. US oil interests and the "war on terror" lie behind the most recent plans, as Africom in Ethiopia would provide the US with a launch pad into the Middle East and the volatile Horn, also marked as a haven for "terrorists".

Africom is meant to bring peace and security to the people of Africa, and promote common goals of development, health, education, democracy and economic growth. These are commendable ideals, but they are unilateral in their origin and their attachment to a military base or institutional framework leaves much to be desired. Military bases in Asia and South America have produced a culture and economy that are focused on servicing and serving that base. Local women and men become militarised as they seek ways and means to survive and thrive in the presence of the military base… Militarisation is not only about protecting interests and resources, but also about the militarisation of a society that yields a particular type of social relations, which entrench unequal relations between women and men… Military bases bring unsustainable economic development to the area in which they are established. In countries where unemployment is rife and where most of the unemployed are women, sex work becomes a necessity when women and men need to feed their families… In the light of the above, it is

21 necessary for Africans to oppose the expansion of US military power on the continent… The African Union and the Peace and Security Council were established to entrench democracy, create economic development and monitor and secure peace but have not been allowed to develop and mature enough to deal with the continent's problems. Africa does not need another US base aimed at "promoting" peace and development. Africom would destabilize an already fragile continent and region, which would be forced to engage with US interests on military terms.

Another critic described AFRICOM as tantamount to invasion of Africa and made reference to a conspiracy theory, to a new scramble for and re-colonization of Africa. He said: The deputy secretary of state in the United States, Mr. Negroponte came to Abuja. His mission was clear: he had come to notify the Nigerian government that the United States will establish its Africa Command (Africom) and will site this in an African country. There was no negotiations, just diplomatic courtesy. Some say Africom is a done deal in spite of what seems to be but a feeble resistance by African countries about the presence of the American military command in Africa. Nigeria's chief of defence, Lt. General Andrew Azazi, nevertheless, answering reporters questions over the reaction of the ECOWAS states said that the matter was not merely a Liberian question, but would be determined by West African military chiefs.

Many see a link between Dr. Watson's recent slip of the tongue about African or Black intelligence as very connected to a larger program embarked upon by a racist Western agenda to take over Africa and become its "guardians" or "trustees" of its undeveloped humanity for their own good and the good of the world. Dr. Watson was quite poignant about his concerns: he was, he said, not hopeful about the future of Africa. The trouble said the eminent geneticist and Nobel Laureate was that Western institutions and governments were formulating decisions based on presumptions of the equality of African intelligence, whereas, this was in fact unreal.

The point to be made is that Dr. Watson may have been hushed down, some Africans have said, but his words reflect the deep thinking and actual positions of the elite in the west: Africa's incapacity to formulate its own decisions; sub-Saharan Africa's lack of ability to govern itself. Many see this as a throw back to the 19th century, of the fiction of the "civilizing mission" and of Stanley meeting Mutesa, or the subduing of the Congo by the vicious charity of Leopold. Anybody who has read Eric Hobswam's book, The Scramble For Africa will get the point. There are many who have formulated the relation of a long programme begun, right even at the eve of independence to make sure that Africa does not work its way though the mesh of postcolonial transitions… Many have begun to make associations with once disparate incidents, which are now fitting into complex theories of conspiracy (note that conspiracy theories are not necessarily untrue). There are those who feel that the grounds have been eminently watered for this invasion and recolonization of Africa. Sometime in 2006, the countries of the Group of Eight industrialized nations, the G-8, met in Berlin to discuss Africa and its condition. The main issue was that no African country was invited and none was, therefore, present in this New Berlin conference. It was an ironic throwback to the other conference in Berlin in the 19th century which fore grounded the scramble for Africa and its laceration into

22 various spheres of influence. There are those who see in the new move by the Americans to establish a military base in Africa, a parallel to Goldie's United African Company, which began from the same Gulf of Guinea site. The next move would be the dissolution of formal Nigerian sovereignty and convocation of all the treaties of Protection against China. In other words the states in the Gulf of Guinea would soon become protectorates of the United States. Some say, come of it: this is the twenty-first century. Many others say, precisely: welcome to the new century and the invasion of Africa- and the lunch of the new world order.

BUSINESS AND POLITICS IN THE MUSLIM WORLD

Weekly Presentation: February 19, 2008

23 REGION:Sub-Saharan Africa

Abbas S Lamptey Period:From 11 to 17 February 2008

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• CHINA AND AFRICA

WEST AFRICA • Nigeria: China to Build Country's Coal Powered Plant:Leadership (Abuja) :19 February 2008. • Africa: China 'Toxic for Continent's Freedom’: Leadership (Abuja):14 February 2008.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

EAST AFRICA • South Africa: Chinese Bank Gets Stake in Kenya Via CFC-Stanbic: Business Daily (Nairobi):18 February 2008.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• PAN AFRICA

WEST AFRICA • Africa: Commission Pledges Collaboration With Journalists: OROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda):20 February 2008. • Africa: Countries Respond to Food Price Crisis: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks :9 February 2008. • Africa: EU Deepens Support for Africa: Accra Mail (Accra):15 February 2008.

SOUTHERN AFRICA • Africa: UN injects $2 million Towards African Governance: BuaNews (Tshwane):17 February 2008. • Africa: Bush Calls For Free Polls in Zimbabwe: allAfrica.com:18 February 2008.

EAST AFRICA • Africa: Only 24 African Countries Have Ratified Protocol for Human Rights Court: Hirondelle News Agency (Lausanne) ;18 February 2008. • Africa: Farmers Told to Exploit Soaring Coffee Prices:New Vision (Kampala) :18 February 2008.

CENTRAL AFRICA

24 • REFUGEES AND MIGRATION

WEST AFRICA

SOUTHERN AFRICA • Zimbabwe: 5 Refugees Dead, 36 Injured in SA Border Accident: SW Radio Africa (London); 18 February 2008.

EAST AFRICA • Sudan: Bombing Blocks Access to New Refugees: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 20 February 2008. • Kenya: 1,500 Flock to Uganda Camps: The Nation (Nairobi):18 February 2008. • Kenya: Repatriation of IDPs Criticised: The East African Standard (Nairobi):16 February 2008. • Somalia: Violence Puts Some 2 Million People At Risk, Says UN:UN News Service (New York) ;13 February 2008. CENTRAL AFRICA • Chad: Shelter, Medical Attention for Refugees: Inter Press Service (Johannesburg):19 February 2008.

• HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL ISSUES WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Anambra Drama - Andy Uba Now Governor-in-Waiting: Leadership (Abuja):19 February 2008. • Sierra Leone: Special Court Convenes International Conference to Consider Residual Issues: Special. (Freetown): PRESS RELEASE: 19 February 2008. • Nigeria: Journalist Arrested While Investigating Murder, Still Detained 12 Days Later: Reporters sans Frontières (Paris): PRESS RELEASE: 19 February 2008.

SOUTHERN AFRICA • Zimbabwe: Shortages Worsen As Zanu-PF Diverts Resources to Elections: SW Radio Africa (London); 19 February 2008. • South Africa: Court Makes Evictions Tough for Cities; Business Day (Johannesburg):20 February 2008. • Namibia: Govt Crafts Alcohol Policy: New Era (Windhoek); 20 February 2008.

EAST AFRICA

• Ethiopia: Over 300 Police Arrested for Rebel Links – Report; The Daily Monitor (Addis Ababa): 20 February 2008. • Tanzania: Ex-Rwandan Minister Nzabonimana Arrested in Tanzania: Hirondelle News Agency (Lausanne) :19 February 2008. • Uganda: Booze Killing Schools - Bushenyi Chief: New Vision (Kampala):19 February 2008.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Rwanda: Fund for Genocide Survivors Launched: The New Times (Kigali):20 February 2008.

• HEALTH MATTERS (HIV/AIDS, TB, MALARIA)

WEST AFRICA

SOUTHERN AFRICA • Namibia: Govt Crafts Alcohol Policy: New Era (Windhoek); 20 February 2008. • Africa: Continent Needs Access to Affordable Medicine: BuaNews (Tshwane):19 February 2008.

EAST AFRICA

CENTRAL AFRICA

• ENERGY

WEST AFRICA

SOUTHERN AFRICA • South Africa: Govt Budgets R2 Billion to Alternative Energy:BuaNews (Tshwane):20 February 2008.

EAST AFRICA • Sudan: 'Abyei a Potential Flashpoint for Conflict' - UN Envoy;UN Integrated Regional Information Networks :20 February 2008 .

CENTRAL AFRICA

• ENVIRONMENT

WEST AFRICA

SOUTHERN AFRICA

EAST AFRICA • Kenya: Poor Rains Affect Harvests in Central: The East African Standard (Nairobi):19 February 2008. • Uganda: Illegal Felling of Timber Reduces: New Vision (Kampala):18 February 2008.

26 CENTRAL AFRICA • Congo-Kinshasa: Humanitarians Continue to Aid the Earthquake Victims: United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa):18 February 2008.

• DOMESTIC AND INT’L POLITICS

WEST AFRICA • Ghana: Bush Due Today: Accra (Accra):19 February 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA EAST AFRICA

• Uganda: Opposition Parties Hold Demo Over New Rally Law: New Vision (Kampala):19 February 2008. • Kenya: Kibaki's Proposals On How to End Poll Crisis :The Nation (Nairobi):20 February 2008.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Africa: Bush Has Been Good for Africa: The New Times (Kigali):EDITORIAL; 20 February 2008:

• DOMESTIC AND INT’L ECONOMY

WEST AFRICA • Nigeria: Excess Crude Revenue - States Demand Pay in Naira: Vanguard (Lagos):19 February 2008. • Nigeria: Senate Probes Abacha, Obasanjo Billion-Dollar Rail Projects: Vanguard (Lagos):20 February 2008. • Liberia: Country Gets U.S. $1.5 Million For Food Security & Safety: The Analyst (Monrovia):19 February 2008.

SOUTHERN AFRICA • South Africa: Absa Cans Bid for Barclays in Africa: Business Day (Johannesburg):20 February 2008: • Namibia: Drug Dealers Get Light Sentence: New Era (Windhoek):20 February 2008.

EAST AFRICA

CENTRAL AFRICA

• PEACEKEEPING, CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND SECURITY MATTERS

WEST AFRICA

27 • Nigeria: N444 Billion for Niger Delta Security, a Waste - Dafinone Vanguard (Lagos); 20 February 2008.

• Nigeria: Country Surrenders Another Settlement to Niger Republic: Vanguard (Lagos):20 February 2008.

SOUTHERN AFRICA • Zimbabwe: Police Ban Dangerous Weapons; The Herald (Harare):20 February 2008. • Southern Africa: SADC Seminar On Security Starts Today in Luanda: Angola Press Agency (Luanda):20 February 2008.

EAST AFRICA

• Uganda: Kony Agrees to Be Tried in Country: The Monitor (Kampala):20 February 2008.

• Eritrea: UN Mission Personnel And Equipment Regrouping to Speed Up Relocation;UN News Service (New York);19 February 2008. • Somalia: 3 Gunned Down for Refusing to Turn Off Music: Garowe Online (Garowe) :19 February 2008: • Uganda: Acholi War Victims Get Food:New Vision (Kampala);19 February 2008. CENTRAL AFRICA

• Sudan: Bush Pledges U.S. $100 Million for Darfur Peacekeeping:allAfrica.com :19 February 2008 .

• MILITANCY, REBELS, TERRORISM

WEST AFRICA • Nigeria: Al-Qaeda Suspect Tortured By SSS Gives Evidence Today: Daily Trust (Abuja):18 February 2008.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

EAST AFRICA • Somalia: Somali Woman Tries to Hijack a Plane in New Zealand:Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu) :8 February 2008.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• OPINION POLLS The Report in Detail

• CHINA AND AFRICA

WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: China to Build Country's Coal Powered Plant:Leadership (Abuja) :19 February 2008.

Chairman Minaj Holdings limited, Senator Mike Ajebgo, has said that the China National Electric and Equipment Corporation {CNEEC}, will build and run for a specified time frame the coal powered plant at Enugu which Minaj has been licensed to operate. Senator Ajegbo who disclosed this in a chat with the media in Abuja said " we are using Chinese technology, China will be our technical partners in the sense that they will help us build the plant and run it for a while".

When completed, Senator Ajegbo said the coal powered plant will supply power directly to key industries in the South-East Zone, especially industries in Enugu, Anambra, Onisha and Nnewi axis of the zone. On why Minaj holdings choice of coal powered electricity generation, he explained that the gas pipeline in the south-east has not been laid which means if the people of the south-east zone wait for the gas pipelines they will not have power generation. “There are a number of reasons why I decided to choose coal, in the first instance, we are from the south-east zone and we have a lot of resources which we need to utilise. On the issue of gas, the gas pipeline has not been laid and does it mean that the people of the south-east will not have power generation because we are waiting for gas pipeline?” Senator Ajegbo recalled that "the Oji River Power Plant we hard was using coal, I still have a sentimental attachment to that issue and when I did my research, I found out that in terms of running cost, it is even cheaper to use coal than using gas" .He gave assurance that the issues of financing, technology and partnership have been thoroughly taken care of for the project to take off but, appealed that the issue of power generation is not a one-day affair as it takes quite a while.Minaj Holdings Ltd was at the weekend issued with a license by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission {NERC} to operate a 2x50mw+15mw power plant located at Agu- Amori Nike, Enugu local government area, Enugu State.

Africa: China 'Toxic for Continent's Freedom’: Leadership (Abuja) 14 February 2008.

The increase in the arrest and imprisonment of journalists in Africa in the last year has been partly blamed on China by Reporters Without Borders. "The influence of China in African affairs has been very toxic for democracy," the media watchdog's Leonard Vincent told the BBC. He said China gave aid without asking for political reforms in return. While increasing national pride within Africa had made it difficult for Western countries to assert pressure. The Paris-based group said many governments now took action against the media irrespective of international opinion. In its annual survey of press freedom, it mentions serial offenders like Ethiopia, Eritrea, Zimbabwe and The Gambia. But it is also critical of places like Rwanda, Mali and Benin - where it says media freedom used to be respected. “African governments all over the continent have

29 dared to do this year what they didn't dare to do the previous year," Mr Vincent told the BBC's Network Africa programme."Jailing journalists is routine now... for doing something that governments don't like or irritates ministers or heads of state. “Even in democratic countries which we had placed a lot of hopes like Benin or Mali." Eritrea came bottom of the media watchdog's world press freedom list for the first time as it says the situation in the country "has gone from bad to worse”. “The country has been cut off from the rest of the world since major police round-ups in September 2001 and at least four journalists have died in prison," the report says.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

EAST AFRICA

• South Africa: Chinese Bank Gets Stake in Kenya Via CFC-Stanbic: Business Daily (Nairobi):18 February 2008.

Standard Bank of South Africa and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) have received regulatory and shareholder approval to proceed with their $4.8 billion tie up. The deal will give the Chinese lender a 20 per cent stake in Africa's biggest bank in what is the largest foreign direct investment in South Africa. Standard Bank owns Stanbic Bank Kenya which is finalising merger arrangements with CFC Bank in a Sh19 billion transaction. The two deals mean the Chinese Bank will get a beneficial interest in CFC Bank estimated at between eight and 12 per cent. Under the CFC- Stanbic deal, Standard Bank will own 60 per cent of the merged entity while 40 per cent of the new business will be held by the public through the Nairobi Stock Exchange. The effective date of Standard -ICBC transaction was last Friday but shareholders wishing to be considered in the $4.78 per share scheme have until this Friday to enlist. The transaction will be executed early next month. Under the scheme, ICBC will acquire 11.11 per cent of the aggregate issued ordinary share capital of Standard Bank Group from existing Standard Bank Group ordinary shareholders at a price per share of R136.00 ($4.78). Standard Bank will further issue new shares for which ICBC will subscribe, which will represent 11.11 per cent of the existing share capital. This is the largest deal of a financial institution in sub-Sahara Africa since 2005 when Barclays Plc bought ABSA Group, South Africa's largest retail bank. With China, Africa's third largest trading partner, pushing its relationship with African governments, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts that total trade between Africa and China could grow two times to over Sh7 trillion ($100 billion) by 2010. With ICBC having acquired 20 per cent in Standard Bank, its holding in CFC- Stanbic translates to 12 per cent but may be less due to minority interests in the parties. CFC group is listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange and includes CFC Financial Services, Heritage Insurance, CFC Life and CFC Bank. During yesterday trading at the NSE, CFC's share dipped Sh1.80 to close at Sh116.20, down from Sh118 on Friday.

The ICBC acquisition comes as Chinese banks use large funds raised on the stock market to expand overseas, boosted by the appreciation of the RMB and huge foreign reserves.ICBC is also looking to expand in other regions by opening branches in cities

30 such as New York, Sydney, Dubai and Qatar. Beijing has imposed tightening measures to cool its red-hot economy, but Chinese banks' profits are expected to keep climbing on widening interest margins. Recently, Kenya's securities and banking regulators approved the merger between CFC Group and Stanbic Kenya that will result in Kenya's fourth largest bank with assets worth Sh76.1 billion, revenues of Sh10.1 billion and gross profits of Sh2.3 billion. Through the deal, Kenya will attain a more strategic status as the regional management hub for the South African firm, with the new entity being Kenya's first fully integrated financial services provider. This is expected to drastically change the way local banks sell financial services to the public as the combined outfit is set to sell banking, stock broking and investment banking services. ICBC is China's leading commercial bank with 16, 000 branches and nearly 100 branches in the rest of the world. Standard Bank Group operates in 19 African countries and extends to 21 countries other countries in Europe, the United States and Asia.

Standard Bank trades under the name Stanbic Bank in Botswana, the DRC, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe; and as Standard Bank in Namibia, Swaziland, South Africa, Lesotho, Mauritius and Mozambique.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• PAN AFRICA WEST AFRICA

• Africa: Commission Pledges Collaboration With Journalists: OROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda):20 February 2008.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) has promised to work with African journalists in the reporting of human rights issues around the continent.

Addressing journalists from fourteen West African States, at a human rights workshop for journalists last week, at the Paradise Suites Hotel, Justice Sanji Monageng, Chairperson of the ACHPR said, "We want to strengthen our partnerships with journalists groups to foster a culture of empowerment of human rights defenders and civil society activities”. The ACHPR Chairperson also said this collaboration enables the African Commission and its partners to develop more effective and more integrated programmes of assistance to encourage media excellence in reporting on human rights issues. She said: "But we also want to enable journalists and media houses to set up networks for the exchange of information and consultation on issues of common interests. We will therefore be working with journalists from across the region to expand and improve human rights coverage”. Justice Monageng said they will do this by encouraging and training carefully selected media practitioners, providing the skill-base and incentives necessary to make human rights reporting a priority across entire media community. According to her, this will allow local media to reach millions of people in their own language who would otherwise have little access to information about their rights. Commissioner Monageng added that Article 9 of the African Charter is dedicated to increasing the quality and quantity of human rights reporting in the African media. “The media, as you know, has enormous responsibilities in today's human rights landscape.

31 Strengthening democracy and basic human freedom, including freedom of expression, depends largely on the reporter's capacity to provide reliable information through responsible and professional reporting," said Justice Monageng.Dr. Mary Maboreke, the Secretary to the African Commission told the journalists that they should help them by pointing out the things they are not doing rightly.Dr. Maboreke added that the reason why the commission is not popular among the African citizenry is not that it is not doing its job but because it is not widely covered in the African Media. As the commission prepares for its Silver Jubilee in 2012, Dr. Maboreke appealed to journalists to extensively cover their activities.For the journalists who participated in the training, a network of human rights journalists for West African was set up. Among the things they put in place is a working group that will report back to the network within a month.

Africa: Countries Respond to Food Price Crisis: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks :9 February 2008.

As global food prices continue to soar to new highs despite a record world harvest last season, governments in poor countries have begun exploring export bans, subsidies and price controls, among other measures to help the poor cope.High food prices have been triggered by a host of factors, including dwindling stocks and a continuing strong demand for cereals, according to the latest Crop Prospects and Food Situation report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). News of a possible global recession and adverse weather in parts of Africa and Asia has also affected prices. International wheat prices in January 2008 were 83 percent higher than a year earlier. "Wheat prices are up because it is being used as [animal] feed instead of maize, stocks of which are running low partly as a result of the increase in demand for making biofuel," said Liliana Balbi, senior economist at the FAO's Commodities and Trade Division. "In fact, maize, wheat and broken rice prices are all around the same level, which is unprecedented." Realising the urgency of the situation, the three food agencies of the UN - the FAO, the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agriculture development (IFAD) - are organising a High-Level Conference on World Food Security and the Challenges of Climate Change and Bioenergy from 3 to 5 June 2008 in Rome. Alexander MÃƒÂ¼ller, Assistant Director-General of the FAO, announced that his organisation would host the event.

According to the FAO, climate change and the demand for agricultural commodities for biofuels production required complex trade-offs and economic, social and environmental policy decisions that would have important repercussions on world agricultural production, access to food and the incomes of rural populations. “We are facing a crisis triggered by several factors: more intense weather events as result of climate change, the global economic crisis, fuel prices and the pressures brought on by biofuel. This calls for a concerted effort from the UN agencies," said Kanayo Nwanze, Vice-President of IFAD."New parameters have been created, which need to be considered urgently at the global level, to help us adopt new strategies and guarantee food security," said Henri Josserand of the FAO's Global Information and Early Warning system. WFP spokesman Robin Lodge agreed, saying, "The sharp increase in food prices makes the formulation of a work strategy on food important to us."

32 In the meantime, governments are formulating their own strategies to help their vulnerable populations cope with high prices.

Africa and the Middle East :In January the World Bank warned governments against banning exports, and suggested safety nets and temporary reductions in import tariffs to provide relief for the poor. Turkey has cut import duties on wheat from 130 percent to 8 percent, and on maize from 130 to 35 percent. The 100 percent import duty on barley has been removed altogether. The Jordanian government continues to subsidise wheat, but since October 2007 has partially lifted its barley subsidy. It has also stepped up wheat purchases in world markets and announced plans to increase reserve stocks to six months of consumption. In the Horn of Africa, the Ethiopian government is stockpiling grain, has banned exports of the main cereals and suspended the WFP's local purchases for emergency interventions. A temporary 10 percent surtax on luxury imports has also been imposed to help fund wheat subsidies for the poor, the FAO report noted.

In North Africa, Morocco has cut wheat import tariffs to the lowest level ever. Hit by severe drought, the country is expected to double its imports in 2007/08 and is also considering privatising soft wheat imports and providing state subsidies to importers purchasing above a benchmark price. In Egypt, the government has significantly raised food subsidies. In West Africa, the governments of Benin and Senegal have imposed price controls and waived tariffs. Despite a forecast of above average harvests in all countries in the region, with the exception of Cape Verde and Senegal, prices shot up after late and poor seasonal rain in northern Nigeria brought a drop in food production. "Due to the size of Nigeria's economy and agricultural sector," this pushed up regional prices, the FAO report noted. In Southern Africa, the Zambian government has reinstated a ban on any new export contracts, while in Zimbabwe the government controls imports of maize, wheat and sorghum, which are sold at subsidised prices.

East and South East Asia: Pakistan, which was exporting large volumes of wheat, mostly wheat flour, to Afghanistan at the start of the 2007/08 season, has now banned private wheat exports to Afghanistan and imposed a 35 percent duty on wheat and wheat product exports; it is also purchasing wheat on world markets. Malaysia will soon be introducing plans to increase production of wheat flour to meet domestic demand, while Indonesia has removed a five percent duty on wheat imports and suspended a 10 percent duty on imported soybeans. The Mongolian government removed value-added tax from imported wheat and flour on 1 January 2008.The FAO has started holding a series of expert meetings on the world food security situation in the run-up to the June conference. "We hope to be able to come up with strategies to help governments cope with the situation," said Josserand.

• Africa: EU Deepens Support for Africa: Accra Mail (Accra):15 February 2008.

Members of the European Union have begun ratifying a Joint Strategy for Africa adopted last December to be implemented through series of action plans in eight key policy priority areas.The Joint Strategy provides a shift from the individual member partnership

33 arrangements with African countries to a collective form of partnership with Africa to handle multiple dimension of relationship in an integrated manner.

Briefing the media on the new EU-Africa Strategic Partnership, Mr. Pierre Jacquemot, the French Ambassador to Ghana said the first action plan of the Joint Strategy structured around the eight areas add value to existing cooperation. The eight areas include, peace and security, democratic governance and human rights, trade and regional integration, Millennium Development Goals, energy, climate change, migration, mobility and employment and science, information and space.Mr Jacquemot said the implementation would be supported by existing financial instruments and by the EU financial institutions. In 2006, Ghana received budgetary support for road infrastructure and rural development which was over 600 million dollars.

This year, the Union together with European Commission was committing over 700 million dollars to Ghana representing about 50 per cent of all donor support from the country's development partners. Explaining the implementation mechanism of Joint Strategy, Mr. Jacquemot said in order to promote African ownership of the process in the implementation of the selected priority areas, Africa would establish an institutional architecture and implementation mechanism that would reflect the ambition and drive behind the partnership. Some of the mechanisms he mentioned were; establishing more contacts between presidents of EU and AU institutions, mapping of an existing European and African civil society networks and hold an EU summit to review the results of the first action plan.Mr Filiberto Sebregondi, Head of the EU delegation in Ghana, speaking on EU bilateral relations with Ghana said the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) process was ongoing and that Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire who signed the interim agreement were expected to reach full EPA in 2009.He said the EPAs basically covered a set of agreements on reciprocal market access between the EU and countries in Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP).Mr Sebregondi said the EPA would strengthen regional integration and bring genuine development to African countries. According to him, the agreement was better than the status quo under Cotonou Partnership Agreement as it contained more favourable rules of origin, which would boost the local industry. “It is a 100 per cent market access offer, quota free and duty free by the European Union," he said.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

Africa: UN injects $2 million Towards African Governance: BuaNews (Tshwane):17 February 2008.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has allocated an amount of $2 million for a programme aimed at supporting African countries to strengthen and deepen African Public Sector and Governance Reforms.

The Steering Committee of the 5th Pan African Conference of Ministers on Public/Civil Service on Friday approved the consolidated Work Plans and Implementation Strategy for the Preparatory Assistance Programme.The Steering Committee intends to advance

34 the objectives of capacity building and the transformation of the African public service. “This money will be used to fund prioritised high impact activities within the African Governance and Public Administration Programme," said Minister of Public Service and Administration Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi on Friday. The minister - in her capacity as Chairperson of the conference, chaired the Steering Committee Meeting on the Preparatory Assistance programme for the African Governance and Public Administration Programme (AGPAP). The AGPAP is driven by African Ministers of Public/Civil Service which operates within the overall structure of the African Union (AU).In her address, Ms Fraser-Moleketi said: "This continental Governance and Public Administration programme is about transforming the African public service through a collective effort to support capacity building initiatives around the continent. "These Ministerial gatherings present us with an important platform to pull our resources and collectively resolve to confront the many challenges we face on the continent." She added that the Ministerial Bureau plays an important role in providing continued leadership to the continental programme and said the committee would make use of the opportunity given to it to share and exchange information. "These include developing coordination mechanisms between continental, sub-regional and national programmes for public service transformation and building the African Management Development Institute's Network (AMDIN) as a vehicle for capacity development, developing long term African governance and public service transformation as well as building coordinated and integrated capacity development strategies," she said. Supporting the African Governance and Administration Programme of the All Africa Conference of Ministers for Public/Civil Service is in alignment with the UNDP Capacity Development Strategy for Africa. The Preparatory Assistance Grant by the UNDP includes the development of long term support to the AGPAP for the period 2008-2011 and to provide effective support to the implementation of urgent activities under the AGPAP.According to the Ministry for Public Service and Administration, the meeting allocated over $700 000 for the work of AMDIN, which is regarded as a major player in the development of public administration capacity across the African continent. In addition, money has been set aside to enhance public sector innovation across the continent through an Awards Programme as well as to facilitate a process that will see the current African Public Service Charter ratified as an official AU document that will commit all member states to adherence of its clauses. The work of the Ministers' Conference under the AGPAP comprises eight thematic areas. To ensure ownership and buy-in by member states, several African countries have been tasked to champion different thematic areas of the programme.The Steering Committee meeting comprises the AU Commission, South Africa which chairs the Africa Governance and Public Administration Programme, Mauritius as the Champion for All- Africa Public Service Innovation Awards, Algeria as Champion for Africa Public Service Charter, Namibia as the Champion for Africa Public Service Day and Nigeria as Champion for Anti-Corruption, AMDIN and NEPAD.

• Africa: Bush Calls For Free Polls in Zimbabwe: allAfrica.com:18 February 2008.

35 U.S. President George W. Bush used visits to Benin and Tanzania at the weekend to call for free and fair elections in Zimbabwe, to support a power-sharing deal in Kenya and to reiterate that the United States will help transport peacekeepers to Darfur.

While his trip to five African countries is concentrating on American aid and development initiatives, Bush and State Department officials have also faced questions from journalists about his administration's commitment to conflict resolution on the continent. Speaking to the press in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, Bush said he had spoken to President Jakaya Kikwete, the incoming president of the African Union, about the situation in Zimbabwe ahead of elections scheduled for next month. His remarks were published in White House transcripts. “There’s no doubt," Bush said, "the people of Zimbabwe deserve a government that serves their interest, and recognizes their basic human rights, and holds free and fair elections. “Both in Benin and Tanzania, Bush discussed his dispatch of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Nairobi on Monday. She was going to support the mediation led by former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Bush said, and would carry "a clear message that there be no violence and that there ought to be a power-sharing agreement."

In Dar es Salaam, he said he and Rice discussed with Kikwete "how best can we help the process, not what we should do to dictate to the process, but what can American do to help the process move along."

On Sudan, Bush said the U.S. had probably been the first country to describe what had happened in Darfur as genocide. He said the U.S. "will help facilitate" the movement of peacekeepers to Darfur.At a meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, on Friday, he said he had told current UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that "we want to help you, but you must make sure we have a robust force ready to go." Dealing with a major purpose of Bush's visit to Tanzania, the signing of a development package worth nearly U.S. $700 million, Bush and Kikwete exchanged favourable views of one another in frank public language. Kikwete alluded to Bush's unpopularity over the Iraq War.

"Different people may have different views about you and your administration and your legacy," he said. "We in Tanzania, if we are to speak for ourselves and for Africa, we know for sure that you, Mr. President, and your administration, have been good friends of our country and... of Africa... Rest assured that you will be remembered for many generations to come..."For his part, Bush spoke of why the U.S. was giving such heavy backing to Tanzania. "I'll just put it bluntly," he said, according to the White House transcript. "America doesn't want to spend money on people who steal the money from the people. We like dealing with honest people and compassionate people."

• Africa: AU Seeks Delay On Sea Limits: New Era (Windhoek):18 February 2008.

The African Union Assembly has called on member states to submit a recommendation for postponement of the May 12, 2009 deadline for the submission of claims for the extension of limits of their continental shelf.A continental shelf is the entire sea bed over

36 which a country has jurisdiction and it includes the submerged platform, the pronounced downward slope, seaward of the platform, the gentle decline found between the slope and deep ocean floor and also all that which may lie within the 200 nautical mile limit.

The AU Assembly said the May 12 deadline should be postponed for another 10 years. The Assembly underscores the need to speed up the process and to adopt an Africa common position on this issue," said the Assembly in its decision taken last year.

The delineation of the continental shelf requires urgent attention because the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea states that the juridical continental shelf can under geological conditions be delineated up to a maximum 350 nautical miles measured from the territorial sea bed.In this regard, coastal states are expected to submit geophysical data describing the shape of the continental shelf, the sediment thickness and the location of the foot of the slope of the continental shelf.Within the framework of the UNCLOS, coastal states are expected to submit the data by May 13, 2009 as the only way to ensure financial and binding boundaries of a state's jurisdiction, control of economic development policies for known and as yet unknown natural resources and environmental, management and protection of maritime protected areas.

The AU made the decision conscious of the major geopolitical and strategic stakes linked to the African continental shelf and of its abundant mineral and biological resources, which constitute an important source of foreign currency earnings for the economic development of the continent.The continental shelf is rich in living natural resources such as fish, sharks, marine mammals, sponges, jelly fish, sea stars, molluscs, crabs and shrimp.

The shelf is also rich in oil, gas, minerals, sand, gravel and geothermal energy.

"The seabed has geological features, habitats, marine plants, bacteria mats and hydrates. All these are important natural resources which benefit coastal states in Sub-Saharan Africa," said a response on the Internet on the importance of the continental shelf in Sub- Saharan Africa.

EAST AFRICA

• Africa: Only 24 African Countries Have Ratified Protocol for Human Rights Court: Hirondelle News Agency (Lausanne) ;18 February 2008.

Only about half of the member states of the African Union (AU) have ratified the Protocol establishing the African Human Rights Court whose seat is in Arusha, according to the Court's President, Professor Gerard Niungeko.

"Out of the 53 member states of AU that are also party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, only 24 member states have so far ratified the Protocol," he said in his address to the Tanganyika Law Society annual meeting over the weekend.

37 Regrettably, he added, it was only Burkina Faso which has issued declaration accepting the Court's competence to entertain cases from individuals and NGOs."There is therefore an urgent need for the Court and its stakeholders to undertake a massive campaign for African states to ratify the Protocol and issue the declaration necessary to enable individuals and non-governmental organizations to approach the Court with their cases," he stressed. Among early countries which have ratified the Protocol include Rwanda, which had seen one of the worst killings of the modern century in 1994. According to the United Nations estimates, about 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were butchered in the April-July bloodbath. Tanzania, regarded as an African model of justice and democracy, ratified the Protocol in February l2006, which paved the way for it to host the Court. Kenya, which has recently seen post-election violence, has also endorsed it.

Other countries are: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cote d'Ivoire, Comoros, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Libya and Lesotho.

Others are :Madagascar,Mozambique,Mauritania,Mauritius,Nigeria,Niger, Rwanda,South Africa,Senegal,Tanzania,Togo,Tunisia and Uganda.

Prof. Niungeko said that the Court, unlike other organs of AU, "is empowered to give binding judgements which are enforceable against parties." The Court is currently in the process of firmly stabling itself in Arusha with the support of the Tanzanian government, he said, adding that recruitment of its staff was underway. According to the Court's President, experts have been very busy drafting the rules and would be ready to effectively receive any applications for adjudication in coming months.Prof Niungeko said that the Court's emergence was in the right direction, underlining that entrenchment of human rights culture in Africa was "appropriate environment for the development of the rule of law at the national level, as well as at the continental level."

The Court was established by the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Protocol adopted by members states in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in June 1998. The Protocol entered into force in January 2004.The Court started its operations in Addis Ababa in November 2006 but moved to its permanent seat in Arusha in August, last year.It is only the President of the Court who is engaged as full-time and permanently resident at the Court's Headquarters. The other ten judges work part-time.

• Africa: Farmers Told to Exploit Soaring Coffee Prices:New Vision (Kampala) :18 February 2008.

AFRICAN farmers can exploit the soaring prices of coffee on the international market if they produce high-quality beans.

"We need to tackle the issues of productivity particularly for the small-scale growers. We need to invest not only in facilities and equipment but also in skills across the coffee value chain," Erastus Mwencha, the secretary general of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), said. “Overall, we need to enhance the competitiveness

38 of the region's coffee industry and address individually as countries, and collectively as a region, the policy issues that may be negatively impacting on competitiveness," Mwencha said at the fifth African Fine Coffee Conference in Kampala recently.

He said total coffee exports from the COMESA region to the rest of the world jumped to $807m during 2007 from $271m in 2001.Mwencha said intra-COMESA trade in coffee was worth $52.18m in 2006, an increase of 23.6% from $42.19m 2005.With a population of 400 million, he said the COMESA region could have a vibrant coffee market.Mwencha said increased domestic consumption of coffee would not only result into additional revenue to coffee farmers but also help cushion against income losses that arise from volatilities on the international market. Joseph Taguma, the chairman of Eastern Africa Fine Coffee Association, the organisers of the conference, said although Africa produces the world's finest coffees, little is consumed by Africans. The conference brought together delegates from Africa, the US, Europe and Japan with an objective of promoting business linkages.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• REFUGEES AND MIGRATION WEST AFRICA

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Zimbabwe: 5 Refugees Dead, 36 Injured in SA Border Accident: SW Radio Africa (London): 18 February 2008.

Zimbabwe Exiles Forum (ZEF) in South Africa said that i that 5 deportees died and 36 were injured in an accident while they were in transit on Saturday. The accident occurred between Musina and Beitbridge and it involved a truck owned by South Africa's Department of Home Affairs, which was transporting mainly women refugees back to Zimbabwe. The 36 injured were admitted to a hospital in Musina. Most were treated and released, except for 6 women and two children who are still in hospital.

ZEF director Gabriel Shumba said the deceased have not been identified and their relatives have still not been informed. Shumba said that he had been at the border at Beitbridge with other ZEF officials from Thursday until Friday. They were monitoring reports of an increased military presence at the border and in Musina. The accident happened a day after they left. Details of the accident were provided to ZEF by their partner organization, the Musina Legal Advice Center. Shumba said he noticed that there was an increased number of South African soldiers at the border. They normally do not get involved in rounding up refugees, but according to Shumba they were making arrests. He described the town of Musina as "a hive of activity" as many more people are streaming into South Africa.Shumba believes the sudden increase is related to the March 29th elections in Zimbabwe. He said it also appears the South Africa government is nervous about an increased outpouring of refugees from Zimbabwe, due to the violence that usually comes with elections. The ZEF criticized South African immigration officials at the border for failing to advise Zimbabweans applying for asylum about their rights.

39 Shumba said he has been involved in several cases where the applicants had been denied asylum at the border without being informed that they had a 14-day period to apply before being sent back to Zimbabwe. According to Shumba the treatment of Zimbabwean refugees by South African authorities is "inhuman." He said he also found it "very callous" that to date, no officials from the South African government had offered any statements of sympathy to the families of the deceased. The incident highlights the difficult plight Zimbabwean refugees continue to face in South Africa. Last month South African police raided a church shelter in Johannesburg late at night, arresting 1,500 refugees, mostly Zimbabweans. The police were accused of using excessive force during the raid and forcing arrested victims to pay bribes for their freedom. As we reported, an independent investigation is underway. There have also been several protests at the South African Embassy demanding better treatment of refugees.Shumba urged all Zimbabweans in the diaspora who can go home to vote on March 29th to make sure that they do so. He said his organization and many others are engaged in educating Zimbabweans about the importance of going home to vote. This is part of the "Get out the Vote Campaign" launched in Johannesburg last week.

EAST AFRICA

• Sudan: Bombing Blocks Access to New Refugees: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 20 February 2008.

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) is warning that its teams in eastern Chad that have been providing assistance to 10,000 newly arrived refugees from Sudan's West Darfur region have been forced to withdraw because of aerial bombing across the border, close to where the refugees are located.

"Aerial bombing overnight and this morning in West Darfur, Sudan, close to the border with Chad, has forced UNHCR to withdraw its team caring for newly arrived refugees in the Birak area away from the insecure border," UNHCR spokesperson Jennifer Pagonis said in a statement on 19 February. According to the latest UNHCR figures, 10,000 new refugees have fled into Chad since 8 February. The majority of the new arrivals had already been internally displaced in Sudan, the agency said, following an assessment mission over the weekend. Most of the refugees are in Figuera in eastern Chad, 90 km south of the Koumoungou camp in the town of Guéréda, with smaller numbers in Birak, Djanje and Korok also close to the border. On 11 February Chadian Prime Minister Nouradine Delwa Kassiré Coumakoye said the government would refuse entry to any new Sudanese refugees. On 15 February armed men blocked UNHCR from loading newly arrived refugees onto trucks to move them to camps inland away from the border.

"For protection and security the refugees need to be moved urgently away from the border," Pagonis reiterated on 19 February, without mentioning why the government is opposed to moving the refugees. "We are still discussing the transfer to existing camps near Guéréda with the Chadian authorities." Newly arrived refugees say aerial bombing in West Sudan was still continuing on 19 February and explosions could be heard from across the border in Chad, Pagonis said. "More arrivals are still expected and with the

40 fresh bombing we can expect more displacement in West Darfur." Most of the new arrivals fled bombings around camps for internally displaced camps in West Darfur, according to UNHCR. "A group of women the UNHCR team interviewed on Monday said they tried to return to Silea in West Darfur to collect household goods but were stopped from returning by the Sudanese army or the Janjaweed milita," Pagonis noted. While waiting to be transferred to camps further inland, some of the refugees have received one-off distributions of blankets, water cans, mats, soap and plastic sheeting, as well as high energy food for malnourished children.

Accessing water is "difficult" at the border, Pagonis said, with some refugees having to walk several hours a day to find enough to drink.

• Kenya: 1,500 Flock to Uganda Camps: The Nation (Nairobi):18 February 2008.

More than 1411 Kenyans who have fled the country after the eruption of post election violence have camped at a Ugandan camp, some 60km from Busia Town. Ms Yumiko Takashima, head of the UNHCR office in Uganda, said the refugees at the Mulanda Community Polytechnic Instructor's College came from as far as away Kibera slums in Nairobi, while others were from Eldoret, Mt Elgon, Busia, Malaba and Nakuru. Ms Takashima said those fleeing were of different ethnic backgrounds. He assured them that Mulanda was safe for all of them. "We have decided to set up temporary tents with the hope that peace will return in Kenya so that those who have been displaced can go back to their homes once negotiations that are being headed by former UN boss Kofi Annan are complete," she said.

Ms Takashima said there are enough food, but there was concern over the health facilities, saying they were being compelled to take patients to Tororo, about 20 kilometres away. Ms Takashima said sanitation, child protection, HIV and Aids and security committees, all headed by refugees, had been formed at the camp to address any problems that may arise. Save the Children has recruited some of the displaced teachers so that they can teach nursery and primary school pupils, but no one has come up to assist those in secondary schools.

Seem uncomfortable: On the other hand, the Mulanda villagers seem uncomfortable with the refugees, expressing fears over insecurity and social evils. “We want UNHCR to confine the refugees in those camps. We fear that when they are allowed to walk around, they may engage in criminal activities as well as promote prostitution," said David Ssemaga.The allegations are dismissed by members of the camp security team who sought anonymity. They claimed it was the villagers who were taking advantage of their plight to harass them.There should be no security concern since all refugees are normally in their camps by 11pm and Ugandan police patrol the area to ensure that no refugee is out past midnight, the team said.

• Kenya: Repatriation of IDPs Criticised: The East African Standard (Nairobi):16 February 2008.

41 THE Government has come under fire over its repatriation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their rural homes.

Kenya Human Rights Commission Director, Ms Nduta Kwaheria Friday said the displaced should not be forced to go back to their ancestral homes. She said the repatriations contradict Government's assertions that Kenyans are free to live anywhere. “The camps must not be closed without respecting the humanitarian laws and the State has the duty to safe guard and respect the interest of IDPs, " Nduta said. She said some displaced persons are not ready to move to their rural homes because they are very poor. "You cannot repatriate one who has been impoverished by the violence. This will only aggravate poverty," she said.Nduta was speaking at a joint press conference with Community Based Organisations (CBO) working in the IDP camps. The CBOs accused the Government of neglecting its duties to provide assistance to the victims. The group urged the international community to compel the Government to take care of the displaced persons.Nduta said the issue of IDPs has been swept under the carpet for too long and should dealt with once and for all. Meanwhile, manufacturer, Vestergaard Frandsen, has entered into a partnership with World Vision-Kenya to distribute 1,000 mosquito nets worth Sh500, 000 to displaced people. Under the deal, Vestergaard will supply treated mosquito nets while World Vision-Kenya will distribute the nets to various camps. The initiative targets children aged under five who are highly vulnerable to malaria. Speaking during a handover of the nets at the World Vision-Kenya offices in Karen, National Director for World Vision-Kenya, Mr Girma Bergashaw said the fight against malaria is still on.

Somalia: Violence Puts Some 2 Million People At Risk, Says UN: UN News Service (New York):13 February 2008.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that there are up to 2 million vulnerable people in need of humanitarian aid in war- wracked Somalia, which has not had a functioning government since 1991 and where fighting has intensified in recent months. In the capital Mogadishu, the number of people escaping the city to the poorest areas of the Horn of Africa nation has doubled to 700,000 in the last six months. At the same time, UN spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters in New York the "constrained movement of aid workers" is causing concern. The transport and delivery of crucial items such as food is being impeded by roadblocks, taxes and banditry, which are also responsible for a surge in numbers of people needing assistance. In late January, three staff members of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)- Holland were killed in the southern port city of Kismayo when their car was hit by a roadside bomb outside the town of Kismayo. A Somali journalist, Hassan Kafi Hared, as well as a Somali boy, was also reportedly killed in the blast.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Chad: Shelter, Medical Attention for Refugees: Inter Press Service (Johannesburg):19 February 2008.

42 The situation of thousands of Chadian refugees who have fled to the north Cameroonian town of Kousseri continues to be a source of concern to aid workers, although the picture is not uniformly dismal.

"There are very few cases of malnutrition," said Jacques Franquin, resident representative in Cameroon for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Sanitation requirements for the refugees are also being met, overall. However, cases of trauma, malaria, diarrhoea and skin sores have been noted, along with respiratory ailments. At least 30,000 Chadians travelled to Kousseri after an alliance of three rebel groups attacked Chad's capital, N'Djamena, earlier this month in a bid to overthrow President Idriss Deby. The head of state stands accused of repression, misusing his country's oil wealth and unduly favouring members of his own ethnic group, the Zagawa.Kousseri is separated from the outlying areas of N'Djamena by the Chari river, which is spanned by a bridge that can be crossed on foot and by car. The refugees were largely without shelter upon their arrival, and at the mercy of the harmattan -- a cold, dry wind that lashes northern Cameroon at this time of year as it blows westwards from the Sahara. After about a fortnight, however, they were moved with the help of Cameroonian authorities to two transit sites, namely the College of Teachers and General Education and the technical college in the Madana area of Kousseri.

Maltam, a town 32 kilometres from Kousseri, in the interior of Cameroon, was designated as the resettlement site for the refugees, and efforts to move them to this area began Saturday."The operation will last about seven days. On Friday, we pre-registered 4,645 families. It's not certain that all these people will go to Maltam. We are busy putting up tents for 10,000 people, about 4,000 to 5,000 tents," Franquin told IPS.

A French non-governmental organisation, Première urgence (Top Priority), has provided tarpaulins to serve as sleeping mats for refugees. "They are big, plastic tarpaulins, eight metres by 12. The are thick...and waterproof. At the same time, we built communal shelters," Damien Laporte, head of the Première urgence team, told IPS.The UNHCR estimates that up to 75 percent of the refugees are women and children. By last week, about 60 cases of orphaned children had been registered. “They are currently housed by an association. The United Nations system is providing them with nutritional support. There will be a site just for them, where they will receive psycho-social support through the creation of a play area while waiting to see the measures that will have to be taken for their education," Abdellahi Boumediane of the Cameroonian office of the United Nations Children's Fund told IPS.Last Wednesday, the United Nations began a five-day immunisation campaign for children, with 2,234 children aged five and under vaccinated against polio on the first day, and 4,503 others aged six to 15 against measles. Elsewhere, vitamin A was distributed to 2,239 children aged six months to five years. A hygiene campaign to limit the spread of disease has also been started. Despite the remote location of Kousseri, more than a dozen aid groups are now providing assistance concerning the refugees, some of whom are said to have returned to N'Djamena. Rebels briefly managed to take control of several parts of the capital, but were later forced to retreat to their bases in eastern Chad -- this after French forces came to the assistance of government. While Kousseri has become the main destination for residents of N'Djamena trying to escape

43 clashes in the city, other Cameroonian towns such as Maroua, capital of the Far North province, and even Yaoundé -- the national capital -- have also taken in refugees. Not all refugees are in camps, however. Some are now mixing with the residents of Kousseri, according to a Cameroonian police officer. These are believed to include members of the Chadian army and rebel groups, raising security concerns on the part of local authorities. Several meetings are taking place between U.N. officials responsible for security at the refugee sites and Cameroonian authorities to discuss ways of preventing violence -- politically-motivated or otherwise -- from breaking out. At least 160 civilians were killed during the clashes in N'Djamena, according to the United Nations. About 1,000 people were reported injured. The conflict in Chad has wide-ranging regional implications, notably concerning its potential to disrupt efforts at ending civil war in the west Sudanese region of Darfur; this conflict began five years ago.Deby's government is believed to support the Darfur rebels, some of whom reportedly come from the president's ethnic group. Sudan's government, in turn, is accused of backing the Chadian rebels as a counter-measure.

• HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL ISSUES

WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Journalist Arrested While Investigating Murder, Still Detained 12 Days Later: Reporters sans Frontières (Paris): PRESS RELEASE: 19 February 2008.

RSF calls for the release of Tunde Raheem, "The Sun" newspaper's correspondent in the southwestern state of Ondo, who has been held by police in the neighbouring state of Ekiti since 6 February 2008."It seems that Raheem fell into a trap while trying to verify information he received about a murder," the press freedom organisation said. "We call on the Ekiti state authorities to immediately release this journalist, who was just doing his job, and to carry out an investigation into this murky affair."Raheem arranged a meeting on 6 February with Kehinde Agbele, a professor at Ado-Ekiti public university, in order to check out information he had been sent that seemed to implicate Agbele in a murder. In the course of the meeting, he realised Agbele was the victim of an intrigue and advised him to lodge a complaint with the police. But Agbele accused Raheem of trying to trap him, and he had Raheem arrested.Held on the orders of the Ekiti state police commissioner, Raheem explained that he was just doing his job, which was to verify information he received. But he has still not been released. His fellow journalists have been trying to get him freed on bail, but so far without success.

• Nigeria: Anambra Drama - Andy Uba Now Governor-in-Waiting: Leadership (Abuja):19 February 2008.

44 The Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu has returned Chief Andy Uba as the duly elected governor of Anambra State. But he has to wait till 2010, after the tenure of Governor Peter Obi, to assume office. Upholding Uba's appeal, the appellate election tribunal said the lower tribunal acted beyond the reliefs sought before it by the petitioners in the state's 2007 governorship election. The lower tribunal had in its ruling on July 19, 2007, on the separate petitions brought to it by eight candidates in the election declared that the gubernatorial election in the state was a nullity in the light of the Supreme Court judgment of June 14, 2007. The apex court had declared that the Anambra State gubernatorial seat was not vacant, affirming that Governor Obi had a four-year tenure. Consequently, the lower tribunal, based on the Supreme Court's decision, had declared the April 14, 2007 gubernatorial election, "the subsequent inauguration and any step taken in furtherance of the said election a nullity. “But in his appeal against the lower tribunal's judgment, Uba sought the relief of the upper tribunal to set aside in its entirety the ruling/decision of the lower tribunal; an order directing that he be restored to the position he was before the decision, namely, "The winner of the election and the duly elected governor of Anambra State in the gubernatorial election held on April 14, 2007; an order that he remains the duly elected governor of Anambra State until his election is properly nullified or sustained by the fresh panel of the tribunal that will consider the petition on its merit", among other reliefs.However, the Court of Appeal tribunal, in a unanimous decision, said the lower tribunal acted wrongly by going beyond the matter before it and relied on the Supreme Court verdict, which was just declaratory. The tribunal, in the unanimous judgment read by Justice Dongban Menseu, said the lower tribunal was bound by the averments of the parties in the case, and that it was a breach of fair hearing to have given judgment on what was not canvassed before the lower tribunal. Justice Mensen said the lower tribunal was not properly guided to know that the decision of the Supreme Court in the Peter Obi case was self-explanatory and self-executory, adding that where a court lacks jurisdiction as in the present instance, the proper thing to do was to strike out the case as prayed by the petitioner, hence the lower tribunal erred in law in nullifying the petitions and the cross petitions, which ought to have been dealt with separately. It therefore held that there was merit in Uba's appeal against the lower tribunal's judgment and allowed it to hold, setting aside the lower court's verdict, and declaring that the petitions of the other eight gubernatorial candidates in the said election were the same, of the same facts and that they were caught by the same ultra vires principle

• Sierra Leone: Special Court Convenes International Conference to Consider Residual Issues: Special. (Freetown): PRESS RELEASE: 19 February 2008.

The Special Court is convening an international conference this week to consider “residual issues” that will need to be addressed after the Court ends its judicial activities

45 and physically closes down. On February 20 and 21, Special Court officials and members of the Special Court’s Management Committee will be joined in Freetown by UN Security Council representatives, Sierra Leone government officials, diplomats, legal experts, human rights workers, and members of civil society from Sierra Leone and around the world. The conference will be opened by the President of Sierra Leone, H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma. Delegates will be welcomed by Hon. Justice George Gelaga King, the President of the Special Court. It will be co-chaired by the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations, and was made possible by a financial contribution from the Government of Canada.Questions the conference will consider include identifying a specific mechanism to prosecute indictee Johnny Paul Koroma should he surface after the lifespan of the Court. Mr. Koroma’s whereabouts are unknown, and it is not known whether he is still alive.The conference will also consider issues arising from the enforcement of sentences, how requests for a review of a judgement would be handled, and how witnesses who testified before the Special Court will be protected after the Court closes. Delegates will discuss matters relating to Special Court’s archives.“This is the first time such a conference has been convened by international court to find solutions to these problems,” said Special Court Registrar Herman von Hebel. “It is taking place here in Sierra Leone because the Special Court is closer to completing its mandate than are the other tribunals,”He noted that among the experts attending this week’s conference are officials from the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), and the International Criminal Court (ICC).“The issues we deal with here will eventually confront every international court as it ends its work,” Mr. von Hebel said. “This conference therefore marks a significant milestone in international justice.”

The Special Court is an independent tribunal established jointly by the United Nations and the Government of Sierra Leone. It is mandated to bring to justice those who bear the greatest responsibility for atrocities committed in Sierra Leone after 30 November 1996

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Zimbabwe: Shortages Worsen As Zanu-PF Diverts Resources to Elections: SW Radio Africa (London); 19 February 2008.

As much as Zimbabweans would like their hardships to disappear when they cast their vote at the ballot box on March 29, it is the elections themselves that are now reportedly making the daily struggles even worse.

There are reports that the ruling party is diverting basic goods, already in short supply, to their election campaigns. Much needed supplies of mealie-meal and fuel were reportedly used by ZANU-PF candidates during the primaries. The party is also allegedly building stockpiles of goods to be used during the elections and for Robert Mugabe's birthday bash in Beitbridge on Saturday. Meanwhile life for ordinary Zimbabweans has become even more difficult. Journalist Angus Shaw described the conditions on the ground as

46 "appalling". He said groups of up to 40 workers meet as early as 5:00 a.m. so they can walk to work together because they cannot afford to pay for transportation. Many walk a distance of at least 15 kilometres to work. Shaw spoke to a security guard who quit his job recently because it was cheaper to stay at home rather than go to work. Petrol is selling at an average of Z$10 million per litre. An average trip to the city centre from the high-density areas of Harare costs about Z$4 million. A trip from Harare to the town of Murehwa, a distance of about 100 kilometres, costs Z$30 million. Despite all this, reports indicate that the government recently commandeered supplies of fuel from petrol stations for use in ZANU-PF campaigns. As for the daily food staple, mealie-meal, Shaw said there was some available in the shops briefly last week. This was due to a price reduction that had been announced by the National Pricing and Income Commission. This government appointed commission set the price of a 10 kg bag of "mealie" at Z$9 million. Shaw said the supplies did not last long and shortages are reported again in many areas. A report in a Monday bulletin from the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) said there was "widespread vote buying in Zanu PF" during the party's primary elections. Aspiring ZANU-PF candidates were allegedly selling scarce commodities such as soap, cooking oil and sugar to the electorate at heavily discounted prices. The ZESN report alleged that one government minister distributed free sports kits and money for school fees. Another minister is alleged to have promised scarce cellphone lines to voters. The report also said that the state Grain Marketing Board had "played an active role in the campaigns" by enticing voters, using corn meal. Some voters were allegedly given 50 kg bags of corn meal at a rally. Shaw said the entry of former finance minister Simba Makoni into the presidential race had brought some excitement about the elections, but mostly in intellectual circles. But ordinary Zimbabweans that the journalist speaks to at bus stops told him they would register a protest vote against government for destroying the economy.

• South Africa: Court Makes Evictions Tough for Cities; Business Day (Johannesburg):20 February 2008.

THE Constitutional Court has ruled that the City of Johannesburg could not evict thousands of tenants from the inner city unless adequate alternative accommodation had been considered, a ruling that makes it difficult for municipalities to evict tenants from derelict buildings.The ruling has been welcomed by civil society groups, but could present problems for larger municipalities, as they try to attract business and spruce themselves up for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.The case was brought by the Centre for Applied Legal Studies and Webber Wentzel Bowens on behalf of 400 residents who were about to be evicted after the city found that their buildings were a health and safety risk.The Constitutional Court said that before obtaining an eviction order from a court, a municipality had to show that it had engaged "meaningfully" with tenants, and considered whether tenants would be rendered homeless if evicted, whether the city could help alleviate those dire consequences, and whether the buildings could be made safe for an interim period.Judge Zak Yacoob criticised Johannesburg for failing to consult the tenants before evicting them. He dismissed argument that the sheer number of residents made it difficult to "meaningfully" engage with them all, saying the city should have appointed workers to meet the homeless when it adopted its City Regeneration strategy in

47 2003."Indeed, the larger the number of people potentially to be affected by eviction, the greater the need for structured, consistent and careful engagement. "Yacoob acknowledged the city's efforts to consult the 400 tenants and devise a housing plan after the Constitutional Court issued an interim order to that effect.The court found unconstitutional a section of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, which made it a crime to remain in a building after being ordered to leave by the city. Such an order had to be made by a court, the judges ruled.

EAST AFRICA

• Ethiopia: Over 300 Police Arrested for Rebel Links – Report; The Daily Monitor (Addis Ababa): 20 February 2008.

Over 300 police officers suspected of links with separatists rebels have been arrested in Ethiopia's restive Ogaden region in a government crackdown, AFP reported citing a state news agency. " Some 309 police officers suspected of having links with the anti-peace elements of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) have been apprehended," the report quoted Regional police commissioner Yussuf Mohammed as saying: It was not clear which state media was cited for the report. The report said Yussuf did not give a time span but said "rebel hideouts" and communication avenues had been "wiped out" by government forces. "We are in a position to completely destroy the ONLF in a very short period of time," he said.

Recent Ethiopian military campaign follows high-profile ONLF attacks in the region, including the April attack on the Chinese oil site at Obole and the May attacks on Jigjiga and Dhagahbur. ONLF forces have also been responsible for serious abuses. An April attack on Obole, an oil field in northern Somali region, reportedly killed dozens of civilians, including nine Chinese oil workers, and at least 28 civilians working on a farm in nearby Sandhore village. On May 28, ONLF fighters allegedly targeted two large gatherings in Jigjiga and Dhagahbur with hand grenades. The blasts, and the crowd stampedes that followed, killed 17 people and wounded dozens, including the regional president of Somali region. In a June 9 news conference, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi stated that the Ethiopian military was launching a "political and military operation to try to contain the activities of the ONLF.”

• Tanzania: Ex-Rwandan Minister Nzabonimana Arrested in Tanzania: Hirondelle News Agency (Lausanne) :19 February 2008.

Callixte Nzabonimana, a former Rwandan minister, wanted for the past seven years for his participation in the 1994 genocide, has been arrested in Tanzania, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) announced Tuesday. The spokesperson for the ICTR, Roland Amoussouga, disclosed to the Hirondelle Agency that the defendant, former Minister of Youth and Sports in the interim government in power during the

48 genocide, was arrested Monday in Kigoma, in western Tanzania. Fourteen of the 19 members of the government have been arrested by the ICTR. Of those that have been tried, four, including Prime Minister Jean Kambanda, were sentenced to life in prison and two were acquitted. According to the representative of Rwandan government to the ICTR, Mr. Aloys Mutabingwa, the arrest was "a big catch...I must appreciate the level of co-operation by the Tanzanian police to the ICTR." The ICTR Prosecutor, Justice Hassan Abubacar Jallow said:' this is a significant arrest given the profile and level of involvement in the genocide by the accused. Of the six most wanted people, Nzabonimana is the second to be arrested after Augustin Ngirabatware in Germany last September.A UN plane was sent yesterday afternoon and the accused was expected to be brought to the Special UN Detention Facility in Arusha Tuesday night, said Justice Jallow. Mr Nzabonimana is expected to make an initial appearance Wednesday. According to an indictment issued by the prosecutor, the accused played an important role in the massacres of Tutsis in Gitarama central Rwanda, his native region.

"He frequently visited mayors to organize massacres in their communes. Moreover, he personally traveled the Hills in company of peasants to be sure that the latter carried out well the orders which were given to them to kill Tutsis ", added the indictment.

The prosecution alleges that between April and July 1994, in Gitarama, the mayors who had refused to carry out the directives of the government to commit massacres of Tutsis or which had not shown zeal in the execution of these directives, as in other regions, were reprimanded or even sometimes physically abused before being dismissed or, worse, being physically eliminated."Thus, Nzabonimana, with the participation of the Interahamwe militiamen, MRND, publicly beat the mayor of Rutobwe in the offices of his commune. Moreover, the accused was the main person responsible for the changes to the mayors in Gitarama, being the only minister from this region and the one in charge of "pacification" stipulates the indictment.Nzabonimana formed part of the fugitives for which the US government had allotted bounty of up to five million US Dollars to whoever would offer information leading to their arrest. The accused was also known under the nicknames of Bwarayaze, Bangamwaza or Ephrem Kiloto. He was allegedly hiding in the dense forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and some speculated that he was already dead. The last arrest of a suspect was 16 October of the former sub-prefect of Gisagara, southern Rwanda, Dominique Ntawukuriryayo, in France. The case of his transfer to Arusha is before the French court. Since its creation in 1994, the ICTR has indicted 90 persons. 35 were tried and 27 accused persons are currently on trial. The UN has set a deadline of December 2008 to complete all first instance trials and 2010 for the appeals.

Uganda: Booze Killing Schools - Bushenyi Chief: New Vision (Kampala):19 February 2008.

THE Kabale RDC, Cox Nyakairu, has attributed declining education standards in the district to too much drinking of alcohol by teachers and parents. He said the vice has left some parents penniless so that they cannot afford scholastic materials for their children. Most can not afford to pack lunch and clean water for the children, too. Lack of

49 allowances for teachers was cited as a major setback to efforts to raise falling educational standards both primary and secondary schools.Nyakairu raised the concerns at an educational planning meeting of Ndorwa East primary schools recently.

CENTRAL AFRICA

Rwanda: U.S. Stresses Need for Reconciliation: The New Times (Kigali):20 February 2008.

U.S. President George W. Bush has emphasized the need for reconciliation in Rwanda following the 1994 Genocide, which claimed the lives of at least one million people. The American President was speaking yesterday shortly after touring Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre and laying a wreath at the museum. The centre, located in Gisozi, a Kigali City suburb, has the remains of over 250,000 Rwandans who were killed in the 1994 Genocide. “This is a moving place it is necessary for the world to understand what happened in Rwanda," Bush, flanked by his wife Laura, said. He said that what he saw (inside the memorial) demonstrates what people went through "especially the children who are always vulnerable in such situations."

This was Bush's first stop in the country immediately after his arrival at Kigali International Airport from Tanzania. Bush, who became the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Genocide Memorial Centre, also met with President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro, Kacyiru.In 1998, his predecessor Bill Clinton, visited Rwanda but this was before the completion of the genocide memorial site. Mr. Clinton apologized to the Rwandan people for his country's failure to stop the Genocide. However, after his presidency, Clinton has since made several trips to Rwanda and spent long hours in upcountry areas where his foundation is running philanthropic activities. Meanwhile, during his one-day visit, Bush also inaugurated the new multi-million-dollar complex housing the American Embassy in Kacyiru, Kigali, before visiting Lycee de Kigali in Rugunga, where he talked to students. Bush’s entourage also included Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who rejoined the President's trip after mediating talks in Kenya on Monday. Later yesterday, Bush moved on to his fourth stop on his second presidential African tour - in Ghana - from where he will go to Liberia, the last leg of the five-nation tour.He kicked off his six-day Africa visit with a stop in Benin

• Rwanda: Fund for Genocide Survivors Launched: The New Times (Kigali):20 February 2008.

A new fund to assist the 1994 Genocide survivors further their education, the Post Genocide Education Fund (PGEF), has been launched in the country.

The head of the Genocide survivors association, Ibuka, Théodore Simburudari, Sunday presided over the official launch of PGEF.One student was immediately awarded a scholarship by the fund and another two will be added this year.Ibuka and PGEF also signed a Memorandum of Understanding that aims at helping student Genocide survivors acquire further education.PGEF was co-founded by Dr Samuel Totten, a professor of

50 genocide studies at the University of Arkansas and Fayetteville in the US, and Rafiki Ubaldo, a Rwandan survivor of the 1994 Genocide who is also a student at Stockholm University in Sweden.The fund was established after discovering that many highly intelligent young Genocide survivors were being denied university education because their parents were killed during the Genocide. The organisation provides scholarships to universities for survivors wherever genocide occurred. Among the countries included in the programme are Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cambodia, Sudan (Darfur) and East Timor.Rafiki said survivors needed to be helped and that PGEF would continue sourcing for funds to help more Genocide orphans who were left without financial support to attend university. “In many cases most young people were forced to become heads of their households and had to work at menial jobs to provide shelter and food for their siblings and other family members," he said. On his part, Simburudari acknowledged the role played by the government of Rwanda saying it had continued to support Genocide survivors, most especially orphans and the vulnerable. However, he called for the establishment of a compensation fund for victims of the 1994 Genocide, which claimed the lives of an estimated one million people.

• HEALTH MATTERS (HIV/AIDS, TB, MALARIA) WEST AFRICA

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Namibia: Govt Crafts Alcohol Policy: New Era (Windhoek); 20 February 2008.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services and its partners yesterday met to amend and update the draft demand reduction policy on alcohol use and misuse. The policy is in keeping with the World Health Organisation and the World Bank which have agreed that a comprehensive set of measures to reduce the harmful use of alcohol remains the most effective approach to reduce alcohol use and its related negative effects. Minister of Health, Dr Richard Kamwi, said the draft policy will serve as a national guiding document for legislative reforms and will inform appropriate national responses to the problem. He said the policy would regulate alcohol consumption to a point of moderation. The policy arose from concerns that most Namibians believe that drinking 10 units of alcohol at a single occasion is acceptable. A baseline study in 2002 found that 56 percent of Namibia's population consumes more than 10 litres of alcohol per session and those that drink did it excessively. A UNICEF issue paper last year said children started drinking alcohol at the age of 10 years, while 32 percent of 10 to 14 year olds learnt to drink from their parents and guardians. Alcohol is responsible for depression, injuries, cirrhosis, dependence and family disruptions and loss of productivity, domestic violence and murders. In 2006, 1064 patients were admitted to hospitals due to stab wounds related to alcohol use, 443 had cirrhosis, 1523 suffered from mental disorders, 331were admitted for psycho-active substances, while 219 died from gunshot wounds - all related to alcohol misuse.Statistics of drinking and driving have also shot up by 200 percent, while 68 percent of suicides were prompted by alcohol use.The policy will look into aspects of availability, accessibility, prevention and treatment. Kamwi said the policy would provide a good framework for reversing the negative trend of alcohol abuse in the

51 country."Worldwide surveys show that the lower the average alcohol consumption of a country, the less personnel and societal harm there is from alcohol abuse," he said.World Health Organisation Representative, Dr Madga Robalo, said a well-articulated policy would include measures such as control, supply and demand to minimise alcohol-related harm and promote public health.But she said other factors such as level of production, political liberalisation and marketing also influenced consumption.She said one of the important factors to be discussed in terms of the policy was alcohol advertising by the industry."While much research on the impact of alcohol marketing and advertising is not conclusive, increasing evidence can be found that exposure shapes positive perceptions of drinking and can increase heavier drinking."Therefore, it seems that restrictions on advertising and sponsorship should be part of a comprehensive alcohol policy, especially when it is targeted at young people," said Robalo.She said the policy should include measures that educate the public on the dangers of alcohol use, interventions focussing on treating and punishing those who put their lives and others at risk.UNICEF Acting Country Representative, Madhavi Ashok, said Namibians need an empowering process for them to make choices especially in the face of advertising and messages that give young people the impressions that 'alcohol is cool'.Ashok added that responsible drinking also entailed taking action that ensures that people buy necessities first before they purchase alcohol. Policy advisor to the Australian government, Dr Keith Evans, said the policy should acknowledge the rights of people who have chosen not to drink and encourage those that drink to do so responsibly. About 35000 formal and informal jobs have been created in the alcohol industry, thus contributing about N$1.2 billion of the total national income from the manufacturing industry.

• Africa: Continent Needs Access to Affordable Medicine: BuaNews (Tshwane):19 February 2008.

Health Minister Manito Tshabalala-Msimang has called on the continent's health industry to improve access to affordable medicine. “Access to healthcare is a constitutional right for all citizens of this continent. Pharmaceuticals play a significant role in attaining this goal," Minister Tshabalala-Msimang said, at the African Union Technical Committee conference held in Benoni.

She said the local manufacturing of drugs would only result in the desired outcome if issues of affordability, effective and efficient distribution channels and quality were addressed. Attended by Local and international pharmaceutical experts, the aim of the two-day conference is to review a plan that will look at the manufacturing of drugs in Africa. The minister said, if African production of generic drugs is given the go-ahead, producers will need to seek permission from the World Trade Organisation to trade the drugs across borders. In April 2004, South Africa established a medical research unit to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of traditional African medicines. The unit was also responsible to develop new remedies for chronic conditions, safeguard indigenous knowledge and provide consumer information and protection.The Institute for African Traditional Medicines researches and evaluates African traditional medicines and explores their potential to help address the health and economic needs of the country and the continent. The opening of the institute was the result of a research programme

52 initiated by the Health Department and the Medical Research Council to test the effectiveness and safety of traditional medicines. The institute also protects people from unscrupulous conduct and unproven medical claims within the traditional healing sector. In 2004, the World Health Organisation estimated that about 80 percent of Africans were using traditional medicines in comparison to 60 percent of the world's population in general. The WHO also indicates that there are about 200 000 traditional healers practising in South Africa. Although modern medicines are available in most countries on the continent, traditional medicines have often remained popular for historical and cultural reasons. It has stated that traditional medicines need to be evaluated for safety and effectiveness before they can be incorporated into, or excluded from, national health policies. The conference was attended by about 100 delegates, including experts from the World Intellectual Property Organisation, African Regional Industrial Property Organisation, representatives from the WHO, United Nations and local experts in pharmaceuticals.

EAST AFRICA

CENTRAL AFRICA

• ENERGY WEST AFRICA

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• South Africa: Govt Budgets R2 Billion to Alternative Energy:BuaNews (Tshwane):20 February 2008.

The global movement towards the generation of green power is greater then ever, and as such, government is committing R2 billion to alternative energy initiatives over the next three years. “We are also setting aside R2 billion over the next three years to support programmes aimed at encouraging more efficient use of electricity, generation from renewable sources, installation of electricity-saving devices and co-generation projects," said Finance Minister Trevor Manuel.

Addressing Parliament in his Budget Speech 2008, Mr Manuel made reference to the letters forwarded to him as part of the annual Tips for Trevor campaign. Thanking the general public for their letters of advice, he made particular reference to 244 South Africans who suggested a number of options for encouraging South Africans to be more energy efficient. “Let me express a word of thanks to 244 South Africans who have sent me advice on options for encouraging energy efficiency on building standards, subsiding solar powered geysers, supporting the replacement of incandescent light-bulbs or reducing unnecessary energy use, in government offices, in mines and factories, in ordinary homes," he said. Over the past two months up until recently, the state power utility - Eskom - had been carrying out daily schedules of load-shedding in order to deal with dwindling electricity supply, forcing many businesses and organisations to invest in diesel generators to continue functioning. The industrial and services sector, including Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) have been some of the worst affected

53 over the load-shedding period.Mr Manuel said there have been some appeals for financial assistance in purchasing electricity generators, as some businesses operating on a slim profit margin were teetering on the brink of closing shop. "But several correspondents have also pointed out that subsiding fossil-fuel burning generators would send the wrong message in the light of the environmental considerations. "We have an opportunity over the decade ahead to shift the structure of our economy towards greater energy efficiency, and more responsible use of our natural gases and relevant resource-based knowledge and expertise. “Our economic growth over the next decade and beyond cannot be built ion the same principles and technology, the same energy systems and the same transport modes that we are familiar with today," Mr Manuel said. Government’s National Recovery Plan, involves amongst other things, the rationing of power for a number of years in order to free up power and contain electricity constraints as the country heads towards winter in the coming months. Speaking at a briefing at Megawatt Park recently, Eskom's Chief Executive Jacob Maroga said they had received assurances from their biggest industrial consumers that they would reduce electricity consumption by 10 percent.Mr Maroga also indicated that the utility was considering a power buy back initiative where Eskom would buy excess megawatts back from industrial consumers and put that power back into the national grid. Economists and analysts have raised concern about the possible impact the country's power challenges - coupled with slower economic growth locally and a possible recession in the United States - is going to have on the economy.Mr Manuel said spending on projects which are energy intensive may be deferred over the medium term to help South Africa deal with power constraints.

EAST AFRICA

• Sudan: 'Abyei a Potential Flashpoint for Conflict' - UN Envoy;UN Integrated Regional Information Networks :20 February 2008 .

Sudan's Abyei region is a possible troublespot from which conflict could resume, three years after a comprehensive agreement was signed to end civil war between the north and south, the UN special envoy to Sudan has warned. The oil-rich region, which lies between north and south Sudan, has experienced an administrative and political vacuum after disagreements over its status. “The Abyei area had not changed materially [and] remained a potential flashpoint for the resumption of conflict," Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sudan, told the Security Council on 19 February.

"In December 2007 and January 2008, violent clashes erupted between SPLA [Sudan People's Liberation Army] units and Misseriya tribesmen. Those encounters resulted in the reported death of more than 75 persons, while several others were wounded," he said. The people of Abyei had been denied the dividends of peace since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). They had also been deprived of an administrative structure and basic services related to the provision of security, education, health and employment. “The issue of Abyei emerged as the biggest stumbling block between the two partners," the envoy said. While the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) believed that the Abyei Boundary Commission report was final and

54 binding, the ruling National Congress Party had rejected the report, saying the commission had exceeded its mandate by basing its findings on the 1965 border instead of identifying the 1905 boundaries of the Dinka chiefdoms. But both sides, Qazi told the Council, had recognised the urgent need to work towards a mutually acceptable compromise and the UN Mission in Sudan had encouraged both parties to pursue a final settlement on the basis of dialogue and compromise. However, he pointed out that while the implementation of the CPA had remained on track, it could still be undermined by lingering mistrust between the two sides. Troubling perceptions had persisted throughout the country - that the north and south were each following their own agendas and that the international community's overwhelming concentration on Darfur had distracted attention from the need for peace dividends in the south.The envoy also said elections were mandated to take place in 2009, but parliament had not yet passed the electoral law; redeployment of forces had remained incomplete despite the 9 January deadline, and little progress had been made on disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration.

Volatile region: Analysts have warned that the Abyei issue is a big challenge. According to Roger Winter and John Prendergast of the ENOUGH project, no area is perhaps more volatile and carries more implications for Sudan's future than Abyei.

"If the political crisis regarding Abyei is addressed, there is potential for peace in the entire country. If it is mishandled, it dramatically increases the possibility that Sudan's current conflicts - from Darfur to the South to the East - will explode over the coming few years into a national war with regional implications and historically devastating repercussions for its people," they noted. The International Crisis Group has argued that the international community needs to re-engage urgently on Abyei because the risk of a return to war is rising. Calling for a de-escalation of tension around Abyei, it has offered to facilitate independent dialogue between the Misseriya and Ngok Dinka.SPLM leaders say the north has ignored its proposals over Abyei because of oil revenues from the region - estimated at US$529 million in 2007."Obviously it is because of oil, because Abyei has oil," Southern Sudan Vice-President Riek Machar told IRIN in November. "They want to implement the protocol minus the areas that have oil because they want to carve them out of the South. This is not acceptable." Khartoum denies the claim.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• ENVIRONMENT

WEST AFRICA

SOUTHERN AFRICA

EAST AFRICA

• Kenya: Poor Rains Affect Harvests in Central: The East African Standard (Nairobi):19 February 2008.

55 A crisis is looming in the Mt Kenya region as rivers dry up and food production declines.Experts say unchecked destruction of forests is responsible for the crisis, which has led to a fall in food production in Central Province by more than 70 per cent.

And the effects of rivers from the snow-capped Mt Kenya drying up are being felt hundreds of kilometres away in northern Kenya in the Ewaso Nyiro River basin. Figures point to an environmental crisis of monumental proportions. About 200,000 people who live along the river, whose water level has fallen by 97 per cent, depend on it for their livelihood. The rivers that feed Ewaso Nyiro emanate from the mountain and pass through parts of Central Province and Meru districts in Eastern Province. Snow on the mountain is receding as global temperatures rise. Famine now stares residents in the wake of poor rains in the past two seasons. Authorities have now taken to measures, including closing water intakes in big farms, which have contributed to low water levels.The intakes have been a source of conflict, with residents on the lower slopes accusing those on higher ground of using all the water. Central Provincial Crops Officer, Mr Alfred Muriithi, said last year's dry spell made things worse. Of the projected 1.4 million bags of maize, farmers are expected to harvest only 517,000. He said the production shortfall in high altitude areas stood at 40 per cent, while the lower areas would experience an 80 per cent drop.

There were, thus, better rains near the mountains, including the Aberdare Ridges and Mt Kenya.Muriithi said the ministry had projected that farmers in the province would produce 304,693 bags of beans, but only 100,195 would be harvested. Maize and beans are the staple food in Central Province. “Wheat production has decreased as farmers are expected to harvest 34,725 bags of the targeted 76,499," said Muriithi. Farmers are gearing for hard times due to erratic climatic conditions. Some did not harvest during the short rains as crops withered.Mr Stephen Mwai, a farmer in Tetu, Nyeri, said maize in his five-acre piece of land failed to yield much as dry weather set in November.

"The crops dried because the rains were not enough. Dry weather conditions have persisted even in January," said Mwai.Five intakes from Nanyuki River, which passes through Kieni constituency in Nyeri District, were closed.Other rivers on the verge of drying up are Likii, Burguret, Narumoru and Rongai - they pass through Nyeri and Laikipia districts.Sirmon River is also endangered. It is important for it is a source of water for wild game, a key attraction for tourists in Laikipia, Samburu and Isiolo districts. Fortunately, rivers with their sources in the Aberdares have not been greatly affected, according to the Ewaso Nyiro Regional Water Resources Management Authority manager, Mr Maitima M'Mukindia.Thousands of acres of Mt Kenya Forest have been destroyed with timber merchants harvesting trees. The forest cover decreased fast, affecting rainfall in the region.Hundreds of community projects and big scale farms' water intakes for domestic and commercial use have been built deep in the forest. And to ease wars between domestic water users and their commercial counterparts, who irrigate thousands of hectares of flower farms, the authority closed some intakes belonging to horticultural farms.M'Mukindia said the move was meant to save lives of people who depend on the river.

56 • Uganda: Illegal Felling of Timber Reduces: New Vision (Kampala):18 February 2008.

INTANCES of illegal felling of timber in the forest reserves has reduced by about 40%.

According to Moses Watasa, the public relations officer at the National Forestry Authority, low value timber hardwood is also being illegally felled by the loggers. This, he added, was because of better law enforcement that checks illegal felling of trees and unauthorised movement of timber across the country. “Most of the timber that is confiscated is either felled in protected forests without clearance or lack proper documents or is cut using chain handsaws," he said.Watasa was speaking recently during an interview at the forestry authority headquarters in Bugolobi, Kampala after the auctioning of confiscated timber, which realised sh49m.The timber yard supervisor, Paul Lunakwita, said only a few pieces of the endangered high value hardwood species like Mahogany and Mvule were recovered from the illegal loggers. Most of the trees cut, he noted, were from outside the protected areas on private land mainly in central Uganda. Lunakwita said the remaining hardwoods are in the forest reserves which are under conservation. “We are concerned because most the trees species like Kirundu are inferior and sometimes they are used for roofing buildings," he noted.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Congo-Kinshasa: Humanitarians Continue to Aid the Earthquake Victims: United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa):18 February 2008. • DOMESTIC AND INT’L POLITICS WEST AFRICA

• Ghana: Bush Due Today: Accra (Accra):19 February 2008.

The Public Affairs Officer of the U.S Embassy, Mr. Christopher Hodges has said due to the peaceful and stable nature of Ghana, there would be no need for too many U.S. security personnel in the country as President Bush arrives in Accra. When the US first lady, Laura Bush visited the country last year, there were many U.S. security and intelligence personnel who accompanied her, with some arriving days in advance. Since September 11 2001, security around the U.S. president is never taken for granted, so even though Ghana is peaceful and stable with a functioning democracy, Mr. Bush's security would be as ship-shape as is expected. Already, the Ghanaian authorities have announced the closure of certain major roads in the national capital, starting from this evening. Mr. Christopher Hodges said the overwhelming support that the U.S. Embassy is getting from Ghanaians, other embassies and the diplomatic missions all add up so make Mr. President Bush a most welcome guest to the country.

57 "But we are still not taking security for granted", he said. Though the U.S. Embassy has released President Bush's visit programme, some important issues remain under wraps precisely for security reasons. On where President Bush would be lodging, Mr. Hodges refused to mention the location.ADM: "Which hotel or would it be in the Embassy as Laura Bush did when she visited the country?” Hodges: "It is Accra He will be in Accra".

On the preparation of the embassy to welcome President Bush, Mr. Hodges said there is pressure on the embassy. “There is pressure on us because we want to make sure that things are done right and as for us at the public affairs we want everyone, treated equally", he said referring to the media, local and foreign. The US Embassy was closed yesterday, when ADM called there, but Mr. Hodges said "it has nothing to do with the pressure, it's an American holiday”. President Bush would be arriving this evening from Tanzania to begin his two-day visit. Below are President Bush's Africa accomplishments and initiatives since he assumed office in 2001.

I. GREATEST LEVEL OF ENGAGEMENT OF ALL ADMINISTRATIONS

A. Meeting with 25 African Heads of State in First Two Years o President Obasanjo of Nigeria, May 11, 2001 at White House o President Mbeki of South Africa, June 26, 2001 at White House o President Moi of Kenya, June 27, 2001 at White House o President Kufuor of Ghana, June 28, 2001 at White House o President Wade of Senegal, June 28, 2001 at White House o President Konare of Mali, June 28, 2001 at White House o President Obasanjo of Nigeria, November 2, 2001 at White House o President Museveni of Uganda, November 10, 2001 at UNGA o President Ratsiraka of Madagascar, November 11, 2001 at UNGA o President Moi of Kenya, November 11, 2001 at UNGA o President Kabila of Dem. Rep. of Congo, November 11, 2001 at UNGA o President Mbeki of South Africa, November 11, 2001 at UNGA o President dos Santos of Angola, February 26, 2002 at White House o President Chissao of Mozambique, February 26, 2002 at White House

58 o President Mogae of Botswana, February 26, 2002 at White House

o President Museveni of Uganda, May 2002 at White House

o President Mbeki of South Africa, September 13, 2002 at UNGA

o President Kagame of Rwanda, September 13, 2002 at UNGA

o President Kabila of Dem. Rep. of Congo, September 13, 2002 at UNGA

o President Biya of Cameroon, September 13, 2002 at UNGA

o President Deby of Chad, September 13, 2002 at UNGA

o President Bongo of Gabon, September 13, 2002 at UNGA

o President Obiang of Equatorial Guinea, September 13, 2002 at UNGA

o President Patasse of Central African Rep., September 13, 2002 at UNGA

o President Buyoya of Burundi, September 13, 2002 at UNGA

o President Sassou-Nguesso of Rep. of Congo, September 13, 2002 at UNGA

o President de Menezes of Sao Tome and Principe, Sept. 13, 2002 at UNGA

o President Moi of Kenya, December 5, 2002 at White House

o Prime Minister Meles of Ethiopia, Dec. 5, 2002 at White House

B. First American President to Visit Africa in First Term - Trip in January 2003

C. Bush Directed His Cabinet Secretaries to Have High Level Engagement in Africa

Five in First-term: Secretary Powell (May 2001, August 2002); Secretary Thompson;

Secretary O'Neill; AMB Zoellick; Secretary Evans planned for November 2002

II. GREATEST LEVELS OF ASSISTANCE OF ALL ADMINISTRATIONS

A. Core Development Assistance for Africa: Historic High Levels

o 30 percent increase for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) from 2001 to 2003

o Over $1 billion ODA for SSA in FY03, highest level in U.S. history

59 B. Millennium Challenge Account: Increase global development assistance by 50% over the next three years, resulting in $5 billion annual increase over current levels

C. HIV/AIDS Global Funding: Historic High Levels and Climbing... o $988 million in FY2002, a 36% increase over FY2001 o $1.1 billion in FY2003, doubles level of funding when he took office o $500 million to Global HIV/AIDS Fund, first and largest contributor

III. MAJOR POLICY INITIATIVES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

A. Promote Health and Education; Combat HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria o Created HIV/AIDS Cabinet Council co-chaired by Powell and Thompson o Jump-started Global HIV/AIDS Fund with first $500 million contribution, represents one quarter of the Fund's total resources o New $500M Mother and Child HIV Prevention Initiative o New $200M Africa Education Initiative to train over 400,000 teachers; provide 250,000 scholarships for African girls; and provide 4.5 million textbooks

B. Promote Growth and Development; Eradicate Poverty o Implementing African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA); Provides over 90% duty free market access for African imports to the U.S. President Bush attended AGOA Forum in Washington, DC. Plans to attend Forum in Mauritius in 2003. o "Stop the Debt". IDA Grants Initiative for Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to provide up to 50% of assistance to poorest in form of grants not loans. o Provided 18 percent increase to the African Development Bank's fund to assist the poorest-by far, the largest increase among the major donors.

C. Promote Regional Peace and Stability; End Conflict and War

[President Bush's leadership is directly responsible for progress ending wars in Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Congo o Appointed former Senator Danforth as Presidential Envoy for Sudan o Appointed Andrew Natsios as Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan

60 o Build the capacity of regional peacekeepers in Sierra Leone and Congo

o Provided additional $55 million in FY2002 for combating terrorism in Africa

o Launched $5 million awards program to track individuals responsible for genocide and terror acts in Central Africa. Three Apprehended since June 2002.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

EAST AFRICA

• Uganda: Opposition Parties Hold Demo Over New Rally Law: New Vision (Kampala):19 February 2008.

MEMBERS of the opposition parties yesterday held a peaceful demonstration on Kampala streets protesting the new law on assembly. The law which came into effect in September last year, requires anyone intending to convene a rally of more than 25 people in an urban area to seek permission from the Police chief. The protestors, who had mock handcuffs made from sisal ropes to show "how our freedom is being suppressed", argued that the law was against human rights.

Clad in black T-shirts with the words: "Free our freedom", the opposition stalwarts said the Statutory Instrument No. 53 of 2007 violates the Constitution and is not fit in a democratic society. Led by the Forum for Integrity in Leadership president, Emmanuel Tumusiime, and the People's Development Party leader, Dr. Abed Bwanika, they held placards demanding a repeal of the law. The Police officers on the streets just looked on as the small group moved on. The activists marched from Carol House on Bombo Road via the Central Police Station to Parliament where they presented a petition to the Speaker, Edward Ssekandi."I must say I am distressed by the way you have appeared before me today," Ssekandi said. He urged them to suggest aspects of the law that need to be reviewed.” I see goodwill on the part of the Government and the opposition.We shall assist the (internal affairs) minister to be fair in coming (up) with this instrument. “The protestors were mainly from the Congress Service Volunteers, the Farmers Party of Uganda, the National Peasants Party, the National Convention for Democracy and the Peoples United Movement. Kampala Central MP Erias Lukwago last week moved a motion in Parliament seeking a repeal of the law but the House resolved that the Government reviews it.

• Kenya: Kibaki's Proposals On How to End Poll Crisis; The Nation (Nairobi):20 February 2008.

President Kibaki has for the first time signalled the kind of agreement he is proposing to help resolve the political crisis which has engulfed the country since the disputed elections. The President said he was willing to work with and share government responsibilities with ODM, but within the existing constitution while a new one is being written.

61 He said the government fully supports a comprehensive constitutional review within 12 months as "a correct platform to systematically address the challenges that face the country.” President Kibaki made his position known during a meeting with former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who is leading a team of international mediators helping to end the post-election crisis.

Share power: President Kibaki's position on the talks contrasts with that of ODM, whose leaders want an Executive Prime Minister appointed to share power with the President. The President would then be Head of State and the Prime Minister Head of Government.ODM also want Cabinet and other government positions shared out proportionally, according to party strength in parliament, and the power to transfer, hire and fire retained by the appointing authority.ODM are proposing a two year period to review the constitution before a re-run of the Presidential race.ODM reiterated its demands for an executive PM post and half of the country's 34 ministerial slots that should be equally distributed in terms of profile with PNU. It also demanded all other civil service jobs be distributed proportionally.It is also understood that a draft document on the mandate, terms of reference and membership of the proposed independent review committee that would investigate the flaws of the 2007 elections and make recommendations had been done.Meanwhile, American President George Bush suggested that any interventions from the United Nations into African trouble spots should be with a bigger mandate rather than just peace keeping and pledged American support for such efforts. "One of the lessons I take from the Rwanda genocide is to take some early warning signs seriously," he said at a press conference in Kigali.

"Pay attention to the warning signs and prevent crises like this from happening," he said adding, "we are obviously trying to prevent such a crisis from happening in Kenya. Condi Rice briefed the president in her meeting yesterday (Monday), and we strongly support Kofi Annan's efforts." "I am not suggesting that anything close (to what happened in Rwanda) is happening in Kenya or is gonna happen, but I am suggesting that there are some warning signs that the international community needs to pay attention to. And we are paying attention to it and I know the AU will as well."

Presidential results: Others in Mr Annan's team are former South African First Lady Graca Machel and former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa.More than 1,000 people have died and more than 300,000 displaced in violence which followed the announcement of the Presidential results. The proposals released after a meeting between President Kibaki and Mr Annan did not mention fresh elections.

It was a day of intense negotiations with Government MPs holding a Parliamentary Group meeting and insisting that the government should stand firm and push for a Government of National Unity. Sources said the MPs dismissed as "unreasonable" demands for power sharing with ODM, and took issue with what they saw as international pressure on the country. They said they will not pass legislation under duress. Earlier, at the meeting with Mr Annan, President Kibaki gave an assurance that the Government fully supported the mediation process. According to a statement by the Presidential Press Service, the President was willing to work together and share

62 responsibilities in Government with members of the ODM. The President, however, cautioned that any political solution that will be proposed must be in tandem with the current constitution. The government was, however, fully supportive of a comprehensive review of the constitution within twelve months, as a correct platform to systematically address the challenges facing the country. President Kibaki pointed out that the current negotiations had reached a critical stage and gave his assurance to Kenyans that he would follow through the remaining stages.At the Serena Hotel, mediation talks to end the crisis were tottering on the edge of a stalemate following a fresh demand by the Government that ODM should accept that President Kibaki won the elections.

At the centre of the new row were the Government's position that President Kibaki was ready to share the responsibilities of his government with ODM members under the current Constitution.However, ODM negotiators pushed for a power-sharing arrangement guided by minimum Constitutional amendments to provide for an executive Prime Minister's position and equal share of Cabinet slots.Sources said the Government and ODM members on the National Dialogue and Reconciliation committee failed to strike the way forward during the morning session and used the lunch break to consult their principals respectively on the new turn of events.Even Mr Annan decided to meet President Kibaki over the position taken by his team that ruled out the possibility of entering into proportional coalition arrangement with ODM.The two leaders met at Harambee House between 2 pm and 3 pm before Mr Annan went back to chair the talks. Mbooni MP Mutula Kilonzo said the Constitution will not be amended to take on board the interests of an individual but those of the entire nation.

"We will not change the Constitution to accommodate individuals but to take care of the interests of the nation. We are going to discuss the issue of responsibility distribution," he said. However, he sought to give Kenyans hope when he stated that a sub-committee of four had been formed to deliberate on the kind of government structure that would be acceptable to the two sides.Those who will sit on the committee are Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Martha Karua, Mr Kilonzo, Eldoret North MP William Ruto, his Ugenya colleague, James Orengo and former Swedish Ambassador Hans Correll. "We have agreed on the formation of a sub committee of four people to deliberate on the structure of governance which will be in line with the current Constitution," he said.Mr Wetang'ula said the committee would provide an informal forum during which the governance structure will be agreed upon.The new turn of events came only a day after US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited the country and held a series of meeting with President Kibaki, Mr Odinga and Mr Annan and urged the two sides to speedily agree on a power sharing political settlement to end the crisis. The talks resumed only a day after Dr Rice met key players and urged them to quickly agree on a coalition government to save thousands of Kenyans affected by the violence which followed the disputed Presidential elections. “The time for a political settlement was supposed to be yesterday and it (agreeing on a coalition) has to be urgent. The leaders (President Kibaki and Mr Odinga) have to come together and there is need to have a power-sharing arrangement for the country to move forward," she said.

63 Issues were different; However, issues were different yesterday when the Government team which comprising Cabinet ministers Karua, Sam Ongeri, Moses Wetang'ula and Mr Kilonzo resumed the talks with the ODM delegation of MPs Musalia Mudavadi, William Ruto, Sally Kosgei and Orengo at the Serena Hotel. The Government side, which was expected to table its written proposal of a coalition government in which President Kibaki retained his positions as the Head of Government and Head of State with a readiness to appoint a non-executive Prime Minister, came up with a different suggestion. They submitted that President Kibaki was declared the winner of the 2007 Presidential elections and sworn in office according to the Constitution and should be recognised by ODM as the legitimate winner of the polls. But ODM Secretary General, Professor Anyang' Nyong'o, appealed to the Government team to avoid issuing statements that would jeopardize the mediation process.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Africa: Bush Has Been Good for Africa: The New Times (Kigali):EDITORIAL; 20 February 2008:

"When I am right one thousand times, no one remembers; but when I go wrong even once, everyone sits up and takes note," so goes a common saying. This can be said about US' President George W. Bush, who has done many good things for Africa, but most of which are not fully appreciated in reaction to his decision to invade Iraq in 2003 that lost him many admirers and attracted widespread condemnation.

Be it as it may, in a general sense, for Africa President Bush has not been the bad man he is deemed to be in some parts of the world. Nowhere has his stamp on African life been so pronounced as in the project he engineered and financially supports even up to today, the President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) that appropriately bears his name. Most foreign interventions assist leaders to entrench their positions due to their country's strategic locations, but not so about PEPFAR, that has gone directly to save thousands of lives and given hope to thousands of people infected with the HIV/ Aids.Anti-retroviral drugs, special programmes for infected mothers, sensitization and counseling, direct financial assistance, and more; all these have improved our lot, for not one person in Africa has been left unscathed by the Aids scourge. In addition to this, Bush has offered more millions of dollars to Africa to fight against malaria. Then there is the much-touted 'no aid but fair trade' song that is on the lips of all of us Africans about how we want to be related to the developed world. The Bush administration offered some African countries a good chance to prove their capability in feeding the US market with goods, under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) partnership that allowed trading with America under preferential conditions. Africa only has itself to blame for failing to utilise this opportunity that offered so much hope.Bush has also engaged his country into giving much needed humanitarian and logistical support to countries that are suffering conflicts that have led to massive displacements of people, rendering them in need of shelter, food and medication. In Darfur, DR Congo, Uganda and the Sudan, and other areas where violence has disintegrated communities, Bush has shown his desire to end such violent conflicts.For these reasons and others, Africa recognises and appreciates

64 Bush's efforts to reduce suffering and promote development, and prays for more and greater interventions.

• DOMESTIC AND INT’L ECONOMY WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Excess Crude Revenue - States Demand Pay in Naira: Vanguard (Lagos):19 February 2008.

The 36 states of the federation have declared that, they did not ask for the proposed dollar allocations and therefore urged the Federal Government to pay them the Naira value of the $4 billion Excess Crude Oil revenue. Sharing of the said $4 billion did not commence at a Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting, in Abuja, because of a presidential directive halting the sharing on legal grounds. "We don't want dollar payment because we have raised it at the meeting here that dollar is not our legal tender. Why should the highest revenue body of the country be paying money in dollar? We are degrading our own currency for others. Let us have our money in naira.

"Anyone that wants to convert to dollar can go to the market to buy dollar. The legal tender of Nigeria is naira and we should be paid in naira. We are all in agreement with the President on this matter. Our decision is based on the country's pride and our independence. We should be paid in our own legal tender.We don't want dollar payment." the Ondo State Commissioner for Finance and Economioc Planning, Mr.Tayo Alasoadura, told journalists at the end of the meeting.The Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Remi Babalola, who presided at the meeting revealed that the federal government had directed the Auditor-General to audit all revenue inflow from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Federal Inland Revenue Service as well as the Customs Service.His words: "I noted at the last meeting that the issue of completeness of revenue being contributed to the Federation Account by the NCS, NNPC, DPR and FIRS was and is still a matter of great concern to the ministry."The activities of the Post-Mortem Sub- Committee to post-review completeness of inflows into the Federation Account did not appear to have had the desired effect."To arrest the deteriorating situation, and based on Presidential directive, I have written to the Auditor-General of the Federation to carry out a comprehensive audit of all inflows into the Federation Account. Additionally, the Auditor-General will review the Petroleum Subsidy Account, towards ensuring that government funds in this respect are properly utilized.Mr Babalola also said that the balance of N12.7 billion from the controversial Primary Health Centre project, which was initiated by the former administration towards constructing a health centre in each of the 774 local governments in the country would be refunded to them."The NEC has advised that the balance held with the Central Bank of Nigeria in an escrow account, amounting to N12.7 billion, be refunded back to the Local Governments on an equal basis. We are awaiting Presidential directive in this respect," he said. The minister said he had set up a committee comprising representatives of the Ministry of Finance, Accountant-General of the Federation, National Planning Commission and RMAFC to look at the new indices proposed by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation Fiscal Commission to ensure equity, fairness and due process before implementation. Revenue Commission lobbies Reps on

65 dollar allocation meanwhile, the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is now lobbying the House of Representatives to reverse its motion to allow for the distribution of funds from the federation account in dollars to states and local governments. This followed the defeat of a motion on the floor of the House which was sponsored by the Minority Leader, Mr. Muhammed Ali Ndume and 16 others praying the House to halt such payments. Chairman of the RMAFC, Mr. Hamman Tukur yesterday met with the members of the banking and Currency Committee of the House to explore ways of re-presenting the motion with a view to getting the approval of the majority of members of the House. He expressed his disappointment that a letter which he sent in confidence to the Central Bank Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo and copied the Senate President, David Mark and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole in which he raised his opposition to the payment in dollars had to be read on the floor of the House. The House of Representatives rejected the motion and the letter from the RMAFC seeking a resolution against the executive decision to pay states and local governments in dollars.The sponsors of the motion had prayed the House to advise the CBN against issuing allocations to federal, states and local governments in any other currency other than the national currency, the naira, but was faulted by a majority in the House which thought otherwise.

• Nigeria: Senate Probes Abacha, Obasanjo Billion-Dollar Rail Projects: Vanguard (Lagos):20 February 2008.

THE Senate Committee on Public Accounts yesterday commenced a probe of the $8.3 billion dollar rail modernization project asking on why the immediate past administration entered into the project without completing the $528 million rehabilitation project started by the Abacha regime. Committee members led by the chairman, Senator Ahmad Lawan were particularly concerned that the same Chinese company, CCECC was awarded the $8.3 billion modernization contract without showing evidence of performance in the earlier contract given it by the Abacha administration. Hearing involved officials of the Federal Ministry of Transportation led by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ammuna Lawan Ali.Committee members also flayed reports that the rehabilitation project awarded by the Abacha regime was 80 per cent completed. Senator Lawan promised that the Committee would take inventory of the supplies made by the Chinese company. “This Committee will go out to inspect even the accidented wagons. We want to see them because they cant disappear, they are not organic so they cant decay and I am sure CCECC will not take them away because they are our own," Senator Lawan said. Making her submission yesterday, Mrs. Ali said that Abacha administration in 1995 awarded the $528 million rail rehabilitation project to CCECC saying that the project was abandoned after 80 per cent completion. She said payments made to the company so far amounted to $446 million. The company she said stopped work in 2003. However, the company was in 2006 given the $8.3 billion rail modernization project with a mobilization of N9.48 billion given in local and foreign currency payments.

• Liberia: Country Gets U.S. $1.5 Million For Food Security & Safety: The Analyst (Monrovia):19 February 2008.

66 Liberia has received $1.5m from the Global Trust Fund for Food Security and Food Safety. The provision of the fund was made possible through the special contribution of the Italian government's Directorate General for Italian Development Cooperation.Liberia's Agriculture Minister, Dr. J. Chris Toe, said the three-year Food Security Through Commercialization of Agriculture project is part of a sub-regional initiative to support modern, competitive and commercially vibrant agricultural sectors.He said emphasis is on capacity building within farmer-based organizations to increase production and value addition and improve marketing.Dr. Toe signed the agreement on February 13, 2008 in Rome, Italy while attending the 31st session of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).The project will be implemented in Nimba, Maryland and Grand Kru counties. It will target smallholder farmers and processors and will also support county level associations and Ministry of Agriculture extension staff in the concerned counties.On behalf of the government and people of Liberia, Dr. Toe thanked the Italian government and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for this assistance.He indicated that it will complement the agriculture and infrastructure development projects of the World Bank that will soon commence in Lofa and Bong counties.He also stated that the projects will greatly enhance government's efforts to make agricultural value chains competitive, efficient and sustainable, improve food security and nutrition, and strengthen human and institutional capacities.These are three strategic objectives of Government that will be pursued during the Poverty Reduction Strategy period of 2008 - 2011.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• South Africa: Absa Cans Bid for Barclays in Africa: Business Day (Johannesburg):20 February 2008:

ABSA Group has abandoned plans to acquire parent company Barclays Bank's African operations -- evidently after South African regulators allegedly pressured SA's biggest retail bank into pulling out of the deal on grounds that it amounted to capital flight.

Although this has been kept under wraps, Barclays bosses are understood to be feeling "slighted" as they believed the move was against the spirit of the July 2005 deal which saw the British bank acquiring 56% of Absa. Barclays officials are believed to have protested privately to the Reserve Bank and government officials late last year, warning that the move could dent SA's image among British investors. While confirming that Absa's plans to acquire Barclays' six banking operations in Africa had been scuppered, CEO Steve Booysen sidestepped regulatory issues, saying the deal had collapsed because of disagreements over the price of the assets. Reserve Bank executive GM for bank supervision Errol Kruger described the reports as "completely off the mark"."The original deal between Absa and Barclays entailed the latter acquiring a 56% stake in the former. Nothing more, nothing less. There were, however, moves afoot and indications that there was a phase two to the transaction, which involved Absa acquiring Barclays' Africa operations. “As far as we are concerned there was no phase two to the deal, and Barclays was told in no uncertain terms that they should not take the approval of the first deal as an

67 indication that future applications would be approved. “They were told in no uncertain terms that each application would be considered on its own merits," Kruger said yesterday. While the central bank had not yet been approached on phase two of the Barclays-Absa deal, Kruger said he would have been "very reluctant at that stage to approve such a deal" as Absa would be "simply biting off more than it could chew". The large additional risk it would place on Absa would demand an inordinate amount of management time and attention.Booysen said the idea to acquire Barclays operations in Africa was only an "agreement in principle". To date limited progress had been made in that regard. This was "primarily the result of the effect on price of the rapid growth in profits of the Barclays sub-Saharan businesses in 2006 and last year"."The Absa board, mindful of its responsibility to act in the best interests of all its shareholders, has concluded it is unlikely to be able to generate acceptable returns given the likely acquisition cost of these businesses today," he said.Booysen said that discussions with Barclays were continuing on operations in Tanzania where the operations of the group and Barclays could be combined to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.Absa, which grew full-year headline earnings per share 18,6% to 1401,9c, recognised that the rest of the African continent offered "exciting" prospects and that the group would continue to pursue opportunities on the continent where "it is confident of acceptable returns”. The group chalked up 19,6% growth in headline earnings to R9413m in the year to December.Booysen was "cautiously" optimistic about the future as interest rates began to bite and power shortages took their toll on the economy.

• Namibia: Drug Dealers Get Light Sentence: New Era (Windhoek):20 February 2008.

Three South African nationals, a man and two women, have been convicted and fined a total of N$35 000 or 17 years in prison on charges of dealing in dependence producing substances. The case of another South African national who faces the same charges has been postponed to July 24 for plea and the accused remanded in custody pending a formal bail application by his legal representative. The charges against two Namibian male nationals were withdrawn. The case, the State against Bonga Madola and five others, comes from last year in February when the six were arrested for possession of cannabis.

Magistrate Dina Usiku first sentenced Bonga Madola (26) and Tobela Madola (31) each to a fine of N$10 000 or five years imprisonment each, while Fezela Kunyuza (44) charged with the possession of 87 grams of cannabis was sentenced to a fine of N$15 000 or seven years imprisonment. She then proceeded with the case of the other three accused Hendrik Gariseb (24) and Nehale Fillemon (29) against whom the charges were withdrawn and Nebulakazi, also a South African national, whose case was postponed to July. The case comes from last February when the six were arrested. Passing sentence, magistrate Usiku pointed out that the court in passing sentence would not lose sight of the personal circumstances of the accused as it would also not ignore the seriousness of the crime and the emphasis society puts on this crime. Equally, the court would not ignore the guilty plea by the accused and show of remorse for the crime they committed. She noted that drugs had a serious impact on the youth who become dependent on them hence

68 the court had a duty to curb its use. In doing this, it would pay due regard to the minimum penalty set by the law as much as it would treat the accused according to their personal circumstances.The legal representatives for the various accused pleaded in mitigation for their clients, among others, that they were all first offenders and cited the time some of them have spent in custody since they were arrested last February until now, which is a year and a couple of days.The magistrate ordered that the drugs, which served as exhibits in the trial, be destroyed under the supervision of the head of the drug unit of the Namibian Police.

EAST AFRICA

CENTRAL AFRICA

• PEACEKEEPING, CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND SECURITY MATTERS WEST AFRICA

Nigeria: N444 Billion for Niger Delta Security, a Waste - Dafinone Vanguard (Lagos):20 February 2008.

SENATOR David Dafinone has argued against the N444.6 billion allocation in the 2008 budget for security in the Niger Delta stating that it will not achieve the desired result. Addressing journalists in Lagos, Dafinone explained that "dedicating such huge amount to policing the Niger Delta will be counter productive because resentment of the state and the oil companies by the people will continue to deepen”. Senator Dafinone (r) with Alhaji Asari Dokubo of NDPVF at a recent briefing on the N-Delta issue. “The protracted intransigence in the Niger Delta is an indication that the military action is not a viable option for reversing the underdevelopment of the region and restoring peace there", he said.He noted that state sponsors of terrorism cannot sustain oil exploration and production in the Niger Delta adding that there can be no peace and guarantee for human security in the region without social, infrastructural and overall development of the area"."Government", he said, "must move away from the current piecemeal approach to the crisis and drop misplaced belief that a military solution can be found to be festering violence in the region"."It is midnight in Niger Delta and the current methodology being adopted by treating the matter as an ethnic problem of the Ijaws, while omitting other nationalities such as the Ogonis, Urhobos, Ibibios, Effiks, Itsekiris and Edos respectively is not in the interest of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.I cannot subscribe to the theme that the use of force as a policy can bring about lasting peace to the region. It is imperative that Nigerians from regions other than the Niger Delta, who may feel that the problems of oil producing communities are not in their backyard and who may feel a safe distance from the oil communities, should be reminded that the Federal Republic of Nigeria is an entity within the environment; a decay in part will ultimately affect the whole nation".The Niger Delta Elder urged the Government to ensure environmental security and allocation of more financial resources to the Niger Delta Region."I feel challenged to cause a restoration of the people's right to ownership of land and its content as it was under the pre-colonial period."There is urgent need to reorder the political,

69 social and economic development of the Niger/Delta area as a necessary step to redress the numerous unresolved issues under the national question", he pointed out."In all appearances, the root cause of the crisis in the region remains the denial of the peoples' right to land and its content" he further said.Dafinone called on militants to put a stop to hostage taking but insisted that the use of force cannot bring lasting peace to the region. He called for a broad based consultations and dialogue between the people, the oil companies and the state and other stakeholders.According to him, the international community must contribute by way of grants and subventions to the development of the region because the Federal Government cannot embark on the project alone and the issue is assuming a crisis point militating against World oil supply."There is the need for the international community, particularly the World Bank, European Union as well as the governments of the home countries of the oil companies to contribute by way of grants and subventions to the development of the Niger Delta region.This is because the Federal Government cannot embark on this project alone as the issue of the Niger Delta is assuming a crisis point militating against the world supply of oil"

Nigeria: Country Surrenders Another Settlement to Niger Republic Vanguard (Lagos):20 February 2008.

IN a move reminiscent of the hand over of Bakassi area to Cameroun, Nigeria has handed another settlement of 3,000 people, this time, to Niger Republic. The settlement used to be in Abadam local government area of Borno state.A statement issued by the National Boundary Commission (NBC) yesterday in Abuja said Niger Republic has since hoisted its flag in the territory, in line with the change of sovereignty. According to NBC, the historic ceremony was performed by its Director General, Alhaji Sadiq Diggi.It recalled that the issue of the boundary dispute between both countries that eventually led to the hand-over started five years ago, and it was presented to the joint standing committee of experts on re- demarcation of international boundaries for settlement. “Both countries visited the communities and jointly measured the geographical coordinates and compared it with the colonial version of 1912."We also made a comparison with the demarcation done by the Lake Chad Basi Commission. “After comparing surveys, measurements and records, it was discovered that Tombo-Mota fell into Niger Republic," NBC statement said. It also noted that the dispute over ownership of the settlement was resolved, based on age-long relationship and spirit of oneness enjoyed by both countries. According to the commission, the affected people were however told of their right to decide where to reside. Reacting, Abdullah Yusuf, a resident of the settlement, said they would study the development and possibly ask to resettle in Nigeria, the statement added.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Zimbabwe: Police Ban Dangerous Weapons; The Herald (Harare):20 February 2008.

POLICE have banned the carrying or possession of dangerous weapons in public for the next two months as part of measures to ensure violence-free elections. The ban would apply to all police districts in Harare and Masvingo and would remain in force until at

70 least three weeks after the March 29 elections. The prohibition, effective from tomorrow, is in accordance with Section 14 of the Public Order and Security Act Chapter 11:07, which empowers regulating authorities (officers commanding districts) to ban certain weapons for security reasons. Some of the weapons prohibited include machetes, spears, daggers, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, catapults and any other traditional weapons. Police are empowered to search people and vehicles, confiscate and charge anyone found in possession of the specified dangerous weapons. Officer Commanding Harare District Chief Superintendent Isaac Tayengwa announced the ban at a joint Press briefing yesterday attended by the five regulating authorities for Harare Suburban, Harare Central, Harare South, Mbare and Chitungwiza while Masvingo police announced their ban on Monday.

"As a preventive measure, the five of us here who are the regulating authorities for the five police districts in Harare Province, namely Chitungwiza, Mbare, Harare South, Suburban and Harare Central, wish to notify members of the public that the carrying or possession of certain weapons before, during and after the elections is prohibited for a period of two months extending from February 21 to April 21, 2008," said Chief Supt Tayengwa.From past experience, he said, some unruly and misguided elements take advantage of election time to commit acts of violence, intimidation, harassment, vandalism and interfere with law-abiding citizens' lives. All four Masvingo police administrative districts have also banned the carrying of dangerous weapons, public processions, road runs and toyi-toying of a political nature. Police also warned that any one who contravening the temporary prohibition will be liable to imprisonment if found guilty for a period not exceeding six months or a fine or both. Chief Supt Tayengwa warned those bent on causing political mayhem that they would be dealt with without fear or favour.Although Chief Supt Tayengwa said walking sticks were excluded from the list of dangerous weapons, he warned the public to desist from using them in acts of violence. “Police will use their discretion on any tool that people will be carrying such as walking sticks for the elderly, the blind and disabled. But if anyone tries to use the walking stick for other objectives other than for which it is intended, we will not hesitate to arrest them," he said. Chief Supt Tayengwa urged the public to assist police in curbing violence during the polls."As peace-loving Zimbabweans, we share responsibilities individually and severally, to ensure that the harmonised elections are free from violence. Together we should leave no stone unturned, in pursuit of this objective."We appeal to members of the public to co-operate and give maximum support in our efforts to ensure that the elections take place under a peaceful environment," Chief Supt Tayengwa.In an interview, police chief spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena dismissed reports that the ban on weapons also applied to the holding of political rallies.He said that although the banning orders would not affect the holding of rallies, political parties should abide by the stipulated procedures.Meanwhile, police in Masvingo have arrested two MDC activists on allegations of inciting violence. The two were arrested at Renco Mine in southern Masvingo after they allegedly chanted slogans and threatened unspecified action against a Zanu-PF member in the area. Acting Officer Commanding Masvingo province Asst Comm Mekia Tanyanyiwa yesterday confirmed the arrest of the two MDC activists. He said police would not tolerate any politically motivated violence irrespective of the perpetrator's political affiliation. “It’s true that we

71 have arrested two people linked to the opposition MDC in connection with inciting violence at Renco Mine and the suspects are currently in custody assisting us with investigations. “Our message is zero tolerance to politically motivated violence and there are no sacred cows in our crackdown against political violence," he said.Asst Comm Tanyanyiwa said police were also investigating two other MDC activists in connection with the same case. Recently Mwenezi MP Cde Isaiah Shumba was arrested on allegations on public violence. He is out on bail.

• Southern Africa: SADC Seminar On Security Starts Today in Luanda; Angola Press Agency (Luanda):20 February 2008.

The third regional seminar on "The role of national parliaments in the strengthening of security in Southern Africa", starts this Wednesday, in Luanda. To attend this event, which will end on Friday, several southern African countries' delegations have been arriving. Last Tuesday evening jetted in the delegations from Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland and Zambia. Earlier that day had already arrived the representatives of Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa and Mozambique. The Angolan National Assembly will host the workshop, organised by the Leadership Centre of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Parliamentary Forum and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).The event also counts on the support of the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) and of the Institute of Security Studies (ISS).ANGOP has learnt that the gathering is designed for speakers and members of the Commissions of Defence and Security of Parliaments of SADC Member States and of the Parliaments of Burundi and of Rwanda. The seminar aims at boosting the parliamentary control of the national security sector and at strengthening the cooperation between parliaments on matters of regional security. Topics such as "Challenges in light of security in Southern Africa", "HIV/AIDS, a threat to human security in Southern Africa" and "Democratic governance for the security sector", will top the debates between MPs of the SADC region.

EAST AFRICA

Eritrea: UN Mission Personnel And Equipment Regrouping to Speed Up Relocation;UN News Service (New York);19 February 2008.

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) will be regrouping its personnel and equipment in Asmara in a bid to facilitate its relocation because of Eritrea's lack of cooperation in the efforts of blue helmets to temporarily move across the border to Ethiopia. The Security Council and troop contributing countries were informed of this last Friday, UN spokesperson Marie Okabe said at a press briefing in New York.UNMEE began regrouping this weekend, but two flatbed trucks carrying armoured personnel carriers from Om Hajer, a border post in the country's far west, were stopped by Eritrean militiamen in the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ). Asmara continues to prohibit both the personnel and the flatbeds from crossing into Ethiopia. Earlier this month, the UN decided to relocate to Ethiopia after Eritrea cut off diesel fuel supplies to the Mission, paralyzing the operation on that side of the border. Additionally, food stocks

72 are also running extremely low for blue helmets after a commercial company supplying rations to UNMEE said it would no longer fulfil its contractual obligations.Asmara's lack of cooperation has hindered the temporary relocation of UNMEE, whose advance units began moving on 11 February, and there have been reports of the mission's personnel being harassed and equipment seized by Eritrea. Last week, the world body's top officials and the Security Council roundly criticized Eritrea's obstruction of UNMEE's efforts to move. The UN's top peacekeeping official stressed that it is "unacceptable" that blue helmets, who are deployed to provide assistance, become victims. “It’s a question of trust between the UN and its troop contributing countries," Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Marie Guéhenno said, calling on Eritrea to immediately resume its cooperation with the Organization. By not reinstating fuel supplies to UNMEE, the country "has created a situation in which a temporary relocation of personnel and equipment from Eritrea has been rendered inevitable," the Council said in a presidential statement. The 15-member body also said that it "holds Eritrea responsible for the safety and security of the Mission and its personnel."

• Uganda: Kony Agrees to Be Tried in Country: The Monitor (Kampala):20 February 2008.

THE government and the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) have signed a landmark deal which paves way for the trial, in a Ugandan court, of rebel leader Joseph Kony and other individuals who committed serious crimes during the 20-year-rebel insurgency in northern Uganda. The agreement, signed on Monday in the south Sudan provincial town of Juba where the two sides have been negotiating a peace deal since July 2006, offers an alternative to the International Criminal Court, which indicted Kony and his senior most commanders for war crimes and crimes against humanity - and wants them tried in The Hague. “A special division of the High Court of Uganda shall be established to try individuals who are alleged to have committed serious crimes during the conflict," the agreement reads in part. “The special division of the High Court shall have a registry dedicated to the work of the division and in particular, shall make arrangements to facilitate the protection and participation of witnesses, victims, women and children," it reads further. Parties to the talks mediated by the South Sudan vice president said they would now move to the fourth stage of the talks - signing a permanent ceasefire. "This is a big success," said Captain Chris Magezi, the spokesman of the government peace team. The rebels were equally satisfied by the agreement. “The fact that we signed it means that we are satisfied with it. In negotiations, you cannot get 100 per cent of what you want," Dr James Obita, the LRA deputy peace delegation leader and technical adviser told Daily Monitor on telephone from Juba. "It's a good document," he added.

Under the Constitution and the Penal Code, Kony could face a string of charges ranging from murder, treason and rape which attract life sentences or death. The agreement has been hailed by the Human Rights Watch as a major step forward. “Today’s agreement could be a major step towards peace and justice for northern Uganda, but the true test lies in how the agreement is put into practice," said Mr Richard Dicker, International Justice Programme director at the Human Rights Watch. "What is significant is that the parties agreed to a specific plan to try the most serious crimes.” On the nature of the special

73 crimes court, Mr Dicker said; "There must be fair, credible prosecutions of the most serious crimes committed by both sides and sufficient penalties for those convicted.” Accountability and Reconciliation is the third of a five-stage peace process and parties are gearing for the more technical stage of ceasefire and disarmament, demobilsation and reintegration. The rebel group is holed up in the north east of DR Congo. More than half of its fighters are believed to be children abducted from northern Uganda. But rebel leader Joseph Kony and two of his commanders are wanted in The Hague-based International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity. But the parties hope to achieve the establishment of the courts through the principle of complementarily- which gives way for national trials. Its not yet known whether the ICC could agree to such an arrangement. The LRA has vowed never to sign a final peace deal unless the Uganda government can persuade the World Court to drop the indictments - something analysts say is unlikely. The LRA, notorious for brutal attacks against civilians such as burning them to death and hacking their limbs off, said they may accept local courts but warned the government not to make unilateral decisions.

• Uganda: Acholi War Victims Get Food:New Vision (Kampala);19 February 2008.

THE Office of the President has begun distributing food items to 3,064 victims of the LRA war in Acholi sub-region, writes Chris OcowunThe special presidential assistant in charge of the north, Richard Todwong, said the gesture was to honour a pledge President Museveni made to support the war-affected people during his recent visit to the area. The beneficiaries are mainly those who were maimed either by the LRA rebels or in cross-fire between the rebels and the army in Gulu, Kitgum, Pader and Amuru district

• Somalia: 3 Gunned Down for Refusing to Turn Off Music: Garowe Online (Garowe) :19 February 2008:

Three young men were shot and killed in southern Somalia Monday evening after gunmen opened fire at a local bistro, a local elder and a government official said. The deadly shooting took place in the town of Dhobley, in lawless Lower Jubba region near the Somali-Kenya border, according to clan elder Ahmed Nur Dalab."They [gunmen] ordered the music off and demanded a halt to khat trade," elder Dalab told reporters today. Five other civilians at the bistro were wounded in the attack.Mr. Dalab, who is chairman of the Dhobley clan council, said the group of heavily-armed fighters arrived in the town two days earlier.Dhobley Mayor Sheikh Ali Dheere told a Somali radio station later Tuesday that the killers escaped and that security forces were in pursuit. But a local source in Dhobley told Garowe Online that there is little government presence in the town where militias roam freely, including Islamist-linked fighters. Lower Jubba region has been mired in anarchy for most of 2007, with various clan groups vying for control of the region's capital and economic hub, Kismayo.Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf has said that Kismayo is not under the control of the Ethiopian-backed interim government. Earlier this month, Islamic Courts officer Mohamed-Amin said that Islamist officials were holding private consultations in Dhobley, a claim that raised alarm in Kismayo.Since 2004, Yusuf's interim government has struggled to assert its authority

74 across Somalia in the face of a relentless insurgency in Mogadishu and other parts of the country. The Islamic Courts movement ruled much of south-central Somalia during the second half of 2006, when they were credited for dismantling clan warlords and restoring order. But the Ethiopian invasion of December 2006 ousted the Islamists from Mogadishu, ushering in a new era of shootouts, roadside bombings and assassinations.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Sudan: Bush Pledges U.S. $100 Million for Darfur Peacekeeping:allAfrica.com :19 February 2008 .

President George W. Bush announced in Rwanda Tuesday that the United States would provide African nations with U.S. $100 million for peacekeeping in Darfur, including $12 million for Rwanda."My message to other nations," said Bush, "is join with the President [Paul Kagame of Rwanda] and help us get this problem [Darfur] solved once and for all… We [the U.S.] will help through sanctions. We will help through pressure. And we'll help provide money to get these forces in, in an effective manner."

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino told reporters traveling with Bush that the money would also go to Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, Burkina Faso and Malawi – and possibly to other countries which came forward to join UNAMID, the African Union-United Nations hybrid force for Darfur.Bush was on a one-day stop in Rwanda as part of his five-nation African tour. During the day, he also signed a bilateral investment treaty with Rwanda and visited a memorial to the 1994 genocide. According to a transcript released by the White House, Bush told reporters after visiting the memorial that it "had a profound effect on me. You can't help but walk in there and recognize… that evil does exist and, in this case, in such brutal form that babies had their skulls smashed. “One of the lessons of the genocide, he said, was that when the world intervened it should do so not with observers but with forces which had a mandate to deal with the situation. He said, however, that he believed he had been right not to intervene unilaterally in Darfur – where his administration has characterized the attacks of militia groups as "genocide." He said he was trying to persuade other nations to follow the U.S. in imposing sanctions on Sudan, but he was "not comfortable" with how quickly the world was responding to the situation in Darfur.A White House briefing paper released to coincide with Bush's announcement said the U.S. had already spent more than $17 million to train and equip 7,000 Rwandan peacekeepers for Darfur. The brief said that since 2004 the U.S. had spent more than $15 million airlifting peacekeepers and equipment to and from Darfur, as well as $30 million training and equipping them. President Kagame said in public remarks in an appearance with Bush that Rwanda shared "a deep commitment to democracy and good governance." Rwanda believed in "power- sharing and consensus-building as a cornerstone of our political dispensation," he added.He said the investment treaty amounted to an invitation to investors to come to Rwanda, and an assurance "that when they come here, their investments will be protected, will be in good hands."

• MILITANCY, REBELS, TERRORISM

WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Al-Qaeda Suspect Tortured By SSS Gives Evidence Today: Daily Trust (Abuja):18 February 2008.

A suspected "Al-Qaeda" member standing trial on charges of terrorism, will today give evidence before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on how he was tortured by security men to confessing he is a terrorist.

Muhammed Ashafa, 41, had alleged that he gave over 20 different statements confessing he was an Al-Qaeda trainee in Pakistan after he was seriously tortured by men of the State Security Service (SSS).His counsel, Mrs Mary I. Obegolu, had told the court on the last adjournment that between August 2004 when Ashafa was deported to Nigeria by the Pakistani government for being an illegal immigrant and March 2006, he had faced inhuman treatment in the hands of the SSS. Mrs Obegolu said: "Ashafa was beaten to stupor just to give the statement the SSS needed to prove he was a terrorist. In the process of the torture, they had his throat broken and that has developed into a tumour." She said the statement which the government is holding against Ashafa was masterminded by the SSS to prove he was guilty of terrorist offences.

The presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, adjourned the case to today for Ashafa to prove he was actually tortured by the SSS. But the SSS had maintained they have evidence to prove that Ashafa is a terrorist. Ashafa is accused of receiving $1 500 from an al-Qaeda group in Pakistan with the aim of planning attacks on American interests in Nigeria. He is charged with receiving and decoding messages from an al-Qaeda cell in Pakistan for Nigerian 'terror group' with the intention of making the attack. Since 2004, Ashafa has been facing trial from prison.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

EAST AFRICA

• Somalia: Somali Woman Tries to Hijack a Plane in New Zealand:Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu) :8 February 2008.

A 33-year-old Somali woman has allegedly stabbed two pilots in mid-air has been charged with hijacking and three counts of assault after she tried to hijack a plane in mid- air in New Zealand. She allegedly also injured a passenger, threatened others and demanded to be flown to Australia. She was arrested by armed police dog handlers at Christchurch Airport after allegedly stabbing the pilots of an Eagle Air flight. The woman was seated directly behind the door to the cockpit before entering it 10 minutes into the flight, armed with a knife.Police say the woman demanded that the pilots take the plane - which was only flying the short trip from Blenheim to Christchurch - over to Australia. A passenger who tried to restrain the woman also sustained knife injuries. The Somalian woman allegedly threatened other passengers and continued to wave the knife throughout

76 the flight. She was grappling with the aeroplane's controls throughout the flight, police said in a press conference late this afternoon. It was only when the pilot bought the plane into land that rough conditions caused the woman to lose her footing. At this point, police say the co-pilot then wrestled the woman to the ground. Members of the armed offenders squad with dogs then stormed the plane. A taxi driver says the woman involved in the mid-air stabbing of two pilots seemed "vague" early today when he took her to Blenheim airport. The taxi driver, who identified himself as Colin, told Newstalk ZB: "She was a wee bit vague. This is the first such bad act carried out by A Somali national, particularly a female ever since the Somalis began fleeing from their war stricken nation in 1991.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• OPINION POLLS ------END TEXT------

South Africa: 'Musharraf is Showing His True Colours' :Cape Argus (Cape Town) :5 November 2007 :Vivian Attwood

Shocked and stunned by events in their country, Pakistani families living in Durban say the declaration of martial law and a state of emergency by the Pakistani regime leaves little hope they will be able to return to their country.

Asif Javaid, of the Punjab area of Pakistan, immigrated to Durban three years ago. He told the Daily News that he loves his home country, but sees no prospect of returning "certainly not in the short term". Javaid sells DVDs in Sparks Road, Overport, to make a living. "Basically I couldn't find a job in Pakistan," he said. "The economy is going down every day. The politicians are always fighting and there is a high rate of unemployment."

The outcry comes after the decision by President Pervez Musharraf to suspend the Pakistani constitution and declare a state of emergency on Saturday. Musharraf based his decision on what he claimed were threats posed by Islamic extremists and judicial interference in governance. Pakistan police baton-charged lawyers protesting against Musharraf's emergency rule on Monday, as police continued to detain his opponents in the face of US pressure to hold elections in January.

A main Islamist opposition party said authorities had also detained 600 to 700 of its supporters overnight in the southern and central provinces. The detention of Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami supporters comes after the arrests of hundreds of opposition figures the government said were a "preventive" measure. Musharraf also suspended the constitution. Lawyers, journalists, opposition politicians and ordinary Pakistanis said they believed Musharraf's main motive in declaring emergency rule was to pre-empt the Supreme Court invalidating his re-election as president last month. Reports indicate that more than 100 people have been arrested in the two days since the government's clampdown, including international cricketer Imran Khan, under house arrest, and several

77 high-profile opposition leaders. By late Sunday it was reported that Khan, detained along with eight party supporters, managed to escape police who were keeping watch over his home. Before leaving, Khan, who heads the Movement for Justice Party and is spearheading an opposition campaign to oust Musharraf, issued a message urging all Pakistanis to take to the streets to protest against Musharraf's latest excesses.

Khan described how he was placed under house arrest. "They entered my home in Lahore, and did not even show me the detention order," he claimed. He accused Musharraf of committing high treason by declaring a state of emergency. "It is an offence punishable by death," he said. "Musharraf has been portraying himself as a benevolent dictator, but now that he has been pushed into a corner he is showing his true colours," Khan added. Javaid, an avid cricket follower and admirer of Khan, said it was unacceptable that "Khan, a hugely respected sportsman and politician" is being targeted.

An angry local businessman threw his hands in the air when he heard the news of the state of emergency in Pakistan. "Musharraf deserves to be hanged, drawn and quartered for what he has done," he said. Muhammad Khalid, the owner of the Kebabish Tikka Take-Away in Brickfield Road, an ardent supporter of the Muslim League-N party, said he was shocked at the news of the arrest of Javed Hashmi, the acting leader of former premier Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-N party. "It is very sad, but 'might is right' in Pakistan at the moment," he said. "Army Chief Musharraf took power by force. Now he is breaking down the authority of the Supreme Court, and that is not right. What sort of example is he setting?" Hashmi was arrested at his home in Multan. Islamabad police also arrested Hamid Gul, a former chief of Pakistan's premier spy agency. "It is not an emergency, it's martial law," yelled Gul as he was taken away.

"One man has put the country at stake to save his rule."

Tanzania: Farewell Benazir Bhutto, Victim of an American-Backed Puppet: The Citizen (Dar es Salaam): EDITORIAL; December 2007

Tears must have welled into your eyes as they welled into mine upon the news of the death of Asia's best-known daughter, Benazir Bhutto. News of her death reached me as I made a stop over at the editorial offices of this newspaper last week. A colleague broke the news after accessing the Internet on his desk. As word took the round in the newsroom, I could see most colleagues hushed talking in pairs or triples absorbing the news just broken. There was my former boss in the old good days at the Tanzania News Agency (Shihata), Mr Josephat Qorro, pleased as usual to see me because I share his ideological perspectives in terms of espousing the original nationalist line of the old good days when this country was taken seriously internationally.

As I exchanged the news just broken on the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, twice the Prime Minister of Pakistan. I could see in Mr Qorro a sense of loss almost personal loss as though he knew personally the assassinated Asian leader. I shared his grief - with a heavy heart cushioned with seething anger. In these things, where common ideals and humanity are concerned, there is no question of color, ethnicism or nationality when life

78 is snuffed so callously. "It must be the work of intelligence people of Gen. Musharraf," I volunteered to my colleagues. Musharraf is the Pakistan strongman going for President of Pakistan. My suspicion is based on the following reasons: 1. The Pakistani strongman wants to strengthen his "terrorism" boggy as a ploy to stay in power in Pakistan indefinitely. Ms Bhutto, a potential threat to his hold on power, must be sacrificed so that the global command post against "terrorism" will have no one to rely on to sort out "terrorism" and "Islamic extremism" except Gen. Musharraf. 2. Internally, Bhutto appeared a greater threat than other competitors on the local political scene because of her ancestral charisma derived from her father also killed, actually hanged in prison by another military strongman, Gen Zia Ul-Haq who had earlier overthrown a civilian led government led by the late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, father of Benazir.I am not sure if I managed to convince my former colleague at Shihata (a robust news agency also killed by neo-liberalism here!) and others who were listening to me but I remain self-convinced that Benazir Bhutto has died a victim of an American-backed puppet military junta of Pakistan. As I am writing, I could see eyebrows being raised after the last two words just penned. Yes, indeed. Pakistan is very much a military dictatorship - everyone knows this as a fact except President George W. Bush. Tell me: Can you believe someone who was in uniform bedecked with the General's insignia only yesterday, telling the world after taking off the uniform while serving as President of a country that he was now a "civilian" and has "retired" from the military? Really? What is in a uniform anyway? But this is the world of fantasy of Gen Pervez Musharraf - a crude military dictator - actually a fascist judged from what all of us have been seeing on our television sets of recently after imposing a state of emergency in his country. But of deeper urgency is not Gen Musharraf. It is the people standing behind his back - supporting him in spite of all what is capable of. It is the people who are pushing the terrorism boggy to subjugate a people, to actually control and rule them.

Everyone knows that Pakistan is an Islamic Republic. Great Britain is a kingdom with Anglicanism as its official religion. How did the world in particular the United States define the Irish Republican Army (IRA) of Britain then engaging the British Government in guerrilla warfare? Did all British people become "terrorists" just because there was an IRA to contend with? Just when did the specter or phenomenon of "terrorism" begin?

Just what form of Christianity or Islam is acceptable or tolerable to the powers that be in this world? What religion did those Serb generals in Bosnia belong when close to a million Bosnia Muslims were killed? So when does terrorism start and end? What is the root cause of "terrorism"? Certainly these are legitimate questions that need to be addressed if one is appreciate the global situation today. But all level headed people know of only one thing: mutual respect in international relations is simply not there given the unipolar context of power politics today. There is no longer mutual respect of cultures of different nations of the world today so that Pakistanis, Afghanis or Iranians are not left alone to develop their own form of government in accordance to their cultural dispositions. In the place of mutual respect and tolerance in international relations to let each people develop their own forms of government, whole cultures of peoples in terms of religion and worship are contemptuously disregarded. Whole religions are confused to "terrorism" and "extremism". So the Himid Karzais and Musharrafs of this world are

79 recruited and imposed in their respective countries to become foremen of these imperialist powers. Any leader with any fibre of nationalism is not to be tolerated - he/she must go. In this context, it is for the people of Pakistan to categorise their leaders. And they certainly know their leaders better, most of all, the leader who has just been assassinated. But for us in the outside world, we know exactly to whose tune men like Gen Musharraf are dancing. They will soon have to pay, sooner rather than later.

Kenya: Capitalism and Democracy: Business Daily (Nairobi) :EDITORIAL 18 February 2008.

By the time we went to press, Pakistan was in the process of holding its 10th election in its chequered 60-year history in what many predicted was going to be an acrimonious exercise.

For us in Kenya, the just concluded elections that have seen the country erupt in bouts of violence that this country has never experienced before, are a grim reminder of the pains that come with democracy. Because of its dalliance with military rule for more than 30 years of its independence from Britain, Pakistani elections have always been seen as rigged. For 15 years after its independence, there were no elections, and then, just like now, the first election in the country was under a military leader, General Ayub Khan, which was criticised by many bodies. Democracy has its twists and turns. A statement attributed to China's leading newspaper just after violence rocked Kenya after our fateful elections last year, stated that the Western-style democratic theory simply is not suited to African conditions, but rather carries with it the root of disaster. This article caused a great deal of contention worldwide. But still, there are issues of great concern that should be considered when dealing with democracy in nascent democracies like Kenya and now Pakistan. More so is the issue of 'Western' style democracy and development.

Russia's Vladimir Putin re-centralisation of power and reversion back to authoritarianism, that have led to better living standards for Russians, has been used as an example of putting the economy above all else, especially democratic rights. According to the Chinese paper, China's way, the route of maintaining stability through first implementing economic reforms and introducing only incremental political changes, is the preferred way. Indeed, the article's final sentence concludes that only by preserving national stability can Kenya gain momentum in developing its economy and benefit all ethnic groups. The recent violence in Kenya is rooted in poverty more than a quest for democracy. The economic frustration of yesteryears saw thousands take to the streets in an orgy of violence. We can understand the anger and the frustration among Kenya's lost generation. Although increased economic freedom can improve the overall well being of a country, capitalism can only be successful if it is accompanied by democracy.

This paper believes that governments should not only allow their citizens to invest, trade, and own businesses, but should also permit open political debate and elections that are not tainted by bribery or corruption.

------END TEXT ------

BUSINESS AND POLITICS IN THE MUSLIM WORLD Weekly Presentation: February 26 2008 Sub-Saharan Africa Abbas S Lamptey Period: From 18 February 24 2008 ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

81 THE HEADLINES

• CHINA AND AFRICA

WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Senate Begins Probe of $8.7bn Rail Modernisation Project: This Day (Lagos); 20 February 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Zimbabwe: Country, China Sign U.S. $42m Loan Facility:The Herald (Harare):23 February 2008. • PAN AFRICA WEST AFRICA

• Africa: Commission Finalises Rules for Human Rights Court; FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda):24 February 2008. • Africa: Bush Says 'ABC' Aids Policy Works;allAfrica.com :21 February 2008. • Africa: Bush Explains Focus of Africa Military Command: America.gov (Washington, DC):20 February 2008.Accra, Ghana. • Africa: Bush Cites Positive Changes in Africa:America.gov (Washington, DC);20 February 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Africa: Climate Change 'Poses Drought Risk for Africa'; SciDev.Net (London);21 February 2008. • Africa: Political Will Needed to Check Hunger :UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 21 February 2008. • REFUGEES AND MIGRATION EAST AFRICA

• Sudan: UN Warns of Accelerating Darfur Violence; UN Integrated Regional Information Networks ; 19 February 2008.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Cameroon: UN Provides More Food Aid As Chadian Refugees Move Into Camps; UN News Service (New York). 22 February 2008. • HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL ISSUES

82 WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Sharia Commission Knocks Human Rights Watch on Dressing, Marriage: Daily Trust (Abuja):22 February 2008. • Nigeria: Media Tasked on Human Trafficking: Daily Trust (Abuja); 22 February 2008. • Sierra Leone: UN-Backed Court Upholds Jail Sentences for Rebel Leaders: UN News Service (New York): 22 February 2008. • Sierra Leone: Koroma Admits Huge Lapses in Justice System; Concord Times (Freetown):22 February 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA

• South Africa: Land Restored to North West Families: BuaNews (Tshwane):25 February 2008. EAST AFRICA

• Uganda: Religious Leaders Call on Government to Protect the Rights of Gays and Lesbians: Human Rights Watch: Washington, DC): PRESS RELEASE: 15 February 2008. • Uganda: Government Cannot Negotiate Away International Criminal Court Arrest Warrants for LRA; Amnesty International: PRESS RELEASE: 20 February 2008.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Rwanda: Prosecution Wants Life Sentence for Genocide-Accused Catholic Priest: Hirondelle News Agency: (Lausanne):20 February 2008. • Rwanda: Sue Spanish Judge, Parties Urge Government: The New Times (Kigali); 25 February 2008. • Rwanda: Govt Welcomes Genocide Suspect Transfer Ruling: The New Times (Kigali):22 February 2008. • Rwanda: Genocide Rebels Are Well Financed in Congo – UN: Rwanda News Agency/Agence Rwandaise d'Information (Kigali):22 February 2008. • Chad: Reports of Political Detentions Alarm UN Human Rights Agency: UN News Service (New York) ;22 February 2008. • Chad: Disastrous Plight of Independent Media Under State of Emergency Deplored: Reporters sans Frontières (Paris): PRESS RELEASE: 22 February 2008. • Chad: Human Rights Crisis Brewing in Aftermath of Attack on N’Djamena: Amnesty International: PRESS RELEASE; 20 February 2008. • HEALTH MATTERS (HIV/AIDS, TB, MALARIA) WEST AFRICA

83 • Nigeria: '4m Nigerians Have Sickle Cell’: Daily Trust (Abuja) ;23 February 2008. • Nigeria: Fake Drugs More Vicious Than HIV/Aids - Task Force; Leadership (Abuja); 23 February 2008. • Nigeria: Doctors Threaten Strike Nationwide; Vanguard (Lagos) :22 February 2008. • Gambia: Prisoners in the Country Dying Due to Lack of Medicine!! :Freedom Newspaper (Raleigh, North Carolina) ;21 February 2008 . SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Angola: Malaria Claims Over 500 Lives in 2007; Angola Press Agency (Luanda); 24 February 2008. • Angola: U.S. Government Grants Usd 18 Million to Fight Malaria; Angola Press Agency (Luanda); 22 February 2008. • Mozambique: About 100,000 People Are Receiving ARV Therapy: Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique (Maputo); 22 February 2008. • Namibia: The Impact of HIV/-Aids On Elections; New Era (Windhoek):22 February 2008. EAST AFRICA

• Uganda: Negligent Medics to Be Interdicted: New Vision (Kampala):24 February 2008. • Uganda: Another Plan to Cut HIV Infections Out: New Vision (Kampala); 24 February 2008. • Uganda: Tuberculosis Leading Killer of People With HIV; New Vision (Kampala); 24 February 2008. • Kenya: Five More Die in Cholera Outbreak: The East African Standard (Nairobi); 23 February 2008. • Kenya: IDPs Assured of HIV Drug Supply: The East African Standard (Nairobi) ;23 February 2008.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Rwanda: Cutting Edge HIV/Aids Prevention Presents Challenges; Inter Press Service (Johannesburg); 21 February 2008. • Cameroon: Corruption Hinders Distribution of Subsidised Malaria Drugs: The Post (Buea); 22 February 2008. • ENERGY WEST AFRICA

84 • Nigeria: Petrodel Resources Begins Offshore Seismic Survey: This Day (Lagos):23 February 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Zimbabwe: 'Alternative Energy Sources Can Solve Shortages': The Herald (Harare):25 February 2008. • Zimbabwe: Staff Exodus Hits Zesa: Zimbabwe Independent (Harare):22 February 2008. • Botswana: Solar Energy Could Temper Power Crisis; Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone):22 February 2008. EAST AFRICA

• Uganda: Garbage Power: New Vision (Kampala); 24 February 2008. • ENVIRONMENT SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Angola: Govt Official Worried About Illegal Deforestation: Angola Press Agency (Luanda):21 February 2008. EAST AFRICA

• Uganda: UNDP Donates to Save Environment; New Vision (Kampala); 24 February 2008. • Africa: Forestry Sector Critical to Climate Change Debate: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (Rome):18 February 2008. CENTRAL AFRICA

• Rwanda: Rema Unveils Anti-Poverty, Environment Fight Strategy; The New Times (Kigali):22 February 2008. • Cameroon: Bush Burning Fuels Climate Change; The Post (Buea); 22 February 2008. • DOMESTIC AND INT’L POLITICS

WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Religious Groups Reject Census Figures: Leadership (Abuja):21 February 2008. EAST AFRICA

• Kenya: Churches Call for Fresh Poll: The Nation (Nairobi):22 February 2008. • Kenya: Fresh Dispute Over Prime Minister Deal: The Nation (Nairobi):25 February 2008.

85 CENTRAL AFRICA

• Cameroon: Imam Calls for Peaceful Coexistence: The Post (Buea):22 February 2008. • DOMESTIC AND INT’L ECONOMY

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Southern Africa: SA-EU Trade Row Puts Customs Union At Risk: Business Day (Johannesburg); 25 February 2008. • Tanzania: President Bush Leaves Behind Usd 700 Million Wallet: Arusha Times (Arusha):23 February 2008. • Zambia: Floods Prompt UNICEF to Hand Out $1 Million of Emergency Aid: UN News Service (New York):22 February 2008. • Zambia: Italy Releases Euro 100,000 for Flood Victims: The Times of Zambia (Ndola):19 February 2008. • PEACEKEEPING, CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND SECURITY MATTERS EAST AFRICA

• Kenya: Government - No Agreement On Contentious IssuesThe Nation (Nairobi):24 February 2008. • Kenya: AU, Commonwealth Push for DealThe East African Standard (Nairobi):22 February 2008. • Uganda: Country Signs 'Permanent Ceasefire' Deal With Rebels: The Nation (Nairobi):24 February 2008. • Uganda: Kony Fighters Enter Central African Republic: The Monitor (Kampala):25 February 2008. • Uganda: Acholi Welcome LRA Ceasefire: New Vision (Kampala):24 February 2008.

• MILITANCY, REBELS, TERRORISM

WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Court Defers Ruling on Terrorist Suspects' Bail Application Again: Daily Trust (Abuja):22 February 2008. • OPINION POLLS

THE REPORT IN DETAIL

86 • CHINA AND AFRICA WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Senate Begins Probe of $8.7bn Rail Modernisation Project: This Day (Lagos); 20 February 2008.

Senate Committee on Public Accounts, begun inquisition into the $8.7 billion contracts for railway rehabilitation and modernisation project awarded to the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company ( CCECC).Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ahmad Lawal, directed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Amina Ali, to produce the certificate indicating that 80 per cent of the rehabilitation contract had been paid by the company. The permanent secretary had told a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts yesterday in Abuja that the company abandoned the project after collecting N51.7 billion out of the total contract sum of N61.3 billion. The Committee expressed surprise that a contractor that did not complete rehabilitation work was awarded the modernisation contract… She said the contract was approved in 2006 by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), adding that $250million was approved to be paid out, while the contractor made a demand that 30 per cent of the contract sum be paid to it in local currency. According to her, a few days later, we got instructions to pay N9.48billion, representing 30 per cent and the Ministry paid through Intercontinental Bank because the money was specific."Ali said the contract was later transferred from the Ministry of Transport to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) through a memo dated January 9, 2007.She said, "on January 9, 2007, the Ministry got another instruction, directing it to transfer the project to the office of SGF to accelerate its pace, and we acted accordingly, since then, our knowledge of the project was very little."

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Zimbabwe: Country, China Sign U.S. $42m Loan Facility: The Herald (Harare):23 February 2008.

CHINA and Zimbabwe signed a US$42 million loan facility for local agro-business concern Farmers' World to implement the second phase of the farm mechanisation programme.Visiting Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce, Mr Gao Hucheng, who jetted into the country this week, and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr Gideon Gono signed the loan facility at State House. An additional US$2,5 million loan facility meant for critical areas that need funds was also signed between the Chinese and acting Minister of Finance Cde Obert Mpofu, who is also the Minister of Industry and International Trade. Farmers' World is complementing RBZ's efforts to boost agriculture production through mechanisation. Speaking at the brief signing ceremony, President Mugabe, who commended the longstanding relationship between the two countries since the years of the liberation struggle, described China as a great friend and partner… Speaking after the talks, Mr Gao said China was pursuing development programmes proposed at the last China-Africa Summit in 2006. "The Chinese government would soon start a number of projects that have no political attachments but pure development projects for various

87 communities in Zimbabwe," he said. He added that his government would soon embark on the construction of a hospital, two rural schools and an agricultural demonstration centre. He said surveyors from China are already in the country inspecting possible sites for the agriculture demonstration centre while work is also at an advanced stage for the designs of the centre. "The Chinese government has also seconded three agriculture experts to Zimbabwe in a move that is expected to boost agricultural production in the country," he said. Addressing the same meeting, Cde Mutezo said Government was seeking partners to improve water provision for Harare.

• PAN AFRICA

WEST AFRICA

• Africa: Commission Finalises Rules for Human Rights Court; FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda):24 February 2008.

The rules of procedure of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights are being discussed at the 4th Extra-Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) currently taking place at the Corinthia Atlantic Hotel in Banjul. The week- long close door session, which kicked off on Sunday, February 17, is expected to give final consideration to the court's rules of procedure and hopefully adopt them. The African Court, which came into existence in 2006, was established by the African Union following its adoption of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. According to the Chairperson of the African Commission, Justice Sanji Mmasenono Monageng, "The African Court is already quite advanced in the elaboration of its rules of procedure". Regarding the African Commission, Justice Monageng said the original intention had been for the Commission to consider and adopt its rules of procedure during the 42nd ordinary session in Brazzaville, Congo, in November 2007, but its workload made it impossible…

• Africa: Bush Says 'ABC' Aids Policy Works;allAfrica.com :21 February 2008.

President George W. Bush has defended his administration's policies on preventing HIV/AIDS, saying it would be reviewed only if it was not working. At a news conference in Accra on Wednesday, a journalist told Bush that his emphasis on abstaining from sex or being faithful to a single partner "doesn't really strike a chord" in Africa because of "multiple sexual... or partner relationships." Replying, Bush said while the first and second parts of the administration's program stressed abstinence and fidelity, "I just want to remind you, there's a third part called condoms." The policy was working, he said. "Uganda, for example, was the first country to really put the ABC strategy in place, and the results are measurable. “All I'm interested in is results. I'm wise enough to set the strategy and change the tactics if they're not working... But thus far I can report, at least to our citizens, that the program has been unbelievably effective."

88 • Africa: Bush Explains Focus of Africa Military Command: America.gov (Washington, DC):20 February 2008.Accra, Ghana.

President Bush, during his five-nation tour of Africa, took the opportunity at a stop in Ghana to explain how the new Africa Command (AFRICOM) is a part of his administration's strategy "to support African leaders to deal with Africa's problems." In a press availability at Osu Castle with Ghanaian President John Kufuor February 20, Bush said, "I know there is a controversial subject brewing around that is not very well understood, and that's 'Why would America stand up what's called AFRICOM?'" "I want to dispel the notion that all of a sudden America is bringing all kinds of military to Africa. It's just simply not true. This is a way of making our command relevant to the strategy that we have put in place," Bush said. AFRICOM represents a unique command structure, the president explained. "It is a command structure that is aiming to help provide military assistance to African nations so African nations are more capable of dealing with Africa's conflicts -- like peacekeeping training." Obviously, Bush said, "we have got an issue in Darfur [Sudan] that we all have to work together to solve. I am very pleased that the AU [African Union] and the U.N. hybrid force should be moving in there -- I would like to see it move in there quicker -- but the whole purpose of AFRICOM is to help [African] leaders deal with African problems." "We do not contemplate adding new bases," the president stressed. "The purpose of this is not to add military bases." Bush sought to dispel incorrect press reports and rumors in Ghana, which said he was seeking to build a base in Ghana. "That's baloney," he said. Bush said that in his talks with President Kufuor, the Ghanaian leader told him, "'You are not going to build any military bases in Ghana'" -- to which Bush said he replied, "I understand, nor do we want to." Bush did say that he presumed African leaders would impose high standards -- such as requiring the employment of local workers, imposing environmental protections and protections against undue exploitation -- on China or any other country bringing investment capital to the continent. That is the way it should be in dealing with any country, he said. "The United States is willing to live with those standards. We believe in those standards," he said. In his comments, Kufuor thanked Bush for refuting the incorrect rumors about AFRICOM and any notion that the United States is intending to build military bases on the continent.

• Africa: Bush Cites Positive Changes in Africa:America.gov (Washington, DC);20 February 2008.

Africa has changed "in a very positive way" since President Bush first took office seven years ago, he said in Ghana February 20. He attributed that positive change to the work of African leaders.

"There were six regional conflicts when I was elected president," Bush said at a press conference with Ghanaian President John Kufuor. "Take Liberia, for example. It was a real issue and a real problem, along with Nigeria. With John's advice for example, I made some decisions along with other leaders that helped put in place the first democratically elected woman [president] in the continent's history," Bush said, referring to Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Bush said he is traveling to Liberia February 21 -- the

89 last stop on a five-nation trip that has also taken him to Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda and Ghana -- to herald the success that the Sirleaf government has achieved and to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to help with further progress. "Conflict resolution has been taking place [across Africa] and the United States has not tried to impose its will," Bush said. "We have just tried to be a useful partner, like in Eastern Congo, for example -- working with the presidents of Rwanda, Congo and Burundi to bring peace to that region." "Democracy is making progress across the continent of Africa," he added. One reason conflict resolution and democracy now are moving forward, he said, is "because there are leaders like Ghanaian President John Kufuor." In Africa, the United States has helped end conflicts in Sierra Leone, Angola and Burundi, he said, and long has been working for peace in Sudan's Darfur region. Bush also said the positive momentum achieved in Africa has been aided by changes his administration has implemented in U.S. assistance programs. The old programs, he said, for the most part provided funds with few restrictions. That has changed, he said, to today's situation, where "we expect there to be certain habits in place, like fighting corruption or investing in the education of children."… On this trip -- his second to Africa as president -- Bush said, the leaders of the countries he visited or will visit (Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana and Liberia) "are leaders who have committed themselves to the good of their people, have committed themselves to honest government, and have committed themselves to investing in people. They are more interested in leaving behind a legacy of education than leaving behind a self-serving government." "There's no better way of making that point than coming to the continent, and that's why I'm here. ... It's been a great trip."

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Africa: Climate Change 'Poses Drought Risk for Africa'; SciDev.Net (London);21 February 2008.

Climate change could pose a new threat to food-insecure Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the USAID Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS NET). Christopher Funk, a geographer-climatologist from the University of California Santa Barbara and member of FEWS NET, presented their draft Climate Change Impact Report at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Boston, United States, last week (15 February). The warming of the Indian Ocean and increasingly El NiÃ±o-like weather causing variable rainfall could potentially produce drought across most of eastern and southern Africa. "Some of the most profound and direct impacts of climate change over the next few decades will be on agricultural and food systems," said Funk. Climate analysts predict that the warming of the Indian Ocean could result in a decrease in rainfall of up to 25 per cent on eastern and southern Africa. .. Shroder explains that decreased rainfall will lead to decreased crop yields. "By 2020 all of Africa will have an expected crop reduction ranging from 10-20 percent." Agricultural land in Africa is increasing, but yield per acre is still low, according to the report. Cropland has only increased by half while the population has doubled over the past 25 years. If this gap continues to grow, the effects of the drought will be amplified. But Funk said that mitigation options are available. "A modest increase in yields of 15 per cent [per

90 acre] per decade could overcome the anticipated declines in production due to rainfall." This growth would even make sub-Saharan Africa more secure than it is today.

• Africa: Political Will Needed to Check Hunger: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 21 February 2008.

The lack of political will to invest in agriculture has affected the chances of halving poverty and hunger in Africa by 2015, according to a senior United Nations official. "Investment in agriculture, more than other sectors, provides four times the returns," said Kanayo Nwanze, vice-president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, a UN agency working to end rural poverty. "There are some countries, like Ghana, which have made tremendous progress in the last seven years, and Uganda; we could have listed Kenya [prior to the current political crisis] which are likely to reach the MDG 1 [Millennium Development Goal to halve poverty and hunger by 2015]." Three out of four poor people in developing countries - 883 million - lived in rural areas in 2002, according to the World Development Report: Agriculture for Development, the World Bank's flagship 2007report on agriculture. "Most depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, directly or indirectly, so a more dynamic and inclusive agriculture could dramatically reduce rural poverty, helping to meet the Millennium Development Goal on poverty and hunger," said the Bank's first analysis of agriculture since 1982, which cited several success stories to illustrate its point that investing in food production can reduce poverty…"Agriculture was also the key to China's massive and unprecedented reduction in rural poverty, and to India's slower but still substantial long-term decline [in the number of rural poor]," the World Bank report pointed out. Asia is reaping the fruits of the green revolution in the 1970s, while African leaders failed to tap into that momentum, Nwanze said. "Look at India - in the 1960s it was listed as a hopeless case, while in the same period not a single African country was listed as food insecure. Thirty years later India became a food exporter and look at Africa. “Asian governments provided farmers with credit, price support, and input subsidies. "In sub-Saharan Africa, governments also intervened heavily in markets, but agriculture was taxed more than in other regions - and it still is," the World Bank report commented. Although Kenya, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe initiated maize-based revolutions using hybrid seed and fertiliser, the programmes have been difficult to sustain due to high marketing costs, fiscal drain and frequent weather shocks…"While many farms in Asia were similarly very small at the time of their green revolutions, many of them enjoyed irrigation, higher returns to fertiliser that could be achieved with water control, and more than one cropping season," said authors Thom Jayne, professor of international development at Michigan State University; David Mather, formerly at Michigan State University; and the World Bank's Elliot Mghenyi. "These factors substantially improved Asian land productivity, and partially relieved the severity of the land constraint among small farms. By contrast, the vast majority of African farms are dependent on rain and one crop season per year. ".. The World Bank report also listed the need for infrastructure development, the lack of which has increased transaction costs and market risks, and investment in fertilisers and irrigation. About 75 percent of the farmland in Africa is affected by severe mining of soil nutrients, and in sub-Saharan Africa only four percent of crop area is irrigated, a fraction of that in Asia.

91 • REFUGEES AND MIGRATION EAST AFRICA

Sudan: UN Warns of Accelerating Darfur Violence; UN Integrated Regional Information Networks ; 19 February 2008.

According to aid workers, Sudanese government aircraft bombarded areas near Abu Sarraw barely two weeks after attacks on the towns of Sirba and Abu Surouj displaced thousands of civilians. The latest aerial bombardment targeted villages at the base of opposition-controlled Jebel Moun areas. "I am very concerned for the civilian population caught in the middle of this violence," John Holmes, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, warned in a statement on 18 February. "Should further attacks occur, the consequences for 20,000 civilians in this area could be disastrous," he added, calling on parties to the West Darfur conflict to refrain from further attacks and exercise maximum restraint. The renewed violence, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), follows earlier fighting between the Khalil Ibrahim faction of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and government forces north of the West Darfur capital, El Geneina. An estimated 160,000 civilians were affected, including those currently at risk in Jebel Moun. "The civilian population has experienced widespread displacement, property damage, and significant trauma and loss of life," OCHA noted. "Approximately 57,000 civilians were displaced due to the offensive." At least 2.4 million people have been displaced by violence in Darfur, of whom 300,000 fled violence in 2007.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Cameroon: UN Provides More Food Aid As Chadian Refugees Move Into Camps; UN News Service (New York). 22 February 2008.

As many as 20,000 Chadian refugees who recently fled to northern Cameroon are receiving essential food items from the United Nations, as they begin to make their way from a transit centre near the border to a camp. The refugees, who left the Chadian capital of N'Djamena because of fighting between Government forces and armed opposition groups, are being transferred to Maltan camp from the transit site in Kousseri, which is currently host to some 30,000 refugees. So far, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) has provided more than 2,400 refugees who have arrived at Maltan camp with a 10-day ration of high-energy biscuits, pulses, cereals and vegetable oil. The agency noted that as the security situation has eased in N'Djamena, many people began returning to the Chadian capital last week. Others, however, do not feel ready to go back yet. Many of the refugees lost much of their belongings during looting in N'Djamena. Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees says it has registered over 10,000 refugees from the Central African Republic (CAR) who have crossed into southern Chad at the Maya and Bougounanga border crossings. "Hundreds more are awaiting screening by our teams and

92 new arrivals are crossing the border every day," UNHCR spokesperson Ron Redmond said at a press briefing in Geneva.

• HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL ISSUES

WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Sharia Commission Knocks Human Rights Watch on Dressing, Marriage: Daily Trust (Abuja):22 February 2008.

The Bauchi State Sharia Commission has responded to the letter written by global rights watch dog, Human Rights Watch which sought the intervention of the Nigerian government in the case of 18 male youths arrested last year for dressing in female costumes and organizing same sex weddings. The Commissioner in charge of Sharia matters, enlightenment and education at the Commission, Malam Mustapha Baba Ilelah told Daily Trust in an exclusive interview on Wednesday that it was wrong to for the human rights body to interfere in a matter that has full backing of the state law. He said the 18 youths were arrested for contravening the Sharia Penal Code Law 8 sub-section 133, which was passed by the state House of Assembly, a constitutionally recognized arm of government consisting of the representatives of the people of the state, majority of whom were Muslims. Malam Mustapha, who said though the letter was not addressed to his office, noted; "I feel we should clarify the matter. Bauchi State is one in a federation called Nigeria that can promulgate its own laws to protect its citizens from acts capable of destroying their moral well-being. There is a constitutional law against what the youths did and they were charged for contravening this law." According to the Permanent Commissioner of the Sharia Commission, the Human Rights Watch would also be infringing on the rights of the citizens of the state if it tries to load on them something they have collectively resolved to fight against, advising the Federal Government to consider the feelings of the citizens before signing any agreement… The letter, which was tendered before the Sharia court trying the youths before it adjourned sitting indefinitely, drew the attention of Nigeria to the charter it signed on International Convention on Civil and Political Rights 1993 and the African Charter on Human Rights1983, both of which allow for individuals or groups to have free associations, saying arresting and charging the youths as done by the Sharia Court in Bauchi contravenes these agreements…

• Nigeria: Media Tasked on Human Trafficking: Daily Trust (Abuja); 22 February 2008.

Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas made the statement yesterday at a sensitization workshop organized for the media by the Department of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, ECOWAS. Chambers said trafficking in person is a crime that is pervasive and growing in the West Africa region and to avert this, there is the need for "networking and dialogue with the media." The ECOWAS president who was represented by the Acting Director of Humanitarian and social affairs, Mrs H.U.Didigu, said the crime which primarily involves women, children, the poorest and the least educated is so serious and pervasive

93 that only a coordinated and vigorous effort of all stakeholders will be able to address it successfully. He said the ECOWAS in December, 2001, through the Authority of Heads of States and Government issued a political declaration condemning the phenomenon of trafficking in persons within the sub-region and immediately adopted an initial plan of action in that regard. "We have always regarded the media as partners in the fight against human traffic especially in the area of prevention and awareness rising. Our expectation from you as key stakeholders is indeed high. Your role as a watchdog in keeping human trafficking on the front burner of societal issues can not be over emphasized. We expect that the media cooperates with us and other stakeholders to give due publicity to counter Trafficking in persons initiatives." Highlights of the workshop include statements from relevant stakeholders and paper presentations which include 'the role of the Media in combating Trafficking in persons' by Mr. Mouktar Adamu, a Media consultant, and 'Overview of Trafficking in persons in Nigeria' by Mr. Mohammed Babandede, Head of investigation, NAPTIP.

• Sierra Leone: UN-Backed Court Upholds Jail Sentences for Rebel Leaders: UN News Service (New York): 22 February 2008.

The United Nations-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) upheld the long jail sentences it handed down last year to three former rebel leaders convicted of multiple counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the country's brutal civil war in the 1990s. Alex Tamba Brima and Santigie Borbor Kanu are each serving 50-year prison terms and Brima Bazzy Kamara is serving 45 years after each being found guilty of 11 charges, including committing acts of terrorism, murder, rape and enslavement and conscripting children under the age of 15 into armed groups. The three men, former leaders of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), a group of Sierra Leonean soldiers who allied themselves with the notorious rebel Revolutionary United Front (RUF) during the civil war, had each appealed against their convictions and the length of their sentences. The prosecution, in addition, appealed against the men's acquittal at the trial on several other charges. The appeals chamber upheld the prosecution's appeal in part on questions concerning the criminality of the act of forced marriage and the issue of joint criminal enterprise, but declined to enter new convictions for the men. After the judgment, SCSL Prosecutor Stephen Rapp issued a statement welcoming the ruling… The SCSL, the second international war crimes tribunal set up in Africa, is mandated to try those bearing the greatest responsibility for serious violations of international humanitarian and Sierra Leonean law within the country's borders since 30 November 1996.

• Sierra Leone: Koroma Admits Huge Lapses in Justice System; Concord Times (Freetown):22 February 2008.

President Ernest Bai Koroma has admitted huge lapses in Sierra Leone's justice system, disclosing that "70% of Sierra Leoneans have no access to legal justice." He was addressing the launching of country's justice sector reform strategy and investment plan 2008-2010 at the Miatta conference hall in Freetown. With this situation, the President postulated that there is need to ensure that alternative systems for delivering justice,

94 including through chiefdoms, are functioning properly and fairly. "The justice sector reform strategy and investment plan which was approved by cabinet, will be used to guide activities to respond to the need for a more coherent and rational approach to policy making, planning and resource allocation within the sector," he said. Koroma said the justice sector coordination office within the ministry of justice will work on driving forward the day-to-day implementation of the strategy in close partnership with the six cross institutional target task forces. By 2010, the strategy is expected to have reduced crime and fear of crime; to have improved satisfaction levels with local courts, Paramount Chiefs and local chiefs; to have speeded up the disposal of criminal cases; to have reduced the proportion of juveniles who have been handled inappropriately in the formal justice; and to have speeded up the disposal of civil cases; to improve confidence in human rights and accountability. The reform strategy recognized that at the end of the war, Sierra Leone's justice system was in ruins… Programme manager of JSDP, Mrs. Lyn Keogh said the strategy and investment plan provides a coherent and rational approach to policy making planning and resources allocation with the justice sector…Keogh noted: "Justice for all is not a slogan. It is essential for the development of an efficient, effective, impartial and accountable justice sector that meets the needs of all communities in Sierra Leone."

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• South Africa: Land Restored to North West Families: BuaNews (Tshwane):25 February 2008.

Nine families in the North West from the Welgeval farm and the Bakgatla Ba Kgafela tribe have officially received their land back as part of government's land restitution programme. Speaking during the official handing over ceremony on Sunday, Agriculture and Land Affairs Minister Lulama Xingwana said members of the community must actively use this land to their benefit. "As a result of this restoration, the community of this land must fully participate and benefit from businesses conducted on this land from now onwards. .. Welgeval's community leader Jonn Moloto lodged a claim with the regional Land Claims Commission of Gauteng and the North West province on behalf of the 47 descendent households more than eight years ago. In 2006, the claim was approved and ownership of the farm Welgeval is now held through the Welgeval Community Property Association, with Bakgatla Ba Kgafela as co-owners. The establishment of the Pilanesburg Nature Reserve led to the infringement of the land of many members of the community by the former Bophuthatswana government. The Bophuthatswana government subdivided their land without any form of consultation. Busa Moloane, 45, of Tlhabane was one of the people that lodged a claim about ten years ago. She said her grandfather died struggling to get his land back on Portion 13, 12 and 9 of the Vogelstruisnek 173 JP and portion 19 of the Ruighoek farm. "I am very much happy that we have received our lands because for some of us, the former government has disadvantaged our passed families… In 2007, the Land Claims Commission settled 11 38 out of 1 219 claims lodged in the North West.

EAST AFRICA

95 • Uganda: Religious Leaders Call on Government to Protect the Rights of Gays and Lesbians: Human Rights Watch: Washington, DC): PRESS RELEASE: 15 February 2008.

A coalition of 120 religious leaders has called on the government of Uganda to protect the human rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) citizens in the East African nation. In a letter to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, the faith leaders call for an end to government sanctioned verbal assaults and legal attacks that abridge the human rights of LGBT people. According to The Rev. Nancy L. Wilson, moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches, the international faith communion that organized the clergy letter, "We are especially concerned that members of the Museveni government have recommended criminal penalties against LGBT people based solely upon whom they love and have censored attempts by LGBT people to speak freely on their own behalf." Rev. Wilson added, "At our best, faith leaders share a mutual goal with the leaders of government -- we are both charged to care for the oppressed and to protect the most vulnerable among us. The threats by some Ugandan government officials thwart the realization of that goal." The letter, whose signers include Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu, Rev. Rebecca Voelkel, Rev. Dr. Jane Spahr, Rev. Troy Plummer, and Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, notes, "The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights affirms the equality of all people and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights protects the right to equality, freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, freedom of assembly, and freedom of association. We are only asking that you hold up the solid principles your government espouses."

• Uganda: Government Cannot Negotiate Away International Criminal Court Arrest Warrants for LRA; Amnesty International: PRESS RELEASE: 20 February 2008.

LRA members charged with crimes under international law must be surrendered to the International Criminal Court (ICC) immediately, Amnesty International said today, reacting to the news that a deal has been reached between the LRA and the Ugandan government whereby LRA leaders accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes would be tried by a national court. “It is not acceptable for the Ugandan government and the LRA to make a deal that circumvents international law,” said Christopher Keith Hall, Senior Legal Adviser in Amnesty International’s International Justice Project. “Many of these people have been charged with horrific crimes – and international warrants have been out for their arrest for more than two and a half years. They must be handed over to the ICC so that their guilt or innocence can be determined once and for all. The people of Uganda deserve no less.” As a party to the Rome Statute of the ICC, Uganda is under the duty to cooperate fully with the ICC in its investigations and prosecutions. In particular, it must cooperate in arresting and surrendering any person charged by the Court, without delay. Amnesty International noted that the Rome Statute provides that, once the men have been surrendered to the ICC, the Ugandan government may then apply to have the cases returned to Ugandan courts. However, it would be up to the Pre-Trial Chamber of the ICC to decide whether Ugandan courts are able and willing to genuinely investigate and prosecute the LRA suspects named in the warrants.

96 CENTRAL AFRICA

• Rwanda: Prosecution Wants Life Sentence for Genocide-Accused Catholic Priest: Hirondelle News Agency: (Lausanne):20 February 2008.

The prosecution has requested life in prison for Emmanuel Rukundo, a Catholic Priest accused of genocide, before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) Wednesday. "No other sentence than life in prison can correspond to the crimes that he committed", stated William Egbe, the Cameroonian-born prosecuting attorney. Military Chaplain in 1994, Rukundo is prosecuted for genocide, murder and extermination of Tutsis. He has pleaded not guilty. The crimes are alleged to have been committed in the center of the country, his native region. He added that the defendant should not benefit from any extenuating circumstances. "We put forward with emphasis that there were no extenuating circumstances in favour of Rukundo because of his premeditated and direct participation in the crimes", stressed Egbe. The prosecution in particular alleged that the priest had betrayed the confidence of his fellow-citizens, who were majority Christians to whom he regularly delivered the holy sacrament. Rukundo's lead lawyer, Aicha Conde of France stated that "it was scandalous that in such a prestigious tribunal we have a prosecutor who proceeds by free assertions. There is no search for the truth". According to Mrs Conde, the prosecutor has not, at any moment, shown that the defendant intended to commit genocide.

• Rwanda: Sue Spanish Judge, Parties Urge Government: The New Times (Kigali); 25 February 2008.

Leaders of Rwandese Labour Party (PSR) have asked the Government of Rwanda to take legal action against a Spanish judge who issued indictments against senior Rwandan military officials. Last month, Spanish judge Fernando Andrei Mirelles indicted 40 senior members of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), all of whom are former officers in the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) on allegations of committing crimes after the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. According to PSR president, Jean Baptiste Rucibigango, legal action would stop further baseless indictments that are meant to destabilise the country's security. "As a party that wants peace, we cannot tolerate such false indictments against our officers; they are meant to jeopardize our country's security," Rucibigango told a news conference on Saturday. The judge claimed to have gathered testimony from 22 people, most of them in exile and now in witness-protection programmes. Rucibigango said Merelles' indictments are lacking and a sign of carelessness because he never bothered to come to Rwanda or the Democratic Repubilic of Congo (DRC) - where the alleged crimes were purportedly committed - to find out the truth. "This also demonstrates how the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebels are using some countries to plan their futile propaganda campaign against our country,” he added. FDRL is a genocidal force based in eastern DRC… The Government has on several occasions said that a group of Genocide fugitives is at the centre of a coordinated campaign to tarnish its image, with the intention of returning to power and accomplish the Genocide

97 • Rwanda: Govt Welcomes Genocide Suspect Transfer Ruling: The New Times (Kigali):22 February 2008.

The Government of Rwanda has welcomed Wednesday's ruling by a Paris court to transfer Genocide suspect Dominique Ntawukuriryayo to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). The Paris Appeals Court verdict overturns an earlier judgment by the French Court of Cessation, which had ruled that Ntawukuriryayo could not be sent to the ICTR because of a technical flaw in the case. “The ruling is welcome though it has been long overdue; we highly appreciate the move because the ICTR is the only international court of competence to try cases of the Genocide," Rwanda's representative at the ICTR, Alloys Mutabingwa, said by telephone from Tanzania, yesterday. He argued that this should set precedence to similar cases in French courts. He cited the case of Fr Wenceslas Munyeshyaka, a priest and Laurent Bucyibaruta, who was a prefet of the former Gikongoro prefecture (now in the Southern Province). "All fugitives living there should be apprehended," Mutabingwa said. A former sous-prefet of Gisagara in the former Butare prefecture, Ntawukuriryayo is accused of co-ordinating the killing of up to 25,000 people at Kabuye Hill near Gisagara over a five-day period in April, 1994. .. And last month, the French Supreme Court ruled that the two men can be tried in France. That decision overturned an earlier ruling by a lower court, which had averred that French courts lacked jurisdiction to try the suspects.

• Rwanda: Genocide Rebels Are Well Financed in Congo – UN: Rwanda News Agency/Agence Rwandaise d'Information (Kigali):22 February 2008.

FDLR-FOCA rebels have become well-entrenched in the South and North Kivu provinces of eastern DR Congo and have developed diversified sources of financing that can keep them going for years, UN investigators have reported. The rebels under the banner Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda-Forces combattantes abacunguzi (FDLR-FOCA) are said to control mineral rich areas where they massively export deposits for revenue and arms. FDLR is the political arm and the FOCA stand in as the military wing. According to a report by five experts for the UN Security Council, the FDLR-FOCA control cassiterite deposits north of Lulingu, in Shabunda region (South Kivu), in Nyabiondo, Walikale region (North Kivu), and in Lemera (South Kivu). They also manage gold deposits in Kilembwe (South Kivu). These minerals are transported to general collection points near the mining deposits. The output is typically transported by road and air by comptoirs (buying houses) to their headquarters, many of which are located in Goma and Bukavu - capitals of North Kivu and South Kivu respectively. To export the minerals, according to the investigators, the rebels use mainly boats on numerous rivers and particular routes such as Kanvinvira-Uvira-Bukavu-Hombo-Itebero- Kibua and Uvira-Kilembwe (South Kivu),.. Civilian associates of FDLR-FOCA produce a range of agricultural goods, including cannabis, both for their and the militia's own subsistence needs and for sale at regional markets, the 35-page report indicates. FDLR- FOCA and its civilian associates exploit timber in Pinga territory; they poach hippopotamuses for both meat and ivory in areas under its control along Lake Albert in Lubero, as well as periodically steal and loot from civilians. To keep their war machine intact, the rebels that according to the authorities in Kigali are blamed for the Genocide in

98 Rwanda, the UN investigators say they have "smuggling networks" that provide a constant flow of arms. The experts say there are "strong indications that there are close links between some FARDC (DRC army) elements and FDLR-FOCA".

• Chad: Reports of Political Detentions Alarm UN Human Rights Agency: UN News Service (New York) ;22 February 2008.

The United Nations human rights agency says it is concerned by the reported abduction and detention of several opposition leaders and members of civil society organizations in Chad, following the recent rebel assault on the capital, N'Djamena. "While appreciating that the Chadian Government has faced a major crisis, the Office has called for fundamental human rights and freedoms to be respected during the state of emergency," Rupert Colville, spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), said. "We remain concerned about reports of killings of large numbers of civilians during the fighting and call upon the Government of Chad to fully investigate these allegations and hold those responsible to account," he added. A 15 February presidential decree that declared a nationwide state of emergency authorized house searches and press controls, as well as limiting movement of people and vehicles and banning most meetings, according to OHCHR. "We call on the Government of Chad to respect fundamental human rights and freedoms during the period of the state of emergency, which we hope will be as brief as possible," Mr. Colville said.

• Chad: Disastrous Plight of Independent Media Under State of Emergency Deplored: Reporters sans Frontières (Paris): PRESS RELEASE: 22 February 2008.

Chad is now one of the few African countries without an effective independent press since a state of emergency was declared a week ago, with journalists fleeing abroad to escape arrest or falling silent in protest against censorship and "very serious" official threats, Reporters Without Borders said. "The authorities cannot force the country to live in an atmosphere of constant praise for them and must understand they will continue to be criticised, with or without an independent media," it said. Under the 15 February emergency, a censorship committee has been set up, privately-owned papers have stopped coming out, some radio programmes have been dropped by privately-owned stations and the communications ministry has called the independent media mouthpieces of "foreign aggressors." The crackdown has continued even though rebel forces have withdrawn from the capital, N'Djamena. The emergency includes a curfew, controlled movement of people and vehicles, house searches and control of the media, which must submit all material for approval before printing or broadcasting. Privately-owned newspapers said on 18 February they were halting publication for as long as the emergency lasted, in protest against "the suspension of civil liberties" and censorship. The papers were the weeklies Le Temps, L'Observateur and the twice-weekly N'Djamena Hebdo. Another privately-owned paper, Notre Temps, was banned last December. The privately-owned pro-government daily Le Progrès is now the only independent paper still appearing. The president of the Union of Privately-Owned Radio Stations (URPT), Gapili Misset, called on member-stations to drop some programmes from today in protest

99 against the official pre-censorship. He urged the government to begin "an open and sincere dialogue" with the privately-owned media and "stop harassing" them.

• Chad: Human Rights Crisis Brewing in Aftermath of Attack on N’Djamena: Amnesty International: PRESS RELEASE; 20 February 2008.

Amnesty International today urged the Chadian government to stop persecuting senior members of political opposition parties, journalists and supporters – actual or perceived – of opposition political groups. Lol Mahamat Choua, Ngarlegy Yorongar and Ibno Mahamat Saleh were all arrested on 3 February in the capital, N'Djamena, and there are serious concerns for their safety. The whereabouts of Wadel Abdel Kader Kamougue, a leading opposition figure, remain unknown, although the Chadian Minister of Communication said that he evaded arrest and has been in hiding since 3 February. On 14 February, the Chadian Minister of Internal Affairs, Mahamat Ahmat Bachir, confirmed that Lol Choua was detained in a military prison. The next day, French authorities in Chad acknowledged that their ambassador had met Lol Choua. However, to this day, family members, doctors and lawyers have been refused permission to meet him. Ngarlegy Yorongar and Ibno Mahamat Saleh have not been seen since they were arrested by Chadian security forces. "These men are either in incommunicado detention or have been subjected to enforced disappearance," said Tawanda Hondora, Deputy Director of Amnesty International's Africa Programme. "This clamp down on members of peaceful political opposition groups, which mirrors the targeting of opposition groups and army officers in the aftermath of the abortive April 2006 N'Djamena attack by armed groups, is extremely worrying." "Amnesty International is very concerned about the health and safety of these men. They should either be charged with a recognisable criminal offence or released immediately."

• HEALTH MATTERS (HIV/AIDS, TB, MALARIA)

WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: '4m Nigerians Have Sickle Cell’: Daily Trust (Abuja) ;23 February 2008.

At least four million Nigerians are suffering from sickle cell anemia and about 80 per cent of Nigerian children born with the disease die before the age of five, representing the worst case in the world. Speaking during the visit of the Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Alhassan B. Zaku, to the Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) in Abuja, the Managing Director, XECHEM Pharmaceuticals Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ireti Oniyide, said NICOSAN, a drug by XECHEM, was not a complete cure for the disease but it has a high success ratio to effectively manage it. Currently, he said XECHEM, located in the technology village, produces 50,000 capsules of the drug daily which will likely increase to one million. He said the economic benefits of the drugs was really enormous, adding that local farmer's need to farm sorghum which is the primary raw material. He said the products are being marketed in Dubai and the United

100 States. The minister praised the efforts of the company and urged them to make cheaper drugs. Meanwhile, the minister has called on the private sector to partner with government on mass producing local inventions for commercial benefits.

• Nigeria: Fake Drugs More Vicious Than HIV/Aids - Task Force; Leadership (Abuja); 23 February 2008.

In its determination to eradicate the sale of fake drugs in the country, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Taskforce on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs (TFC&FD) has called on the public to desist from buying drugs from unregistered pharmacists stressing that "fake drugs are more vicious than the scourge of malaria and HIV/AIDS." Making the call at a one-day public enlightenment campaign on the dangers of selling and buying fake drugs held at Utako motor park Abuja, the secretary TFC&FC, Hajiya Hauwa Kulu Ibrahim, stated that fake Paracetamol syrup, killed about 109 children a day in 1991. She said that the case was reported from various hospitals which include UCH Ibadan and JUTH Jos, where the children were killed as a result of fake drugs. Hajiya Ibrahim, however, said that the aim of the enlightenment campaign was to sensitise the people to know the dangers of buying and selling fake drugs, saying, "Campaign on fake drugs should not be a one-person business, because people ought to buy the product from safer places. Once you buy your product from a registered pharmaceutical shop, you would be sure of the product you are buying. "Investigation has shown that this illegal outlet are the sellers of fake drugs, because they know that at the end of the day, they would close shops. If you buy a product in a registered pharmacy, you are 99 percent sure of the product you are buying." Hajiya Ibrahim said.

• Nigeria: Doctors Threaten Strike Nationwide; Vanguard (Lagos) :22 February 2008.

MEMBERS of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) are said to be restive over decaying medical infrastructure and poor conditions of service in the country and may embark on a nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to address their grievances by the end of this month. However, it has called on the House of Representatives to intervene in the dispute between it and the Federal Government saying it believed that it is better to prevent a strike by pre-empting it. The association executives led by its President, Dr. Dan Gana met with the Mr. Lad Ojomo-led House of Representatives Committee on Health yesterday in Abuja where they addressed the committee's concern about the looming nationwide industrial action. Dr. Gana however, stressed that the NMA would follow due process laid down by its rules before it calls any strike, pointing out that the on-going strike of doctors in some Teaching Hospitals in the country was not at the instance of the NMA but based on local problems. The NMA President recalled that the association had raised certain issues with government since 2006 and discussions between the parties have been futile which he said led to the 21-day ultimatum the association issued to government last month. According to him, the association's demand arose from the poor healthcare delivery in the country compared to other countries and the lack of motivation for medical personnel. Dr. Gana noted that the situation in health

101 system has gone so bad that there was about one doctor now caring for up to 150 patients.]

• Gambia: Prisoners in the Country Dying Due to Lack of Medicine!! :Freedom Newspaper (Raleigh, North Carolina) ;21 February 2008 .

Sick prisoners at the Mile 2 Central Prisons are desperately crying for help as they complained that they lack proper medical care. According to the inmates , their health conditions are deteriorating by the day because they could not buy their prescribed medicines. "Anytime we visit the RVHT we are told that there is no drugs , hence we are told to go to private pharmacies to buy drugs which we cannot afford," said one of the sick inmates . The inmate says many of their colleagues were dying due to lack of drugs and good sanitation. He says they have long been neglected by the Government. He says many inmates have died in the recent past due to hunger and malnutrition. According to our sources, a good number of prisoners were yesterday brought to the RVTH for treatment but only to be returned to their prison cells due to lack of drugs at the hospital . In a sorrowful mode, one of the inmates cried aloud and said, "This is not the first time I have come to this hospital and each time I come here I am given prescription but they will tell me there is no drug in the hospital. Where would I get the medicine from when I solely depends on the government to help me get food, shelter and medication? We the prisoners at Mile 2 are suffering and we desperately need help from the government. One of the inmates said he now prefers to stay not to visit any hospital, saying that they are sick and tied of hearing " there is no medicine in the hospitals ."

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Angola: Malaria Claims Over 500 Lives in 2007; Angola Press Agency (Luanda); 24 February 2008.

At least 512 people perished in 2007 due to malaria, amongst 209,000 cases diagnosed, in the south Huíla province, by the provincial department of Public Health and Control of Endemic Diseases. The head of the aforementioned department, Bernabé Lemos, who was speaking to ANGOP in Lubango city, provincial capital, said that from the deaths registered, 208 were children, a reduction of 3,000 cases compared to the cases of the year 2006. He stated that the reduction in cases results from awareness campaigns, workshops on the dangers and prevention against the disease, as well as the conscience of the population to seek health services as soon as the first symptoms of the disease appear. According to Bernabé Lemos, the district of Lubango was the most affected with 56,103 cases and 33 deaths, followed by Jamba, with 19,468 cases and 28 deaths, whilst that the localities of Caconda and Cacula registered less cases with 3,703 and 3,453 cases, and three deaths each, respectively

• Angola: U.S. Government Grants Usd 18 Million to Fight Malaria; Angola Press Agency (Luanda); 22 February 2008.

102 The ambassador of the United States of America, Dan Mozena, Thursday here, said that the government of his country will make available every year from 2008 about USD 18 million in the framework of the programme of fight against malaria in Angola. The U.S. diplomat, who was speaking to the press, on the sidelines of inauguration ceremony of Académica Petróleos do Lobito clinic, funded by U.S. oil company ESSO, said that the Government of his country wants to contribute in the next three years, in every programme focused on fight against malaria. The amount will be directed to health education programme, delivery of mosquito-nets in plasmodium infested areas. The programmes on fight against HIV/AIDS also constitute a priority of U.S. authorities in Africa, in particular in Angola, because, according him, "HIV/AIDS should be a concern of every government.

• Mozambique: About 100,000 People Are Receiving ARV Therapy: Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique (Maputo); 22 February 2008.

About 100,000 HIV-positive people in Mozambique are now receiving the life prolonging anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs, through a variety of projects, many of them funded by the United States, in all 11 provinces, according to a report in Friday's issue of the Maputo daily "Noticias". Lisa Nelson, head of HIV/AIDS programmes with the US Centre for the Prevention and Control of Diseases in Mozambique, expressed satisfaction with Mozambique's "impressive" efforts to fight against the AIDS pandemic. She said that this positive situation will improve even further in the coming few years, particularly if the Health Ministry and the National AIDS Council (CNCS) keep up the level of material commitment they have been showing so far. Nelson told "Noticias" that "The United States is directly supporting about half of the units that offer ARVs through various partners operating in the provinces, in coordination with the Health Ministry. We are happy, because about 100,000 people are receiving the anti-retroviral treatment". Established in Mozambique in 2000, the Centre has been directly supporting treatment with ARVs, initiatives for income generation for people with AIDS, prevention of HIV, and also the designing of strategies for the fight against HIV/AIDS. It is estimated that there are currently 300,000 people in Mozambique who are now at the stage of HIV infection where anti-retroviral treatment is recommended. The hope is to cater for all of them in the near future, because Mozambique has enough drugs for that effect. Among the obstacles to achieving this worthy goal is the awkward fact that most people infected with HIV are unaware that they are carrying the virus.

• Namibia: The Impact of HIV/-Aids On Elections; New Era (Windhoek):22 February 2008.

The bow of the HIV/Aids pandemic ripples out to issues of electoral participation and representation. 'The Political Cost of Aids in Africa', a research study done by the Institute for Democracy in Southern Africa (IDASA) on the impact of HIV/Aids on the electoral systems in six southern African countries, suggests that the fledgling multi-party democracies are put under a heavy strain by the pandemic. The book, which was launched in Windhoek yesterday, suggests electoral reforms in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) incorporate provisions dealing with the impact of the

103 crippling disease. However, Dr Justine Hunter of the Namibia Institute of Democracy (NID), said while any reforms should not exclude issues related to HIV/Aids, reforms cannot be limited to considerations arising from the pandemic. The three-year study, therefore, suggests innovative and holistic responses to address the issue. The study looked at the attrition among elected political leaders and the cost of replacing them; the loss of elected representatives, the effects on constituents, and the power dynamics in parliamentary structures and democratic governance; the failure to maintain voter registers and how this affects the credibility of electoral outcomes; and the effect of stigma and discrimination on political participation. "Because of Aids we asked some inevitable questions: Will Aids render political institutions weaker? Will loss of adults impact on productivity, resulting in poor economic performance and affect citizen confidence in elected governments? Will infected citizens withdraw from political life? Given the fore-going, can democracy be sustained?" said IDASA Manager of the Governance and Aids Programme, Kondwani Chirambo… Statistics on HIV/Aids in sub- Sahara taken between June 2000 and July 2002 showed that about 4.5 percent of the population was infected with HIV. A worldwide statistics at the time showed a prevalence of 0.66 percent. In SADC, the HIV prevalence was 7.18 percent. That means that five million people in South Africa were infected during that period; 2.5 million in Zimbabwe, 1.2 million in Zambia, and 360000 in Lesotho. In Namibia, it is estimated that around 19 percent of the population is infected by the disease. The link between HIV/Aids and electoral systems, said Chirambo, is a loss of quality leadership in both proportional representation and first-passed-the-post (FPTP) arrangements, power shifts due to an inability of smaller parties to compete in FPTP systems, loss or representation, and a negative impact on political parties. The economic loss due to HIV/Aids is figured in the calculations of financing by-elections for the State and political parties… The ECN, said the researchers, should develop strategies and policies to educate its staff about HIV/Aids. Equally, they said political parties should consider institutionalising strong internal responses to HIV/Aids. Moreover, they suggested, more polling stations and transport facilities should be strategically situated to minimise the distance that people have to travel to vote. Also, they said, permanent and mobile polling stations should be equipped with ablution and resting facilities. Voter registration, they continued, should be computerised and regularly checked against the population register, with monthly entries of deaths. "Mobile polling stations for hospitalised patients should be continued and incorporated in the envisaged redrafting of electoral legislation," they said.

EAST AFRICA

• Uganda: Negligent Medics to Be Interdicted: New Vision (Kampala):24 February 2008.

THE Ministry of Health is to interdict negligent health workers to check maternal deaths. The assistant commissioner for reproductive health, Dr. Anthony Mbonye, said maternal death audits were being conducted and a report would be ready soon. "We are auditing maternal deaths and have punitive action where there was negligence. This was a presidential directive in 2005," Mbonye said during a conference at Lake View Hotel in Mbarara town on Thursday. Describing negligence as health workers' failure to execute

104 their duties, Mbonye said carelessness accounted for 10% of the maternal deaths. "When you abscond from duty, do not give patients drugs as prescribed, do not make referrals in time or abandon mothers living with HIV, then you are negligent. You should be punished." Uganda's maternal mortality rate is 435. Maternal mortality rate is the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Mbonye urged expectant mothers to report cases of negligence.

• Uganda: Another Plan to Cut HIV Infections Out: New Vision (Kampala); 24 February 2008.

MOST HIV/AIDS prevention efforts have been concentrated on changing the behaviour of people who are HIV-negative. But a new programme that puts individuals living with HIV/AIDS at the forefront of reducing transmission of the disease in Uganda has been initiated. Positive Prevention is a strategy that focuses on encouraging positive individuals to prevent new infections and maintain their well-being by avoiding multiple sexual partners and taking medication. It targets the source of the infection, PHAs, and uses them as a resource in prevention and improving the quality of life of others. The programme is supported by Strengthening HIV Counsellor Training Project and the AIDS Support Organisation in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. It trains HIV positive people to lead a public information campaign against the disease. It aims at a meaningful involvement of Persons living with Aids at all levels - planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation… During an 11-day workshop held at Zamo Hotel in Jinja, Gorreti Nakabugo, a trainer with the counsellor training project, said prevalence of HIV has remained stagnant, while sexually transmitted infections, especially among young people remains high. She said effective HIV prevention is two- way; People who are HIV-negative have to take responsibility to stay negative, and HIV- positive people need to avoid transmitting the virus to others and at the same time avoid their own exposure to other infections.

The Positive prevention programmes' goal is to engage the knowledge, skills and experience of Persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Rationale of Positive prevention

1. HIV prevalence and new HIV infections are on the increase in Uganda.

2. Many HIV-positive adults do not know their own and partners' status and continue to have unprotected sex.

3.High rates of unplanned pregnancies among HIV positive women

4. Few women with HIV use family planning services and methods.

5. HIV discordance rates are high and few people with HIV disclose their status to their spouse, family members and significant people in their lives.

105 6.Increased access to Antiretroviral Therapy has led to improved health and resumption of sexual and other activities among more individuals living with HIV in Uganda.

Benefits of Positive prevention: A) Change in the risky behaviour of an HIV positive person will have a much bigger effect on the spread of the virus than an equivalent change in behaviour of a negative person. b) Persons living with HIV get more knowledge, change attitude and get skills in reducing transmission by being at the frontline of HIV prevention and it makes them own the programme.

• Uganda: Tuberculosis Leading Killer of People With HIV; New Vision (Kampala); 24 February 2008.

A recent survey by the TB Programme has shown that the number of Tuberculosis (TB) patients who are also infected with HIV, has increased by 20% in the last two years. The number of patients with both TB and HIV in the country has risen to 70% compared to 50% in 2006. It was also noted that globally, a third of the World's population is infected with TB while 8.8 million new cases appear every year and 5,000 deaths are recorded every day. "TB is the leading killer of HIV patients and has become a national burden as about 300 new TB patients are reported each year from every constituency in the country," said Dr Francis Adatu, the project manager of the TB Programme. The report shows that Kampala has recorded a low treatment success of only 16.7% patients compared to the high detection of 179.9%.

• Kenya: Five More Die in Cholera Outbreak: The East African Standard (Nairobi); 23 February 2008.

Five more people have died from Cholera at various health centres in Mandera District. This brings the death toll to 10 in three weeks. Already, more than 200 people have been admitted in hospitals with various complaints. Confirming the latest deaths, area Medical Officer of Health Dr Bonface Musila said new cases of the outbreak were also reported at Arabia Secondary School. He said 20 students were among 40 new cases of the contagious disease at the Arabia division some 65km from Mandera town. Musila said the Health ministry has dispatched relevant drugs and mobilised personnel to check the spread. He said the outbreak is under control and all health facilities in the district are on high alert. At the same time, doctor says awareness campaigns have been launched. Meanwhile, a ban on all butcheries in the district has been lifted.

• Kenya: IDPs Assured of HIV Drug Supply: The East African Standard (Nairobi); 23 February 2008.

The Government has assured HIV- positive displaced people in camps that it will provide them with Anti-retroviral drugs. Director of Medical Services, Dr James Nyikal, said the Government had supplied sufficient drugs to IDP camps. "It is up to the victims to go forward and seek drugs. We have enough for those at the camps. Those relocated will be

106 referred to the nearest health facilities to collect their dosage," said Nyikal. He was speaking in Kisumu when he visited the camps, on Friday. Officials accompanied him from UNICEF and the Kenya Red Cross. He said medical personnel had been sent to all camps to deal with any medical needs and also immunise children less than five years.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Rwanda: Cutting Edge HIV/Aids Prevention Presents Challenges; Inter Press Service (Johannesburg); 21 February 2008.

Certain medical workers in Rwanda have expressed concern about the country's campaign to promote male circumcision as a means of curbing the spread of HIV. They fear that in a country with low levels of knowledge about sexual health, people could mistakenly believe the procedure offers complete protection against the virus. An epidemiologist based in the capital, Kigali, said there was a risk of "a bloodbath in the country once circumcision is taken as an anti-AIDS measure." Cyriaque Twagirumukiza, a general practitioner in the city, is also apprehensive: "Most of the difficulties relate to convincing men that circumcision does not exclude the use of condoms during sex." The campaign got underway this month amidst figures showing that HIV prevalence is on the rise in this Central African nation -- from three to 3.6 percent during the past year, according to government. A number of studies have indicated that circumcision -- which involves the removal of part or all of the foreskin from the penis -- substantially reduces a man's risk of contracting HIV during penile-vaginal intercourse. Trials sponsored by the National Institutes of Health in the United States and the Canadian Institute of Health Research in Kenya and Uganda have shown a 53 percent and 51 percent decline in risk, respectively. Similar findings were made during a study funded by the French National Agency for Research on AIDS that was carried out in South Africa; results of this research, published in 2005, indicated a minimum 60 percent reduction in infection. The inner, mucous membrane of the foreskin is said to have a greater number of cells that are targets for the HI-virus -- notably Langerhans cells -- than the external surface of the skin, making it more vulnerable to infection than other penile tissue. (Langerhans cells are immune system cells located in the skin.) In addition, the warm, humid area between the foreskin and penis head is seen as a favourable environment for HIV, which may also be able to penetrate the foreskin because of other factors. Noting that circumcision cannot provide a complete safeguard against HIV, health workers emphasise the need for other protective measures… Some claim that circumcision is said to reduce instances of urinary tract infections and cancer of the penis, among other diseases. However, others dispute this view. "The current consensus of most experts is that circumcision should not be recommended as a prevention strategy for penile cancer," notes the American Cancer Society on its website.

• Cameroon: Corruption Hinders Distribution of Subsidised Malaria Drugs: The Post (Buea); 22 February 2008.

Corruption has been identified as the main jinx hindering the effective distribution of modern malaria drugs, subsidised by the Global Health Fund for Malaria AIDS and

107 Tuberculosis. The Permanent Secretary at the National Malaria Control Programme, Dr. Raphael Okalla, made this revelation during a press conference in Yaounde February 14.He said corrupt doctors in some government hospitals were pilfering the subsidised drugs and giving them out to people to sell at higher prices for them to make gains. He said government has responded to this unfortunate development by creating supervisory and control teams so that the drugs are sold only to needy at the subsidised prices.Dr. Okalla said the Minister of Public Health recently slammed administrative sanctions on some health personnel at the Yaounde Central Hospital for mismanaging subsidised drugs… Malaria Treatment: The main topic of the press conference organised by the Cameroon Media Against Malaria, CCAM, was malaria treatment. In this wise, Dr. Okalla said anybody treating the disease should understand that there are two kinds of malaria - there simple and complicated types that warrant different treatments. Okalla cautioned that any malaria treatment should begin with proper diagnosis to determine whether it is simple or complicated. Symptoms of simple malaria, he said, are fever, fatigue and joint pains. The doctor said any malaria treatment should begin with a test because there are many other diseases that cause fever. The medic said malaria is rated as complicated when the patient has high fever, high temperature and severe body pains and vomits continuously. Heavily coloured urine and dehydration are equally signs of complicated malaria. In children, such complicated malaria also brings convulsions.

• ENERGY WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Petrodel Resources Begins Offshore Seismic Survey: This Day (Lagos):23 February 2008.

A wholly owned indigenous company, Petrodel Resources Limited (PRL), has commenced its first 2D seismic survey in the coastal waters of Tanzania. Data gathering began on 17th February 2008, as the specialist survey ship Geo Mariner sailed from Dar es Salaam towards the southern zone of PRL's Latham Licence. More than 900 km new 2D reflection seismic data will be acquired in this survey, the first to be conducted in this area for over 20 years. As the survey progresses, the ship will traverse northwards towards PRL's contiguous Kimbiji Licence, in which approximately one third of the new data will be acquired. The Latham and Kimbiji Licences form part of a single Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between PRL, as contractor, the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) as licensee, and the government of Tanzania through its Ministry of Energy and Minerals. The current survey design is based on a thorough analysis of legacy data from as long ago as 1970. Much of the previous 2D seismic had, as far as is known, never been processed through to "migration", an essential last step in the seismic processing sequence that focuses the data.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Zimbabwe: 'Alternative Energy Sources Can Solve Shortages': The Herald (Harare):25 February 2008.

108 Zimbabwe can address its energy shortfalls if it harnesses other forms of power such as solar to complement hydro and thermal electricity which is currently in short supply, experts said last week. Speaking at an energy crisis workshop in Harare, officials said the country has vast untapped energy reserves which, if explored, could help turnaround the economy and solve the energy problems that have greatly affected business. A comprehensive energy base, the experts added, would reduce power imports and enable Zimbabwe to channel its resources to other critical areas of national development. Zesa Holdings managing director for transmission and distribution, Mr Ernest Muchayi said Government and the private sector should engage in serious talk on energy projects as the country was fast running out of power. He said without a strong energy pool, Zesa would fail to efficiently service its customers thereby affect the general progress of the country. "For Zesa to deliver and contribute towards national development all other forms of energy should be operational and vibrant," he said. "It is therefore vital for the country to invest in other power substitutes such as gas and solar to supplement hydro and thermal electricity."

• Zimbabwe: Staff Exodus Hits Zesa: Zimbabwe Independent (Harare):22 February 2008.

ZESA Holdings has been hit by a major staff exodus in the past 18 months with the majority of top management and skilled labour force leaving for regional power utilities. Senior executives have joined power companies in the United Kingdom and Australia. Zesa is now understaffed in key areas like distribution and transmission. Experts said this is why the utility is taking so long to respond to the national power outages. Zesa's two control centres in Harare and Bulawayo are also understaffed. The remaining artisans have to make do with dilapidated equipment and a strained budget. "The people at control centres are not adequate in terms of both numbers and skills. They failed to control the load and this resulted in the grid collapsing," said a senior official at Zesa. It is understood that 25 of the 28 executive level managers to emerge from Zesa's unbundling exercise have left the utility since June 2006. Another 227 members of a senior management staff complement of 312 have taken up other positions outside the utility… The largest number is reported to have joined South African power utility, Eskom, while a sizeable number joined Namibia's NamPower. Others have joined the Botswana Power Company (BPC) and Mozambique's Hidroelectrica Cahora Bassa (HCB). The United Kingdom's power generation utility, National Power has amongst its staff 22 ex-Zesa employees. The South of Scotland Distribution Board has eight ex-Zesa staff. More than 50 skilled ex-Zesa staff left for Australia where they have since taken up jobs in the electricity industry.

• Botswana: Solar Energy Could Temper Power Crisis; Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone):22 February 2008.

LUSAKA: Constrained electricity generation capacity, especially in South Africa, has led to a rise in the cost of electricity whose effect reverberates in countries like Botswana, which is heavily dependent on Eskom for most of its power supply. To cushion the impact of this long anticipated turn of events, the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC), as

109 long ago as September 2005, hiked its electricity tariffs from P8.58 to P10 for domestic consumers, while the fixed charge for commercial consumers rose from P22.69 to P29.09. BCP also announced that it would increase tariffs again in January 2008. Because of dwindling supplies and 'the need to optimise the utilisation of limited supplies' most countries throughout the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and elsewhere have adopted emergency measures, including hiked tariffs. Zambia increased electricity tariffs for both domestic and commercial consumers to upgrade hydropower stations, while Uganda has resorted to solar energy to save the available wattage. But in light of the mounting energy crisis, SADC nations must turn to other sources of energy. For instance, in order to offset power shortages, Uganda acquired diesel generators to increase the wattage. When the cost of running them resulted in increased electricity tariffs, a study, which was conducted to find solutions revealed that by fixing solar heaters, power would be saved. A study report by Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (REEEP) shows that by installing 65,000 solar heaters, the saved power during peak hours could amount to 41 megawatts. After the study, which was conducted by the Ministry of Energy and Water Development, 500 solar water heaters are to be installed in Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja in which it is anticipated that one mega-watts power would be saved.

EAST AFRICA

• Uganda: Garbage Power: New Vision (Kampala); 24 February 2008.

KAMPALA City, Entebbe and Mukono municipalities' garbage is going to be converted into energy. The conversion is going to be done by the energy and mineral development ministry and a joint energy company, Taylor/Sesam Energistics One Limited. The ministry's acting permanent secretary, Eng. Paul Mubiru, signed a memorandum of understanding on behalf of the Government while Dr. Noah Maalanti, the chief executive officer of the company, signed on their behalf to produce 33 megawatts of power from solid waste. The company will finance the project, which is expected to cost $88m (about sh50b). "The memorandum gives us confidence as investors. The government has opened all doors for the project implementation and take-off," says Sam Julius Lukwago, the company's executive director for critical business links. He added that they are looking forward to signing another memorandum with Kampala City Council (KCC) to allow them utilise all the waste… The energy sector has security guarantee. Its source of energy is not affected by water levels or absence of sunlight at night. Uganda will have a demand of between 411 and 649 megawatts by 2010. The current 370MW is inadequate. According to the Uganda Investment Authority 2005 report, Uganda's electrification rate is one of the lowest in the world, with a grid access of only 5% and 2% in urban and rural areas respectively. Only 200,000 customers are connected to the grid with an annual growth rate estimated between 5.5 and 7.5%. Some of the population use car batteries, solar and generators. Maalanti says the initial 33MW will be enough for 30,000 households. "The generation will increase to 70MW, when an efficient waste collection system is put in place," he adds.

• ENVIRONMENT

110

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Angola: Govt Official Worried About Illegal Deforestation: Angola Press Agency (Luanda):21 February 2008.

Angolan Agriculture deputy minister for the Forests sphere, André de Jesus Moda Thursday expressed his worry with the illegal cutting down of trees in the districts of Matala, Jamba and Kuvango, south Huíla province. Speaking to the press, in Lubango city, at the end of a four-day work visit to the region, the official urged local competent authorities to take measures aimed at stemming this evil, otherwise it could negatively affect the ecological balance. André Moda referred that supervising teams of the Forest Development Institute (IDF) should intensify their activity, not only in those localities, but also in other province-based areas, where the deforestation is a reality. André Moda, who is expected back to Luanda this Thursday, has already visited the Forest Area of Humpata district, the aforestation zone of Otite, and travelled to Matala, Jamba and Kuvango localities to learn on the situation of local forests.

EAST AFRICA

• Uganda: UNDP Donates to Save Environment; New Vision (Kampala); 24 February 2008.

THE United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has given Uganda $3,395m (about sh5.8b) for conservation. The funds were channeled through the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Ministry of Water and Environment to implement a biodiversity conservation project in the Albertine Rift Forests of Uganda. The project will promote better management of forests on private land by communities in Hoima, Masindi and Kibale disricts. About $267,347 was used to procure project equipment, including the vehicles and motorcycles which were handed over last Monday by the UNDP resident representative in Uganda, Theophane Nikyema. Nikyema said UNDP's Strategic Plan 2008-2011 puts priority on environment in general and biodiversity conservation in particular. He added that the project fits within the Government of Uganda priorities for biodiversity conservation.

• Africa: Forestry Sector Critical to Climate Change Debate: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (Rome):18 February 2008.

"Forests play a critical role in climate change," FAO said today during the opening day of the first-ever joint meetings between the Near East Forestry Commission and the Africa Forestry and Wildlife Commission. "The Forestry sector, mainly deforestation in tropical areas, causes 17 percent of global emissions of greenhouse gases. Sustainable forest management is a necessary component of a global strategy to combat climate change", said Jan Heino, FAO Assistant Director-General for Forestry. Trees are even more important in countries that do not have a large forest area. "The development of guidelines for best forestry practices in arid and semi-arid zones can be a significant step

111 forward in the Near East region," said Pape Djiby Koné, Senior Forestry Officer for the Near East. The meetings in Khartoum are the largest single gathering in history of the heads of national forestry and wildlife agencies in the two regions. The wildlife experts will develop strategies to address the conflict between humans and wildlife, which destroy hundreds of hectares of food crops and claim human lives each year in Africa. Over 80 percent of wood is used for energy in Africa, mainly for cooking and heating. In the Near East, most wood products are imported, and oil products are the main source of energy. The importance of forests in the energy strategies for countries in both regions will be addressed throughout the week of meetings in Khartoum, according to Heino. Clean water is increasingly scarce in many parts of Africa and the Near East. The joint sessions will consider options for improving the conservation of water, with a focus on new approaches to watershed management that take into consideration the impact of human development activities in each watershed. The role of wildfires: The commissions will also consider ways to improve the management of wildfires. "Africa accounts for about half of the area burned by wildfires throughout the world. As global temperatures rise, the need to manage wildfires increases," according to Heino…

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Rwanda: Rema Unveils Anti-Poverty, Environment Fight Strategy; The New Times (Kigali):22 February 2008.

The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (Rema) has unveiled new guidelines to integrate environment conservation into the national anti-poverty campaign. The guidelines detailed in two strategic guide manuals spell out the required approach to link the ongoing national efforts to reduce poverty with environmental conservation. One of the handbooks, titled 'Poverty and Environment Indicators', outlines strategies for monitoring the indicators within the national framework of poverty fight. The other, 'Guidelines for Mainstreaming Environment in the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy', stipulates necessary actions and approaches for their effective implementation. In their summary contents, the handbooks highlight attempts to inject fresh impetus into finding solutions for poverty eradication directly linked with environmental problems. The handbooks outline efforts on how to improve environment protection nationwide are thought for within Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) for five years… It also aims at supporting sustainable growth and achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set to transform the developing world from deprived welfare.

• Cameroon: Bush Burning Fuels Climate Change; The Post (Buea); 22 February 2008.

According to authorities in the Northwest Delegation of the Environment and Nature Protection, bush burning is very rampant in the province, thereby swelling the dimension of climate change in the area. The Northwest Delegate of Agriculture corroborated this view by stating that climate change is posing a serious threat to food security in the area. Nutoto Awah holds that climate change is fuelling poverty among farmers in the area

112 because those who used to sell agricultural produce for their livelihood have seen their harvests dwindle from year to year. It was because of this that the authorities launched a campaign to stem the tides. "We launched a campaign discouraging the burning of bushfires among farmers and graziers," the Delegate said. He said they encourage farmers to use organic manure and stop felling trees at random. Corroborating this view, a climate change expert in the Ministry of Environment and Nature Protection, Gabriel Tchatat, said tree-planting is one of the major ways of fighting climate change. He said it is incumbent on every Cameroonian to avoid any activity that would destroy the environment and emit greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.

• DOMESTIC AND INT’L POLITICS

WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Religious Groups Reject Census Figures: Leadership (Abuja):21 February 2008.

As the Federal Executive Council finally resolved to accept the out come of 2006 population census figures in the country, the Supreme Council For Shariah In Nigeria and the Council For Imams, Kaduna State branch have described the census figures as fraudulent, unreasonable and unacceptable. Secretary of the Council, Kaduna State branch, Malam Aminu Ibrahim and chairman of the Council of Ulamas, Imam Sheikh Abubakar Ikara, disclosed this at a press conference held at old Sultan Bello Mosque, Kaduna and called on the federal government to immediately establish a census tribunal to handle grievances arising from census results across the country. Both bodies have therefore, advised the Kaduna State government to reject the figures in the interest of the peaceful co-exitance of all citizens in the state… According to them, Mr.Smaila Danko Makama, the chairman of National Population Commission, (NPC), knew that the entire exercise was conducted wrongly, will the results fraudulently aimed to downsize the Northern and Central parts of Kaduna State and expand the southern part. They maintained that it was illogical and inconceivable to say Kaduna North and Kaduna South recorded an increase of just 9694 and 10,815 respectively in 15 years, while Zangon Kataf in spite of the ethnic/religious cleansing of 1992, recorded an increase of 174,146 for the same period. They noted that Danko had said the census results would be a shocker saying, "Those who think they are in the majority would be shocked with the outcome of the 2005 census."

EAST AFRICA

• Kenya: Churches Call for Fresh Poll: The Nation (Nairobi) :22 February 2008.

Kenyan religious leaders have called for a fresh general election as the only way out of the current political crisis. The leaders who comprised Christians, Muslims and Hindus

113 also proposed the resignation of the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) to pave way for its reconstitution. Speaking under the auspices of the Inter-Religious Forum at the Ufungamano House in Nairobi, the leaders reiterated their proposal to President Kibaki that wide consultations be made within the political parties regarding appointment of ECK commissioners to ensure the new body is credible. :Great wisdom : "We recommend that the 2007 general election be annulled, and new elections held within the shortest time possible," they said in a statement, adding: "We recognise that this proposal has immense implications but see great wisdom in taking it as the best option."

• Kenya: Fresh Dispute Over Prime Minister Deal: The Nation (Nairobi):25 February 2008.

The Government and ODM Sunday differed over the number of concessions made so far in the talks aimed at ending the post-election political crisis. Leaders from both sides accused each other of failing to cede the necessary ground to pave the way for a coalition between PNU and ODM. The deal is expected to heal the wounds caused by the crisis sparked by the disputed presidential elections. On Sunday, the Government team denied press reports that only one issue was standing in the way of a political settlement. "We have noted with grave concern a growing trend of misleading reports on the progress of the mediation talks. We want to make it clear that there are issues which we have agreed upon and there are others that are still on the negotiations table at Serena (Hotel)," said Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Martha Karua, the leader of the Government team at the talks.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Cameroon: Imam Calls for Peaceful Coexistence: The Post (Buea):22 February 2008.

Imam Oumar Njimogny, President of the Islamic Cultural Association, Moujtahdine, has called for peaceful coexistence in society.

He made the call during the graduation ceremony of some 60 stage-one learners of the Holy Koran that took place recently at the esplanade of the Yaounde Conference Centre. Speaking on the role of the association in the promotion of knowledge through learning and interpretation of the Koran, the Imam said through faith, peaceful coexistence is encouraged.

He underscored the importance inviting of non-Muslims for the graduation ceremony as a way of shoving aside division. He expressed the need to constantly seek knowledge starting with the Koran and reiterated the need for knowledge before actions. For the human being, Umar identified two vital things in life, the soul, which needs religiosity to live and the body, which needs food. Commenting on the graduating students, he said it was very difficult to inculcate the teaching of the Koran given that habits are hard to do away with. The Imam added that the principle of religion is not easy to digest with children of tender age, as the youngest graduating student was three years old. The

114 Secretary General at the Ministry of Transport, Mefiri Omarou, underscored the importance of the ceremony in that it revived some values that need to be encouraged to achieve success in life. He also pointed out the spiritual force behind tolerance among other values. Alluding to the vicissitudes of life, Omarou said it takes tolerance to cope with life. Of the 60 graduates from the Islamic school created by the Moujtahidine Association, 40 were females from the age of three to about 70. This huge presence of females was attributed to the fact that pride prevents more men from participating in religious activities, while women are flexible. Testimonials were given to the graduates clad in white to portray purity to mark the end of training in the domain of spirituality, moral and social development. The men were turbaned as a sign that they have attained a level of knowledge in the learning of the Holy Koran. The Association, created in 2002, has graduated four batches of students.

• DOMESTIC AND INT’L ECONOMY

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• PEACEKEEPING, CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND SECURITY MATTERS

EAST AFRICA

115

• MILITANCY, REBELS, TERRORISM

WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Court Defers Ruling on Terrorist Suspects' Bail Application Again: Daily Trust (Abuja):22 February 2008.

• OPINION POLLS

BUSINESS AND POLITICS IN THE MUSLIM WORLD Weekly Presentation: March 4, 2008 Sub-Saharan Africa

116 Abbas S Lamptey February 24 to March 1 2008 ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

THE HEADLINES

• CHINA AND AFRICA

WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Yar'Adua Seeks Country, China Strategic Partnership:This Day (Lagos):29 February 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Zambia: Chambishi Jobs for Citizens – China: The Times of Zambia (Ndola): 28 February 2008. • Zimbabwe: Chinese Eye Zim's Mining Sector: The Herald (Harare):27 February 2008. • Zimbabwe: Let's Learn to Do Business Precisely: The Herald (Harare):26 February 2008. • PAN AFRICA WEST AFRICA

• Africa: Kosovo Revives Hopes for Secession:allAfrica.com:26 February 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Africa: Radio, TV Channels Rapidly Increasing: Biz-Community (Cape Town):29 February 2008. • Africa: France to Review, Publish Military Agreements: allAfrica.com:28 February 2008. • Africa: Sarkozy Unveils Investment Package Business Day (Johannesburg):29 February 2008. EAST AFRICA

• Africa: UK, EC Laud Kufour's AU Role – Report: The Daily Monitor (Addis Ababa):26 February 2008. • Africa: Continent Warned On Commercial Loans: The East African Standard (Nairobi):28 February 2008. • Africa: AU Ambassadors Endorse AU Stance On EPAs: The Daily Monitor (Addis Ababa):27 February 2008. CENTRAL AFRICA

117 • Africa: Rift Widens Over Nile Basin Pact as Egypt, Sudan Remain Reluctant: The New Times (Kigali):29 February 2008. • REFUGEES AND MIGRATION

WEST AFRICA

• Mauritania: Returning Refugees Say They Are Fitting in Well; UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 25 February 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA

• South Africa: Refugee Camp Mushrooms: Cape Argus (Cape Town):27 February 2008. EAST AFRICA

• Sudan: UN Says Refugees Fleeing New Attacks in Darfur, Many to Dangerous Area of Chad:UN News Service (New York):29 February 2008. • Kenya: UN Refugee Agency Airlifts Emergency Shelter: UN News Service (New York):26 February 2008. CENTRAL AFRICA

• Central African Republic: Tens of Thousands Hiding in Bush, UN Official Says: UN News Service (New York):28 February 2008. • Congo-Kinshasa: New Displacement As Army Fights Militia in Ituri: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 27 February 2008. • Chad: Over 5,500 Relocated to Refugee Camp in North-Eastern Cameroon – UN:UN News Service (New York):26 February 2008. • HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL ISSUES

WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Man, 28, Bags 24 Years for Trafficking in Persons: Daily Trust (Abuja):29 February 2008. • Niger: Editor Charged And Held in Custody for Defamation And "Contempt of Justice": Reporters sans Frontières (Paris): PRESS RELEASE: 28 February 2008. • Sierra Leone: 'Sexual Violence Rate is Alarming,' Says Amnesty International: Concord Times (Freetown):28 February 2008. • Togo: Journalist "Definitively Suspended" From Radio Station for Critical Reporting: International Federation of Journalists: Brussels): PRESS RELEASE: 26 February 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA

118 • Zimbabwe: UNICEF Helps Launch Campaign Against Surging Child Rape Rates: UN News Service (New York):28 February 2008. • Zambia: Opposition Party Officials Assault Journalists, Erase Photographs From Camera Media Institute of Southern Africa: Windhoek): PRESS RELEASE: 8 February 2008. • Zimbabwe: MDC Houses Burned And Officials Arrested in Muzarabani: SW Radio Africa (London):25 February 2008. EAST AFRICA

• Africa: Wrangle On Gays Divides Church: The Nation (Nairobi):1 March 2008. • Uganda: Kony Sets Final Condition to Sign Peace Agreement: The Monitor (Kampala):28 February 2008. • Somalia: Impunity 'The Root Cause of Crisis':UN Integrated Regional Information Networks:27 February 2008. • Kenya: Lobby Blames Key Offices Over Crisis: The Nation (Nairobi):28 February 2008. CENTRAL AFRICA

• Rwanda: France Arrests Another '94 Genocide Suspect: The New Times (Kigali):29 February 2008. • Chad: Former President Will Be Tried in Senegal, Says ICC Registrar: Hirondelle News Agency (Lausanne): 26 February 2008. • HEALTH MATTERS (HIV/AIDS, TB, MALARIA) WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Doctors Begin Strike Monday: Daily Champion (Lagos):29 February 2008. • Africa: UN - Action Needed Against Unproven HIV/Aids Treatments: Human Rights Watch (Washington, DC): PRESS RELEASE: 28 February 2008. • Nigeria: Foundation Calls for Legislation On Cancer: Vanguard (Lagos):28 February 2008. • Gambia: Media Fraternity Sensitized On FGM:FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda):28 February 2008.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Mozambique: Backstreet Abortion Becoming a Public Health Crisis: Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique (Maputo):28 February 2008. • Namibia: Visually Impaired Get Legal Training: New Era (Windhoek):28 February 2008.

119 EAST AFRICA

• Rwanda: Ministry Wins Court Battle: The New Times (Kigali):28 February 2008. • Uganda: Exporting Nurses Good for the Economy: The Monitor (Kampala):29 February 2008. • ENERGY SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Southern Africa: SADC Power Pool to Forestall Energy Deficit: The Times of Zambia (Ndola):29 February 2008. • ENVIRONMENT WEST AFRICA

• Sierra Leone: Govt, UN Champion Fight Against Land Degradation: Concord Times (Freetown):28 February 2008. • Nigeria: Benue Will Stop Pure Water Production - Ngbede, Commissioner for Environment: Daily Champion (Lagos): INTERVIEW: 28 February 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Namibia: Pollution Threatens Marine Life: New Era (Windhoek):26 February 2008. EAST AFRICA

• Uganda: Smoking in Public Remains Banned: The Weekly Observer (Kampala):28 February 2008. • Uganda: Fisheries to Eco-Label Lake Victoria: New Vision (Kampala):26 February 2008. • Somalia: Educationalists Worry About Effect of Venomous Casks On Region: Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu):26 February 2008. • DOMESTIC AND INT’L POLITICS

WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Lawyers Divided Over Tribunal's Verdict On Yar'Adua: Vanguard (Lagos):1 March 2008. • DOMESTIC AND INT’L ECONOMY WEST AFRICA

• Burkina Faso: Protests On Price Rises Spread to the Capital: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 28 February 2008. • Cameroon: Cameroonians Go to the Streets: The Post (Buea):28 February 2008.

120 • Cameroon: Declaration of the Head of State On the Ongoing Crisis: The Post (Buea): DOCUMENT: 28 February 2008. • PEACEKEEPING, CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND SECURITY MATTERS EAST AFRICA

• Kenya: Joy As Kibaki, Raila Sign Power Sharing Deal: The East African Standard (Nairobi):29 February 2008. • Uganda: Donors Stop Funding Juba Negotiations: The Monitor (Kampala): 29 February 2008. • Sudan: Country Creates Committee to Normalise Ties With U.S.: The Nation (Nairobi):29 February 2008. • East Africa: Latest Eritrean Obstruction of Relocation Efforts Strands Over 100 Blue Helmets: UN News Service (New York):29 February 2008. • MILITANCY, REBELS, TERRORISM WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Militants Kill Hostage Despite Paying N2 Million Ransom: Vanguard (Lagos):1 March 2008. EAST AFRICA

• Tanzania: Dar to Probe Mombassa Terrorist Links: The East African (Nairobi):25 February 2008. • OPINION POLL • Africa: Continent Best Placed to Ward Off Impact of Recession: Business Daily (Nairobi):26 February 2008. • Africa: U.S. President Bush Discusses Trip to Continent at Leon H. Sullivan Foundation: The White House (Washington, DC): DOCUMENT: 26 February 2008.

THE REPORT IN DETAIL

• CHINA AND AFRICA

WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Yar'Adua Seeks Country, China Strategic Partnership: This Day (Lagos):29 February 2008.

121 President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua has called for the establishment of a beneficial strategic partnership with China in the development of the country's power, energy and transportation sectors. Speaking at the opening of bilateral talks with President Hu Jintao of China, Yar'Adua assured the Chinese leader that his administration was already establishing a regulatory framework for the involvement of private or foreign investors in the development of public infrastructure in Nigeria. According to a communiqué issued by both leaders, Yar'Adua said: "The direction we want to go is Private Public Partnership in which Chinese investors can partner their Nigerian counterparts to invest in these strategic areas and recoup their investments within a certain period. "Nigeria is at the take-off point in its journey to the year 2020 when we expect to join the league of the 20 most industrialised nations in the world. We need this strategic partnership with China which we are very sure will be mutually beneficial to the two countries. "We are looking at the role China can play in critical areas such as power, energy and transportation. I am also sure you are looking at what role Nigeria can play in providing energy security for the Peoples Republic of China. In Nigeria, we need massive investments to develop our untapped but vast gas reserves and we know China can play a vital role here. We both have strategic interest in gas. President Yar'Adua applauded the remarkable achievements China had made in economic and social development and reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to the one-China policy. Responding President Hintao proposed the establishment of a Nigeria-China Joint Commission on Trade and Investment. He also promised that China would work with the African Union (AU), the UN and the Sudanese Government to achieve a permanent resolution of the crisis in Darfur. President Hu Jintao pledged China's support for President Yar'Adua's programme of economic and social transformation as reflected in the seven-point agenda.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Zambia: Chambishi Jobs for Citizens – China: The Times of Zambia (Ndola): 28 February 2008.

The Chinese government has assured Zambians that the majority of jobs at the Chambishi Copper Smelter (CCS) currently under construction will be given to Zambians. Chinese deputy minister of commerce, Gao Hucheng, also explained that Chinese workers that were on site were technical staff employed to help in the initial stages and will leave after completion of works. Mr Gao, who made the assurance when he visited CCS on Tuesday, said about 1,500 jobs would be created and the majority would be offered to Zambians… Copperbelt Minister, Mwansa Mbulakulima, called for the need to have a system to look at safety and other social responsibilities.

• Zimbabwe: Chinese Eye Zim's Mining Sector: The Herald (Harare):27 February 2008.

Chinese investors who were part of a recent visiting delegation are eyeing significant investments within Zimbabwe's gold and platinum sectors, the Herald Business has gathered. While no figures could be obtained, this paper understands that the Chinese are admirers of Zimbabwe's mining industry, and were keen to pour in money. The 22-

122 member delegation, which consisted of mining, exploration and trade experts, is said to have held meetings with Mines Minister, Mr Amos Midzi on their intentions. Chinese deputy minister of Commerce, Gao Hucheng led the delegation…The two metals -- gold and platinum -- provide some of the most attractive options for foreign capital, as the country's platinum reserves are the world's second largest after South Africa. Gold production has seriously been crippled over the years, and the resource lies in abundance along the Great Dyke region -- a mineral belt stretching right from the north in Mt Darwin to Matabeleland. There is one major producer of platinum in the country at present -- Zimbabwe Platinum Mines -- which owns Ngezi, Makwiro and Selous complexes. World's largest platinum producer, Anglo Platinum is in the middle of developing platinum mine in the Midlands, the Unki Platinum Mine.Unki is yet to start any production activity since construction work started more than five years ago, missing its initial target of 2007, as input costs ballooned due to high inflation. Last week the Chinese concluded a US$42 million deal to fund Zimbabwe's agriculture mechanisation programme, which has entered its third phase. The first two phases, which included massive distribution of tractors, disk harrows and ploughs were completed last year. Recently, Sinosteel Group, a giant Chinese mining concern, acquired 67 percent of Zimasco Consolidated Enterprises, the country's largest ferrochrome producer.Zimasco, which produces nearly 4 percent of the world ferrochrome, churns out at least 210 000 tonnes of high carbon ferrochrome yearly.Sinosteel are due to release a substantial amount of foreign currency for plant refurbishment at Zimasco.Despite earning Zimbabwe US$850 million in exports last year -- the biggest forex earner for that period - - the local mining sector has failed to capitalise on the metal prices rally on the international market. Gold has broken record levels trading at more than US$940/oz and platinum at over US$2 000/oz.

• Zimbabwe: Let's Learn to Do Business Precisely: The Herald (Harare):26 February 2008.

CHINA has become Zimbabwe's major trading partner and one in which the balance of trade is in Zimbabwe's favour. China, and now India as it starts its rapid industrialisation, is an avid importer of raw materials and commodities, and Zimbabwe's miners and farmers produce these and can easily produce more. So the opportunities for boosting trade are immense. Transport is the only real hitch and here there are simple solutions that will benefit both parties. What is needed is to ensure that when the mineral or farm produce is exported, as much processing as possible has been done to reduce bulk and raise value. The Chinese importer benefits with lower transport bills; the Zimbabwean exporter benefits from added value. Some of this processing will need Chinese injection of capital and technology, and might well require a more flexible attitude from the Zimbabwean authorities, in fact a Chinese attitude to business where -- so long as health, safety and environmental standards are met -- almost any arrangement can be swiftly considered… It is the same in all machine and consumer goods. You pay for quality but China, and now India, can probably supply that quality at a lower price than a traditional supplier. That is why these two economies are growing so fast. Zimbabwean importers need to understand that the two new Asian economic giants have a broad range of goods and choose the appropriate quality based on need and price. At the same time,

123 considering the need to build up Zimbabwean industry again, it is worthy for Zimbabwean manufacturers to see what local content they can add. Often this will be the high bulk, lower value part of the product. So it will be necessary to import the engine, gearbox and drive of a bus, but quite possible to build bodies in Zimbabwe. The fact that trade is booming with China suggests that some in Zimbabwe have learned how to do business more precisely. Now others have to do the same.

• PAN AFRICA

WEST AFRICA

• Africa: Kosovo Revives Hopes for Secession:allAfrica.com:26 February 2008.

The recognition of Kosovo by some of the West’s major powers is boosting the hopes of secessionist movements across Africa, judging by their websites. Apart from Senegal, which has announced it will recognize Kosovo’s declaration of independence; African governments are still weighing up their options. “The world is about to witness… another political and diplomatic revolution which may give birth to some new nations," reads an opinion piece published on Somalilandnet.com, a website that caters to the autonomous region of the same name that seeks to secede from Somalia. “It’s imperative,” the entry says, “that our Somaliland government does the right diplomatic move not to miss this rare opportunity.” “Kidal will follow the example of Kosovo to become independent,” reads a forum entry on Kidal.info, a website named after a city in the northeastern part of Mali that is home to a Touareg rebellion that has clashed sporadically with governmental forces. “This hard-won freedom by Kosovar citizens will serve as an example for the future autonomy of Kabylia,” wrote Stéphane Merabet Arrami, a contributor to Kabyle.com, a website committed to the affirmation of Algeria’s Kabyle Berbers, who resent the arabization of the country at the expense of the Amazigh culture. And an entry on the website of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), a group based in the Netherlands, suggests that, “For regions in similar conditions, Kosovo’s independence represents new hope for the future of their own potential statehood.” In Africa, UNPO members range from active breakaway factions such as the FLEC/FAC movements of the oil-rich Cabinda enclave in Angola, to less well-known groups such as Southern Cameroon’s National Council or the Rehoboth Basters of Namibia. Kosovo’s independence declaration poses a quandary for Africa’s foreign policymakers. “African countries, beginning with those that are currently members of the UN Security Council, are in standby mode and refuse categorically to take a stand,” noted a columnist in Fraternité Matin, Côte d’Ivoire’s governmental daily. Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights affirms "the unquestionable and inalienable right to self- determination," but this has to be balanced against the inviolability of territorial boundaries that resulted from colonization (the so-called uti possidetis principle under Article 4 of the African Union’s Constitutive Act). The buzz about Kosovo has spread even to countries where secessionist movements have quieted down. In an article titled “Kosovo—the precedent that will enflame Africa,” a columnist for the Ivoirian newspaper Notre Voie predicts a revival of secessionist groups across the continent and doubts that the international community will be able to resolve the resulting crises. At

124 Rewmi.com, one of Senegal’s major news sites, one commentator wonders if the government’s recognition of Kosovo will not reignite the separatist tendencies of MFDC, a rebel group that wants independence for the southern Casamance region. But Africa’s strongest case will likely come from Western Sahara, which has been recognized as an independent country by the African Union but whose sovereignty is not effective because of Morocco’s insistence that it is a province of its kingdom. Its diaspora maintains a fairly vigorous presence on the web. Hach Ahmed, a Saharawi blogger at Saharaopinions.blogspot.com, noted what he regards as the inconsistency of Western powers: “In Kosovo they imposed an independence that was not based on international legality, but in Western Sahara they’re opposed to self-determination that has been recommended multiple times by that same legality.” “Kosovo is an example of how we can effectively make our case,” wrote Salek. M. A. Said on the same blog, urging members of the diaspora to lobby the government of Spain, a former colonial power that has been involved in the standoff with Morocco. To which an anonymous commenter added, “As a Saharawi song has it, if someone bites you and you don’t bite back, they think you don’t have teeth. We too can bite, if only we want it.”

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Africa: Radio, TV Channels Rapidly Increasing: Biz-Community (Cape Town):29 February 2008.

A rapid increase in the number of radio and TV channels in Africa over the last three years has piqued interest in the continent by international media players. A recent report, African Broadcast and Film Markets, published jointly by Balancing Act and InterMedia, has documented this growth. The report - a detailed look at the state of broadcasting in 40 African countries, including 17 in-country audience surveys - provides data and insights broadcasters, advertisers and governments can use to find and develop markets, increase their reach and strengthen their impact among African audiences.

Explosion in number: The report finds that the liberalisation of radio broadcasting in many countries has led to an explosion in the number of radio stations, particularly those broadcasting in local languages. Known in East Africa as the "vernaculars," these stations have been a high growth area over the last five years. The most vivid example of this trend is in Uganda, where there are now more than 150 radio stations, 69% of which cater to audiences in the country's 38 different languages. Television broadcasting outlets have also increased steeply; out of 40 markets surveyed in sub-Saharan Africa, the report finds nearly half (18) have licensed free-to-air TV channels.

Rise in radio listenership; The most striking trend in terms of audiences is the rise in radio listenership. There is a huge appetite for FM music radio; consumers also hunger for entertainment television, says InterMedia analyst Hugh Hope-Stone. "Africans, both sub-Saharan and North African, surround themselves with music in cars, public transportation, shops and homes. Wherever deregulation has taken place, multiple FM channels have emerged. Growing cable and satellite subscriber bases suggests more people are willing and able to pay for services," he says. Alongside this interest in music

125 and entertainment television, African listeners and viewers also hunger for news (see map below). However, the report finds they tend to trust either the new private broadcasters or NGO-run radio and TV stations for news more than they do government-run broadcasters. This is particularly true in North African countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt, where channels like Al Jazeera attract large audiences.

Further boost: These services are largely delivered by satellite, although there are now a small number of IP-TV and cable operators. The majority of pay TV subscribers are found in Africa's urban areas. This trend towards pay TV is likely to receive a further boost when a number of operators introduce "triple play"- a combination service that includes voice, internet and TV programming services - later in the year…

• Africa: France to Review, Publish Military Agreements: allAfrica.com:28 February 2008.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has announced in the South African parliament that France will overhaul and publish full details of all its military agreements with African countries. Previewing the announcement in a news conference with President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, Sarkozy proclaimed it as "a major turning point" in the history of France's relations with Africa. Mbeki welcomed the move, suggesting it was "part of the completion of the decolonization process." Sarkozy is on a two-day state visit to Cape Town, during which France has signed a range of bilateral cooperation agreements with South Africa. One initiative will bring French and South African armed forces together to help the Central African Republic reform its security forces… Sarkozy also said France "has no call to maintain armed forces in Africa indefinitely" and wanted its military presence to "serve first and foremost to help Africa achieve its goal of building… its own collective security arrangements. The African Union wishes to have standby forces by 2010-2012? Then that objective should also be France's objective." The French president also announced new economic support which he said would push France's bilateral financial commitments to sub-Saharan Africa to 10 billion euros over the coming five years… At their news conference, Sarkozy and Mbeki also addressed the controversial speech Sarkozy delivered in Dakar last year. In one passage, he said that "the African peasant, who for centuries has lived according to the seasons, whose ideal is to be in harmony with nature, has known only the eternal renewal of time via the endless repetition of the same actions and the same words. In this mentality, where everything always starts over again, there is no place for human adventure, nor for any idea of progress." His words unleashed a storm of criticism across the continent, but Mbeki wrote a warm letter welcoming other elements of the speech. Sarkozy said at the Cape Town news conference that Mbeki's letter "touched me deeply," principally because the South African president had "bothered to read the speech from beginning to end…" Mbeki defended his letter, insisting the Dakar speech included "very important contributions to a global debate." "For instance, [Sarkozy's] challenge to the African continent that the continent really needs to define its own future and that the rest of the world needs to respect that definition by Africa of its own future; but that Africa needed to stand on its feet in order to achieve that… It was correct then, it remains correct."

126 Mbeki also said Sarkozy was right to say that Africa should not feel paralyzed by the forces of globalization, but should intervene to ensure that they served human needs.

• Africa: Sarkozy Unveils Investment Package Business Day (Johannesburg):29 February 2008.

France was not disengaging with Africa but was intensifying its engagement, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said yesterday in announcing a package of investments for sub-Saharan Africa of more than R100bn over the next five years. Sarkozy is in S A on a state visit and before speaking to Parliament he and President Thabo Mbeki concluded agreements that will see Eskom acquire turbines for new generators and a deal worth € 1,36bn that will see French engineers help SA to solve its energy crisis. French firm, industrial group Alstom 1,36bn contract today (Friday) with Eskom to will supply six turbine islands for the new Bravo power station. Significantly, about half of the value of the contract would be sourced locally. In his speech to a special joint sitting of Parliament, Sarkozy said he had committed France to the battle against poverty in Africa and to the continent achieving its millennium development goals. He announced targeted initiatives to support economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa involving the French Development Agency. These will include a R2,5bn investment fund, which would develop and encourage African companies. The second was a R2,5bn guarantee fund to provide bank credit and capital to African small and medium enterprises. He also announced that the French Development Agency commitment to support to the private sector would double to R20bn over the next five years. This would help create 2000 African companies and create 300000 jobs. It brings the total commitment of France to sub- Saharan Africa to R100bn over five years.Sarkozy also launched a stinging rebuke at the Group of Eight (G-8) developed countries, saying that at his first G-8 meeting since his election it was only during lunch on the last day that representatives of about one billion Africans were invited to join the gathering. "It was embarrassing." He said that there should be at least one permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for Africa. He said it was unrealistic and dangerous to try and manage world affairs without a major representative from Africa.

EAST AFRICA

• Africa: UK, EC Laud Kufour's AU Role – Report: The Daily Monitor (Addis Ababa):26 February 2008.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and European Commission (EC) President Jose Manuel Barroso have paid tribute to Ghana's President John Agyekum Kufuor for his achievements as Chairman of the African Union in the year past a news report indicated on Monday. Citing messages sent separately, BuaNews reported the Brown and Barroso said the one-year AU presidency, the first for Ghana in more than four decades, marked a turning point in key areas of the continental body, and that President Kufuor's leadership made an important difference. PM Brown particularly mentioned the successful integration of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) into the AU and lauded the AU's increasing readiness to find African solutions to African issues; the

127 report cited Press Secretary to President Kufuor, Andrew Awuni as saying in a statement. PM Brown said the handling of the post-election situation in Kenya was an evidence of AU's transformation under President Kufuor's term. Barroso for his part said Africa had been a focal point of the international political agenda in recent years and it was remarkable that much of the African news, elections, investment and political leadership in the year 2007 was good news… Barroso added that President Kufuor's personal commitment accounted for the organization of the long awaited EU-Africa Summit in Lisbon last December, which he described as a boost for partnership, according to the report.

• Africa: Continent Warned On Commercial Loans: The East African Standard (Nairobi):28 February 2008.

African countries have been cautioned against rushing for foreign commercial loans to avoid accumulating debts. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said large creditors with high liquidity are looking into African markets for good returns. "Strengthened macroeconomic fundamentals and lower debt levels following recent debt relief efforts by IMF and other institutions have increased attractiveness of low-income African countries to a broader universe of investors," said the fund. The institution said private investors have also stepped up their lending markedly leading to significant shares of domestic securities in some African countries being held by foreign investors, and gave an example of two sub-Saharan African countries, which issued international bonds last year. The Fund, in its IMF Survey Magazine, said while the new financing opportunities are welcome, they are likely to create new challenges and potentially new vulnerabilities to African countries. It, however, expressed confidence that prudent sustainable debt management efforts together with continued policy reforms should help sub-Saharan economies take advantage of these new financing opportunities without re-accumulating unsustainable debt. The fund said as a matter of policy, low-income countries need to increase domestic revenue mobilisation and diversify their production and export bases to lessen their vulnerability to shocks… IMF said high volumes of aid remain necessary to finance the development agenda in sub-Saharan Africa.

• Africa: AU Ambassadors Endorse AU Stance On EPAs: The Daily Monitor (Addis Ababa):27 February 2008.

African group of ambassadors who on Friday met in Brussels expressed satisfaction at declaration of the AU assembly of heads of state and government on EPA negotiations The Ambassadors met to take cognizance of the Decisions and Declarations of the January- February Assembly of the African Union, particularly the Declaration on the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) which are being negotiated between the European Union (EU) and the different African Regions. After commending the dynamism with which the African Union has committed itself to ensure the building of a united, interdependent and integrated Africa, the Group expressed satisfaction at the Declaration on the EPAs, particularly the appeal made to the European Union to reopen discussions immediately, in conformity with the conclusions of the Africa-EU Summit

128 held in December 2007 in Lisbon… Africa wants the EPAs to focus on the AU Agenda for African integration

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Africa: Rift Widens Over Nile Basin Pact as Egypt, Sudan Remain Reluctant: The New Times (Kigali):29 February 2008.

Disagreements on River Nile security have split the Nile basin member countries as deadline to sign the Cooperative Framework Agreement nears. The Nile Cooperative Framework Agreement seeks the establishment of a permanent Nile River Basin Commission through which member countries will act together to manage and develop the resources of the Nile. But no agreement on possibilities has been reached yet as Egypt and Sudan are said to be reluctant to sign the agreement. The 39-article agreement must be adopted by all basin states before June and then ratified before entering into force as an international treaty. Up to date, seven out of nine Nile Basin countries have adopted the new agreement which Egypt and Sudan refused to adopt. The states are Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, Sudan, Ethiopia, Egypt and Burundi. Several government officials and stakeholders who turned up for the second celebrations of the Nile Day held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia recently blamed Egypt and Sudan for delaying to sign the pact… She said: "the Nile-COM failed to reach a consensus in the 2006 meeting that was supposed to review the framework agreement and decided to forward the issue to the Heads of State since Sudan and Egypt had refused to adopt some articles…"Negotiations on this issue have been going on for about eight years; up to now there is no clear answer to it. That is why our top leaders need to use their powers to have this treaty ratified," he said. The accord was expected to be signed in September last year but it was delayed because of lack of consensus on some articles in the agreement. The new agreement is expected to replace the old one of 1929 but Egypt and Sudan are opposed to it for fear that it would limit their access to the Nile waters. Point of contention The new treaty's strength lies in five main articles, but has since degenerated heated debate among member countries. Among the most contentious provisions include article 4, which is on equitable and reasonable use of the Nile waters, Article 5 (prevention of harm to the waters), Article 6 (protection and conservation of the basin and its ecosystem) and Article 8, which requires prior informed consent before using the waters. The new wording puts a check on the 1929 treaty, which required the riparian states to seek permission before using the Nile waters… Egypt and Sudan depend almost entirely on the Nile for their agricultural production and are major users of the 6,700 km river's waters. The basin of Nile, the longest river in the world, is about three million sq km. But the water conflict dwells most on article 14 which has remained unresolved. It is this unfinished business of Article 14 that talks about water security that indicates that the negotiations may have not yield much after all in terms of real benefits for the downstream states. The article states: 'Having due regard for the provisions of Articles 4 and 5, Nile Basin States recognize the vital importance of water security to each of them… All the states agreed to this provision except Egypt and Sudan that want the last part of the article re-phrased as ' Not to adversely affect the water security and current uses and rights of any other Nile Basin States'. Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya,

129 Uganda, Tanzania and DR Congo have rejected rephrasing the article which has left the agreement hanging. Egypt denies Egypt and Sudan have been pushing for the reinforcement of the old treaty that only favours them but majority countries have also maintained their position. However, Egypt denies frustrating the agreement, saying it was only questioning some clauses. "It is a matter of some clauses in the agreement that we are trying to (reach a consensus over) with out sister countries," the Chancellor of the Egyptian Embassy in Kigali, M.H Kandil Kandil, said on Thursday. He refuted allegations by the other riparian states which accuse Egypt of only looking at her own interests… But pundits say it that Egypt and Sudan that have pushed for maintenance of the status quo are also the biggest beneficiaries of the water…Egypt is guaranteed access to 55.5 billion cubic meters of water, out of a total of 84 billion cubic meters…The Cooperative Framework negotiations began in 1997 with a panel of experts (POE) analyzing international precedents like drawing on the UN Convention for the Non- Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (1997) and the experience of other basins.

• REFUGEES AND MIGRATION

WEST AFRICA

• Mauritania: Returning Refugees Say They Are Fitting in Well; UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 25 February 2008.

One month has passed since the first 102 Mauritanian refugees officially returned home after some 19 years in exile in Senegal. Before they left many said they feared local Mauritanians would resent them coming but those IRIN has talked with since they arrived said their fears are being allayed as they are being very well treated. "Our welcome was warm and respectful," said Mamadou Keita, 25 years old returnee who arrived on 29 January. Another returnee Binta Lero Sow, living six kilometres north of the town of Rosso told IRIN, "It is going well. We don't need anything." A total of 30,000 Mauritanian refugees are still living in Senegal and Mali. Ethnic clashes in 1989 with Arab Moors living in neighbouring Senegal were behind the expulsion of black Mauritanians by the Arab-dominated government of former president Maaoua Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya. To smooth the transition for the 102 black Mauritanians many were moved to areas where they already have family networks. The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and various non-governmental organisations are providing tents at sites in and around the town of Rosso, on the border with Senegal, 180 km south of Nouakchott, Mauritania's capital… Uncertain future Returnees are concerned that they will not find jobs in a country where two-thirds of the working-age population is unemployed. Almost half the population live in poverty, according to the Mauritanian government's 2006 poverty reduction strategy report. Nonetheless, returnees such as Djibi Sen, who is a house painter, said he remains optimistic, "Here we can work ...salaries are better than in Senegal," he told IRIN.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

130 • South Africa: Refugee Camp Mushrooms: Cape Argus (Cape Town):27 February 2008.

A makeshift refugee camp, housing over 1 000 desperate asylum seekers, has sprung up on the Foreshore. This was the startling picture that emerged when a Cape Argus team visited the area around Customs House this week. Asylum seekers are flocking to the city centre in the hope of being assisted by the department of home affairs in their bid to get legal papers. More than 1 000 immigrants, who want to beat the daily bus queues which take them to the home affairs offices in Barrack Street, are now camping there. On the site, there are three mobile toilets put up by home affairs. Only two of these were working on Tuesday. There is no running water or bathroom facility and the stench of urine permeates the air… Most are Zimbabweans, peppered with a few Somalis, Congolese and Malawians. Simba Tibape, a Zimbabwean banker, has been in the country for about two months. He has been working on a farm in Worcester.

EAST AFRICA

• Sudan: UN Says Refugees Fleeing New Attacks in Darfur, Many to Dangerous Area of Chad:UN News Service (New York):29 February 2008.

As West Darfur continues to be scourged by a new wave of air and ground attacks, the United Nations refugee agency estimated today that more than 13,000 Sudanese have fled to a remote area of Chad that is beset by its own inter-ethnic strife. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), just this week an additional 3,000 refugees arrived in eastern Chad's volatile Birak area, where an assistance mission was cancelled yesterday after armed men on horseback were spotted, along with black smoke rising from a burning village. "The insecurity and close proximity to the Sudanese border mean UNHCR cannot establish a camp in the Birak area, but we are trying to provide emergency assistance when our teams can get there," UNHCR spokesman Ron Redmond said in Geneva. The agency is still awaiting approval from the Government of Chad to move the refugees to existing camps that already house 240,000 people uprooted by the five-year conflict in Darfur, in which the Sudanese Government and militias are fighting rebel factions and in which over 200,000 people, mainly non-combatants, have died.

• Kenya: UN Refugee Agency Airlifts Emergency Shelter: UN News Service (New York):26 February 2008.

Ahead of March rains, the United Nations refugee agency is bringing 5,000 tents to Kenya for use by tens of thousands of people driven from their homes by the violence that has gripped the east African country since December's contested elections. Half the tents, which are light in weight and large enough for families, were flown in Friday from the Dubai stockpiles of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The others were being shipped from Dubai to the Kenyan port of Mombassa. "We hope to deliver these tents to the most affected displaced people before it starts to rain next month," said Alice Ballah-Conteh, head of UNHCR's emergency response team in Nairobi. Kenya has two rainy seasons, with the first running from March to May. This is the second airlift of

131 aid to Kenya by UNHCR since violence erupted in western parts of the country after the 27 December presidential and parliamentary polls. A first flight on 17 January brought in 19,600 bales of plastic sheeting to be used for shelter, 40,000 mosquito nets and 15 generators. In addition, since early January, UNHCR has distributed 10,000 family kits, 758 tents and 50,000 sanitary towels in parts of the country hit hardest by the violence, such as Rift Valley Province and Nairobi… Tens of thousands of Kenyans are still living in more than 200 sites for internally displaced people (IDP) across the country. More than 80,000 IDPs, meanwhile, have moved back to their rural home areas, with many living with relatives or friends. This is putting a strain on the resources of those hosting them, UNHCR said.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Central African Republic: Tens of Thousands Hiding in Bush, UN Official Says: UN News Service (New York):28 February 2008.

A major portion of the 200,000 people internally displaced within the Central African Republic (CAR) - due to fear of armed groups - are hiding in the bush not far from their homes and international assistance must reach them there, a United Nations humanitarian official said today. "People have fled just 500 yards or 1000 yards from their villages," Toby Lanzer, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Central African Republic (CAR), said, adding: "We're providing them with shelter, access to clean water, health care, seeds and tools," in addition to "bush schools" based in thatched huts for 75,000 children. The UN has appealed for $92 million for humanitarian needs in CAR this year. It has so far received only about 10 per cent of those funds, Mr. Lanzer said. He said that much of the displacement is caused by fighting between the Government and rebel factions, mainly in the north, which the UN was trying to end by promoting dialogue and helping reform the security sector. He also stressed, however, that the country was "at the heart of a fairly rough neighbourhood," between the strife-torn countries of Sudan, Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and it was often used by foreign armed groups for transit and staging grounds. The ongoing insecurity has forced an estimated 100,000 people to flee to Chad or Cameroon as refugees, beside the 200,000 who have become internally displaced persons (IDPs).

• Congo-Kinshasa: New Displacement As Army Fights Militia in Ituri: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 27 February 2008.

Fighting between government troops and militias in the Ituri district of northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has displaced more than 1,000 people in the past two days, local authorities said. The displaced have arrived in Komanda, 70km south of the town of Bunia, the capital of Ituri, after fleeing fighting that erupted on 25 February at Hero locality, about 100km south of Bunia. A spokesman for the Forces armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC) said the army was engaged in an operation against the Front de résistance patriotiques en Ituri (FRPI) militia. "The militia attacked our reconnaissance company, which was on patrol in Hero. We lost three soldiers, including a captain, in the attack. They died because they were left alone to fight

132 the enemy after the others were ordered to retreat because they were outnumbered," said Captain Charles Boyeka, FARDC spokesman in Ituri. People began to flee when they saw FARDC soldiers withdraw, he added. The militias retreated deep into the forest when the army sent reinforcements to combat them. The FRPI was headed by Germain Katanga, also known as "Simba", who was transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague in October 2007 to face war crimes charges related to atrocities against civilians in Ituri between January 2002 and December 2003, when more than 8,000 people died and half a million people were displaced from their homes. The area south of Bunia has been insecure since 16 January 2008, when FRPI fighters first attacked FARDC soldiers in Kamachi, 75km south of the town.

• Chad: Over 5,500 Relocated to Refugee Camp in North-Eastern Cameroon – UN: UN News Service (New York):26 February 2008.

More than 5,500 Chadians who fled fighting in their capital, N'Djamena, earlier this month and have been living in temporary sites in north-eastern Cameroon have now been relocated to a newly equipped camp in the village of Maltam, according to United Nations humanitarian officials. Another 10,000 refugees are expected to be transferred to the camp from the town of Kousséri, which at one point was hosting some 30,000 Chadians - who left their homeland due to fighting between Government forces and armed opposition groups - in two temporary sites, as well as in local schools, churches and private homes. The UN Resident Coordinator for Cameroon reports that many have returned to Chad. "At present, along with the Cameroonian authorities, we plan to continue providing assistance and protection to an estimated 15,000 refugees, until they feel comfortable enough to return home," said Sophie de Caen. UNHCR reports that a total of 4,600 families - comprising around 20,000 people - have registered with the agency and indicated that they want to stay in Cameroon for the time being. The relocation to Maltam camp, which has been made possible thanks to a $4.7 million grant from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), began on 16 February. Upon their arrival, the refugees received essential non-food items from UNHCR, such as plastic sheeting, sleeping mats, blankets, mosquito nets, jerry cans, cooking stoves, soap, and sanitary items. A cargo plane chartered by UNHCR is set to leave on Wednesday from Denmark to Cameroon carrying some 40 tonnes of relief items. This is the third airlift organized by the agency for Chadian refugees in Cameroon. Two similar flights took place earlier this month, bringing 90 tonnes of essential supplies. Following a successful measles and polio vaccination drive in Kousséri last week, UNICEF is set to begin a campaign against meningitis this Thursday in the Maltam camp and surrounding areas. The agency is also partnering with the NGO Action Aid to provide recreational and educational opportunities for children in the Maltam camp.

• HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL ISSUES

WEST AFRICA

133 • Nigeria: Man, 28, Bags 24 Years for Trafficking in Persons: Daily Trust (Abuja):29 February 2008.

The Federal High Court in Sokoto has sentenced one Martins Onwunbo to 24 years imprisonment on an eight count charge of trafficking in persons. He was sentenced to three years imprison on each count. The sentence is however to run concurrently. Martins who was in Libya for seven years, was said to have been on his way back to that country with four girls allegedly for prostitution before they were nabbed. He and the four girls were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Sokoto office and were subsequently arraigned before the Federal High Court on eight count charges. Martins pleaded guilty and asked the court for mercy, adding that he had the responsibility of taking care of his younger ones. Delivering judgment, Justice Abdullahi Mohammed said the offence committed had no option of fine, going by the NAPTIP Act and sentenced him. In a related development, 11 youths found guilty of drug related offences were sentenced by the court to various jail terms ranging from one to three years with options of fine.

• Niger: Editor Charged And Held in Custody for Defamation And "Contempt of Justice": Reporters sans Frontières (Paris): PRESS RELEASE: 28 February 2008.

Reporters Without Borders today protested at the arrest two days ago of Aboubacar Gourouza, editor of the independent bi-monthly L'Eveil Plus, by judicial police in Niamey in connection with two articles, one relating to an alleged plot against the former prime minister. He was brought to court today, after being held by Niamey police, charged with "defamation" and "contempt of justice" and taken to the civil prison in the capital. "Aboubacar Gourouza is the fifth journalist to be imprisoned since the arrest in September 2007 of Moussa Kaka, correspondent for Radio France Internationale (RFI) and Reporters Without Borders, without referring to numerous other press freedom violations that have been perpetrated", the worldwide press freedom organisation said. "We are extremely concerned about the dangerous course that Niger has embarked on. We urge the Niger authorities to immediately release our colleague and Moussa Kaka"… Gourouza's trial has been set for 3 March 2008. Moussa Kaka is still being held in prison in Niamey for "complicity in damaging state authority" and faces life imprisonment.

• Sierra Leone: 'Sexual Violence Rate is Alarming,' Says Amnesty International: Concord Times (Freetown):28 February 2008.

Country Director of Amnesty International Sierra Leone yesterday stated clearly that the recorded rate of sexual violence in the country last year is alarming. "It is very heart- rending to hear of rape being perpetrated against children as young as less than a year," Brima Abdulai Sheriff said. He said the actual figure is more alarming than what is recorded as he sought that government and civil society should do more to sensitize the people about the impact of sexual violence. Sheriff also called on the judiciary to give

134 priority to matters of sexual violence by giving appropriate discipline to perpetrators. He pointed out that delay in such matters in court usually cause victims to give up. Sierra Leone Police personnel at court number 3, PC Kamara 781 said it is difficult to see perpetrators and victims in court as such matters are often settled at family level. "We end up not seeing the complainant coming to court on many occasions," she said. Speaking to a victim (name withheld) whose case is still in court awaiting verdict, she said though it is her father that harassed her sexually while her mother was out for daily business transaction, stringent actions should be taken against perpetrators.

• Togo: Journalist "Definitively Suspended" From Radio Station for Critical Reporting: International Federation of Journalists: Brussels): PRESS RELEASE: 26 February 2008.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on the media regulatory body of Togo to end the suspension of journalist Daniel Lawson-Drakey and overturn the ban on his columns, saying that the decision that his work has been unethical was based on political concerns. "We protest against this sanction, which aims to silence a professional journalist whose critical reporting upset the authorities," said Gabriel Baglo, Director of the IFJ Africa office. "We call on the leaders of the High Authority of the Audiovisual and the Communication to cancel this penalty unconditionally." On 19 February, the High Authority of the Audiovisual and the Communication (HAAC) announced "the definitive suspension of editorials, columns, comments or analyses of Daniel Lawson-Drackey on Nana Fm," a private radio station in Lomé, the capital city of Togo. The HAAC said that Lawson-Drackey's radio broadcasts violate the principles of "respect of the dignity of the human person and the ethics in the field of information and communication." The IFJ believes that journalists should regulate the industry themselves to ensure ethical reporting. It also believes that reporters should be able to report on the government without fear that they will be silenced if they write or broadcast critical stories.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Zimbabwe: UNICEF Helps Launch Campaign Against Surging Child Rape Rates: UN News Service (New York):28 February 2008.

With the number of reported cases of children raped in Zimbabwe surging more than 40 per cent in the last three years, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has joined with the Government and religious groups in an awareness campaign to fight the scourge. The Zimbabwean Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, the National Faith Based Council of Zimbabwe, and UNICEF yesterday launched their Stand Up and Speak Out campaign against child abuse, aiming to reach more than six million of the African country's citizens. "The Stand Up and Speak Out information campaign will confront all types of abuse of children - sexual, physical, neglect and verbal," UNICEF's Representative in Zimbabwe, Festo Kavishe, said. "If perpetrators are going to be stopped and if children are going to have the confidence to speak out against these evils, then families, communities and schools must concentrate on the value of children, and how

135 they deserve our love and respect," he said. In a press release, UNICEF said the information campaign is aimed at raising awareness of all forms of child abuse, the damage caused, how child abuse can be prevented, and importantly where to get help. It said the campaign includes programming for radio, television, signage and print media, and well as training and materials for church sermons, Sunday school classes, and other religious activities. Iconic Zimbabwean gospel singer Shingisai has written a campaign song, which will air on national radio and, hopefully, be sung in churches across the country. Official police figures show that there were 2192 reported "rape cases involving children 16 years and below" in 2003. In 2006 this jumped to 3112, an increase of 42 per cent.

• Zambia: Opposition Party Officials Assault Journalists, Erase Photographs From Camera Media Institute of Southern Africa: Windhoek): PRESS RELEASE: 8 February 2008.

On 25 February 2008, two journalists from "The Post" newspaper were harassed by officials from a major opposition party, the United National Independence Party (UNIP), for allegedly covering wrangles that had ensued at the political party's headquarters in Lusaka. Photojournalist Angela Ntentabunga and reporter Lambwe Kachaili were manhandled on allegations that their newspaper did not cover UNIP when invited but only did so when there were wrangles taking place in the party. The journalists went to cover violence that ensued when a group of party cadres clashed in an internal campaign dispute involving a vacant parliamentary seat. The parliamentary seat fell vacant after the death of a member of Parliament. A female official, who was said to be wielding a plank, threatened Kachaili and squeezed his throat when he tried to enquire about the violence. The official later confiscated a camera from Ntentabunga after the photojournalist took a picture of her with it, and demanded that the pictures be deleted. The camera was only released after the pictures were erased. Two UNIP officials said they regarded "The Post" as their "greatest enemy". The two journalists were eventually rescued by police, who escorted them back to "The Post" newspaper offices in Rhodes Park, Lusaka.

• Zimbabwe: MDC Houses Burned And Officials Arrested in Muzarabani: SW Radio Africa (London):25 February 2008.

The MDC have reported that incidents of violence and arrests of their candidates, polling agents and supporters have intensified around the country as we get closer to the harmonised elections on March 29th. The latest reports were received from Muzarabani, where on Monday the houses of several MDC activists were burnt down. Exact numbers have not yet been determined. However, it is believed 2 ZANU-PF youths were arrested in the incident. On Sunday, also in Muzarabani, ward election agent Muchemwa Chihota and MDC activist Munyaradzi Nyama were arrested. It is not clear what they are being charged with but it is believed they held a meeting to discuss election strategies. Dozens of MDC officials have been arrested around the country for engaging in activities related to the March elections. This includes activities such as conducting private meetings, putting up posters, trying to obtain voter registration details and singing on a MDC campaign music album, all of which are all legal activities. Luke Tamborinyoka, MDC

136 information and publicity secretary, said: "What is clear here is that ZANU-PF has not changed its spots. ZANU-PF remains ZANU-PF, regardless of the pretense of holding free and fair elections.

EAST AFRICA

• Africa: Wrangle On Gays Divides Church: The Nation (Nairobi):1 March 2008.

A mass boycott of the Anglican Church to the 10-year gathering is imminent following sharp criticism of the church's leadership by leading clerics in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria Rwanda and Australia. Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria early this year said bishops from his country along with Rwandese and Ugandan clerics "are not going to the Lambeth Conference," to take place in Canterbury, UK in July. Soon afterwards, his Kenyan counterpart Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi also announced: "We are not attending the forthcoming Lambeth (Conference)," but added: "We are not pulling out of the Anglican communion." The archbishop's pronouncement is expected to be confirmed at a meeting of the House of Bishops next month (April). The meeting was scheduled to take place in February but was postponed due to the post-election violence. The announcement is yet another setback for the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, the spiritual leader of the world's 77 million Anglicans. Under fire for his recent comments on Sharia law in the UK, the cleric is also struggling to heal divisions between liberals and traditionalists in the church over the issue of homosexuality and same-sex marriages. At stake for much of the church in Africa is the consecration of openly gay US Bishop Gene Robinson in 2003. This has split the 400-year-old church and set a liberal minority against a conservative majority, mostly from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Western countries including Australia, Canada and the UK, have also opposed Bishop Robinson's ordination. One of Australia's most powerful Anglican leaders, Dr Peter Jensen, has said bishops from Sydney will also miss the Lambeth Conference, which is a meeting of senior figures which is held every 10 years to discuss church governance and policy. Dr Jensen, however, says that any boycott of the 2008 Lambeth Conference would not necessarily mark the end of the Anglican Communion. Archbishop Akinola has expressed disquiet with the proposed agenda, of which the issue of homosexuality has been omitted. "What is the use of the Lambeth conference for a three weeks' jamboree which will sweep" the issues dividing the Communion "under the carpet?" he asked.

• Uganda: Kony Sets Final Condition to Sign Peace Agreement: The Monitor (Kampala):28 February 2008.

THE rebel LRA will not disarm and its leader Joseph Kony will not sign the final peace agreement next month unless the International Criminal Court lifts the indictments against him, negotiators said yesterday. The LRA's chief negotiator, Dr David Nyekorach-Matsanga, told Daily Monitor in Juba that Kony would not come out of his hideout in the DR Congo as long as the indictments stand. "Kony gave me all the authority to negotiate on his behalf but if the ICC indictments are still in place, he said he

137 would never, I repeat, never assemble," Dr Matsanga said yesterday. The development comes a day after the rebels rejected a government proposal to sign a peace deal on March 6. They asked for more time to consult Kony. A ceasefire agreed last Saturday remained with demobilisation as the only outstanding issue to finalise an agreement to end one of Africa's longest wars. Mediators had been forecasting a deal within days. About six heads of State are expected to witness the signing of the final peace deal to end northern Uganda's 21-year war between President Museveni and the LRA… Earlier this week, the government accused the LRA of breaking the truce by attacking civilians in the Central African Republic, threatening the apparent progress at the talks. But LRA negotiators in Juba denied the accusations. Two decades of civil war have destabilised northern Uganda and neighbouring parts of eastern Congo and South Sudan, killing thousands of people and displacing some two million more.

• Somalia: Impunity 'The Root Cause of Crisis':UN Integrated Regional Information Networks:27 February 2008.

A culture of impunity is the root cause of Somalia's humanitarian and political crisis and unless the world urgently addresses it, war crimes and crimes against humanity will continue unabated, a civil society activist has told IRIN. "No one has ever been held accountable for these crimes," Marian Hussein Awreeye, chairwoman of the Isma'il Jimale Human Rights Centre, said. "If they had charged even one warlord, it would have been an example and would have discouraged would-be warlords from committing atrocities." Over 17 years, she said, hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced inside and outside the country, while thousands have been killed. Awreeye accused the international community of turning a blind eye to events in Somalia, "making it possible for people to continue committing crimes and getting away with it". She said many Somalis were disappointed when the UN Security Council recently renewed the mandate of the African Union peacekeeping force in the country, but failed to "even send warnings or threats of referral to the International Criminal Court [in The Hague], to those who committed horrific crimes. "Unless the international community seriously deals with the issue, any hope for lasting peace and stability will fade," she said… On 20 February, the UN Security Council extended the mandate of the AU mission, known as the African Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), for six months. Since fighting between Ethiopian-backed government troops and insurgents began in February 2007, close to 6,000 people have reportedly been killed and more than 700,000 displaced.

• Kenya: Lobby Blames Key Offices Over Crisis: The Nation (Nairobi):28 February 2008.

The Attorney General's office, the police force and the Electoral Commission of Kenya have been accused of failing Kenyans before and after last year's election. The AG has been blamed for failing to prosecute those who broke the law while the police has been faulted for using excess force against Kenyans. The ECK came under attack for the flawed tallying exercise, according to a Kenya Human Rights Commission report. Complacent or complicit: In a survey conducted before, during and after the General Elections, the commission says these offices were either complacent or simply became

138 complicit. At the same time, civil society organisations in the country have written an open letter to President Kibaki and his rival Mr Raila Odinga asking them to urgently resolve the current political impasse. Kenyans, the civil societies said in the letter, are now desperate for peace and stability and are focusing on the outcome of the on-going mediation talks. Releasing the KHRC report Wednesday on the 2007 General Elections, the commission's Executive Director, Muthoni Wanyeki, says the office bearers of those institutions ought to be sacked. 'Violating the vote’: In the report dubbed, 'Violating the Vote' the commission says of the ECK: "It should be disbanded and reconstituted at all levels using the IPPG formula." ECK commissioners and employees involved in the irregularities that resulted in electoral fraud should be identified, investigated and prosecuted, they propose. "Constitutional, legal, policy and administrative changes be made to replace the current electoral system," said Ms Wanyeki. However, an ECK official said they would only respond to KHRC after receiving the letter and interpreting it. The report further recommends the sacking of the police commissioner. In the civil society letter to President Kibaki and Mr Odinga, it reads: "For the moment the capacity to bring this crisis to an end lies in your hands."

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Rwanda: France Arrests Another '94 Genocide Suspect: The New Times (Kigali):29 February 2008.

France has arrested another Rwanda Genocide suspect, the second to be apprehended on her territory in two months. Claver Kamana, who has been on the list of top Genocide suspects wanted by Kigali, was on Tuesday arrested from France's eastern town of Annecy, officials have confirmed. Rwandan prosecutors say the arrest came after Rwanda issued his international arrest warrant through Interpol. "The Genocide Fugitives Tracking Unit compiled and sent Kamana's indictments and arrest warrant in August last year," Prosecution spokesman, Jean Bosco Mutangana, said yesterday. Mutangana coordinates the tracking unit, which is composed of prosecutors and police officers. He said the Government of Rwandan is already preparing a document to request for Kamana's extradition to Rwanda for trial. On January 7, France arrested another Genocide fugitive, Lt. Col. Marcel Bivugabagabo, who also faces a possible extradition to Kigali. And another Genocide fugitive, Isaac Kamali, also arrested in France last year after he had been deported from the US, is awaiting a court decision on Rwanda's extradition request. The examination of the transfer request of Bivugabagabo is also set for March 18 at the Court of Appeal of Toulouse, southern France… According to the indictment, Kamana is accused of six counts including Genocide, complicity to Genocide and several other ordinary crimes such as formation of a criminal gang. "He personally transported militiamen to killing sites and chaired various meetings that incited militias to commit Genocide," said Mutangana. Apart from the trio, France is holding in custody three other Rwandan suspects arrested at the request of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) based in Arusha, Tanzania. Mutangana said that the Government of Rwanda is also in talks with several African countries to ensure that Genocide fugitives holed up there are apprehended.. He said that the reason African countries have not made many arrests compared to European nations was lack of capacity

139 to track the movements of the wanted fugitives. "In Africa, it is not easy to monitor their movements from one country to another; it is easier in Europe because they track fingerprints," he said. No single Genocide fugitive has been arrested in any African country for over the past ten years on Rwanda's request although last week Tanzania arrested Callixte Nzabonimana after ICTR, which itself sits in that country, indicted him. Most of these fugitives are said to be moving freely from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to southern African countries such Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia where they are believed to be conducting businesses.

• Chad: Former President Will Be Tried in Senegal, Says ICC Registrar: Hirondelle News Agency (Lausanne): 26 February 2008.

The trial of former Chadian President Hissene Habre will be held in Dakar, Senegal, Bruno Cathala, Registrar of the International Criminal Court (ICC), told Hirondelle Agency. This was disclosed a few days after a mission of experts commissioned by the European Union submitted its report after a visit to Dakar. The mission was commissioned at the request of Senegal to seek support of the European Union in the trial of Habre. It is not an international trial", affirmed the French magistrate. According to several sources, the report does not give any statistical data on the budget necessary to hold such a trial, but recommends a timetable for the trial. Senegal was commissioned by the African Union (AU) in July 2006.For the time being, except for the adoption of a law of adaptation, the case is still at a standstill. Exiled in Senegal after being removed in 1990 by Idris Deby, who seized power in N'djamena , Habre had been the subject of a first complaint, filed by seven victims and the association of victims of the crimes and repression in Chad, before Senegalese courts, in January 2000. Habre was accused of complicity in torture and crimes against humanity. But the Court of Appeal of Dakar, then the final Court of Appeal said that Senegalese courts did not have jurisdiction to try such a case… According to an observer, Senegal may find it very beneficial to hold such a trial, in particular at a time where there are full-fleged preparations to operationalise the African Court of Human Rights. First state to have ratified the Treaty of Rome, prevailing to the creation of the International Criminal Court, Dakar is indeed ahead. On the international level, President Wade may find it very beneficial to play this card, but on the national level, it is not so obvious, according to analysts.

• HEALTH MATTERS (HIV/AIDS, TB, MALARIA)

WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Doctors Begin Strike Monday: Daily Champion (Lagos):29 February 2008.

NIGERIAN Medical Association (NMA), has warned that it would embark on indefinite strike on Monday, unless the federal government meets it demands. The president of the association, Dr. Daniel Gana in a telephone interview with Daily Champion, stated that, "it was not the wish of doctors to go on an indefinite strike, given the grave implications

140 for innocent Nigerians; but that the poor response by government to the grievances of we doctors on consistent degeneration of medical practice in Nigeria was responsible for the proposal fresh strike.NMA had given the government up till Monday March 3rd to fulfill its promise about returning the doctors to their former medical salary structure MSS salary scale structure… Meanwhile, Minister of Health Prof. (Mrs) Adenike Granges has written to the presidency seeking approval for the new MSS salary scale for medical doctors which would include their call duty allowance. This was disclosed by the national secretary-general of NMA, Dr. Ishaq Abdul who also revealed that there was on-going dialogue between NMA officials and the government. He expressed hope that negotiations would be successfully concluded to avert the planned strike.

• Africa: UN - Action Needed Against Unproven HIV/Aids Treatments: Human Rights Watch (Washington, DC): PRESS RELEASE: 28 February 2008.

The United Nations and its member states are failing to address serious threats to life and health posed by the promotion of unproven AIDS "cures" and by counterfeit antiretroviral drugs, Human Rights Watch said today. In an article published yesterday, "Dangerous medicines: Unproven AIDS cures and counterfeit antiretroviral drugs", in the peer-reviewed journal Globalization and Health, Human Rights Watch cited examples of the promotion of unproven AIDS treatments in countries as diverse as Zambia, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, India, and Zimbabwe. The article also discusses how the absence of regulation or monitoring for counterfeit antiretroviral medicines threatens the lives and health of thousands of people living with HIV and AIDS, even in regions like Southeast Asia where counterfeit pharmaceuticals are widespread. "Fake cures have been promoted since AIDS was first identified," said Joseph Amon, HIV/AIDS Program Director at Human Rights Watch and author of the article. "In the era of expanded antiretroviral treatment programs, the failure of governments to monitor these false claims and ensure accurate information about life-saving antiretroviral drugs undermines global efforts to fight AIDS." Gambia and Iran deserve particular scrutiny, according to the article. In both countries, officials at the highest levels of government have been directly involved in the promotion of unproven therapies. International condemnation of their actions, however, has been absent or muted. In Gambia in February 2007, President Yahya Jammeh claimed to have developed an herbal cure for AIDS that was effective in three days if people taking the treatment discontinued taking antiretroviral drugs and refrained from alcohol, caffeine, and sex. Following the announcement, Gambian journalists who criticized the so-called cure were fired, and the UN resident coordinator in Gambia, Fadzai Gwaradzimba, was permanently expelled for asking for scientific proof of the treatment's effectiveness. Since Jammeh's announcement, scant global attention has been paid to the availability of effective AIDS treatments in the country. Last week, however, the Gambian government announced with much fanfare that Jammeh had been awarded an honorary degree in Herbal and Homeopathic medicine by the Brussels-based Jean Monnet European University. In accepting the degree, Jammeh announced that he had discovered cures for obesity and impotence, adding to his previously declared "cures" for infertility, diabetes, and asthma. According to the President's office, hundreds of people have taken the remedies for HIV/AIDS. Gambian authorities have failed to provide

141 information on the degree to which patients taking the medicine had freely volunteered to do so, and also on independent verification of the health outcomes. Also in 2007, the president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, announced the discovery of "IMOD" (an abbreviation for "immuno-modulator drug"), an herbal AIDS treatment made from seven local Iranian herbs. The government has promoted the drug as a "therapeutic vaccine" and as the "first choice" for treatment in resource-constrained developing countries. The President's Office for Technology Cooperation has also promoted the remedy and sought partners for joint marketing, clinical trials and manufacturing. According to news reports in November, the Iranian Minister of Health and Medical Education stated that all patients with advanced HIV disease-more than 1,500 overall-would be treated with IMOD. Human Rights Watch called on the United Nations to put pressure on countries promoting unproven AIDS treatments to provide complete, accurate information about effective HIV/AIDS treatment and to correct false and misleading information about unproven therapies. "Countries are gambling with the lives of people living with HIV by promoting unproven AIDS remedies," said Amon.

• Nigeria: Foundation Calls for Legislation On Cancer: Vanguard (Lagos):28 February 2008.

A CANCER Foundation yesterday called on the National Assembly to legislate on free treatament for cancer patients. The Executive Secretary of Ego Bekee Cancer Foundation, Mrs. Chidinma Ejiogu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the legislation would make treatment available to the poor. Ejiogu said such a legislation would also ensure that cancer treatment would be included in the Nigerian Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). "So many people are suffering and cannot afford the treatment and this imposes enormous financial, emotional and psychological pressure on families. "Our legislators can look into it while they are in office because any of them could be victims now or when they have left office and that is a good legacy to leave behind," she said. She observed that cancer was not mentioned anywhere in the NHIS scheme but could be amended if there was a legislation on cancer.

• Gambia: Media Fraternity Sensitized On FGM: FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda):28 February 2008.

The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices (GAMCOTRAP), on Saturday 23rd February, organised a day's training and sensitization workshop for the media fraternity in the Gambia. The objective of the workshop was to capacitize the media on how to sensitise the general populace on Female genital mutilation. The workshop brought together Senior Journalists and editors from both the electronic and print media. In her opening remarks, Mrs. Bijou Peters, a veteran journalist, described how important and powerful the media would be in fighting against F.G.M and harmful practices. She stated that through the commitment of the media the goals of GAMCOTRAP would be well realised by the entire populace. She urged the media to engage themselves in the fight against F.G.M and women's rights… Journalist Sarata Jabbi Dibba and Fatou Jobe from The Point newspaper and GRTS respectively, who attended a regional workshop in Addis

142 Ababa, on African media and the role of women in eradicating harmful traditions in Africa, also gave presentations from the workshop in Ethiopia…

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Mozambique: Backstreet Abortion Becoming a Public Health Crisis: Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique (Maputo):28 February 2008.

Backstreet abortions are well on the way to becoming a chronic health problem in Mozambique, and urgent measures are needed to reduce the number of women who seek out the services of clandestine abortionists. According to a report in Thursday's issue of the independent newsheet "Mediafax", this warning was given on Tuesday by obstetrician Momad Bay Usta, speaking at a seminar on unsafe abortion held at the town of Namaacha, on the border with Swaziland. Abortions take place under life-threatening conditions because there is no such thing as a legal abortion in Mozambique. The Mozambican statute book still contains the highly repressive anti-abortion provision of the Portuguese colonial-fascist penal code. This seeks to turn both the woman who seeks an abortion and the health worker who provides one into criminals. However, nobody has ever been hauled before the Mozambican courts under this archaic law, and doctors do perform abortions in public hospitals, particularly when they believe that the women's life would be danger unless the pregnancy is terminated. However, this is not publicized, and most women are unaware of it. According to the Health Ministry statistics, complications arising from unsafe abortions account for 16 per cent of maternal deaths in the country, and a shocking 55 per cent of all admissions to hospital obstetric and gynaecological services. This is why the Mozambican government has drawn up a bill that would decriminalize abortion, and make safe, legal abortions available in health units. The Health Ministry argues that the legalization of abortion is a pressing need given that unsafe abortion causes so much death and illness, as well as enormous costs for the health service in treating its complications. The question now is whether the country's parliament, the Assembly of the Republic, will have the courage to face down religious bigots and pass this bill into law.

• Namibia: Visually Impaired Get Legal Training: New Era (Windhoek):28 February 2008.

People with visual impairment are undergoing training this week to make them aware of certain legal matters that are in place. The workshop, which started Tuesday and ends today, is the first of its kind and involves training in will writing, HIV/AIDS and human rights, domestic violence, the maintenance and rape acts and divorce. Chief Social Worker in the Ministry of Health and Social Services Betsy Basson said on Tuesday that the visually impaired were left out of these legal issues that are in place and which they could use to their advantage. She said: "In the past, these people were left out of awareness raising programmes." One of the many concerns the visually impaired have is that they cannot read Braille. Deputy Health Minister Petrina Haingura when she opened the workshop said the training was a step in the right direction as it was geared towards empowering them with knowledge for them to care for themselves. Namibia has passed

143 various legislation including the National Policy on Disability, which aims at achieving full integration of people with disabilities into society. The Government promulgated the National Disability Council Act in 2004, which makes provision for the establishment of the National Disability Council.

EAST AFRICA

• Rwanda: Ministry Wins Court Battle: The New Times (Kigali):28 February 2008.

The Ministry of Health has won a court battle against Forever Living Products (FLP), a firm dealing in medicinal products. High Court President Johnston Busingye recently rejected the firm's petition in protest of the ministry's decision to stop it from selling its food supplements. The court said the claims lacked substance. In addition, FLP was fined court charges worth Frw31, 700. The firm has 30 days to appeal the decision. Representing the government, the Deputy Attorney General Alphonse Sebazungu, had said earlier that the letters FLP wrote to the Health ministry were not clear as to whether they sought to have their operations re-opened or not. "In all the letters they sent to the ministry they never asked to continue selling their food supplements using qualified personnel," Sebazungu said in reference to the plaintiff's assertions that the ministry had turned a deaf ear to their repeated pleas to have their business re-opened. On July 20, 2007, the ministry suspended the FLP's activities citing lack of qualified staff in something the government said was sensitive to people's health… FLP, which operates in about 125 countries worldwide, has existed for the last 25 years.

• Uganda: Exporting Nurses Good for the Economy: The Monitor (Kampala):29 February 2008.

Reports last week that Uganda could soon start exporting nurses to formally work in Europe could prove a boom for a country that is best known as an exporter of primary agricultural commodities. The hope is that the government will draw the correct conclusions and invest adequately in the training of a greater number of nurses and doctors. It has been common knowledge for years that Uganda, and other developing countries, train medical personnel only for some of them to leave for greener pastures in Europe and North America. It is also a fact that many of these countries' bright students who leave to study in Europe and North America rarely come back. Because there is little hope of reversing the trend in the short and medium term, the smart thing to do is to plan to reap the maximum benefits. Demographic figures in Europe show that these countries will face a population crunch sooner rather than later because the majority of their people are the elderly. Already, countries such as Germany are tinkering with their immigration policies to accommodate the growing number of foreigners they need to drive the economy. The implication for a poor country like Uganda, which is a regional leader in education is clear - tailor your training to meet the needs of Europe and you could change from exporting raw agricultural commodities to exporting highly skilled manpower. That would do wonders to the Ugandan economy… The Bank of Uganda says that in the last financial year, Ugandans in the Diaspora sent home an estimated $850 million, which is

144 more than three times the government's health budget…Revolution: This is particularly useful today when the racist undertones that faced many people from Africa are under assault in many countries around the world as demonstrated in politics and in the Church in the US and in the United Kingdom respectively. In the US, Mr Barack Obama is the front runner in the Democratic Party presidential candidate nomination, which would mean that given the edge the Democratic Party has over the Republican Party's presumptive nominee John McCain, the November US election, is for our black American brother's to lose. In the UK, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr John Sentamu, is right now easily the hottest bishop of a mainstream church in the world. Now good money is being bet on Sentamu becoming the next Archbishop of the Church of England when Dr Rowan Williams, who got himself embroiled in a messy controversy recently when he suggested that Britain might have to adopt some form of Sharia law, were to step down. No more racism: Were they to happen, these two developments could strike a blow against racism like to other event in recent history and could open opportunities for qualified Africans to live and work more acceptably in the developed world. The only rational conclusion, therefore, is that though the export of nurses and other medical professionals will hurt the delivery of the local health services, it should be welcomed as a precursor of the good things to come provided the country invests in the relevant educational facilities that will produce marketable skills. And the government shouldn't be allowed to claim it doesn't have money for these investments considering the billions it has lost in questionable investments with both local and foreign investors.

• ENERGY

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Southern Africa: SADC Power Pool to Forestall Energy Deficit: The Times of Zambia (Ndola):29 February 2008.

THE Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) will undertake various projects, which will cost more than US$46 billion, to check the current power deficit. Acting Southern African Development Community (SADC) secretariat chief director, Remmy Makumbe, said in Lusaka yesterday that there was need for more projects in the power sector in the region to forestall shortages. Mr Makumbe said the project, which would be undertaken between this year and 2025, would result in the creation of generation capacity of 50,450 megawatts. The projects to be undertaken would be rehabilitation works which would cost $1 billion between this year and next year, while the short-term generation works would cost $3.9 billion from 2008 -2010. SAPP would simultaneously be carrying out long-term generation and inter-connector projects from this year to 2025 at a cost of $41.5 billion. He said it was notable as early as 1999 when the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) predicted the region's experience in inadequate power supply in 2007/8. The acting chief director said the region had adopted a roadmap to accelerate the region's recovery from the power shortages through the supply side and Demand Side Management (DSM) as the only immediate option to optimise the use of available power. He said the key tenets of the programme would include among others, a power conservation (PCP) to be formulated and implemented as a SADC programme based on

145 SAPP experience from California, ESKOM's experience from Brazil and implementation of renewable energy technologies. On communication, Mr Makumbe said the region was set to expand its system, where approximately 200 billion US dollars was required to provide the infrastructure that met the minimal regional requirements. He said another process had been undertaken of developing Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TCA's) for the purpose of implementing trans-boundary tourism and anchoring projects for the 2010 FIFA World Cup tourism strategy. He said the council of ministers had noted that the implementation of the Kazungula Bridge Project to link Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, will play a pivotal role in stimulating trade in all member states.

• ENVIRONMENT

WEST AFRICA

• Sierra Leone: Govt, UN Champion Fight Against Land Degradation: Concord Times (Freetown):28 February 2008.

The government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Secretariat yesterday ended two-day workshop to combat land degradation in the country at the Miatta Conference hall in Freetown. In an interview with Concord Times, head of chemistry department at the Fourah Bay College, Professor Thomas Yormah said 80 percent of Sierra Leoneans use land for agricultural purposes, including getting food for their cattle. He said the burning of wood for coal or as fire wood has a negative impact on the land. The Gambia's Director of Forestry, Jato S. Sillay said the donor community and the political affairs in Sierra Leone have not give preference to land issues. He noted that the technician and the local community representatives are working towards having a document that will address land matters. Participant Abdulai Koroma said the Sierra Leone communities will ensure that land tenure issues are address and that government address land degradation at mining area.

• Nigeria: Benue Will Stop Pure Water Production - Ngbede, Commissioner for Environment: Daily Champion (Lagos): INTERVIEW: 28 February 2008. Benue State's Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Mr John Ngbede was overwhelmed by the problem of refuse heaps in Makurdi when he assumed office in July last year. The private service providers engaged to dispose refuse on daily basis failed to live up to expectation. Consequently, the Old Makurdi Water Works which was supposed to be rehabilitated degenerated, while the New Makurdi Water Works that was to be jointly established by the state and federal governments did not go beyond the drawing stage. In this interview with GODWIN AKOR, Mr Ngbede speaks on how his ministry is tackling the problems of refuse heaps and inadequate water supply in the state capital. Excerpts:

What is your ministry doing about refuse heaps in Makurdi and other towns?: I met the notorious problem of refuse heaps when I assumed office. People were disposing refuse as if there was no law on how it should be disposed so, we had to enforce the law

146 through the Benue State Environmental Sanitation Agency. Apart from the mobile courts that punish offenders during the monthly sanitation exercise, our staff have been stationed at Wadata, Ushongo Close, High Level Park and other areas to ensure that refuse is not dumped outside the disposal buckets placed at strategic places. We have directed that all township buses must carry waste paper baskets while the tippers just rehabilitated take away the refuse on a daily basis. We buy empty sachets of water to the tune of N200,000 every month in order to keep the streets clean. We are telling producers of sachet water to reduce the workload on the ministry by collecting some of the empty bags on the streets back. If they fail to cooperate, we may stop them from producing because they make the towns dirty. On a daily basis, I go out to inspect the disposal of refuse. The state government is now directly involved in the disposal of refuse because the private service providers engaged by the past administration could not cope with the enormous responsibility of keeping Makurdi and other towns clean. Due to the expanding nature of Makurdi, we have identified a refuse dump along University of Agriculture, Makurdi road. Very soon, contract would be awarded to experts to prepare the place in such a way that the lives of the people living around would not be affected. Now that the Gabriel Suswam administration is turning Makurdi into a modern town, the ministry has placed order for the purchase of 25 units of refuse disposal tractors, 150 units of refuse containers, mounted diggers and skilled loaders, 10 units of excavators, seven units of wet sweepers and seven units of dry sweepers from Poland at the cost of N344 million. Our staff would be sent out for a one year training in Poland while the manufacturers would be here for one year to ensure the smooth take off of the modern way of cleaning Makurdi. Do you have any plan for the beautification of Makurdi? We have set aside N50 million for the beautification of Makurdi this year. I have directed that all illegal billards should be pulled down while those who paste posters at unapproved places should be prosecuted. Our plan is to beautify Makurdi in such a way that travellers would identify Makurdi with unique beauty at entry points, motor parks, gardens, government quarters, hotels and along the roads. During the next planting season, we would distribute flowers and economic trees free of charge to residents so that government's green areas programme would be sustained. Why has water problem in Makurdi refused to end in spite of government efforts? Water supply problem in Makurdi was one of the issues that confronted the present administration as soon as it was inaugurated. We were not happy that many residents of Makurdi were living at the mercy of water hawkers in spite of the contract awarded to Bi-Water for the rehabilitation of Old Makurdi Water Works at the cost of N400 million. It was decided after a review that the contract should be terminated and we did just that. We invited tenders from reputable firms for the rehabilitation but Bi Water failed to tender. The contract has now been re-awarded to a Chinese firm which has gone far with the work at the cost of N300 million. What has become of the Greater Makurdi Works? This was where we decided that something serious had to be done to take the project off the ground. The initial arrangement was that the state and the federal governments would contribute N1.5 billion each for the new water works but the state government made a N700 million contribution while the federal government gave N81 million only. This delayed in the take off of the project until we assumed office. We were irked by the fact that a contract of N3 billion was awarded to the same Bi Water which could not rehabilitate the Old Makurdi Water Works, so, we terminated the contract and re-awarded it to Gilmor, an Israeli firm at the cost of N4.988 billion. The

147 capacity of the new water works would be 100,000 cubic liters per day and work is expected to be completed within two years.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Namibia: Pollution Threatens Marine Life :New Era (Windhoek):26 February 2008.

Pollution due to heavy industrialisation, spillage of oil and chemicals continues to cause untold detrimental effects on the sea. The 'rape' of the sea, as Dr Abraham Iyambo, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources calls it, poses a threat to the existence of human beings if left unattended. Iyambo also noted that human-induced global warming eats at the roots of the economy and reduces returns on investments. The minister made these remarks when he inaugurated a new fish factory of the Pereira Group at Walvis Bay recently. Iyambo called on stakeholders and the public to protect and sustainably utilise fishery resources. He noted that current generations have to responsibly think about the survival of unborn generations. “We are assembled here to celebrate and give thanks to the sea, the premier foundation and safest pillar of human existence. Our resolve is to rationally manage our marine resources and accentuate their healthiness," he said.

EAST AFRICA

• Uganda: Smoking in Public Remains Banned: The Weekly Observer (Kampala):28 February 2008.

The Court of Appeal last week dismissed an appeal against the ban on smoking in public places. The appeal filed by former British American Tobacco Controller, Joseph Erayu sought to argue that the ban on smoking violated his constitutional rights as a smoker and restricted his liberty and freedom of movement. But court unanimously found that Eryau's appeal had been overtaken and that the law banning smoking in public places was already in place. The Environment Action Network (TEAN) spokesperson, Philip Karugaba, is optimistic that the development will help in enforcing the law on smoking in public places. "We are obviously delighted by the result. Breathing second-hand smoke is like being punished for sins you did not commit. It exposes the non-smoker to the same deadly diseases as a smoker," Karugaba said in a statement. "Workers in public places such as waiters and waitresses, non-smokers in a smoker's home are particularly vulnerable. We will be resuming full scale enforcement of the law in the interests of public health and safety." According to World Health Organisation, passive smoking can cause untold damage to a person. person. Dr. Paolo Boffeta of the WHO International Cancer Research Centre in Lyons says, "long-term exposure to passive smoking increases the risk of lung cancer by 20% to 50%". That means adults who have avoided smoking all their lives can still face devastating consequences: aggravation of existing illnesses, lung cancer, heart attacks, etc. For children the list is even longer if both parents smoke: intrauterine growth retardation, low birth weight, respiratory infections, recurrent ear infections and asthma attacks.

148 • Uganda: Fisheries to Eco-Label Lake Victoria: New Vision (Kampala):26 February 2008.

FISHERIES stakeholders have mooted a plan to eco-label Lake Victoria to secure a long- term market access for the Nile Perch. The move is also aimed at promoting sustainable fishing. Eco-labelling identifies the overall environmental preference of a product or service within a specific category based on life cycle considerations. It is a voluntary method of environmental performance certification and labelling that is practised around the world. It aims at promoting products with reduced environmental effects to consumers. It also provides consumers with accurate and scientifically-based information and guidance on products. "Eco-labelling is a significant landmark to add value to fish products and promotes sustainable fisheries utilisation and development," Nyeko said. Under the arrangement, the whole lake will be eco-labelled as a single eco-system. The move will help reduce illegalities in the fisheries sector and on the lake that financially supports over two million people and feeds another 22 million in the region. The development is supported by the German Development Agency and the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation. Fish processors in the three riparian states of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, endorsed the initiative and pledged to commit resources for the assessment studies at a stakeholders meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya last year. The pre-assessment of the project has started in Bukoba. "Eco-labelling is now a crucial issue on the table, waiting for fish processors and other stakeholders to implement. "We have to implement it in order to ensure our continued participation on the stiff international market," Philip Borel de Bitche, the Greenfields managing director, said. He said Europe welcomes premium-priced Nile Perch. De Bitche added that fishermen would be rewarded for engaging in sustainable fishing practices.

• Somalia: Educationalists Worry About Effect of Venomous Casks On Region: Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu):26 February 2008.

The elders and educationalists of Kismayu town south of Somalia have expressed additional concern on the subject of the prospect of noxious containers on the town's coastlines those have been transported from foreign countries by ships to Somalia's free- for-all coasts. The educationalist have declared that the contaminated barrels on the islands of Lower Jubba region may cause further health problems to the residents of the region after long time these hubs have been laying in the region's coral islands. One of The educators that is to say Hassan Mohamud has cautioned on the hatching of the venomous items within the town's islands those may cause new health problems. He appealed the transitional government to help out them the removal of those dangerous poisonous barrels from the region's shorelines. Scientists describe the poisonous items in the containers as oddments of nuclear weapon or industries production leftovers although its not officially identified the poisonous objects in the roofed containers lying in the region's islands.

• DOMESTIC AND INT’L POLITICS

149 WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Lawyers Divided Over Tribunal's Verdict On Yar'Adua: Vanguard (Lagos):1 March 2008.

The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, dismissed the petitions of former Head of State and presidential candidate of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari, and Atiku Abubakar, former Vice-president and presidential candidate of Action Congress (AC). Buhari and Atiku, had challenged the declaration of Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the winner of the April 21, 2007 presidential elections. Another dimension to the judgement was the issued raised by Buhari's lead counsel, Chief Mike Ahamba, who did not only say he will appeal the judgment, but threatened to drag the Justices that sat on the case before the National Judicial Council (NJC). Some of the lawyers, who spoke to our correspondent, called for the amendment of the existing law, so that INEC as an unbiased umpire is not made a party in election dispute, so that the legal dispute would be between the winners and losers and avoid a situation where INEC, rather than acting as an unbiased umpire, which it is supposed to be, is rather seen taking siding with the winners of the election against the losers. Reactions have also continued to trail the judgment.

• DOMESTIC AND INT’L ECONOMY

WEST AFRICA

• Burkina Faso: Protests On Price Rises Spread to the Capital: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 28 February 2008.

Violence spread to the capital, Ouagadougou, early on 28 February as demonstrators took to the streets to denounce the high price of food and fuel. Shops and petrol stations were shut down. The unrest took place throughout the day with young men burning tyres and igniting fires, using hit-and run tactics despite a heavy police presence. "The choice is to demonstrate or to die of hunger," a demonstrator, who asked not to be named, told IRIN. "We have chosen to get our voice heard and I think we are succeeding." No casualties have yet been reported yet but a police officer told IRIN off the record that they had made 10 arrests. Soldiers have surrounded the presidential palace and are stepping up their presence around the city. The unrest the day after the government announced that, rather than lower the price of basic goods as people were demanding, it would reduce taxes on imported goods. The measures came following demonstrations in Bobo- Dioulasso on 20 February, leading to 264 arrests. The government also announced it would start to negotiate with local producers to lower the costs of cooking oil and sugar. But opposition parties said the government was doing too little too late.

• Cameroon: Cameroonians Go to the Streets: The Post (Buea):28 February 2008.

150 Cameroonians went to the streets in almost all the ten provinces. They were agitating for several reasons, namely, increase in the price of fuel and other commodities, amendment of the 1996 constitution, human right abuse and many others. It was a pent-up anger that Cameroonians had nursed for a long while now. In almost all the province and divisions in the country , there was that solidarity in grounding activities. Movement between towns for the whole day was not possible as most activities stood at a stand-still. In Buea, even though no life was reportedly lost, workers, students and business persons couldn't operate normally for everything came to a stand-still as from 8am.The forces of law and order kept on throwing tear gas canisters in living quarters and even at students. In the morning, students had protested, trying to mount barricades using stones, blocks and other raodside objects, preventing people from moving normally. They were however countered by the men in uniform who came fully prepared for the act. Until 7pm, Buea was still in a state of chaos. In Kumba, it was reported the Brasseries depot and many other places had been taking hostage by the population, with the angry population looting everywhere. It was said Police came to the rescue when all had been carried away.Stories reaching us from Kumba said "All business places are completely shut down now.

• Cameroon: Declaration of the Head of State On the Ongoing Crisis: The Post (Buea): DOCUMENT: 28 February 2008.

The President has denounced the manipulation of Youths and promised to ensure that law and order prevailed. Our country is witnessing a situation which brings back unpleasant memories of a period we thought was long gone. While it may be understandable that when negotiations fail, the demands of a group are sometimes expressed through strike action, it is unacceptable that such action should serve as a pretext for outpourings of violence against people and property. Besides, it is now established that any industrial dispute can always be resolved through negotiation. In actual fact, that is not the problem. What is at issue is the use, not to say exploitation of the transporters' strike for political ends. For some people, who by the way, did not hide their intentions, the objective is to obtain through violence what they were unable to obtain through the ballot box, that is to say, through the normal functioning of democracy. They therefore did not hesitate to throw into the streets bands of youths who were joined by delinquents lured by the possibility of looting. The results are there: public buildings destroyed or burnt down, shops and businesses looted or devastated. Be it State property, I mean our common heritage, or private premises, these are years of efforts thus reduced to nothing. The demons who manipulated these youths behind the scenes were not bothered about the risk that they made them to run by exposing them to confrontations with the forces of law and order. As a result, several of them lost their lives, which, of course, cannot but be deplored. When the human and material toll of these dark days will be taken, it will probably be very heavy. Those behind these manipulations definitely did not have the good of our people in their mind. A country cannot be built through destruction. It should therefore be made absolutely clear that Cameroon is a Constitutional State and intends to remain so. It has democratic institutions which are functioning normally. It is within this framework that the nation's problems are addressed. It is not in the street that they are resolved. The vast majority of our people long for peace and stability. The last elections proved this. Cameroonians

151 know that disorder can only bring about calamity and misery. We cannot allow that to happen. To those who are responsible for manipulating the youth to achieve their aims, I want to tell them that their attempts are doomed to failure. All legal means available to Government will be brought into play to ensure the rule of law. Source: Presidency of the Republic

• PEACEKEEPING, CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND SECURITY MATTERS

EAST AFRICA

• Kenya: Joy As Kibaki, Raila Sign Power Sharing Deal: The East African Standard (Nairobi):29 February 2008.

Finally, the much-awaited power sharing deal that has been shrouded in controversy, but which held the only key to a peaceful and agreeable settlement of the post-election impasse has been signed. Both President Kibaki and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Mr Raila Odinga, appended their signatures on the historic deal that saw the return of the Office of the Prime Minister scrapped by Jomo Kenyatta in 1964. News that a deal had been struck touched off a carnival mood in Orange strongholds, relief in many parts of the country and general optimism to a battered and anxious population. The world watched Dr Kofi Annan and his UN-backed Panel of African Eminent Persons and African Union chairman Jakaya Kikwete as they brought together the erstwhile rivals in a ceremony beamed live on TV. In a nutshell, the deal - which will be entrenched in the Constitution - created the post of an executive prime minister, who will supervise ministers and lead Government in Parliament. It also provides for the sharing of Cabinet positions based on the strength of parties in the House. This memorable covenant that could usher in a new era of reforms - which successive regimes have procrastinated over until the near post-poll meltdown - will assume legal and constitutional force when Parliament is summoned on Thursday next week. On Thursday night, Britain and the United States, who have stridently pushed for "real power-sharing" to break the crippling impasse arising from a discredited presidential election, swiftly welcomed the development. "Kenya's leaders have reached a power-sharing agreement that represents a triumph for peace and diplomacy, and a renunciation of the violence that has scarred a country of such enormous potential," British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said. He added: "Common sense has prevailed, and the Kenyan people have the outcome for which they have hoped and prayed. I applaud the courage that Kenya's leaders have shown in taking the tough decisions necessary to put Kenya back on the path to prosperity, democracy and stability which it is so richly deserves". Mr Tom Casey, the US State Department spokesman summed the outcome expected to put the country back on track after a bloodletting that claimed at least 1,000 lives and left close to half a million people displaced, thus: "That's an important and very positive step forward. We are very pleased to see that this agreement has been reached". Post of Prime Minister: The new office of the PM will have power and authority to co-ordinate and supervise the functions of the Government and will be occupied by an elected MP who will also be the leader of the party or coalition with majority members in Parliament. Further, his removal and that of his two deputies will only be through a vote of no confidence by majority

152 MPs. The coalition government will also reflect portfolio balance and party strength in Parliament. Earlier, Annan had said he would sustain his efforts until the entire job was completed. He said the AG would work on the Constitutional amendment to be tabled in Parliament for enactment. He commended the efforts of the mediators, which made the deal possible. "Let the process of healing begin now," he said. The deal was a result of give and take, he said, and expressed hope that those involved would not be left with a feeling that they either gave too much or got too little.

• Uganda: Donors Stop Funding Juba Negotiations: The Monitor (Kampala): 29 February 2008.

AS the money for the Juba peace talks runs out today, there are suggestions that donors might not commit more funds to activities not related to the implementation of a yet-to-be signed final peace agreement. The revelation, which comes at a time when the government and LRA are still deadlocked over war crimes indictments for the rebel outfit's top leadership, reflects the donors' own expectation that the parties will reach a binding agreement in just days. Yet, even as a truce between the parties expires today, it is still difficult to predict when the parties are likely to sign the long-awaited comprehensive deal. The government delegation had proposed March 6, but the LRA team has been more cautious, insisting that the indictments are a possible deal-beaker. Now the issue of facilitation could herald new problems… When asked whether the European Union, for its part, would commit itself to facilitating the talks even if a final peace agreement is not signed as soon as is expected, Mr De Visscher declined to "speculate". But he revealed that the Delegation of the European Commission has set aside Euros2 million to fund the team that will monitor the ceasefire. What this means is that donors are now more interested in the practical aspects of the peace process rather than, for example, paying the delegates' allowances. The talks started in July 2006. Through the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), several countries have contributed over $10 million for the peace talks in what is called the Juba Initiative Fund. The money, along with contributions from the governments of South Sudan and Uganda, has been facilitating the day-to-day needs of the peace talks. The Uganda government has reportedly spent over Shs3billion facilitating its delegation, led by Internal Affairs Minister Ruhakana Rugunda. For two days in a row, the parties have been negotiating LRA's demand for what is being called a "letter of comfort". The letter is supposed to be proof of the government'scommitment to request the UN Security Council to suspend arrest warrants for LRA's top lieutenants, including leader Joseph Kony.

• Sudan: Country Creates Committee to Normalise Ties With U.S.: The Nation (Nairobi):29 February 2008.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Alor on Thursday announced the setting up of technical committees to discuss the issues between Sudan and the United States of America with an aim to normalise relations. The committees have a mandate of six months. The Minister said in a statement to the Press yesterday that Sudan wants to solve all the outstanding issues between the two countries. He pointed out that the two countries would work

153 together to map out a framework for solving the issue of Darfur as well as resolving the remaining parts of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Answering questions by journalists, the Minister said the visit of the American Envoy to Sudan, Mr Richard Williamson this week, comes as part of the US's readiness for real and serious dialogue to normalise relations with Sudan. Meanwhile, Chinese envoy, Liu Guijin, who is currently on a visit to Sudan, has praised the efforts made by the Sudanese government towards resolving the Darfur issue. "The Sudanese government has made huge efforts to tackle the Darfur problem," Mr Liu said, indicating that addressing the roots of Darfur crisis requires coordination among the government, rebel factions, neighbouring countries and the international community at large. He renewed China's readiness to make more efforts to solve the Darfur problem in coordination with the concerned parties.

• East Africa: Latest Eritrean Obstruction of Relocation Efforts Strands Over 100 Blue Helmets: UN News Service (New York):29 February 2008.

Eritrea's latest obstruction of the efforts by the United Nations peacekeeping mission to temporarily relocate across the border in Ethiopia have resulted in more than 100 blue helmets being stranded inside the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) between the two Horn of Africa nations. In the southern town of Senafe today, Eritrean soldiers blocked the movement of the mission's personnel and equipment as it seeks to regroup its staff and assets in Asmara ahead of its temporary relocation to Ethiopia. This most recent obstruction has left 102 peacekeepers from the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) stuck in the TSZ, with 21 vehicles sent to collect them unable to do so, UN spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters in New York. Also today, an additional 13 blue helmets and 8 UN vehicles were also stopped by Eritrean soldiers at the same Senafe checkpoint. Azouz Ennifar, the Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative, today was reassured over the telephone by Eritrean authorities that there have been no explicit instructions from the Government to prevent UNMEE from relocating. In spite of the obstructions, the mission reports that only two camps remain to be vacated, and UNMEE's military headquarters near the town of Barentu will be relocated by this Sunday. All military observers have been accounted for, with 104 moved to Asmara and 11 in the port town of Assab. Earlier this month, the UN decided to relocate to Ethiopia after Eritrea cut off diesel fuel supplies to UNMEE, paralyzing the operation on that side of the border.

• MILITANCY, REBELS, TERRORISM WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Militants Kill Hostage Despite Paying N2 Million Ransom: Vanguard (Lagos):1 March 2008.

Some militants in Port Harcourt, Rivers State have reportedly killed a hostage, one Njo Amadi who was kidnapped in the state capital last Saturday, even after collecting two million as ransom. His abductors had demanded for N80million. Similarly, the JTF in the state Operation Flush Out foiled a kidnap/robbery attempt, in the early hours of Friday, at a company called CBC in the Trans Amadi Industrial area of the capital. Also, the

154 abductors of the Nkwo family toddlers have further scaled down their demands for the release of the children to N10 million, down from N50 million and the initial N80 million. But on Njo Amadi, the families of the man had allegedly rallied and produced the ranson to the hoodlums, who then directed them to an area off Iwofe community, with the promise that Amadi will be released there. Saturday Vanguard gathered that on getting to the agreed area, the family rather found the corpse of Amadi, dumped by the roadside. Confirming the death Police PRO Ireju Barasua (a DSP) told Vanguard on phone that the families of the man reported at the police division that their father and husband who was kidnapped last Friday had been found dead.

EAST AFRICA

• Tanzania: Dar to Probe Mombassa Terrorist Links: The East African (Nairobi):25 February 2008.

The Tanzania police is interrogating nine terror suspects believed to have been plotting to bomb various sites during US President George W. Bush's recent visit to the country. The Tanzania Intelligence and Security Services is already in contact with its Kenyan counterpart and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to ascertain if any of the suspects was one among those behind the terrorist attacks in Mombasa in 2002. The suspects were arrested in Dar es Salaam and Arusha and police sources said they were positive that one of them was involved in the bombing of Paradise Hotel in Mombasa during which 16 people were killed. However, intelligence officials last week that they did not have enough evidence yet to determine which terror group the nine suspects belong to. But a senior intelligence official told The EastAfrican that the suspects were arrested after the police and intelligence agents tracked their telephone conversations and their suspicious movements to the Dar es Salaam and Arusha hotels. The officer said that intelligence gathered had shown that Internet communications and tapped telephone conversations among them amounted to preparations to stage attacks when President Bush was in the country. The officer added that the police kept the arrests secret for fear of jeopardising President Bush's visit to Tanzania and other African countries, but was made public soon after his departure. Robert Manumba, Tanzania's Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI), told The EastAfrican last week that they were not certain which terrorist group was to be behind the attacks, but their suspicion strongly pointed to Al Qaeda… Al Qaeda is responsible for the 1998 bombings of American embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam in which about 250 people died. Said Mwema, the Inspector General of Police, said the police will continue with the investigations and hunt for more suspects, including a Kenyan who frequents Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania… One of the suspects in the 2002 Mombasa hotel bombing was Fazul Abdullah Mohammed, whose arrest the FBI placed a bounty of $5 million. He is allegedly a senior Al Qaeda operative and still at large. Mohamed and was also a leading figure in the 1998 bombing of the US embassy in Nairobi. Mohammed took over leadership of the terrorist organisation in East Africa after the death of Abu Ubaidah al Banshiri - a co-founder of Al Qaeda - when the ferry mv Bukoba sank in Lake Victoria in 1996. Mohammed was one of the people sent to the scene by Al Quaeda to verify that al Banshiri had actually died. Should the nine suspects be found to be Al Qaeda operatives, then would mark a shift in strategy by the terror

155 organisation to trace Americans leaders wherever they go and try to eliminate them. The organisation has previously focused mainly on US investments and military command posts…

• OPINION POLL • Africa: Continent Best Placed to Ward Off Impact of Recession: Business Daily (Nairobi):26 February 2008.

African economies are likely to withstand the impact of a looming global recession because they are now able to withstand external shocks better than in the past, an International Monetary Fund survey has found. The survey confirms sentiments expressed during an Africa investment conference at the London Stock Exchange last week that concluded the continent was set for higher fuelled by rising commodity prices. The major threat on the horizon is the surging oil prices that may dampen demand for other goods and services. Africa's is projected to grow at 6.5 per cent this year after escaping the turbulence that befell global financial markets in the second half of last year…Besides higher oil prices, conflicts in Kenya, Chad and Darfur are expected to put pressure on the continent's economic growth. In Kenya, for instance, inflation pressures relating to rising oil prices, which has hit a historic Sh100 per litre in Northern Kenya, are starting to be felt. Recent political violence led to price rise of some consumer products by 50 per cent…. IMF is urging policymakers to sustain stability through checks on inflation, foreign exchange position and fiscal discipline. Last year, African economies grew by an average 6.5 percent, fuelled by growing oil production and rising domestic investment and productivity, strong global demand for commodities, greater flows of capital to Africa, and debt relief.IMF attributes this to strengthened macroeconomic policies; years of structural reforms; and less armed conflicts. Global economic growth is expected to slow to 4.1 per cent in 2008, down from 4.9 percent in 2007…"Despite double-digit food price inflation in several countries in 2007, inflation on average has been held to the six to nine per cent range," says the IMF survey. Sub-Saharan Africa is also witnessing an increase in financial flows from emerging creditors, particularly China, which are stepping up assistance to the region largely in the form of project assistance and export credits. Positive signs include growth of remittances to Africa to the tune of Sh560 billion a year and the continent has been able to clear over 35.5 trillion- worth of debt to its external creditors.

• Africa: U.S. President Bush Discusses Trip to Continent at Leon H. Sullivan Foundation: The White House (Washington, DC): DOCUMENT: 26 February 2008.

THE PRESIDENT: Thanks for coming. I appreciate the warm welcome. Last Thursday Laura and I returned from a six-day visit to Africa. It happened to be her fifth visit, and my second. Without a doubt, this was the most exciting, exhilarating, uplifting trip I've taken since I've been the President. It was an unbelievable experience. • I appreciate very much Rear Admiral Tim Zeimer. He's in charge of the Malaria Initiative. Admiral Zeimer, he's a no-nonsense guy. I hope people have come to

156 realize I am, too. I'm not interested in promises, I'm interested in results. That's why I went to Africa -- to see results firsthand… • Lloyd Pierson, President and CEO of the African Development Foundation -- appreciate your leadership, Lloyd. Jody Olsen, Deputy Director of the Peace Corps… • Although I'll tell you -- it's not a part of this speech, but I had a wonderful lunch with Peace Corps volunteers in Ghana. Our Peace Corps is full of compassionate, hard-working, decent people who are serving America on the front lines of compassion. • You know, things have changed in Africa since then, I mean striking changes. These changes are the result of a new generation of African leaders -- they're reformers who are determined to steer their nations toward freedom and justice, prosperity and peace. They're also the result of new American policy and new American commitments. In my first term, we more than doubled development assistance to Africa. And at the beginning of my second term, I asked the United States Congress to double our assistance again. • America is on a mission of mercy. We're treating African leaders as equal partners. We expect them to produce measurable results. We expect them to fight corruption, and invest in the health and education of their people, and pursue market-based economic policies. This mission serves our security interests • This mission rarely makes headlines in the United States. But when you go to Africa, it is a visible part of daily life -- and there's no doubt that our mission is succeeding. You see it when you hold a baby that would have died of malaria without America's support. • So with the help of our fabulous White House photographers, I have assembled a slide show -- (laughter) -- of images from our visit. • Our first stop was to the Western African nation of Benin, where we touched down on a Saturday morning. Benin is a vibrant democracy with a rich history. It has a wise and determined leader in President Yayi. I was proud to be the first sitting American President to visit the country. • President Yayi and I had a productive meeting. He told me that the Malaria Initiative and our $307 million Millennium Challenge Compact are helping alleviate poverty and save lives in his country. And I told him that America's support is a reflection of his commitment to govern justly and to tackle problems head on. • Our next stop was Tanzania. We were met by President Kikwete and Mrs. Kikwete, as well as Tanzanians -- they were dancing and they were playing great music. And there was also some unexpected fashion. (Laughter and applause.) I thought the dresses were pretty stylish. • Sunday morning began with a meeting with President Kikwete at the State House. The President told me that relations between our nations are the best they have ever been. He said that America's support is helping Tanzania improve education, and fight HIV/AIDS, and dramatically reduce malaria.

157 • Following our meeting, we signed the largest Millennium Challenge Compact in the history of the program. The $698 million agreement will support Tanzania's efforts to improve transportation and energy and water supply. At a news conference, I again called for Congress to reauthorize the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, to maintain the principles that have made it a success, and to double our initial commitment to $30 billion over the next five years. (Applause.) • ….For the past year, Catholic Relief Services has been paying for the girl to receive treatment at the clinic. And I want to tell you what her grandmother said: "As a Muslim, I never imagined that a Catholic group would help me like that. I am so grateful to the American people." • Laura and I visited the Meru District Hospital, and we saw moms and babies that were overcoming this disease. When new mothers bring their babies, the hospital immediately tests them for malaria and HIV. Nurses distribute bed net vouchers, which mothers can use to buy insecticide-treated bed nets from local retailers at a 75 percent discount. I was concerned about the 75 percent discount, and so I announced a new effort -- and that is to distribute an additional 5.2 million bed nets free of charge. • Early Tuesday morning, we headed to Rwanda. After flying over Lake Victoria, we touched down in the beautiful city of Kigali. We were greeted by Rwanda's thoughtful and effective leader, President Paul Kagame, along with Mrs. Kagame. • Our first stop in Rwanda was to the Kigali Memorial Center. Laura and I laid a wreath to honor the victims of the 1994 genocide. I don't know if our citizens understand this, but between 800,000 and a million people were murdered in a very short period of time. More than 250,000 are buried at this memorial -- and many of them were children, who are depicted in photographs that were donated by their families. • We're also cooperating on matters beyond Rwanda's borders. I thanked Rwanda for being the first nation to contribute peacekeepers to Darfur. And I announced that the United States has committed $100 million to assist African nations willing to step forward and serve the cause of peace in Darfur. • Our final stop in Rwanda was a hillside school that is supported by PEPFAR, the emergency plan. It was a really interesting experience. We met with a lot of students and their parents. You know, this is a scene at the most popular club at the school -- which is the anti-AIDS club. The students told me about their ambitious projects, which include teaching abstinence and providing HIV/AIDS testing and counseling. • Our fourth stop was Ghana. We received another warm welcome, with tens of thousands lining the street -- including thousands of school children in their uniforms. I suspect they're really happy I came -- they didn't have to go to school- (laughter) • President Kufuor and I met at Osu Castle. It's a striking white building on the shore of the Atlantic. For generations, the castle was a post in the slave trade. And today it is a seat of a proud and democratic government. During our meeting,

158 • President Kufuor and I discussed the wide-ranging cooperation between the United States and Ghana. After the meeting, I added a new element to our partnership -- a $350 million initiative to target neglected tropical diseases like river blindness and hookworm across the globe. Needless to say, the President really welcomed this announcement. • He spoke powerfully about the ideological struggle unfolding around the world, and he stressed the importance of America's continued engagement in Africa. Listen to his words: "If the United States should lock itself into isolationism and think it is safer, then I would say perhaps they don't know what is coming." Wise words from a wise man. • After lunch, we went to a trade fair and met local merchants who export their products to the United States through AGOA. And my predecessor gets a lot of credit for getting AGOA out of the United States Congress, and I appreciate the Congress working to extend it again. This is a good program and it's working. • One of the keys to helping Africa succeed is to empower entrepreneurs. It is in our interest as well to open up trade and deal with subsidies and trade-distorting tariffs. • Laura spent time with Ghana's schoolchildren. Here she is with Mrs. Kufuor -- they were treated to a kindergarten performance of a song about math, and they listened to a 5th-grade debate. And she opened a library -- Laura is a librarian, she loves the library, she loves books and she opened up a "reading hut," built with support of USAID. • I'm impressed by the President of Ghana. He is an example of a leader who has made right choices for his people. And it is in our interests to support such leaders. • Early Thursday morning, we left Ghana for our final stop, which was Liberia. We were met by Africa's first democratically-elected woman president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. (Applause.) In her office in Monrovia, the President told me about the challenges her country faces -- and her detailed plan to meet them. She has assembled a wise group of advisers and ministers, many of whom were educated in the United States. • The spirit of the Liberian people was unmistakable. We drove through the city, again there was some -- a lot of folks lining the road, and they were cheering, and they were enthusiastic, and they were waving flags. • When Liberian troops trained -- Liberia troops who were trained with U.S. funds marched past us, the President and me reviewing the troops. It was a proud moment. • The progress in Liberia is real, and it is inspiring. As a Liberian official put it during a prayer at one of our ceremonies -- and these are prayerful people, and they're not afraid to pray in public. The nation has passed from "the valley of despair to the buoyancy of new hope." • And so throughout our trip, Laura and I were overwhelmed by the outpouring of warmth and affection for the American people.

159 • In Rwanda, a school teacher was discussing the fight to eradicate malaria and AIDS with her class. And she explained her attitude this way: "It can happen here." With those words, she summed up the new spirit of Africa: confident and determined and strong.This is a spirit worthy of America's support. It is more powerful than any partisan quarrels here in our nation's capital.

• Laura and I are going to carry many fond memories from our trips to Africa. We will carry this clear conviction: With the continued support of America, the people of Africa can do more than survive -- the people of Africa can succeed. God bless. (Applause.)

------End Text ------

160 BUSINESS AND POLITICS IN THE MUSLIM WORLD Weekly Presentation: March 18, 2008 Sub-Saharan Africa Abbas S Lamptey March 9 to March 15 2008 ------1. CHINA AFRICA RELATIONS

WEST AFRICA • Nigeria: Emirates Begins Lagos-China Flight: Daily Champion (Lagos):14 March 2008. • Africa: EU Not Alarmed About China: Public Agenda (Accra):10 March 2008. EAST AFRICA • Ethiopia: Haile to Skip Marathon Due to Pollution Fears: The Daily Monitor (Addis Ababa):11 March 2008.

2. PAN AFRICA

WEST AFRICA • Africa: African Peer Review Mechanism is Non-Partisan – Adjepong: Accra Mail (Accra):12 March 2008. • Africa: Africom to Focus On Military, Not Humanitarian Role: Ward Updates Congress on U.S. Africa Command: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 14 March 2008. • Africa: German Government Votes 30 Million Euros to Support AU Train Police Officers: Ghanaian Chronicle (Accra):14 March 2008. • Africa: OIC And Islamic NGOs Pledge Support for Humanitarian Work: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 13 March 2008. • Africa: IDB Has Invested US$4 Billion in Sub-Saharan Africa: Agence de Presse Sénégalaise (Dakar):11 March 2008. • Africa: Islamic Ummah Involved in Crises Resolution, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu Says: Agence de Presse Sénégalaise: Dakar):12 March 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA • Africa: OIC Cancels Debt of Poor Countries: Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique (Maputo):13 March 2008. • Africa: World Body Names 23 Young Global Leaders from Continent: World Economic Forum (Geneva): PRESS RELEASE: 11 March 2008. EAST AFRICA • Africa: U.S. Praises Ethiopia’s Peacekeeping Role on Continent: The Daily Monitor (Addis Ababa):14 March 2008.

3. HUMAN RIGHTS, GENDER AND SOCIAL ISSUES

161 WEST AFRICA • Gambia: Security Agents Fail to Appear in Chief Manneh's Case: FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda):14 March 2008. • Liberia: 'Zigzag' Marzah Says Taylor Ordered Cannibalism; Defense Works to Discredit His Testimony: allAfrica.com : GUEST BLOG: 14 March 2008. • Nigeria: Bloody Day! Robbers Kill 6 Policemen, 2 Others in Enugu: Daily Champion (Lagos):14 March 2008. • Ghana: Child Trafficking On Ascendancy in Volta, B/A Regions: Ghanaian Chronicle (Accra):14 March 2008. • Liberia: Taylor Family Refutes Billion Dollars Claim: The Inquirer (Monrovia):14 March 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA • Zimbabwe: Canada to Continue Supporting Aspiring Female Politicians: The Herald (Harare):14 March 2008. • Africa: EU 'Half-Hearted' in Backing Gender Equality: Inter Press Service (Johannesburg):13 March 2008. • Zimbabwe: A Society 'Not Ready for Female Leadership'? : Inter Press Service (Johannesburg): 14 March 2008.

EAST AFRICA • Kenya: Report - Over 400 Sexually Abused: The East African Standard (Nairobi): 13 March 2008. CENTRAL AFRICA • Rwanda: ICTR Appeals Court Sentences Catholic Priest for Remainder of His Life: Hirondelle News Agency (Lausanne):12 March 2008. • Gabon: Newspaper Suspended Over Report On President’s Wealth: Committee to Protect Journalists (New York): PRESS RELEASE: 14 March 2008.

4. REFUGEES AND MIGRATION ISSUES

WEST AFRICA • Mauritania: UN Refugee Agency Helps Refugees Return Home From Senegal: UN News Service (New York):14 March 2008. • Nigeria: Country Seeks International Assistance On Resettlement: This Day (Lagos):14 March 2008. • Ghana: Refugees Protest Repatriation: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks :13 March 2008. EAST AFRICA • Eritrea: 800 IDP Families of Ambesete-Geleba Return to Their Home Villages: Shabait.com (Asmara):14 March 2008. CENTRAL AFRICA • Chad: UN Agency to Relocate Central African Refugees Fleeing Marauders: UN News Service (New York):14 March 2008. • Chad: Eastern Region Under Severe Humanitarian Strain, UN Official Says: UN News Service (New York): 13 March 2008.

162 • Burundi: UN Appeals for $6 Million to Feed 90,000 Refugees: UN News Service (New York):14 March 2008. • Burundi: UN Kicks Off Repatriation Programme for Refugees in Tanzania: UN News Service (New York): 12 March 2008.

5. HEALTH MATTERS (HIV/AIDS, MALARIA, TB)

WEST AFRICA • Ghana: Ghana's NHIS is the Best in the World, Says CEO: Public Agenda (Accra):14 March 2008. • Liberia: GoL Launches Bush's Malaria Initiative Today: The NEWS (Monrovia):14 March 2008. • Liberia: U.S.$3 Million Insecticide Nets: The NEWS (Monrovia):14 March 2008. • Nigeria: Cost of Kidney Disease Treatment Rising –FG: Daily Trust (Abuja):14 March 2008. • Nigeria: Over 500m Persons Suffer From Kidney Disease - Health Minister: Leadership (Abuja):14 March 2008. • Ghana: Ghanaians Urged to Help Eradicate Tuberculosis: Public Agenda (Accra):14 March 2008. • Côte d'Ivoire: Tuberculosis Infections Spreading: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 4 March 2008.

SOUTHERN AFRICA • South Africa: New Hope for Anti-Malaria Efforts: Business Day (Johannesburg):14 March 2008. • Zimbabwe: Kidney Failure Cases Increase: The Herald (Harare):14 March 2008. • Angola: Zaire - Tuberculosis Treatment Centres Set Up: Angola Press Agency (Luanda):14 March 2008. EAST AFRICA • Uganda: Eliminating Meningitis Saves 5,000 Children a Year, Say Officials: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 13 March 2008. • Uganda: New Global Fund Proposal Underway: The Monitor (Kampala):5 March 2008.

6. ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE MATTERS

WEST AFRICA • Ghana: Country to Experience Drought & Famine If Desertification Continues: Ghanaian Chronicle (Accra):14 March 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA • Zimbabwe: Parks Auction Rakes in US$900 000, $15 Trillion: The Herald (Harare):13 March 2008. • Namibia: Nuclear Power Bad Option – Earthlife: The Namibian (Windhoek):10 March 2008. EAST AFRICA

163 • Kenya: Nema Acts to Neutralise Acid: The Nation (Nairobi):14 March 2008. • Uganda: 'Refugees Mess Up Environment': New Vision (Kampala):9 March 2008.

7. ENERGY

WEST AFRICA • Ghana: Sub-Regional Countries Draw On VRA's Rich Expertise: Public Agenda (Accra):14 March 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA • Namibia: Petrol Shocker!: The Namibian (Windhoek):14 March 2008. • South Africa: Eskom Insists On 10 Percent Cut for Homes, Offices: Business Day (Johannesburg):14 March 2008. EAST AFRICA • Somalia: Puntland President to Introduce Oil Law in Parliament: Garowe Online (Garowe):13 March 2008. CENTRAL AFRICA • Rwanda: Leading American Energy Giant to Invest in Country: The New Times (Kigali):14 March 2008.

8. DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY

WEST AFRICA • Nigerian deals 'wasted billions' bbc.com:14 March. • Nigeria: Power Probe - $1.4bn, 224.6m Euro Contracts Illegal: Daily Trust (Abuja):15 March 2008. • Sierra Leone: Government to Review Mining in Three Months: Concord Times (Freetown):14 March 2008.

9. DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

WEST AFRICA • Ghana: NPP Does Not Have to Break Bones Says Jake as Party Announces Campaign Team: Accra Mail (Accra):14 March 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA • Zimbabwe: I've No Ties With Makoni - CIO Boss: The Herald (Harare):15 March 2008. • Zimbabwe: Trevor Ncube Suspected of Funding Makoni: The Herald (Harare):14 March 2008 EAST AFRICA • Kenya: Polls - ECK Bosses Under Pressure to Step Down: The Nation (Nairobi):15 March 2008.

164 10. PEACEKEEPING, CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND SECURITY MATTERS

WEST AFRICA • Nigeria: Country Wants Representation in UN Peacekeeping Unit: Leadership (Abuja):14 March 2008. EAST AFRICA • Somalia: Top UN Envoy Welcomes Reaction to Government's Reconciliation Plan: UN News Service (New York):14 March 2008. • Kenya: MPs United in Search for Lasting Peace: The Nation (Nairobi):13 March 2008. • Kenya: 300 SLDF Suspects Arrested in Mt Elgon Operation: The East African Standard (Nairobi):15 March 2008. • Uganda: Stop Rebellions, Museveni Tells Great Lakes: New Vision (Kampala):13 March 2008. • Eritrea: Security Council Calls for Full Cooperation for Blue Helmets’ Relocation: UN News Service (New York):14 March 2008. • Africa: African Union, UN Envoys to Hold Consultations to Spark Darfur Peace Process: UN News Service (New York):13 March 2008. CENTRAL AFRICA • Chad rebels dismiss peace accord: bbc.com:14 March. • Africa: Sudan, Chad - Latest Peace Pact Tries to Revive Past Failures: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 14 March 2008. • Chad: Wade On Agreement - 'The Hand of God Has Helped Us': Agence de Presse Sénégalaise (Dakar):14 March 2008.

11. REBEL, MILITANCY AND “WAR ON TERRROR”

WEST AFRICA • Africa: UN, Islamic Group Must Work Together On Terrorism, Tolerance - Ban Ki-Moon: UN News Service (New York):13 March 2008. • Nigeria: Britain to Train Police On Terrorism – Okiro: Daily Trust (Abuja):11 March 2008. EAST AFRICA • Somalia: That Question Again, Terrorists Or Freedom Fighters?: Inter Press Service (Johannesburg):14 March 2008.

13. OPINION POLL

SOUTHERN AFRICA • Zimbabwe: Pre-Election Survey Shows Tsvangirai in Lead: SW Radio Africa (London):14 March 2008.

14. NORTH AFRICA • Morocco: New Round of UN-Led Talks On Western Sahara Begins: UN News Service (New York):14 March 2008.

165 • Nigeria: Bauchi Recruits 50 Egyptian Doctors: Daily Champion (Lagos):12 March 2008. • Algeria: Trouble On Country's Border With Mali And Niger: The Nation (Nairobi):12 March 2008. • Angola: Joint Commission Meets Wednesday in Luanda: Angola Press Agency (Luanda):12 March 2008. • Algeria: Country Rocked By Debate Over President's Third Term Bid: The Nation (Nairobi):7 March 2008.

------THE REPORT IN DETAIL

CHINA AFRICA RELATIONS

WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Emirates Begins Lagos-China Flight: Daily Champion (Lagos):14 March 2008.

The ancient city of Guangzhou, now China's economic powerhouse, will join Emirates' sprawling six-continent non-stop network on 1st July. Slated to play an important role in the 100-plus destinations on Emirates' route map, Guangzhou (IATA code: CAN) will be Emirates' fourth gateway in China, after Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong.HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, spoke about the rationale of launching services into the city: "Guangzhou is a vital link in our strategic plans for both China and the Asia-Pacific region. The city has been on our radar for some time as it is the heartbeat of the Guangdong Province and hums with its political, socio-economic, scientific, educational and cultural life. Guangzhou serves as an air travel hub for Guangdong and the South China provinces, which significantly expands our span and reach. EK362 will take-off from Dubai at 10:35 hours and arrive in Guangzhou at 22:20 hours, turning around at 23:55 hours to arrive in Dubai at 03:40 hours, next day. Emirates' services to Guangzhou will conveniently connect travelers from Europe, particularly those from UK, France, Germany and Switzerland, and American cities New York and Houston. Travelers from Africa and the Middle East, particularly Cape Town, Lagos, Cairo, Amman, Kuwait, Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Beirut, are also well-served with a four to seven hour connection in Dubai. Guangzhou is the third largest air travel hub in China and the capital of the Guangdong province, taking economic centre stage in the Pearl River Delta industrial zone. Earning the moniker "factory of the world", Guangdong province has the largest GDP and the highest value of exports, attracting a high percentage of foreign direct investments and nearly 200 Fortune 500 companies. The Canton Fair held twice every year entices entrepreneurs and executives from around the world.

• Africa: EU Not Alarmed About China: Public Agenda (Accra):10 March 2008.

166 The European Union does not feel threatened by China's economic presence in Africa, contrary to common perception, says an expert. The EU's basic concern is that Africa is able to benefit from the new economic interest. Jonathan Holslag, EU expert on Contemporary China Studies when contacted for comments said the EU does not see China as a threat, although there are certain individual approaches to the issue. "We do not see China as a threat. We have different perception to help African countries to reap economic profits." He explained that there are a lot of observers who feel that China is not in Africa to promote human rights and good governance. He said the EU is concerned about how to convince China to invest more in transparency, good governance, human rights and economic management. "This is the only way Africa can ensure that the new opportunities are translated into growth and sound welfare for its people." The European Union continues to be Africa's biggest trading partner. However, China's growing demand for resources has caused international media reports suggesting that China and EU are competing for raw materials in Africa. But Holslag discredited such assessments. He said that the EU is not so much concerned about China, arguing that economic competition between China and EU is limited basically to the energy sector… He added, "It is vital to become aware that we can't play global game without investments in Africa. We should work harder to re-realize a strategic partnership with Africa."...The EU may not be alarmed but certainly alert. A latest report adopted by the European Parliament Development Committee on the effects of China's growing presence in Africa, expected to be approved by the plenary vote in April points a finger at investments made by China with no strings attached in African countries ruled by oppressive regimes. Members of European Parliament, (MEPs) say this policy helps perpetuate human rights violations. It also highlights Beijing's role in the spread of arms and the conditions under which natural resources are being exploited.The report states that China should increase transparency of its national arms export control regime, namely by ensuring complete reporting on exports to the UN Registrar on Conventional Arms Exports… The Development Committee stresses that the European Parliament is willing to engage with Chinese National People's Congress, the Pan-African Parliament and African national parliaments in a dialogue aimed at fostering sustainable development and enhancing their scrutinizing capabilities.

EAST AFRICA

• Ethiopia: Haile to Skip Marathon Due to Pollution Fears: The Daily Monitor (Addis Ababa):11 March 2008.

Marathon world record holder Haile Gebrselassie said on Monday he would not compete in the Olympic marathon because of fears that Beijing's air pollution would damage his health. But denying reports he will not go to Beijing, his Manager Richard Neirurka said Haile was not pulling out of the Olympic event in Beijing all together. He said Haile plans to participate in the 10,000 m event. According to Richard, Haile, after his last marathon in Dubai some eight months ago, had said he may not compete in the marathon in the August Games, and for a number of reasons. " First and foremast, Haile aspires to break his own record and it would be difficult to do that in China, given the reported air pollution there," Richard told The Daily Monitor by telephone. "Secondly, China will

167 again be difficult for him on heath aspects," Haile's Manager added. Haile suffers from asthma. "The pollution in China is a threat to his health and it would be difficult for him to run 42 km in his current condition," Richard said.

PAN AFRICA

WEST AFRICA

• Africa: African Peer Review Mechanism is Non-Partisan – Adjepong: Accra Mail (Accra):12 March 2008.

The Chairman of the Governing Council of the National African Peer Review Mechanism (NAPRM-GC), Reverend Professor Samuel Adjepong, has said the APRM which is a process to facilitate good governance, is non-partisan, and also not for any particular government, but for the development of all Africans. He explained that the mechanism was adopted, because despite abundant natural and human resources on the continent, it still lagged behind in development, adding that research also indicates that bad governance, among others, was a contributory factor. Rev. Prof. Adjepong, who is also principal of the Methodist University College, said this at the inauguration of a nine- member APRM oversight committee for the Cape Coast Metropolis at Cape Coast. The committee, which is to collate information on democracy, good governance, economic governance and management, as well as socio-economic development and forward it to the NAPRM-GC to be included in a national report, is chaired by Mr Hope Howusu, an educationist..

• Africa: Africom to Focus On Military, Not Humanitarian Role: Ward Updates Congress on U.S. Africa Command: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 14 March 2008.

In a key briefing to Congress on 13 March, General William "Kip" Ward, head of the US Command for Africa, AFRICOM, devoted only 15 seconds of his four-and-a-half minute opening remarks to a possible humanitarian role. Focusing instead on military training, security and counter-terrorism, his remarks came in sharp contrast to a year ago when officials announced that the command would concentrate on humanitarian assistance, alarming many aid agencies, which were concerned that US military involvement in humanitarian aid would undermine their neutrality. Ward told the US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee: "Our forces also support humanitarian efforts. US military programmes complement the US Agency for International Development [USAID]." US forces had also conducted de-mining activities and promoted HIV/AIDS awareness programmes in African militaries, he said. Even with the switch in focus, however, many NGOs remain wary of AFRICOM's potential humanitarian dimension. Linda Poteat, director for disaster responses at InterAction, a US-based coalition of non-profit organisations, said she was still waiting to hear what the mandate was,

noting that the command's mission statements had still not been issued.Shift of emphasis: J Stephen Morrison, director of the Africa Programme for the Center for

168 Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and co-author of a recent CSIS report on AFRICOM, said there had been a change of emphasis. "They haven't walked away from the notion that, certainly on public health and emergency relief matters, the US military has some special capacities that can be brought to bear… Ever since AFRICOM was launched as a separate US military command for a continent that had previously been divided between the European, Central and Pacific commands, it has raised concern over the emphasis put on its humanitarian and developmental dimensions. It has more diplomats and aid experts than other headquarters. As a scenario for humanitarian intervention, Yates cited natural disasters, when civilian officers with expertise at headquarters can make operational and logistics planning more effective. The US military has a long history of humanitarian assistance in such cases, as with the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Helping NGOs: Last month, Ambassador Mary Yates, deputy to AFRICOM's Commander for Civil-Military activities, told IRIN the new structure was more concerned with planning for operations and logistics at headquarters. As an example of other interventions, she mentioned a US Navy ship's providing medical treatment to 2,000 people a day in Ghana, hoping that such programmes could be expanded, with staff from the Health and Human Services Department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention being seconded to AFRICOM. We think AFRICOM has a role to play in humanitarian but not development assistance…

• Africa: German Government Votes 30 Million Euros to Support AU Train Police Officers: Ghanaian Chronicle (Accra):14 March 2008.

The federal government of Germany has voted an amount of -30 million for the training of police officers in Africa. This was made known by the German Ambassador to Ghana, Dr. Marius Hass, at the opening ceremony of the ongoing Coordination Conference on UN Standards, for the provision of Police Officers, for the United Nations Africa Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). The conference, which is being held at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra, began Monday, February 18, 2008, and was expected to be attended by 32 international renowned police officers from the United Nations, African Union and some 13 nations. The conference is expected to determine a one-standard training curriculum, with course specifications, learning objectives and assessment criteria, and to enhance the draft standardized training modules for UN Police. It is also aimed at facilitating an exchange of training methodologies, following the adult learning principles, and to determine ways to evaluate and report on the course. The German Ambassador said the project proposal, came at the right time, since it was in line with targets of his government to strengthen the G8 Action Plan for Africa, in the area of Peace and Security. "The victims of the Darfur conflict need and deserve the support of the international community. In view of the genocide, we are under pressure to realize the ambitious goals of the project, and as such well-trained police forces should, and will, play a key role within the complex of the UNAMID mission," Dr. Marius Hass said. The Commandant of KAIPTC, Major General John Kofi Attipoe, added that the conference could be the beginning of a fruitful international cooperation, which will foster police training.

169 • Africa: OIC And Islamic NGOs Pledge Support for Humanitarian Work: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 13 March 2008.

More than 60 Islamic non-governmental organisations gathered in Senegal this week met with leaders of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) who agreed that it would play a greater role in providing humanitarian assistance to Islamic countries. "This is a historic moment in the history of the OIC and the Islamic Ummah in general," said OIC Assistant Secretary General Atta Manane Bakhit at the closing of a three-day conference on 9 March, held before the start of the full OIC summit in the Senegalese capital Dakar. "It marks a new page in cooperation between humanitarians, governments, and international organisations."… Some 60 percent of all refugees in the world are in Islamic countries, according to the OIC… The meeting was attended by observers from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the European Union, and non-OIC countries.

• Africa: IDB Has Invested US$4 Billion in Sub-Saharan Africa: Agence de Presse Sénégalaise (Dakar):11 March 2008.

The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has invested up to US$4 billion in Sub-Saharan Africa, including US$2.5 in the last five years, according to Amadou Boubacar Cisse, vice-president in charge of operations for this specialised institution of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC). "This shows the very high level of our intervention," he said on the government-run Radio Télévision Sénégalaise (RTS). According to him, the IDB has financed projects in almost all economic development sectors, particularly in African countries. He added that his institution had financed a number of major projects concerning the Organisation for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS), trans- Saharan roads, the trans-African road and more recently multipurpose hydro-agricultural dams such as that of Tawsa (Mali) and Gandazi (Niger), which are extremely important programmes. The African countries represent 50 percent of the IDB member countries, Cisse recalled…"They are 27 out of 56 member countries to show the African countries' weight," he stressed…"The bank's efforts are oriented to Africa's development," Amadou Boubacar Cisse said before adding : "To do that, we met in Dakar last month to develop a special programme for Africa, which attempts to mobilise about US$12 billion in the next 12 years.

• Africa: Islamic Ummah Involved in Crises Resolution, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu Says: Agence de Presse Sénégalaise: Dakar):12 March 2008.

The secretary-general of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Ekmeldin Ishanoglu, on Tuesday asserted in Dakar his organisation's contribution to the resolution of crises in Africa, notably between Sudan and Chad. "We try to lessen crises in some African countries, which have been visited by OIC delegations. We are really involved in the resolution of crises in Africa," Ihsanoglu indicated. He was giving a press conference along with Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Tidiane Gadio on the sidelines of the foreign ministers' meeting ahead of the Summit of the heads of state, sovereigns and heads of government of the 57 OIC member countries slated for Thursday and Friday in

170 the Senegalese capital. "For three and half years, we have not saved any effort to resolve some crises in Africa. We have sent delegations to Chad and Sudan. Our efforts should be reinforced for these countries," he added. Chadian and Sudanese Presidents Idriss Deby Itno and Omar El Beshir are expected in Dakar on Wednesday to continue the mediation started by President Abdoulaye Wade in order to reconcile the two neighbouring nations in very bad terms. The OIC has developed two "essential" programmes for its 17 African members...The programmes consist in a US$2.5 Special Poverty Reduction Fund and a Solidarity Fund. "We are trying to increase this (poverty reduction) Fund to US$10 billion.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Africa: OIC Cancels Debt of Poor Countries: Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique (Maputo):13 March 2008.

The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) adopted in Dakar on Wednesday a resolution to cancel the debt of poor countries as part of its efforts to relieve poverty and promote cooperation based on greater solidarity. This measure was first adopted by the meeting of the OIC Foreign Ministers to prepare the summit of the heads of state and government that opened in the Senegalese capital on Wednesday. The resolution was passed despite the opposition of some the members who suggested a "reduction" rather than a "cancellation" of the debt. Describing the act as "significant and symbolic", Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Tidiane said that this is part of the economic partnerships that member countries of the Islamic Community are striving to build and develop. In the same spirit, the meeting called for the establishment of an Islamic Solidarity Fund, to support actions to fight against poverty, with Africa at the centre of its attention… The Islamic Development Bank invested four billion US dollars in sub- Saharan Africa in the last five years, including in health, education, micro-finances, construction and infrastructures, and humanitarian assistance. The Solidarity Fund has been operational since mid-2007, in the context of the drive for African countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The fund is laying its stress on primary education (particularly for girls), and the fight against AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. The Islamic Development Bank has been operating since 1973, when the OIC's Finance Ministers met in Jeddah, in Saudi Arabia, and approved a with the goal of improving the economic and social development and progress of the member states.

• Africa: World Body Names 23 Young Global Leaders from Continent: World Economic Forum (Geneva): PRESS RELEASE: 11 March 2008.

The World Economic Forum announced today the Young Global Leaders for 2008. This honour is bestowed each year by the World Economic Forum to recognize and acknowledge the top 200-300 young leaders from around the world for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world. The Young Global Leaders 2008 include 121 business leaders, as well as leaders from government, academia, the media and society at large from 65 countries.

171 The new class represents all regions, including East Asia (64), Europe (58), Middle East and North Africa (12), North America (45), South Asia (24), sub-Saharan Africa (21) and Latin America (21). Drawn from a pool of almost 5,000 candidates, the Young Global Leaders 2008 were chosen by a selection committee of 31 eminent international media leaders, including Thomas H. Glocer, Chief Executive Officer, Reuters, United Kingdom; Arthur Sulzberger, Chairman and Publisher, The New York Times, USA; Robert Thomson, Publisher, Dow Jones & Company and The Wall Street Journal, USA; and Hisashi Hieda, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Fuji Television Network, Japan. The selection committee is chaired by H.M. Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan… The current community of Young Global Leaders represents over 60 countries and includes Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Co-Founders of Google, USA; Crown Prince Haakon of Norway; Malvinder M. Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Ranbaxy Laboratories, India; Hiroshi Naiads, Mayor of Yokohama, Japan; Kumi Naidoo, Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer, Civicus-World Alliance for Citizen Participation, South Africa; Nicky Newton-King, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, JSE, South Africa; Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), United Arab Emirates; Muna Abu Sulayman, Director, Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Al Saud Foundation, Saudi Arabia; Carlos Danel, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Banco Compartamos, Mexico; and Jack Ma Yun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Alibaba Group, People's Republic of China. Established in 2004 by Professor Klaus Schwab, The Forum of Young Global Leaders is a unique, multistakeholder community of the world's most extraordinary young leaders, who dedicate a part of their time to jointly addressing global challenges and who are committed to devoting some of their knowledge and energy to collectively work towards a better future. As part of their engagement, the Young Global Leaders give their time to task forces to initiate, develop and drive innovative solutions on important, globally- oriented issues, including health, education, the environment, global governance and security, and development and poverty.

EAST AFRICA

• Africa: U.S. Praises Ethiopia’s Peacekeeping Role on Continent: The Daily Monitor (Addis Ababa):14 March 2008.

The United States on Thursday lauded Ethiopia’s role in peacekeeping efforts under the African Union and UN missions in Africa. Briefing local press at his office here in Addis Ababa, US Ambassador spoke of Ethiopia's contribution in peace efforts in Burundi, Liberia and Somalia and described troops there as the "most desciplined" troops in the continent. Ethiopia sent a 900 troops strong contingent to be deployed under the African Mission in Burundi (AMIB) following a decade of massacre, rape and pillage. The AU force was able to hand over to a U.N. force in 2004 and elections were held in 2005. "There is no doubt that the success in Burundi is because of the Ethiopian military team scarifying not only men but also equipments and time," Ambassador Yamamoto said. Ethiopia's first military intervention in recent years was in Rwanda where troops helped the country restore peace after the genocide. Then Ethiopia sent troops to Burundi and Liberia under AU/UN missions, and Ethiopian troops are fighting Islamic insurgence

172 alongside the Transitional government of Somalia. It has recently pledeged 5000 troops, including combat helicopters to be deployed under the joint African Union-UN force in Darfur. The Ambassador pointed out that behind all US interventions in the country were the interest of the people and government of Ethiopia. Ethiopia is a key US ally in the Horn of Africa region in the fight against terrorism. As regards to human rights record, the Ambassador said despite progress in respecting human rights, there were still problems in some aspects.

HUMAN RIGHTS, GENDER AND SOCIAL ISSUES

WEST AFRICA

• Gambia: Security Agents Fail to Appear in Chief Manneh's Case: FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda):14 March 2008.

Five state agents of The Gambia, who were summoned by the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Abuja, Nigeria, in the ongoing case of a "disappeared" Gambian journalist on March 11, 2008, failed to make an appearance before the court to testify. The security agents had been summoned by the court to clear themselves of their alleged involvement in the arrest and subsequent detention of Chief Ebrima Manneh, a former reporter of the Daily Observer newspaper. The court therefore adjourned the case till June 5, 2008 for delivery of its judgment. The security agents, three military personnel and two police officers, had been mentioned earlier by witnesses as involved in the arrest and detention of Chief Manneh. The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) last year brought legal action for the sub-regional court to compel The Gambian government to unconditionally release the journalist. The Gambian government has consistently failed to appear before the court. On July 7, 2006, colleagues of Manneh witnessed his arrest at the Daily Observer premises. He has since been sighted in the custody of state security personnel, but the government has denied ever arresting him. The MFWA was founded in 1997 to defend and promote the rights and freedom of the media and all forms of expression.

• Liberia: 'Zigzag' Marzah Says Taylor Ordered Cannibalism; Defense Works to Discredit His Testimony: allAfrica.com : GUEST BLOG: 14 March 2008.

Prosecution witness Joseph D. "Zigzag" Marzah remained on the stand today and under cross-examination from lead defense counsel Courtenay Griffiths. In the course of his testimony, Marzah gave jarring accounts of engaging in cannibalism, which he said he had done at the orders of Charles Taylor. Griffiths pursued several main points: that there were inconsistencies between what Marzah told prosecution investigators and attorneys in the past and what he was telling the court at the trial; that Marzah was testifying against Taylor because he didn't want to be prosecuted himself; that Marzah was exaggerating his importance in Taylor's organization and was not senior enough to take orders from Taylor; that Marzah had been disciplined for abusing civilians; that Marzah was simply lying; and that Liberia and Sierra Leone were chaotic places over which

173 Taylor did not have effective control. Cannibalism: Following up on Marzah's testimony from yesterday, Griffiths asked him whether he had eaten many people. Marzah stated that when someone wants to kill you and your family, you kill and eat them for revenge. Griffiths asked if he had done so on more than one occasion, and Marzah said yes, because of his Pro Society (a structure of traditional religion)… He said that when Charles Taylor approved of it, he carried on. He confirmed personally eating ethnic Krahn enemies, but said that had happened under Taylor and not the earlier NPFL command of Prince Johnson. Marzah testified that Taylor ordered him to eat Krahn people for revenge against Samuel Doe (an ethnic Krahn) and to set an example for the people to be afraid. He went on to say that Taylor had ordered him and other NPFL/RUF fighters to eat captured ECOMOG and white UN people, using them "as pork to eat". He confirmed yesterday's account of eating Superman's heart, and said he, Benjamin Yeaten and the others had done so on Taylor's orders. He explained in detail how victims were prepared for cooking after being killed, and cooked with salt and pepper. He said Taylor knew this. Inconsistencies of testimony with prior statements : After recalling Marzah's testimony yesterday of extensive participation in atrocities in Sierra Leone, Griffiths read from notes of a prosecution interview with Marzah. This stated that the witness reported to Taylor on battles, but did not report physical or sexual violence "because he did not see it". Marzah denied that Taylor ever disciplined anyone for committing atrocities, and Griffiths then read from investigators' notes from one of his earlier statements, in which was stated that Marzah had described a time when NPFL Special Forces who had lost interest in fighting were disciplined for engaging in looting and raping. Casting doubt on Taylor's control of territory and perpetrators At a number of points during the day, defense counsel argued that Taylor lacked control over territory in which atrocities were committed or through which arms and ammunition were transported, or that those committing atrocities were not under his control. Marzah's place in the NPFL hierarchy Through a series of questions, Griffiths attempted to show that Marzah was not senior enough in the NPFL hierarchy to take orders directly from Charles Taylor. Marzah disputed this, saying that only Benjamin Yeaten was more senior. Other defense challenges to Marzah's testimony Under questioning from Griffiths, Marzah explained that a soldier named Stinga had approached him and first introduced him to prosecution investigators from the Special Court. Griffiths asked Marzah whether Stinga or anyone from the prosecution had ever said he would not be prosecuted in exchange for his testimony, and Marzah answered no. Griffiths asked whether Marzah had been promised financial security in exchange for his testimony, and Marzah answered no. Using Marzah as a defense witness? Beyond attacking the witness's credibility, at one point Griffiths appeared to be using Marzah to support a defense argument that Taylor's initial support for the RUF had been justified. Under questioning from Griffiths, Marzah testified that he hated Samuel Doe for the atrocities his regime had conducted against his Gio people, including his sister. He viewed the 1989 invasion of Liberia by the group under Prince Johnson and Charles Taylor and their efforts to overthrow the Doe government as justified responses to these abuses. Later, Griffiths returned to this theme, and Marzah agreed that the Sierra Leonean government of Joseph Momoh had been supporting Doe's forces, who were fighting the NPFL - an organization whose struggle in Liberia was justified. Griffiths then asked whether the

174 invasion of Sierra Leone was to protect Liberia. Marzah agreed, adding that another goal was to take over the government of Sierra Leone.

• Nigeria: Bloody Day! Robbers Kill 6 Policemen, 2 Others in Enugu: Daily Champion (Lagos):14 March 2008.

ARMED robbers yesterday shot to death six policemen, a bank official and a filling station attendant on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway when they attempted to rob a bullion van owned by a commercial bank. Elsewhere in Lagos, three persons were killed and four others seriously wounded when policemen engaged armed robbers who stormed a bank in a gun duel at Iyana-Ipaja area of the state of the city. An Eyewitness said the robbers attacked the convoy of bank officials and their police escorts at Umunba, a town in Ezeagu local government of Enugu State, notorious for several robbery attacks. The robbers, Daily Champion learnt, sprayed the vehicle carrying the police escorts killing all the occupants before intercepting the van. After fruitless effort to open the metal safe in the van believed to contain money the robbers who were said to be operating in a jeep, set the bullion van ablaze in frustration. .. The incident is considered the most significant robbery operation in the state since Governor Sullivan Chime launched full scale collaboration between the state and the police to check the activities of criminals. But in Lagos the robbers were on the rampage at a commercial bank when policemen on tip-off accosted and killed three of them. Two other robbers Daily Champion gathered were apprehended and are being detained at the Special Anti-Robbery Squads (SARS) Ikeja office, while an army corporal, two policemen and four civilians who were injured during the encounter have been taken to the hospital. The development came just as police in the state yesterday also paraded 40 persons including 29 robbery suspects who have allegedly terrorized the city in recent time… Reacting to the incident, at on the parade, of 40 persons, the out going Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar said "the harvest of arrest is in fulfillment of my promise to ensure a crime free Lagos". Abubakar who is now Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), in charge of Zone Two, Onikan, said the soldier has been taken to the hospital for urgent medical attention. He explained that some of the paraded suspects were caught while carrying out operations in the metropolis.

• Ghana: Child Trafficking On Ascendancy in Volta, B/A Regions: Ghanaian Chronicle (Accra):14 March 2008.

The issue of child trafficking is on the increase, in four districts in the Volta and Brong Ahafo regions, which calls for pragmatic efforts by all to address the problem, which is a social canker that must be eliminated in the country. The children, who are mostly trafficked from the Ada, Keta, North and South Tongu districts, are normally engaged in island communities in the Krachi-East and West districts, as well as the Sene District, in the Brong Ahafo Region. The Executive Director of Partners in Community Programmes (PACOP), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), working in the area to rescue trafficked children, and reuniting them with their parents, Mr. George Achibera, made this known at a three-day training workshop for volunteers, in the island communities, on counseling and rescuing skills to assist trafficked children in three districts of Kete-

175 Krachi. Mr. Achibera disclosed that in 2007, and the beginning of 2008, sixty trafficked children, who were engaged in fishing along the Volta Lake, were rescued noting that there were about 1,000 of such children in the fishing communities on the island, and announced that his outfit was conducting a research into the exact number of trafficked children in the three districts. He explained that out of the 60 rescued children, 25 have been sent to the Social Welfare Department, of the Women and Childrens Ministry for the necessary counseling, after which they would be reunited with their parents, while the rest are currently being taken care of by the Social Welfare Department at Kete-Krachi, and would be transferred to Accra later…

• Liberia: Taylor Family Refutes Billion Dollars Claim: The Inquirer (Monrovia):14 March 2008.

The family of former President Charles Taylor says, contrary to claims by the UN Special War Crime Court that Mr. Taylor has an asset of about a billion United States Dollars, the former president does not have a dime anywhere. The family says it challenges the court and its Chief Prosecutor, Stephen Ralph to show evidence and locate the said asset in question to substantiate the court's claim. Addressing journalists Tuesday in Monrovia in reaction to the claim of the court, Mr. Sando Johnson, a spokesman of the family said, for the last ten years since the United Nations claimed that Mr. Taylor has such an asset, it is yet to prove its claims and locate the where that value of property and fund are.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Zimbabwe: Canada to Continue Supporting Aspiring Female Politicians: The Herald (Harare):14 March 2008.

CANADA will continue assisting aspiring women politicians through various organisations to create fair representation of women in decision-making positions, Canadian ambassador to Zimbabwe Mrs Roxanne Dube' has said. Addressing female directors from various organisations at a directors' administrative and management training workshop in Harare this week, Mrs Dube' said the increase of aspiring women politicians should be reflected in the final outcome of the forthcoming harmonised March 29 elections. "I sincerely hope that women's increasing participation in politics will be reflected in the outcome of the elections. Canada is doing its part by supporting training and capacity-building for women candidates," Mrs Dube said. She said according to figures from the Women in Politics Support Unit there were 118 women vying for House of Assembly seats while 61 are eyeing senate seats. She said that in supporting women politicians her government had released $200000 to WIPSU and the Women's Trust… Chairperson of the Women Coalition of Zimbabwe, Mrs Netsai Mushonga said the five- day workshop, which started on Monday aims to strengthen women's leadership skills in various organisations.

• Africa: EU 'Half-Hearted' in Backing Gender Equality: Inter Press Service (Johannesburg):13 March 2008.

176 The European Union's efforts to promote gender equality in poor countries have been dubbed "half-hearted" by the bloc's only directly elected institution. Around 17 billion euros (26 billion dollars) has been allocated to the EU's Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI) -- aid for Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and South Africa -- in the 2007-13 period. But though EU governments first declared in 1995 that advancement of women should be a core objective of the Union's development aid policy, gender issues are largely absent in the plans for spending the DCI's funds. A new European Parliament report bemoans how most of the DCI plans for helping individual countries contain no specific targets for improving the lot of women, or recommend supporting projects tailored to address the situation that poor women and girls find themselves in. The report assesses a strategy titled 'Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Development Countries', that was proposed by the EU's executive, the European Commission, during 2007. While members of Parliament (MEPs) welcomed on Thursday (Mar. 13) how the strategy suggests practical measures for addressing such issues as employment, education, health, and violence against women, they argued that the paper is superficial in its treatment of fundamental questions. This week the Parliament also discussed the development aid policies of 10 ex-communist countries from central and eastern Europe that have joined the Union since 2004.While all these countries have undertaken to allocate more than 0.1 percent of their gross national incomes to development aid by 2010, MEPs heard that many are struggling to honour that pledge. Polish MEP Filip Kaczamarek said that sub-Saharan Africa has been "neglected" by the EU's newest entrants. He argued that an education campaign is necessary to remedy the low level of public awareness about EU development aid in these countries. "Otherwise, tax payers are unlikely to go along with increasing aid," he said. The 10 countries are Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia and Hungary.

• Zimbabwe: A Society 'Not Ready for Female Leadership'? : Inter Press Service (Johannesburg): 14 March 2008.

Women make up about half the population in Zimbabwe. But, they're far from accounting for 50 percent of those on the ballot for this month's general elections in the Southern African country -- sparking concern amongst gender activists. None of the four presidential candidates in the Mar. 29 ballot is a woman; during the last poll for head of state, held in 2002, Elizabeth Madangure competed alongside five other, male candidates. Of the 730 parliamentary hopefuls, only 99 are women (13.6 percent), while 63 of the 195 candidates running for the senate are female (just over 32 percent) -- this according to figures from the Women in Politics Support Unit (WiPSU), a non-governmental organisation based in the capital of Harare. Zimbabwe will also hold local government polls at the end of the month; however, IPS could not obtain statistics for the gender of local government candidates at the time of publishing this report. During the last legislative elections in March 2005, 57 women ran for parliament out of a total of 273 aspirants (about 20.9 percent of candidates). Female candidates accounted for 34 percent of those who contested senate polls in November 2005: 45 women were involved in this race, and 87 men (these figures again provided by WiPSU). Statistics for the number of women who contested the last local government elections, in 2005, could not be obtained.

177 EAST AFRICA

• Kenya: Report - Over 400 Sexually Abused: The East African Standard (Nairobi): 13 March 2008.

Nairobi Women's Hospital has released a report detailing over 400 cases of sexual abuses during post-election violence. The report said between December and last month, there were up to 443 victims of sexual assault. It said 149 were minors, mainly girls, who were sexually molested. "Some 129 girls and another 20 underage boys were victims of sexual and domestic violence during the politically charged period," the report says. It added that an average of 30 victims sought medical attention at the hospital daily. Thirteen children who were raped received comprehensive medical examination and treatment at the institution. The report says most of the perpetrators were gangs of unknown young men. It adds that some victims were raped by up to 11 youths… The hospital's chief executive officer, Dr Sam Thenya, said majority of sexual abuse victims did not seek treatment due to stigma and fear. He said as a result, it was difficult to provide treatment to prevent them from contracting HIV/Aids. He said some of the rape victims were also likely to get pregnant. So far more than 150,000 survivors of post-election violence have received counselling at the crisis centres countrywide.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Rwanda: ICTR Appeals Court Sentences Catholic Priest for Remainder of His Life: Hirondelle News Agency (Lausanne):12 March 2008.

The Appeals Court of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) Wednesday sentenced the former Roman Catholic Priest Athanase Seromba to an imprisonment for remainder of his life for his role in the 1994 genocide, quashing the 15 years sentence which was handed down to him two years ago. The presiding judge Mohamed Shahabudden said that the chamber was satisfied that the priest committed genocide as well as extermination as crimes against humanity for his role in the destruction of the church in Nyange, north-west of Rwanda, where about 1,500 Tutsis had sought refuge. "The Appeals Chamber stresses that Seromba knew that approximately 1,500 Tutsis were in the church and were bound to die or cause severe injuries as a consequence of his approval to order destruction of the church", the judge stated. Seromba had ordered bulldozer to bring down the church, starting from the fragile side of the parish. The judge said the chamber was convinced that Seromba with his full knowledge and position led the killings of the refugees in the church. Seromba had conceded to the decision of the local administrative authorities to destroy the church by using a bulldozer on 16 April, 1994. The judge has ordered the Registrar the convict to remain in the UN detention facility, pending transfer to a host country to serve his jail. Father Seromba fled Rwanda in 1994 and had been living since 1997 in Italy. But under pressure from ICTR then prosecutor Carla del Ponte, the Vatican was forced to release him. The priest in 2002 traveled to Tanzania and surrendered himself to the ICTR.

178 • Gabon: Newspaper Suspended Over Report On President’s Wealth: Committee to Protect Journalists (New York): PRESS RELEASE: 14 March 2008.

Gabonese authorities banned on Tuesday a private newspaper for republishing a report on President Omar Bongo's private wealth in France, according to local news reports. The original story appeared in the French daily Le Monde at the end of January. Gabon's state-run National Communications Council accused Tendance Gabon, a private semimonthly, of spreading "a campaign of denigration" against Bongo after questioning Director Edwige Anyouzoa during a nine-hour hearing, according to local journalists. Anyouzoa told CPJ she was summoned to the council shortly after Monday's edition hit the newsstands with Le Monde's story, which she headlined "Omar Bongo busted by French investigators." The decision to ban the paper for three months was final and could not be appealed under Gabon's laws, legal expert Francis Nkéa told CPJ. "Suspending a newspaper for a report critical of President Omar Bongo has become the norm in Gabon," said Joel Simon, CPJ's executive director. "We call on the government to abandon such heavy-handed tactics to silence critical journalism. We urge the council to lift the suspension against Tendance Gabon immediately."… Le Monde's January 31 story reported on French investigations into the private luxury Parisian residences acquired by five leaders of oil-rich African nations, including Bongo. The report triggered a public row between Gabon and former colonial power France,

REFUGEES AND MIGRATION ISSUES

WEST AFRICA

• Mauritania: UN Refugee Agency Helps Refugees Return Home From Senegal: UN News Service (New York):14 March 2008.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has resumed assisting Mauritanian refugees return to their home country from Senegal where they have been in exile for nearly two decades. Yesterday, a UNHCR convoy took 257 refugees from 61 families from four settlements on the southern bank of the Senegal River to the Mauritanian town of Rosso. "We plan to step up the pace of voluntary returns and organize bi-weekly convoys to reach a target of 3,000 returns per month," UNHCR spokesperson Ron Redmond told reporters in Geneva, adding that the next two convoys will take over 400 returnees to Mauritania on 18 and 22 March. Currently, some 24,000 Mauritanian refugees are residing in northern Senegal, along the border with their home country. In April 1989, a long-standing border dispute between the two countries erupted into ethnic violence, and some 60,000 Mauritanians fled to Senegal and Mali. UNHCR assisted the refugees in northern Senegal until 1995 and facilitated the reintegration of 35,000 who decided on their own accord to return home between 1996 and 1998… In the areas to which refugees are returning, reintegration projects are underway in the health, water and education sectors.

179 • Nigeria: Country Seeks International Assistance On Resettlement: This Day (Lagos):14 March 2008.

Nigeria yesterday called on members of the international community, to assist in the resettlement of its citizens in Bakassi region. Prince Bola Ajibola, Leader of Nigeria delegation to the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission, made the call at the opening of the 21st meeting in Yaounde. He said, "activities are on-going in the New Bakassi within Akpabuyo Local Govt Area of Nigeria, being the new resettlement for Nigerians formerly in Bakassi. Now is the time to call on members of the International Community to further extend their goodwill, by donating generously toward this worthy cause. "The time has come to embark on visiting many of our development partners and donor countries, to further seek international support for the implementation and completion of the ongoing demarcation of boundaries… "It is hoped that the 21st session of the Mixed Commission will advance the fulfilment of our mandate, with regard to issues pertaining to our on-going field assessment on the land boundary. It is also hoped that issues pertaining to theremaining aspects of maritime boundary will be discussed and concluded during this session,"Ajibola assured.

• Ghana: Refugees Protest Repatriation: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 13 March 2008.

Around 500 Liberian refugees in Ghana are in the fourth week of an "indefinite sit down strike" to draw attention to what they see as dissatisfactory arrangements to have them repatriated this year. The refugees, who have delivered a petition with three demands to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and Ghana Refugee Board, say they "strongly oppose" integration into Ghanaian society. They are calling for resettlement in a third country, preferably in Europe, or US$1,000 per person to help them return to Liberia - ten times the US$100 UNHCR is currently offering them. "We are going back to emptiness and I can't imagine that the UNHCR aided by the Ghana Refugee Board can be so cruel," Tenneh Kamara, the spokesperson for the protesting refugees told IRIN. Holding out: According to the Ghana Refugee Board, there are still 40,000 Liberian Refugees in Ghana. A total of 42,034 were registered in the country in 2004, one year after the end of the 1989-2003 civil war in Liberia, according to UNHCR. Most of the refugees live at the Bujumbura camp, an hour drive north of the capital Accra while the rest are in the Krisan camp in the Western Region of Ghana, two hours drive from Accra. A tripartite agreement between the refugees, UNHCR and the Ghana refugee board was signed in September 2004 for the commencement of a voluntary repatriation. Resettlement ruled out: Voluntary repatriation to Liberia from Ghana was supposed to end in June last year, but was extended for one additional year and the resettlement package increased to US$100 to encourage more people to leave. Needa Jehu-Hoyah, spokesperson for UNHCR in Ghana, said the situation at the Bujumbura refugee camp is "unfortunate" but large scale resettlement is not an option. "The idea is to get them to return to assist in rebuilding their country, so the issue of resettlement in a third country does not come up," she said. The Ghana Refugee Board said it is yet to take a decision on what to do with Liberian refugees who remain in Ghana on the expiration of the 30 June deadline. The secretary to the board, Abdulai Bawumia, told IRIN that integrating Liberian refugees

180 into Ghanaian society is out of the question. Some 70 percent of the refugees in Ghana are from Liberia's Montserrado County, with the remainder mainly from Bong county, according to UNHCR.

EAST AFRICA

• Eritrea: 800 IDP Families of Ambesete-Geleba Return to Their Home Villages: Shabait.com (Asmara):14 March 2008.

About 800 IDP families in Ambesete, Maekelai and Laelay Geleba of Senafe sub-zone who used to live in makeshift camps for 10 years following the TPLF regime's war of aggression have now returned to their respective home villages. The head of economic development in the Southern region, Mr. Zerit Tewoldeberhan, indicated that the necessary social service-rendering institutions have been put in place in the area. He further stated that two hand pump wells have been dug. Mr. Zerit went on to say that a new elementary school has been constructed in the locality and additional classrooms built in Lahyo Junior School so as to provide educational opportunities to the rehabilitated IDP families. A health center in Lahyo is also ready to provide the necessary services, he added…-Geleba is located 25 km south of Senafe and is inhabited by 800 families.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Chad: UN Agency to Relocate Central African Refugees Fleeing Marauders: UN News Service (New York):14 March 2008.

As refugees in Chad who are fleeing a fresh wave of village raids in the Central African Republic (CAR) swell to 14,000 in number, the United Nations refugee agency said today it will begin moving them to more accessible areas away from the border… The refugees say they have been fleeing armed raids, looting and house torching in the lawless reaches of north-eastern CAR and blame most of the violence on rival armed groups and on the zaraguina - bandits - who rustle cattle and abduct children for ransom… There is disagreement, however, about moving from the border among the refugee leaders, many of whom told UNHCR official Fatta Kourouma during a recent visit to the town of Maya, where refugees have overburdened local resources, that they want to remain close to their homes in CAR.

• Chad: Eastern Region Under Severe Humanitarian Strain, UN Official Says: UN News Service (New York): 13 March 2008.

The swelling numbers of Darfur refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in eastern Chad is seriously straining the capacity of both the arid local environment and the region's basic infrastructure, a United Nations aid official said today, warning that the humanitarian situation remained extremely precarious. Kingsley Amaning, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Chad, told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York that more than 10,000 people from Darfur in neighbouring Sudan had fled across the porous

181 border and sought refuge in the 12 official camps in eastern Chad. The new arrivals join some 240,000 Darfurians who have lived in Chad since 2004 because of fighting in their homeland, as well as an estimated 180,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs). The numbers of displaced Chadians are rising because of the recent deadly clashes between Government forces and armed rebels, and the roughly 700,000 to 800,000 people who usually live in the area - and depend on trade with Darfur for their livelihoods - are also increasingly vulnerable to insecurity, inter-tribal fighting and armed attacks, Mr. Amaning said… But the Humanitarian Coordinator added that the growing population of people in need in eastern Chad meant aid agencies required even more funding to carry out their work. An appeal launched last December for $240 million has only received 2 per cent of its funding so far, he noted.

• Burundi: UN Appeals for $6 Million to Feed 90,000 Refugees: UN News Service (New York):14 March 2008.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today appealed for $6 million so that it can continue to feed up to 90,000 Burundian refugees returning to their home country from neighbouring Tanzania. The agency warned that without an influx of funds, it may have to halt its food assistance by May or June when the returns are expected to peak. "WFP needs donors to provide for the vital needs of the returnees - most of whom are women and children - at this critical moment," said the agency's Burundi country director, Jean-Charles Dei. "It would be a tragedy if we are unable to provide the full support refugees will need when returning to Burundi." Hundreds of thousands of Burundians have sought refuge in neighbouring countries over the years to escape deadly ethnic tensions or outright civil war. Last year, a tripartite commission - comprising the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Governments of Burundi and Tanzania - agreed that those who fled Burundi in 1993 should repatriate, with as many as 60,000 of these refugees expected to return to Burundi. The commission also decided that the so-called "1972 Burundians" - some 218,000 people who fled to Tanzania that year - be given the choice to either remain and apply for Tanzanian citizenship or return to their home country. Tens of thousands of refugees have expressed their desire to return to Burundi. WFP and its partners are supplying six-month food rations for each repatriating family, and UNHCR is providing a 50,000 Burundian franc cash grant - equivalent to $45 - to each returning refugee. Each family leaving Tanzania also receives WFP prepared meals in transit camps.

• Burundi: UN Kicks Off Repatriation Programme for Refugees in Tanzania: UN News Service (New York): 12 March 2008.

The United Nations refugee has launched a landmark two-year programme to bring an end to one of the world's oldest protracted refugee situations: the exile of some 218,000 people from neighbouring Burundi who fled their country in 1972 to Tanzania. UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) António Guterres kicked off the initiative over the weekend in Ulyankulu and Katumba settlements - two of the three camps in western Tanzania where the refugees have been living - and underscored that the operation's success depends on strong donor support. The agency has called the new repatriation

182 programme one of its most important African operations this year, it will help over 46,000 Burundians return to their home country and assist another 172,000 - including some 76,000 people over the age of 18 who are eligible to register and apply for Tanzanian citizenship - with integrating locally. On Monday, the High Commissioner met with Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, who voiced his Government's commitment to finding lasting solutions for the Burundians through voluntary repatriation and integration. The new programme is heavily dependent on contributions, and so far, $9 million of the $34 million UNHCR has appealed for has been received. In addition to the 218,000 "1972 Burundians," Tanzania also hosts over 100,000 Burundians and 96,000 Congolese refugees.

HEALTH MATTERS (HIV/AIDS, MALARIA, TB)

WEST AFRICA

• Ghana: Ghana's NHIS is the Best in the World, Says CEO: Public Agenda (Accra):14 March 2008.

Since it was introduced some three (3) years ago, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is now acclaimed to be the best health insurance system in the world. The great success chalked by the system in the relatively short time has surprised many observers including health professionals and even managers of the scheme. This was announced by the Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Rans Boateng at a programme to inaugurate an interim board of directors for the Ahafo Ano North District health insurance scheme. Deputy health minister Abraham Dwumo Adu corroborated the account of Boateng by adding that the scheme has so far covered about 48 percent of the populace -this means that over ten million people are hooked to the NHIS… The deputy minister of health Mr. Abraham Dwumo Adu warned that the ministry would not tolerate any person or group of people who engage in any form of financial malfeasance at the district health insurance scheme. He urged the board to help eliminate all forms of corrupt practices some staff of the scheme are engaged in; such as the issuance of flying checks. Explaining this, the minister said some private hospitals issue invoices to the scheme to claim money when they have actually not offered treatment… The deputy minister called for co-operation between the new interim board and officials of the regional and national health insurance schemes to run the system efficiently. Members of the 13- member interim board were drawn from the ministry of health, district assembly, financial institution, traditional and religious council, the community, legal and medical practitioners.

• Liberia: GoL Launches Bush's Malaria Initiative Today: The NEWS (Monrovia):14 March 2008.

The Ministry of health and Social Welfare and USAID would today launch President George Bush's Malaria Initiative at the C.H. Deway High School in Tubmanburg, Bomi County. The Minster of Health and Social welfare, Dr. Welter Gweningale would launch

183 the activities with the theme: "Working together to fight malaria in Liberia". According to a release issued in Monrovia recently, the program is expected to be graced by members of the National Legislature, UN agencies, United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the Diplomatic Corps. The President's Malaria Initiative has already begun the distribution of bed nets in Grand Cape and Bomi Counties… Malaria kills more than 1 million people very year, vast majority of whom are African children; in Liberia, malaria is the leading cause of death and illness, according to the release. The entire Liberian population is at risk of malaria, including an estimated 565,000 children under five, and 188,500 pregnant women who are mostly vulnerable to the disease. In February this year, the PMI contributed medicine to treat 496,000 cases of malaria to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The PMI will provide US$12.5 million each year to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for the prevention and treatment of malaria in Liberia. In Liberia, as in the other 15 PMI countries, the goal is to cut malaria death by 50 percent at the end of 2010. This would be done by reaching 85 percent of the most vulnerable group, in line with the strategic plan of the National Control program in Liberia.

• Liberia: U.S.$3 Million Insecticide Nets: The NEWS (Monrovia):14 March 2008.

The German Government has donated 300,000 insecticide treated nets valued at US$3 million to the Liberian government to beef up its malaria control program. According to the German Ambassador to Liberia IIse Lindemann Mache, the donation of the nets was in fulfillment of the pledge made by the German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her visit to Liberia on October 7, 2007. Making the donation recently at the Ministry of Health in Monrovia, she said malaria is the primary cause for morbidity and mortality in Liberia, and as such, hoped that the donation would contribute meaningfully in the fight against the disease. Receiving the donation on behalf of the Liberian Government, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare Dr. Welter Gweningale commended the German government for the gesture and promised that the items would be used in the fight against malaria which is taking away the lives of many Liberians.

• Nigeria: Cost of Kidney Disease Treatment Rising –FG: Daily Trust (Abuja):14 March 2008.

The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to desist from lifestyles that will endanger or jeopardise their kidneys, saying that the cost of treatment is expensive and not easily affordable. The Minister of Health, Professor Adenike Grange, made the call during the celebration of the World Kidney Day themed "Amazing Kidneys". She said that although kidney diseases are on the rise in the country, it could be reduced if Nigerians engage in healthy living. The minister explained that prevention was still the best option in Nigeria: "The minimum cost of dialysis is N25,000 per session and if the patient would need a minimum of four sessions in a year, this would amount to N100,000." She pointed out that treatment of any kidney disease was very expensive and that most developing countries can not afford it… The Director General NACA, Mr Bob Oshotimeni, said his agency would partner with the kidney foundation to ensure that

184 hospitals have adequate facilities that would cater for the welfare of HIV/AIDS patients in the country.

• Nigeria: Over 500m Persons Suffer From Kidney Disease - Health Minister: Leadership (Abuja):14 March 2008.

Available data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), shows that more than 500 million persons worldwide have chronic kidney disease while 10 per cent of the population who are adult die prematurely of cardio vascular diseases and complications linked to chronic kidney disease. This was disclosed by the minister of health, Prof. Adenike Grange, yesterday at a press briefing to mark the year 2008 World Kidney Day. According to her summation, over 1.5 million people worldwide are currently kept alive through renal replacement therapy, that is, either dialysis or kidney transplant, and this number is forecasted to double in the next 10 years if noting is done…"More than 80 per cent of individuals receiving renal replacement therapy live in the developed world because these services in the developing countries are largely unaffordable"…The causes of kidney disease are broadly classified into two viz: infectious and non-infectious. Disease of the kidney starts manifesting when over 50 per cent of one's kidney cells are destroyed by whatever cause…In the absence of intervention, this may progress to chronic kidney disease and even to the stage requiring replacement of the kidneys otherwise known as renal replacement therapy.

• Ghana: Ghanaians Urged to Help Eradicate Tuberculosis: Public Agenda (Accra):14 March 2008.

The Programme Manager, Tuberculosis Control Programme of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Frank Adae Bonsu has called on Ghanaians to embark on good health practices to help eradicate the Tuberculosis (TB) disease. According to him TB is primarily an airborne disease, which is spread from an individual with an active disease in tiny droplets through coughs, sneezes, speaking, singing or laughing. Dr. Bonsu indicated that currently the prevalence rate is still high in the country and therefore there is the need for both infected and none infected people to cover their mouths while coughing, sneezing and discharging sputum. The Programme Manager further urged infected people to go for treatment at any government and selected private hospitals since the disease is curable and the treatment is free. Speaking on the Tuberculosis disease at the Ghana Health Service Monthly Health programme which is aimed at educating the public on preventative health diseases in Accra he said the most effective preventive means of the disease is the identification and treatment of infected persons. As a result he called on the public to form treatment support groups in their respective communities to ensure that infected persons are identified and treated fully to prevent the further spread of the disease. According to him it is estimated that in five years' time fifty percent of people currently infected with TB will be dead, if not treated.

• Côte d'Ivoire: Tuberculosis Infections Spreading: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 4 March 2008.

185 Tuberculosis (TB) infections in Côte d'Ivoire increased 9 percent between 2006 and 2008, and almost 10 percent of the cases were multidrug resistant, according to new World Health Organization (WHO) and Ministry of Health data. "The total increase corresponds to an increase of 23,000 cases detected," said Jacquemin Kouakou, director of the anti-tuberculosis unit at the Health Ministry. In 2005 there were 18,000 cases of TB in Côte d'Ivoire, rising to 21,000 in 2006, the last time data was available. "The situation is very worrying," Kouakou said. TB is a contagious disease spread through the air. One third of the world's population is believed by the WHO to be infected, but the disease lies dormant in most people until their immune system is weakened. The co- infection of HIV and TB is one of the principal causes of the disease's spread in Côte d'Ivoire, the ministry said. It has calculated that 39 percent of people infected with TB are also infected with HIV. TB and HIV together form a lethal combination, each speeding the other's progress. Multidrug resistant TB: Côte d'Ivoire was revealed by a separate WHO survey released on 26 February to have a high level - 9 percent of all cases - of multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB, a hard-to-treat strain of the disease caused by inconsistent or partial treatment, when patients do not take all their medicines regularly for the required period, because doctors and health workers prescribe the wrong treatment regimens, or because the drug supply is unreliable. MDR-TB is generally treatable but it requires extensive chemotherapy and more expensive drugs over a long duration. High rates of MDR-TB threaten global TB control efforts, according to the WHO. It is estimated that 1.6 million deaths resulted from TB in 2005. The largest number of new TB cases occurred in Southeast Asia. However, the estimated incidence rate in sub- Saharan Africa is nearly twice that of Southeast Asia, at nearly 350 cases per 100,000 people, the WHO estimates. Both the highest number of deaths and the highest mortality per capita are in Africa.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• South Africa: New Hope for Anti-Malaria Efforts: Business Day (Johannesburg):14 March 2008.

Scientists have discovered that one of the most widely used insect repellants, DEET (N,N-deithyl-meta-touamide), fends off mosquitoes by blocking their ability to smell their human targets. It is hoped the discovery will lead to safer and more effective insecticides. Although DEET has been used for 50 years in products such as Peaceful Sleep and Tabard, it is not suitable for babies and small children -- who are particularly vulnerable to mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Products containing DEET also have the disadvantage that they have to be often and liberally reapplied. Malaria infects between 350m and 500m people each year, killing about a million of them, mostly young children in sub- Saharan Africa. The disease costs developing countries an estimated $12bn in lost productivity. Topical insecticides are an important part of malaria control but new-generation products are desperately needed, said Rockefeller University molecular neurobiologist Leslie Vosshal. She is co-author of a paper published today in the journal Science describing DEET's mechanism. "The telephone and television have evolved since the 1950s but insecticides haven't," she said.

186 • Zimbabwe: Kidney Failure Cases Increase: The Herald (Harare):14 March 2008.

Cases of patients with kidney failure continue to rise with 1 000 new cases recorded every year, chairman of the Zimbabwe Kidney Foundation Renal Services, Dr Obadiah Moyo has said. The increase has been attributed to more people suffering from hypertension and diabetes while the cost of haemodialysis is nearly $4 billion a week, In his message on World Kidney Day, Dr Moyo said figures of new patients might not be a reflection of the reality because some people do not know that they have a kidney failure. "As we commemorate this day, we call upon Government to continue improving service conditions for renal patients and continuous availability of the services," Dr Moyo who is a dialysis specialist said. He said plans to install 36 dialysis machines, which are currently lying idle at some health institutions in the country, were in progress and President Mugabe who is the association's patron has been engaged for assistance. Dr Moyo said celebrations of the World Kidney Day have since been postponed to next month. Dr Martin Odwee, a dialysis specialist from Parirenyatwa Renal Unit said if the machines are working, the unit takes care of nearly 100 renal failure patients on haemodialysis everyday, a few of which might successfully undergo renal transplant over the years. Renal transplant costs an average of US$40 000. "We all know that this is far beyond most of our patients. To reduce this burden, early detection and prevention remain the most cost-effective means," Dr Odwee said. Currently, patients are forced to seek haemodialysis services from private institutions because of the shortage of dialysis machines countrywide and they are required to pay $2 billion a session.

• Angola: Zaire - Tuberculosis Treatment Centres Set Up: Angola Press Agency (Luanda):14 March 2008.

Three health units for diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis were set up early this year in the districts of Nzeto, Nóqui and Tomboco, northern Zaire province, by the local health officials, informed a heath source. Speaking to ANGOP this Friday, the provincial supervisor of the programme of control of tuberculosis and leprosy, Eduardo Kikaya said that the establishment of these health units is part of the strategy of its management board to extend its services to the affected population. "There are five strategies outlined by the National Programme of Combat to Tuberculosis, one of which has to do with the expansion of the Directly Observed Treatment (TDO) to the population, with view to avoid patients from moving from one locality to another in search for medical assistance", underlined the official. Eduardo Kikaya also informed that from January to December 2007 some 1,681 cases of tuberculosis, resulting in six deaths, were notified in the districts of Mbanza Kongo, Soyo and Kuimba.

EAST AFRICA

• Uganda: Eliminating Meningitis Saves 5,000 Children a Year, Say Officials: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 13 March 2008.

187 Up to 5,000 children under the age of five will be saved in Uganda every year after a vaccine halted mortality rates from the deadly strain of meningitis that has been infecting up to 30,000 people in the east African country, officials said on 13 March. Sam Zaramba, the director-general of the health ministry, told IRIN that Haemophilus influenzae type b - commonly known as Hib - has been virtually wiped out in the country five years after a vaccine was introduced in nationwide immunisation programmes. "Before we introduced the vaccine, we were recording up to 30,000 cases every year, with about 17 percent deaths. But in the past 12 months, we have not recorded any cases, meaning that we have eliminated the killer disease," Zaramba told IRIN by telephone… He said the health ministry, with support from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI), had issued up to 16.5 million doses of Hib vaccines in 2002 and by 2006, it was indicative that the disease was ebbing away…"The introduction of the Hib vaccine has now completely changed the epidemiology of bacterial meningitis in Uganda as a public health problem among children," said Adeodata Kekitiinwa, director of the HIV/AIDS Paediatric Clinic at the country's main referral hospital of Mulago. The Uganda results, according to GAVI, follow similar results in Bangladesh, Kenya, Chile, the Gambia, the UK and USA. These studies have all concluded that the Hib vaccine cuts the incidence of disease by 88 percent or more within three to five years… However, Zaramba said malaria was still a leading killer of children, and gastro-enteritis or the inflammation of the gastro-intestinal tract, other respiratory tract infections and paediatric HIV/AIDS, were still a problem.

• Uganda: New Global Fund Proposal Underway: The Monitor (Kampala):5 March 2008.

IF Uganda can beat the July 1 deadline, the country stands a chance to get millions of dollars the Global Fund has earmarked to fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria under its Round 8 programme. The call for proposals was issued on Monday but following accountability problems that Uganda has had with the Fund over the past three years, the Ministry of Health is keen to ensure that it is on top of its game. Currently, approximately $2 billion is forecast to be available for Round 8, up from $1.1 for Round 7 last year for beneficiary countries. Last year there were 37 beneficiary countries. Dr Francis Runumi, the commissioner for planning in the Ministry of Health, yesterday dispelled doubts that the time would not be enough for Uganda to prepare a comprehensive proposal that will survive the scrutiny of the selection panel… Ministry of Finance has been the Principal Recipient of the money, which it has been distributing to NGOs and the Ministry of Health.

10. ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE MATTERS

WEST AFRICA

• Ghana: Country to Experience Drought & Famine If Desertification Continues: Ghanaian Chronicle (Accra):14 March 2008.

188 A group, calling itself Fighting Against Desert Encroachment (FADE), has hinted about imminent drought and famine in the country, as a result of desertification, which has engulfed the African continent. The group, which is currently in Ghana, as part of its tour to 13 countries in Africa by road, to reach out to Africans on the repercussions of desertification, said the drought after affecting countries in Africa, was fast approaching Northern Ghana and Nigeria. Briefing the press, at the Nigerian High Commission, Dr. Newton Jibunoh, a scientist, said the drought and famine could be attributed to the ecological changes, intimating that last year most countries experienced droughts. He noted that the drought would take place, and severe famine would follow in the next few years, and that a lot of farmlands would be lost to desertification… The scientist intimated that after covering 13 countries, the team would then pass through London, Bohn, in Germany, and Spain to meet the United Nations Convention on Desertification, which has invited them to submit a report on the desertification situation in Africa… He urged all individuals, to plant at least one tree, to boost the environment, and prevent drought, emphasizing, "If we are able to do it, Nigeria doing it, Ghana doing it, Niger doing it, Chad doing it, we would have succeeded in greening the whole place."

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Zimbabwe: Parks Auction Rakes in US$900 000, $15 Trillion: The Herald (Harare):13 March 2008.

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority last week raised about US$900 000 and $15 trillion from its annual auction of animals from three of its Zambezi Valley safari camps. Parks and Wildlife spokesman Retired Major Edward Mbewe said most of the people had started paying. "About 50 percent of the people who won bids that were sold in bags of 10 to 15 animals have started paying and are expected to continue doing so within the next seven working days." Attendance at the auction had surpassed Park's expectations with more Zimbabweans venturing into wildlife. "To facilitate the entry of indigenous players into the lucrative wildlife business, we have since introduced tailor-made packages for them," he said. Major Mbewe said the bids raised $40 billion in deposits, which will be refunded if all conditions of sale are met. He also said that of all the animals that were hunted only those bought in foreign currency could be exported. Major Mbewe encouraged Zimbabweans in arid and semi-arid areas to engage in sustainable wildlife management following the formulation of a wildlife land reform policy that promotes indigenisation through sustainable use of wildlife resources.

• Namibia: Nuclear Power Bad Option – Earthlife: The Namibian (Windhoek):10 March 2008.

The use of nuclear power is unsafe, dangerous and a bad option for Namibia, due to long- term radiation and unsolved problems regarding nuclear waste storage placing a heavy burden on future generations, a Namibian environmental organisation says. In a reaction to last week's Cabinet decision to opt for uranium enrichment in Namibia as well as the construction of a nuclear power plant, the organisation Earthlife Namibia on Friday said it was "absolutely shocked" about the decision… According to the Cabinet briefing

189 paper, "energy produced by nuclear power stations is considered carbon free, especially if its fuel is processed using nuclear-generated electricity. Products made or mined using this power qualifies for special consideration in terms of carbon credit." Earthlife countered that the nuclear industry lobby and pro-nuclear politicians wanted to make the world believe that nuclear power was climate friendly. There is a risk of low-level radiation in all stages of the nuclear power process. Research shows that low-level radiation does have health and environmental implications," Kohrs said in the statement…"The enormous costs of decommissioning a nuclear power station and dealing with nuclear waste are usually not included in project cost plans." Nuclear accidents were mostly a combination of technological and human failure, and could never be ruled out completely; a nuclear accident could have a terrible impact on many generations to come, it warned. "The consequences of the nuclear explosion at the power station of Chernobyl in the Ukraine 20 years ago still burden many people and the environment. "Earthlife Namibia urges Government to not make nuclear energy generation an option… According to mining experts, Namibia's uranium deposits will be depleted by about 2026.

EAST AFRICA

• Kenya: Nema Acts to Neutralise Acid: The Nation (Nairobi):14 March 2008.

Workers from the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) Thursday continued to neutralise the deadly nitric acid dumped at Kipevu two weeks ago. They used sand and other chemicals on the acid stored in plastic drums. The officials hoped to have completed the exercise by that evening. Mombasa district Nema boss Stephen Kilonzo said the containers were left at the vicinity on February 28, 2008, by the transporters who were taking them to Uganda. Two of the containers were dumped at the site after they were found to be leaking. (The drums bear the inscription Kasese Cobalt Limited, a Ugandan based company). The consignment was imported from Mumbai, India. A woman was seriously scalded on the hand when she slipped and fell in the sludge while another claimed that she miscarried when she inhaled the acid's fumes. She was three months pregnant… Chest problems: The containers were dumped near a slum popularly known as Kalahari and several residents have complained of breathing and chest problems. All those affected have been urged to seek professional medical help and present the reports to the Nema officials for possible action. The Mombasa municipal council has instituted legal proceedings against the importers of the containers.

• Uganda: 'Refugees Mess Up Environment': New Vision (Kampala):9 March 2008.

THE United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) is not doing enough to restore the environment destroyed by Sudanese refugees in Moyo and Adjumani districts. The environment state minister, Jessica Eriyo, said the over 100,000 Sudanese refugees hosted in the two districts for more than a decade, cut down many trees. The Sudanese lived in the districts under the auspices of the UNHCR. They began going back home last year after the Khartoum government and the SPLA rebels signed a peace accord. The

190 UNHCR efforts was not been enough to recover the environment, which their refugees destroyed. "They cut down trees to burn charcoal in order to survive," Eriyo told a stakeholders meeting in Moyo recently. Eriyo, who is also the Adjumani Woman MP, said the UNHCR only 'worked on emergency' and ignored the greater destruction done by the refugees. The meeting was attended by officials from the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the Nile Basin Initiative, the Urban Environment Uganda and district leaders…"We are appealing to the Government and NGOs to come and address some of these problems. Our endangered animals and trees are disappearing. Even the water hyacinth and shrines have been destroyed," said the district chief.

ENERGY

WEST AFRICA

• Ghana: Sub-Regional Countries Draw On VRA's Rich Expertise: Public Agenda (Accra):14 March 2008.

The Volta River Authority (VRA) has earned great commendation and recognition from countries in the West African sub-region and other parts of Africa following its accomplished success in restoring electricity to the people of Liberia. The VRA, which completed the phase I of the Liberian Emergency Power Programme (EPP) on Monday, March 11, 2008, received invitations from the governments of Sierra Leone and Guinea to assist them in restructuring their electricity sub-sector. Some of the countries were requesting for a management contract with the VRA and other auxiliary services. Major General Francis Adu-Amanfro, Ghana's Ambassador to Liberia, made this known in Monrovia on Monday, during the official closing ceremony organised by the Liberian Government to commemorate Ghana's participation in the EPP. He said "the interest demonstrated by Ghana speaks of us and the kind of expertise in Ghana as well as making Ghana a shining star in Africa." Major Gen Adu-Amanfro said President Kufuor's commitment to the process, had greatly facilitated the programme… The EPP, which began in 2006, was in fulfilment of the Government of Ghana's assurance to assist the Liberian government to restore electricity to that country after the people had lived in total darkness for 15 years. Ghana through the VRA provided technical assistance with project design, the construction engineering for both civil and electro-mechanical works as well as the responsibility for the implementation of the construction phase.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Namibia: Petrol Shocker: The Namibian (Windhoek):14 March 2008.

While people are still reeling from the effects of last month's petrol price hike, another shocker is on the way - petrol is going up again on Monday. Users of diesel will be hardest hit, as the commodity is going up by a whopping 50 cents, while petrol will increase by 31 cents a litre. On top of these big increases, the Ministry of Mines and Energy will add transport tariffs for the haulage trucks and rail transportation of fuel to inland destinations. Hence, on top of the basic diesel price increase there will an additional seven cents per litre of transport charges (depending on the destination), and an

191 additional one to six cents for petrol. The source attributed the increases to the international crude oil prices, which have hit the record US$100 per barrel, and said the price was expected to hover around that level for the rest of the year. The weakening of the Rand/Namibian dollar against the US dollar - which is used for purchasing fuel - was also said to be another contributing issue. The source also said motorists should take into account that the new increases factored in transportation charges for both road and rail carriages…. This will hit consumers hard as prices of basic foodstuffs are on a continuous upward trend due to droughts and economic instability around the world. Bread, cooking oil, milk, rice and maize meal are just a few of the vital foodstuffs that have shot up dramatically. Economist Martin Mwinga confirmed to The Namibian that this was indeed bad news for the public. "Although the Government has no choice to make such a decision due to the high oil prices, it's however, not going to be easy for the ordinary person. People will have to dig deeper into their pockets. They will have to rely on borrowing, and again commercial banks are no longer so willing to lend," he said.

• South Africa: Eskom Insists On 10 Percent Cut for Homes, Offices: Business Day (Johannesburg):14 March 2008.

POWER utility Eskom could force residential and commercial users to cut their electricity usage unless they voluntarily reduced consumption by 10%, Eskom CEO Jacob Maroga said yesterday, in a move aimed at spreading the burden of electricity shortages among all the country's users. Heavy consumers of electricity, especially mining groups, have expressed concern about the effects of the power shortages on their operations, and warned of resulting job cuts. Eskom said yesterday key industrial users of electricity should not bear the brunt of power disruptions alone. After talks with representatives of bulk electricity consumers such as miners and municipalities, Maroga said major industrial users had been key in stabilising the national grid. Eskom restricted mines to 90% of their power needs to stabilise the national grid as it teetered on the brink of collapse. To avert a total blackout in January, mining groups ceased operations for five days, sparking threats of job losses…

EAST AFRICA

• Somalia: Puntland President to Introduce Oil Law in Parliament: Garowe Online (Garowe):13 March 2008.

The leader of Somalia's self-governing Puntland region arrived in the administrative capital Garowe on Thursday, after spending weeks in the commercial hub of Bossaso further north. President Mohamud "Adde" Muse's convoy made several stops at towns along the major Bossaso-to-Garowe paved road, where he met with local officials and stressed peace. Inside sources tell Garowe Online that President Muse is planning to call the Puntland Parliament on an extraordinary session, where the administration is expected to introduce an oil law recently ratified by the Muse Cabinet. No copy of the proposed law - "The Oil and Minerals Law of Puntland State Government" - has been made available to the media yet. Parliament sources suggested the new oil law is "nothing but paper," since no credible foreign company would bring the expensive equipment required

192 for exploration. Critics of the parliament said Puntland lawmakers easily ratified Muse's 2005 exploration agreement with an Australian firm, Range Resources, Ltd.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Rwanda: Leading American Energy Giant to Invest in Country: The New Times (Kigali):14 March 2008.

General Electric, a U.S. leading energy firm, is pondering to invest in the Rwandan energy sector. This was announced by the firm's president and CEO, John Krenicki, following his meeting with President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro on Wednesday. "We are impressed with the development in the country, and are interested in working together with the Rwandan government to increase power generation in the country," Krenicki said. He said that their project in Rwanda may kick off in a year or two, since they first needed to do thorough preparations. Krenicki said that preparations will include talking to local private investors. The State Minister for Energy, Eng Albert Butare, said that negotiations between the Government and General Electric began years ago.

DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY

WEST AFRICA

• Nigerian deals 'wasted billions' bbc.com:14 March. Some $2.2bn-worth of Nigerian energy contracts were awarded without a bidding process by the former president and his energy minister, officials say. One was to a company with less than $200 of base capital at the time, a witness told a parliamentary committee. It is investigating why $16bn of investment in the energy sector during Olusegun Obasanjo's eight years in power failed to end power shortages. Ex-President Abdulsalami Abubakar heads one of the firms, the committee heard. He is chairman of Energo Nigeria Ltd, which received a $163m contract to build a power station by 2009. According to a state official, only 5% of the work has so far been completed. The BBC's Ahmed Idris in the capital, Abuja, says this week's parliamentary hearings, which are being aired on television, are causing a stir with their revelations. He says many parts of the country go for days without electricity and businesses and many homes rely on their generators. When President Umaru Yar'Adua came to power last year he announced he would declare a "state of emergency" on the country's energy crisis. Nigeria currently has 10 power stations - they are all between 20 and 30 years old. Last month, Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan said power cuts were an "embarrassment" to Nigeria - after black-outs affected a meeting he was attending. Testimonies: The House of Representatives committee is investigating why six power stations - already paid for by the government - are yet to be completed years after they were begun. It has called all the contractors to give testimony about their progress. Two witnesses told the hearings,

193 which began on Tuesday, that bushes from the site where a South African company, Pivot, had been contracted to build a station in the oil-rich Niger Delta have yet to be cleared. Pivot, which had a base capital of $200 at the time it received its contract, had received about 75% of the money for the project, government official James Olotu said. Mr Olotu heads the National Integrated Power Projects, a government organisation set up by Mr Obasanjo to try to attract private investment into the energy sector.

• Nigeria: Power Probe - $1.4bn, 224.6m Euro Contracts Illegal: Daily Trust (Abuja):15 March 2008.

The Managing Director of the National Integrated Power Project, NIPP, Mr James Olotu, has said that electricity contracts of $1.4 billion and €224.6 million awarded under the scheme were illegal, as they were not backed up with the enabling laws of the federation. The revelation is coming on the trail of claims by the NIPP boss that only former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the former Minister of Power and Steel, Senator Liyel Imoke now Governor of Cross Rivers awarded the contracts without reference to ministry officials. According to Olotu, NIPP is not a legal entity but was conscripted by the Obasanjo administration which awarded contracts amounting $1,463,381,898.88billion and €224,600.24 million, with letters of Credits opened for the various contractors handling the failed projects all over the country…The issue of power is tragic. No matter the projections you make, the problem of buying electricity generating sets and fuelling it is making our products uncompetitive in the market. He insisted that "people must do the right thing. Civil and Public servants must be alive to their responsibilities. Nigerians are awaiting the outcome of the Hearing".

• Sierra Leone: Government to Review Mining in Three Months: Concord Times (Freetown):14 March 2008.

President Ernest Bai Koroma has told British news agency, Reuters that Sierra Leone will complete a review of all mining contracts within the next three months. The effort, he said, was to resolve disputes over licences awarded under the previous government. Koroma, who came to power after last September elections, disclosed that he had called in experts from the World Bank to conduct the study, which will affect all foreign and local miners operating in the country. The news agency estimated that mining accounts for 90 per cent of the country's exports but the industry is a shadow of its former self after its commercial mines were stripped during a 1991-2002 civil war. "We inherited a situation in which two licences were given for exploration or mining in one location. We have at least three or four such situations," Koroma explained… The two biggest direct investors in Sierra Leone are mining companies -- UK-listed Titanium Resources Group, which mines rutile and bauxite, and Koidu Holdings SA, a kimberlite diamond operation owned by Israeli diamond magnate Beny Steinmetz. Other mining firms operating in the country include Cluff Gold and exploration company West African Diamonds, both listed in London. Koroma pledged that the World Bank team would be neutral, credible, and backed by experience in resolving mining disputes in other African countries.

194 DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

WEST AFRICA

• Ghana: NPP Does Not Have to Break Bones Says Jake as Party Announces Campaign Team: Accra Mail (Accra):14 March 2008.

Mr. Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Chairman of Nana Akufo-Addo's Campaign Team, yesterday assured Ghanaians that the NPP is a non-violent party and for that matter would not use violence as a means of winning elections. Speaking at the launch of NPP's 2008 campaign committees, Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey said the 2008 general elections is very critical and Ghanaians should not forget the past when deciding who to vote for. The past is so important that those who don't learn "are doomed to re-live it", he said. The campaign manager said unlike the NDC, the NPP tradition since the Daquah-Busia's time has sought to ensure the welfare of the people. With the existence of this tradition, he said, the NPP does not have to break bones to win the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections… He enumerated a number of successes the NPP has since chalked in its 7 years in power compared to the 20-year rule of (P) NDC. For example, he noted, "we have stabilized the economy with minimal inflation, lowered interest rates while nearly quadrupling the size of the Ghanaian economy from a GDP of US$3.9 billion to about US$15 billion today. Average lending rates have fallen from 47% in 2000 to 24.2% in 2007. This has influenced credit to the private sector upwards from less than US$400 million in 2000 to nearly US$4 billion in 2007 In the last seven years of NDC, US$320 million was invested in manufacturing. In the first 6 years of NPP rule, US$2.3 billion has gone into manufacturing"… The campaign will be run by a 23-member National Campaign Committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Zimbabwe: I've No Ties With Makoni - CIO Boss: The Herald (Harare):15 March 2008.

DIRECTOR-GENERAL of the Central Intelligence Organisation Retired Major-General Happyton Bonyongwe has distanced himself from Simba Makoni's political project saying media reports linking him to the group were bent on causing confusion in Government. The Herald bumped into Rtd Maj-Gen Bonyongwe in Harare yesterday and asked him to comment on the reports that he was linked to Makoni's presidential bid. He said the reports -- being splashed by online news agencies -- were the opposition and its Western handlers' strategy of causing confusion within Government and Zanu-PF as part of their regime change agenda… Makoni has been claiming that some senior people in Government and Zanu-PF support him without naming them. "In my case and as far as the service (CIO) is concerned, we are a professional service. I was appointed by H.E. President Mugabe. I am serving the President and through him my country. Makoni's handlers have been claiming that they have backers in Zanu-PF and appeared to have been taking advantage of the silence of those said to be backing it… President Mugabe

195 told journalists that one of the people said to be backing Makoni, Zanu-PF Politburo member and former army commander Retired General Solomon Mujuru met him on Monday and told him that he was not in any way associated with the Makoni project. On Monday, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Cde Patrick Chinamasa also denied links with the Makoni group after Dumiso Dabengwa had claimed he was involved in the project.

• Zimbabwe: Trevor Ncube Suspected of Funding Makoni: The Herald (Harare):14 March 2008

Newspaper publisher Trevor Ncube has allegedly contributed to Simba Makoni's presidential campaign to the tune of at least R300 000, an accusation he has denied. According to documents revealed to The Herald, Ncube made the payment on February 26 2008 through a leading South African bank to Pacific Paper Technologies (Pvt.) Ltd for the supply of printing materials and other consumables to be used in Makoni's campaign. On the same day, one Branley, believed to be a South African national, also made a payment of R20 000 to the same company for the supply of stationery and related consumables as part of the growing support from international corporates to inject life into Makoni's bid. It is understood that the materials in question have not yet been delivered. The campaign has so far not attracted as much financing as initially anticipated and with Makoni reportedly having problems carrying out political activities in all the Mashonaland and Matabeleland provinces as well as in the Midlands. Contacted for comment, Mr Ncube, who publishes The Independent and The Standard in Zimbabwe and the Mail&Guardian in South Africa, said he was not involved in any funding initiative. Asked if he had ever played any role in Makoni's campaign, Mr Ncube said: In a related matter, it has emerged that the largest shareholder in an American bank implicated in the Makoni international funding could have active business interests in Harare. Saudi Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal, the biggest stockholder in Citigroup - which is rated the largest company in the world - may have been involved in a major construction project in the capital for sometime now. Industry sources said Prince Al-Waleed's Kingdom Holding Company is believed to be involved in a construction project in Harare through local proxies that are fronting his interests. "It has been speculated for a while that some of the local companies involved in the project are working on behalf of foreign interests and it has been rumoured before that Kingdom Holding Company might be somehow involved." Prince Al-Waleed, the world's 19th richest man, has been traditionally close to the American political establishment and he is presently the largest individual foreign investor in the United States. He has a significant interest in News Corporation Ltd - a media conglomerate headed by Australian-born Rupert Murdoch -- which has close ties to political figures like ex-British Prime Minister Tony Blair and US Senator and presidential hopeful John McCain. In 2002, Al-Waleed donated US$500 000 to the George Herbert Walker Bush Scholarship Fund to honour former President and father of the incumbent Mr George H.W Bush. His pro-American stance was further highlighted by the donation of US$10 million for the American study programmes at the American University in Cairo. He is on record saying "the Saudi royal family has always had good relations with US administrations; this applies to Jimmy Carter as much as it

196 does to Ronald Reagan.”Perhaps we do get along even better with the two Presidents Bush than with their predecessors, but that shouldn't be interpreted politically." "Saudi Arabia gets along well with whomever America elects to be its president, whether he is a Republican or a Democrat."

EAST AFRICA

• Kenya: Polls - ECK Bosses Under Pressure to Step Down: The Nation (Nairobi):15 March 2008.

Kenya's election chiefs remained tight-lipped on Friday even as pressure mounted on them to step aside before the start of a public inquiry into how they handled the December 27 General Election. A Commission of Inquiry to be headed by South African judge Johann Kriegler is to be sworn in on Monday with a mandate to investigate the reasons for the failure of the presidential elections. A dispute over the election results plunged the country into a bloody crisis and triggered widespread violence that left more than 1,000 people dead and over 350,000 displaced from their homes. The commission's controversial handling of the presidential election is widely believed to have precipitated the violence. Sources at the Electoral Commission of Kenya said the commissioners made a decision to ignore calls for their resignation after their retreat at the Sun 'N Sand Beach Resort in Kilifi earlier this week. Chairman Samuel Kivuitu and the 21 commissioners enjoy security of tenure and can only be removed from office on the recommendation of a tribunal appointed by the President. Human rights activists stormed the ECK meeting in Kilifi to demand the commissioners' resignation. Crucial files concerning the elections were lost during the confrontation. Mr Kivuitu was later booed by a mob on a Mombasa street as he left a restaurant after lunch. Leaders from across the political divide have mounted pressure on the commissioners to step aside so that they may not be seen to stand in the way of the Kriegler Commission. According to the leaders, the commissioners can resume their duties if cleared by the inquiry. What happened : Other leaders said Kenyans and the world wanted to know exactly happened during the tallying of the presidential votes sent to Kenyatta International Conference Centre from the 210 constituencies… But a commissioner who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter said they had all agreed not to resign despite criticism.

PEACEKEEPING, CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND

SECURITY MATTERS

WEST AFRICA

• Nigeria: Country Wants Representation in UN Peacekeeping Unit: Leadership (Abuja):14 March 2008.

197 Nigeria has called for a review of the "lopsided" staff structure of the UN Department of Peace keeping Operations (DPKO) to include major troops contributing nations. It said that the review became necessary to recruit competent hands from UN Troops Contributing Countries (TCCs), which include Nigeria. Felix Aniokoye, Nigeria's Deputy Permanent Representative at the UN made the call on Wednesday at the 2008 session of the UN Special Committee on Peace keeping Operations in New York. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the UN, reports that Aniokoye was also elected to chairman of the session, which runs from March 10 to April 4. He also said that Nigeria's concern was to address the "under-representation of TCCs in the senior management cadre in the DPKO. "Nigeria is calling for the appointment of competent hands from the TCCs to top positions in the department to reflect our contributions and commitment to peace keeping," he said. Aniokoye, who expressed the country's commitment, role and contributions to UN peace keeping, said Nigeria had participated in more than 30 peace keeping operations since 1962. "Presently, Nigerian troops, police and civilian contingent are deployed in 14 out of 30 UN peace keeping operations in Africa, the Caribbean, Asia and Europe," the envoy said.

EAST AFRICA

• Somalia: Top UN Envoy Welcomes Reaction to Government's Reconciliation Plan: UN News Service (New York):14 March 2008.

The senior United Nations envoy for Somalia has welcomed the positive reaction to the announcement by the Transitional Government in the Horn of Africa country that it will hold discussions with the political opposition. Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, the UN Special Representative for Somalia, issued a statement today in Nairobi saying he was "very pleased" by the reaction from several Somali groups, especially the Alliance for the Re- Liberation of Somalia. Mr. Ould-Abdallah said he would now discuss the timing, agenda and venue for the talks with all the concerned parties in Somalia, which has not had a functioning national government since 1991… The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says there are up to two million vulnerable people in need of humanitarian aid within the country. In addition, aid workers face difficulties and the transport and delivery of crucial items such as food is being impeded by roadblocks, taxes and banditry.

• Kenya: MPs United in Search for Lasting Peace: The Nation (Nairobi):13 March 2008.

Leaders across the political divide Wednesday began putting the country on a reconciliatory, peaceful and progressive path. Big names from PNU and ODM used the floor of the House to voice their regrets about the outcome of the disputed elections and pledged to take corrective legal measures to avoid a repeat of the crisis. MPs praised President Kibaki and ODM leader Raila Odinga - who was referred to as Prime Minister designate - for saving the country from collapse. Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, Justice Minister Martha Karua and ODM leaders Musalia Mudavadi (Sabatia) and William Ruto (Eldoret North) said the country was at the turning point. They called on

198 the proposed coalition government to provide leadership which will restore stability and rally Kenya's resources for economic growth. They regretted the killing of more than 1,000 Kenyans in the post-election violence and the displacement of at least 120,000, now living in camps.

• Kenya: 300 SLDF Suspects Arrested in Mt Elgon Operation: The East African Standard (Nairobi):15 March 2008.

Three hundred Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) suspects have been arrested in the security operation in Mt Elgon. Also recovered in the ongoing "Okoa Maisha" operation were 14 guns, 93 assorted military and police uniforms and 284 machetes. Police spokesman Mr Eric Kiraithe yesterday said that 300 people, including chiefs and teachers, had been arrested. Kiraithe described the operation as successful. Briefing journalists at Vigilance House yesterday, Kiraithe denied claims that the security officers were harassing and intimidating innocent people. Western PC, Mr Abdul Mwasserah, yesterday said 311 suspected SLDF members had been arrested. The PC said Ugandan authorities had also arrested five suspects as they tried to cross the border at Lwakhakha River. Mwasserah denied media reports that three people had been killed since the start of the security operation on Monday. He said the exercise would continue until the group was dismantled. The ragtag army is reported to have killed about 600 people and displaced more than 40,000 in the last one-and-a -half years. The security personnel recovered military uniforms, a Ugandan army trouser, two Angolan army jungle uniforms, a navy trouser and two handcuffs, from a cave believed to be one of their hideouts. But residents of Cheptais division protested at the way the operation was being carried out. A local pastor who sought anonymity claimed that security officers were harassing and beating them while searching for suspects. The Western Kenya Human Rights Watch (WKHRW) and the Mwatikho Torture Survivors Organisation (MTSO) claimed two military camps at Kapkota and Kaptoboi Primary School were being used as torture bases. "We have received 45 people claiming to have been tortured by the soldiers," said Wanyanja…"Human rights officials and the media should be allowed into district to see how the operation is being conducted. Locking them out raises suspicion," said Wanyanja.

• Uganda: Stop Rebellions, Museveni Tells Great Lakes: New Vision (Kampala):13 March 2008.

COUNTRIES of the Great Lakes region must not support rebels against each other, terrorism or the smuggling of weapons, the President warned yesterday. "We don't want to hear that any country in this region is smuggling weapons into another country for subversion and terrorism." The President was speaking at the opening of the third extraordinary meeting of eastern African defence and security ministers in Kampala. The chiefs were preparing to create a joint defence force, or EASBRIG, that can be deployed to stop trouble in the member states. The participants were drawn from Burundi, the Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, the Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda. Museveni, who heads the force's summit of presidents, called for deeper African political and economic integration. "We must not let

199 anyone sabotage our shared defence and security strategies," he added. He also warned against "the dangers of weak, fragile and failed states", calling for unity as the continent generates "quantitative growth and qualitative transformation." The brigade will be ready by 2010, said Rwanda's defence minister, Gen. Marcel Gastonia, who heads the council of ministers. But he urged member states to fulfill their financial obligations. Earlier, Museveni had argued that Africans needed to handle their own security, which was why four other such forces would be created across Africa. Eastern Africa, according to Museveni, is the most challenging in terms of security. He cited the border of Eritrea and Ethiopia, Somalia, Darfur and the Comoros… Commenting on Darfur, Museveni said Arabs and Africans could live together despite their different cultures if "fundamental issues" were addressed. Citing the violent ethnic riots between Chinese, Indians and Malays that nearly tore Malaysia apart in 1969, Museveni argued: "They sat down and found a win-win formula that has seen all the groups work together to transform their country."…He attacked a concept of sustainable development. "It is fifty years since independence. Can you imagine a woman with a sustainable pregnancy? A child should be born, grow into a teenager and eventually an adult. Why are we not developing to the next stage towards qualitative transformation?" he asked.

• Eritrea: Security Council Calls for Full Cooperation for Blue Helmets’ Relocation: UN News Service (New York):14 March 2008.

The Security Council has called for Eritrea's full cooperation in the temporary relocation of the personnel and equipment of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE). "The members of the Council recognize the difficult burden which has been carried by the UN troops being relocated and express their appreciation to the troop- contributing countries," Ambassador Vitaly Churkin of Russia, which currently holds the rotating monthly presidency of the 15-member body, told reporters after a closed meeting yesterday. The Council was briefed by Jean-Marie Guéhenno, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, on the ongoing efforts to relocate UNMEE forces. The statement also noted that Council members underscore that the temporary move is "without prejudice to the Algiers Agreements," which ended the war between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The decision to temporarily move UN personnel and equipment out of Eritrea was made last month after the country cut off fuel supplies to UNMEE, paralyzing the operation on that side of the disputed border with Ethiopia. As of earlier this week, over 700 blue helmets - 397 Jordanian and 305 Indian peacekeepers - have temporarily returned to their respective countries from Eritrea, and UNMEE announced that more flights out of Asmara are scheduled for next week to fly remaining UN personnel home.

• Africa: African Union, UN Envoys to Hold Consultations to Spark Darfur Peace Process: UN News Service (New York):13 March 2008.

The United Nations and African Union envoys spearheading efforts to bring peace to Sudan's war-wracked Darfur region will hold informal consultations early next week with regional partners and international observers in a bid to find new momentum for the political process. Jan Eliasson of the UN and Salim Ahmed Salim of the AU will meet

200 in Geneva with the regional partners next Monday and then with the international observers on Tuesday, UN spokesperson Marie Okabe told reporters. She said the aim of the consultations was to review the current status of the political process in Darfur given both the prevailing security situation and delays in the parties' preparations for substantive talks. The two Special Envoys hope to reach an understanding with the regional partners and the international observers on the road ahead for the political process, Ms. Okabe added. A spike in recent attacks in West Darfur, particularly from Sudanese Government forces and allied militiamen, has displaced thousands of people and led senior UN officials to issue public warnings about the deteriorating conditions in the region… More than 200,000 people have been killed and at least 2.2 million others forced to flee their homes since 2003 because of fighting between rebels, Government forces and allied militia known as the Janjaweed.

CENTRAL AFRICA

• Chad rebels dismiss peace accord: bbc.com:14 March.

Chadian rebels have dismissed a peace agreement between Chad and Sudan, saying they will continue their campaign to overthrow Chad's president. The presidents of Chad and Sudan signed an accord on Thursday aimed at ending hostilities between the two countries. A senior commander of the joint UN-Africa Union force in Darfur said the deal will not work unless rebels from both countries are included. Meanwhile, the UN said it is returning many more refugees to South Sudan. A spokesman for the Chadian rebel National Alliance said the non-aggression pact signed by Chad's President Idriss Deby and Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir did not concern them. They want talks with Chad's president, said Ali Gadaye. "If Deby doesn't want dialogue, then we're going to chase him out by force." Attempted coup: In their accord, the presidents of Chad and Sudan agreed to stop armed groups from using their respective territories to attack their neighbour. In Sudan's West Darfur, bordering eastern Chad, the commander of the joint UN-AU peacekeeping force said the agreement will not have any impact unless the rebels are brought into negotiations…The peace accord was mediated by Senegal's President Abdoulaye Wade and was signed on the sidelines of an Organisation of the Islamic Conference in Senegal's capital Dakar. Just hours before it was signed, Chad accused Sudan of sending heavily armed columns of Chadian rebels across its border. Southern repatriations: At least 200,000 people have died and more than two million displaced in five years of conflict in Darfur. Many refugees have crossed into Chad where a European Union force has recently deployed to protect them… The UN said 3,000 refugees a week had been repatriated to South Sudan from Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia since January - up from 600 a week. A national census in April is being held to prepare for Sudan's first democratic election in 23 years, due in 2009. A referendum on whether South Sudan should secede is due two years later.

• Africa: Sudan, Chad - Latest Peace Pact Tries to Revive Past Failures: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 14 March 2008.

201 After hours of wrangling over the text of their sixth peace accord in two years, Chadian President Idriss Deby and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir signed the latest agreement late on 13 March in the Senegalese capital, Dakar, vowing once again to stop providing support to rebel groups opposing the other. The stated aim of the accord is "to put an end, once and for all, to disputes between the two countries and re-establish peace in the sub- region." The accord was mediated by Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade and signed during the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) summit in the presence of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and an array of African leaders and Arab and western diplomats. Past agreements also called on both sides to stop providing safe haven to rebel groups. In Chad, rebels bent on ousting President Deby have launched countless attacks including one in February which reached the capital N'djamena. In Sudan, rebels are fighting government forces and allied militias in Darfur the region bordering Chad. A new element in the latest accord is that Chad and Sudan agree to a "contact group" led by Libya and the Republic of Congo which would meet monthly and monitor compliance… Yet the sultan of the Fur, the largest ethnic group in Darfur, was optimistic about the new agreement. "I am hopeful that Sudan and Chad will stop supporting each other's rebels and this will reduce tensions," Sultan Salah Eldine Mahamat Fadoul told IRIN in an exclusive interview while visiting Dakar for the OIC meeting… The sultan's religious advisor voiced concern that the meeting between Deby and al-Bashir would not have any impact on people in the region. "They are not at all addressing the situation in a wider context," the Islamic advisor, Deputy-Iman Allami Mahmoud Ousmane, told IRIN. "It's not about ending human suffering in both countries." Estimates of the number of people killed as a directly and indirectly consequence of fighting in Darfur and eastern Chad run as high as 400,000 with some 2.7 million people displaced.

• Chad: Wade On Agreement - 'The Hand of God Has Helped Us': Agence de Presse Sénégalaise (Dakar):14 March 2008.

The peace agreement concluded between Chad and Sudan in Dakar, Thursday night, is "the beginning of the process" to make peace return to this region, President Abdoulaye Wade said in Dakar, Friday, stressing that he was "the instrument of the hand of God." The accord between the two countries "is for us the beginning of the process (...), the first stage to restore peace" in this African region undermined by instability, he told a news conference held at the end of the 11th Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC). "Two days ago," when President Deby arrived in Dakar, "elements of the Chadian opposition crossed the border and went to attack him," President Wade intimated. Both Sudan and Chad are confronted with armed conflicts in their territories, in addition to armed incursions that they are subjected to from both sides of the common border. Sudanese President Omar El Beshir and his Chadian counterpart Idriss Deby signed in Dakar, Thursday, a peace deal in order to "end for good" the differences between their countries. Under this accord concluded as a result of talks started in Dakar, in the afternoon, both states agree to "restore peace and security" between Chad and Sudan, but also in the sub-region.

REBEL, MILITANCY AND “WAR ON TERRROR”

202

WEST AFRICA

• Africa: UN, Islamic Group Must Work Together On Terrorism, Tolerance - Ban Ki-Moon: UN News Service (New York):13 March 2008.

The United Nations and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) "stand side by side" in forcefully rejecting any linkages between terrorism and Islam and in confronting a raft of other issues, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today. "You have spoken up against those who seek to justify violence in the name of religion," Mr. Ban told the Conference's summit in Dakar, Senegal. "Your efforts reinforce the UN's own steps to promote tolerance and understanding through the Alliance of Civilizations initiative, and I look forward to increasing UN-OIC collaboration in this area," he added. Calling the UN and the OIC, which represents one-fifth of the world’s population, natural allies, the Secretary-General also called for sustained cooperation on Middle East conflicts, Darfur, Somalia, extreme poverty and other pressing issues? He warned them that the situation in the Middle East remains precarious, nowhere more so than in the Gaza Strip, and urged Israel and the Palestinian Authority to take urgent measures to ease the suffering in Gaza and give hope to its people. He also expressed his regret that regional interests and domestic Lebanese dynamics have forestalled any breakthrough in the selection of a President there, and discussed the situations in Iraq and Iran. Mr. Ban spent most of his day today in meetings with heads of state and government on a range of issues, from the Middle East to Iraq, Afghanistan, Cyprus, Sudan and Chad. He met this morning with Somali President Abdullahi Yusuf and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, among others.

• Nigeria: Britain to Train Police On Terrorism – Okiro: Daily Trust (Abuja):11 March 2008.

Britain will soon train the first batch of the 308 selected police officers attached to the newly created police outfit, Nigerian Police Force Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), aimed at fighting terrorist acts in the country. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mike Mbama Okiro, revealed this yesterday while responding to question Abuja immediately after declaring a seminar on Anti-Terrorism open. He said that even though there was no support from other countries like America who are rated on the front line in the fight against terrorism globally, "very soon we are going to ask for some import from outside the country.”Infact the British will soon come to have some training with our men, to train them so to say," he disclosed… He further explained that though Nigeria has so far not experienced or recorded any international or local terrorist attacks, "we cannot say the same with regards to the domestic form of terrorism…"The terrorist resort to violence to create panic in the society. Terrorism has a unique feature of assassinations, hijacking of planes, derailment of trains, kidnapping, bank robberies and bomb attacks among others," he said.

EAST AFRICA

203 • Somalia: That Question Again, Terrorists Or Freedom Fighters?: Inter Press Service (Johannesburg):14 March 2008. OPINION POLL

SOUTHERN AFRICA

• Zimbabwe: Pre-Election Survey Shows Tsvangirai in Lead: SW Radio Africa (London):14 March 2008.

MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai has more support than Robert Mugabe and Simba Makoni combined, according to a recent pre-election survey by the Mass Public Opinion Institute (MPOI). Tsvangirai was favoured 28.3 percent by respondents, compared to Mugabe's 20.3 percent and Makoni's 8.6 percent. The MPOI was set up in 1999 'to promote and strengthen democratic governance through research.' It is run by respected political commentator and University of Zimbabwe lecturer Eldred Masunungure. Masunungure said a lot of votes are still up for grabs since a number of respondents refused to disclose their choices. A general climate of fear cultivated by successive violent election campaigns has meant many people are reluctant to discuss the candidates they will vote for. About 23.5 percent of those surveyed said their vote was secret, 7.5 percent had nothing to say, 5.4 percent will not vote, 4,4 percent said they didn't know. In addition 1 percent said they would vote for little known presidential candidate Langton Towungana, while the remaining 1,9 percent respondents were classed as 'other' in the report. Masunungure says it is unlikely any of the candidates can get an outright majority of over 51 percent in the first round of voting. This he says means a second round of voting will be necessary to choose between the two leading candidates. The MPOI survey has also revealed that at least 75 percent of people polled did not receive any voter education from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. Under the SADC guidelines governing elections and adopted in 2004, voter education is a key requirement to ensure free and fair elections.

NORTH AFRICA

• Morocco: New Round of UN-Led Talks On Western Sahara Begins: UN News Service (New York):14 March 2008.

Starting this Sunday, the United Nations will lead a fourth round of talks on Western Sahara, bringing together representatives from Morocco and the Frente Polisario on the outskirts of New York City, a UN spokesperson said today. The talks, to be held at the Greentree Estate in Manhasset on Long Island will also include representatives of neighbouring states, Algeria and Mauritania and will be facilitated by the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Peter van Walsum. Following the third round of discussions this past January, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that while it was a positive sign that the two sides had committed to a process of negotiations, they remained far apart on substantive issues. He said the talks were limited largely to preliminary discussions on thematic subjects such as administration, competencies and organs, and the parties discussed but did not agree on any confidence-building measures… The

204 UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) has been in the Territory since September 1991 to monitor the ceasefire between Morocco and the Frente Polisario.

• Nigeria: Bauchi Recruits 50 Egyptian Doctors: Daily Champion (Lagos):12 March 2008.

BAUCHI State Government has recruited 30 Egyptian doctors to bridge the doctor/patient ratio in the state. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Altine Bello, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Bauchi that all the Egyptian doctors can communicate fluently in English. "The cost implication to the state is moderate and beneficial to both parties.”We have offered them fantastic remuneration, including befitting residential accomodation and car loans", she said. The commissioner, however, expressed concern at the reluctance by Nigerian doctors to take up appointment with the State Government in spite of the offer made to them. "We have advertised for 60 vacancies, but only 39 indigenous doctors applied… She expressed optimism that the Egyptian doctors would help in ameliorating the shortage of doctors in the state's health service.Bello reiterated the commitment of government to revitalizing the health sector, adding that adequate measures had been put in place to curtail the recent outbreak of measles.

• Algeria: Trouble On Country's Border With Mali And Niger: The Nation (Nairobi):12 March 2008.

On the face of it, it is easy to say that Algeria's borders with Mali and Niger are secure and pretend that business is flourishing because there is peace. However, these countries have had to contend with acts of terrorism, illegal migration, illegal trade and arms trafficking which create a climate of uncertainty, unease and insecurity, with wider implications for sub-Saharan Africa. At the moment, the situation is particularly bad in northern Mali, which borders Algeria, where there is a rebellion by ethnic Targuis opposed to the central government and who continue to hold some military officers hostage. The rebel action is considered a blatant breach of the 2006 Algiers agreement, which aims are to pave the way for a peaceful and long-lasting solution…It is clear that neither the Algerian nor Malian authorities are happy with the situation, and they have doubled their efforts to find a solution through diplomacy… Malian President Amadou Toumani Touré was in Algiers last November. Before his visit, a committee made up of members from the two countries had met to promote bilateral co-operation and re- establish security and peace within their borders. It seems the countries are now determined to find a solution to the problem to restore hope and stability in the region. Those advocating a security option have called for the intervention of foreign troops. However, others prefer a negotiated settlement to the Targui issue, saying Africa has suffered enough from colonialism, tribalism and misery, and it is time the continent found home-grown solutions to its problems.

• Angola: Joint Commission Meets Wednesday in Luanda: Angola Press Agency (Luanda):12 March 2008.

205 Angola/Algeria joint commission is to meet on March 12-14, in Luanda, in its third session, during which will be signed some accords, under the existing co-operation between the two countries, ANGOP has learnt. According to a press note delivered to ANGOP, the Algerian team to the meeting will be led by the minister of Energy and Mining, Chakib Khelil, and also comprises directors of various sectors. Accords in the areas of maritime transports, geology and mining, health, as well as promotion and reciprocal protection of investments, as well as co-operation between the state-run radios stations, commerce and industry chamber will be signed. Participants to the meeting will also debate visa exemption on diplomatic and service passports.

• Algeria: Country Rocked By Debate Over President's Third Term Bid: The Nation (Nairobi):7 March 2008.

Constitution amendment and the bid for a third term are the key words you hear every day when you tune in to Algerian media. Although, presidential elections are due in April 2009, proponents of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's candidacy have already sparked off their media campaign. Mr Abdellaziz Belkhadem, Secretary -General of the National Liberation Front praises himself for being the first politician to declare his allegiance and that others are only followers. In fact, politics expert Mohamed Medjahed notes that the whole public debate is being squeezed to only review the 1996 Constitution and claims that that enables the current president to stand for a third term. Every political, social or cultural event in the country is seized as an opportunity to express support for constitution amendment. Political parties and members of civil society are running a fierce competition to be on the first row of dedicated supporters of a third term for President Bouteflika.Even independent parliamentarians, during a recent workshop, agreed to 'join the club of Bouteflika's fervent supporters'… Political parties and members of civil society are running a fierce competition to be on the first row of dedicated supporters of a third term for President Bouteflika. Even independent parliamentarians, during a recent workshop, agreed to 'join the club of Bouteflika's fervent supporters'. "It is quite a curious attitude of the independents, says Nabila Amir from Algerian prominent paper El Watan'. Coup d d'état : For his part, Mr Abdelhak Brerehi, former minister of high education in the 1980s and present secretary general of the Democratic Coordination Rally, considers 'the present media campaign as a prelude to a constitutional coup d d'état'… Mr Mehri, suggests that we have to set up a political dynamism that enables all forces and Algerian people to act and participate in the democratic process'. An economic openness without a political transparency leads inevitably to corruption, mismanagement and popular discontent', he concludes.

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206 BUSINESS AND POLITICS IN THE MUSLIM WORLD Weekly Presentation: March 25, 2008 Sub-Saharan Africa Abbas S Lamptey March 16 to March 22 2008 ------11. CHINA -AFRICA RELATIONS

SOUTHERN AFRICA Zimbabwe: IDC Repays U.S. $2,8m to Chinese Eximbank: The Herald (Harare):18 March 2008. Namibia: Namibians to Learn Mandarin: New Era (Windhoek):17 March 2008. Namibia: Govt to Address Criticism Against Chinese Builders: The Namibian (Windhoek):17 March 2008. Zambia: Veep Salutes Chinese Investors: The Times of Zambia (Ndola):20 March 2008. Zambia: Chinese Mine Manager Kills Copper Theft Suspect: The Times of Zambia (Ndola):17 March 2008. EAST AFRICA Kenya: You're True Ally, VP Tells China: The East African Standard (Nairobi):21 March 2008. Ethiopia: Country, China to Construct First Private Industrial Zone: The Daily Monitor (Addis Ababa):19 March 2008. 12. PAN AFRICA WEST AFRICA West Africa: Bad Economic Policies Driving Migration: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 21 March 2008. Africa: 'Africans Must Rise Above Artificial Borders’: This Day (Lagos):20 March 2008. Securities Market In West Africa To Be Integrated. SOUTHERN AFRICA South Africa: Country Joins Sri Lanka Conflict Resolution Conference: BuaNews (Tshwane):20 March 2008. EAST AFRICA Africa: Muslim Leaders Pledge Support for Inter-Faith Dialogue: Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi):19 March 2008. Central Africa: Great Lakes MPs to Form Forum: The Monitor (Kampala):20 March 2008. Somalia: Nigerian Military Officers' Mogadishu Visit Marred By Violence: Garowe Online (Garowe):20 March 2008. Uganda: Country, Rwanda Sign Oil: New Vision (Kampala):20 March 2008. CENTRAL AFRICA Rwanda: AU Releases Funds for Darfur Fallen Soldier’s Families: The New Times (Kigali):21 March 2008.

207 Africa: Gadaffi Urges African, Arab Youth to Unite: The New Times (Kigali):18 March 2008.

13. HUMAN RIGHTS, GENDER AND SOCIAL ISSUES

WEST AFRICA Africa: New Review Aims to Ensure Universal Coverage of Human Rights: Commonwealth News and Information Service: (London):20 March 2008. Niger: Time to Release Moussa Kaka, Arrested Exactly Six Months Ago: Reporters sans Frontières (Paris): PRESS RELEASE. 19 March 2008. Liberia: Special Court for Sexual Violence Underway: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 21 March 2008. Gambia: 75 Percent of Women are Subject to FGM - Says Gamcotrap Coordinator: FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda):20 March 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA Zimbabwe: Free and Fair Election Unlikely: Human Rights Watch (Washington, DC): PRESS RELEASE: 19 March 2008. Zimbabwe: Soldier Accused of Rape: The Herald (Harare):21 March 2008. EAST AFRICA Uganda: Tolerate Other Religions: New Vision (Kampala):21 March 2008. Libya: Bible Altered, Says Gadaffi: New Vision (Kampala):19 March 2008. Uganda: Drama as Gadaffi Opens National Mosque: New Vision (Kampala):19 March 2008. Eritrea: The Existing Religious Harmony is Exemplary - Sheik Al-Amin Osman: Shabait.com (Asmara):20 March 2008. Eritrea: Maulid A'Nebi Celebrated Across Nation: Shabait.com (Asmara):20 March 2008. Uganda: The Fight Against Female Circumcision: The Monitor (Kampala):22 March 2008. Kenya: UN Rejects Amnesty on Violence: The East African Standard (Nairobi):20 March 2008. CENTRAL AFRICA Rwanda: Journalists Want Umuco Newspaper Suspended: The New Times (Kigali):20 March 2008. Chad: Civilians Flee As Govt Targets Critics: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 20 March 2008. Chad: Govt Suspends Due Process to Destroy 1,000 Houses: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 19 March 2008. Rwanda: Survivors Condemn Killings, Call for Action: The New Times (Kigali):21 March 2008. Congo-Kinshasa: UN Population Fund Joins in Campaign Against Sexual Violence: UN News Service (New York):19 March 2008.

14. REFUGEES AND MIGRATION ISSUES

208 WEST AFRICA Ghana: Cessation Clause Invoked Over Refugee Demos: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 20 March 2008. Liberia: There is Positive Response On Refugees’ Crisis: The Inquirer (Monrovia):20 March 2008.

EAST AFRICA Kenya: Refugees Protest At 'Neglect': The Nation (Nairobi):22 March 2008. South Africa: 'We'll Kill the Somalians If They Come Back': Cape Argus (Cape Town):19 March 2008. CENTRAL AFRICA • Central African Republic: Chadian Army Attacks, Burns Border Villages: Human Rights Watch (Washington, DC): PRESS RELEASE: 19 March 2008.

15. HEALTH MATTERS (HIV/AIDS, MALARIA, TB)

WEST AFRICA • Nigeria: Lagos Opens 25 Dots Centres to Fight Tuberculosis: Leadership (Abuja):21 March 2008. • Nigeria: Country 3rd in Global TB Prevalence: Daily Trust (Abuja):21 March 2008. • Nigeria: Bird Flu - Govt Pays N623m Compensation: Leadership (Abuja):21 March 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA • Zimbabwe: Report Paints Grim Picture of Health Sector: Financial Gazette (Harare):20 March 2008. EAST AFRICA • Uganda: Medics Stealing Drugs From Health Centres, Stocking Their Private Clinics: New Vision (Kampala):21 March 2008. • Uganda: 10 Million People Face Sleeping Sickness Threat: New Vision (Kampala):19 March 2008. • Kenya: Experts Sound Alert Over Deadly TB Strain: The Nation (Nairobi):21 March 2008. CENTRAL AFRICA • Central African Republic: Unclean Water Threatens Health of One Million, UN Warns: UN News Service (New York):20 March 2008.

16. ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE MATTERS

WEST AFRICA • Nigeria: Rainstorm Destroys 200 Houses in Abuja: Daily Trust (Abuja):21 March 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA

209 • South Africa: Johannesburg Ranks High in Environment Report: BuaNews (Tshwane):20 March 2008. • Namibia: Flood Victims Need More Than $1 Million of Assistance – UNICEF: UN News Service (New York):23 March 2008. EAST AFRICA • Uganda: Drought Resistant Corn in the Offing: The Monitor (Kampala):21 March 2008. • Uganda: 2 Jinja Factories Closed: New Vision (Kampala):19 March 2008. • Uganda: Encroachers Build in Mbarara Forest: New Vision (Kampala):18 March 2008. • Uganda: 'Survival of the Fittest' As Food Crisis Bites Karamoja Region: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 20 March 2008. • Kenya: Drought and Fire Take Toll on Animals: The Nation (Nairobi):20 March 2008. CENTRAL AFRICA • Cameroon: Commonwealth Advocates Environmental Protection: The Post (Buea):16 March 2008.

17. ENERGY

WEST AFRICA • West Africa: BJ PPS Pre-Commissions Final Segments of Gas Pipe: Leadership (Abuja):20 March 2008. • Nigeria: Wind, Nuclear Energy Solution to Power Problem – Minister: Daily Trust (Abuja):20 March 2008. • Gambia: Flights Delayed in Country, Due to Lack of Gas: Freedom Newspaper (Raleigh, North Carolina):20 March 2008.

SOUTHERN AFRICA • Angola: Country Second Largest Exporter to Canada in 2007: Angola Press Agency (Luanda):20 March 2008. • Zimbabwe: Power Cuts Deepen Economic Crisis: Financial Gazette (Harare):20 March 2008. EAST AFRICA • Kenya: Oil Firms May Stop Selling Gas :The Nation (Nairobi) :22 March 2008.

18. DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY

EAST AFRICA • Kenya: Tourism Needs Six Months to Recoup Post-Poll Losses: The Nation (Nairobi) :22 March 2008.

19. DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

SOUTHERN AFRICA

210 • Zimbabwe: Political Violence Rocks Housing Complex On Gold Mine: SW Radio Africa (London):21 March 2008.

20. PEACEKEEPING, CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND SECURITY MATTERS

WEST AFRICA • Gambia: On the Ghanaian Murder Allegation: FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda):20 March 2008. SOUTHERN AFRICA • Angola: About 52,000 Firearms Collected Since 2002: Angola Press Agency (Luanda):20 March 2008. • Zimbabwe: ANC to Army - Back Off! :Financial Gazette (Harare):20 March 2008. EAST AFRICA • Somalia: 'Seize Window of Opportunity to Bring Peace’: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks :19 March 2008. • Sudan: Darfur Mission Still Lacks Equipment: The New Times (Kigali):19 March 2008. • Kenya: An Intractable Land Dispute Grinds On: Inter Press Service (Johannesburg):19 March 2008. • Kenya: Scholars And MPs Review Crisis: The Nation (Nairobi): 22 March 2008. • Kenya: Body to Probe Violence Formed: The Nation (Nairobi):21 March 2008. • Uganda: MPs Seek CAR Help On Kony: New Vision (Kampala): 20 March 2008. • Kenya: Githongo Blames World Bank for Chaos: The Nation: Nairobi):22 March 2008. CENTRAL AFRICA • Chad: UN Mission Signs Status Agreement: UN News Service (New York):22 March 2008.

21. REBEL, MILITANCY AND “WAR ON TERRROR”

WEST AFRICA • Nigeria: Militants Give Niger Delta Govs Conditions for Peace: Vanguard (Lagos):21 March 2008. • Nigeria: Clerics Commend Sylva Over Reduction of Militancy: Leadership (Abuja):20 March 2008. • Nigeria: Fire Destroys Navy Boats, At Least 2 Dead: Leadership (Abuja):22 March 2008. • Senegal: Rebels Act On Kidnap Threats in Casamance: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks :20 March 2008. EAST AFRICA • Somalia: Gunmen Open Fire On Puntland Finance Minister’s Vehicle: Garowe Online (Garowe):21 March 2008.

211 • Kenya: 22 Killed as Bandits Raid Districts in Fresh Violence: The Nation (Nairobi):20 March 2008. CENTRAL AFRICA • Burundi: FNL Dissidents Loot Homes: Burundi Réalités (Bujumbura):21 March 2008.

22. NORTH AFRICA • Algeria: UN Needs to Restore Its Image, Says Panel Boss: The Nation (Nairobi):19 March 2008. • Morocco: Latest Round of UN-Led Talks on Western Sahara Wrap up: UN News Service (New York):18 March 2008. • Algeria: Country Explains Decision to Expel American Evangelist: The Nation (Nairobi):20 March 2008. • Algeria: Journalist Who Wrote About Alleged Corruption Charged, Placed Under Judicial Control: Reporters sans Frontières (Paris): PRESS RELEASE: 17 March 2008. • Rwanda: Egypt Donates Medicine Worth Frw33 Million: The New Times (Kigali):17 March 2008. The Report In Detail

23. CHINA -AFRICA RELATIONS

SOUTHERN AFRICA Zimbabwe: IDC Repays U.S. $2,8m to Chinese Eximbank: The Herald (Harare):18 March 2008. The Industrial Development Corporation has so far managed to repay about US$2,8 million of the US$17,9 million owed to the Chinese Eximbank.The loan was used to fund construction of the Sino Zimbabwe Cement Plant in 1997. Under the agreement IDC was supposed to make two payments in March and September of every year loan repayments were due to start in 2006. IDC's acting general manager, Mr Peter Madara said they were committed to honouring their loan obligations. "We have settled the installment for September and we are looking at settling the one that is due this month but as I said we have not been waiting for the installment to become due but we have been paying the installment off as we get foreign currency," he said. Mr Madara said they were grateful to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, which granted them special dispensation to use foreign proceeds accrued from exports made by the cement company to pay off the loan… The Chinese bank advanced the first loan in 1997, while the second one was dispatched to IDC in 2000. The restructuring agreement also allowed IDC to negotiate for the reduction on the annual interest rate on the two loans. Originally, the US$12,1 million and US$5,8 million carried annual interest rates of four and three percent respectively but after the restructuring the rates were reviewed to two percent. IDC's loan repayments are in line with the restructured repayments as the company had managed to start repayments after the eight-year grace period that was calculated from the time the Sino Zimbabwe project was commissioned in 1999. IDC holds a 35 percent stake in the Cement Company with

212 the other 65 percent stake belonging to the Chinese Building and Material Company. Both Companies are public entities. Namibia: Namibians to Learn Mandarin: New Era (Windhoek):17 March 2008. Unam's centre for Chinese Language Studies has started offering Chinese courses to equip Namibians with Chinese language skills. The centre was established last year and launched by former Chinese Ambassador to Namibia, Liang Yinzhu, and Vice Chancellor Professor Lazarus Hangula to promote interdisciplinary research and understanding of Asian cultures, languages and values within Namibia and the Southern African Development Community. Unam's Public Relations Officer, Utaara Hoveka, on Friday said considering the increasing role China and its people are playing in Namibia and the global arena at large, Unam saw it fit to establish the centre. He said the university hopes that the establishment of the centre will not only ease communication between Namibian and Chinese nationals, but also create opportunities for Namibians wishing to travel to China…The courses, being offered at three levels, will also come in handy for Namibia especially in its drive to attract Chinese tourists to the country. Already, 28 Namibian tour operators have indicated interest to get involved in the Chinese market, according to Namibia Tourism Board Strategic Executive: Marketing and Research, Shareen Thude… The Chinese Language Council International has seconded Chinese language expert, Professor Hao Jie to the centre. He worked as Deputy Director of Language and Culture at the Centre for Diplomatic Staff. Jie studied Chinese Language and Literature and Chinese Language and Culture at the Beijing Normal University and the Communication University of China. Namibia: Govt to Address Criticism Against Chinese Builders: The Namibian (Windhoek):17 March 2008. Foreign-owned construction companies, especially from China, operating in Namibia should adhere to local labour laws and the minimum wages agreed between labour unions and the federation of construction companies, Labour Minister Alfeus Naruseb has said. Responding to questions posed by opposition MP Jurie Viljoen (MAG), Naruseb said in Parliament on Thursday that the "problem to which Honourable Viljoen alludes is a serious problem". Viljoen had asked the Minster why Namibian builders had to compete against "25 construction companies from the Far East", which usually received Government tenders, although not adhering to Namibian labour laws and tender provisions..."They alleged that the Tender Board regularly awards tenders to building contractors who do not adhere to the agreement of minimum wages and that the contractors hire sub-contractors who also do not adhere to the industry's agreements… Minimum wages for labourers in the construction industry start at N$8 an hour, but most Chinese companies in the sector pay far less, a ministerial report revealed last year. Chinese building contractors paid workers around N$3 an hour and they contravened several sections of the Labour Act, the report said. In addition, these Chinese firms employed workers mostly from Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Asia. Recently several Namibian building companies filed an urgent application in the High Court because a Chinese company was awarded the tender to construct new Government buildings, but allegedly did not comply with the Affirmative Action Act and the labour law. The court dismissed the application, saying it was not urgent. The Construction Industries Federation of Namibia (CIF) last year claimed that "not one single Chinese [building] contractor in the country is in possession of a valid affirmative action

213 compliance certificate", after having received a copy of the report. The CIF further alleged that "Government fails to act, although the Employment Equity Commission (EEC) and the Tender Board of the Government are fully aware of the situation". Zambia: Veep Salutes Chinese Investors: The Times of Zambia (Ndola):20 March 2008. VICE-President, Rupiah Banda, has commended the team of Chinese investors for its plans to establish a mining company in Copperbelt Province. Mr Banda said plans by the Chinese investors to establish the mining firm was welcome and that the country had continued to enjoy good relations with China. Mr Banda was speaking when a team of Chinese investors and officials from the Export-Import Bank (EXIM) of China, led by Chinese ambassador to Zambia Li Qiangmin, paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Lusaka yesterday. He said the cooperation by the two countries had continued to grow and that the Zambian Government attached great importance to the bilateral relations between the two countries. He said he was happy that the bank decided to accompany EXIM officials to Zambia who had plans of establishing a mine with a view of assessing assistance that could be rendered towards setting up the mine. And EXIM Bank vice- president, Liu Liange, said the company was in the country with a view of establishing a mine and that China was happy with the relation it had continued to enjoy with Zambia… Zambia: Chinese Mine Manager Kills Copper Theft Suspect: The Times of Zambia (Ndola):17 March 2008. A CHINESE national has shot dead a suspected criminal at Boaxing Mining in Ndola where he attempted to steal copper plates. According to the police, the suspect was shot around 03:00 hours on Saturday. A firearm believed to have been used in several thefts was recovered from the scene. The police said the suspect could not have been alone because he was communicating with some people as he was hauling the copper over the perimeter wall fence before he was shot. Some metals and copper wires found at the scene were taken to Masala Police Station pending investigations. The identity of the suspect was not known, but the police were trying to call some numbers in the mobile phone found in his pocket to locate either his relatives or friends. A Times reporter was barred from seeing the Chinese national, a director at the mining firm, who shot the suspect. EAST AFRICA Kenya: You're True Ally, VP Tells China: The East African Standard (Nairobi):21 March 2008. Vice-President, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, has commended China and other friendly countries for standing in solidarity with Kenya during the post-election crisis. Kalonzo particularly thanked the Chinese Government for not issuing negative travel advisories to its citizens. Several countries had warned their nationals against visiting Kenya at the height of the political stalemate. Kalonzo said the Government appreciated China's help to reconstruct two learning institutions destroyed in the violence. "This is indeed a demonstration of good friendship. China came in at a time of need and expressed willingness to help in national healing and reconstruction," he said. The Vice-President spoke on Wednesday evening at a cocktail hosted by the China Radio International and the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation. The event was in honour of a Chinese media delegation. The delegation comprises representatives of 19 TV stations in China. They are in the country for one week to shoot documentaries. Kalonzo praised China's

214 relationship with Africa, saying the Asian giant understood better the plight of the continent and the best approach in tackling her challenges. Ethiopia: Country, China to Construct First Private Industrial Zone: The Daily Monitor (Addis Ababa):19 March 2008. Ethiopia on Monday signed an accord with a Chinese company for the construction of what is to be the first ever private industrial zone. Under the agreement, Jiangsu Qiyuan Investment Group will construct the zone in Dukem, a small town some 37 kms on the Addis- Nazareth main road at a cost of five billion China Yuan Renminbi. "A new type of economy development model based on the almost 20 years' experience from China will appear in Ethiopia," said a written material made available for the media. The industrial zone whose construction will begin early this year, will encorprate a multi sector industries ranging from investment in textile and garment, shoe, cotton and Jeans processing, leather and leather product, construction machineries, electrical materials and steel manufacturing sectors. The idea is to build the industries and to invite the private sector-local and international-to invest on the industries of their interest. The industrial zone is said to have economic achievements where approximately 80 projects will be established allowing the government to obtain RMB 800 million each year in taxes collected after the tax exemption period. Over 20 Chinese companies have already shown interest to invest in the soon to be established industries. To be named the Ethiopian Eastern Industrial Zone', the project is expected to create 10-20 thousands of job opportunities. Speaking after the signing ceremony held at the ministry's premises, Tadesse Haile, State Minister of Trade and Industry said, the project was in line with Ethiopia's development strategy where industrialization was a priority… He said now that the agreement was signed, the construction of five projects will begin shortly, as part of the 80-industries projects. 24. PAN AFRICA

WEST AFRICA West Africa: Bad Economic Policies Driving Migration: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 21 March 2008. If West African governments are serious about reducing migration from their countries they must invest in improving living conditions and reducing inequality, according to sociologists, economists and other experts meeting in the Senegalese capital, Dakar, this week. "As long as governments do not attack the longstanding and structural problems that make people leave, I think they are completely off-track," Cheikh Omar Ba, a Senegalese sociologist with the Initiative for Rural and Agricultural Futures said. Ba was among technical experts and government officials at a 17-19 March conference on migration and development in Africa. A principal aim of the conference - organised by the International Organization for Migration, the Dakar-based foundation Trust Africa and the UN's African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP) - was to urge African governments to incorporate migration into their national development strategies. Inequality "The distribution of economic gains is still largely inequitable, leaving the vast majority of the people below the poverty line," IDEP's Aloysius Ajab Amin told participants, blaming economic policies that are failing people in much of sub- Saharan Africa. Climate dangers The fallout of climate change is increasingly seen as a driver of migration. While global effects from climate change are inevitable, in this area,

215 too, participants said, governments can help rural communities adapt so they can continue to feed themselves… African governments have developed plans for adapting to climate change - covering several sectors including agriculture - but they have yet to be implemented. "Migration is a reaction to scarcity - scarcity created by external forces but also by government policy," he said. Africa: 'Africans Must Rise Above Artificial Borders’: This Day (Lagos):20 March 2008. Governor Sule Lamido has urged Africans to take advantage of the socio-cultural affinities existing across international borders in the continent to establish relationships which would ultimately "strengthen the black race." Lamido made this appeal in Dutse while receiving Ibrahim Belko, the Governor of Dosso Region in Niger Republic who is in the state to attend the traditional celebration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad . According to Lamido, African leaders can help their people achieve this all important integration through political commitment and by creating bilateral relations on socio- cultural practices that are congruous. " Nigeria and Niger people are but one people divided by colonial powers; we speak one language, enjoy common culture, we have long standing family affinities and are bound together by one religion. These affinities surely beg to be exploited for peaceful coexistence," he explained… Dosso region is in the south west corner of Niger Republic and it shares borders with some states in northern Nigeria, including Jigawa. Securities Market In West Africa To Be Integrated. Modalities for the integration of stock exchanges in West Africa are been worked out in Lagos by financial experts and capital market operators from Ghana, Ivory Coast and other countries in the region. The discussion on this laudable initiative is being held at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Lagos, southwest of the country, under the auspices of the US Department of Trade. The Director, West Africa Monetary institute (WAMI), Joseph Nnana said “the harmonization of the securities market would make it possible for west African capital market operators to trade with one another on-line.” Modalities In order to ensure success of the bold initiative, financial consultant were hired by on behalf of WAMI by the US department of Trade to work out a proposal for the integration of the Nigeria and Ghana stock Exchange and other countries of West Africa including the French speaking countries. The proposal among others will include” the regulatory frame work, legal frame work, IT platform and the harmonisation of accounting system of these Exchanges”. This will enable investors in any West African countries to access and buy shares of quoted companies. For efficiency of initiative capital market operators were charged to learn the languages of other countries to enhance easy communication on documents and online systems. Laudable .An Assistant Director- General, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Lance Musa Elakama described the initiative is a laudable one “given the small sizes of African securities, markets, growth and economic impact would be better served through regional integration or any form of strategic alliances that would enable the African continent take advantage of economies of scale”. Early in the last decade, Heads of State of African countries under the auspices of the African Union had resolved that the continent should each promote the establishment of stock exchanges as part of the initiative toward sustainable development. Currently, there are about 19 stock exchanges in Africa assisting to grow the continent economy. SOUTHERN AFRICA

216 South Africa: Country Joins Sri Lanka Conflict Resolution Conference: BuaNews (Tshwane):20 March 2008. South Africa is to attend an international conference aimed at ending the conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Representing the South African government, Deputy Minister of Communications Roy Padayachie will address the two-day International Seminar on Ethnic Conflict, taking place in London on Saturday. "The South African Government has consistently sought to encourage and lend support to the creation of a climate conducive to a finding a lasting solution to the Sri Lankan conflict. "Our effort at this international gathering will once again call upon the leadership of all of Sri Lanka's diverse people to recommit to a ceasefire and to use all possible endeavours to return to the negotiating table. "We mourn the loss of life as a result of the intensification of violence and we will make every effort to share our experiences in the peaceful settlement of conflicts, reconciliation and nation building that we have learnt from our own transition process from apartheid to democracy with the Sri Lankan people. "We have been consistently urged by the South African Tamil groups and organisations and the broader South African public to play a role in support of Sri Lanka's return to peaceful reconciliation and development," Mr Padayachie said. The seminar will contribute to the growing world opinion urging Sri Lankans to observe the 2002 ceasefire and return to the negotiating table to seek a lasting solution to the conflict emanating from the LTTE's struggle for the creation of an independent state… According to the Department of Communications, the conference will mobilise politicians and ministers, jurists and other eminent scholars and dignitaries from Sri Lanka, Australia, India, Malaysia, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, United States of America, Norway, United Kingdom and South Africa. South Africa is internationally hailed for stepping out of the apartheid era into democracy without a civil war. In terms of conflict resolution on the continent, South Africa has engaged in various support and peacekeeping operations in 12 countries. These countries include Uganda, Burundi, the Comoros, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Rwanda, Eritrea/Ethiopia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan and Cote d'Ivoire… EAST AFRICA Africa: Muslim Leaders Pledge Support for Inter-Faith Dialogue: Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi):19 March 2008. Leaders of Muslim nations attending the Organisation of the Islamic Conference here pledged to preserve world peace and security and ensure development of member countries. They said this in a declaration dubbed 'The Dakar Declaration' at the end of the 11th summit of the OIC held March 13 to 14. The summit supported dialogue of civilisations and recommended a preparatory phase with the holding of a major international meeting on the Islam-Christian dialogue involving governments. The leaders pledged to work harder to combat islamophobia; to make sure that Islam's true image is better projected the world over based on the outlines of the ten-year OIC action plan, adopted in 2005 in Mecca. The leaders also agreed to slam all forms and demonstrations of extremism and dogmatism, incompatible with Islam which is a religion of moderation and peaceful coexistence, the Dakar Declaration said. The declaration reiterated disapproval of terrorism, calling it a world phenomenon not related to any religion, race, colour or country.

217 Central Africa: Great Lakes MPs to Form Forum: The Monitor (Kampala):20 March 2008. MEMBERS of Parliament in the 11 member states of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region have agreed to form a Parliamentary Forum that will among other things push the executive to implement protocols on security aimed at preventing conflicts in the region. The member states are Angola, Burundi, Central Republic of Africa, republic of Congo, and the Democratic republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. The Member of Parliament for Buikwe North, Mr Onyango Kakoba who led the Ugandan delegation to attend the second regional Forum of the Parliamentarians of the Great Lakes region in Bujumbura early this month told journalists yesterday that the heads of state and government in the 11 countries signed a pact on security, stability, peace and development in the region on December 15, 2006. Somalia: Nigerian Military Officers' Mogadishu Visit Marred By Violence: Garowe Online (Garowe):20 March 2008. A 10-man team of Nigerian military officers landed in the Somali capital Thursday to meet with government officials and African Union commanders on the ground, officials said. A spokesman for the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) told reporters that the Nigerian officers came to Mogadishu to assess the security situation for the possible deployment of a Nigerian battalion to join the 2,000-strong AMISOM peacekeeping force already in place. The AU had approved an 8,000-strong force to help the Somali transitional government secure Mogadishu, which is reeling from a bloody insurgency that has killed thousands of people since early 2007. So far, only 1,600 soldiers from Uganda and roughly 400 Burundian peacekeepers have arrived in Mogadishu. AU officials have repeatedly expressed their desire to boost the AMISOM peacekeeping effort, but cite financial and logistical reasons for the shortage. As the Nigerian officers met with AMISOM officials, suspected insurgents overran government security forces stationed near the city's main Bakara market. Insurgents briefly seized control of two major intersections that lead into Bakara after heavy fighting, witnesses said. Hundreds of civilians poured into the streets after the guerrilla fighters chased away the government soldiers, who reportedly left behind two armored vehicles, according to eyewitnesses. At least 10 people, including several civilians, were killed during the fighting. The bodies of three dead government soldiers remained on the ground for longer than an hour. More than 25 people were rushed to local hospitals for treatment, medical sources said. Government troops returned peacefully to the two intersections they fled earlier, after the insurgents left the area… Uganda: Country, Rwanda Sign Oil: New Vision (Kampala):20 March 2008. UGANDA and Rwanda signed an agreement in Kampala on Wednesday to build an oil pipeline that connects their capitals. The pipeline had originally been planned to carry oil from Eldoret in Kenya to Kampala but will now extend to Kigali. Tamoil East Africa, a Libyan state-owned company, is a partner in the public-private partnership venture which has dragged on for years. Energy minister Daudi Migereko and the Rwandan minister of state for energy, Albert Butare, signed for their countries. The ceremony took place at Serena Kampala Hotel. Presidents Yoweri Museveni and Paul Kagame of Rwanda were present, according to a statement issued by State House yesterday… Kagame thanked Gadaffi for his spirit of African brotherhood through which he has worked to enhance Africa's economic transformation. He hoped the oil pipeline would be extended to

218 Bujumbura, describing it as an important milestone towards the region's economic integration and development. Gadaffi said Africa moving towards economic development. He said with strong and revolutionary leaders, the continent would overcome economic stagnation. CENTRAL AFRICA Rwanda: AU Releases Funds for Darfur Fallen Soldier’s Families: The New Times (Kigali):21 March 2008. The Ministry of Defence has received compensation for six Rwandan peacekeepers who died while serving under the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) in Darfur, the ministry has revealed. “The Ministry received six cheques of US$100,000 (approx. Frw55m) for each fallen soldier, totalling to US$600,000 (Frw330m) from the African Union (AU) in respect of the six RDF late comrades who died while serving under the AMIS," Military Spokesman, Maj. Jill Rutaremara, confirmed on Wednesday. He said that the cheques were received on March 11, and that the money is meant for the surviving next of kin of the fallen solders. The compensation is for the families of the dead soldiers namely: Lt William Ntayomba, Sgt. Fidel Kamufozi, Cpl. Leonard Munyaneza, Cpl. Ntirenganya Gafishi, Cpl. Pierre Nabambona and Pte. Cyprien Barakengera. Rutaremara said that the AU released compensation for the first soldier, Cpl. David Niyonsaba, who died in Darfur October 19, 2005, much earlier. "In short AU has paid the compensation for seven RDF personnel totalling to $700, 000," he stressed… The country currently has at least 3,500 soldiers in the hybrid AU-UN force in Darfur (UNAMID), which took over from AMIS on December 31, 2007. An estimated 200,000 people have died and 2.5 million others left homeless in the war-torn region since 2003. Africa: Gadaffi Urges African, Arab Youth to Unite: The New Times (Kigali):18 March 2008. Youth in African and Arab nations should consolidate partnership between them for unity, peace and sustainable development in their respective countries, Libyan President Colonel Muammar Gadaffi has said. He was speaking at the closure of a ten-day Afro- Arab youth festival which has been taking place at the Speke Resort Muyonyo in Kampala, Uganda. Gadaffi advised the Afro-Arab youth to actively participate in the development of their countries. "The Afro-Arab youth must take up the responsibility of developing and resolving issues in their countries. You must resist foreign influence and dependency if your countries are to develop," he said. "All the problems we have here in Africa can be solved by our own zeal as Africans with clear visionary leadership for the people. For those rich nations which want to give us aid, let them do so but with no strings attached. "These strings are a means of suppressing us. We need to invest together as Africans and Arabs because two-thirds of Arabs live in Africa," the Libyan leader said… At the festival which attracted about 2,000 delegates from Afro-Arab countries. 25. HUMAN RIGHTS, GENDER AND SOCIAL ISSUES

WEST AFRICA Africa: New Review Aims to Ensure Universal Coverage of Human Rights: Commonwealth News and Information Service: (London):20 March 2008. The Commonwealth Secretariat has facilitated discussions aimed at helping countries prepare human rights reports for a new review mandated by the United Nations General Assembly. The Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review will - for the first

219 time - explore the human rights situation in all UN member countries, regardless of size or wealth. The review will allow human rights records of these countries - which includes all 53 members of the Commonwealth - to be examined regularly. Twenty-five representatives from governments, National Human Rights Institutions and NGOs from nine Commonwealth member countries attended the two-day meeting, held at Marlborough House in London. Presentations were made by government officials from the UK and Zambia as well as experts from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), who helped countries, improve their understanding of the process… The meeting, organised with the Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, took place on 17 and 18 March 2008. It was facilitated by the Human Rights Unit with the support of Mr Guiliano Comba Head of the UPR Section and Ibrahim Salama, Chief of the Treaties and Councils Branch of the OHCHR. Niger: Time to Release Moussa Kaka, Arrested Exactly Six Months Ago: Reporters sans Frontières (Paris): PRESS RELEASE. 19 March 2008. The Niger Association of Independent Press Editors (ANEPI) and the Network of Journalists for Human Rights (RJDH) - two Niamey-based organisations - have joined Reporters Without Borders in signing an appeal for the release of Moussa Kaka, the Niger correspondent of Radio France Internationale (RFI), who was arrested in Niamey on 20 September, exactly six months ago. The text of the appeal: "This is Moussa Kaka in Niamey for RFI." No one has heard this sign-off for the past six months. A well-known and respected journalist is no longer able to talk about his country. Africans who live with an ear glued to a radio set no longer have someone talking to them from Niamey. Niger has fallen silent. It is Moussa Kaka who has become a news item, as he is now in prison. For the past six months, his name has only been heard in radio and TV broadcasts when presenters have reported the bad news that he is still detained. We are journalists. We know that this is a difficult job, in Europe as in Africa. It is often thankless. It can be dangerous. It is often irritating for governments. But it is indispensable if you want to let a country continue to live and breathe. "If you want honey, you have to have the courage to deal with bees," the Senegalese say. Six months is enough. It is time Niger returned to the fold of democratic African nations. Freeing Moussa Kaka would rid Niger of the dark clouds that been oppressing it for the past six months. It would free Niger of the weight of suspicion and reproach. It would release Niger from a crisis that has dragged on too long. Liberia: Special Court for Sexual Violence Underway: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 21 March 2008. The Liberian government has created a special court to deal with not only rising rape cases, but also other forms of violence against women, Liberia's Information Minister Laurence Bropleh told IRIN. "The government has agreed to set up this court and the building is being built right now," he said on 19 March. During Liberia's 14 year civil conflict 850,000 people fled their homes and at least 270,000 were killed. During the war the rape of girls and women was widespread. Since peace was sealed in 2003, sex crimes - and impunity for them - have persisted throughout the country. Although a rape law was enacted in December 2005 which made rape a crime with a maximum of a life sentence for those found guilty, rape cases have continued to rise according to rights groups. Half

220 of reported rape cases are attacks against teenage girls between the ages of 10 to15 years old according to government statistics. Advocacy Effort: Liberia's women rights groups led by the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) had been advocating for the setting up of the special court for two years. The organisation frequently blamed the slow progress of rape cases through the existing courts for the lack of justice for rape victims. The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Liberia has already established the Women and Children Protection Section (WCPS) of the national police dealing with sexual and other abuses against women. Officials there say rape is the crime most frequently reported to the section. Encouraged: The United Nations Mission in Liberia's (UNMIL) latest human rights situation report released in November 2007 identified the failure to try cases of gender-based violence as a "challenge to the rule of law and the protection of fundamental human rights" in post-war Liberia. "The failure of the state to prosecute impacted negatively on the rights of women and girls to equal protection afforded by the law", the report said. Gambia: 75 Percent of Women are Subject to FGM - Says Gamcotrap Coordinator: FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda):20 March 2008. The Coordinator of GAMCOTRAP, Dr. Isatou Touray, has said that 75% of Gambian women are subjected to FGM. Dr. Touray made these remarks recently when a group of journalists, who were undergoing an eight days training program on human rights, visited her office in Bakau. Dr. Touray said that there is no recent statistics at the moment to show the trend but they believe it is on the decline. "It is obviously on the decline," says Dr. Touray. She explained that they have covered 63 communities in the country and that people have dropped down their knives against FGM, after being sensitized on its effects and implications, meaning that people who were practicing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) have stopped it. The coordinator of Gamcotrap further said that the wind of change has come and that people are not aware of the effects FGM on them. SOUTHERN AFRICA Zimbabwe: Free and Fair Election Unlikely: Human Rights Watch (Washington, DC): PRESS RELEASE: 19 March 2008. As Zimbabweans head to the polls in the country's March 29 elections, serious electoral flaws and human rights abuses by the government undermine any meaningful prospect of free and fair elections, Human Rights Watch said today. In a 59-page report, "All Over Again: Human Rights Abuses and Flawed Electoral Conditions in Zimbabwe's Coming General Elections," Human Rights Watch documents how the government and the ruling party ZANU-PF, in the run up to the 2008 elections, have engaged in widespread intimidation of the opposition; have restricted freedom of association and assembly; and have manipulated food and farming equipment distribution to gain political advantage. Human Rights Watch also documented biased media coverage in addition to numerous incidents of police and state-security violence against human rights activists and perceived opposition supporters throughout Zimbabwe. The report is based on research conducted over seven weeks across the country and in the capital, Harare. "Despite some improvements on paper to the election regulations, Zimbabweans aren't free to vote for the candidates of their choice," said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "While there are four candidates running for president and many political parties involved, the election process itself is skewed." Zimbabweans will vote in synchronized presidential, parliamentary, senatorial, and local elections, the first

221 since changes to Zimbabwe's constitution in 2007… SADC's post-election assessments of Zimbabwe's last three elections were alarmingly positive despite the widespread human rights abuses and electoral irregularities that were documented by local and international organizations. Previous presidential elections in 2002, which re-elected President Robert Mugabe, were characterized by violence and electoral malpractice, mostly by the ruling party Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU- PF) and the state security forces. Similar flaws and violations were documented during parliamentary elections in 2000 and 2005. After SADC named South African President Thabo Mbeki as mediator between the ruling party and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in March 2007, the South African government stated that one of its main objectives was to ensure credible elections in Zimbabwe, the outcome of which would not be contested. But the current repression in Zimbabwe shows that objective has not been met. Zimbabwe: Soldier Accused of Rape: The Herald (Harare):21 March 2008. A HARARE soldier allegedly picked up a desperate 13-year-old girl at Market Square Bus Terminus in the city and took her to his house where he raped her on two occasions.The teenage girl allegedly spent the whole night in Jacob Danda's Kambuzuma house before she was released the following morning. Jacob Danda (20), who works at Zimbabwe National Army's One Commando in Cranborne, yesterday appeared at the Harare Magistrates' Courts facing two counts of rape. He was remanded out of custody to April 1 this year for trial. Regional prosecutor Mr Patson Nyazamba alleges that on January 17 this year, the teenager, who resides in Waterfalls, got stranded at Market Square after losing cash to thieves. As she was seeking assistance at a nearby phone shop, she met Danda who was in the company of his friends and he took her to his car. EAST AFRICA Uganda: Tolerate Other Religions: New Vision (Kampala):21 March 2008. Libyan leader Col Muammar Gadaffi caused uproar when he said the bible was doctored. Whereas Gadaffi made these remarks in a predominantly Christian country, it need not attract anger. That is what he believes in, and he is not the first person to say it. Many have argued that if President Yoweri Museveni went to Libya and made a similar remark about the Koran it would have attracted violence, but two wrongs do not make a right. In a country like Uganda, with several religions and where freedom of worship is guaranteed by the constitution, citizens should learn to tolerate the religious views and practices of others. In this regard the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda was right in calling upon Ugandan Christians to ignore Gadaffi's remarks and stay calm. No one should impose their religion on others, or force others to believe what they say. Likewise, no one should be stopped from professing what they believe in, worshipping God in their way, or even comparing their religion to others. No one should be denied a service such as health or education because they belong to a different religion than the service provider. Each faith-based organisation has a contribution to society, and they should learn to tolerate each other. Intolerance for other people's religious beliefs has led to civil unrest and mass murder in many parts of the world, and should not be allowed to grow in Uganda. Libya: Bible Altered, Says Gadaffi: New Vision (Kampala):19 March 2008. Non-Muslims who believe in God can make a pilgrimage to Islamic holy sites in Mecca, according to Libyan leader Col. Muammar Gadaffi. The American president, he added,

222 can visit Mecca as long as he is not an atheist, whom he said; Islam forbids to enter such sites as mosques. Addressing thousands of Muslims at Nakivubo Stadium in Kampala yesterday, Gadaffi asked: "Who says non-Muslims cannot go to the Kabbah?" Quoting the Koran, Gadaffi added that the Kabbah was the house of God for all people. "How come Muslims monopolise the Kabbah? It's the right of everybody to go round the Kabbah. It's non-believers who are disgraced." He added that Mohammed, the founder of Islam, was the "only messenger of God to mankind and the seal of all prophets". Jesus, he said, was born without a father, in a miracle of God, and was able to bring the Bible to life. But after him, he argued, "the heavens have been silent without any new revelations until doomsday". Mohammed, he noted, did not perform miracles although he acknowledged that Jesus did. Gadaffi then blasted Muslim preachers who say Mohammed performed miracles just because Jesus did. "Mohammed told us that Jesus can bring back the dead and healed the sick," Gadaffi explained. "We believe in the Mohammed who did not perform miracles," he asserted. He described as "weak in faith" preachers who purport to perform miracles because "the Koran is enough without miracles". Spurred by chanting Muslims who filled the stadium, Gadaffi, in a 90-minute speech, said the Koran was the only holy Book sent by God, but Muslims equally believe in the Bible. But, according to Gadaffi, the current Bible was not the one revealed to Jesus and the current Old Testament is not the one Allah gave to Moses. Reference to Prophet Mohammed in the Bible, Gadaffi argued, could have been deleted and called for the search for "the original Bible"… Uganda: Drama as Gadaffi Opens National Mosque: New Vision (Kampala):19 March 2008. Libyan leader Muammar Gadaffi yesterday officially opened the national mosque at Old Kampala amidst chaos that saw Rwandan president Paul Kagame caught in the scuffle between presidential guards. Kagame, who arrived about 40 minutes late, as President Yoweri Museveni and other eight presidents were inspecting the mosque, was first held at the main gate for close to 10 minutes as the Police cleared the crowd that had blocked the entrance. Kagame encountered more resistance as he went through the main entrance, minutes after Museveni and Gadaffi had opened the mosque. When Kagame's aide tried to open the door, Ugandan security operatives pushed him back. A scuffle ensued between the operatives until Kagame's guard, forcefully got his master inside. Moments before, another scuffle had ensued as Libyan and Ugandan security operatives struggled to guard Museveni and Gadaffi. They blocked journalists from taking pictures of the leaders unveiling the plaque. Inside the mosque, commotion started from the women's wing as they fought to see Gadaffi. The women, who ritually sit behind, pushed forward when Gadaffi's arrival was announced. Eritrea: The Existing Religious Harmony is Exemplary - Sheik Al-Amin Osman: Shabait.com (Asmara):20 March 2008. The Eritrean Mufti, Sheik Al-Amin Osman, underlined that the harmonious coexistence of followers of the Islamic and Christian faiths in Eritrea is exemplary. He made the remarks in a speech he delivered at the Congress on religious diversity and nationhood that was held in Cairo from March 16 to 19. Sheik Al-Amin Osman stated that religious and cultural diversity in Eritrea has been coexisting in peace and harmony since 614 A.D, the period Prophet Mohammed instructed his followers to move to the land of Habesh for safety, especially present-day Massawa. Noting that since then the Eritrean people had

223 jointly rebuffed all divisive ploys of the colonialists through standing on solid ground of unity, Sheik Al-Amin Osman indicated that the Eritrean people achieved national independence after a 30-year long armed struggle. He went on to explain that now too they are living in peace, harmony and good-neighborliness. Eritrea: Maulid A'Nebi Celebrated Across Nation: Shabait.com (Asmara):20 March 2008. Maulid A'Nebi was today colorfully celebrated all over the nation. In the celebrations held at the Al-Kulafa Al-Rashideen Mosque here in the capital attended by ministers, senior government officials, religious leaders and diplomats, Sheik Al-Amin Osman, the Eritrean Mufti, conveyed message of congratulations to nationals at home and abroad. He pointed out that despite the fact that the Eritrean people follow different religious faiths and belongs to different ethnic groups; they have nonetheless managed to ensure the nation's independence and the safeguarding of its sovereignty through keeping intact their firm unity. Caring for one another and coexisting in harmony, as well as mutual respect are also characteristic features of the Eritrean people, the Mufti added. Expressing conviction that the Eritrean people would steadfastly meet any challenge and emerge victorious thanks to their persistent patience and tolerance, Sheik Al-Amin stated that extending a helping hand to the needy and demonstrating good-neighborliness are factors that fully attest to the noble values of our people. He further stressed the need to enhance support to families of fallen heroes and disabled citizens. Also speaking on the occasion, the Chairman of the Asmara Aukaf Congress, Omar Mohammed Ali Din, wished a happy Maulid holiday to all followers of the Islamic Faith. Different songs and poems were presented by students of Mahad, Adin and Diya schools, in addition to the Sheik Hamid Nafotai group, thus adding color to the event. Uganda: The Fight Against Female Circumcision: The Monitor (Kampala):22 March 2008. FEMALE circumcision or Female Genital Mutilation is not a subject often heard in the corridors of Uganda's Parliament even if there are at least two circumcised female legislators, and scores of MP's who oppose the practice. For women like Ms Susan Chebet of Bukwo District, a law banning the practice will come too late- but is badly needed. Ms Chebet, 32, is unable to have a natural birth because of a serious condition she got as a result of being circumcised when she was a young girl. Her three children have all been born by caesarean section. Doctors have told her that she should not bear more children. "I will never forget the woman who circumcised me. I was told I cannot be operated for more than three times and therefore I cannot have more than three children, yet my plan was to have five," Ms Chebet laments… Female circumcision involves removing part of or all of the female genitalia. At its crudest it involves scrapping out a woman's private parts, severing the clitoris and surrounding tissue. In most areas it is conducted by old women (traditional surgeons) in conditions of questionable hygiene and the risk of infection is high. There is a fair amount of stigma associated with it too. The female legislators from the area are against the practice but unable to step forward to speak against it for "political reasons". But male MPs like Mr Herbert Sabila (Tingey NRM) have come out to condemn the practice and are strongly pushing for the law to ban it. As a human rights issue female circumcision is yet to gain any traction. The practice affects menstruation, makes sex difficult and painful and can cause problems when a woman gives birth. Reproductive, Educative and Community

224 Health (Reach) programme with funding from the United Nations Population Fund, has for the last ten years been mobilising women in Kapchorwa and Bukwo against the practice with some success… Among the Sabiny the circumcision season starts on December 1, and ends before the New Year. Girls aged 12 to 14 are eligible and its practitioners consider it an automatic qualification for marriage. Women like Ms Chebet will disagree about the quality of marriage a circumcised woman can expect and will hope a law succeeds to free more girls from its bloody grip Kenya: UN Rejects Amnesty on Violence: The East African Standard (Nairobi):20 March 2008. Perpetrators, financers and organisers of post-election violence should be denied amnesty, the UN has said. In a report released on Wednesday, the UN said even though it supported the establishment of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC), it rejected a blanket amnesty for gross violators of human rights. The global agency said it would not provide support to institutions and methods that recommended or granted amnesty for gross violation of human rights. The UN Office for High Commissioner for Human Rights prepared the report as part of recommendations to be considered when drafting and approving legislation establishing the TJRC. The UN said the TJRC should have the mandate to recommend criminal prosecution of perpetrators of violence… It urged the Government to ensure that victims and witnesses were protected to ensure proper functioning of the TJRC. "The crisis also revealed serious limitations of Kenyan forensic capacity and a concerted effort should be made to reinforce it," the report says. To prevent gender violence, the UN called for a reporting and protection mechanism and mandatory investigation into the allegations of sexual exploitation and violence in camps for displaced people. "The Government should create centres in the camps where women can obtain health care, counselling and legal advice on sexual abuse," it said. CENTRAL AFRICA Rwanda: Journalists Want Umuco Newspaper Suspended: The New Times (Kigali):20 March 2008. The Rwandan media fraternity has, in an unprecedented move, resolved to sue a local newspaper over publishing "highly slanderous and unfounded articles defaming" President Paul Kagame and other national leaders, and equating the President and the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) to Adolph Hitler and Nazis, respectively. In a crisis consultative meeting between members of the Rwanda Media Ethics Commission (RMEC), media house owners and practitioners, journalists also asked the High Council of the Press (HCP) to withdraw its press card from the vernacular newspaper's owner- cum-reporter Bonaventure Bizumuremyi and to request the line ministry to ban the paper for a year. "(Journalists) have condemned and disassociated themselves from articles published in Umuco newspaper edition number 45," a statement signed by the commission president, Louis Kamanzi (Radio Flash), states. In a highly charged meeting held at the Press House in Remera, journalists condemned Umuco's "unprofessional levels" accusing it of dragging the President's credibility and that of the RDF in mud by likening them to Hitler and the Nazis, known internationally for the genocide of six million Jews. They also said that by equating Kagame to Germany's Hitler, the author and the publication were denying the 1994 Genocide, which was stopped by then rebels of the Rwandese Patriotic Army (RPA ) under Kagame's leadership. The commission

225 singled out four articles published in Umuco's March 12-27, 2008 edition citing laws that were violated by the publication… Chad: Civilians Flee As Govt Targets Critics: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 20 March 2008. The Chadian government has continued to detain an unknown number of people without charges since rebels invaded the capital N'djamena for two days in early February, despite lifting a state of emergency on 15 March. "Detainees should be released immediately or charged with a crime and accorded all their rights, including immediate access to a lawyer and a hearing before an impartial judge to determine the lawfulness of their detention," Human Rights Watch (HRW)'s Africa Director Georgette Gagnon said in a statement issued on 20 March. "At least eight individuals, and possibly many more, remain in custody," she said. The head of a local Chad human rights group Human Rights Without Borders (DHSF), Deuzoumbe Daniel Passalet, said the number of detainees is at least 20 and that many members of the opposition as well as apolitical citizens have fled the country out of fear of being arrested. "The situation has deteriorated markedly since February," Passalet told IRIN from Cameroon, where he had recently fled… The Chadian government says it has set up a commission of inquiry to look into the events that occurred during and after the rebel attack. HRW said that the commission "is not in line with international standards" because it lacks independence and credibility and is headed by the president of the Chadian National Assembly, a close ally of President Idriss Déby. HRW called on France, the United States, China, and the European Union to press the Chadian government to release or charge all of those subjected to arbitrary detention. Chad: Govt Suspends Due Process to Destroy 1,000 Houses: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 19 March 2008. A presidential decree suspending due process and clamping down on civil liberties following a two-day rebel attack on the capital was later also used by the mayor of N'djamena to evict thousands of residents and demolish their homes. "The decree was a window of opportunity for local authorities to circumvent the law," a western diplomat told IRIN on the condition of anonymity. "But that was not what the decree was intended for." After the rebels were chased out of the city, President Idriss Deby declared a state of emergency which he then turned into a state of 'exceptional measures' which provided him with even greater powers, the diplomat said. Between then and 15 March, when the emergency measures were lifted, authorities were able to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew, censor news media, and monitor and detain civilians at will. During this period local authorities destroyed some 1,000 houses in at least 15 different poor neighbourhoods around the city. Common good : According to N'djamena's mayor Mahamat Zène Bada, the demolitions were for the public good. "[Now] we can build primary and secondary schools and colleges, medical centres, libraries, sporting facilities, markets and bus stations", he said. Prices of houses in poor neighbourhoods have reportedly risen because the demolitions created both a real and perceived housing shortage. "Some landlords have used the situation as an excuse to raise rents," one resident said. Refugees ; The demolitions started soon after tens of thousands of residents fled their homes to escape mayhem caused by the rebel attack on the city. Many went to the nearby Cameroon border town of Kousseri and were given refugees status. Some returned to find their homes were no longer there. Then, after the government regained control of the capital, more residents were evicted. "We were just recovering from the damage caused by the

226 violence," said a resident of N'Djari a neighbourhood in N'djamena's 7th arrondissement who lost his home. Some like him then also went across the border. "They didn't know where else to go so they headed to Cameroon to declare themselves refugees," he said, asking to remain anonymous. Thousands of refugees have now been transferred to a more permanent camp at the town of Maltam further inside Cameroon. Rwanda: Survivors Condemn Killings, Call for Action: The New Times (Kigali):21 March 2008. Ibuka, an umbrella organisation of Genocide Survivors has condemned the recent killings of survivors which took place in the Southern Province. The development comes after recent killings of two survivors in the districts of Muhanga and Kamonyi, both in the Southern Province. "We condemn in the strongest terms the persistent persecution against survivors by those who still have an aim of pursuing the Genocide and their acts intensify as we approach the commemoration of the Genocide," reads a statement signed by IBUKA president, Theodore Simburudari. The association attributes the killings mainly to those people who were released after pleading guilty and are now on community service under the Works for General Interest (TIG) programme. The two survivors who were killed were identified as Maniragaba and Jean Paul Muvunyi from Kamonyi and Muhanga districts respectively. According to IBUKA, both victims were hacked to death by unknown assailants this month... The Southern Province has been most affected by killings of genocide survivors where several survivors, including Gacaca officials, have been brutally killed mostly in fear of the testimonies they had on some Genocide suspects. Congo-Kinshasa: UN Population Fund Joins in Campaign Against Sexual Violence: UN News Service (New York):19 March 2008. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has joined forces with civil society groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the Government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to launch a nationwide public awareness campaign aimed at reducing the country's appalling levels of sexual violence. In the capital, Kinshasa, Congolese authorities, NGOs and civil society groups participated yesterday in a motor vehicle procession from downtown to alert the public to the campaign, which is entitled "Sexual violence: together, let is say NO to shamed silence for the dignity of Congolese." The month-long campaign, which covers all 11 provinces of the DRC, will also include radio and television programmes dedicated to the subject, video forums, conferences in schools, marches and the popularization of laws about sexual violence. It also ties in to the campaign launched last month by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on preventing such violence worldwide. Sexual violence is rampant across the DRC, with an average of 1,100 rape cases reported each month in the country, with perpetrators from all sectors of society. Earlier this year, after a visit to the country, Yakin Ertürk, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, called for international action to help women in the DRC who are victims of sexual violence. 26. REFUGEES AND MIGRATION ISSUES

WEST AFRICA Ghana: Cessation Clause Invoked Over Refugee Demos: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 20 March 2008.

227 Ghana's government has invoked a clause of the 1951 Refugee Convention to force the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to close operations for 26,000 Liberians in Ghana. The move came after the Ministry of the Interior arrested 630 Liberians on 17 March, mostly female and child refugees, for holding a one-month protest which aid officials said obstructed food distributions in the Buduburam camp. UNHCR staff had reportedly been threatened by the protestors. The protest started on 19 February with refugees delivering a petition to UNHCR and the Ghana Refugee Board saying they "strongly oppose" integration into Ghanaian society. The petition called for resettlement to a third country, or US$1,000 per person to help them return to Liberia - ten times the US$100 UNHCR was offering. According to a statement from Ghana's Ministry of the Interior statement, the refugees' refusal to be integrated into Ghanaian society after some of them had spent 18 years in the country was "very insulting". Ghanaian Minister of the Interior Kwamena Bartels said in the statement that the arrested Liberians, who are currently being held at a youth centre close to the refugee camp, would be stripped of their refugee status and forcibly deported to Liberia by the end of the week. "The government will not countenance such unruly behaviour by refugees who have been given protection and hospitality in the country for 18 years," the Interior Ministry's statement said. The government invoked a clause in the 1951 Refugee Convention which states that when conditions have improved in a refugees' country of origin then the host government is no longer obliged to host them. UNHCR said it is still hoping the government will relent… Liberia's government announced it is sending a high-level delegation on a five-day mission to Ghana. A total of 42,034 Liberians were registered in Ghana in 2004, one year after the end of the 1989-2003 civil war in Liberia, according to UNHCR. Some 70 percent are from Liberia's Montserrado County, with the remainder mainly from Bong County, according to UNHCR. Both counties have been declared safe by the Liberian government using indicators such as the level of social and economic infrastructure and the number of spontaneous returnees. More than 850,000 Liberians fled the country during the brutal civil war. Some 100,000 have already been repatriated by UNHCR from around the West African region. Liberia: There is Positive Response On Refugees’ Crisis: The Inquirer (Monrovia):20 March 2008. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says the Government of Liberia (GOL) is glad that there has been a positive response from the Government of Ghana in trying to find a solution to the Liberian Refugee crisis in Ghana. President Sirleaf said her government has made a formal request to Ghana asking their permission to wait until a high level delegation from Liberia meet with the Ghanaian Government. She told Executive Mansion reporters on Wednesday in Voinjama, Lofa County, where she was addressing a wide range of national issues that the Liberian delegation will depart the country this weekend. President Sirleaf's consultation between her Government of Liberia and the Ghanaian Government is taking place and that both sides are to reach a decision on the expulsion of the refugees. The Liberian Leader said the Liberian delegation would be headed by Foreign Minister, Olunbanke King Akerele. Recently, Liberian refugees in Ghana staged a protest action against the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) about their repatriation. The refugees are demanding that the UNHCR give them US$1,000 each and be resettled in a third country preferably a western Country… The

228 Ghanaian Government said the action of the refugees has breached Ghanaian Laws and as such they would be expelled from that country.

EAST AFRICA Kenya: Refugees Protest At 'Neglect': The Nation (Nairobi):22 March 2008. About 200 internal refugees on Friday marked their Easter on a Nairobi street after walking out of a camp in Limuru. The refugees walked from their Kirathimo Community Nutrition Centre camp protesting against the Government's failure to address their plight. They pitched tent on Kimathi Street next to Nation Centre vowing to stay put until the Government addressed their problems. "Although life is now difficult at the camp since it has rained and the ground where we lay our heads is wet, our main problem is the Government since it has forgotten us," said Mr Joseph Kuria. He explained that Molo area, where most of them came from, is still insecure yet the Government had been urging them to return. Their farms: The refugees are victims of the post-election violence that hit several parts of the country following disputed presidential results. What the refugees want the Government to do is to guarantee them security and facilitate their return to their farms to make use of the rains or to resettle them elsewhere. South Africa: 'We'll Kill the Somalians If They Come Back': Cape Argus (Cape Town):19 March 2008. Somalians who were recently driven out of Worcester by rampaging locals have been threatened with death if they return to live in the area. A small group, accompanied by members of the Somali Community Board of the Western Cape and escorted by police, returned to Worcester yesterday to salvage what possessions had not been destroyed when a crowd of residents went on the rampage almost two weeks ago. Trouble started on March 7 after a botched robbery ended in the death of a 19-year-old local resident who was allegedly shot by a Somali shop owner during a scuffle. A group of about 150 angry residents then moved from the spaza shops to wholesale shops, driving out foreign shop- owners. A police inspector said 23 shops had been damaged and more than 100 shop owners had been left homeless. Piles of rubble, a concrete foundation and the facade of a shop were all that were left after the group tore them down. CENTRAL AFRICA • Central African Republic: Chadian Army Attacks, Burns Border Villages: Human Rights Watch (Washington, DC): PRESS RELEASE: 19 March 2008. The Chadian army has launched numerous cross-border raids on villages in northwestern Central African Republic (CAR) in recent weeks, killing civilians, burning villages, and stealing cattle, Human Rights Watch said today. Since January 2008, Human Rights Watch researchers documented at least five separate cross-border attacks on Central African border villages, mostly between Markounda and Maitoukoulou in the northwestern part of the country. Chadian army troops appear to be acting in support of CAR and Chadian cattle herders known as Peuhls, at odds with local CAR farmers trying to protect their crops. The worst violence occurred on February 29, in a rampage that destroyed six villages in the area of Maitoukoulou. More than 1000 people have been

229 internally displaced or have been forced to flee across the border into southern Chad. The internally displaced live in dire conditions in Maitoukoulou camps, and in fear of further attacks, Human Rights Watch has found.

27. HEALTH MATTERS (HIV/AIDS, MALARIA, TB)

WEST AFRICA • Nigeria: Lagos Opens 25 Dots Centres to Fight Tuberculosis: Leadership (Abuja):21 March 2008. In order to stem the spread of tuberculosis in Lagos State, the state government is to open no fewer than 25 Centres of the World Health Organisation-approved comprehensive treatment package called Directly-Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS), in addition to the 31 TB microscopy centres which have already been established for the diagnosis of the disease in the state. Commissioner for health, Dr Jide Idris, who disclosed this at a press briefing on the occasion of the commemoration of the World Tuberculosis Day celebration in the state, reiterated the state government's commitments toward stopping the spread of TB particularly against the background of the fact that Lagos State has 8.4% of the national TB burden with an estimated TB patient load of 21,000, attributable to the high population density. Idris recalled that the Lagos State TB Control Programme commenced in 2003 when the state government adopted the Directly-Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS) strategy of the World Health Organisation for the comprehensive treatment of the disease with the establishment of 11 DOTS Centres in 6 local governments with about 4,327 patients registered for treatment… • Nigeria: Country 3rd in Global TB Prevalence: Daily Trust (Abuja):21 March 2008. Nigeria has been ranked as the third tuberculosis (TB) afflicted nation in the world.Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris disclosed this at a news conference to mark the World TB Day in Lagos yesterday The commissioner said of all the cases of TB recorded worldwide, 80 per cent occurred in 22 countries of which Nigeria ranked third. She was previously ranked fourth. "Nigeria is now ranked third among these 22 worst affected countries in the world. It is estimated that we have a prevalence of 300,000 to 350,000 cases of TB in Nigeria, about half of which are sputum-smear positive, that is, the patient is able to transmit the disease to others." "TB was declared an emergency in Nigeria in 2006. Lagos State has 8.4 per cent of the national TB burden with an estimated patient load of 21,000. This is attributable to the high population density of the state," he said. The commissioner said 36,273 patients had been placed on treatment under the state TB control programme… He said an untreated TB patient poses danger to society, adding that with effective treatment, TB transmission could be stopped • Nigeria: Bird Flu - Govt Pays N623m Compensation: Leadership (Abuja):21 March 2008. Federal government has paid N623 million as compensation to poultry farmers whose birds were killed between 2006 and 2008. Director of livestock and pest control in the ministry of agriculture and water resources, Dr Junaid Maina, disclosed this yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. Maina said that N175 million of the amount came from the federal government while the rest was from the World Bank. According to him, 2,733 farmers benefited from the payment. He said that a

230 total of 1,250,425 birds were slaughtered, of which 755,929 were infected by the "Highly Pathogenic A1 (HPA1) virus". He said that the government had fully upgraded the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, to sustain the fight against bird flu. Maina said the ministry was intensifying efforts on the three-year (2006-2009) Nigeria Avian Influenza Emergency Control Preparedness and Response Project (AIECPRP). The project, he said, was aimed at preventing further spread of the HPA1virus to the unaffected parts of the country… Meanwhile, Alhaji Kabir Ibrahim, the President, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has commended the efforts of Federal Government toward the prompt payment of the compensation. SOUTHERN AFRICA • Zimbabwe: Report Paints Grim Picture of Health Sector: Financial Gazette (Harare):20 March 2008. A NEW report on staffing levels within Zimbabwe's crumbling healthcare system paints a dire picture of the impact of the brain drain, with vacancy rates for crucial skills in hospitals as high as 70 percent. More than 3 500 nurses and 969 doctors had left government health institutions by September 2007 after the health professionals intensified their hunt for better opportunities in the region and abroad, a report prepared by the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe (NCZ) says. Statistics in the report show there were 3 502 vacancies for nurses and 969 vacant posts for doctors at the end of last year. The health sector report gives an insight into the devastating impact of the skills flight from Zimbabwe. The NCZ document, prepared by the Directorate of Human Resources and entitled "Programme Performance 2008", shows an escalating crisis that has not only weighed heavily on service delivery in state health institutions, but has compromised the quality of health professionals graduating from training institutions. "Out of a total of 1 761 doctors on the whole approved establishment, 792 were in post as at September 2007, reflecting a vacancy rate of 46 percent," the report says… With the country's inflation rate at more than 100 000 percent, the brain drain is expected to accelerate as the quality of life deteriorates further in tandem with real incomes. Researchers said this week the brain drain is also being driven by high taxation, shortages of basic commodities, shrinking personal freedoms and rights, pessimistic views about the future and poor economic and political policies that have destroyed the middle class. EAST AFRICA • Uganda: Medics Stealing Drugs From Health Centres, Stocking Their Private Clinics: New Vision (Kampala):21 March 2008. Asprin tablets. Such essential medicines should be available, free-of-charge, at all government health centres At least 73% of drugs mysteriously go missing from Uganda's health centres, according to a report by the Centre for Global Development. Statistics show that the leakage rate could range from 40% to 94% in any 10 randomly-picked health centres; leaving patients to purchase drugs from private clinics at exorbitant prices or at the mercy of death. High demand medicines such as Coartem or anti-malarials, Measles vaccine, Depo Provera for family planning, oral rehydration salts to treat diarrhoea and Cotrimoxazole for cough, should be available in all health centres, according to the Uganda's Health Sector Plan. But contrary to the Government guidelines, such drugs are in short supply, if there at all. Recently, Saturday Vision reported massive theft of government drugs from the National Medical Stores under the pretext that they were being taken to government health facilities. Now the new reports

231 reveal that even the drugs that make it to the health facilities are siphoned out massively, implying that only a tiny fraction of government drugs ever get to the patients free of charge. The report titled Governance and Corruption in Public Health Care Systems particularly accuses health workers, saying they take them to their private clinics to sell them at higher prices… Did you know : - Up to 73% of the medicine distributed to the health centre is leaked. It means that amount is stolen from you - The medicines should be free of charge. User charges were abolished in 2001 in all government health facilities in Uganda - You have a right to access essential medicines like Coartem(anti malarial), Measles Vaccine, Depo Provera(family planning), ORS(diarrhoea and dehydration), Cotrimoxazole(e.g. cough) - You have a right to receive full and equal treatment irrespective of age - You have right to get unexpired drugs - You have a right to seek redress

• Uganda: 10 Million People Face Sleeping Sickness Threat: New Vision (Kampala):19 March 2008. ABOUT 10 million people in Uganda could contract sleeping sickness, according to the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. Hilary Onek explained that the most affected areas were in the eastern and northwestern regions, adding that Mukono, Apac and more recently Kalangala, have had victims of the disease. This was contained in a speech read on Monday by the director of animal resources, Dr William Mukani, in Entebbe. Mukani was opening the Pan-African tsetse and trypanosomiasis eradication campaign. The project coordinators from the 37 sub-Saharan African countries under the programme are holding their 3rd consultation on the eradication of tsetse flies instead of the current suppression and control methods. Onek noted that Uganda was the only country affected by both forms of the disease - gambience in the north and rhodesience in the east. These are acute and chronic types whose diagnosis and treatment is long and complicated, he explained, adding that efforts to fight tsetse flies, Nagana and sleeping sickness by different governments over the years, had had little impact.

• Kenya: Experts Sound Alert Over Deadly TB Strain: The Nation (Nairobi):21 March 2008. Health experts have sounded an alert over the emergence of a deadly strain of tuberculosis in the country. It will cost up to Sh1.3 million to treat one case of the multidrug-resistant TB compared to Sh6,000 for treatment of an "ordinary" case of the disease. Patients undergoing treatment for MDR TB are expected to be injected daily for the first six months before completing their treatment in two years compared to six months for conventional treatment of the disease. Director of Medical Services James Nyikal Thursday said 289 cases of multi-drug-resistant TB had been detected among patients in the last six years. According to experts, this form of TB does not respond to the standard treatments using first-line drugs - Rifampicin and Isoniazid… Side effects: “This means a much longer and expensive treatment course while also relying on drugs that are toxic with serious side effects". Last year, 116,723 cases of TB

232 were detected in the country compared to 115,234 in 2006, which was a 7 per cent increase. The TB, Leprosy and Lung disease division head Dr Joseph Sitienei said Kenya would commemorate the World TB Day on March 27. However, globally, the Day will be marked on March 24. CENTRAL AFRICA • Central African Republic: Unclean Water Threatens Health of One Million, UN Warns: UN News Service (New York):20 March 2008. Up to one million Central Africans do not have access to clean water and therefore are highly vulnerable to threat of deadly waterborne diseases because of the conflict threatening their country, United Nations relief agencies reported today. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the situation was worst in the northeast of the Central African Republic (CAR), where fighting between Government forces and rebels and attacks by local bandits have forced thousands of people out of their villages to seek shelter in the nearby bush. The insecurity is so widespread across the north of the country that many Central Africans there are too afraid to return to their villages, instead resorting to stagnant pools or rivers in the bush areas for their water supplies. Those that have remained in their villages often face wells that are not working… Toby Lanzer, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the CAR, said that "people are dying for want of clean water. If our water projects get the support we have asked for on time, the coordination mechanisms that we have put in place will allow us to provide safe water to over 250,000 people in 2008."… The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is leading a "water alliance" of 14 aid organizations that are trying to coordinate their efforts in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WATSAN) sector in the CAR, one of the world's poorest nations. Organizations in the partnership work together to repair and drill wells and boreholes and to provide water pumps… Overall, the UN and NGOs have appealed for $96.2 million to help with their humanitarian efforts in the CAR this year. This figure includes $5.6 million dedicated to water and sanitation projects.

28. ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE MATTERS

WEST AFRICA • Nigeria: Rainstorm Destroys 200 Houses in Abuja: Daily Trust (Abuja):21 March 2008. Over 200 houses were destroyed by rain-storm in Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday evening, rendering many residents homeless. The areas affected include Abaji central area, Naharati and Kpokpolobi, among others. According to some residents, the rain started around 5pm and lasted for more than three hours. While assessing the level of damage, the chairman of Abaji Area Council, Alhaji Muhammad Musa Yahaya, expressed concern over the incident and urged the victims to take the mishap in good faith. At the Abaji General Hospital where the victims were receiving treatment, the chairman promised that the council will do everything possible to assist them, adding that the local government council has already contacted the FCT Minister regarding the matter for immediate action… A victim, Malam Zakari Sule Aguma, who spoke to Daily Trust, stated that he needed more than a hundred thousand

233 naira to reconstruct his house, calling on the people of council and the Abaji and the FCT to help them. SOUTHERN AFRICA • South Africa: Johannesburg Ranks High in Environment Report: BuaNews (Tshwane):20 March 2008. The city of Johannesburg has scored well in a new environmental report revealed on Wednesday measuring the impact environmental factors have on a city. Johannesburg ranked second, while Melbourne took first place and Singapore third, in terms low air pollution and risk of infectious disease and natural disasters. The New Environmental Report, MasterCard Worldwide's report on the Impact of Key Environmental Factors on Major Cities features data drawn from the 21 key centres of commerce in Asia, Middle East and Africa. It reviewed the cities' relative vulnerability and degrees of protection from key environmental challenges. The report's observations make it clear what impact environmental factors are already having on a city and what challenges further urbanisation might present in this context. This makes the report an invaluable tool for any city leader planning for their city's future… An analysis of the report's environmental rankings indicated that historically, the higher-income cities have been able to provide improvements in environmental quality such as Singapore, Tokyo, Melbourne and Sydney. The report also revealed that poorer cities at a lower level of development usually suffer from a lack of basic infrastructure services such as clean drinking water and sanitation. • Namibia: Flood Victims Need More Than $1 Million of Assistance – UNICEF: UN News Service (New York):23 March 2008. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is calling for $1.2 million to help with relief efforts in northern Namibia, where floods falling recent above-average rainfall have displaced tens of thousands of people and sparked fears of a surge in infectious diseases. More than 65,000 people could eventually be displaced by the floods, the agency said in an update issued this week, which began after heavy rains in January and February in both Namibia and the area surrounding the Cuvelai River system in neighbouring Angola. UNICEF said it was particularly concerned about the risks faced by orphans and other vulnerable children given that northern Namibia is one of the country's most densely populated area's and its HIV rates range from 20 per cent to 40 per cent… Namibian officials have reported 30 confirmed cases of cholera (including two deaths) and more than 150 other suspected cases across the north. In the Caprivi administrative region, locals have reported a jump in the number of reported skin disorders and in other diseases, such as chicken pox, conjunctivitis, ringworm and respiratory tract infections. UNICEF said it was working with other UN agencies and with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to assist the Namibian authorities to provide locals with emergency food assistance, temporary shelter, sanitation and other basic services. It is also re-directing some of its funding to bring immediate relief to the affected area. EAST AFRICA • Uganda: Drought Resistant Corn in the Offing: The Monitor (Kampala):21 March 2008. East Africa like much of sub-Saharan Africa is endowed with exceptionally rich soils and a climatic mix unmatched anywhere in its power to nourish organic agriculture. That unusual blessing though has also long fuelled one of the greatest world paradoxes:

234 despite the potential for bountiful crop farming, the region is in fact more known for recurring acute food shortages (some verging on famine) and international appeals for relief than perhaps anything else. And now, a coalition of international organisations is trying to tackle the problem at the heart of this contradiction: frequent droughts. Because of dry spells becoming more elongated and pervasive and more areas becoming water- stressed, crops are getting parched with communities losing entire seasons' worth of harvests. An NGO, African Agriculture Technology Foundation, AATF, collaborating with two American seed companies, Monsanto and International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre have started an experimental project that will aim at developing drought-resistant corn, a staple in the region. Once developed and propagated in the four countries where the project is to be implemented (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa), according to the estimates by these institutions, this crop is expected to improve the region's food yield by two tonnes and to feed an extra 15-21 million people. Following a press conference in Kampala on March 19th, the partnership will spend the next five years trying to use drought-tolerant technologies to identify local corn varieties that survive more in dry conditions than others. A $47 million donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Howard G. Buffet Foundation is to finance the project and implementation is to be coordinated by national organisations in charge of promoting new agricultural technologies… Much of the corn farming in Uganda as it is elsewhere in the region is still rain-fed, particularly among smallholder farmers who still account for a disproportionate chunck of sub- Saharan Africa's food output. But rains have been progressively decreasing and scarcely any of the farmers can afford the costly irrigation systems, making AATF's Water- Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA), as the project is officially called, a profound and timely solution. • Uganda: 2 Jinja Factories Closed: New Vision (Kampala):19 March 2008. THE National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has closed down two multi- million factories in Jinja. Skyfat and Leather Tanning Uganda Industries were accused of polluting the air because of the stench from the factories. "Your factories are operating in a reckless manner yet you are producing hazardous waste.”Because you have not respected our guidelines, I have closed down your factories with immediate effect," said Dr. Aryamanya Mugisha, NEMA's executive head, on Tuesday. He was meeting Sun Jun of Skyfat and Sangoy Ghosh of leather tanning… Gosh said the factory, which was set up in 1976, had a waste treatment system that relied on burying chromium because their premises were small. But Mugisha said the act was illegal, saying when it rains, the chemicals are swept into the surrounding water. "NEMA is not against investment but people's health is important. • Uganda: Encroachers Build in Mbarara Forest: New Vision (Kampala):18 March 2008. Illegal structures have been built in forest reserves in Mbarara, the district works committee chairman has said. Abdulkarim Ssengendo reports that Asiimwe Ntengye told the council last week that the buildings were found in Rwemitongore village in Ntamityobora forest reserve. In the five-page report, Ntengye said illegal temporary leases had been issued by the district land board to the occupants in the forest reserve. He asked the council to revoke the leases, but the councillors asked the committee to do a thorough investigation and name individuals involved.

235 • Uganda: 'Survival of the Fittest' As Food Crisis Bites Karamoja Region: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks: 20 March 2008. The food crisis in northeastern Uganda's Karamoja region has reached such a dire level that more than one million people are in need of emergency food aid, a government minister in charge of relief has said. "The entire Karamoja population of one million is food insecure as we talk now, while another 500,000 in Lango [northern region] in the areas of Otuke and the flood-affected areas of Teso [eastern] need emergency food," Musa Ecweru, Uganda's minister for disaster preparedness, told IRIN. During a recent visit to the region, the minister said, he found old women had been isolated from younger ones. "The Karamojong [inhabitants of Karamoja region] said old people were useless and therefore, food should not be wasted on them… According to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the 2006 harvest in Karamoja region was affected by drought, a severe attack of honeydew disease that crippled the staple sorghum crop, and falling livestock prices. The region has for decades also been affected by cattle- rustling between rival communities.

• Kenya: Drought and Fire Take Toll on Animals: The Nation (Nairobi):20 March 2008. The prolonged dry spell is taking a toll on herbivores at the Lake Nakuru National Park, where a fire destroyed about 50 square kilometres of pasture and bushland last month. The park, which is enclosed by a solar-powered electric fence, has exceeded by far its carrying capacity for herbivores, resulting in stiff competition for pasture, particularly among bulk eaters such as buffaloes. Although the carrying capacity for buffaloes is only 500, the current herd is over 3,000 and was still increasing by the time the drought set in towards the end of last year. Apart from buffaloes, the park has more than 4,000 impala and large herds of Thomson's gazelles, zebra, giraffes, warthogs, water bucks, about 100 rhinos and other herbivores that compete for the available pasture. Even before the drought and fire occurred, almost half of the pasture in the park had been overrun by invasive weeds including toxic ones such as datura… Dried up : The Kenya Wildlife Service is spending a lot of money to supply animals with water in most parts of the park as several streams in the area have dried up. CENTRAL AFRICA • Cameroon: Commonwealth Advocates Environmental Protection: The Post (Buea):16 March 2008. The Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Don Mackinnon, has called on Commonwealth States to protect and preserve the environment. "The effect of pollution poses a serious environmental problem in the world. “This information was delivered in the University of Buea, UB, during the commemoration of the Commonwealth Day, March 10. Celebrated under "The Environment, Our Future," the ceremony brought together students and staff of UB, to brainstorm on environmental problems and find a way forward. The Vice Chancellor, UB, Prof. Vincent Titanji, in his speech, said the aim of commemorating the Commonwealth Day, was to promote understanding on global issues, international cooperation and the work of the Commonwealth, which is to improve the lives of its 1.8 billion citizens.

236 29. ENERGY

WEST AFRICA • West Africa: BJ PPS Pre-Commissions Final Segments of Gas Pipe: Leadership (Abuja):20 March 2008. BJ Process and Pipeline Services (BJ PPS) has completed pipeline pre-commissioning services for the final segments of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) system on behalf of Willbros West Africa Inc. One of the largest pipeline networks in the region, the WAGP system measures 678 km (421 miles) and will gather natural gas from fields in the Escravos region of the Niger Delta for delivery to customers in Ghana, Togo and Benin. The pipeline system comprises the existing Escravos-Lagos pipeline, a new onshore pipeline in Nigeria, and a new offshore pipeline together with a recently built compressor station. Oilonline reports that Willbros West Africa Inc., an Ascot Offshore Services Company that is 100 per cent Nigerian indigenous company, selected BJ PPS to prepare the new pipelines for commissioning and start-up. BJ PPS coordinated the delivery of all primary equipements, including some units weighing over 10 tonnes each, to commence operations in just two weeks, based on the project's narrow timeframe. Displacing more than 100,000 tonnes of seawater. The offshore pipeline, which measures 20 inches in diameter and stretches from the Lagos Beach Compressor Station (LBCS) near Badagry, Nigeria, to Takoradi, Ghana, extends 568 km (354 miles) through water depths to 71m. BJ PPS removed more than 100,000 tonnes of seawater that filled the pipeline before drying it in accordance with strict parameters. Final air in the pipeline had to be so dry that it would only form dew if cooled below -20°C. That required moisture content to be less than 100 kg for the entire length of the pipeline… • Nigeria: Wind, Nuclear Energy Solution to Power Problem – Minister: Daily Trust (Abuja):20 March 2008. The Minister for Science and Technology Mrs. Grace Ekpiwhre has said that to solve the present epileptic power supply in the country, Nigeria must diversify its energy sources and fully deregulate the power sector for effective private sector participation. According to her, Nigeria should diversify to other sources like biofuel, wind energy, solar and nuclear energy which Nigeria has the resources to exploit. She was speaking on the topic "power generation, the way forward to economic development" at the national electric power conference on "power generation, distribution, debt recovery and fraud prevention in Nigeria's electric power sector" held in Abuja Tuesday. Mrs. Ekpiwhre who was represented by Dr. Afolabi Aremu also said that government would integrate the private sector into power generation into the country because government alone cannot provide enough funds for the sector. She also advocated for a "frame work for encouraging electricity generation closer to demand centers, which implies deploying the use of solar energy." He added that Nigeria has all it takes to be the power giant of Africa. • Gambia: Flights Delayed in Country, Due to Lack of Gas: Freedom Newspaper (Raleigh, North Carolina):20 March 2008. Major economic collapse is threatening the lives of Gambian and non Gambian commuters. The country is currently witnessing a major gas shortage, which left many flights delayed for hours. The Banjul International Airport has been hard hit by the gas shortage. Commuters also walked for miles in order to reach their scheduled destinations,

237 as car owners could be seen lined up in gas stations scrambling for gas. There is limited gas in this country. Almost 80 percent of gas stations are out of gas. The gas shortage has been attributable to lack of foreign exchange to order gas. Many private marketers have complained about the depreciating value of the United States dollar against the Gambian currency, the Dalasi. The US dollar is now trading at D18 per dollar. The country's import cover had also fallen drastically in recent months, thanks to the ailing economic situation… Aviation officials in The Gambia said efforts were underway to resolve the problem. “This country is undergoing serious recession. As you may know, gas is hard to come by these days. If the current continues, there is bound to be economic loss at the airport. Many flights passed through Senegal, before landing here. It might also hinder our tourism industry. Many flights are delayed due to lack of gas in this country." Said the aviation official… The airport is becoming a ghost airport. Almost, all the seasoned aviation experts had been sacked. There is bound to be failures. The people entrusted with the airport, don't have no clue about what they are doing. They are not qualified to do the job." Said the official. SOUTHERN AFRICA • Angola: Country Second Largest Exporter to Canada in 2007: Angola Press Agency (Luanda):20 March 2008. Angola is the second African country that exported the most to Canada, during the year 2007, obtaining a profit estimated at 1.196 billion Canadian dollar. This is contained in Wednesday's edition of the Canadian weekly "Embassy", quoting the Canadian national statistics agency. According to the source, African countries like Angola, Algeria, South Africa, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, share the list of leading exporters of products to Canada, in 2007. With the exception of South Africa, these countries have exported to Canada oil and its by-products, added the source. • Zimbabwe: Power Cuts Deepen Economic Crisis: Financial Gazette (Harare):20 March 2008. THE Zimbabwean economy is losing trillions of dollars through power outages, which intensified this week and could reach alarming levels in the next few months, industry players and commentators said. The country plunged into a near-national blackout last week, hardly two months after two nationwide blackouts hit the country in January after systems disturbances on common electricity grid linking most of southern African countries. The systems disturbance had also plunged Zambia and parts of Botswana into darkness. However, Zimbabwe's electricity woes have been more pronounced than those of its neighbours, including South Africa, which recently introduced load shedding due to increasing power demand spurred by a growing economy. Industry experts said at least 20 hours of production time was being lost every week due to power outages since January. Hardest hit are sectors like mining and agriculture, which have both suffered immensely from a nine-year economic recession ravaging the country… Zimbabwe requires 1 500 megawatts of electricity daily and has been importing 35 percent of this requirement from three regional power companies in South Africa, Mozambique and Zambia. EAST AFRICA • Kenya: Oil Firms May Stop Selling Gas: The Nation (Nairobi) :22 March 2008.

238 Oil marketers are considering pulling out of the gas retail business, a move that would disrupt supplies across the country. The companies say they face unfair competition from unregistered dealers who refill branded gas cylinders according to customer specifications in full disregard of the law. The values of their brands are being eroded by the dealers who are also undercutting them on pricing, they say. The firms have already alerted the Ministry of Energy, warning that they may withdraw from the retailing of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), as illegal refilling of cylinders has reached unprecedented levels. The practice is especially rampant in Nairobi's Industrial and Kasarani areas, as well as Thika, Nyahururu, and in the backyards of houses in Ongata Rongai town in Kajiado district. At some of the sites, gas cylinders are refilled without regard to operating safety procedures, while the owner waits, and the quantity is measured according to the customer's needs or pocket… Vetting is seen as critical ahead of the March 2009 valve standardisation date set by the government for gas to be sold in cylinders of three and 13 kilos to enhance competition. A code of ethics for handling standardised cylinders fitted with uniform valves prepared by LPG Transition Committee appointed by Ministry of Energy has been signed by oil firms marketing gas. 30. DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY

EAST AFRICA • Kenya: Tourism Needs Six Months to Recoup Post-Poll Losses: The Nation (Nairobi) :22 March 2008. Kenya's tourism sector could take six to eight months to fully recover losses incurred in the post-election violence, a statutory body in charge of marketing the country has said. Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) managing director Achieng Ongong'a said the sector incurred a Sh6 billion loss during the violence. Addressing Patrice Lumumba University Tourism Institute students in Moscow, Russia, Dr Ongong'a said tourism earnings could further improve after half a year. "Our priority is to work on our image," he said during a lecture on the sidelines of the Moscow International Travel and Tourism Exhibition. Dr Ongong'a, who together with Kenya's ambassador to Russia Sospeter Machage lectured the students on Kenya's tourism and post-election crisis, said that he was happy that no wildlife or tourism facility was destroyed in the mayhem. "Next month we will bring 300 international journalists to come and see that the sector was not adversely affected," he said… The sector is Kenya's biggest foreign exchange earner and raked in Sh65 billion last year. “We want to reassure Russians that Kenya remains the best eco-tourism destination in Africa," said Dr Ongong'a, who is leading 10 key travel and tour operators to the exhibition. More than 180 countries are taking part at the fair, reputed to be the world's third biggest. 31. DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

SOUTHERN AFRICA • Zimbabwe: Political Violence Rocks Housing Complex On Gold Mine: SW Radio Africa (London):21 March 2008. Political violence ahead of the March 29 election shows no sign of abating, and a housing complex on a gold mine near Bulawayo, has played host to the latest round of Zanu PF thuggery. After an MDC meeting on Wednesday that lasted about 3 hours the home of the district organising secretary was destroyed by youths and war vets. The violence took

239 place on the housing complex for employees of How Mine. Our correspondent Lionel Saungweme reports that the house looked like it had been struck by an earthquake with shattered windows and broken down doors. The MDC leader, whose first name is Professor, and his family escaped without any harm. The Zanu PF mob shouted obscenities as they stoned the house and accused Professor of bringing MDC supporters to a 'Zanu PF mine'… 32. PEACEKEEPING, CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND SECURITY MATTERS WEST AFRICA • Gambia: On the Ghanaian Murder Allegation: FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda):20 March 2008. What really happened in Brufut? According to a Ghanaian who claims to be a survivor of a massacre by security forces, 44 Ghanaians and six other West Africans were killed. The Government on the other hand maintains that "eight bodies were found in the vicinity of Brufut/Ghana town and not 44 bodies as reported." The Government statement dismisses claims that the deaths were the bodies of suspected coup plotters. It also emphasizes that the "nationalities of the dead bodies are not known." It also noted that investigations are still on going, though it did not indicate whether or not any progress has been made since July 2005. There is also no indication of the cause of death even though, as the states, "a post mortem was conducted on each of the eight bodies". More significantly, according to the statement, "The Gambia and Ghana have agreed to have a joint investigation committee to further investigate the matter." This is a step in the right direction. It is evident from the above that something had happened leading to the death of some persons. We now look forward to the independent investigative committee jointly agreed by the two governments. SOUTHERN AFRICA • Angola: About 52,000 Firearms Collected Since 2002: Angola Press Agency (Luanda):20 March 2008. About 52,000 firearms belonging to the extinct defence forces were collected since 2002, countrywide, Wednesday here announced the chief of staff of the Angolan Armed Forces, Francisco Pereira Furtado. Francisco Pereira Furtado was speaking to the press at the end of a meeting of the National Commission for Disarming the population illegally owning firearms, presided over by the prime minister, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos. The general confirmed that collected firearms have already been placed in the weapons storage-rooms of the armed forces. He declared that the recently-appointed disarmament commission is leading the process, which reserves for the armed forces a "very important role" in the process… The National Commission was recently set up by the Head of State with the aim of reducing the spread of light weapons and small firearms, mainly those obtained illegally during the war. • Zimbabwe: ANC to Army - Back Off! :Financial Gazette (Harare):20 March 2008. SOUTH Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) has urged Zimbabwe's security forces to respect the outcome of polls next week, even as the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) refused to condemn the utterances of defence chiefs that threaten the credibility of the elections. And President Robert Mugabe's decision on Monday to invoke presidential powers to amend electoral laws, so that police can be allowed into

240 polling stations, will also be seen as a fresh assault on agreements reached in talks mediated by South Africa. Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander Constantine Chiwenga, Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri and Paradzayi Zimondi, the head of Zimbabwe Prisons Services, have said they will not accept any result except one in which President Mugabe is the winner… These threats have caused alarm in the region, which had hoped for free and fair elections in Zimbabwe, where the continuing political crisis has centred on disputed election results since 2000. It is against this background that the ANC has urged the defence chiefs to respect the outcome of elections at the end of this month. EAST AFRICA • Somalia: 'Seize Window of Opportunity to Bring Peace’: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks :19 March 2008. The international community should seize a window of opportunity, despite the difficult security and humanitarian situation in Somalia, to bring peace to the war-ravaged country, the UN has said. Recent assessments, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, had shown that despite the difficult security situation characterised by indiscriminate killing, kidnapping and hijacking, an opportunity exists to end the prolonged conflict in Somalia and the suffering of its people. "In total, the United Nations estimates that 700,000 people were displaced from Mogadishu and its environs during 2007," Ban said in a report issued on 18 March. "The vast majority of them are fleeing from the 'war zone' in the capital to the 'hunger zone' in the Lower and Middle Shabelle regions." The report stated that an assessment by the Integrated Task Force on Somalia - headed by the UN's Department of Political Affairs - had advocated a three-track approach to attaining peace and stability. First would be a political track leading to dialogue between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the opposition and second, a credible security presence. Third would be to increase UN programmes to bolster the economy and provide basic services. "Robust support of the ongoing political process could lead to improved security conditions," Ban noted. "I particularly call on all parties to protect the civilian population and abstain from harming or kidnapping humanitarian workers and other expatriates working in Somalia."… Humanitarian challenges: Delivery of humanitarian assistance had equally been affected by severe access and operational challenges, while humanitarian workers were regularly subjected to ad hoc taxation at checkpoints and security incidents during distributions. "The number of roadblocks significantly increased during the last quarter, with a total of 336 roadblocks countrywide," the report stated. "In November, [NGOs] reported forced payments of up to US$475 at eight roadblocks along the Mogadishu-Afgoye road ... Piracy and hijacking of humanitarian aid have also hindered the provision of assistance." However, a major relief effort had continued along the Mogadishu-Afgoye corridor, where 200,000 displaced people are staying - including emergency trucking of more than two million litres of clean water a day, construction of thousands of latrines, vaccination and setting-up of schools in tents for emergency education… The TFG was set up in 2004 to bring peace and security to the war-torn Horn of Africa country, but in June 2006, the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) rendered it ineffective after defeating the warlords who had controlled Mogadishu since 1991 when the regime of Muhammad Siyad Barre collapsed…

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• Sudan: Darfur Mission Still Lacks Equipment: The New Times (Kigali):19 March 2008. The Force Commander of UNAMID, the joint United Nations-African Union mission in Darfur has said that the force is still ill-equipped. General Martin Luther Agwai the head of UNAMID said that despite the concerted efforts to beef up the mission, they still lack equipment. He said this during a meeting which brought together various stakeholders to discuss the way forward for the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). "The mission was revised but we still have problems. For example, we have 105 APCs (Armored Personnel Carriers) that we got from Canada but they had also been written off because of being very old," said Angwai. The meeting which brings together academics, policy makers and members of the civil society aims at identifying the progress, challenges and opportunities of the ICGLR since its inception one year ago. During his presentation, Angwai said that other challenges to the mission which became a hybrid force in January, is the disintegration of the warring factions which brings complexities in mediating them…"The groups have been multiplying ever since the mission began under the African Union and they have now gone up to twenty. The bigger the number, the more difficult for us to broker peace," said the Nigerian General. He suggested that this force in Darfur should form a nucleus for an eventual African standby force. According to Angwai, Rwanda and Nigeria are the largest contributors to the 26,000 strong force. The Head of Mission of the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) said that it is always imperative for policy makers to use the services of researchers from the academia. Arne Strom said that researchers may play a major role in solving regional conflicts. • Kenya: An Intractable Land Dispute Grinds On: Inter Press Service (Johannesburg):19 March 2008. More than a week after the launch of an army operation to flush out the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) in Mount Elgon, a district along the border with Uganda, the fugitive chief of the outlawed militia has reportedly urged an end to the campaign, but remained defiant towards government. "The security officers are looking for something they cannot find. Why are they hurting civilians?" said John Kanai during a phone interview with Radio West FM that received coverage from other media; the station is located in the border town of Bungamo. He is also said to have called on authorities to push for a resumption of peace talks between the elders of two rival Sabaot sub-clans in the region: the majority Soy group in whose name the SLDF operates, and the Ndorobo sub-clan -- a target of SLDF activity. The radio interview came after the Mount Elgon district commissioner, Mohammed Biriki, gave militiamen an amnesty period of a week to surrender their weapons… Response from civil society : Human rights organisations and the media have strongly criticised the secrecy and severity of the army operation, as well as the alleged harassment of the civilian population and the detention of newspaper and television reporters who tried to enter Cheptais… Chronology of the conflict: The seeds of conflict in Mount Elgon were sown in 1965 when the government of founding president Jomo Kenyatta decided to resettle Ndorobo families which had been forced by colonial authorities to move to Chepkitale, near the top of Mount Elgon -- this in the 1950s. Originally, 690 Ndorobo families from Chepkitale were to be settled at Chebyuk farm on the southern slopes of the mountain, an area that previously formed part of the

242 protected Elgon forest. Each family was offered about two hectares (five acres) of land, although they had demanded an acre in Chebyuk for every acre left behind in Chepkitale, which was transformed into a game reserve. It was not until 1974 that the land was allotted by a government committee. By that time, Ndorobo families from Chepkitale had invited 300 Soy families to the area in a bid to lay claim to the whole of Chebyuk. Relations between the two Sabaot sub-clans were good initially, with Soy and Ndorobo elders agreeing that the Teremi River in lower Chebyuk would constitute the boundary between the communities. Under the 1974 resettlement, Ndorobos received 65 per cent of the land, while Soy families were given the remainder. Chebyuk was to be divided into three portions, referred to locally as "phases": land in phase one and two was intended mainly for Ndorobos, phase three for Soys. However, land tenure remained uncertain and subject to official review which was done in every election year, leading to Chebyuk becoming a political tool in the hands of local politicians and civil servants…"In spite of the official policy of land privatisation and the issuing of title deeds in Kenya, this policy was never finalised in Chebyuk. The lack of official documents to prove land ownership did not prevent land transactions, however," said academic Claire Medard, author of 'Indigenous land claims in Kenya: A case study of Chebyuk, Mount Elgon district'. "Those who were given land by the government started in turn to allocate land to others. Some people borrowed, others rented, and others bought land," she told IPS. With Ndorobos selling or renting their property to Soys, the latter gradually took over much of the land. Many Ndorobos were reluctant to farm their properties, preferring to maintain their hunter-gatherer culture; some even returned to Chepkitale. A matter of political will: Peacenet’s Nguli claims that decisive political intervention could have prevented the problems at Mount Elgon from escalating into a complicated, many-sided conflict -- noting that it was not until as late as 2007 that these difficulties were put on the agenda of parliamentary proceedings. "Throughout this period, violence in the region was confined to two factions of the Sabaot ethnic group distinguished by their topographical locations: the Soy of the lowlands and indigenous Ndorobos of the highlands. However, since the formation of the SLDF in 2006 demanding eviction of the Ndorobos and other settler communities and resettlement of Soy families, the scope of violence has increased manifold." … For Kenya's coalition government, led by Kibaki and prime minister-designate Raila Odinga, the Elgon conflict is just one of many land-related disputes in the East African country demanding attention. Concerns about land rights were amongst the factors underpinning the recent wave of post-election violence in Kenya, sparked by opposition claims that Kibaki's Dec. 27 victory in the presidential poll was as a result of rigging. • Kenya: Scholars And MPs Review Crisis: The Nation (Nairobi): 22 March 2008. The stand taken by the US over Kenya's post-election crisis drove regional leaders into confusion, leaving them sharply divided and confused. Political science scholars and MPs from the Great Lakes Region were told at a workshop in Nairobi that the initial endorsement of President Mwai Kibaki's victory by the US threatened to paralyse the East African Community. The region's leaders, they were told, were caught between declaring support for President Kibaki's victory and holding back. University of Dar es Salaam lecturer Mwesiga Baregu told the delegates in the workshop, organised by the African Research and Resource Forum, that hasty congratulatory messages to

243 President Kibaki by the US, could have persuaded Uganda's Yoweri Museveni to endorse the presidential election results… Felt more comfortable : In a paper titled Kenya Crisis: Impact, Responses and Lessons for East Africa, Prof Baregu said: "It is generally believed that the US's initial reaction was intended to legitimise the outcome because they felt more comfortable with President Kibaki after ODM signed an MoU with the National Muslim Leaders Forum."… • Kenya: Body to Probe Violence Formed: The Nation (Nairobi):21 March 2008. Talks on Kenya's post-election troubles resumed Thursday with the negotiators agreeing on the composition of a mini commission to investigate the crisis. The commission will consist of three people - two international experts and one Kenyan. Already, a list of potential candidates to the mini commission has been drafted and the mediators have begun scrutinising their credentials. On Thursday, the mediators were in agreement that those who incited the violence that led to the deaths of more than 1,000 people while uprooting 350,000 others from their homes be prosecuted. However, Sabatia MP Musalia Mudavadi remained cautious, saying Kenyans have to wait for the mini commission to complete its work… Caused by police: The MP also proposed that the police force be investigated for killing innocent Kenyans during the violence. While addressing the media shortly before attending the talks, Mr Ruto said most of the more than 1,000 deaths witnessed during the violence were caused by the police whom, he said, used excess force while dealing with demonstrators. "It's the work of the police to protect the lives of Kenyans," said Mr Ruto. He said the intelligence officers failed to advise the Government on the violence even before the election results were announced… He called on President Kibaki and Prime Minister-designate Raila Odinga to address peace meetings in the country so that local people can understand the political situation in the country. On her part, Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Martha Karua said the law will deal firmly with those who incited the violence. • Uganda: MPs Seek CAR Help On Kony: New Vision (Kampala): 20 March 2008. MPs want the Central African Republic (CAR) to help Uganda resolve the conflict with the Lord's Resistance Army. This followed reports that the LRA rebels had fled to the Central African Republic from Garamba in the DR Congo. The revelation was made by the Buikwe North MP, Onyango Kakoba, who recently led other legislators to the Second Regional Forum of Parliamentarians in the Great Lakes region in Bujumbura, Burundi. Briefing journalists yesterday, Kakoba said Uganda was pushing for a mini-forum of countries affected by LRA activities. He named the other countries as Sudan, the CAR and the DR Congo. "We thought that the LRA would sign a peace agreement but they are instead moving to CAR." The final peace agreement in Juba is expected to be signed at the end of this month… • Kenya: Githongo Blames World Bank for Chaos: The Nation: Nairobi):22 March 2008. Kenya's exiled anti-corruption tsar John Githongo has accused the World Bank of complicity in the chaos that rocked Kenya after the December 2007 General Election. Mr Githongo indicted the World Bank for celebrating the country's economic growth at the expense of the much-needed reforms. He said although he tried to pinpoint the

244 problems in the Government the bank closed its eyes and supported everything that the Narc administration was doing. Mr Githongo told a meeting of Kenyans in London: "I spent 2005/06 saying something was not right in Kenya but the World Bank became like a department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying everything was okay." The former Governance and Ethics permanent secretary on Thursday said that after the November 2005 referendum it was clear that Kenyans were not satisfied with the performance of their Government. He said although he was part of the 2003 euphoria that welcomed the Narc triumph and even accepted to serve in the Government, things went wrong midstream when the new administration abandoned what it was elected to do… Economic power: It also failed to address the issue of ethnicity and perceptions of inequality among Kenyans, which indicated that some people had "great opportunity to justice and economic power than the rest". For instance, he said, although he was a member of the Ndung'u commission on land grabbing, which unearthed a lot of irregular land allocation, its findings were not implemented. He warned the new grand coalition against failure if they did not deal once and for all with reforms in land, Constitution and ethnicity. CENTRAL AFRICA • Chad: UN Mission Signs Status Agreement: UN News Service (New York):22 March 2008. The United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) has signed a status of mission agreement with Chadian authorities that will establish the legal principles under which the operation will run in the strife-torn African country. Victor Da Silva Angelo, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for MINURCAT, signed the agreement yesterday in N'Djamena, the Chadian capital, on behalf of the UN. The agreement covers the activities of the mission and deals with MINURCAT funds and property, as well as the safety and security of mission personnel and their privileges and immunities. The mission was set up by the Security Council last September to help protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid to thousands of people uprooted due to insecurity in the northeast of the CAR and eastern Chad and in the neighbouring Darfur region of Sudan. It is a multidimensional operation including European Union military forces and comprising 300 police and 50 military liaison officers, as well as civilian staff, focusing on the areas of civil affairs, human rights and the rule of law… 33. REBEL, MILITANCY AND “WAR ON TERRROR”

WEST AFRICA • Nigeria: Militants Give Niger Delta Govs Conditions for Peace: Vanguard (Lagos):21 March 2008. GOVERNMENTS in the Niger Delta have told to ensure judicious use of public fund as a major strategy to end the era of crime and militancy in the region. In a statement yesterday militants who spoke under the aegis of Grand Alliance said it was traumatic that politicians in the region also share in the blame responsible for the underdevelopment of the area. The statement signed by the duo of Pikoly Iwo and Prince Amachree, president and secretary respectively of the body. The body specifically urged the present administration in Rivers state to run a government of transparency and accountability. Adding, they said it should not evolve a divide and rule tactics particularly in the bid to address security problems in the state…"Rivers people and the

245 Niger Deltans are suffering in the midst of so much largesse; unemployment rate is rising on a daily basis. Grand Alliance of Niger Delta are not criminals. • Nigeria: Clerics Commend Sylva Over Reduction of Militancy: Leadership (Abuja):20 March 2008. Church leaders in Bayelsa State yesterday, after a review of the policies and actions of the Governor Timipre administration, declared that the policy adopted in its reduction of militancy and hostage taking in the state was commendable and prayed to God to grant him wisdom and direction. Speaking on the position of Christian leaders in Bayelsa State, Godwin Obinyere said the commendation was coming at a time every Christian community agreed that the Governor Timipre Sylva's approach in checking militancy through the award of various contracts aimed at developing the coastal state, has positively engaged the youths. He observed that the development shows that the recent peace pact between the state government and the militants was genuine, and prayed that the youths should shun such negative tendencies completely. • Nigeria: Fire Destroys Navy Boats, At Least 2 Dead: Leadership (Abuja):22 March 2008. Fire tore through a Nigerian navy base in the restive Niger Delta yesterday, killing at least two sailors and destroying four vessels. "It was an electrical explosion which gutted into fire this morning at about 09:00am at the Nigerian Navy Pathfinder jetty. It was purely an accident," said Sagir Musa, army spokesman in Port Harcourt. According to him, "Two naval men died in the explosion," adding that around three boats and a barge had been destroyed. One private security contractor involved in the oil industry said that five Nigerian sailors had been killed. He said four bodies had been found and that divers were searching for a fifth. The Niger Delta, home to Africa's biggest oil industry which exports around 2.1 million barrels per day, is frequently hit by abductions of oil workers for ransom, armed robberies and crude oil smuggling. Unknown gunmen aboard a speedboat killed a Nigerian sailor on Wednesday when they attacked a security vessel as it travelled to the Delta port of Onne, used to supply oil industry contractors, security sources working in the oil sector said. • Senegal: Rebels Act On Kidnap Threats in Casamance: UN Integrated Regional Information Networks :20 March 2008. Rebels belonging to the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) kidnapped 16 villagers in Bissine, 64 km east of Ziguinchor near the Guinea-Bissau border on 16 March before releasing them two days later, according to different local sources. The villagers had returned to the site of their village, destroyed in the ongoing violence in Casamance, to weed the land, according to Moustapha Bassène, a representative from the Committee of Wise Men which has been involved in the Casamance peace process since November 2007… The rebels have also been opposed to proposed mine-clearance operation in these sites, apparently fearing this will encourage villagers to return to their homes. Low-intensity conflict has simmered in southern Casamance since the 1980s despite a number of peace agreements being passed. On 26 February, 100 armed men allegedly belonging to the MFDC ambushed 40 passenger vehicles 60 km north of Ziguinchor. EAST AFRICA • Somalia: Gunmen Open Fire On Puntland Finance Minister’s Vehicle: Garowe Online (Garowe):21 March 2008.

246 A group of unidentified armed men opened gunfire on a convoy transporting Puntland Finance Minister Mohamed "Gaagaab" Ali as the vehicles drove through town in the port of Bossaso, witnesses said. No one was reported hurt, but the incident underscored the growing trend of criminal acts in the relatively quiet regional autonomy in northeast Somalia. Minister Gaagaab was quickly transported to his hotel in Bossaso, where extra armed police were deployed to keep guard. Puntland police have not yet identified the attackers. Conflicting reports are emerging with regard to the identity of the gunmen. One unconfirmed report said that the gunmen are members of the Puntland security forces, who are angry with the Ministry of Finance for the nonpayment of wages during the last five months. Sources close to Finance Minister Gaagaab suggested that the gunmen who attacked his convoy are soldiers loyal to Abdullahi Said Samatar, the region's recently-appointed Minister of Security. An internal dispute has lingered between Mr. Gaagaab and Mr. Samatar since January, when Puntland President Adde Muse appointed former police official Samatar to head the Ministry of Security… • Kenya: 22 Killed as Bandits Raid Districts in Fresh Violence: The Nation (Nairobi):20 March 2008. Twenty-two people were killed during cattle raids in Baringo East and Samburu districts as fresh violence erupted in parts of Rift Valley. Among the victims were seven members of one family who were killed in Lokodi village, Baringo East. Five of the other casualties were the family's neighbours while five others were bandits who were felled by police bullets. In the Samburu attack, five people were killed on Tuesday night. Over 200 raiders, suspected to be from either Turkana or Samburu districts, stole more than 200 animals in the Baringo raid. Many of those injured in the attack were children and they were taken to Kabarnet District Hospital for treatment. Among them were two children aged eight and 11 who were shot on the elbow and the knee respectively. Great pain: Baringo Medical Officer of Health Joseph Odhiambo denied the Nation access to the patients saying they needed to rest "because they are in great pain". CENTRAL AFRICA • Burundi: FNL Dissidents Loot Homes: Burundi Réalités (Bujumbura):21 March 2008. FNL dissidents looted three homes in the Mitakataka sector of Bubanza commune during the night of March 19. According to the victims, the FNL dissidents robbed them of 125,000 francs. Despite the intervention of security forces, the FNL dissidents succeeded in returning back to the waiting area of Randa although both sides traded gunfire. The inhabitants of Mitakataka recognised one of the attackers. The movements of FNL dissidents remain out of control despite the presence of the African Union peacekeepers in charge of security of the waiting sites of Randa and Buramata where more than 2,000 combatants are stationed. Theoretically, FNL dissidents were disarmed before being gathered in the waiting sites. In reality, since the beginning of this year, the rearmament of the FNL dissidents resumed with the South African peacekeepers that guard the waiting sites completely unawares. This is not the first raid that the government-backed dissidents have carried out from the waiting site. In February, the police caught an FNL dissident in the city of Gatumba in the act of robbery. It was later revealed that the robber was a dissident officer from Buramata… The government of Burundi has not succeeded to resolve the PALIPEHUTU-FNL issue. The current head of state made it his first

247 priority in his inaugural address back in 2005. Afterwards he made two ultimatums that the PALIPEHUTU-FNL survived. Currently, negotiations between the government and PALIPEHUTU-FNL are deadlocked. PALIPEHUTU-FNL and the government of Burundi have failed to agree on the important issue concerning the provisional immunity for FNL leaders. PALIPEHUTU-FNL has rejected the bill passed by the parliament which omitted the name of the movement. This movement has also rejected the decree that President Nkurunziza issued a year ago to strengthen the faulty immunity bill. 34. NORTH AFRICA • Algeria: UN Needs to Restore Its Image, Says Panel Boss: The Nation (Nairobi):19 March 2008. The United Nations should work towards restoring its credibility, independence and fairness in the world, declares veteran Algerian diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi, the new chairman of the independent panel on safety and security of United Nations personnel and premises. In an interview to local press, Mr Brahimi said: "The UN flag is no more a protection, but rather a target because of its failure to preserve impartiality in different conflicts in the world, although it is not a reason to justify terrorist attacks'.' Mr Brahimi, urges the international organisation to change its personnel and premises safety procedures. "It has to make a detailed assessment of the importance of its tasks and assignments as well as enumerate risks that it may face and which have to be accepted by its staff', he said. Mr Brahimi was appointed in January by UN Secretary General Ban Ki- moon, to chair the international panel in the light of the terrorist attack at the Algiers UN office in December. Panel is composed: The panel is composed of five independent personalities; Elsayed Ibrahim Elsayed Mohamed Elhabbal of Egypt; Anil Kumar Gupta of India; Umit Pamir of Turkey, Thomas Boy Sibande of South Africa and Margareta Wahlström of Sweden. The panel, expected to commence shortly its tasks, will examine present UN operations and vulnerabilities around the world. • Morocco: Latest Round of UN-Led Talks on Western Sahara Wrap up: UN News Service (New York):18 March 2008. The fourth and latest round of United Nations-led talks, bringing together representatives from Morocco and the Frente Polisario, wrapped up today on the outskirts of New York City, with both sides once again pledging to continue negotiations. Also participating at the two-day talks - facilitated by Peter van Walsum, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary- General - at the Greentree Estate in Manhasset on Long Island were representatives of neighbouring States, Algeria and Mauritania. In a communiqué issued at the end of the discussions, Mr. van Walsum said that the talks focused on the implementation of Security Council resolutions 1754 and 1783, both of which call on the parties to continue negotiations without preconditions and in good faith to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution. The parties also conferred on such subjects as administration, justice and resources, he said. Morocco holds that its sovereignty over Western Sahara should be recognized, while the Frente Polisario's position is that the Territory's final status should be decided in a referendum that includes independence as an option. The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) has been in the Territory since September 1991 to monitor the ceasefire between Morocco and the Frente Polisario. • Algeria: Country Explains Decision to Expel American Evangelist: The Nation (Nairobi):20 March 2008.

248 Algeria's Minister for Religious Affairs, Mr Bouabdallah Ghoulamallah, has clarified that the government's decision to expel American cleric Hugh Johnson had nothing to do with his evangelisation campaign. Mr Ghoulamallah confirmed that the Interior Government ministry had asked Pastor Johnson, a former chairman of protestant churches in the country, to leave on March 11 because his resident visa had expired. He added that pastor Johnson had retired and was no longer involved in any formal church activities. However, sources say that pastor Johnson, who discreetly imported religious books and distributed them without the Algerian government's permission, is still an active member of a non-accredited local protestant associations in the country. Wide-ranging campaign: Mr Ghoulamallah further denied allegations that the pastor's expulsion is part of a legal and wide-ranging campaign against evangelists. "We don't have problems with anyone," he said. "The protestant church has been operating in Algeria since 1974." The minister said the government's main concern is the evangelists' attitudes that violate Islamic values. Although a law enacted in 2006 defines the legal framework for religions other than Islam, he said, evangelists engage in activities that flout it then seek foreign protection. Catholic priest Henry Tessier has held meetings with the minister in an attempt to get the government to rescind its decision on The Rev Johnson and to push for the release of fellow Catholic priest, Pierre Valese who is serving a year's sentence for ministering to illegal African immigrants in Maghnia city near border with Morocco. Programme aired: During a programme aired on a French language radio station last week, producer Djaouida Azzoug questioned the extent of the evangelisation. She asked why Algerians want to be converted and why churches clandestinely operate in the cities of Oran, Tizi Ouzou and Constantine. She noted that although the phenomenon affects different social classes, there are no reliable figures. Meanwhile, Father Alphone, a Catholic priest from Oran, said Algerians do not become Christians out of a genuine conviction, but simply to obtain visas. Indeed, there have been reports that converts receive $7,500… Pastor Mustapha Krim, President of the Algeria Protestant Church Council, felt there was no cause for alarm. He wondered how 32 tiny Christian community can challenge 32,000 mosques in a country with 33 millions Muslims and 11,000 Christians.

• Algeria: Journalist Who Wrote About Alleged Corruption Charged, Placed Under Judicial Control: Reporters sans Frontières (Paris): PRESS RELEASE: 17 March 2008. RSF is worried about a court decision in the city of Annaba (600 km east of Algiers) on 4 March 2008 to formally charge the national Arabic-language daily "Ennahar"'s correspondent, Noureddine Boukraa, and place him under judicial control as a result of a complaint by the region's public security chief. "This is an example of the pressure that is brought to bear on journalists when they write about the alleged involvement of senior officials in corruption and influence-peddling," the press freedom organisation said. "The pressure is all the greater in the provinces where there is less media coverage and journalists are more exposed to the wrath of local officials." The charges brought against Boukraa under the criminal code are "violating the confidentiality of a judicial investigation by use of classified documents," damaging the "reputation of a state entity" and libel. The prosecutor wanted him placed in pre-trial detention. Instead the court placed him under judicial control, which means he cannot

249 leave the region and must report to the prosecutor's office every week… Boukraa told RSF that the police have questioned him several times in recent months about a 12 November 2007 article in which, on the basis of leaked documents, he had accused members of the police of influence-peddling… When the article was published, Boukraa was held overnight at the local headquarters of the judicial police. The next day, he was questioned by an investigating judge and then released. • Rwanda: Egypt Donates Medicine Worth Frw33 Million: The New Times (Kigali):17 March 2008. The Egyptian government has donated medicine estimated at Frw33 million (USD60, 000) to support two districts that were recently affected by an earthquake. While presenting the donations to the Ministry of Health at Egyptian Embassy in Kacyiru during the weekend, the Egyptian Ambassador Mohamed Kandif said his country is always ready to lend a hand to Rwanda as a brotherly country. "The medicine is from the government of Egypt to the Rwandan government as a way of responding towards requirements created after the earthquake," Kandif said… The Egyptian fund for technical cooperation with Africa department established in 1980 under the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, last year supplied fifteen loaded trucks of food to support Rwandan returnees from Tanzania. The same cooperation arranges training courses for African countries in several fields. Kandif proposed that Rwanda should have more cooperation in pharmaceutical issues because Egypt has advanced in that sector. ------End Text ------

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