March-September 2012

N°39 SAHEL AND WEST AFRICA Club MAR-SEPT 2012 Secretariat

THE SAHEL AND WEST AFRICA CLUB SECRETARIAT’S NEwslETTEr

iN THis issuE DirEcTor’s EDiTorial

sEcuriTy aND DEvElopmENT nne de Lattre, Founder and for many years Director of the “Club du Sahel”, left us during the heart of the Dialogue on the Security-Development Nexus A summer. Her death provoked a wave of emotions within a large community of friends. To each she leaves a special heritage. Northern Mali at a glance To all and to West Africa, she leaves the Club – this particular Viewpoint by Malian Ambassador Touré space for dialogue and co-operation. Anne initiated the creation of the “Club du Sahel” in 1976 because she was convinced that the FooD sEcuriTy international community could not hold West African leaders welcome an indifferent gaze to the terrible dramas the AGIR Initiative and droughts of 1973-74. At the dawn of globalisation, very little attention was paid The RPCA calls for urgent political action to this region. It was necessary to create a Food security leaders meet sustainable coalition to come to its aid. with G20 representatives Thirty-fi ve years after the creation of the Club, the Western Interview with ECOWAS Sahel is again at top of the international agenda. While during Commissioner Mr. Atouga the past decades it has made constant progress in the fi eld of Biofuels: West African farmers agriculture and in the fi ght against hunger, the Sahel has been meet with Brazilian counterparts hit by a wide range of serious international threats which found an ideal breeding ground in the fragile Sahel region. sTraTEGic oriENTaTioNs The Colloquium on the Security-Development Nexus, organised The Strategy and Policy Group (SPG) in June at the margin of the SWAC Strategy and Policy Group reviews the Club’s work orientations meeting, illustrated the complexity of the current situation. It provided a timely opportunity to point out some, in my view, puBlicaTioNs critically important messages. The most important one is probably that the scale of the quest for solutions – the spatial Key lessons from the Colloquium scale as well as time scale - must be equal to the scale of the on the Security-Development Nexus problem. In other words, northern Mali and by extension the Burkina Faso: A New Investment southern Sahara region is facing a macro-regional, long-term Framework for Agriculture (French) problem. Charter for Food Crisis Prevewntion Without any doubt, the Club must pursue its work on the future and Management of the Sahel. While it is not mandated to analyse purely security- 2011 Annual Report related aspects, it is nevertheless necessary to develop a medium- Nigeria Country Proﬁ le and long-term vision of the region’s social and economic development. How to dress the wounds and reconstruct the region? NewsBriefs How to prepare the future of a region, commonly seen as an agro-pastoral zone? How to develop sectors such as livestock, ForTHcomiNG EvENTs mining, tourism, urban agglomerations and opportunities for the youth? All these diffi cult tasks need to be addressed within West Africa Week a context where chronic and cyclical food insecurity remains a permanent threat, in particular for agro-livestock farmers. sEcuriTy-DEvElopmENT

Just like three decades ago, the inter- From this viewpoint, the Global The coming months will be mostly national community must mobilise Alliance for Resilience Initiative - Sahel dedicated to finalising the long support for the Sahel to help it recon- (AGIR), currently being launched at expected work on medium-and struct a future within West Africa and the initiative of the European Union, is long-term food prospects which will within a globalised world in which it good news. The fact that this initiative be presented at the next SWAC Forum is fully engaged. In the short-term, will be managed under the leadership within West Africa Week, scheduled international support is needed to help of ECOWAS and UEMOA is again from 4 to 8 December in Ouagadougou. West Africa rid itself of these global good news. The Club will fully play its scourges. However, a massive mobili- role to advance West African concerns laurENT BossarD sation of the international community within this initiative. Director, SWAC Secretariat must also focus on long-term actions!

Secrétariat du DU SAHEL ET DE aOÛT 2012 Club L'AFRIQUE DE L'OU EST

Mémoires d ’avenir inspirées par Anne de Lattre

RECUEIL DE CONTRIBUTIONS D’ANCIENS pARTENAIRES, COLLABORATEURS ET AmIS

A vant-propos AvAnt-propos apprenant la disparition de leur amie anne de Lattre, le 11 juillet 2012, ses partenaires et collaborateurs au sein du émoignagnes Club du Sahel ont immédiatement souhaité partager l’expé- T rience qu’ils avaient vécue auprès d’elle. Le Secrétariat du Club a proposé de publier ces témoignages et m’a demandé d’en assurer la coordination. iste des contributeurs

L Le recueil qui en résulte réunit à ce stade 25 contributions personnelles, ainsi que les courriers du CILSS (Comité Inter- Etat de Lutte contre la Sécheresse dans le Sahel) et de la léments de biographie CEDEaO (Communauté économiques des Etats d’afrique de E l’Ouest). Les témoignages personnels portent sur une période de 35 ans, du milieu des années 70 jusqu’en 2010. Ils permettent de parcourir l’aventure du Club, jusqu’à ses évolutions récentes, évoquant également les autres engagements d’anne de Lattre après son départ de la direction du Club en 1988.

Grâce à sa pugnacité, son imagination et son sens aigu des relations publiques, anne de Lattre joua un rôle déterminant dans la création du Club du Sahel, construction d’exception qu’elle bâtit avec ardeur à l’image des valeurs qui l’ani- maient : liberté d’expression, ouverture aux autres et aux idées nouvelles, recherche des faits, anticipation, persévérance… associant les qualités d’une petite entreprise engagée à celles d’une organisation internationale, l’OCDE, le Club fut, et demeure, une construction très originale... Read some memories of friends: www.oecd.org/swac/annedelattre.htm

ialoGuE oN THE sEcuriTy-DEvElopmENT NEXus

D 12 June 2012, paris, oEcD conference centre

Some fi fty security-development experts and actors, Concrete examples such as Chad offered an interesting basis including a large delegation from Mali, gathered at the for discussion on the regional dimension of the security- OECD headquarters to discuss West Africa’s major security development nexus. Dedicated to policy coherence, the challenges. Discussion was opened by H.E. Mr. Boubacar debate also contributed to promoting dialogue between Sidiki Touré, Ambassador of Mali to France, in the presence OECD member countries and Africa from a “security and of H.E. Mr. Soumeylou Boubèye Maïga, former Malian development” perspective. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

2 SWAC NeWS / MArCh - SepteMber 2012 © Sahel and West Africa Club Secretariat (SWAC/OeCD) sEcuriTy-DEvElopmENT

The security-Development Nexus in west africa

or several years now policy-makers have integrated the This effort of coherence in security and development Fsecurity-development nexus approach into numerous activities at the institutional level represents a key issue in initiatives, as well as into regional and international mecha- co-operation with West Africa. nisms. The UNDP fi rst introduced the human security approach in 1994. The approach contains seven dimen- Fragile states – and particularly those across the Sahel – are sions: economic, food, health, environmental, personal, particularly vulnerable to confl ict. As the World Bank puts community and political security. The World Bank has it, “The problems of fragile states spread easily: they drag similarly reported that investing in security, justice and down neighbours with violence that overfl ows borders, jobs is essential to the reduction of instability and elimi- because confl icts feed on narcotics, piracy, and gender nation of confl ict. However, the AU and recurrent players violence, and leave refugees and broken infrastructure in in Africa often fi nd it diffi cult to bring about an end of their wake.” It is quite clear that if there is no security, then confl ict in countries with a weak economy and government, there can be no sustainable human development. also subject to recurrent tensions (competition for mineral and agro-pastoral resources, environmental degra- The security-development nexus is only possible through dation, unfi nished demarcation of borders, the fragility closer regional co-operation with a particular emphasis on of democratic processes, and socio-economic challenges). border areas where tensions may be crystallised. As under- lined in the 3076th Foreign Affairs Council meeting on the The European Union, by far the largest provider of development EU Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel, aid, has also integrated the security-development nexus “Improving the security situation is integral to economic approach in its strategies and policies. Its High Representative growth and the reduction of poverty in the region.” The for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy has an “extensive 10th anniversary of NEPAD, the recent EU Strategy for mandate to ensure coherence in the EU, including with regard Security and Development in the Sahel, and the potential to the conduct of the Union’s foreign and security policy, the impact of the North African crises on West African representation of the EU in international organisations and countries, have created new opportunities to strengthen conferences, the establishment of the European External dialogue within free-movement areas and to reassess Action Service (EEAS), the chairmanship of the Foreign the regional dimension of both instability dynamics and Affairs Council and the co-ordination of the Commission’s economic potential. external relations portfolios”. Learn more: www.oecd.org/swac/events/securitycolloquium.htm

available Tensions in inWest North and andNorth West Africa Africa, 2011 - 2012 2011-2012 prEsENTaTioNs • Growing instability in the Sahel and West Africa region since 2005, by Henry Wilkinson

• Security, resources and er any territory, to the delinetation on delinetation the to territory, any er development in Chad: analysis from a regional perspective, by Géraud Magrin (French) • Policy coherence in the fi eld of security and development aid between the EU and Africa, by Felix Nkundabagenzi (French) • The complex dimension of terrorism in West Africa, by Martin Ewi • Cross-border co-operation as a tool to enhance security and develop-

ment in the Mano River international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area. or city territory, any of name internationalthe to and boundaries and frontiers This map is a regional approximation based on data with margin of error. Furthermore, prejudice without is map sovereignity this or of, status the to ov error. of regional a margin is with map data This on based approximation Union, by Francis Keili Sources: The International Institute for Strategic Studies / SWAC Secretariat © Sahel and West Africa Club Secretariat (SWAC/OECD), June 2012

Active - frequent armed clashes (involving Dormant Conflict - occasional clashes reported Ceasefire/Amnesty - agreed and/or announced • Sénégambie fatalities) between governments, government between governments, government forces and by recognised leaders of parties of the conflict. forces and insurgents, or among other insurgents, or among other non-state armed Does not stand as a resolution of the conflict and Méridionale: from the non-state armed groups that control territory. groups that control territory. does not suggest that all conflict has stopped. Cassamance conﬂ ict to

- sporadic armed new traffi cs, by Medium Intensity Conflict Non-insurgent unrest Peace Accord - formal resolutions of conflict ratified clashes between governments, government by recognised leaders of parties to the conflict or forces and insurgents, or among other non-state between intervening party and post-conflict Abdoulaye Diallo armed groups that control territory. AQIM Boko Haram government. In some cases, conflict may still persist. (Assumed areas of activity) (French)

© Sahel and West Africa Club Secretariat (SWAC/OeCD) SWAC NeWS / MArCh - SepteMber 2012 3 sEcuriTy-DEvElopmENT N orTHErN mali aT a GlaNcE Desert Nomadic tribes, Sahara weakly populated area (< 100 000 people) Taoudeni

Oil / Gas ? Tanezrouft Area with Touareg majority

900 m

Adrar des Araouane Ifoghas Kidal

Timbuktu Quasi-desert Bourem Goundam shrub-steppe, G -Rharous Niafounké pastoral economy Diré Gao Gourma Ménaka Ansongo

Mopti Niono Bamako The bulk of the population is concentrated in an 800km strip Main rice-growing area of valley; agricultural economy heavily dominated by rice Main wheat-growing area (a quarter of Mali’s production), wheat and ﬁshing. Paved road

Road under construction / short-term project 0 km 300

land and people

orthern Mali covers 827 000 km², thousand: Niafounké, Diré, Gourdam, Transport infrastructure is reduced to N approximately 66% of the total Bourem and Ansongo. Three hundred the bare minimum beyond the main national territory. With a population of kilometres away from Gao, there are two highway, the “Nationale 16”, which 1.3 million in 2010, the region is home similar towns: Kidal in the Northeast, links Mopti to Gao in the far south of to about 8.6% of the country’s total Ménaka in the east. Close to the “towns” the region. Construction is under way population, down from 17% in 1960 and water supply, most of the rural on another road, which will connect and 11.5% in 1990. Still, the population population lives in this narrow valley, Timbuktu to Bamako via Niono. is not shrinking; rather population bordered by desert. The area north of growth in the North is slower than Timbuktu and Kidal receives no in Mali’s overall population growth more than 100 millimetres of if northern mali were to become a state, it rate. Between 1960 and 2010, Mali’s rain each year, and the average would be twice the size of Germany but with population grew 3.2% while the annual temperature is above 1.6 residents per km2. it would share with northern population grew 1.9%. It is 30 degrees (The world record mongolia the title of the country with the therefore a region of net emigration, is 34 degrees, held by northern lowest population density in the world. linked as much to the harshness of the Ethiopia). In 500 000 km2, there environment as to the chronic security are only a handful of small problems. villages: Tessalit, Araouane, Taoudeni, separated by hundreds of The population is highly rural, with just kilometres of sand or rock desert, 8% of inhabitants living in agglomera- including the dreadful Tanezrouft. To tions of more than 10 000 residents. The the east, the Adrar des Ifoghas massif, two main cities – Gao (population 50 000) roughly the size of Guinea, is a little and Timbuktu (30 000) – are situated in less hostile; the moderately elevated but the South of the region along the Niger rugged terrain receives slightly more River, as are some towns ranging in rainfall (150mm), nourishing wadis and population from a few thousand to ten pastures in July and August.

4 SWAC NeWS / MArCh - SepteMber 2012 © Sahel and West Africa Club Secretariat (SWAC/OeCD) Security-Development

Economy

he cumulative GDP of the regions Livestock is present throughout the In recent years, rice production has T of Gao, Timbuktu and Kidal region and contributes to the livelihood been booming. By themselves alone, today can be estimated at less than of a large part of the population. Far the irrigated perimeters of the Koriomé USD 1 billion (PPP); a figure that would from the traditional imagery, it is Daye and Amadia plains, south of see northern Mali snatch the position mostly sedentary, although the practice Timbuktu, produced 360 000 tonnes of West Africa’s smallest economy from of season transhumance remains very of paddy in 2010, about 20% of Mali’s Guinea-Bissau (1.9 billion in 2011). Some common. Livestock raising is concen- total production. The nearby region of dream of seeing oil and gas flow from trated in the South of the region, Diré-Gourdam produces 80% of the the cross-border sedimentary Taoudeni close to the valley. At the end of the country’s wheat, even if the production Basin. For now, the promises repeated 1990s, the National Statistics Institute is rather marginal (20 000 tonnes). for many years have not been fulfilled. of Mali counted only 60 000 people Further into the valley, there are also practicing pure nomadism in the vast numerous irrigated village perimeters, northern region. The rest of the of which more than half are equipped agricultural economy, as with with pumps, employ proper inputs The North is not an economic burden as the population, is concentrated and regularly obtain yields of four to is sometimes said, but rather the lungs of in the valley. six tonnes per hectare. However, the an industry whose growth prospects are region’s potential is yet to be fully dizzying, provided that peace is restored. realised. The northern part of the Niger Valley could become a major agricultural centre in Mali and in West Africa. This entire economy is threa- tened today. Stocks of seeds and inputs Tourism are empty. Pumps are not working for lack of fuel. Tourism used to be one of the most promising sectors. In Mali, the regions most appreciated by tourists are the Niger Valley from Ségou to Gao, the inner Niger Delta, Dogon Country and the deserts of the North. They are all located in the red zone. In 2004, jobs directly Taoudeni and indirectly linked to tourism were estimated at 13 000 and without a doubt contributed to the livelihoods of more Tanezrouft than 60 000 people, not to mention the informal sector. Between 2004 and 900 m 2010, Mali’s tourism revenues doubled. Adrar des Araouane

lt route lt Ifoghas In 2010, tourists spent 240 million sa Kidal euros in Mali. Their numbers grew r from 40 000 in 1995 to 170 000 in Timbuktu Bourem m 2008. These figures were expected to Goundam adra nké G -Rharous Niafounké D Gao double over the next 10 years. The end Diré Gourma Ménaka of tourism in the North marks the end Delta Ansongo M Dogon of tourism in Mali. In Bamako, hotels Mopti country and restaurants are empty, and the Niono Bandiagara tourist craft industry is collapsing. It is Bamako therefore a considerable loss of income and jobs for the entire country. It goes to show that the North is not an economic Main tourist attractions burden as is sometimes said, but rather Orange zone: to be avoided, unless compelling reasons the lungs of an industry whose growth Red zone: tourists are formally advised not to visit this area. prospects are dizzying, provided that peace is restored. Reaching a figure of 0 km 300 one million annual visitors is not – was Sources: French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and SWAC Secretariat, September 2012 not – a chimera.

© Sahel and West Africa Club Secretariat (SWAC/OECD) SWAC News / March - September 2012 5 Viewpoints N ORTHERN mali Statement by H.E. Mr. Boubacar Sidiki Touré, Ambassador of Mali to France Excerpt from the original French version

ali is a great country with a Given such difficult circumstances, M centuries-old culture. Its diverse this is certainly a delicate and complex and varied peoples comprise several mission. However, despite Mali’s ethnic groups who have intermingled limited resources, the authorities have and intermarried down the ages. Each always been driven by an unwavering community has retained its identity, commitment to bringing security to This ambitious programme has raised culture and traditions. In this regard, the northern regions. They have clearly a great many hopes. Concrete results the policies pursued by the Malian understood that the only solution lies were expected in the short term. The authorities have always been based on in the development of these areas. It is Malian authorities were counting on open and constructive dialogue. worth recalling the policy of positive the PSPSDN to curb insecurity, poverty, discrimination resulting from various youth unemployment, hostage-taking In the North of the country, commonly agreements that were signed from and all forms of trafficking. Facing known as the “septentrion”, […] the 1991 and implemented in favour of the the widespread turmoil of the past regions of Gao, Timbuktu and Kidal Touaregs. Many development projects and identity-based insurgencies, the are suffering from chronic insecurity have been set up with bilateral and authorities have always worked with in the form of armed banditry, multilateral partners. The entire nation a constructive vision. They resort to intra- and inter-community armed has willingly accepted that almost all of dialogue rather than arms. conflicts, kidnapping, and mistrust its Official Development among communities. All these factors Assistance from the combined create a poisonous climate European Union is The only solution lies in the development which is inevitably hindering devel- channelled into the of these areas. It is worth recalling the opment. Long before the current northern region. policy of positive discrimination resulting insurgency, the region was already from various agreements that were signed plagued by hostage-taking and blatant As a result, from 2006 from 1991 and implemented in favour of the and repeated acts of aggression. This to 2012, investment Touaregs. brought tourism – a major source of in this part of Mali income – to a halt across the entire totaled 120 million country. So how can we bring peace, euros, together with contributions Despite difficulties, this approach has security and development to a region from the national budget and other helped defuse tensions and preserve a suffering from recurrent crises such sources of funding. One flagship degree of social cohesion and political as in northern Mali? project is the Special Programme for stability in the country – the only way Peace, Security and Development in forward to sustainable development. northern Mali (PSPSDN), a result of the 2006 Algiers Agreement which encompasses several development projects. The first phase of the PSPSDN involves the setting up of around forty facilities to serve as barracks for the armed and security forces as well as public administration structures. It also includes the construction of twenty socio-economic facilities for the populations of the Kidal and Gao regions, including health centres, schools, modern wells, housing for officials, etc.

6 SWAC News / March - September 2012 © Sahel and West Africa Club Secretariat (SWAC/OECD) viEwpoiNTs

The PSPSDN had barely been launched Through their repeated warnings, Claims must be put forward within when the war in Libya shattered an the Malian authorities sought to rally the framework of democratic dialogue. already fragile balance in northern all countries and populations to the They cannot be enforced by a gun, Mali. Indeed, from September 2011, fi ght against the problem of insecurity because peace and security remain all experts agreed that the situation in the Sahel-Saharan region and to the fundamental and necessary in the Sahel was extremely explosive. pursue the ultimate goal of bringing conditions for development. There can The direct consequences of the war about sustainable development and be no future for the Malian people and in Libya brought new threats to the shared progress for society. no chances for development without security of the region with the infl ux unity. As the founding charter of of armed groups such as former Unfortunately, these warnings have UNESCO says so well, “Since wars combatants from Libya and the circu- been in vain. The rest is history, begin in the minds of men, it is in the lation of weapons. and today the situation could hardly minds of men that the defence of peace be more alarming. Mali is cut into must be constructed.” The security challenges in the Sahel- two. The northern regions are Saharan strip have varied implications occupied by heavily armed for the neighbouring states and the groups. Hundreds of thousands “since wars begin in the minds of men, countries of Western Europe alike. of people have been displaced. it is in the minds of men that the defence The Malian authorities have constantly Serious human rights violations of peace must be constructed.” alerted the international community are being perpetrated on the about the return of hundreds of armed ground (rape, murder, etc.). men from Libya. Their return sparked It is our moral duty to continue the resurgence of the rebellion that Mali is facing huge development working with determination and had ceased at the end of 2009 in the challenges and cannot afford an perseverance alongside our brothers northern regions of Mali. This vast armed confl ict which has incalculable who have taken up arms to persuade and hard-to-control quasi-desert area consequences on national cohesion them to accept and share a culture of has been a safe haven for the AQIM and the stability of the country and peace that allows people to fl ourish, combatants for several years. They the sub-region. History can serve to while committing to a spirit of recon- use it as a base to launch operations guide us and shed light on the present ciliation and face up to the only combat into other countries along the Sahel- crisis. The balkanisation advocated by that is worthy of the name: the fi ght for Saharan region, namely in Algeria, the armed groups is not a solution for development. Mauritania and Niger. socio-economic development. Balkani- sation is the contrary of development. It should be stressed that, alongside Balkanisation means war, economic Mali, these countries had previously decline and the violation of human decided to set up a Joint Military rights. I would like to take this oppor- Staff Committee of the Sahel Region tunity to say that the exact opposite of (CEMOC), based at Tamanrasset balkanisation is the unity, fraternity (Algeria), with the aim of conducting and solidarity between the commu- an annual assessment of the security nities in Mali. In other words, it is us situation in the Sahel and establishing all pulling together and respecting joint actions as part of a common our diversity rather than applying an strategy to combat terrorism and “every man for himself” approach. organised crime.

“we have tried to progressively enhance regional co-operation. However, the threats are evolving faster than our responses. The current situation in northern mali is the most perfect illustration of this.”

mr. soumeylou Boubèye maïga Former Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, SWAC Colloquium, 12 June 2012

est African leaders welcome the Global W Alliance for Resilience Initiative – Sahel (AGIR)

West African leaders have submitted to the EU Commission roadmap shall be reviewed by a senior expert group on a joint position paper in which they warmly welcome the 7-8 November in Paris. AGIR will be officially launched AGIR initiative. The paper highlights that the initiative on 6 December within the framework of the Food Crisis must support the implementation of existing regional Prevention Network (RPCA) meeting during West Africa policies and investment programmes on the prevention Week in Ouagadougou. The SWAC Secretariat facilitates and management of food and nutritional crises. Following the co-ordination between all stakeholders of the initiative. consultations with West African civil society, a draft

About AGIR West African leadership As a follow-up to a high-level consultation with West A consultation meeting between ECOWAS, UEMOA and African regional institutions, organised by the European CILSS, facilitated by the SWAC Secretariat on 10 September Commission on 18 June in Brussels, participants agreed in Abidjan, led to the drafting of a joint position paper in to join their efforts and build a Global Alliance for Resil- which the three regional organisations warmly welcome ience Initiative - Sahel (AGIR). In response to chronic this ambitious initiative. They highlighted that AGIR must food insecurity and malnutrition, the initiative aims to support the implementation of existing regional policies promote greater resilience among vulnerable populations and investment programmes in the field of food crisis by creating greater synergy between emergency actions prevention and management. By strengthening West and between long-term strategies aimed at addressing the African regional leadership, this initiative could become root causes of food crises. In line with the principles of the an example of successful international partnership and Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, the global alliance improvement of development effectiveness in Africa. puts emphasis on donor co-ordination and the building of synergy in order to foster effective collective action for sustainable food security. “In order to achieve the objectives set, “the relevant processes should be fully owned at regional level and anchored in the region”, concluded participants at the high-level meeting on 18 June.

The role of SWAC The SWAC Secretariat is fully playing its liaising role as facilitator and “Club” bringing together the main international and regional stakeholders, institutions as well as civil society organisations in order to create greater convergence between the various partners. All stakeholders decided to use the Club as platform for policy dialogue, lobbying and co-ordination of the initiative. Facilitated by the SWAC Secretariat, the consultation meeting between ECOWAS, "We would like to see our region involved in the UEMOA and CILSS in Abidjan, led to the drafting of a global co-ordination of this initiative. If there are joint West African position paper. The SWAC Secretariat a large number of actors intervening in various has also commissioned a mapping study on the regional sectors, - without co-ordination, problems will governance of food security to enrich the analysis and arise quickly." facilitate the drafting of a roadmap.

Mr. Cheikhe Hadjibou Soumaré, President of the UEMOA Commission, at the High-level Consultation Meeting on the Sahel Food Crisis, 18 June 2012.

8 SWAC News / March - September 2012 © Sahel and West Africa Club Secretariat (SWAC/OECD) Food security

ood Crisis Prevention Network (RPCA) F calls for urgent political action 12-13 April 2012, Paris, OECD Conference Centre

This RPCA meeting was held in the context of the dramatic situation that is unfolding in northern Mali. RPCA members acknowledged the respon- siveness and exemplary role played by ECOWAS in managing the political crisis in Mali. They called upon ECOWAS and UEMOA to organise a high-level meeting and make political and financial decisions in order to prevent the food crisis from turning into a serious humanitarian crisis. The meeting was opened by OECD Deputy Secretary-General Mr. Tamaki and chaired by the Commissioners of ECOWAS and UEMOA.

From left to right: ECOWAS Commissioner Mr. Lapodini Marc Atouga, OECD Deputy Secretary-General Mr. Rintaro Tamaki and UEMOA Commissioner Mr. Ibrahima Diémé Key conclusions

• The region is experiencing an • Vulnerable populations are not food crisis measures overall difficult food situation: being adequately targeted; sharp declines in cereal production In response to the recommendations of compared to last year. Although • Countries need to comply with the RPCA, agricultural ministers from production is slightly higher than the requirements of the regional ECOWAS countries, Chad and Maurita- the 5-year average, it conceals prevention and crisis management nia gathered from 4 to 5 June in Lomé sharp declines in most of the Sahel provisions; to review the food and nutritional situa- countries; tion and take additional measures and • Insecurity in northern Mali is actions to better manage the current • The region is also marked with negatively impacting the food food crisis in the Sahel. Facilitated by weak supplies and high prices on situation.. the SWAC Secretariat, this joint high- grain markets; level meeting was an important step Learn more: forward toward improving co-ordination • The global acute malnutrition www.oecd.org/swac/topics/rpca between food security stakeholders, in (GAM) trends have only improved line with the principles of the Charter for in two countries in the Sahel Food Crisis Prevention and Management. (Burkina Faso and Niger);

• Some countries have experienced delays in the development of response plans;

ood security leaders meet F with G20 representatives On the margin of the RPCA, the SWAC Secretariat facilitated meetings between ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS leaders and key personalities involved in the G20. These meetings helped promote ongoing West African food security initiatives, including the creation of a Regional Food Reserve which was endorsed by the G20 under the French Presidency.

Meeting with Mr. Rintaro Tamaki, OECD Deputy Secretary-General; from left to right: Prof. Alhousseini Bretaudeau, Mr. Laurent Bossard, Mr. Ibrahima Diémé, Mr. Rintaro Tamaki, Mr. Lapodiini Marc Atouga and Mr. Sibiri Jean Zoundi, SWAC Secretariat.

Meeting with H.E. Agustin Garcia-Lopez Loaeza, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Mexico to the OECD (3rd person from left).

Meeting with H.E. Pascale Andreani, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to the OECD (4th person from left).

Meeting with Ms. Gabriela Ramos, OECD Chief of Staff and Sherpa to the G20 (4th person from left); Mr. Marcos Bonturi, Director ad interim, OECD Council and Executive Committee Secretariat, and Global Relations Secretariat (3rrd person from right); Ms. Carmel Cahill, Senior Counselor, OECD Directorate for Trade and Agriculture (2nd person from right).

The West African Delegation also met with Mr. Sujiro Seam, Deputy Director, French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Directorate of Global Public Goods.

10 SWAC News / March - September 2012 © Sahel and West Africa Club Secretariat (SWAC/OECD) viewpoint F ood Security Challenges Interview with ECOWAS Commissioner Mr. Atouga

Since its inception in 2005, where For years, ECOWAS has sought to does the implementation of the develop a regional strategy for the Common Agricultural Policy livestock sector. Has this been a (ECOWAP) stand today? neglected sector? A big step has been made towards the The livestock sector cannot be ignored effective implementation of ECOWAP when it comes to food security. It is since 2009 with the development important to have a balanced diet; we and implementation of National should not only eat cereals, but also Agricultural Investment Programmes animal proteins. Moreover, livestock If there are programmes to be imple- (NAIPs) and the Regional Agricultural and agricultural production are mented, UEMOA could focus on Investment Programme. However, the complementary. Livestock generates its eight member countries while implementation of these programmes income and helps increase the ECOWAS can take care of the seven has only partially started and more purchasing power of livestock farmers other countries that are not part of the concrete projects need to be put into who in turn can buy grain and other UEMOA zone. This division of labour place on the ground. For example, foodstuffs. Livestock development allows us to more easily cover the Togo is already well advanced. The is thus an indispensable element for whole territory. Making the two insti- implementation of its NAIP was achieving food security. tutions more dynamic and strength- officially launched in February. ening consultations will avoid dupli- Other countries will follow and some However, I think the approach which cation and waste of resources. PAU countries have already made good was chosen for the development of was developed while I was director in progress. In March, Burkina Faso held the livestock sector could still be charge of agriculture at the UEMOA a meeting with its partners to assess improved. We should proceed step by Commission; it is indeed the outcome the resources required to implement step: for example, it is easier to address of a long-term process initiated by its National Rural Development poultry at first, before tackling cattle. UEMOA. Today, I am in charge of Programme. We will continue to push Each family in rural areas has several overseeing the implementation of states to transform their programmes chickens. I think they are the most ECOWAP. Following the implemen- into concrete projects and we will do profitable animals in the short term. tation of these strategies for over everything in our power to encourage The problem of large cattle is different a decade now, I can tell you that we them to do so. and much more complex. all have the same goal: to boost our agriculture to ensure food security in What’s your personal priority during In short, we have not neglected that our region. your tenure at the Commission? sub-sector but we need to push for How can synergy between the Increasing rice production is one more programmes related to the actions of ECOWAS, UEMOA and priority that counts a lot for me. I think livestock sector. CILSS be further developed? Who the potential is certainly there and we Is it really useful to maintain two does what and how can you move could easily produce 20 to 30 million common strategies in the region forward together? tonnes of rice within the ECOWAS to boost agriculture? What is the zone, if the means to encourage In general, I think that dialogue fundamental difference between the farmers to invest in rice were put between these institutions is a key PAU and ECOWAP? into place. We will take all necessary requirement to avoid duplication of measures to promote the development I do not believe that there are two activities. We do not have enough of specific projects in rice production, different strategies or objectives; the resources to allow ourselves to do the in particular targeting young people. If Agricultural Policy of UEMOA (PAU) same thing several times in the same these programmes, over the next three and the ECOWAS Common Agricul- country; it is therefore imperative to or four years, are able to contribute to tural Policy are essentially the same rationalise. Today, the three institu- an increase in rice production to reach with converging objectives. The key tions work together with each having a volume of 18 million tonnes, it would difference lays in the political and a specific role to play. ECOWAS and already be a great success. administrative divisions: UEMOA is UEMOA are decision-making bodies; composed of the eight CFA franc zone we can take measures that apply to the countries and ECOWAS covers fifteen member states. CILSS is the technical countries in the region, including the branch of the two institutions, helping eight UEMOA member countries. us make the right decisions through its studies and analyses.

Whenever we have something that “Divided we stand to all lose and that I had the chance to study in the United falls within the expertise of CILSS, we united we can all prosper’’ who see some States and I lived there for eight years in entrust it to them. I am pleased that division or think division exist. This total. I am thus perfectly bilingual. For my colleagues at UEMOA and CILSS problem is the result of colonisation and sure, it is easier for someone bilingual share this vision and understand the I think our English-speaking colleagues to work regionally and internationally, need for consultation. I have no doubt should make an effort to speak other and communicate better and faster that we will be able to avoid duplicates. languages such as French. The problem with each lingual group. This does not is that when you speak English, you mean that we are necessarily heading no longer feel the need to learn other these institutions. Ultimately, learning How do you see the divisions be- languages. About eighty percent (80%) foreign languages also depends on tween Francophones and Anglo- of Francophone people working in the economic opportunities. Those who phones within the Community? Do ECOWAS Commission speak English reside in troubled countries are more you think it is possible for ECOWAS while only five to ten percent (5-10%) motivated to engage in learning other to reduce the language gap within of Anglophones speak French. I think languages in order to obtain positions ECOWAS and UEMOA? there should be a big effort to encourage at the regional level. It is all a matter of To me, there is no division between our Anglophone colleagues to learn will and mastery of several languages Francophones and Anglophones French as it can only be useful for them helps open doors and opportunities. within the Community, at least not and for the whole Community. This for those who have the interest of the could help bridge any gap in relations Interview led by Julia Wanjiru, region and Africa at heart. It is only and avoid a lot of misunderstandings SWAC Communications Officer, those who do not understand that that lead to divisions. April 2012

iofuels: West African farmers B meet with Brazilian counterparts

From 12 to 15 March 2012, about ten West African farmers and ROPPA members conducted a field mission to the Cerea and Bahia States of Brazil. Building on various exchanges with Brazilian professionals involved in the biofuel sector, they learned on site about the challenges related to green fuel production. The results of this mission contributed to developing a joint position reflecting the viewpoints and concerns of West African agricultural producers.

12 SWAC News / March - September 2012 © Sahel and West Africa Club Secretariat (SWAC/OECD) Food security

Observations Key lessons

• The existence of a clear vision: • The involvement of stakeholders: Despite some success, the Brazilian Brazil has developed a “National national policies on biofuels experience is still new in regards to Policy on Biofuels and Biodiesel” involve the state and its agencies, the inclusion of family farming in based on a vision which is the private sector including the biofuels cultivation. It is too early to consistent with its social, Petrobras Company, and civil draw lessons and highlight potential economic, cultural, physical and society actors such as farmers’ pitfalls that could threaten Brazil’s ecological environment. This organisations. Petrobras is the food security. highly integrated policy involves 4th biggest hydrocarbon producer 19 ministries and is strongly worldwide. The percentage of family farms built on tri-partite public-private involved in the national biofuel partnership, with PETROBRAS • Species used for biofuel programme is still marginal, at being a key player. production: castor, sunflower, only 5%. The experience is thus very soybean, cotton and palm oil. limited. The whole process is still • The inclusion of international Jatropha is not a cultivated plant under development with the support commitments from Brazil related in Brazil as part of its National of government sponsored research to the Kyoto Protocol, especially Policy on Biofuels. activities as part of its fight against regarding carbon sequestration poverty. and carbon credits. • A research programme: aimed at increasing production and Biofuel production in Brazil takes • The principle of subsidiarity productivity. This research system place in a context where food security declining the National Policy on is well-connected with producers. issues are almost resolved and in an Biofuels at the federal, state and ecological environment, with higher local levels. Moreover, the policy • Support for family farms: the two rainfall, that is quite different from the is based on three pillars: 1) the states have established support West African situation. social dimension, including the programmes. fight against poverty, taking into account social movements’ perspectives and their concerns, 2) the environmental dimension Photo: Ms. Diénèba Diallo, Representative of the Regional Women’s College and 3) marketing. and a member of the Peasant Confederation of Faso (CPF), Burkina Faso.

PG reviews the Club’s work orientations S 11 June 2012, Paris, OECD Conference Centre

SWAC Members took stock of the implementation of the 2011-12 Programme of Work and Budget and outlined future work prospects for the 2013-14 period. They also discussed a proposal for a revised Mandate and the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Club and the OECD. Thematic presentations focused on the regional governance of food security and initial findings of the West African Futures programme.

Proposed 2013-2014 Work Orientations

argely building on achievements Improving regional tools for policy 3. Impact on policy-making L of the 2011-2012 period, the new management in this area. and services to Members Programme of Work is organised into two dossiers which are supported Drawing on the work of the “West These two areas of work will be and complemented by cross-cutting African Futures programme: supported and complemented by activities. Settlement, Market and Food Security” cross-cutting activities which are (WAF 2011-2012), more information focused on fostering the impact of 1. Regional governance of will be added to the statistical and SWAC work on policy-making and on food and nutritional security spatial database in order to provide an providing services to Members. These overview of the region’s needs which activities include the promotion of Continuing to support the strength- will facilitate the implementation achievements, advocacy, information ening of regional governance of food of food and nutritional security and communication and the continued and nutritional security: strategies. In particular, a protocol development of the West Africa will be developed allowing for the Gateway as well as other regular • Support for regional governance, collection of harmonised statistics on services to Members (newsletter, through the strengthening of the household food consumption. NewsAlerts, website, social networks, Food Crisis Prevention Network video coverage). (RPCA) under the political 2. Medium- and long term prospects for the Sahelo- auspices of the ECOWAS and Learn more: www.oecd.org/swac/spg UEMOA Commissions; Saharian areas

• The application of the Charter The Programme of Work also opens for Food Crisis Prevention and a new space for reflection of major Management; concern for West Africa and the rest of the world: the Sahelo-Saharian areas. • Support for the establishment of Beyond “immediate” crises, what the Regional Food Reserve; and potential do these areas have to develop themselves and how can they contribute • Support for the regional organi- to the development of the region as a sations in international initia- whole? A retrospective Atlas which tives and debates. outlines future prospects will inform this debate. A deeper reflection will be led on the prospects for transhumant pastoralism, in particular in relation to development, food and nutritional security, and security issues.

CHARTER FOR n°06 SAHEL AND FOOD CRISIS PREVENTION WEST AFRICA Club SEPTEMBER 2012 Secretariat AND MANAGEMENT IN THE SAHEL RPCA the security-develoPMent neXus AND WEST AFRICA REGIONAL CHALLENGES

by laurent bossard key lessons Director of the SWAC Secretariat froM the colloQuiuM Paris, 12 June 2012

1 Foreword n 10 February 1990, upon a proposal made by the Food Crisis Prevention O Network (RPCA), the member countries of the “Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel” (CILSS) and the donor members of the “Club du Sahel” adopted the Food Aid Charter. This code of good conduct intended to minimise the adverse effects of food aid and to ultimately phase-out the need for it.

Building upon an inclusive and participatory revision process conducted between 2007 and 2011, the revised Charter, renamed the Charter for Food Crisis Prevention and Management, was formally adopted by Ministers of Food and Agriculture from ECOWAS Member States as well as Chad and Mauritania on 17 November 2011 at a ministerial meeting held in Conakry (Guinea). It was approved by the 40th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of States and Government Summit Drug consumption and supply routes

North Europe Asia America held on 16-17 February 2012. Sahara Taoudeni

Oil / Gas? Tanezrouft 900 m 1 Adrar des Zone 3 Araouane The parties concerned: governments , intergovernmental organisations (IGOs), 2001 Ifoghas Kidal Pacific Zone 1 Ocean 1999 Timbuktu 2 3 Bourem Pacific Goundam Ocean Indian G -Rharous civil society organisations (CSOs) ; technical and fi nancial partners (TFPs) . Niafounké 2002 Diré Gao Ocean Gourma Ménaka Zone 2 Ansongo Zone 4 Mopti Atlantic Niono Ocean 1991 Bamako 1989 1 The term “governments” refers to the governments of the 17 countries (15 ECOWAS member countries plus Mauritania and Chad). South America Africa 2 The term “CSOs” includes farmer organisations, trade unions and employer federations, NGOs, professional associations, Oceania

Opiates Other Coca production Traffic by sea charities, grassroots organisations, organisations that involve citizens in local and municipal life, the private sector, etc. Cannabis Lack of data Opium production Traffic by air 3 TFPs include bilateral and multilateral donors and international organisations (UN system and other). Cocaine and derivatives Cocaine trafficking route Drug-related local instabilitiesinsu rgencies/guerrillas Peace and security geographical scale northern Mali Amphetamines Heroin/opium trafficking route

Source: CF2R SAHEL AND WEST AFRICA Club and© Sahel and West Africa Club Secretariatglobal (SWAC/OECD), 2011 threats mechanisms and time-frame Secretariat

Original version: French key lessons from the colloquium on Burkina Faso: a New investment charter for Food crisis prevention the security-Development Nexus Framework for agriculture (French) and management This paper analyses the links between This is the fi rst evaluation of Burkina Building on regional and national local insecurities and global threats, Faso’s agricultural policies to attract dialogue workshops, the “Charter for the collusion between terrorism and more and better investment in Food Crisis Prevention and Management” transnational organised crime, the agriculture. This government-wide was approved on 17 November 2011 shortcomings of democracy in the evaluation – covering 17 ministries by the region’s ministers in charge region, and the role of West African and institutions as well as the private of food and agriculture. Advocating and African peace and security sector – identifi es both short- and mutual responsibility, this food crisis mechanisms. A special section on Mali medium term measures to improve and prevention and management tool aims features a speech by Mali’s Ambas- strengthen Burkina Faso's capacity to to address root causes of chronic and sador to France and an overview of design policies. Key fi ndings were cyclical food insecurity, and advocates economic and social conditions in discussed at nationwide consultations for better information-sharing, northern Mali. The paper makes a and at a restitution workshop in Ouaga- consensual analysis and improved crisis strong case for regional responses to dougou. The evaluation was conducted management. 13 000 copies of this fi nal West Africa’s security-development by the Ministry of Agriculture, with the version (available in English, French and challenges and calls for policy actors support of the NEPAD-OECD Africa Portuguese) have been disseminated to to seek long term solutions rather Investment Initiative and the Sahel and national focal points in order to ensure than resorting exclusively to more West Africa Club Secretariat, based on large-scale dissemination to relevant expedient short term fi xes. the Policy Framework for Investment in stakeholders at the local level. Agriculture (PFIA) draft.

N°85 SAHEL AND West Africa Gateway WEST AFRICA Club Secretariat ➔ www.westafricagateway.org 26 SEPT-2 OCT 2012

NEWSBRIEF PUBLISHED

SAHEL AND BY THE SWAC The Sahel and WEST AFRICA Club WeST africa club Secretariat SECRETARIAT SecreTariaT Activity RepoRt 2011 IN THIS ISSUE West African leaders welcome AGIR initiative

FOCUS • West African leaders welcome AGIR initiative • International support for restoring Mali’s territorial integrity • ECOWAS Task Force adopts creation of regional food reserve • Guinea wins USD 2.1 billion in debt relief

• Ghana will not harbour COWAS, UEMOA and CILSS through a consultation between the Nigeria pro-Gbagbo militias E have submitted a joint position three regional organisations and • Mauritania projects robust paper to the European Commission, facilitated by the SWAC Secretariat. growth in 2013 in which they warmly welcome the Seeking to ensure local ownership in Global Alliance for Resilience Initi- line with the Paris Declaration on Aid • Burkina Faso prepares new ative (AGIR) – Sahel. As a follow-up to Effectiveness, West African leaders mining code an EU Commission high-level consul- confirmed their willingness to take • Burkina Faso, Côte d‘Ivoire tation with West African regional a leadership role in the design and join G8 food security initiative organisations on 18 June in Brussels, implementation of the initiative. In the 1 stakeholders decided to engage in a coming weeks, regional leaders will • ECOWAS and World Bank mOST POPULATED sustainable global alliance. AGIR conduct a dialogue to gather input AfRICAN COUNTRy seek to increase co-operation aims to promote greater resilience from civil society and other stake- 36 • West African organisations among vulnerable populations and holders. The Initiative is set to be honoured at Green Revolution sustainable food and nutritional launched on 6 December 2012 at the nd fEDERAL 2 STATES Forum security in the Sahel by addressing 28th annual meeting of the Food Crisis 774 the root causes of food crises and Prevention Network (RPCA) during ECONOmIC POWER LOCAL GOVERNmENTS PUBLICATIONS IN AfRICA th improving crisis management capac- West Africa Week in Ouagadougou. 10 • Regional quality standards ities. The position paper was produced bIGGEST OIL PRODUCER IN ThE WORLD for food staples in Africa: Harmonisation not always appropriate

SAHEL AND DU SAHEL ET DE • GREAT Insights: WEST AFRICA L'AFRIQUE DE L'OUEST Club CAADP and food security

The opinions and interpretations expressed in this newsbrief do not necessarily reflect the views 2011 activity report country proﬁ les – Nigeria weeklyof the OECD or the SWAC Secretariat. NewsBriefs

This activity report takes stock of the Within the framework of the West The SWAC Secretariat's NewsBriefs work conducted by the Sahel and West Africa Gateway, regionally focused monitor political, economic and so- Africa Club since January 2011 when country fact sheets are currently be- cial trends and events analysing them West African regional organisations, ing updated. Compiling institutional, from a regional perspective. It pays namely ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS, economic and social data and informa- particular attention to activities of its became full Members. The Programme tion from various West African and West African Members, - ECOWAS, of Work implemented by the SWAC Sec- international sources, the country pro- UEMOA and CILSS, thereby contrib- retariat mainly focused on settlement, fi le places each country into its regional uting to make their work more visible. market and food security; food crisis pre- context and facilitates access to key data. This weekly service is for free and you vention and management; renewable en- A Did you know? section highlights some can subscribe online. ergy issues; security and development; little-known, astonishing facts. A sample www.westafricagateway.org and current West African trends. profi le has been fi nalised on Nigeria.

WEST AFRICA WEEK wEsT aFrica OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO WEEK UEMOA 4 - 8 DECEMBER 2012 ouaGaDouGou, BurkiNa Faso 4-8 DECEMBER 2012

he Sahel and West Africa Club gathers members of the international T community to work together with ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS on deepening regional co-operation processes in West Africa.

Organised with the support of the Commissions of ECOWAS and UEMOA, the CILSS Executive Secretariat and the SWAC Secretariat, this fi rst West Africa Week will host the following events:

4-6 December - 28th Annual Meeting of the Food Crisis Prevention Network (RPCA)

As every year, network members will assess the regional food and nutrition situation and perspectives, and develop recommendations for national, regional and international policymakers. This year’s thematic focus is placed on the topic of “water management and food security”. Brazil has been invited as a special guest to share its experience of the Zero Hunger Initiative. > www.food-security.net  6 December (morning) - Launching of the AGIR Sahel Initiative SAHEL AND DU SAHEL ET DE WEST AFRICA Club L'AFRIQUE DE L'OUES T Within the framework of the RPCA, the Global Alliance for Resilience Initiative - Sahel (AGIR) will be launched at a high-level meeting. > www.oecd.org/swac/topics/agir.htm

6 December (afternoon) - 12th Ordinary Meeting of the Committee of CILSS Partners (CPC)

This statutory meeting gathers CILSS and its key partners to regularly take stock on their collaboration. More particularly, this year’s meeting will focus on current priority issues such as the need for sustainable funding, strengthening linkages between CILSS and ECOWAS and the implementation of the Global Water Coalition for the Sahel. The CILSS and its partners will also discuss modalities for conducting technical studies related to biosecurity, pesticides and seeds in West Africa, under the auspices of ECOWAS and UEMOA. > www.cilss.bf

7 December - SWAC Forum on Settlement, Market and Food Security

Settlement dynamics have profoundly reshaped the social and economic geography of West Africa over the past 60 years. These spatial transformations – high urbanisation and dense human concentration – are at the root of an emerging market oriented agriculture. As the West African population is projected to double by 2050, the transformations of agricultural production systems will be profound. Policies should be designed according to location, types and constraints of producers to design effective food security strategies. However, the analysis undertaken by the West African Futures programme shows a lack of homogenous and reliable data on key variables (population, occupational status, trade). Presentations will highlight the main results of this programme and participants will discuss practical policy implications. > www.oecd.org/swac/waf

8 December - SWAC Strategy and Policy Group Meeting

SWAC Members will take stock of results of the 2011-2012 biennium and review the proposed 2013-14 Programme of Work and Budget. > www.oecd.org/swac/spg SAHEL AND For more information: www.oecd.org/swac/westafricaweek (available soon) WEST AFRICA Club Secretariat

Contact: [email protected] mailing address SWAC/OeCD 2, rue André pascal F–75775 paris, Cedex 16

o f ﬁ c e Le Seine Saint-Germain 12, bd des Iles, building b F–92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux

Tel +33 (0)1 45 24 92 42 Fax +33 (0)1 45 24 90 31 www.oecd.org/swac | www.westafricagateway.org E-mail [email protected]