africanbball's posterous

http://www.africanbasketball.org

Minister Oda Announces New Initiatives for Africa (taken from http://www.marketwatch.com/story/minister-oda-announces-new-initiatives-for-africa-2011-11-18-142470)

press release

Nov. 18, 2011, 2:24 p.m. EST

Minister Oda Announces New Initiatives for Africa

 

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Nov 18, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Today, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced 25 new initiatives to further Canada's support to Africa. Minister Oda referenced these projects in a recent speech delivered to African Heads of Missions meeting in Ottawa.

"Canada is proud to invest in Africa's future. These projects announced today reinforce our government's commitment to focused, accountable aid for Africa that delivers results and hope for Africa's poor and vulnerable," said Minister Oda. "Canada is focused on helping Africa fulfil its future potential with assistance that will strengthen country efforts towards a better life for all."

Within these 25 initiatives, Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is supporting 23 projects encompassing all of CIDA's thematic priority areas - Children and Youth, Food Security and Sustainable Economic Growth. Seven of these are multi-country projects supporting efforts to prevent the mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, further improving child health, or increasing the capacity of African Regional Technical Centres. The others are targeted to support work in a range of individual African countries by working with Canadian, international and African-based organizations. These initiatives will serve to:

--  help families increase their household income;
        --  help farmers increase the productivity of their land and livestock;
        --  improve water management;
        --  empower youth leadership;
        --  increase access to clean water and sanitation, -- increasing access to
            improved health care at the community level;
        --  extend better nutrition and the delivery of vitamin A and iron
            supplements;
        --  increase the training of health workers; and,
        --  build 25 new maternal waiting homes.

The final two projects provide ongoing humanitarian assistance to address critical needs in Africa related to drought, conflict and displacement in some of the worst-affected areas of Sudan, South Sudan and Chad.

The announcements made today total more than $200 million, reflecting Canada's ongoing commitment to continue to respond to humanitarian needs, increase food security, improve health care, increase education and promote economic growth.

Backgrounder

MINISTER ODA ANNOUNCES INITATIVES FOR AFRICA

Today, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced 25 initiatives furthering Canada's support to Africa. Minister Oda referenced these project in a recent speech delivered to African Heads of Missions meeting in Ottawa.

Supporting a range of country specific programs in each of CIDA thematic priority areas, Canada is supporting the following initiatives:

Family Strengthening Programme - Koulou (Mali)

Children and Youth, Economic Growth

SOS Children's Villages Canada ($266,461 over 3 years)

The aim is to improve the ability of poor families and communities in Koulou, Mali to increase their incomes and abilities in order to better meet the needs of vulnerable children. This project will assist 312 families to meet the basic needs of 900 children.

Building Community Resilience (Sudan)

Food Security

Canadian Red Cross Society ($3,587,500 over 4 years)

The goal is to improve the food security of 40,000 beneficiaries in eastern and southern Sudan through community-based agro-ecological interventions, enhanced livelihood skills and increased capacity, and engagement of youth.

Improved Food Security and Health for Farm Families (Kenya)

Food Security

Farmers Helping Farmers ($382,200 over 3 years)

This project will provide support to 200 small-scale farmers in low rainfall areas in Kenya to increase their agriculture production and productivity in order to achieve greater food security.

Youth Leadership, Empowerment and Development (YouthLEAD) Project (Sudan)

Children and Youth

UNICEF ($20,000,000 over 3 years)

The goal of the youthLEAD project is to help at-risk children and youth aged between 10 and 24 contribute to the socio-economic development, and the development of peace, within their communities in three in Sudan and three states in South Sudan.

Sustainable Food Security through Community-Based Livelihood Development and Water Harvesting (Sudan)

Food Security

Food and Agriculture Organization ($15,375,000 over 3 years)

This funding will help implement essential agricultural, livelihood, and water harvesting programs in Upper Nile and Jonglei states in South Sudan. The aim is to increase household food security amongst vulnerable populations and decrease local tensions surrounding water use.

Increasing Food Security in the Niayes and Casamance Regions (Senegal)

Food Security

Food and Agriculture Organization ($5,373,627 over 2 years)

This project will support production increases for vegetable and rice producers in Senegal's Niayes and Casamance regions. This funding will contribute to maintaining aid levels to Africa and to meeting commitments to agriculture made at the G8 Summit in L'Aquila in 2009.

Support to Agricultural Production in Senegal (Senegal)

Food Security

World Food Programme ($6,000,000)

This project will support small-scale fruit, vegetable and rice producers in food insecure areas of Senegal. The funding will contribute to maintaining aid levels to Africa and to meeting commitments to agriculture made at the G8 Summit in L'Aquila in 2009.

Support to Participatory Constitution Making (Zimbabwe)

Governance

UNDP ($2,000,000 over 2 years)

Canada's contribution will support public and media education, broad civic participation and the drafting of a new constitution in Zimbabwe.

Capacity Building in Budget Preparation and Execution for the Health Sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Children and Youth

World Bank ($4,300,000 over 3 years)

This funding support will complement and reinforce the DRC's ongoing efforts towards improving public financial management in the health sector.

Land Husbandry, Harvesting and Hillside Irrigation (Rwanda)

Food Security

World Bank ($9,000,000 over 4 years)

The project targets increased productivity and commercialization of hillside agriculture to enhance food security and livelihoods in rural Rwanda. This project contributes to Canada's G8 commitment made in 2009 in L'Aquilla for agriculture.

Water and Sanitation in Bonke (Ethiopia)

Children and Youth

HOPE International Development Agency ($515,000 over 12 months)

This initiative will increase access to safe and sustainable water supplies and sanitation for women, men, girls and boys in the Bonke district, with a view to improve their health and future well-being.

Ceegaag Water Development Project (Somalia)

Children and Youth

Somali Canadian Education and Rural Development Organization ($153,612 over 2 years)

The aim is to provide a source of potable water for 16,500 children, women and men and to strengthen capacity of local committees to manage this facility.

Inclusive Health Services in Tanzania (Tanzania)

Children and Youth

Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania ($6,000,000 over 6 years)

The goal is to provide comprehensive services to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable Tanzanians, particularly children and women living with disabilities in underserved communities.

Maziko: Nutrition Foundations for Mothers and Children (Malawi)

Children and Youth

CARE Canada ($6,500,000 over 4 years)

This project will aim to prevent malnutrition in two districts of the central region of Malawi by raising the awareness of good nutrition practices at the community and household level, improving understanding of good hygiene and prevention of childhood illnesses, and supporting women to improve food security and food diversity.

High-Impact Interventions for MNCH (Mozambique)

Children and Youth

Joint UN programme - United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF),World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) ($20,000,000 over 4 years)

To reduce maternal, newborn and child morbidity and mortality in Mozambique, this initiative will increase the quality and use of preventive and curative services for adolescent girls, mothers, and newborns in the province of Zambezia. This will include training more than 240 maternal, newborn and child health nurses and building 25 maternal waiting homes.

Improving integrated Local Service Delivery Mozambique/Zambezia Province (Mozambique)

Children and Youth

Government of Mozambique, through the Zambezia Provincial Directorate of Health ($5,000,000 over 4 years)

This project aims to reduce maternal, newborn and child morbidity and mortality in Zambezia Province by improving the availability and quality of maternal, newborn and child health services in Zambezia and enhancing the institutional and financial management capacities of the Provincial Directorate of Health in Zambia.

In addition, Canada is supporting multi-country projects, all centred in African countries, to support efforts to prevent the mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, further improve child health, or to support increasing the capacity of African regional technical centres. These initiatives include:

Building Homes and Sustainable Communities in Sub-Saharan Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Cameroon, South Africa, Zimbabwe)

Economic Growth, Children and Youth

Rooftops Canada ($5,000,000 over 5 years)

This project aims to reach 90,000 households, and more than 450,000 slum dwellers by building the capacity, efficiency and effectiveness of local partners to deliver housing support services as well as housing microfinance.

Afritac Phase III (Africa-wide)

Economic Growth

International Monetary Fund (IMF) / Africa Regional Technical Assistance Centres ($10,000,000)

AFRITACs has established three regional centres for technical assistance to respond to country-driven requests to help develop the capacity of national and regional public institutions to manage public finances better. Canada's support to this project is providing for two additional technical assistance centres (AFRITACs) to cover Southern Africa and parts of West Africa that are not currently covered. Through the AFRITACs, the IMF combines strategic technical assistance advice from its Headquarters with local expertise and on-the-ground capacity building. The activities of the centres take place in close cooperation with the African Development Bank and donor partners.

Building Microfinance Capacity and Sustainable Services for Rural Ghana and Mozambique (Ghana, Mozambique)

Economic Growth

Opportunity International Canada ($1,315,732 over 3 years)

The goal is to implement a program of building microfinance capacity and sustainable services for the rural areas in both countries.

Partnership for Enhancing Food and Economic Security for the Rural Poor (Ghana, Mozambique, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cambodia)

Food Security, Economic Growth

CHF ($3,970,255)

This program will provide improved food and economic security for 27,270 rural women, men and children in four African and one Asian country.

Towards and HIV-Free Generation: Enhancing the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in High Prevalence Countries (Multi-Country)

Children and Youth

World Health Organization ($20,000,000 over 5 years)

This project will aim to improve the access, quality and uptake of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission services by enhancing service delivery in health facilities and strengthening national programs and health systems in sub-Saharan Africa

Prevention and Treatment of HIV and Undernutrition in Infants and Young Children: Innovation in Integrated Service Delivery (Multi-Country)

Children and Youth, Food Security

UNICEF ($7,000,000 over 3 years)

This project seeks to implement innovative approaches to integrated service delivery in the areas of HIV and malnutrition, in sub-Saharan Africa, with the overall goal of reducing child mortality.

Transitioning to Sustainable Child Health Days (Multi-Country)

Children and Youth, Food Security

Helen Keller International ($10,000,000 over 12 months)

The overall goal is to deliver essential health services to support countries to transition towards institutionalized Child Health Days programs for infants 6 to11 months old and children 12 to 59 months old in Africa.

Finally, to address humanitarian needs in Africa, through the following two initiatives, CIDA is helping to address critical humanitarian needs related to drought, conflict and displacement in some of the worst-affected areas of Sudan, South Sudan and Chad.

Supporting humanitarian needs, Canada has responded to various partners for Africa including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Oxfam Quebec, Oxfam Canada, World Relief Canada, World Vision Canada, the Canadian Red Cross Society, and Medecins Sans Frontieres ($35,950,000 over 12 months). This funding will help meet the humanitarian needs related to drought, conflict and displacement in Sudan and eastern Chad. The amounts are as follows:

OCHA - $500,000

UNHCR - $6,000,000

WFP - $18,500,000

UNHAS - $1,500,000

ICRC - $2,500,000

Oxfam Quebec - $1,600,000

Oxfam Canada - $500,000

World Relief Canada - $1,000,000

World Vision Canada - $2,500,000

Canadian Red Cross Society - $750,000

Medecins Sans Frontieres - $600,000

Canada is also supporting CARE Canada, Development and Peace, Medecins Sans Frontieres, and Save the Children Canada to help meet humanitarian needs related to drought, conflict, and displacement in Sudan ($3,300,000 over 12 months). The funding amounts are as follows:

CARE Canada - $500,000

Development and Peace - $800,000

Medecins Sans Frontieres - $1,000,000

Save the Children Canada - $1,000,000

These announcements made today total more than $200 million, reflecting Canada's ongoing commitment to continue to respond to humanitarian needs and avoid humanitarian crises by increasing food security, improving health care, increasing education and promoting economic growth.

Contacts:
        Justin Broekema
        Press Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation
        819-953-6238
        justin.broekema@acdi-cida.gc.ca
        
        Media Relations Office
        Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
        819-953-6534
        media@acdi-cida.gc.ca

SOURCE: CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY - CIDA

mailto:justin.broekema@acdi-cida.gc.ca
        mailto:media@acdi-cida.gc.ca

Copyright 2011 Marketwire, Inc., All rights reserved.  

U.S. commits additional $17 million to fighting East Africa famine

Article from http://yourlife.usatoday.com/mind-soul/doing-good/kindness/post/2011/08/how-to-help-the-millions-at-risk-of-starvation-in-east-africa/177917/1

 

U.S. commits additional $17 million to fighting East Africa famine

By Christie Garton, USA TODAY

2011-08-11 4:26 PM

 

A Somali woman holds her malnourished child in Banadir hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Thursday.
CAPTION
By Farah Abdi Warsameh, AP
UPDATE: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced $17 million in additional U.S. aid to East Africa for famine relief, but she didn't stop there. According to Bloomberg, Clinton also called for greater international support, as more than 29,000 children have died since mid-May in East Africa's worst drought in decades.

 

"Time is not on our side. Every minute more people -- mostly women and mostly children -- are dying," said Clinton in a speech today in Washington to the International Food Policy Research Institute. "Investing now decreases the chances that Americans or others will be called upon in the future to face these same challenges in 10 or 20 years from now."

As part of its "Feed the Future" initiative, the Obama administration has so far pledged $3.5 billion to support the agricultural systems of partner countries, helping farmers gain access to fertilizers and improved seed and have greater purchasing power.

Read below for an updated list of ways you can help.

Original post date: 7/21/11

The pictures are staggering. More than 11 million people are at risk of starvation in East Africa, prompting the United Nations to declare a famine in parts of southern Somalia on Wednesday. An estimated one in 10 children are at risk, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

While East Africa is experiencing the worst drought in 60 years, Somalia is one of the hardest hit countries, due to decades of conflict. Hundreds of thousands of Somalis have fled to neighboring countries of Kenya and Ethiopia, placing them at greatest risk of death due to malnutrition either during the journey or very shortly after arrival at refugee camps.

On Wednesday, the U.S. has pledged $28 million in aid while U.N. agencies have asked for $1.6 billion to help address this crisis. They've only received half that amount to date.

Interested in helping? Consider supporting one of these non-profit organizations listed below:

- Catholic Relief Services is on the ground determining the level of food, water and sanitation needs. Visit the website or call 1-800-736-3467 to make a donation.

- ChildFund International is currently helping to provide food, water and basic health services. In addition, ChildFund is putting a large emphasis on the 0-5 age category, because of the vulnerability of the age group and lifelong implications of inadequate food intake. Visit www.childfund.org to learn how to support their efforts.

- International Medical Corps has teams on the ground in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya to provide food, water, hygiene, sanitation and mental health services to people in refugee camps. Visit the website or text "AFRICA" to 80888 to donate $10 to the group's drought relief response.

- The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is giving cash and other assistance to families. The IRC is boosting medical care at its health care center in Hagadera and providing fortified food to malnourished young children, pregnant women and new mothers to address high levels of acute malnutrition. It is also trucking in water and installing or expanding water-supply systems in three camps currently serving 82,000 refugees. To support their world, head to www.rescue.org/drought or call 877-REFUGEE.

- Mercy Corps is responding to the drought in the Horn of Africa with emergency operations in northeastern Kenya and plans to build on existing work in hard-hit Ethiopia and Somalia. To support these efforts, make an online donation or call 1-800-852-2100

- Save the Children has launched a major humanitarian response in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia feeding underweight children, providing life-saving medical treatment and getting clean water to remote communities. Visit the website or text "SURVIVE" to 20222 to donate $10 from the United States.

- SOS Children's Villages has been continuously working in Africa for 40 years. In Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya SOS operates 13 Children's Villages along with numerous schools, medical facilities and family strengthening programs. SOS has been serving 120,000 Somalis each year at the Mogadishu Medical Center and they are now using it as a base to provide even more medical care, food and drinking water to thousands in need. In the Badbado Refugee Camp in Mogadishu, Somalia, SOS is providing medical assistance to hundreds of people each day. In Kenya, a food distribution program has begun in schools and within communities. In Ethiopia, SOS staff are establishing an emergency food distribution program. To support these efforts with a donation, visit the SOS web site or call 202-347-7920.

- UNICEF is asking for $31.8 million over the next three months for relief efforts. Text "FOOD" to 864233 to donate $10 or visit the website.

- The United Nations World Food Program has plans to airlift high energy biscuits and highly nutritious supplementary foods for children and pregnant or nursing mothers into southern Somalia. Donations can be made online or via text. -- text "AID" to 27722; to donate $10 from the U.S.

- World Vision is working to regain safe humanitarian access in south central Somalia where millions of children are in urgent need of food and assistance. To donate to relief efforts, visit the website or call 1-888-56-CHILD.

Uganda's first war crimes trial of LRA commander opens (From BBC.co.uk)

Article from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14106941

11 July 2011 Last updated at 11:35 ET

Uganda's first war crimes trial of LRA commander opens

Ugandan soldiers patrolling northern Uganda in February following an LRA attack The Ugandan military has been trying to crush a rebellion in the north for more than 20 years

Related Stories

The first war crimes trial of a commander of Uganda's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels has started in the northern town of Gulu.

Thomas Kwoyelo appeared before Uganda's International Crimes Division court, more than two years after his capture.

He denied 53 counts of murder, hostage-taking, destruction of property and causing injury.

The LRA is notorious for kidnapping children and forcing the boys to become fighters and using girls as sex slaves.

It is listed by the US as a terrorist organisation and now operates mainly in neighbouring countries such as Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Central Africa Republic.

Mr Kwoyelo was captured during a Ugandan military raid in DR Congo in 2009.

He is accused of leading a 1996 attack on a Congolese village, in which people were forced to carry the goods stolen by the rebels.

"Those who failed were summarily executed," said the charge sheet, reports the AFP news agency.

"The rebels brutally tortured the women. The accused then ordered his forces to kill all the elderly captives."

Mr Kwoyelo has applied for amnesty, but the government rejected his request - a move the defence lawyer said was unfair because it had been granted to more senior LRA commanders.

International arrest warrants

The court was set up following peace talks several years ago between the government and the LRA.

The government assured the LRA that its fighters would be granted amnesty or they would be tried by Ugandan courts, rather than the International Criminal Court (ICC).

ICC arrest warrants exist for LRA leader Joseph Kony and his close aides. They are accused of rape, murder, mutilation and forcibly recruiting child soldiers.

The talks collapsed after Mr Kony demanded the withdrawal of the arrest warrants and a guarantee that he would not be tried by the ICC.

At least 30,000 people have been killed in the 24-year conflict between the LRA and the Ugandan government.

The LRA claims that it is fighting for a biblical state and the rights of the northern Acholi people.

African Basketball (ABO) launches "ABO Basketball" an International Exchange Sports and Leadership Program

African Basketball (ABO) launches “ABO Basketball” an International Exchange Sports and Leadership Program

African Basketball launches the ABO Basketball program…an international youth initiative of African Basketball (ABO). The  international initiative will organize Youth Leadership and Basketball Exchange Programs worldwide, working with At-risk and underpriviledged youths globally, while creating an awareness for the needs of the youth in African communities.  (www.abobasketball.ning.com).

Used Coaching Materials (Books, DVDs, Clip-Boards) and Basketball Equipment Needed.

Dear Coaches and friends,

African Basketball (ABO) a U.S.based, non-Profit organization dedicated to the support and development of underprivileged and At-risk youths in developing communities in Africa through the "Hoops for Change" Project. ABO is seeking Basketball equipment donations and coaches materials to be used in our projects in Africa.

Hoops for Change Project:
- Hoops for Education & Life Skills

Coaches Materials Needed:
- Used Basketball Books, Instructional Videos and DVDs, Coaching clip-boards, e.t.c.

Basketball Equipment Needed:
- New or Fairly Used Basketballs, Basketball shoes, Youth Basketball Systems/Goals, Basketball Jerseys, T-shirts e.t.c.

http://africanbasketball.org/donate/

Please mail all donations and basketball materials to:

African Basketball (ABO)
1360 Clifton Ave. #355
Clifton, NJ 07012

ABO partners with Africa Agribusiness Magazine

African Basketball (ABO) is proud to announce a partnership with Africa Agribusiness Magazine.  Both organizations are dedicated to the development of Africa and we are working together to spread our messages.  The following is a message from Africa Agribusiness Magazine:

 

Africa Agribusiness Magazine would like to thank the ABO for allowing us to post this information on their blog.  AAM believes in the ABO’s mission and will continue to support this organization.  AAM highly encourages others to assist this organization in growing; via volunteering and donating to the ABO. 

Africa Agribusiness Magazine is an organization which exists in order to connect Africa’s agricultural sector to the rest of the world.  By doing so, we hope to act as a catalyst to the development of Africa’s agriculture.  We will inform and connect African farmers, businesspersons, and governments with modern technologies, practices, ideas, and materials (increase Africa’s human and physical capital).  We hope that this will help African nations develop independent and vibrant agricultural sectors which will lead to decreases in malnutrition and general increases in health and well-being for the continent.  Furthermore, we hope to help connect Westerners to Africa so that they can gain a greater understanding of African culture and agribusiness opportunities which exist in Africa (increase direct and indirect foreign investment in Africa). This dual approach should help lead to sustainable agricultural development and could lead to growth in other sectors of the economy via linkages. 

In order to accomplish these goals, we are making a monthly magazine which is distributed in the United States, Africa, and published on the internet.  We plan to have three distinct versions of our magazine.  The first version will continue to be distributed in the United States, and will focus upon engaging the outside world with Africa.  The second version of the magazine will be distributed in Africa and will contain vital information on farming techniques and how to access modern farming equipment.  The second edition will also focus on supporting community efforts for development, such as, getting together to purchase farming equipment or making an irrigation system.  The third version will be distributed via the internet on our website and mobile phone application.  The third version will include all the articles from the first and second versions of AAM.  Currently, we are only making one version of the magazine.  In addition to the Magazine we plan to initiate a farmer-to-farmer program and a roving farmer program.  However, these programs have not started yet and will commence at a later date. 

If your organization, business, or you as an individual are interested in working with us, please go to our website at www.africaagribusinessmagazine.com or contact us at info@africaagribusinessmagazine.com .  We offer cheap, quality advertisements and can assist in translating, graphic design, and internet promotions.  Furthermore, if you are a writer, journalist, professional, or someone with an opinion or information who would like to be published send us an article and we will review your article for publication.  Lastly, we are genuinely interested in helping your organizations expand their bases of support in Africa and the US and will work as hard as we can to do so.

Thank you for your time,

Africa Agribusiness Magazine
312 788 9115

Analysis: Gaddafi losing friends and influence in Africa (From Reuters)

Article taken from http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/16/us-libya-africa-idUSTRE75F2VY20110616

Analysis: Gaddafi losing friends and influence in Africa

A frame from footage provided by the FIDE Press service shows Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi meeting visiting president of the World Chess Federation Kirsan Ilyumzhinov (not pictured) before a game of chess in Tripoli, June 12, 2011. REUTERS/FIDE Press service/Handout

 

By Mark John

DAKAR | Thu Jun 16, 2011 8:02am EDT

 

DAKAR (Reuters) - Muammar Gaddafi is losing friends in Africa, the continent where his largesse once bought him the title "King of Kings" but which is now turning to other foreign allies to help shape its future.

Moves by countries including Senegal, Mauritania, Liberia, Chad and Gambia to distance themselves from Gaddafi are partly a gamble that NATO-backed rebels will finally succeed in ending his four decades of authoritarian and quixotic rule.

But they also show Gaddafi's waning role in a region where foreign investor appetite, trade ties with Asia and a domestic yearning for democracy are all eclipsing the lure of Libyan petrodollars and weakening the old-boy networks they propped up.

"The rest of the continent has passed him by. The favors he can call in are few and far between," said Tara O'Connor of London-based Africa Risk Consulting.

Most of the 50-plus members of the African Union group back a neutral AU policy calling for a ceasefire and a "roadmap" out of the civil war sparked by a February riot over human rights.

But efforts to maintain a single African line have been smashed by a vanguard of countries which, encouraged by NATO members France and the United States, have either called for Gaddafi to go or explicitly thrown in their lot with the rebels.

Senegal's Abdoulaye Wade last week became the first sub-Saharan African leader to travel to the rebel stronghold city of Benghazi to recognize the CNT opposition movement, and has also received CNT leaders in the Senegalese capital Dakar.

Equally significant is a statement last week attributed to Mauritania's Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz -- who forms part of the AU mediation panel on Libya -- in which he said Gaddafi's departure had become necessary.

Chad, which has faced CNT accusations that its solders have fought alongside pro-Gaddafi troops, has now made clear that it does not support Gaddafi, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said after talks with its foreign minister last week.

Liberia's Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf severed diplomatic ties with Libya on Tuesday, declaring that Gaddafi had lost legitimacy, while the tiny West African state of Gambia best known as a beach and jungle tourist destination has done likewise.

ALLURING AFRICA

For most, the economic impact of ditching Gaddafi will be surprisingly limited.

Despite the grandiose promise of the five-year-old Libya Africa Portfolio for Investments (LAP) to channel billions of dollars into "natural resources, technology, tourism, real-estate, services and financials," Reuters reporters across Africa say many of the projects barely got off the ground.

Such is the case for a $30 million Libyan project to promote local production of rice in Liberia and the renovation of Monrovia's Ducor Hotel, one of the few five-star hotels in Africa but which fell victim to the 1990s civil war there.

A U.N. freeze on Libyan transactions prompted neighboring Niger this week to revoke a $68 million telecom deal with Libya's LAP Green Network, citing non-respect of the terms of the transaction.

"He does not have access to his external accounts so he can't funnel cash to his old crony network in the Sahel," Stratfor analyst Mark Schroeder said of the lavish cash gifts Gaddafi has used to curry favor with local political elites.

The African leaders which Gaddafi must deal with now are savvier and more aware of their central role in the global scramble for resources than they were a few years back.

Having survived the 2009 financial crisis largely intact, Africa is sufficiently alluring to investors that pan-African private equity fund Helios Investment Partners this week closed its latest fund at its $900 million cap.

China, now Africa's largest trading partner, is forging infrastructure and resource accords across the continent, such as March's deal to build over 1,300 km (800 miles) of railway in Chad and talks on a long-term fisheries pact with Mauritania.

Gaddafi holds little sway with Africa's new giants such as South Africa, Nigeria or Egypt, and his past attempts to wield influence have irked some -- notably Sierra Leone and Liberia, where he bankrolled the rebels who plunged them into war.

MAYHEM

While Africans salute his role in helping movements such as the ANC in apartheid South Africa, he is seen as out of step with the longstanding effort south of the Sahara to nurture multi-party politics -- years before any "Arab Spring."

"He has done good things in the past," said independent Senegalese political analyst Babacar Justin Ndiaye.

"But he is not a democrat -- there is not a single African intellectual who can say now that what he is doing is good."

Widespread African unease about NATO bombs on the continent -- just weeks after the Ivory Coast conflict was ended only with French army intervention -- will mean that many leaders will refrain from public calls for Gaddafi to go. South Africa's Jacob Zuma this week slated NATO for seeking regime change.

Patrick Smith of the Africa Confidential newsletter said nearby countries such as Niger, Chad, Mauritania and Mali must also balance policy toward Gaddafi, knowing the conflict has already raised concerns over small arms, mercenaries and out-of-work migrants flooding into a fragile neighborhood.

"Gaddafi can still create mayhem in the region," he warned.

(Additional reporting by Laurent Prieur in Nouakchott; Abdoulaye Massalaatchi in Niamey; Madjiasra Nako in N'Djamena; Diadie Ba in Dakar; Alphonso Toweh in Monrovia; Pap Saine in Gambia; Editing by Giles Elgood)

Free trade zone envisioned from Egypt to South Africa, Angola across to Madagascar (from the Washington Post)

Article taken from http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/free-trade-zone-envisioned-from-egypt-to-south-africa-angola-across-to-madagascar/2011/06/11/AGiAHBQH_story.html

 

Free trade zone envisioned from Egypt to South Africa, Angola across to Madagascar

(Themba Hadebe, File/Associated Press) - FILE - In this March 28, 2008 file photo, trucks laden with goods headed for Zimbabwe are seen near the Beitbride border post between South Africa and Zimbabwe, in Musina, South Africa. Southern and eastern African countries that account for more than half the continent’s population and GDP are moving toward a free trade agreement that is as much about development as opening borders and dropping tariffs.

By Associated Press,  Updated: Saturday, June 11, 9:14 AM

JOHANNESBURG — Southern and eastern African countries that account for more than half the continent’s population and GDP are moving toward a free trade agreement that is as much about development as opening borders and dropping tariffs.

At a summit Sunday, 26 governments will set timetables for allowing people and goods to move freely from Egypt down to South Africa and from Angola across to Madagascar. Leaders will also try to push forward infrastructure development and projects to support industry and manufacturing in the zone, with the hope of turning local entrepreneurs into regional powerhouses and attracting foreign investment.

Challenges remain, including overcoming corruption and ensuring political stability. But experts say Africa needs to come together.

The World Bank says trade among countries in sub-Saharan Africa accounts for just 10 percent of total trade, compared to 60 percent within Europe, 40 percent within North America and 30 percent within Asia. Ruth Kagia, head of World Bank operations in South Africa, said at a conference in the days before Sunday’s summit that by failing to do business with one another, Africans are missing opportunities for faster growth and more jobs.

Improving regional trade in Africa requires more than just dropping tariffs. Already, according to the World Bank, nearly 85 percent of trade is duty free among members of the Southern African Development Community, which is joining members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and the East African Community in the planned free trade zone.

Part of the problem is that African economies built on exporting raw mineral and agricultural materials have little to trade with one another.

In addition, trade minister Rob Davies of South Africa told reporters that as a legacy of colonialism, African transport networks are designed to take goods from the heart of the continent to its coasts, which does not encourage trade between countries.

“They do not connect up the different countries,” said Davies, whose country is hosting Sunday’s summit.

Joshua Kivuva, a political scientist at the University of Nairobi, said corruption is a major impediment. Crossing Kenya — without encountering any border posts — can mean stopping at dozens of police and other roadblocks “where you have to bribe or you are delayed,” Kivuva said.

“I think those are the basic things which each country needs to sort out before they start talking about this grand integration mechanism,” he said.

He also pointed to the dominance of South Africa’s economy.

“The problem of the other East African countries or the upper part of east and central Africa is the fear that they will just be reduced to captive markets for South African goods,” Kivuva said.

The kind of violent political upheaval Egypt and Libya, both part of the zone, are currently experiencing will hobble progress as well.

Slowly, members of the proposed zone are taking steps to overcome the difficulties.

It’s common at African border points for trucks laden with goods to wait for days in line to clear customs and conduct other formalities. In the three years since the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community pledged to integrate into one free trade zone, they have been able to clear red tape at just one border crossing, between Zambia and Zimbabwe. That is along what they envision as a crucial north-south trade route.

The poor state of roads and rail networks also hurt, as does inadequate power supply.

Officials envision the free trade zone members lobbying together for aid and investment, presenting coherent and integrated plans. To move goods duty free, multinational companies will have to open factories in the zone.

Jose Fernandez, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for economic, energy and business affairs, said Washington wants to help African economies integrate, and will focus on infrastructure. Foreign investors will be drawn to the bigger markets a free trade zone can offer, Fernandez said.

“African countries are going to have to take the lead in breaking down their own trade barriers,” Fernandez said.

For all its problems, thanks to decades of market reforms and new partnerships with burgeoning economies in Asia, Africa is growing.

Africa’s economy is recovering better than most regions from the global recession. The International Monetary Fund predicts sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP will grow by more than 5 percent this year and next, compared to less than 3 percent for both those years for the United States.

Wal-Mart, the giant U.S.-based retailer, has taken notice of the continent’s growing consumer class. It is entering Africa for the first time, getting approval from regulators last month for a $2.4 billion deal to buy a controlling share of a South African chain that has stores across the continent.

Integrating economies will help the continent build on its successes. Davies, South Africa’s trade minister, said the three trade blocs behind the free trade agreement have a combined population of 533 million, or 57 percent of the combined population of African Union member states, and a combined GDP of $833 billion, or 58 percent of the continent’s GDP.

The three bloc’s memberships already overlapped, making it natural for them to come together. Davies said their free trade agreement could be the beginning of a continentwide enterprise.

“The African continent is now being looked at as a source of economic opportunity,” Davies said.

African Basketball (ABO) Has Made it Easier to Volunteer

We have been hard at work updating our website (http://africanbasketball.org) and have added a new and easier way for those interested to volunteer. 

Volunteering is a great way to get involved, and engaged. The first-hand experience and impact you can have on the lives of  underprivileged youths in developing communities is immeasurable.

African Basketball (ABO) has many different volunteer programs that help get volunteers engaged. From corporate teams, youth groups, families, or individual, there are many ways to help make a difference in the lives of underprivileged youths in developing communities.

Contact us today to learn about life-changing opportunity that lies ahead.  Visit http://africanbasketball.org/resources/  to contact us about volunteer possibilites.  You can help thousands of people in Africa and it will be something that you can put on your resume and remember for the rest of your life. 

A Week that Washington Pays Attention to Africa (from ModernGhana.com)

Article found at http://www.modernghana.com/news/332756/1/a-week-that-washington-pays-attention-to-africa.html 

A Week that Washington Pays Attention to Africa?

 

When it comes to Foreign Policy Meetings in Washington more often than not they generally focus on either Iraq or the Af/Pak theatre. Very rarely do these meetings focus on events that are affecting Africa. But this week it appears that Africa will be the Focus at the White House.

Two key African Allies will be coming to the United States this week. They are the Presidents of Nigeria and Gabon. Both are Key International Petroleum exporters. Both also sit on one of the key Trouble spots in the World the Gulf of Guinea and both have Internal Issues as well.

The first visitor President Johnathan of Nigeria was recently reelected President. Internally He faces two insurgencies one by a Radical Islamic Sect in the North that reportedly has ties to Al-Qaida. The Second one is in the Niger Delta. This just happens to be the Main Oil Producing Region of Nigeria. Previous Military and Civilian Administrations have not made any improvements to the infrastructure of the region. Therefore any wealth generated by Oil does not return to the region and those who live in the region and are affected by this are not pleased.

Traditionally the US and Nigeria have had good relations. In fact the US was going to support any action that President Johnathan was going to authorize in Ivory Coast in his position as head of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). Now that President Ouattara has taken the Oath of President in Ivory Coast It is expected that President Obama will receive a briefing about the State of Affairs in that Country.

One thing that needs to happen is for the President to inquire about what ECOWAS plans to do in Burkina Faso. While the Situation in Ivory Coast slid towards Civil War a series of events occurred in its Northern Neighbor that were ignored due to the Coverage of the Ivorian Crisis. These events included a Mutiny by the Army and Student Protests. There has been no resolution to this situation at this juncture.

The other visitor will be President Ali Bongo of Gabon. This Country which lies at the Southern end of the Gulf of Guinea has had an interesting turn of Events. After the Death of President Omar Bongo in 2009 Elections were held to replace the late President. One of the Candidates Andre Mba Obame earlier this year declared himself to be President of Gabon. He has reportedly south Refuge at a Foreign Embassy in the Capital of Libreville.

The legitimacy of this Administration in Libreville and the Health and Welfare of Mr. Obame are two topics that need to be discussed at the White House this week. But there is another topic that will affect both Gabon and Nigeria that the Mainstream Media has overlooked.

Elections are scheduled to take place in Cameroon this year. The Opposition in the Country believe that this is their best chance to unseat the current incumbent Paul Biya. There are several ways that both Countries could be affected by any Post-Election Violence that occurs in Cameroon. First of all there probably will be Refugees fleeing to both Countries. Second they could become the locations of potential Government-in-Exile or even Insurgent Groups.

So if creating Stability and or Regional Harmony is a goal of this Administration than this week could be week that foundations are laid. Then it will give the appearance that the US was not caught flat-footed like it was when the Revolutions occurred in Tunisia and Egypt. We know that this Administration is very keen on the Nuance of Actions.

The Author Publishes Confused Eagle on the Internet. It can be found at confusedeagle.livejournal.com