Africa Policy E-Journal

February 14, 2003 (030214)

Africa: Another Africa is Possible
(Reposted from sources cited below)

This posting contains statements from two important continent-wide meetings held recently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The first statement is from the African Social Forum of progressive civil society groups, with strong positions on issues facing the continent. The second is from the African Union, representing African governments, in their meeting focused on conflict resolution. That meeting took stands on crises in Burundi, Cote d'Ivoire, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Comoros, and Liberia, as well as speaking out in favor of more time for peaceful resolution of the crisis in Iraq.

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AFRICAN SOCIAL FORUM
ADDIS ABABA CONSENSUS
ANOTHER AFRICA IS POSSIBLE!!

January 9, 2003

[A report of the 2002 African Social Forum, held in Bamako, Mali, can be found at
http://www.worldsummit2002.org/texts/AfricanSocialForum.pdf

Additional reports from this year's Forum, provided by African Flame, are available at: http://www.africapulse.org/index.php?action=viewarticle&articleid=911]

The Second African Social Forum (ASF) was held in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), from January 5-9, 2003. Over 200 African women, men and young people from 40 countries participated. They represented social movements, trade unions, peasants' organizations, NGOs and research institutions.

We reaffirmed our opposition to and rejection of the global neoliberal system, its institutions and clubs, namely, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Organisation, the G 8 and the World Economic Forum.

Presentations were made on various thematic issues, including international trade, privatization, debt, the African Union, wars and conflicts, agriculture, the question of food security; health; African cultures, etc.

Following the discussions and debates on these issues we reaffirmed our strong conviction, contained in the Declaration made by the first African Social Forum(ASF), held in Bamako (Mali), that "Another Africa is possible".

We also reviewed our practice as social movements in Africa since the Bamako meeting. Much progress has been made to develop and strengthen the ASF, to consolidate its place within the world anti-neoliberal movement, and to build popular struggles for economic justice on the ground. These include our participation in the Second World Social Forum held in Porto Alegre (Brazil), the establishment of national Social Forums in some African countries, and the march against neo-liberalism during the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg (South Africa).

The Forum observed that past and present economic policies implemented by African governments have failed to improve the lives of ordinary Africans. We concluded that only a dynamic civil society organized in strong and active social movements can and must challenge the neo-liberal political economy of globalization. The consensus was that we need to build a new African state and society, where public institutions and policies will guarantee cultural, economic, political and social rights for all citizens.

There was also a consensus that African unity and social integration are fundamental aspirations of the African Social Forum. Unity has to be organized and achieved through democratic mechanisms and institutions built with the popular participation of the African masses. This is why the ASF expressed deep concern and dissatisfaction with the neo-liberal orientation of the African Union through its adoption of NEPAD as the paradigm of AfricaÆs development.

The ASF challenges national, regional and global institutions that continue to undermine our efforts to build a democratic society based on gender equality and social and economic justice. In that perspective, the African Social Forum commits itself to developing, promoting and popularizing, in a participatory manner, an alternative development paradigm, based on fundamental principles of democracy, human rights, gender equality and social justice. A development process designed and controlled by the African people and based on their historical experiences. That paradigm will therefore be built on the following principles:

• The maximum participation of the African working classes, peasants, women and youth in decision-making processes, at local, national and regional levels in matters that affect their lives.
• The use of African cultures, not only as means of resistance to foreign domination, but also as a tool for building the economic, social and political framework for the Other Africa.
• The rejection of privatization of basic social services in Africa. We demand of our governments that they not relinquish their responsibility of providing basic social services such as water, energy, health and education to the people. To subject these to the demands of profits of the private sector is a violation of the citizens' basic human rights.
• The rejection of Africa's illegitimate external debt. That debt has been paid many times over. It is used to undermine Africa's self-reliant development and is the main cause for the continent's continued poverty. Therefore, the African Social Forum renews its call for the unconditional cancellation of that debt. It also calls for mass action for a collective repudiation of the continent's debt. In addition, the ASF demands the repatriation of all stolen wealth kept in American and Euopean countries. Moreover, we demand reparations for the past and present damages caused to Africa by an unjust and unequal global system and its institutions.
• The rejection of the processes of decision-making and dispute settlement of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and the manipulation of our political leadership by the Quad countries to impose on Africa forced trade liberalization. In particular, we oppose the four Singapore issues (investment, competition policy, government procurement and trade facilitation). We call for a moratorium on GATS negotiations. We also call for the removal of TRIPS from the WTO altogether. We demand of our governments that they defend Africa's interests in the WTO and call for a rollback of the powers and controls of that organization.
• The development of the ASF based on the participation of grassroots social movements, supported by NGOs, institutions and professionals who act in line with the principles of the ASF.
• The development and use of methods of struggle which allow the maximum participation of the grassroots, through mobilization, education and action.

African farmers, most of whom are women, do not benefit from AGOA/Cotonou type of agreements. Women are especially disadvantaged, because of their unequal access to development opportunities. The ASF challenges African governments to remove agriculture from the WTO so that Africans are in control of agricultural production and food security.

On the issue of information and communication, it was observed that the marginalisation of women is due to poor access arising from poverty, illiteracy and other gender discriminatory barriers. The neoliberal political economy of globalisation has deepened gender inequalities and reduced opportunities for women.

Africa is weakened by division and internal strife. These arise out of Africa's colonial past, foreign intervention, and the continuing poor African leadership that thrives on tribal and ethnic divisions. The ASF demands of African governments that they resolve differences among African peoples by peaceful and constructive means based on using Africa's indigenous resources and institutions.

The Empire has declared a permanent war on the peoples of the world. The ASF resolves to support all peoples under threat from imperialist aggression and wars which endanger the lives of millions of innocents in Palestine, Iraq, North Korea, Colombia, Cuba, Indonesia, the Philippines and in other countries.

The ASF in Addis Ababa reiterated its commitment to strengthening alliances with other regional Social Forums, such as the Asian, European and Latin American Forums, and to work within the World Social Forum to challenge neoliberal globalization and build the foundations of the Other Possible World. Thus, the ASF serves as the space for convergence between the various components of the African civil society to strengthen and deepen national, regional and continental unity. The ASF also serves as a space for the democratic expression of views and alternatives to neoliberalism for the transformation of the state and society in the interests of the well-being of all African peoples.

The Addis Forum has adopted the Charter of Principles and Values, which will be the philosophical and moral basis of our movement. It has also proposed a number of organizational mechanisms with the view to building a more democratic African social movement.

Africa is a continent, rich of its natural resources, its cultures and the creativity of its people. It is by relying on this tremendous richness that we will build Another Africa, that is independent, self-reliant and prosperous. It is this unwavering faith that guides us in our struggle.

The ASF reaffirms that globalization from below, thought out, owned and implemented by people's organizations, is both necessary and possible.

ANOTHER AFRICA IS POSSIBLE! ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE!

Addis Ababa, January 9, 2003

Communique of the Seventh Ordinary Session of the Central Organ of the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution at Head of State and Government Level

African Union (Addis Ababa)

February 3, 2003 Addis Ababa

[For additional news from the meeting, as well as background on the African Union, see the African Union web site at
http://www.africa-union.org]

Following the First Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, the Central Organ of the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution held its 7th Ordinary Session at the level of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 3rd February 2003. The Session was chaired by the Chairperson of the African Union, President Thabo Mbeki.

The Session examined various conflict situations on the continent in light of the report submitted by the Interim Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union.

The Session also examined the Iraqi crisis.

After its deliberations, the Central Organ took the following decisions:

A. BURUNDI

The Central Organ:

1. Welcomes the signing of ceasefire agreements between the Transitional Government of Burundi and the CNDD-FDD of Jean Bosco Ndayikengurukiye, the PALIPEHUTU-FNL of Alain Mugabarabona and the CNDD-FDD of Mr. Pierre Nkurunziza on 7 October and 2 December 2002, respectively. The Central Organ strongly URGES the PALIPEHUTU-FNL of Agathon Rwasa to engage in ceasefire negotiations with the Transitional Government of Burundi, without further delay;
2. Approves the deployment of the African Mission provided for in the 2 December 2002 Ceasefire Agreement and expresses appreciation to the Governments of South Africa, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Mozambique, which have indicated their willingness to contribute troops for the Mission. In this respect, the Central Organ requests South Africa, the chair of the African Union, to lead the efforts to ensure a speedy deployment of the Mission in Burundi and calls on the Burundi Parties to extend full cooperation in order to facilitate the deployment;
3. Appeals to AU Member States and the international community at large, to provide the required financial and logistical support for the deployment of the African Mission. The Central Organ appeals also for support for the deployment of the African Union Observers, to maintain and consolidate the truce between the Parties pending the deployment of the African Mission.

B. COTE D'IVOIRE

The Central Organ:

1. Welcomes the signing of the Linas-Marcoussis Accord of 24 January 2003, which forms a basis for achieving a lasting solution to the crisis, and Urges all the parties to honour the commitments made and to create a conducive environment for its speedy implementation;
2. Commends the leaders of the region for all the initiatives they have taken since the outbreak of the crisis to bring peace to Cote d'Ivoire and mandates ECOWAS to continue these efforts and to report to the Union;
3. Requests the AU Chairperson and the Interim Chairperson of the Commission to consider appropriate ways and means of strengthening initiatives by ECOWAS;
4. Strongly condemns the grave violations of human rights committed against the civilian populations and urges all the parties to respect human rights and international humanitarian law. The Central Organ Requests the African Commission on Human and People's Rights to investigate these violations;
5. Requests AU Member States, the United Nations and the International Community at large to extend financial and logistical assistance to ECOWAS to facilitate the full deployment of its peacekeeping force in Cote d'Ivoire;
6. Expresses its grave concern at the humanitarian and socio-economic impact of the crisis on Cote d'Ivoire and the neighboring countries and encourages the countries concerned to make concerted efforts to address the situation. It calls on the International Community to provide assistance in this regard.

C. CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (CAR)

The Central Organ:

1. Supports the efforts made by CEMAC to promote peace and stability in the Central African Republic and the efforts to bring about reconciliation between the Central African Republic and Chad;
2. Welcomes the progress made in the implementation of the measures contained in the Libreville Communique of 2 October 2002, including the deployment of the CEMAC troops in the Central African Republic and requests the United Nations and AU Member States to urgently provide the requisite logistical and financial assistance to the CEMAC force, to enable it fulfill its mandate;
3. Encourages President Ange Felix Patasse to pursue his efforts towards the convening of an all-inclusive national dialogue in order to promote national reconciliation in CAR;
4. Further Encourages President El Hadj Omar Bongo of the Gabonese Republic and the other leaders of CEMAC to continue to pursue their efforts.

D. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC)

The Central Organ:

1. Welcomes the conclusion in Pretoria, on 17 December 2002, of the Comprehensive Peace Accord for the Transition in the DRC, and requests all parties concerned to fully cooperate with the Facilitator, Sir Ketumile Masire, in order to convene, as soon as possible, the Inter-Congolese Dialogue that would formally endorse the Pretoria Accord, to ensure its effective implementation;
2. Strongly condemns the renewed fighting, which has resulted in grave violations of human rights in the Ituri region. The Central Organ calls on the Parties concerned to expedite the process of establishing the Ituri Pacification Commission provided for in the Luanda Agreement;
3. Urges the Parties to make use of the existing mechanisms to address differences and allegations over non-compliance with the Agreements they have signed;
4. Requests the Troika of the Central Organ, under the chairmanship of President Thabo Mbeki, acting on behalf of the African Union, to take all appropriate steps to sustain the momentum in the peace and reconciliation process in the DRC.

E. MADAGASCAR

The Central Organ:

1. Takes note of the evolution of the situation in Madagascar since the Durban Summit and recommends to the Assembly of the Union to recognize Mr. Marc Ravalomanana as the legitimate President of the Republic of Madagascar;
2. Underscores the need for national reconciliation to create conditions for lasting peace and stability in the country and requests the Interim Chairperson of the Commission to engage the Government and the Malagasy parties, including through the convening of a Round Table to address all outstanding issues related to human rights, the rule of law as well as the issue of political detainees.

F. COMOROS

The Central Organ :

1. Takes note of the outcome of the Ministerial meeting of the countries of the region and the Troika held in Moroni from 28 to 29 January 2003 and endorses its recommendations
2. Calls on the Comoran parties to fully cooperate in the implementation of these recommendations, in particular the holding of legislative elections according to the timetable proposed by the Follow-up Committee of the Fomboni Agreement of 17 February 2001, in order to complete the process of establishing institutions of the Union of the Comoros, including the National Assembly, the Assemblies of the Islands and the Constitutional Court.

The Central Organ:

1. Reiterates its appeal to the UN Security Council to reconsider its decision on the sanctions imposed against Liberia.

The Central Organ of the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution of the African Union, meeting in its 7th Ordinary Session at Summit level on 3 February 2003 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, expresses its deep concern over the heightened international tension arising from the issue of the disarmament of Iraq.

The Central Organ is of the view that a military confrontation in Iraq would be a destabilizing factor for the whole Region and would have far reaching economic and security consequences for all the countries of the world and, particularly, for those of Africa.

The Central Organ, under these circumstances, reiterates its commitment to the effective implementation of Resolution 1441 which requires that all weapons of mass destruction in Iraq should be eliminated and that Iraq should cooperate fully with the UN Inspection Team in this regard.

The Central Organ declares that the territorial integrity of Iraq should be respected and underlines that all diplomatic means should be pursued by International Community to ensure that the Iraqi Government complies fully with the provisions of Resolution 1441 and that, in any case, any new decision on the matter should emanate from the UN Security Council, after a consideration of the final Report of the Inspection Team.

The Central Organ urges all the parties to make sustained efforts to avoid the use of force, while ensuring the implementation of the relevant resolutions of the Security Council.

Finally, the Central Organ reaffirms the central role of the United Nations and, particularly, the Security Council, in any action or initiative aimed at maintaining and strengthening peace and international security.

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Date distributed (ymd): 030214
Region: Continent-Wide
Issue Areas: +political/rights+ +economy/development+ +security/peace+

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