Congo's Quest for Liberation Continues
June 2010
"The world still extracts resources from Congo, and the Congolese still don't get the benefits..."

Peace Strategy For the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
May 2010
"Based on the ongoing violence against the civilian population, resource exploitation, and environmental degradation, the following organizations support and urge the U.S government to include the following recommendations in its DRC 2010 policy objectives..."

Zimbabwe: Demystifying Sanctions and Strengthening Solidarity
April 2010
"In debates about Zimbabwe's political crisis and the role of the international community, it is difficult to sort out reality from rhetorical smoke and mirrors, write Briggs Bomba and William Minter. The current debate on ‘sanctions’ is a classic example: There is much strong language for and against, but rarely do debaters bother to say which measures are actually in place and what specific effects they have or should have..."

Africa Action Statement on Zimbabwe's Debt
March 2010
“Seven years after the IMF suspended Zimbabwe’s voting rights multi-million dollar debt, the Fund restored the country’s voting rights on the Executive Board, citing improved macro-economic management of the economy under new Finance Minister, Tendai Biti…”

Washington, DC March to Stop Genocide and Dictatorship
September 8, 2009 - Gerald LeMelle, executive director of Africa Action
"As lopsided deals are made and more and more of Africa’s most arable and resource rich land is dealt away to secure someone else’ future, it is important for those who care about the future of Africa people attend this march and tell the world that we are tired of the being abused and brutalized, tired of living in fear for loved ones, tired of political inaction and nonsensical policy statements giving pretense to opposing the status quo while all along supporting it and tired of being lied to...."

Africa Action Advocates for DemocracySeptember 3, 2009
"Democracy in Africa is a work in progress, however, it is intrinsic to the goal of human security on the continent. For 56 years, Africa Action has promoted the interests of families and communities across the continent whether against colonialism, brutal dictators, racist apartheid, de facto one-party states and corrupt governments..." 

Avoiding Future Violence in Kenya: Recommendations on Creating Sustainable Peace in Kenya
August 26, 2009 - Morgan Huston
"Morgan Huston, a former intern with Africa Action writes, 'In spite of the magnitude of challenges facing the country, there are various concrete steps that can be taken to help avoid a future outbreak of violence in Kenya, and prevent a downward spiral of instability.' Click here to read more..." 

Straight Talk: Revealing the Real U.S.-Africa Policy
July 30, 2009 - Gerald LeMelle, www.fpif.org
"In Straight Talk: Revealing the Real U.S. Africa-Policy, LeMelle writes: 'While Africans condemned U.S. military policy in Africa under the Bush administration, the Obama administration has not only mirrored Bush's approach, but has in fact enhanced it..."

Zimbabwe Power Sharing Deal: A Historic Moment of Possibilities and ChallengesSeptember 16, 2008
"This Africa Action statement identifies four key factors that will determine whether or not Zimbabwe's newly announced Government of National Unity will achieve its potential to dramatically improve the living conditions of ordinary Zimbabweans..." 

Opportunity for Impact - the June U.S. Presidency of the UNSCMay 19, 2008
"This statement offers a roadmap for how the U.S. should use its June presidency of the UN Security Council to protect the people of Darfur and promote peace for Sudan..." 

Africa Action Condemns Escalating Human Rights Abuses in Zimbabwe and Calls for Immediate Intervention
April 28, 2008
"In this statement, Africa Action roundly condemns the escalation of human rights violations in Zimbabwe and calls upon the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN) to immediately intervene to resolve the deteriorating post election crisis..."

Africa Action Statement on the Upcoming Elections in Zimbabwe
February 14, 2008
"As Zimbabwe's presidential, legislative and local elections in March approach, Africa Action urges the Bush administration to move away from unilateral intervention in Zimbabwe's political process and instead support people-driven democracy through multilateral engagement..."

Africa Action Condemns Resumption of Large-Scale Sudanese Government Attacks on Civilians
February 13, 2008
"This Africa Action statement responds to the recent assault on villages in West Darfur by the Sudanese military and allied militias. The statement calls for increased U.S. diplomatic pressure to protect the people of Darfur and pursue political solutions to Sudan's multiple conflicts..."

AFRICOM: The Militarization of U.S.-Africa Policy Revealed
February 6, 2008
"This Africa Action statement addresses the threats to human development, democracy and justice in Africa posed by AFRICOM, the Bush Administration's new unified command to coordinate U.S. military operations on the continent..." 

Africa Action Calls for U.S. Leadership to Support Kenyan Democracy
January 3, 2008
"This Africa Action statement on the crisis in Kenya calls for a fully transparent recount of presidential votes and an end to restrictions on independent media broadcasts..."

Africa Action Statement on the Crisis in ZimbabweDecember 10, 2007
"On Human Rights Day, Africa Action stands in solidarity with Zimbabwean civil society amid their struggle for social, political and economic justice..." 

The Color of AIDS is Black
November 30, 2007 - Gerald LeMelle
"This op-ed piece reflects on two recently released studies on HIV/AIDS and calls for the U.S. to address the crisis at home and step up its global leadership in the struggle against the pandemic..." 

Greater U.S. Leadership Needed in the Global Fight to End AIDS
November 30, 2007
"Although some progress has been made, the U.S. still needs to improve its global HIV/AIDS programs to be a true leader in the fight against this worldwide pandemic whose effects are concentrated in Africa..."

Africa Action Stands with African Voices on Debt Cancellation
July 12, 2007
"Africa Action stands in solidarity with the voices of African social movements, organizations and activists, calling for justice and for the cancellation of Africa's illegitimate debt..." 

Unkept Promises: Africa Action Statement on the Status of Peacekeeping for Darfur
July 10, 2007
"This Africa Action statement describes the urgent need for the deployment of a robust peacekeeping force to Darfur. The U.S. must partner with other UN members to guarantee the protection of civilians in Darfur..."

Africa Action Statement on Genocide in Darfur: Next Steps After the U.S. Presidency of the UN Security Council in MayJune 11, 2007
"During its presidency of the UN Security Council in May, the U.S. failed to take effective steps to deploy peacekeepers and end the genocide in Darfur. Now, the U.S. must take steps to rally international action for protection for Darfur..." 

A Chance to Change Course in Darfur: Next Steps for the U.S. Presidency of the UN Security Council
April 30, 2007
"In May, the U.S. will have a major opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to protecting the people of Darfur. Africa Action emphasizes that, as president of the UN Security Council, the U.S. must elevate Darfur as an international priority and take the necessary action to ensure protection..."

Africa Action Statement on Illegitimate Debt
April 13, 2007
"In this statement, Africa Action outlines the illegitimacy of the debt in Africa, owed to wealthy international creditors, based on the origins and impact of the loans. Africa Action calls for a recognition of this illegitimacy and the cancellation of Africa's debt..." 

Africa Action Statement on the Crisis in Zimbabwe
April 5, 2007
"As the situation in Zimbabwe deteriorates, Africa Action urges new action to promote democracy and human rights and to pave the way towards a stable and prosperous future for all of Zimbabwe’s people..." 

Op-Ed: "Liberia - Cancel Debt, Add to Development"February 14, 2007 - Diana Duarte, AllAfrica.com
"This week, international donors gather to discuss contributions to Liberia, as it embarks on the the massive project of reconstruction after decades of violence and instability. A first priority must be the cancellation of more than $3.5 billion in Liberia's debt, which stands in the way of development..." 

Africa Action Appoints New Executive Director
November 1, 2006
"The Board of Directors of Africa Action is pleased to announce the appointment of Nii Akuetteh as Africa Action’s new Executive Director..."

Op-Ed: "U.S. must assert leadership on Darfur"
October 24, 2006 - Ann-Louise Colgan, The Progressive Media Project
"As the Sudanese government launches a new offensive, and as the death toll increases, the failure of the U.S. and the international community to provide protection for Darfuri civilians becomes more apparent. The U.S. must take concerted action to break the diplomatic deadlock on Darfur..." 

Questions on Africa Policy for Congressional Candidates and Policymakers
October 11, 2006
"As the November 2006 Congressional elections approach, African issues have not yet figured prominently in campaign debates and the U.S. cannot afford to ignore such issues. This resource provides questions on Africa policy for candidates and propels these priorities into the public dialogue..." 

Op-Ed: Darfur - No More "Never Again"
October 11, 2006 - Ann-Louise Colgan, TomPaine.com
"As the crisis in Darfur continues to deepen, the U.S. and other nations should stand with the people of Darfur and with African leaders from across the continent who are calling for an international peacekeeping force that can stop the violence and protect civilians in western Sudan..." 

Op-Ed: "Empty Promises for Darfur"
August 10, 2006 - Ann-Louise Colgan, TomPaine.com
"The crisis in Darfur grows worse by the day, and the peace deal signed in May has not changed the deteriorating security situation. A UN peacekeeping mission is needed now, and the U.S. must put pressure on Khartoum to accept such an international mission..." 

How the U.S. Can Break the Deadlock on Darfur
July 25, 2006
"Despite Khartoum's opposition, there is an international consensus that a UN peacekeeping operation is needed to halt the violence in Darfur. Africa Action calls on the U.S. to use its leverage to break the deadlock on Darfur..." 

Op-Ed: "The G8 and Africa: Reality Check"
July 13, 2006 - Ann-Louise Colgan, Foreign Policy Association
"One year after the G8 rich country leaders proclaimed a new commitment to addressing Africa's challenges, this month's summit reveals little progress on last year's promises and a growing divide between the priorities of this global elite and the majority of the world's population..." 

Africa Out of the Limelight: The Debt Crisis One Year After the Gleneagles G8
July 6, 2006
"One year after the Group of 8 (G8) nations proclaimed 2005 as the 'year for Africa' and made sweeping promises on debt cancellation, this Africa Action statement examines the current reality in Africa's debt crisis..." 

Op-Ed: Countering Genocide - The Growth of the Movement to Protect DarfurJuly 1, 2006 - Ann-Louise Colgan & Diana Duarte, ColorLines Magazine
"As the genocide in the western region of Sudan persists, now in its third year, a movement of concerned American voices has emerged, reflecting a support base that is both expansive and diverse..."

Africa Action Statement on Avian Influenza and Africa
June 27, 2006
"As the G8 prepares for their annual meeting, Africa Action emphasizes that the subject of infectious disease cannot be addressed without special attention to Africa, currently experiencing both the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the emerging threat of avian flu..." 

Next Steps on Darfur: UN Peacekeeping Mission Needed Now
June 7, 2006
"Despite the partial peace deal reached in Abuja on May 5th, the violence in Darfur continues unabated. Africa Action's new statement condemns persistent stalling from Khartoum and underscores the immediate need for a UN peacekeeping force..." 

Op-Ed: "Betraying Africa's HIV/AIDS Priorities"
May 30, 2006 - Ann-Louise Colgan, allAfrica.com
"While world leaders gather at the UN to assess progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, African governments and civil society organizations emphasize that international commitments have not been met, with devastating consequences..." 

Betraying Africa’s Priorities: A Short Analysis of U.S. Policies on HIV/AIDS in Africa
May 22, 2006
"Twenty-five years into the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, Africa is 'ground-zero' of this crisis, but current U.S. policies are betraying Africa's priorities and undermining the continent's efforts to defeat HIV/AIDS..." 

Africa Action Mourns the Loss of Damu Smith
May 5, 2006
"The staff and Board of Africa Action today expressed deep sadness at the loss of Damu Smith, a long-time friend of the organization and former Executive Director of one of Africa Action’s predecessor groups..." 

Op-Ed: "We Can Protect Darfur"
April 25, 2006 - Ann-Louise Colgan, Oneworld US "Perspectives"
"Although what’s happening in Darfur is complicated, there are clear priorities and paths for action. As the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, there are steps that the U.S. and international community can and must take to save millions of lives..."

Africa Action Statement on Recent Media Coverage of HIV/AIDS in Africa
April 13, 2006
"Africa Action today challenged The Washington Post for its recent coverage minimizing the severity of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa, and the organization emphasized the real and ongoing urgency of the crisis on the continent..." 

Africa Action Statement on the Departure of Executive Director Salih Booker
March 15, 2006
"Africa Action announced today that its Executive Director, Salih Booker, will be stepping down at the end of April 2006 to assume a new position as Executive Director of Global Rights. Africa Action's important work will continue, as the organization builds on past successes and looks forward to new victories in the months & years ahead..."  Go >

Op-Ed: "U.S. Faces Moment of Truth on Darfur"
January 24, 2006 - Ann-Louise Colgan, Foreign Policy in Focus, Sudan Tribune
"As the situation in Darfur continues to deteriorate, U.S. leadership at the UN Security Council next month can achieve protection for the people of Darfur and affirm the U.S.’ commitment to stopping this first genocide of the 21st century..." 

How the UN Can Stop Genocide in Darfur
January 17, 2006
"Africa Action calls upon the U.S. to introduce a new resolution at the UN to (1) “re-hat” the AU mission as a UN operation, and (2) authorize a UN force to be deployed to protect civilians and humanitarian operations in Darfur. This statement was released in December 2005..." 

Op-Ed: "People with HIV/AIDS Lose as Drug Companies Gain"
December 1, 2005 - Salih Booker & Ann-Louise Colgan, Detroit Free Press
"On Dec. 1 each year, the international community marks World AIDS Day. On this day, and every day, the pharmaceutical industry rakes in more than $100 million in profits, as millions of lives are needlessly lost for lack of access to essential HIV/AIDS treatment..." 

Op-Ed: "The UN Summit: Beyond Words to Action"
September 28, 2005 - Salih Booker, The Financial Mail (S.A.)
"Perhaps Africa is demanding too little of the world's rich countries, and of itself...It's not enough to say nice things about ending poverty in the world or about democratising global institutions. A more strategic & forceful diplomacy is necessary if the current assymetry of power is to be altered..." 

Africa Action Statement on 100% Debt Cancellation for Africa
September 23, 2005
"In light of the decision by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to approve the G-8 proposal to cancel the debts of 18 countries (14 in Africa), Africa Action issued a statement defining what constitutes 100% debt cancellation for Africa. It also highlights the relationship between debt, health, and HIV/AIDS..." 

Chronology of a Failure to Stop Genocide: Bush Administration Policy on Darfur since September 9, 2004
September 9, 2005
"Africa Action today released the following statement to mark the one-year anniversary of the Bush Administration’s declaration of genocide in Darfur, Sudan...." 

Africa Action Statement on John Garang’s Death at a time of War and Peace in Sudan
August 2, 2005
"Upon the tragic death of Sudanese Vice President Dr. John Garang de Mabior, Africa Action issued a statement commiserating with his family and the people of Sudan. Africa Action urges the people of Sudan and the international community to honor Dr. Garang’s vision by working diligently to implement the North-South Peace agreement and to stop the genocide in Darfur, Sudan..."

Op-Ed: The G-8 and Africa
July 7, 2005 - Ann-Louise Colgan, The Examiner
"One of the main items on the G-8 Summit agenda is how rich nations can do more to support Africa's development. However, their grand gestures will make little difference to the majority of people in Africa unless the G-8 cancels all of Africa's debts and dramatically increases aid for the continent's development..."

Op-Ed: As We Celebrate Africa Liberation Day, Continent Still Enslaved by Debt
May 25, 2005 - Salih Booker, www.blackelectorate.com
"As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of Africa Liberation Day, Africa Action's Salih Booker reminds us that the continent is still enslaved by the bondage of foreign debt, 'a new form of slavery as vicious as the slave trade...'" 

OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BUSH ON THE GENOCIDE IN DARFUR
May 24, 2005
"Africa Action & other leading advocacy groups released the following Open Letter to President Bush this morning to demand specific steps to stop the genocide in Darfur. The signatories include Members of Congress, interfaith leaders, and women’s, youth & labor organizations..." 

Africa Action Statement on Nelson Mandela’s meeting with President Bush
May 18, 2005
"Africa Action today welcomed former South African President and Nobel Peace Laureate Nelson Mandela on his visit to the U.S. and cautioned that, while the White House seizes on a 'photo-op', President Mandela has consistently taken a principled stance against the Bush Administration on many international issues..." 

Petition: U.S. Must Act Now to Stop Genocide in DarfurApril 28, 2005
Add your name to Africa Action's petition calling on President Bush to take immediate action, through the UN, to support international intervention to stop the genocide in Darfur. We are collecting 400,000 signatures - add your name today! 

Op-Ed: Intervene to Save Darfur
April 16, 2005 - Ann-Louise Colgan, AllAfrica.com, Foreign Policy in Focus
"Faced with the ongoing genocide in Darfur, the most powerful countries in the world have applied small humanitarian band-aids. Nothing short of a robust international intervention will stop this genocide and this must be the immediate priority..." 

Op-Ed: Critical Moment for Debt Cancellation
April 15, 2005 - Salih Booker and Njoki Njoroge Njehu, Seattle Post Intelligencer
"As the World Bank and IMF meet this weekend in Washington D.C., anything less than 100 percent debt cancellation for all impoverished countries will fail to resolve the debt crisis. Every further delay means African countries must continue starving their children to pay their debts..." 

Op-Ed: "Where's 'Hotel Sudan'?"January 31, 2005 - Salih Booker, Knight Ridder Newspapers
"The western world, the white world, will not intervene to stop genocide in Africa. That is one of the central messages of the critically acclaimed film "Hotel Rwanda". It is a message hard to refute in the case of Rwanda, 10 years ago, and again today in the case of Darfur, Sudan..." 

Statement: "Immediate UN Intervention Needed to Stop Genocide in Darfur"December 10, 2004
"On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, Africa Action calls on the U.S. to do everything necessary to secure a UN Security Council Resolution invoking Chapter 7, which would authorize a multinational intervention force to stop the genocide in Darfur..." 

Africa Action welcomes new Director for Public Education & Mobilization!
October 19, 2004
"Africa Action is pleased to announce the arrival on staff of Marie Clarke Brill as the new Director for Public Education & Mobilization. Marie joins Africa Action following a three-year term as National Coordinator for Jubilee USA Network..." 

Statement: "Rich Countries Must End their Wrongful Debt Claims Against Africa"
September 29, 2004
"As the G-7 Finance Ministers and the Boards of the World Bank and IMF meet this week to consider the ongoing debt crisis in Africa and other poor regions, Africa Action reiterates its position that these debts are illegitimate and they must be canceled outright..."

Op-Ed: "The Crisis in Darfur: This Wolf is Real & Nobody's Listening"
September 21, 2004 - Salih Booker, Internat'l Herald Tribune
"Once upon a time, the U.S. could have exercised its clout as the most powerful nation in the world and won over the support of recalcitrant UN members. But now, the country that cried wolf has lost the moral authority it needs to rally its global neighbors to real action against genocide in Darfur..." 

When Intervention is Necessary, Who Can You Call?
August 5, 2004 - Salih Booker, Foreign Policy in Focus
"As pressure mounts on the U.S. to take action on the genocide in Darfur, many progressives feel that a US-led intervention to stop the violence is the wrong answer. But if we don't have special and clear-cut obligations in the case of genocide, when do we?..." 

Op-Ed: Genocide in Darfur
June 25, 2004 - Salih Booker & Ann-Louise Colgan, The Nation
"Unless there is an immediate military intervention in Darfur, up to a million people could die this year. We should have learned from Rwanda that to stop genocide, Washington must first say the word..." 

Petition: Act Now to Stop Genocide in SudanJune 15, 2004
"Add your name to the petition calling on Secretary of State Colin Powell to immediately recognize the genocide occurring in the Darfur region of Sudan and move aggressively to bring it to an end —an action that could save more than 1,000,000 lives..." 

Statement: "The G-8 and Global Apartheid"June 2, 2004 - Africa Action
"The manner in which rich governments of the world use their power ensures that the most privileged among their own citizens have a higher standard of living and more access to human rights than all others.." 

Africa's Debt: Who Owes Whom?February 26, 2004 - Salih Booker, Foreign Policy Forum
"When the "Group of 7" richest countries gather for their annual meeting in the U.S. this June, they will discuss the global challenge of poverty and the plight of Africa in particular. They must face up to Africa's debt crisis..." 

AIDS - Broken Promises Cost Lives
December 1, 2003 - Phill Wilson & Salih Booker
"In his January State of the Union Address, President George Bush announced an "Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief" that promised $3 billion a year in funding focused primarily on Africa and the Caribbean. Within weeks he broke that promise...