By Paul Ndiho
May 26, 2010
The race for president of Nigeria is generating a lot coverage in the media. With his new team in place, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is facing the challenges of electoral reforms and economic development in the West African nation. At least six politicians have expressed an interest in running for president, but analysts say Mr. Jonathan could prove a favorite in the 2011 elections. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has not officially declared he will be a candidate for president in 2011, but some prominent people say he will run. Under an unwritten agreement within the ruling People’s Democratic Party, Jonathan, cannot run for the top office because he is a southerner, and the late President Yar'Adua, a northerner, did not complete his eight-year rotation. Under the agreement, Jonathan's deputy would become the PDP presidential candidate next year. But there is fierce infighting within the party, according to Abubakar Momoh, a professor at the Lagos University.
"The sad event of the demise of the former President, nobody can help it, it is natural process, but the question is the aftermath, what happens next after him? And that is what lots of factions and tendencies in the PDP have not agreed upon. For them some are saying that the PDP in principle has zoned this post to the north for the next eight years, and therefore the next incumbent must be somebody from the north and now the situation is there are all kinds of things."
Several seasoned politicians, including former Military ruler Ibrahim Babangida, Donald Duke, a two-term State governor for Cross River State, have joined the race for president. Analysts say that as governor, Donald Duke excelled at improving basic services, tourism, information technology, and agriculture. Recently at fundraiser in Washington, D.C., Mr. Duke said that he wanted take his abilities to the national stage.
"We're trying to get people involved in the process now; for too long we've been complacent, we've been ambivalent to our politics; let's get involved and change our country."
Voice of America reporter Chinedu Offor covers Nigeria and observes that Mr. Duke achieved quite a lot through his tourism initiative and today his state is the number one holiday destination in Nigeria.
"He has done so much in turning his state into a tourist attraction. This state that had little or no oil and this is a story he told because he came in and there was no resources and said well the best thing to do is to create a place where people can come and spend money and turned his state into a destination sport where Nigerians and foreigners would come and enjoy their money and has made a success of it.
"We have perhaps one of the best landscapes anywhere in the country; we have historical sites, we have geological sites, we have great people and beauty and tremendous cultural values. So what we've tried to do in our state is put all of these together our sites, our culture, our history, make it a place people want to go to."
The Governor says that during his early years in office, a large consignment of pineapple suckers was imported and given to farmers; today pineapple is harvested in commercial quantities in this state and has become an affordable fruit in virtually every home. Chinedu Offor says that looking at what he has done for his state; it's possible for him to give President Goodluck Jonathan a run for his money.
"If he can replicate a little bit of what he has done for his state on a broader level I think that's a good way to start in a since that you have supporting infrastructure like roads because Nigeria of course needs it, you have supporting infrastructure like power, electricity Nigeria needs it, you have supporting facilities like water people need it.
Some political analysts say that although Nigeria's principle of rotating power is based on the PDP constitution, it is not written into Nigerian law. That means there is nothing to stop Goodluck Jonathan from running for the presidency next year, despite being a southerner.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
ETHIOPIA DECIDES 2010
By Paul Ndiho
May 19, 2010
Preparations for Ethiopia's elections scheduled for Sunday May 23 have been dominated by accusations of intimidation and disruption by both the government and the opposition. The government says it's looking forward to a democratic process, but opposition parties say chances of free and fair polls are very slim.
Ethiopians go to the polls this weekend for the first time since a government victory in 2005 was disputed by the opposition. More than 200 street protesters were killed by security forces and all the main opposition leaders imprisoned and charged with terrorism. Johnnie Carson, the assistant secretary of state for African affairs while testifying to the U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa said the Obama administration is watching very closely the upcoming elections in Ethiopia and called on the government to allow everyone to vote freely and fairly on Election Day and that it's incumbent upon the government to do everything it possibly can ensure that the playing field is leveled.
"We are encouraging the government of Ethiopia, as well as the opposition parties to act responsively during the election campaign and the election itself. We do not want to see a repetition of the violence that followed the flood elections of 2005 in which the opposition felt that it had not been treated fairly, protested after the election and a number of opposition leaders were killed in the streets of Addis Ababa."
Concerned Ethiopians are afraid to voice their doubts, the general feeling in the country is that polls will not be free or fair and that violence may erupt again. Here in the Washington D.C metro area some Ethiopians are worried that a repeat of the chaos seen in 2005 might carry the day. Alemayenu Abebe a Washington DC resident says the election campaigns have been dominated by intimidation and harassment from the government police are other security agencies.
There is no independent election workers the ruling party will use all necessary means to stop the opposition parties. You know they can put you in jail they don't have equal landscape they don't have a right to go to the demonstration in the capital city."
However, Another D.C resident is hoping that this election will be free and fair to all Ethiopian people.
"I've lived here in the United States of America for a long time because I enjoy the freedom and i hope that our people will get that freedom one day. And I hope this government in power right now will treat the opposition party fairly stop intimidation so that we will have some members go to the parliament and fight further for the people of Ethiopia."
The opposition says their candidates and voters are harassed and intimidated. The government, for its part, says the opposition plans to incite street violence and discredit the poll because it has no chance of winning.
One of the leading opposition leaders Merera Gudina while campaigning in and around his home area of Ambo, in the Oromia region, approximately 125 kilometres south of the capital Addis Ababa. The region is home to Ethiopia's largest ethnic group which makes up 27 million of the country's 80 million population also accused the government for intimidating in his people.
"Well, the police, the security, there's the local administrators, they're all going around telling people that the forum (Medrek) and the Oromo People's Congress is not peaceful and all kinds of things. They are intimidating people."
New-York based Human Rights Watch said the government has arrested and imprisoned opposition politicians for varying terms since the 2005 disputed polls. However, The National Election Board says measures are in place to make sure all parties follow strict guidelines for the elections.
"Almost all political parties, more than 65 political parties have agreed on a code of conduct so as to make the upcoming election free, fair, democratic, peaceful and credible. We have also prepared a media election reporting directives."
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, who is running for re-election was hailed by the west as one of a new generation of democratic African leaders in the 1990s but human rights groups have increasingly criticized him for cracking down on opposition and the independent media in sub-Saharan Africa's second most populous nation. In 2005 his security forces opened live fire at un-armed civilians and killed more than 200 people.
May 19, 2010
Preparations for Ethiopia's elections scheduled for Sunday May 23 have been dominated by accusations of intimidation and disruption by both the government and the opposition. The government says it's looking forward to a democratic process, but opposition parties say chances of free and fair polls are very slim.
Ethiopians go to the polls this weekend for the first time since a government victory in 2005 was disputed by the opposition. More than 200 street protesters were killed by security forces and all the main opposition leaders imprisoned and charged with terrorism. Johnnie Carson, the assistant secretary of state for African affairs while testifying to the U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa said the Obama administration is watching very closely the upcoming elections in Ethiopia and called on the government to allow everyone to vote freely and fairly on Election Day and that it's incumbent upon the government to do everything it possibly can ensure that the playing field is leveled.
"We are encouraging the government of Ethiopia, as well as the opposition parties to act responsively during the election campaign and the election itself. We do not want to see a repetition of the violence that followed the flood elections of 2005 in which the opposition felt that it had not been treated fairly, protested after the election and a number of opposition leaders were killed in the streets of Addis Ababa."
Concerned Ethiopians are afraid to voice their doubts, the general feeling in the country is that polls will not be free or fair and that violence may erupt again. Here in the Washington D.C metro area some Ethiopians are worried that a repeat of the chaos seen in 2005 might carry the day. Alemayenu Abebe a Washington DC resident says the election campaigns have been dominated by intimidation and harassment from the government police are other security agencies.
There is no independent election workers the ruling party will use all necessary means to stop the opposition parties. You know they can put you in jail they don't have equal landscape they don't have a right to go to the demonstration in the capital city."
However, Another D.C resident is hoping that this election will be free and fair to all Ethiopian people.
"I've lived here in the United States of America for a long time because I enjoy the freedom and i hope that our people will get that freedom one day. And I hope this government in power right now will treat the opposition party fairly stop intimidation so that we will have some members go to the parliament and fight further for the people of Ethiopia."
The opposition says their candidates and voters are harassed and intimidated. The government, for its part, says the opposition plans to incite street violence and discredit the poll because it has no chance of winning.
One of the leading opposition leaders Merera Gudina while campaigning in and around his home area of Ambo, in the Oromia region, approximately 125 kilometres south of the capital Addis Ababa. The region is home to Ethiopia's largest ethnic group which makes up 27 million of the country's 80 million population also accused the government for intimidating in his people.
"Well, the police, the security, there's the local administrators, they're all going around telling people that the forum (Medrek) and the Oromo People's Congress is not peaceful and all kinds of things. They are intimidating people."
New-York based Human Rights Watch said the government has arrested and imprisoned opposition politicians for varying terms since the 2005 disputed polls. However, The National Election Board says measures are in place to make sure all parties follow strict guidelines for the elections.
"Almost all political parties, more than 65 political parties have agreed on a code of conduct so as to make the upcoming election free, fair, democratic, peaceful and credible. We have also prepared a media election reporting directives."
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, who is running for re-election was hailed by the west as one of a new generation of democratic African leaders in the 1990s but human rights groups have increasingly criticized him for cracking down on opposition and the independent media in sub-Saharan Africa's second most populous nation. In 2005 his security forces opened live fire at un-armed civilians and killed more than 200 people.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Rural Women Farmers in Africa
By Paul Ndiho
May 10, 2010
Women are responsible for at least 70 percent of Africa's food crop production. They also play important roles in food processing and marketing, and animal husbandry and making decisions on the farm.
In sub-Saharan Africa, most women work in agriculture. They spend much of their day performing field work, growing food and crops for their families in addition to caring for the children. Like many African women, Esther Winjero Njorogo is her family's main food provider. But she struggles to farm her plot in Kenya due to unpredictable rains.
"It's very difficult to get water. I have to wait for rain then I have to look for money to buy fertilizers and manure."
During the dry season, Njorogo spends most her time pumping water to irrigate her crops. Feister Mumbi Kimuya, is another concerned Kenyan small-scale commercial farmer, who grows tomatoes and maize and raises chickens for eggs to sell in the markets.
"When we are farming we see that our crops are not doing very well because we don't the technical expertise to farm those crops."
Many African women farmers grow food on small patches of land, and Feister Kimuya says that most rural farmers use crop rotation to make the most of these plots. Her family farming business has grown steadily in the last few years.
Women farmers in Kenya are hungry for innovative, concrete business ideas according to David Kauck, with the International Center for Research on Women. He says that rural women in Kenya need more access to credit, training, fertilizer and seeds.
"In Africa we can't talk about agriculture without talking about the role of women. Women are involved in every part of the production, in transforming food crops, processing, marketing and transporting the crops to the market."
Rural women farmers in Ghana also do not have access to formal financial services. Speaking on Capitol Hill in Washington, Lydia Sasu, with Ghana's Development Action Association says women in Ghana are not part of decision-making bodies that shape farming policy in their homeland.
"Rural women are doing a fantastic job. They produce about 80% of the food in the country, they take care of their children, educated them, take care of their produce and even market it. Looking at the roles they play, their voice need to be heard and we want them to be part of the decision making process."
Agriculture experts say that hunger and the cycle of poverty in Africa are two of the most significant challenges that face the continent today. Studies show that improving agriculture is the most effective driver of growth in developing countries.
May 10, 2010
Women are responsible for at least 70 percent of Africa's food crop production. They also play important roles in food processing and marketing, and animal husbandry and making decisions on the farm.
In sub-Saharan Africa, most women work in agriculture. They spend much of their day performing field work, growing food and crops for their families in addition to caring for the children. Like many African women, Esther Winjero Njorogo is her family's main food provider. But she struggles to farm her plot in Kenya due to unpredictable rains.
"It's very difficult to get water. I have to wait for rain then I have to look for money to buy fertilizers and manure."
During the dry season, Njorogo spends most her time pumping water to irrigate her crops. Feister Mumbi Kimuya, is another concerned Kenyan small-scale commercial farmer, who grows tomatoes and maize and raises chickens for eggs to sell in the markets.
"When we are farming we see that our crops are not doing very well because we don't the technical expertise to farm those crops."
Many African women farmers grow food on small patches of land, and Feister Kimuya says that most rural farmers use crop rotation to make the most of these plots. Her family farming business has grown steadily in the last few years.
Women farmers in Kenya are hungry for innovative, concrete business ideas according to David Kauck, with the International Center for Research on Women. He says that rural women in Kenya need more access to credit, training, fertilizer and seeds.
"In Africa we can't talk about agriculture without talking about the role of women. Women are involved in every part of the production, in transforming food crops, processing, marketing and transporting the crops to the market."
Rural women farmers in Ghana also do not have access to formal financial services. Speaking on Capitol Hill in Washington, Lydia Sasu, with Ghana's Development Action Association says women in Ghana are not part of decision-making bodies that shape farming policy in their homeland.
"Rural women are doing a fantastic job. They produce about 80% of the food in the country, they take care of their children, educated them, take care of their produce and even market it. Looking at the roles they play, their voice need to be heard and we want them to be part of the decision making process."
Agriculture experts say that hunger and the cycle of poverty in Africa are two of the most significant challenges that face the continent today. Studies show that improving agriculture is the most effective driver of growth in developing countries.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Empowering African Women through Microfinance
By Paul Ndiho
May 6, 2010
Over the last three decades, microfinance has spread to every continent and affected some 100 million families. And experts say microfinance can be an important liberating force in societies where women may struggle against social and economic conditions.
Millions of Africa's rural poor people have no access to small loans, and as a result cannot begin a small business. The nonprofit Women's Microfinance Initiative has been operating in Eastern Uganda for the last two years. The group has given out more than one thousand small loans in about 50 villages in Eastern Uganda and just expanded to Kenya. Robyn Nietert is president of the Initiative:
"These women are incredibly responsible, they are focused, they are enthusiastic and they are very committed to pay back their loans, and growing their businesses."
Nietert says that her group's goal is to empower rural women in East Africa.
"Listening to the women and making it a true grassroots operation. We listen to them and take a lead from them. That I think has been the most important aspect of this program and that's why it has a 100% repayment program."
The poor are often denied credit from commercial banks because the amounts they need to borrow are too small or they lack collateral to secure a loan. Nora O' Connell is vice president of Women Thrive Worldwide, a non-profit organization shaping U.S. policy to help women in developing countries lift themselves out of poverty. She says many women in rural Africa also have limited access to education and land ownership.
"Rural women in Africa are the real backbone of taking care of their families. They are the ones that put the food on the table and are the ones that make sure their kids go to school."
Muhammad Yunus won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for championing microcredit. Yunus attended this year's annual microcredit summit in Kenya, and he says women in Africa are good candidates for microfinance.
"African women are very active compared to any women anywhere in the world. If you compare the African women with the Asian women or Bangladeshi women, there is a world of difference."
Studies indicate that women are more likely than men to reinvest their small business profits, or to use their additional income to meet household needs. However critics at a recent regional Microcredit Summit in Kenya's capital Nairobi said that some microcredit lenders are scamming the poor, and in some countries micro-loan interest rates vary widely.
May 6, 2010
Over the last three decades, microfinance has spread to every continent and affected some 100 million families. And experts say microfinance can be an important liberating force in societies where women may struggle against social and economic conditions.
Millions of Africa's rural poor people have no access to small loans, and as a result cannot begin a small business. The nonprofit Women's Microfinance Initiative has been operating in Eastern Uganda for the last two years. The group has given out more than one thousand small loans in about 50 villages in Eastern Uganda and just expanded to Kenya. Robyn Nietert is president of the Initiative:
"These women are incredibly responsible, they are focused, they are enthusiastic and they are very committed to pay back their loans, and growing their businesses."
Nietert says that her group's goal is to empower rural women in East Africa.
"Listening to the women and making it a true grassroots operation. We listen to them and take a lead from them. That I think has been the most important aspect of this program and that's why it has a 100% repayment program."
The poor are often denied credit from commercial banks because the amounts they need to borrow are too small or they lack collateral to secure a loan. Nora O' Connell is vice president of Women Thrive Worldwide, a non-profit organization shaping U.S. policy to help women in developing countries lift themselves out of poverty. She says many women in rural Africa also have limited access to education and land ownership.
"Rural women in Africa are the real backbone of taking care of their families. They are the ones that put the food on the table and are the ones that make sure their kids go to school."
Muhammad Yunus won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for championing microcredit. Yunus attended this year's annual microcredit summit in Kenya, and he says women in Africa are good candidates for microfinance.
"African women are very active compared to any women anywhere in the world. If you compare the African women with the Asian women or Bangladeshi women, there is a world of difference."
Studies indicate that women are more likely than men to reinvest their small business profits, or to use their additional income to meet household needs. However critics at a recent regional Microcredit Summit in Kenya's capital Nairobi said that some microcredit lenders are scamming the poor, and in some countries micro-loan interest rates vary widely.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
SUDAN'S BASHIR AND KIIR CELEBRATE POLL WIN
By Paul Ndiho
APIRL 27, 2010
After being declared the winner in April's presidential elections that international observers, particularly the Carter Center and the European Union said were deeply flawed, earlier this week, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir joined party supporters and officials to celebrate and show the world that he has been elected president by majority of Sudanese in the first open elections in more than 20 years.
The celebrations were loud and boisterous. Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir -- the only sitting head of state wanted by the International Criminal Court -- won Sudan's first multiparty elections in 24 years. The elections received a mixed assessment from political observers with the African Union declaring them "free and fair." While the United States and others say the elections fell short of international standards. David Smock is vice president and director, Center for mediation and conflict resolution, Religion and Peacemaking program at the U.S Institute Of Peace in Washington
"There was minimal violence but it didn't have a great deal of meaning because the international observers, particularly the Carter Center and the European Union said the elections were deeply flawed, most of the opposition candidates in the north running against Bashir had withdrawn and boycotted the election."
A breakdown of the presidential vote shows great support for President Bashir in the north. While Salva Kiir, President of the semi-autonomous southern region, easily won re-election with 92.percent of the vote.
"I shall be the president of all southern Sudanese, without any distinction based on party allegiance, regional provenance, ethnic origin or religious faith, so please mark those words and let us move together.
With the elctions now behind them, Sudan begins to focus on next year's referendum on independence for the south, a vote President Bashir has pledged to respect. But David Smock says the government in Khartoum faces many challenges including Darfur, an issue complicated by Mr. Bashir's international indictment for alleged war crimes in Darfur.
There have been on again off again negotiations in Doha, particularly between the Bashir government and the Gem, one of the major rebel groups and some discussions with some of the other rebel groups, but while there has been an agreement on a ceasefire, with the Gem, the details of what a peace agreement would look like have not really been worked out in any significant way, so they definitely need progress on that front for Sudan to be able to go forward.” He said.
And forward means continuing the implementation of the 2005 peace deal that ended the Sudanese civil war.
APIRL 27, 2010
After being declared the winner in April's presidential elections that international observers, particularly the Carter Center and the European Union said were deeply flawed, earlier this week, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir joined party supporters and officials to celebrate and show the world that he has been elected president by majority of Sudanese in the first open elections in more than 20 years.
The celebrations were loud and boisterous. Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir -- the only sitting head of state wanted by the International Criminal Court -- won Sudan's first multiparty elections in 24 years. The elections received a mixed assessment from political observers with the African Union declaring them "free and fair." While the United States and others say the elections fell short of international standards. David Smock is vice president and director, Center for mediation and conflict resolution, Religion and Peacemaking program at the U.S Institute Of Peace in Washington
"There was minimal violence but it didn't have a great deal of meaning because the international observers, particularly the Carter Center and the European Union said the elections were deeply flawed, most of the opposition candidates in the north running against Bashir had withdrawn and boycotted the election."
A breakdown of the presidential vote shows great support for President Bashir in the north. While Salva Kiir, President of the semi-autonomous southern region, easily won re-election with 92.percent of the vote.
"I shall be the president of all southern Sudanese, without any distinction based on party allegiance, regional provenance, ethnic origin or religious faith, so please mark those words and let us move together.
With the elctions now behind them, Sudan begins to focus on next year's referendum on independence for the south, a vote President Bashir has pledged to respect. But David Smock says the government in Khartoum faces many challenges including Darfur, an issue complicated by Mr. Bashir's international indictment for alleged war crimes in Darfur.
There have been on again off again negotiations in Doha, particularly between the Bashir government and the Gem, one of the major rebel groups and some discussions with some of the other rebel groups, but while there has been an agreement on a ceasefire, with the Gem, the details of what a peace agreement would look like have not really been worked out in any significant way, so they definitely need progress on that front for Sudan to be able to go forward.” He said.
And forward means continuing the implementation of the 2005 peace deal that ended the Sudanese civil war.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Promoting Education in Africa
By Paul Ndiho
April 23, 2010
Studies show that a child born to an educated mother is twice as likely to survive to the age of five as a child born to an uneducated mother. But many children in the Sub-Saharan Africa are denied even the chance to attend primary school.
Experts say that educating children helps reduce poverty, promotes gender equality and more. New U.S. legislation, led by New York Congresswoman Nita Lowey, calls on the United States to support an international Global Fund for Education for developing countries. The fund aims to achieve basic education for every child in the world by 2015.
"Access to quality education brings promise of a better life. No country has sustainable economic growth without achieving mere universal primary education and investing in girls education increases women's income, delays the start of sexual activity, reduces infant mortality rates and increases women's political participation."
Educated girls are likely to marry later and have fewer children, who in turn will be more likely to be better nourished and educated. In sub-Saharan Africa, school and school related-fees are keeping children out of classrooms, as the fees can consume nearly a quarter of a poor family's income. Actress Jessica Alba has just returned from Africa, where she observed how U.S. funding for global education is changing lives.
"Last month I visited Ghana, Senegal and South Africa and I saw myself the potential and impact of education. The parents I met were full of hope for their children's future and wanted more than nothing for their children to go to school."
Quality education can be a way out of poverty, but Jessica Alba says millions of Africa's children receive little or no education.
"72 million children worldwide don't have access to education. 60% of these kids live in Africa and most of them are girls."
Research shows that HIV/AIDS infection rates are halved among young people who finish primary school. And estimates are that If every girl and boy received a complete primary education, at least 700,000 new cases of HIV could be prevented in a decade - another compelling reason to get Africa's children into classrooms.
April 23, 2010
Studies show that a child born to an educated mother is twice as likely to survive to the age of five as a child born to an uneducated mother. But many children in the Sub-Saharan Africa are denied even the chance to attend primary school.
Experts say that educating children helps reduce poverty, promotes gender equality and more. New U.S. legislation, led by New York Congresswoman Nita Lowey, calls on the United States to support an international Global Fund for Education for developing countries. The fund aims to achieve basic education for every child in the world by 2015.
"Access to quality education brings promise of a better life. No country has sustainable economic growth without achieving mere universal primary education and investing in girls education increases women's income, delays the start of sexual activity, reduces infant mortality rates and increases women's political participation."
Educated girls are likely to marry later and have fewer children, who in turn will be more likely to be better nourished and educated. In sub-Saharan Africa, school and school related-fees are keeping children out of classrooms, as the fees can consume nearly a quarter of a poor family's income. Actress Jessica Alba has just returned from Africa, where she observed how U.S. funding for global education is changing lives.
"Last month I visited Ghana, Senegal and South Africa and I saw myself the potential and impact of education. The parents I met were full of hope for their children's future and wanted more than nothing for their children to go to school."
Quality education can be a way out of poverty, but Jessica Alba says millions of Africa's children receive little or no education.
"72 million children worldwide don't have access to education. 60% of these kids live in Africa and most of them are girls."
Research shows that HIV/AIDS infection rates are halved among young people who finish primary school. And estimates are that If every girl and boy received a complete primary education, at least 700,000 new cases of HIV could be prevented in a decade - another compelling reason to get Africa's children into classrooms.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
RELIGION AND POLITICS IN AFRICA
By Paul Ndiho
April 20, 2010
Across the continent, African religions play significant roles in communities where government services may be sparse or absent. VOA'S Paul Ndiho looks at how religion and politics are intertwined in Africa.
Africa's religious communities broadly reflect moderation, though pockets of religion-based extremism are evident across the region.
Peter Lewis, Director, African Studies, School of Advanced International Studies or SAIS says that religion and politics are intertwined in Africa and there is a need to understand how they interact.
"Religion plays multiple roles, completed roles, and often multi-faceted roles in some situations where some religious communities and religious figures can be sources of extremism and confrontation. Others maybe sources of moderation and mediation and others still maybe largely separated from politics."
In many parts of Africa, religious institutions deliver social services, build hospitals, schools, and provide employment and in places where government has failed. In Somalia, Islam may be a vehicle to mobilize people against the government or to protest against foreign invasion. In 2006, Islamic courts governed in much of Somalia until they were driven out by Ethiopia's military. Timothy Longman, Boston University says that religion cuts across African political identities.
"Religious groups are very much caught up in conflict in a variety of ways. What I want to focus on are the two very contradictory tendencies that you find within Christian churches in the region and that is churches are getting embroiled in conflict, being involved in supporting conflict, and on the other hand, churches playing a peaceful role for a conflict resolution role."
In Nigeria, analysts say religion can fuel Christian-Muslim violence. In the recent past, clashes have taken place between Christians and Muslims in Kano, northern Nigeria, a region which is governed by sharia law. In Jos, hundreds of people lost their lives because of an election that Peter Lewis says took on unusual religious divisions.
"In most of Nigeria, Christians and Muslims have managed to co-exist. We hope that with the improvement in governance, economic opportunities and reduced inequalities that different communities in Nigeria would be better able to get a long."
A recent study by the Washington, D.C.-based Pew Forum on Religion and public life reveals that most people in sub-Saharan Africa are deeply committed to Christianity or Islam; they continue to practice elements of more traditional African religion. The study says that while many Muslims and Christians describe members of the other faith as tolerant, there are signs of tensions between the faiths.
April 20, 2010
Across the continent, African religions play significant roles in communities where government services may be sparse or absent. VOA'S Paul Ndiho looks at how religion and politics are intertwined in Africa.
Africa's religious communities broadly reflect moderation, though pockets of religion-based extremism are evident across the region.
Peter Lewis, Director, African Studies, School of Advanced International Studies or SAIS says that religion and politics are intertwined in Africa and there is a need to understand how they interact.
"Religion plays multiple roles, completed roles, and often multi-faceted roles in some situations where some religious communities and religious figures can be sources of extremism and confrontation. Others maybe sources of moderation and mediation and others still maybe largely separated from politics."
In many parts of Africa, religious institutions deliver social services, build hospitals, schools, and provide employment and in places where government has failed. In Somalia, Islam may be a vehicle to mobilize people against the government or to protest against foreign invasion. In 2006, Islamic courts governed in much of Somalia until they were driven out by Ethiopia's military. Timothy Longman, Boston University says that religion cuts across African political identities.
"Religious groups are very much caught up in conflict in a variety of ways. What I want to focus on are the two very contradictory tendencies that you find within Christian churches in the region and that is churches are getting embroiled in conflict, being involved in supporting conflict, and on the other hand, churches playing a peaceful role for a conflict resolution role."
In Nigeria, analysts say religion can fuel Christian-Muslim violence. In the recent past, clashes have taken place between Christians and Muslims in Kano, northern Nigeria, a region which is governed by sharia law. In Jos, hundreds of people lost their lives because of an election that Peter Lewis says took on unusual religious divisions.
"In most of Nigeria, Christians and Muslims have managed to co-exist. We hope that with the improvement in governance, economic opportunities and reduced inequalities that different communities in Nigeria would be better able to get a long."
A recent study by the Washington, D.C.-based Pew Forum on Religion and public life reveals that most people in sub-Saharan Africa are deeply committed to Christianity or Islam; they continue to practice elements of more traditional African religion. The study says that while many Muslims and Christians describe members of the other faith as tolerant, there are signs of tensions between the faiths.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
SUDAN FOREIGN BUSINESS
BY PAUL NDIHO
APRIL 15, 2010
After Sudan's comprehensive peace deal was signed in 2005, neighboring business people rushed to Southern Sudan, hoping to cash in on opportunities there following two decades of war. But now, some of those same people are fleeing the country, fearing violence following disputed elections, similar to what happened in Kenya in 2008.
Foreign entrepreneurs in Southern Sudan have started closing up their shops in anticipation of post-election violence. Many business people are heading home to home countries such as Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. John Muturi has been selling second-hand clothes in Juba with his wife since arriving from Kenya.
"We are afraid because we've seen elections are never predictable. That's why we're selling the stock we already have and finishing it and we can keep our money. But we are not bringing in any more things from outside. We have to sell what we have because we don't know what is going to happen."
Sudanese people started voting earlier this week in the first multi-party elections in more than 24 years that will test the fragile unity of Africa's biggest country. Jonathan Temin at the United States Institute of Peace says that there might be violence in some areas of the country.
"It is possible. And they are being cautious and conservative in their outlook and what might happen. But it also depends on what part of the country we are talking about. We have to remember that Sudan is the largest country in Africa and what might happen in Khartoum is different from what might happen in Juba or Darfur and other places in between."
Juba became a budding area of commerce following the 2005 peace deal. Ezekiel Gathuoth, head of Mission, Government of Southern Sudan, says that there is no cause for alarm and reassures business people that they can in Juba.
"Business should continue as usual because this is something that you can do and go back to your business. The elections should not affect any function of business. We are appealing to all the people not to worry and for the last three days everything has been peaceful."
But clothing trader John Muturi says that many businessmen have already left Southern Sudan and only those with the biggest shops remain. But some foreigners are not looking to leave. Eritrean Hatawi Abraham works in a Juba hotel and says, like many Sudanese, he hopes the elections will have a positive impact rather than lead it back to conflict.
"Actually I have been here for one year and until now, thank God, nothing has happened, security is quite okay especially with elections. Everyone was speculating that something could happen, like violence and something but thank God nothing has happened."
The election looks likely to extend the 21-year rule of President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, the head of state wanted by the International Criminal Court to face charges of war crimes in Darfur.
APRIL 15, 2010
After Sudan's comprehensive peace deal was signed in 2005, neighboring business people rushed to Southern Sudan, hoping to cash in on opportunities there following two decades of war. But now, some of those same people are fleeing the country, fearing violence following disputed elections, similar to what happened in Kenya in 2008.
Foreign entrepreneurs in Southern Sudan have started closing up their shops in anticipation of post-election violence. Many business people are heading home to home countries such as Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. John Muturi has been selling second-hand clothes in Juba with his wife since arriving from Kenya.
"We are afraid because we've seen elections are never predictable. That's why we're selling the stock we already have and finishing it and we can keep our money. But we are not bringing in any more things from outside. We have to sell what we have because we don't know what is going to happen."
Sudanese people started voting earlier this week in the first multi-party elections in more than 24 years that will test the fragile unity of Africa's biggest country. Jonathan Temin at the United States Institute of Peace says that there might be violence in some areas of the country.
"It is possible. And they are being cautious and conservative in their outlook and what might happen. But it also depends on what part of the country we are talking about. We have to remember that Sudan is the largest country in Africa and what might happen in Khartoum is different from what might happen in Juba or Darfur and other places in between."
Juba became a budding area of commerce following the 2005 peace deal. Ezekiel Gathuoth, head of Mission, Government of Southern Sudan, says that there is no cause for alarm and reassures business people that they can in Juba.
"Business should continue as usual because this is something that you can do and go back to your business. The elections should not affect any function of business. We are appealing to all the people not to worry and for the last three days everything has been peaceful."
But clothing trader John Muturi says that many businessmen have already left Southern Sudan and only those with the biggest shops remain. But some foreigners are not looking to leave. Eritrean Hatawi Abraham works in a Juba hotel and says, like many Sudanese, he hopes the elections will have a positive impact rather than lead it back to conflict.
"Actually I have been here for one year and until now, thank God, nothing has happened, security is quite okay especially with elections. Everyone was speculating that something could happen, like violence and something but thank God nothing has happened."
The election looks likely to extend the 21-year rule of President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, the head of state wanted by the International Criminal Court to face charges of war crimes in Darfur.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
SUDAN’S LANDMARK ELECTIONS
BY PAUL NDIHO
APRIL 11, 2010
Although Washington DC has a significant number Sudanese people very few
were registered to vote in this landmark election, a handful voted at the Sudanese Consulate in Washington dc. A small number of Voters from the Washington area came early to cast their ballots in this historic election. The three-day election is a key indicator of whether Sudan can fend off renewed conflict and humanitarian crisis as it heads toward a 2011 referendum that could split apart this oil-producing nation and bring independence for south Sudan. The Sudanese Ambassador to the United States said this was a significant milestone in the history of Sudan.
“This election is confirming one of the mandates of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement or the (CPA) that is to hold elections as a fulfillment of the CPA and to prepare for the referendum.”
Mayom Ball Achuku said that this election is a new hope for Sudan.
“This election means chances of freedom are coming to Sudan. I was the first person to vote and I think that I’m doing it not only for
generations that were not able to vote and for myself. It also means that the suffering of the people in Southern Sudan will come to an end. That’s the main reason I voted.”
In Sudan, thousands of police were deployed to make sure things go
smoothly for the first multi-party poll in 24 years.
Greeted by supporters shouting "Allah hu-Akbar" President Omar al-Bashir arrived at a polling station in Khartoum to cast his ballot.
Analysts say he is expected to win but this comes as leading opposition figures accuse him of manipulating the vote. However former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, leading a team of observers, says his foundation hasn't spotted any major irregularities.
"We have 30 teams out from the Carter Center in all the states and so far they have determined that everything is find and orderly - no problems with violence or intimidation and almost all of our teams have reported that all materials have been on site at the polling stations which they visited in preliminary state."
Voters in the south were also excited to be voting for the first time since the deadly north - south civil war. Meanwhile in the south of the country, Southern Sudan president Salva Kiir said he was hopeful for the future.
"Well I have never voted in my life, this is my first time to vote and it is a good beginning that Sudan's going back to democracy and I hope it will be the foundation for future democracy in our country so that power is transferred from person to person by peaceful means instead of military coup.
Elsewhere, Opposition groups and activists complained of vote-rigging, fuelling doubts about the credibility of the election.
There were reports of delays, ballot paper mix-ups and names missing from voters' lists in some areas of the country.
APRIL 11, 2010
Although Washington DC has a significant number Sudanese people very few
were registered to vote in this landmark election, a handful voted at the Sudanese Consulate in Washington dc. A small number of Voters from the Washington area came early to cast their ballots in this historic election. The three-day election is a key indicator of whether Sudan can fend off renewed conflict and humanitarian crisis as it heads toward a 2011 referendum that could split apart this oil-producing nation and bring independence for south Sudan. The Sudanese Ambassador to the United States said this was a significant milestone in the history of Sudan.
“This election is confirming one of the mandates of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement or the (CPA) that is to hold elections as a fulfillment of the CPA and to prepare for the referendum.”
Mayom Ball Achuku said that this election is a new hope for Sudan.
“This election means chances of freedom are coming to Sudan. I was the first person to vote and I think that I’m doing it not only for
generations that were not able to vote and for myself. It also means that the suffering of the people in Southern Sudan will come to an end. That’s the main reason I voted.”
In Sudan, thousands of police were deployed to make sure things go
smoothly for the first multi-party poll in 24 years.
Greeted by supporters shouting "Allah hu-Akbar" President Omar al-Bashir arrived at a polling station in Khartoum to cast his ballot.
Analysts say he is expected to win but this comes as leading opposition figures accuse him of manipulating the vote. However former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, leading a team of observers, says his foundation hasn't spotted any major irregularities.
"We have 30 teams out from the Carter Center in all the states and so far they have determined that everything is find and orderly - no problems with violence or intimidation and almost all of our teams have reported that all materials have been on site at the polling stations which they visited in preliminary state."
Voters in the south were also excited to be voting for the first time since the deadly north - south civil war. Meanwhile in the south of the country, Southern Sudan president Salva Kiir said he was hopeful for the future.
"Well I have never voted in my life, this is my first time to vote and it is a good beginning that Sudan's going back to democracy and I hope it will be the foundation for future democracy in our country so that power is transferred from person to person by peaceful means instead of military coup.
Elsewhere, Opposition groups and activists complained of vote-rigging, fuelling doubts about the credibility of the election.
There were reports of delays, ballot paper mix-ups and names missing from voters' lists in some areas of the country.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
SUDAN ELECTION BOYCOTT SENDS OUT MIXED MASSAGES
BY PAUL NDIHO
APRIL 6, 2010
Less than a week before Sudan's first multi-party elections, opposition parties are threatening to boycott the poll, which they say is rigged in favor of the incumbent president, Omar Hassan Al-Bashir
Sudan's first general elections in more than 24 years are drawing mixed reactions from the Sudanese people and international observers. Some are saying it is essential for the poll to succeed, while others agree with the decision of opposition parties not to participate.
"The elections should be delayed, many voters don't know the programs for the candidates, many parties didn't give their opinions because there is no freedom in the country, no freedom and not enough time, and the government puts many obstacles in front of the parties"
But many on the streets in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, say that the elections should take place on time, and all concerned Sudanese should go and cast their votes.
"The peace in Sudan is related to these elections, and these elections give the Sudanese citizen his freedom to say his opinion, we are against the boycott and it should be on time."
Howard University professor, Suleiman Nyang, says that the political situation in Sudan is complicated. "Sudan situation is problematic. Bashir and Northern Sudan would like to maintain Sudan as one unity. However, opposition to the Northern hegemony is still very strong in the South."
Apart from the Umma party leader, the main opposition presidential withdrew last week, saying the vote was "rigged" for the incumbent, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir. But Sudan's women are well represented in the coming election, as some 500 female candidates will be on the ballot for various seats. An elections commission spokesman says women are slowly entering politics in Sudan:
"In Sudan, we need to go gradually, because we have to make sure women participate. Maybe if the women proved that they can actually take part in the political life in Sudan so actively and so well - in the next elections maybe it will be normal that they can share in the different constituencies just like men."
Over the weekend, Sudan's elections commission announced that the first multi-party polls would go ahead on time, despite opposition demands for a four week delay. The U.S Special envoy Scott Gration says Sudan's polls will be open and fair.
"It gives me confidence that the elections will start on time, and that they will be as free and as fair as possible, these people have gone to great links to ensure that the people of Sudan will have access to polling places and the procedures and process will ensure transparency and people vote will get registered and counted in best way possible."
Gration says that while the vote in Sudan will proceed, a comprehensive and lasting peace there requires the participation of all of the country's political factions.
APRIL 6, 2010
Less than a week before Sudan's first multi-party elections, opposition parties are threatening to boycott the poll, which they say is rigged in favor of the incumbent president, Omar Hassan Al-Bashir
Sudan's first general elections in more than 24 years are drawing mixed reactions from the Sudanese people and international observers. Some are saying it is essential for the poll to succeed, while others agree with the decision of opposition parties not to participate.
"The elections should be delayed, many voters don't know the programs for the candidates, many parties didn't give their opinions because there is no freedom in the country, no freedom and not enough time, and the government puts many obstacles in front of the parties"
But many on the streets in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, say that the elections should take place on time, and all concerned Sudanese should go and cast their votes.
"The peace in Sudan is related to these elections, and these elections give the Sudanese citizen his freedom to say his opinion, we are against the boycott and it should be on time."
Howard University professor, Suleiman Nyang, says that the political situation in Sudan is complicated. "Sudan situation is problematic. Bashir and Northern Sudan would like to maintain Sudan as one unity. However, opposition to the Northern hegemony is still very strong in the South."
Apart from the Umma party leader, the main opposition presidential withdrew last week, saying the vote was "rigged" for the incumbent, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir. But Sudan's women are well represented in the coming election, as some 500 female candidates will be on the ballot for various seats. An elections commission spokesman says women are slowly entering politics in Sudan:
"In Sudan, we need to go gradually, because we have to make sure women participate. Maybe if the women proved that they can actually take part in the political life in Sudan so actively and so well - in the next elections maybe it will be normal that they can share in the different constituencies just like men."
Over the weekend, Sudan's elections commission announced that the first multi-party polls would go ahead on time, despite opposition demands for a four week delay. The U.S Special envoy Scott Gration says Sudan's polls will be open and fair.
"It gives me confidence that the elections will start on time, and that they will be as free and as fair as possible, these people have gone to great links to ensure that the people of Sudan will have access to polling places and the procedures and process will ensure transparency and people vote will get registered and counted in best way possible."
Gration says that while the vote in Sudan will proceed, a comprehensive and lasting peace there requires the participation of all of the country's political factions.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
INTERVIEW WITH AMBASSADOR GEORGE HALEY
By Paul Ndiho
April 1, 2010
George Haley is the brother of Alex Haley, the famous author of the much acclaimed novel, Roots. George Haley has made his own connection to West Africa as the U.S. ambassador to the Gambia, appointed by President Clinton to the post in 1998. George Haley overcame racism in post-segregation period in America to accomplish much as a young lawyer and public servant. VOA'S Paul Ndiho sat down recently for a one-on-one interview with Ambassador Haley, who says he still has an appreciation of the power of the individual.
"I can. I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." Now, like I said, it is subtle, but very profound because none of us is like any other individual. Every individual is unique, and he or she has some responsibilities if he or she takes them along."
Ambassador George Haley was born in 1925. The second of three boys, he lost his mother when he was six years old. Though times were hard, his father kept the family together in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he was teaching at the institution that eventually became the University of Arkansas. In 1998, President Clinton nominated him as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Gambia. Haley had visited the West African country numerous times, and Gambia was the setting for his brother's novel, Roots.
"Perhaps the most important experience was my arriving as the Ambassador from the United States. When my wife and I arrived, there was just a great celebration of our coming. People were saying that "you've come home," you know, I mean, they were, out with vibrations, not only from Jufree, but other parts of the Gambia when the plane set down, and we could hardly move. I mean, they were lifting us up, and there was just warmth."
Gambia called to him across the span of two centuries, keeping alive the name of his ancestor Kunta Kinte, the great-great-great-great-grandfather who had been snatched from Africa and forced into the slavery from which he never escaped.
"It was a very emotional to think that Kunta Kinte really grew up and didn't really have time to grow up there, he was a teenager when he was captured pretty much. But this was his village, and to think in terms of the village that my seventh generation ago relative was born in and, how he had come about, it was and continues to be a really emotional kind of thing."
In 1976, George Haley's brother Alex published his novel called Roots. It is the saga of an American family, starting with Kunta Kinte, kidnapped in 1767 and taken to Maryland to be sold as a slave. In 1992, Haley's beloved brother and famed author Alex Haley died suddenly of a heart attack. George Haley says it a genealogical search by Alex led to the writing of Roots.
"He said, that he went into the archives, sometime after completing Malcolm X, and he saw these people pouring over the books that their ancestors had, and he said, "I think I'll do that," after having learned through grandma and others a little bit. He got down to grandma's parents and others and he looked and he saw all of the people: his aunts, and uncles, but grandma's name was not on there, and he couldn't figure it out."
Despite his family's bleak story of slavery, 84-year-old George Haley says it feels good to have played a role in certain parts of history. He notes the struggles of other African America leaders and pays special tribute Benjamin Elijah Mays, President of Morehouse College in Atlanta, and his former schoolmate and civil right icon Martin Luther King.
"My mission is to try to make the world a better place than which I found it, to make some improvements in it. To have you and others say, well look, here's an old guy who tried to help. Church Hill once said, "What is the use of living, unless it is to make the world better for those who come after you?" I like that, and I would like to feel that the world is a little better for my having lived.
April 1, 2010
George Haley is the brother of Alex Haley, the famous author of the much acclaimed novel, Roots. George Haley has made his own connection to West Africa as the U.S. ambassador to the Gambia, appointed by President Clinton to the post in 1998. George Haley overcame racism in post-segregation period in America to accomplish much as a young lawyer and public servant. VOA'S Paul Ndiho sat down recently for a one-on-one interview with Ambassador Haley, who says he still has an appreciation of the power of the individual.
"I can. I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." Now, like I said, it is subtle, but very profound because none of us is like any other individual. Every individual is unique, and he or she has some responsibilities if he or she takes them along."
Ambassador George Haley was born in 1925. The second of three boys, he lost his mother when he was six years old. Though times were hard, his father kept the family together in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he was teaching at the institution that eventually became the University of Arkansas. In 1998, President Clinton nominated him as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Gambia. Haley had visited the West African country numerous times, and Gambia was the setting for his brother's novel, Roots.
"Perhaps the most important experience was my arriving as the Ambassador from the United States. When my wife and I arrived, there was just a great celebration of our coming. People were saying that "you've come home," you know, I mean, they were, out with vibrations, not only from Jufree, but other parts of the Gambia when the plane set down, and we could hardly move. I mean, they were lifting us up, and there was just warmth."
Gambia called to him across the span of two centuries, keeping alive the name of his ancestor Kunta Kinte, the great-great-great-great-grandfather who had been snatched from Africa and forced into the slavery from which he never escaped.
"It was a very emotional to think that Kunta Kinte really grew up and didn't really have time to grow up there, he was a teenager when he was captured pretty much. But this was his village, and to think in terms of the village that my seventh generation ago relative was born in and, how he had come about, it was and continues to be a really emotional kind of thing."
In 1976, George Haley's brother Alex published his novel called Roots. It is the saga of an American family, starting with Kunta Kinte, kidnapped in 1767 and taken to Maryland to be sold as a slave. In 1992, Haley's beloved brother and famed author Alex Haley died suddenly of a heart attack. George Haley says it a genealogical search by Alex led to the writing of Roots.
"He said, that he went into the archives, sometime after completing Malcolm X, and he saw these people pouring over the books that their ancestors had, and he said, "I think I'll do that," after having learned through grandma and others a little bit. He got down to grandma's parents and others and he looked and he saw all of the people: his aunts, and uncles, but grandma's name was not on there, and he couldn't figure it out."
Despite his family's bleak story of slavery, 84-year-old George Haley says it feels good to have played a role in certain parts of history. He notes the struggles of other African America leaders and pays special tribute Benjamin Elijah Mays, President of Morehouse College in Atlanta, and his former schoolmate and civil right icon Martin Luther King.
"My mission is to try to make the world a better place than which I found it, to make some improvements in it. To have you and others say, well look, here's an old guy who tried to help. Church Hill once said, "What is the use of living, unless it is to make the world better for those who come after you?" I like that, and I would like to feel that the world is a little better for my having lived.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
AFRICAN STUDENTS AT THE INTERNATIONAL LAW MOOT COURT COMPETITION
By Paul Ndiho
Now in its 51st year, the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition is the world's largest moot court competition, with participants from over 500 law schools in more than 80 countries. The competition is a simulation of a dispute between countries before the U.N.'s International Court of Justice. Teams from eligible schools prepare oral and written pleadings arguing both the applicant and respondent positions of the case. VOA Producer Paul Ndiho caught up with law students from six African countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia,Ghana and Nigeria and asked them what they hoped to get out of this competition and here is more.
Now in its 51st year, the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition is the world's largest moot court competition, with participants from over 500 law schools in more than 80 countries. The competition is a simulation of a dispute between countries before the U.N.'s International Court of Justice. Teams from eligible schools prepare oral and written pleadings arguing both the applicant and respondent positions of the case. VOA Producer Paul Ndiho caught up with law students from six African countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia,Ghana and Nigeria and asked them what they hoped to get out of this competition and here is more.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Sudan’s Voter Education
By Paul Ndiho
March 23, 2010
Sudan's National Elections Commission is carrying out voter education to reach various groups of would-be voters in both urban and rural areas ahead of April elections, which observers say may have to be postponed due to logistical delays.
Sudan is preparing for some of the most complex elections with 8 ballots expected to be cast in the north and 12 in the south by each voter. Some 16 million party supporters and voters countrywide will need to aware of the various polling stages ahead of the Sudan's first multi-party election in 24 years.
The National Elections Commission, the N-E-C, made voter education one of its priorities and hopes to reach various groups of would-be voters in all areas.
In Khartoum State, workshops, mock polling simulation and mock ballot papers are being used to aid voter education.
"The work has not been easy. As we know, nearly 16 million people have registered but all of them are not in the same level of awareness and education in order for the elections to be successful. Because this is a democratic transformation process, we need all Sudanese to participate without any confusion, especially those who have registered."
But observers say that the polls, already been delayed several, could be postponed again due to logistical difficulties.
The non-governmental Carter Centre, says that elections remain "at risk on multiple fronts," and urges Sudan to lift harsh restrictions on rallies and end fighting in Darfur ahead of the ballot.
Voting is due to start in Africa's largest country on April 11 in elections promised under a 2005 North/ South peace deal. Reena Hassan Mustafa, participated in the voter training exercises, and is ready to train others as well.
"We have come to be trained so that we can go and train others as well. We will tell them about elections and how to cast their votes."
Close to two million people have registered to vote in Khatoum state and other constituencies.
Opposition parties have called for the elections to be postponed. But the two main parties in Sudan's ruling coalition have resisted the call. The Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), the main party in south Sudan, says any substantial delay could threaten a January 2011 referendum on southern secession.
March 23, 2010
Sudan's National Elections Commission is carrying out voter education to reach various groups of would-be voters in both urban and rural areas ahead of April elections, which observers say may have to be postponed due to logistical delays.
Sudan is preparing for some of the most complex elections with 8 ballots expected to be cast in the north and 12 in the south by each voter. Some 16 million party supporters and voters countrywide will need to aware of the various polling stages ahead of the Sudan's first multi-party election in 24 years.
The National Elections Commission, the N-E-C, made voter education one of its priorities and hopes to reach various groups of would-be voters in all areas.
In Khartoum State, workshops, mock polling simulation and mock ballot papers are being used to aid voter education.
"The work has not been easy. As we know, nearly 16 million people have registered but all of them are not in the same level of awareness and education in order for the elections to be successful. Because this is a democratic transformation process, we need all Sudanese to participate without any confusion, especially those who have registered."
But observers say that the polls, already been delayed several, could be postponed again due to logistical difficulties.
The non-governmental Carter Centre, says that elections remain "at risk on multiple fronts," and urges Sudan to lift harsh restrictions on rallies and end fighting in Darfur ahead of the ballot.
Voting is due to start in Africa's largest country on April 11 in elections promised under a 2005 North/ South peace deal. Reena Hassan Mustafa, participated in the voter training exercises, and is ready to train others as well.
"We have come to be trained so that we can go and train others as well. We will tell them about elections and how to cast their votes."
Close to two million people have registered to vote in Khatoum state and other constituencies.
Opposition parties have called for the elections to be postponed. But the two main parties in Sudan's ruling coalition have resisted the call. The Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), the main party in south Sudan, says any substantial delay could threaten a January 2011 referendum on southern secession.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
SOUTH SUDAN'S PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGER LAUNCHES JUBA CAMPAIGN
By Paul Ndiho
03/16/10
Over the weekend, the sole challenger to South Sudan's incumbent president Salva Kiir, Lam Akol, launched his campaign in the region's capital Juba, promising an end to corruption if he wins in April's elections.
Lam Akol, the leader Sudan People's Liberation Movement for Democratic Change (SPLM-DC), is campaigning on a promise to end corruption. Salva Kiir, south Sudan's current president, launched his campaign recently in the semi-autonomous state, pledging to bring unity, peace and development to the South. Akol addressed corruption as he kicked off his campaign.
"Corruption has defeated people in the government. It needs new people to fight corruption. This corruption - there has not been a single day that a corrupt person has been brought to the court of law and charged. How can the government say it is fighting corruption?"
Akol caused waves last year when he broke away from the south's leading party -- the former rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) -- to form the Sudan People's Liberation Movement for Democratic Change (SPLM-DC).
The former national foreign affairs minister says he formed his party because of SPLM mismanagement of the government of the semi-autonomous south. But the splinter party is under threat, according to its secretary general, Charles Kisanga.
"So we were again faced by the unconstitutional bans and threats against the SPLM-DC. Our members were arrested, intimidated and tortured. Today we have still four members at Mapel SPLA base outside Wau."
Analysts say it is unlikely that Akol can win in April. But they say Akol may pull some votes from his home area, the oil producing Upper Nile State, and from voters disgruntled by the graft and government of the south.
"The man is so smart, I think you understand smart, he is so smart that he is the right person who can get us out of the territory we are in now."
Tension between Akol and the SPLM continue, and SPLM accuses SPLM-DC of being supported by Khartoum and for running a militia in the south. The 2005 north/south peace deal gives the south 50 percent of all government oil funds from southern wells. Some Juba residents are skeptical about Lam Akol's candidacy.
"Lam was the one making crisis during the war. They protected themselves out of the SPLM which is now our government. I can't support him, I come to see what is happening here, but I can't support him."
Sudan's 22-year-long war killed some 2 million people and displaced another 4 million. The war created much fracturing along tribal lines in the south. The upcoming elections are a key part of the accord that promises the south a vote in 2011 on whether the south should unify with or secede from north Sudan.
03/16/10
Over the weekend, the sole challenger to South Sudan's incumbent president Salva Kiir, Lam Akol, launched his campaign in the region's capital Juba, promising an end to corruption if he wins in April's elections.
Lam Akol, the leader Sudan People's Liberation Movement for Democratic Change (SPLM-DC), is campaigning on a promise to end corruption. Salva Kiir, south Sudan's current president, launched his campaign recently in the semi-autonomous state, pledging to bring unity, peace and development to the South. Akol addressed corruption as he kicked off his campaign.
"Corruption has defeated people in the government. It needs new people to fight corruption. This corruption - there has not been a single day that a corrupt person has been brought to the court of law and charged. How can the government say it is fighting corruption?"
Akol caused waves last year when he broke away from the south's leading party -- the former rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) -- to form the Sudan People's Liberation Movement for Democratic Change (SPLM-DC).
The former national foreign affairs minister says he formed his party because of SPLM mismanagement of the government of the semi-autonomous south. But the splinter party is under threat, according to its secretary general, Charles Kisanga.
"So we were again faced by the unconstitutional bans and threats against the SPLM-DC. Our members were arrested, intimidated and tortured. Today we have still four members at Mapel SPLA base outside Wau."
Analysts say it is unlikely that Akol can win in April. But they say Akol may pull some votes from his home area, the oil producing Upper Nile State, and from voters disgruntled by the graft and government of the south.
"The man is so smart, I think you understand smart, he is so smart that he is the right person who can get us out of the territory we are in now."
Tension between Akol and the SPLM continue, and SPLM accuses SPLM-DC of being supported by Khartoum and for running a militia in the south. The 2005 north/south peace deal gives the south 50 percent of all government oil funds from southern wells. Some Juba residents are skeptical about Lam Akol's candidacy.
"Lam was the one making crisis during the war. They protected themselves out of the SPLM which is now our government. I can't support him, I come to see what is happening here, but I can't support him."
Sudan's 22-year-long war killed some 2 million people and displaced another 4 million. The war created much fracturing along tribal lines in the south. The upcoming elections are a key part of the accord that promises the south a vote in 2011 on whether the south should unify with or secede from north Sudan.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Rwanda inducted into the Commonwealth
By Paul Ndiho
03/09/10
The Commonwealth's 54th member state Rwanda was inducted into the association with a flag raising ceremony at Marlborough House in London. Rwandan President Paul Kagame says that joining the Commonwealth of Nations is an important milestone for his country
Greeted by drummers and dancers from his country, President Paul Kagame was welcomed to Marlborough House, home of the Commonwealth secretariat in London. Rwanda became the 54th member of the Commonwealth at a summit in Trinidad and Tobago in November. Along with Mozambique, Rwanda becomes the second nation without formal historical ties to Great Britain to join the group.
"I hope that Rwanda can capitalize on the wide range of education and training programs that the Commonwealth provides. Secondly, we hope to tap into the trade and investment opportunities that the Commonwealth offers so that Rwanda can expand its economy and effectively participate in the global marketplace."
Rwanda's accession to the Commonwealth of Nations was approved in November 2009, despite objections by human rights groups that questioned whether the country meets standards of political freedom and human rights. Kagame defended his country against such criticisms.
"The Commonwealth is a family where there are many failings and failings don't come from only one part of that family. Each family has its own failings, but when they come together they share good practices to overcome those failings."
Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma says the group will have a close collaboration with Rwanda on a wide range of issues, including civic education, training of journalists and other areas in the run-up to elections in Rwanda later this year.
"The Commonwealth's decision to welcome Rwanda was a collective act of goodwill and of affirmation and Rwanda's willingness to engage on the values the Commonwealth embraces."
Rwanda's bid to join the group was supported by Britain, Australia, Canada and India. It also had the backing of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and the host country Trinidad and Tobago, among others. As part of Rwanda's induction to the Commonwealth of Nations, President Kagame and his wife enjoyed a private lunch with Britain's Queen Elizabeth.
03/09/10
The Commonwealth's 54th member state Rwanda was inducted into the association with a flag raising ceremony at Marlborough House in London. Rwandan President Paul Kagame says that joining the Commonwealth of Nations is an important milestone for his country
Greeted by drummers and dancers from his country, President Paul Kagame was welcomed to Marlborough House, home of the Commonwealth secretariat in London. Rwanda became the 54th member of the Commonwealth at a summit in Trinidad and Tobago in November. Along with Mozambique, Rwanda becomes the second nation without formal historical ties to Great Britain to join the group.
"I hope that Rwanda can capitalize on the wide range of education and training programs that the Commonwealth provides. Secondly, we hope to tap into the trade and investment opportunities that the Commonwealth offers so that Rwanda can expand its economy and effectively participate in the global marketplace."
Rwanda's accession to the Commonwealth of Nations was approved in November 2009, despite objections by human rights groups that questioned whether the country meets standards of political freedom and human rights. Kagame defended his country against such criticisms.
"The Commonwealth is a family where there are many failings and failings don't come from only one part of that family. Each family has its own failings, but when they come together they share good practices to overcome those failings."
Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma says the group will have a close collaboration with Rwanda on a wide range of issues, including civic education, training of journalists and other areas in the run-up to elections in Rwanda later this year.
"The Commonwealth's decision to welcome Rwanda was a collective act of goodwill and of affirmation and Rwanda's willingness to engage on the values the Commonwealth embraces."
Rwanda's bid to join the group was supported by Britain, Australia, Canada and India. It also had the backing of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and the host country Trinidad and Tobago, among others. As part of Rwanda's induction to the Commonwealth of Nations, President Kagame and his wife enjoyed a private lunch with Britain's Queen Elizabeth.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Samba Mapangala --- Les Gorilles des Montagnes
WWF teamed up with the much-loved Congolese musician Samba Mapangala and his Orchestra Virunga to work on a new conservation resource – one that drives home a positive message in an upbeat tune and uplifting tone. The song “Les Gorilles des Montagnes” focuses on why Mountain gorillas and their habitat in the Virunga landscape are important, emphasizing that they are the foundation of ecotourism, which will improve local livelihoods. It pays special tribute to the rangers and other conservationists of Virunga who dedicate their lives to protecting gorillas. The song was recorded in Swahili, the most commonly spoken language of the Virunga landscape.
STAKES ARE HIGH AS SUDAN PREPARES FOR GENERAL ELECTIONS
By Paul Ndiho
03/05/10
Sudan's first multi-party elections in over two decades are scheduled for April 11th. The ballot is stipulated in the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The CPA ended the long and bloody conflict between the north and south, and the elections would give a chance to Sudanese to freely choose representatives for the first time since 1986.Several weeks from the country's first national election in 24 years, Sudan stands at a crossroads. The election is a major milestone in its Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the CPA. Sudan's government just signed a ceasefire with the main Darfur rebel group, paving the way for a broader peace deal. Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir took his campaign for the presidency to the semi-autonomous south, from which for over two decades was at war with his government.
"If I am elected President I will work to protect the peace, for the implementation of the CPA to its last article. If I become president whether the south separates or not I will still be with the southerners. The projects we have promised, we will implement."
Sudan's ruling party is under pressure to open the election to all key participants and make it credible. In Washington, a coalition of prominent religious leaders is calling on the U.S. Congress to support the continuing implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Bishop David Jones, says that there is widespread mistrust in Sudan.
"Quite frankly, what I encountered in meeting with bishops in Sudan was a profound mistrust with the government in the North. A sense that there was a fair that the elections might not happen….And it seem that the government was trying to manipulate the process, and I wish there was more trust. But some of the actions especially the genocide in Darfur has certainly had the effect of eroding the trust in the present government."
Observers say that after the ballot, elected officials would then be able to work on making unity attractive to the south. Southerners will vote in January 2011 whether to remain in a united Sudan or form an independent country. Analysts say that the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, the SPLM, is interested in consolidating its position in the south before the independence referendum. In February, South Sudan's President Salva Kiir began his campaign for president of the semi autonomous state, pledging to stamp out corruption.
"If they had not voted for me, they would have brought in their nominees and we would be fighting with their nominees. I have only one challenger and I don't think the challenger is from the southern Sudanese political party, Nano, although a southerner. We will come and hear from him and I wish he comes to launch his campaign."
Many southerners have become frustrated at the slow process of development and perceived corruption in their oil-producing region. Kiir has decided to run for the top position in the south, choosing a more junior member of the SPLM Yasir Arman to compete for the presidency for the whole of Sudan. But Kiir is widely expected to win the southern vote.
03/05/10
Sudan's first multi-party elections in over two decades are scheduled for April 11th. The ballot is stipulated in the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The CPA ended the long and bloody conflict between the north and south, and the elections would give a chance to Sudanese to freely choose representatives for the first time since 1986.Several weeks from the country's first national election in 24 years, Sudan stands at a crossroads. The election is a major milestone in its Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the CPA. Sudan's government just signed a ceasefire with the main Darfur rebel group, paving the way for a broader peace deal. Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir took his campaign for the presidency to the semi-autonomous south, from which for over two decades was at war with his government.
"If I am elected President I will work to protect the peace, for the implementation of the CPA to its last article. If I become president whether the south separates or not I will still be with the southerners. The projects we have promised, we will implement."
Sudan's ruling party is under pressure to open the election to all key participants and make it credible. In Washington, a coalition of prominent religious leaders is calling on the U.S. Congress to support the continuing implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Bishop David Jones, says that there is widespread mistrust in Sudan.
"Quite frankly, what I encountered in meeting with bishops in Sudan was a profound mistrust with the government in the North. A sense that there was a fair that the elections might not happen….And it seem that the government was trying to manipulate the process, and I wish there was more trust. But some of the actions especially the genocide in Darfur has certainly had the effect of eroding the trust in the present government."
Observers say that after the ballot, elected officials would then be able to work on making unity attractive to the south. Southerners will vote in January 2011 whether to remain in a united Sudan or form an independent country. Analysts say that the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, the SPLM, is interested in consolidating its position in the south before the independence referendum. In February, South Sudan's President Salva Kiir began his campaign for president of the semi autonomous state, pledging to stamp out corruption.
"If they had not voted for me, they would have brought in their nominees and we would be fighting with their nominees. I have only one challenger and I don't think the challenger is from the southern Sudanese political party, Nano, although a southerner. We will come and hear from him and I wish he comes to launch his campaign."
Many southerners have become frustrated at the slow process of development and perceived corruption in their oil-producing region. Kiir has decided to run for the top position in the south, choosing a more junior member of the SPLM Yasir Arman to compete for the presidency for the whole of Sudan. But Kiir is widely expected to win the southern vote.
THE WORLD BANK CRITICIZED ON DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN SOUTHERN SUDAN.
By Paul Ndiho
03/05/2010
Western donors are criticizing a fund run by the World Bank for failing to pay out millions of dollars to projects in war-ravaged South Sudan, saying funds have been bogged down by red tape. The World Bank Multi Donor Trust Fund was set up as one of the main channels for donors to provide cash to the oil-producing region following its two-decade-long civil war. Donors have given the fund over 500 million dollars since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005. Michael Elmquist, the head of a donor group, says more than 100 million U.S. dollars in funding still needs to be spent before a deadline of 2011.
"We are now just one year from the end of the fund and there's still more than 100 million U.S. dollars in the fund that need to be spent and at the current spending rate we don't believe that it's going to be possible to spend all that money within that timeframe."
The aid group Oxfam says the World Bank's strict rules make it difficult for development organizations, particularly Sudanese groups, to apply for funding. The aid agency also criticizes the World Bank for being slow and ineffective, especially with regard to health and education projects.
World Bank official Joseph Saba has reviewed the South Sudan donor trust fund, and says it has been moving too slowly.
"The bank has not been satisfied with the performance of this trust fund, which in some respects has not met standards achieved by other trust funds we administer elsewhere, in large part due to severe capacity constraints. We want to move faster, while still ensuring
proper use of funds."
Saba says the bank needs to disperse its funds quickly as the deadline looms and ensure that donor monies benefit the poor and are not lost to corruption.
South Sudan's semi-autonomous government acknowledges that it is partly to blame for poor distribution of funds.
Aggrey Tisa, under-secretary of South Sudan's Finance ministry, says donors have unrealistic expectations about the fund's administration.
"Yes, the bank has been blamed for being slow, for being rigid, for being stringent in its procurement procedures. Maybe they have part of the blame, but to lay the entire blame squarely at the door of the bank I think is over-blowing it and being a little bit unfair."
In 2011 Southern Sudan will go to a referendum to decide on whether it will split from the north as a separate country (or join a unified government, remain as one country.
03/05/2010
Western donors are criticizing a fund run by the World Bank for failing to pay out millions of dollars to projects in war-ravaged South Sudan, saying funds have been bogged down by red tape. The World Bank Multi Donor Trust Fund was set up as one of the main channels for donors to provide cash to the oil-producing region following its two-decade-long civil war. Donors have given the fund over 500 million dollars since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005. Michael Elmquist, the head of a donor group, says more than 100 million U.S. dollars in funding still needs to be spent before a deadline of 2011.
"We are now just one year from the end of the fund and there's still more than 100 million U.S. dollars in the fund that need to be spent and at the current spending rate we don't believe that it's going to be possible to spend all that money within that timeframe."
The aid group Oxfam says the World Bank's strict rules make it difficult for development organizations, particularly Sudanese groups, to apply for funding. The aid agency also criticizes the World Bank for being slow and ineffective, especially with regard to health and education projects.
World Bank official Joseph Saba has reviewed the South Sudan donor trust fund, and says it has been moving too slowly.
"The bank has not been satisfied with the performance of this trust fund, which in some respects has not met standards achieved by other trust funds we administer elsewhere, in large part due to severe capacity constraints. We want to move faster, while still ensuring
proper use of funds."
Saba says the bank needs to disperse its funds quickly as the deadline looms and ensure that donor monies benefit the poor and are not lost to corruption.
South Sudan's semi-autonomous government acknowledges that it is partly to blame for poor distribution of funds.
Aggrey Tisa, under-secretary of South Sudan's Finance ministry, says donors have unrealistic expectations about the fund's administration.
"Yes, the bank has been blamed for being slow, for being rigid, for being stringent in its procurement procedures. Maybe they have part of the blame, but to lay the entire blame squarely at the door of the bank I think is over-blowing it and being a little bit unfair."
In 2011 Southern Sudan will go to a referendum to decide on whether it will split from the north as a separate country (or join a unified government, remain as one country.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Corruption and Abuse of Power in Kenya
By Paul Ndiho
02/27/10
Since the inception of reforms in the early 1990s, analysts say Kenya has made greater strides towards democracy. Executive power has been lessened and the legislature and judiciary now have considerable autonomy. Despite these gains, observers say corruption and abuse of power continues.
The leaders of Kenya's fractious grand coalition played down fears of a crisis in government as the parliament reopened. Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President Mwai Kibaki have been in a tense coalition since 2008. Their unity government has struggled to make progress on reforms. The latest crack in the union emerged when Odinga suspended two ministers to allow investigations in their ministries. But during President Kibaki's speech to parliament, he reassured Kenyans that the country is on the right track.
"We, as the grand coalition government, have resolved to deal with the matter decisively. I am calling on the august House to work with the government in this endeavour. In order to win this war, we must apply the law in a manner that is impartial and just."
Dr. Migai Akech a fellow at the National Endowment for Democracy, says that Kenyans are tired of the political rows.
"It's difficult to say but they have to find a way to co-exist. I think it's in the interest of both of them to co-exist."
Observers say political corruption and abuse of power in Kenya spans the era of the Jomo Kenyatta. In 2009, Transparency International ranks Kenya among the world's most corrupt nations. Mr. Akech says that there is a need to create mechanisms to enhance the accountability of the three branches of government.
"In terms of how corruption runs in Kenya, I think it's a case of both. You have corruption at the top but you also have corruption at the bottom. And often I think we focus to much at the top level but we shouldn't forget that there is much corruption at the bottom level which is equally problematic."
Political analysts in Kenya say that during Daniel Arap Moi's erra, corruption was widespread. In the 1990s, Moi was part of the Goldenberg scandal, where smuggled gold was exported out of Kenya. Mwai Kibaki was elected president in 2002 on the promise to end corruption in Kenya. But Ackech also says that there is culture of impunity in Kenya, and that has to change.
"It's a culture that laws don't apply and I mean just look at drivers on the streets in Nairobi… Many people don't follow traffic rules. So I believe it has much to do with the mind set, I think the education system has much to do with it in that sense but also rules matter."
Kenyan government says that the coalition government vows to work together to establish a plan to fight corruption and bring about the reforms that were promised to Kenyans.
02/27/10
Since the inception of reforms in the early 1990s, analysts say Kenya has made greater strides towards democracy. Executive power has been lessened and the legislature and judiciary now have considerable autonomy. Despite these gains, observers say corruption and abuse of power continues.
The leaders of Kenya's fractious grand coalition played down fears of a crisis in government as the parliament reopened. Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President Mwai Kibaki have been in a tense coalition since 2008. Their unity government has struggled to make progress on reforms. The latest crack in the union emerged when Odinga suspended two ministers to allow investigations in their ministries. But during President Kibaki's speech to parliament, he reassured Kenyans that the country is on the right track.
"We, as the grand coalition government, have resolved to deal with the matter decisively. I am calling on the august House to work with the government in this endeavour. In order to win this war, we must apply the law in a manner that is impartial and just."
Dr. Migai Akech a fellow at the National Endowment for Democracy, says that Kenyans are tired of the political rows.
"It's difficult to say but they have to find a way to co-exist. I think it's in the interest of both of them to co-exist."
Observers say political corruption and abuse of power in Kenya spans the era of the Jomo Kenyatta. In 2009, Transparency International ranks Kenya among the world's most corrupt nations. Mr. Akech says that there is a need to create mechanisms to enhance the accountability of the three branches of government.
"In terms of how corruption runs in Kenya, I think it's a case of both. You have corruption at the top but you also have corruption at the bottom. And often I think we focus to much at the top level but we shouldn't forget that there is much corruption at the bottom level which is equally problematic."
Political analysts in Kenya say that during Daniel Arap Moi's erra, corruption was widespread. In the 1990s, Moi was part of the Goldenberg scandal, where smuggled gold was exported out of Kenya. Mwai Kibaki was elected president in 2002 on the promise to end corruption in Kenya. But Ackech also says that there is culture of impunity in Kenya, and that has to change.
"It's a culture that laws don't apply and I mean just look at drivers on the streets in Nairobi… Many people don't follow traffic rules. So I believe it has much to do with the mind set, I think the education system has much to do with it in that sense but also rules matter."
Kenyan government says that the coalition government vows to work together to establish a plan to fight corruption and bring about the reforms that were promised to Kenyans.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Money Laundering from Africa to the United States
By Paul Ndiho
02/19/10
The U.S. Senate is investigating how four African countries are using American institutions to funnel millions of dollars into the United States. Some African politicians and their family members are buying expensive houses, luxury goods and banking millions of dollars in America.
A Senate subcommittee is looking at how politically powerful individuals from Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Gabon and, Nigeria are illegally moving millions of dollars through U.S. banks. U.S. Senator Carl Levin says the financial corruption must end.
"If we want to credibly lead efforts to stop illegal money abroad, we've got to stop it here at home as well. The fact is that those engaged in large-scale corruption want to put their money in a modern financial system that can store, protect, invest, and transfer their funds efficiently. They want access to U.S. banks. And it is our job to stop them and keep foreign corruption out of the United States."
A report co-authored by the U.S. Senate alleges that American lawyers, real estate agents and others are helping African officials to launder money in America. U.S. financial institutions have built stronger barriers to keep out suspicious funds. William J. Fox, Senior Vice-President at Bank of America takes responsibility for errors that allowed money to be moved through his institution.
"Our investigators missed looking back at the histories and wire activities that involves some accounts. I think this in our judgment was clearly a bad judgment call."
Transparency International names Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Gabon and, Nigeria, as some of the countries where corruption remains one of the biggest challenges.
In Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema, the 40-year old son of the President, allegedly moved more than $100 million in suspicious funds through U.S. bank accounts. Mr. Nguema reportedly paid $38 million dollars for a Gulfstream jet, and bought a $35 million dollar Manson in the United States, while earning only $5-thousand dollars a month as the country's Minister of Agriculture. Equatorial Guinea is one of the poorest countries in the world despite earning billions of dollars a year in oil revenenues.
Omar Bongo was President of Gabon for decades until his death last year, and his eldest son, Ali Bongo, takes his father's place as President. Both men are notorious for accumulating massive wealth in an impoverished country. Multi-million-dollar suspicious wire transfers were allegedly directed by President Omar Bongo through U.S. banks, and from 2000 and 2007, Bongo is said to have transferred large amounts of cash to his daughter, Yamilee Bongo-Astier, who was then living in New York.
Jennifer Douglas is a U.S. citizen and a wife of Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria. From 2000 to 2008, she allegedly helped her husband bring more than $40 million in suspicious money into the United States through wire transfers from offshore corporations.
02/19/10
The U.S. Senate is investigating how four African countries are using American institutions to funnel millions of dollars into the United States. Some African politicians and their family members are buying expensive houses, luxury goods and banking millions of dollars in America.
A Senate subcommittee is looking at how politically powerful individuals from Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Gabon and, Nigeria are illegally moving millions of dollars through U.S. banks. U.S. Senator Carl Levin says the financial corruption must end.
"If we want to credibly lead efforts to stop illegal money abroad, we've got to stop it here at home as well. The fact is that those engaged in large-scale corruption want to put their money in a modern financial system that can store, protect, invest, and transfer their funds efficiently. They want access to U.S. banks. And it is our job to stop them and keep foreign corruption out of the United States."
A report co-authored by the U.S. Senate alleges that American lawyers, real estate agents and others are helping African officials to launder money in America. U.S. financial institutions have built stronger barriers to keep out suspicious funds. William J. Fox, Senior Vice-President at Bank of America takes responsibility for errors that allowed money to be moved through his institution.
"Our investigators missed looking back at the histories and wire activities that involves some accounts. I think this in our judgment was clearly a bad judgment call."
Transparency International names Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Gabon and, Nigeria, as some of the countries where corruption remains one of the biggest challenges.
In Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema, the 40-year old son of the President, allegedly moved more than $100 million in suspicious funds through U.S. bank accounts. Mr. Nguema reportedly paid $38 million dollars for a Gulfstream jet, and bought a $35 million dollar Manson in the United States, while earning only $5-thousand dollars a month as the country's Minister of Agriculture. Equatorial Guinea is one of the poorest countries in the world despite earning billions of dollars a year in oil revenenues.
Omar Bongo was President of Gabon for decades until his death last year, and his eldest son, Ali Bongo, takes his father's place as President. Both men are notorious for accumulating massive wealth in an impoverished country. Multi-million-dollar suspicious wire transfers were allegedly directed by President Omar Bongo through U.S. banks, and from 2000 and 2007, Bongo is said to have transferred large amounts of cash to his daughter, Yamilee Bongo-Astier, who was then living in New York.
Jennifer Douglas is a U.S. citizen and a wife of Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria. From 2000 to 2008, she allegedly helped her husband bring more than $40 million in suspicious money into the United States through wire transfers from offshore corporations.
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