The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa and Travel Channel Present- The Presidential Tour of Senegal

On Location: Dakar, Senegal November 26, 2009

The Presidential Palace

The Presidential Palace of the Republic of Sengal is located on Roume Avenue and is surrounded by sumptuous tropical garden.

Built in 1907, for then Governor General Roume, the presidential palace stands in the middle of a beautiful park overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Though the Palace is not open to visitors, bystanders are fascinated by the Palace's Red guards, dressed in traditional colonial style uniforms, who stand watch over the residence. Surrounded by a tall iron fence, visitors are strongly advised not to take pictures of the Presidential Palace without the permission of a Red Guard.

In 1967, the most important habitant of the Presidential Palace was "le president de la Republique" Leopold Sedor Senghor, the first president of the Senegal. It is now the residence and home of the current President of Senegal, Abdoulaye Wade.

Photo Credit – Jeff Siberry BEYOND PRODUCTIONS

Live Teach Africa Webinar

Join fellow teachers and students in a live web event Tuesday, December 15, from 10:30-11:30am. The Live Teach Africa Webinar will give participants first-hand insight into Africa, its peoples and cultures. This unique webinar will feature a presentation from Her Excellency Dr. Faida Mitifu, Ambassador from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the United States. Ambassador Mitifu has testified before Congress and speaks at many universities and conferences regarding the resolution of crisis and the peace process that led the DRC to a free election in 2006. Learn more about the many developments taking place in this central African nation, which is home to a diverse population of more than 68 million people.

The webinar will be broadcast live from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. where we will have a live audience of over 140 high school students. Sponsored by USAID, the Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership, The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa and Discovery Education, this unique online event is an extension of the ExploreAfricaToday.com initiative, which features the AfricaToday documentary series, and is part of the USAID-funded Teach Africa program.

The Teach Africa program showcases the cultures and histories of Africa and underscores the importance of its inclusion in American curricula. One-day Africa immersion forums for more than 3,300 students were held in Atlanta, GA, Houston, TX, and Los Angeles, CA, earlier this year. Teach Africa, launched by The Africa Society in 2002, has previously been implemented in Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, PA, San Francisco, CA, and Portland, OR.

Be Part of an International Dialogue.
Discover and Explore Africa Today!

Online Webinar
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
10:30-11:30am ET

REGISTER NOW!
copy and paste the following URL into a browser:
http://links.discoveryeducation.com/teachafrica

* The first 15 people to register for and attend the webinar will receive a free DVD.

AIDS: Closer to Home Than You Might Think

Last week people all around the globe observed World AIDS day. Established by The World Health Organization in 1988, World AIDS Day was designed to raise awareness about the deadly AIDS pandemic. All too often the faces we associate with HIV/AIDS, disease, and death are those of African women and children. But HIV/AIDS is not just an African problem.

Considering Washington D.C. has the highest AIDS rate of any city in the United States, the deadly disease is much closer to home than many Americans may realize. "Our rates are higher than West Africa," said Shannon Hader, the district's HIV/AIDS administration director. And he’s right; according to a city report, three percent of Washington, D.C. residents are afflicted with HIV or AIDS. On the other hand, UNAIDS (the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS) estimates that in the West African nation of Senegal, only one percent of adults are living with HIV.

Senegal established an aggressive task force designed to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic in 1986, making it a model for AIDS prevention and treatment on the continent. In our effort to educate Americans and break negative stereotypes about Africa, The Africa Society believes that it is important to call attention to such success stories. Some African nations are unfairly stigmatized by HIV/AIDS as a result of the stories and images we are fed by the media, while the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the nation’s capital remains largely underreported. Despite these discrepancies, and despite the efforts of governmental and non-profit organizations alike, HIV/AIDS affects millions of people globally. Do your part. Get tested.

The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa and Travel Channel Present – Senegal: The Presidential Tour

The Africa Society is currently on location in Dakar, Senegal filming Senegal: The Presidential Tour, featuring President Abdoulaye Wade and hosted by Mr. Tiki Barber

President Abdoulaye Wade receives President and CEO of The Africa Society, Ms. Bernadette Paolo, in the President's executive office adjacent to the presidential palace.

Concluding the first official interview with President Abdoulaye Wade and Mr. Tiki Biarber in the President’s executive office.
As seen in the photo (from left to right): Papa Mohamed Camara, Ms. Marieme Ba, Mr. Alphousseyni Diamanka, Ms. Bernadette Paolo, President Abdoulaye Wade, Mr. Jomo K. Bellard, Mr. Tiki Barber, Mr. Youssoufa Ba, Ms. Mariemema Drame, and Ms. Tracey Johnson.


Photo Credit: Beyond Productions/Mr. Geff Siberry

Africa in the News

Climate 'Is a Major Cause' of Conflict in Africa
Climate has been a major driver of armed conflict in Africa, research shows - and future warming is likely to increase the number of deaths from war. US researchers found that across the continent, conflict was about 50% more likely in unusually warm years. Writing in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), they suggest strife arises when the food supply is scarce in warm conditions.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8375949.stm

Zimbabwe: Woza Leaders Presented With Top Award by U.S. President Obama
Leaders of the pressure group, Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), on Monday took their message of peace to the White House in the United States, where they were presented with a prestigious human rights award by US President Barack Obama. Award winner Magodonga Mahlangu and WOZA co-founder Jenni Williams, both travelled to Washington DC to receive the 2009 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights award. Williams accepted the award on behalf of WOZA while Mahlangu was singled out in her personal capacity as a rights activist.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200911231971.html

Namibia: Not in the Forefront
With Namibia's National Assembly and Presidential elections around the corner the issue of equitable women's representation at the highest levels of political decision-making has been placed at the centre of the election agenda. Most political parties only really kicked off their campaigns in earnest towards the middle of September and observers were looking to see whether these elections would mark a watershed for Namibian women's inclusion on party lists, as well as how issues mostly affecting women were being addressed in election manifestos.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200911240357.html

South Africa Moves Out of Recession
South Africa's economy has come out of recession, with growth of 0.9 per cent in the third quarter of this year. Results, adjusted for seasonal variations, released on Tuesday showed southern Africa's biggest economy to have ended it's first period of negative growth in 17 years, the country's national statistics board said. "The seasonally adjusted real gross domestic product [GDP] at market prices for the third quarter of 2009 increased by an annualised rate of 0.9 per cent compared with the second quarter of 2009," Statistics South Africa said.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/11/20091124111757963696.html

East Africa: At Last, Common Market Becomes Reality
The East African Community officially ushered in a common market on Friday amid renewed commitment by the region's Heads of State to expedite the envisaged political federation by 2015. The Common Market Protocol was finally signed in Arusha, Tanzania, bringing to an end months of waiting and anxiety. Contentious issues nearly derailed the negotiations and the signing was pushed to this month from April.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200911230351.html

Africa in the News

Nigeria in 'Frank' Talks With Mend
Nigeria's president has held talks with former rebel leaders in the oil-rich Niger Delta in a bid to end the conflict in the region, his spokesman said.Olusegun Adeniyi said on Sunday that Umaru Yar'Adua's meeting with the ex-chiefs of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, or Mend, was "frank and fruitful". The president "used the session to reiterate his commitment to the overall peace and development of the Niger Delta," Adeniyi said. He said Wole Soyinka, Nigeria's Nobel prize-winning author, also took part in the talks.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/11/2009111518144629789.html

Germany Arrests Top Rwanda Rebels
Police in Germany have arrested two Rwandan militia leaders on suspicion of crimes committed in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ignace Murwanashyaka, the leader of the FDLR rebel group, and his aide Straton Musoni were held on suspicion of crimes against humanity and war crimes. FDLR leaders fled to DR Congo after the Rwanda genocide in which some 800,000 people - mostly ethnic Tutsis - died.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8364507.stm

MTN to Lay Off Over 400 in South Africa
JOHANNESBURG, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Africa's biggest mobile phone operator, MTN (MTNJ.J), plans to lay off at least 400 staff in South Africa to cut costs as the recession bites. The company, which operates networks across Africa and the Middle East, said on Monday it would cut both permanent and temporary workers because it was becoming more efficient and because of a fall in customer numbers. Temba Nyathi, MTN Group's human resources executive, said the cutbacks were expected to save 150-170 million rand ($20-$23 million) per year.
http://www.reuters.com/article/telcommunicationsServicesSector/idUSLG43385220091116

The Africa Society School Invasion: Duke Ellington Edition

On November 10, 2009, The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa hosted 130 10th grade students for an educational program at Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Students learned about The Africa Society’s Teach Africa program and got to view the latest installment of the popular reality series, “Whad’ya Know About Africa?” which is currently being filmed in the D.C. metro area and produced by The Africa Society. Five outstanding students were selected and interviewed by Host and Africa Society staff member, Leila Samara, for the next episode in the series.

President and CEO of The Africa Society, Bernadette Paolo, encouraged students to aspire to greatness and to make Africa a part of their lives, studies, and careers. Ms. Nicole Peacock, Public Affairs Outreach Coordinator of the Office of Public Affairs and Public Diplomacy at the Department of State, was also on hand to speak about the State Department’s work in Africa and the importance of being globally conscious. Ms. Peacock brought and distributed newspapers from Tanzania to offer students further insight into life on the continent. The program concluded with a question and answer session, after which each student received a gift bag with Africa-focused books, DVD’s, a Teach Africa t-shirt, M&M candies, and a map of the continent.

To learn more about The Africa Society School Invasion or other Africa Society Programs, we invite you to visit our website at http://www.africasummit.org/. The latest episode of “Whad’ya Know About Africa?” can be seen at www.youtube.com/africasummit.

Africa in the News

Tsvangirai Ends Zimbabwe Boycott
Zimbabwe's prime minister has ended his boycott of the country's unity cabinet, saying he wants to give the body time to work out its difficulties.
Morgan Tsvangirai boycotted the government three weeks ago after accusing the country's president, Robert Mugabe, of not implementing the power-sharing agreement and sanctioning the harassment of opposition MDC supporters.
Tsvangirai's decision on Thursday followed a meeting in Maputo, Mozambique, with members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/11/200911642034591486.html

Guinea: Opposition Presents Demands to Compaoré
A coalition of Guinean opposition leaders has presented President Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso a set of proposals they believe will end the political crisis precipitated by a military takeover in Guinea last December, reports Sidwaya from Ouagadougou.
The newspaper’s online edition reported that opposition politicians and trade unionists are calling for the military junta which seized power to step down, and for the formation of a transitional government, free political and union activity and the release of those arrested when the military suppressed protests last September 28.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200911050919.html

Niger-Nigeria 'Blockade' Mystery
Nigerian customs officials are blocking Niger from importing goods, Niger's foreign affairs ministry has confirmed.
The reason for the interruption of cross-border trade, which began on Tuesday, is not known.
A BBC reporter at a border crossing says there are lines of trucks waiting to cross into Niger and only people with a few loaves of bread can pass.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8346697.stm

Africa: Africa's Media Leaders Gather in Lagos
Top executives from African media houses gather in Lagos on Thursday for two days of consultations on how to sustain the development of good journalism on the continent. Owners, publishers and editors will join panel discussions on topics ranging from the media and governance to the challenges and opportunities of digital media and the monetization of content.
The discussions will take place at the second meeting of the African Media Leadership Forum (AMLF), a group which held its inaugural meeting in Dakar, last year.
The first meeting of the forum resolved to invite African governments, the African Union Commission and regional African organizations "to take proactive steps in creating conditions conducive for promoting media as partners for achieving sustainable development on the African continent."
http://allafrica.com/stories/200911040878.html

What do YOU know about AFRICA???

“What your television shows you about Africa is a tragedy!” This was the contention of the Honorable Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Gadio, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Senegal and featured speaker at The Africa Society’s last Ambassador Andrew Young Lecture Series.

Tragic or not, American media coverage of Africa is certainly negatively skewed and ultimately inadequate. To shed light on the lack of information and education available on Africa, The Africa Society has created the film series, Whad’ya Know About Africa, which can be seen at www.youtube.com/africasummit. The host of the series, Africa Society Intern Leila Samara asks residents of Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia basic questions about the continent of Africa. The results reveal pervasive, albeit comedic, ignorance. This endemic lack of knowledge is precisely why The Africa Society works so diligently to fulfill its mission of engaging and educating all Americans about the diverse continent of Africa. With your support, The Africa Society is changing the lens through which Americans and people around the globe view Africa and Africans. We ask that you join us as we endeavor to revolutionize the way Americans think about and interact with the continent. Help us teach American children, and the world, about Africa.

Africa in the News

High Turnout in Mozambique Vote
A big turnout is being reported in Mozambique as people queue to vote in an election for a new president, parliament and regional assemblies. The BBC's Jose Tembe in Maputo says there is an air of excitement - a marked difference to 2004 when only 34% of those eligible cast their vote. The campaign has been dominated by the emergence of a new political party. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8329125.stm

Somalia President Escapes Surprise Attack
Somalia's president escaped an opportunistic attack by Islamic militants Wednesday as deadly fighting erupted in the center of Mogadishu, officials said. Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed was returning from a trip to Yemen when insurgents began firing mortars, resulted in a clash with African Union peacekeepers, the president's director of communications told CNN. "The Islamic insurgents were just guessing the arrival of the president so they started firing mortars, just to send a kind of their regular violent message that they are around," said Abdulkadir Barnamij. http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/10/28/somalia.shelling.president/index.html

Guinea Forces 'Planned Crackdown'
A deadly crackdown on protesters in Guinea in September was "premeditated and pre-planned at the highest level", Human Rights Watch has told the BBC. Soldiers deployed at the sports stadium where protesters had gathered blocked the exits before systematically killing and raping protesters, the group says. Activists say 157 people were killed but officials say far fewer died and claim most were trampled to eath.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8329321.stm

Jail Terms for 'Angola-Gate' Guilty
Arkadi Gaydamak, a Russian-born Israeli businessman and Pierre Falcone, his French associate, have been sentenced to six-year jail terms for organising the illegal trafficking of weapons to Angola. Gaydamak, who fled France before the trial, and Falcone were among 42 politicians, businessmen and members of the Paris elite accused of defying a UN embargo to arm the Angolan government during a civil war in the 1990s. Charles Pasqua, France's former interior minister, was handed a one-year jail term on Tuesday for his involvement in the case dubbed "Angola-gate". http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2009/10/20091027144327509993.html

Africa in the News

Ethiopia Asks for Urgent Food Aid

The Ethiopian government has asked the international community for emergency food aid for 6.2 million people.
The request came at a meeting of donors to discuss the impact of a prolonged drought affecting parts of East Africa.
The UN's World Food Programme says $285m (£173m) will be needed in the next six months. Some aid officials say the numbers of hungry could rise.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8319741.stm

Africa: Leaders to Strengthen African Court

AFRICAN Union (AU) member states will only refer cases to the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a last resort when the African Court of Justice is established with criminal jurisdiction.
This is one of the proposals in the draft convention that seeks to establish a legal framework to address the root causes of refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons.
The convention will be tabled before the heads of state summit, which opens today.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200910220006.html

Deadly Clashes Shake Somali Capital

At least 20 people have been killed and 58 injured in a battle between anti-government fighters and African peacekeepers in Mogadishu, Somalia's capital, medical workers say.
According to witnesses, clashes broke out on Thursday after fighters launched mortar bombs at the city's international airport, as Sharif Ahmed, the country's president, flew out of the country.
Ali Muse, head of Mogadishu's ambulance services, told the AFP news agency it was "the worst such incident recently" in the city.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/10/200910227534514170.html#

Sudan: South Disowns Referendum Vote Limit

The Southern Sudan Government has rejected a deal announced at the weekend on a referendum on the fate of the region.
Under the deal agreed by Southern Sudan's Vice-President Riek Machar and the North's VP, Mr Ali Osman Taha, a two thirds turnout of all registered voters and a 50 per cent plus one vote would be necessary for the South to become a separate state.
Says John Andruga Duku, the head of mission at the Government of Southern Sudan Liaison Office in Nairobi: "This is not acceptable to the SPLM and the Government of Southern Sudan.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200910211130.html

Algiers Police Fire on Slum Protest

People living in a slum district of the Algerian capital have taken to the streets for a second day to protest against job and housing shortages.
Residents of the Diar Echams area, frustrated over high unemployment and inadequate housing, clashed with police on Wednesday having started their protest on Monday night.
The police said at least 11 officers were hurt, although no figure of civilian casualties was given.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/10/20091021135417557575.html

The Africa Society Embraces Africa & America in Los Angeles

On Friday October 5, The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa paid tribute to President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, of the Republic of Angola at the “Embrace Africa & America” ceremony and reception in Los Angeles. “Embrace Africa & America” was sponsored by The Africa Society in partnership with Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, which offers quality higher education for minorities in Los Angeles in addition to providing training and patient care throughout Africa.

At the ceremony President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, a former Angolan liberation fighter, received an honorary doctorate degree. Interim President of Charles Drew, Dr. Keith C. Norris, conferred the honorary doctorate of Humane Letters to Angolan Ambassador Josefina Pitra Diakite, who accepted it on President dos Santos’ behalf. Ambassador Diakite, a featured guest at the reception, said President dos Santos led the country from a “one party government to a multi-party system, from a centralized government to a market economy, from war to peace.” In recent years, she said, Angola has enjoyed economic stability and has expanded health care system, educational opportunities and transportation services.

Faculty, staff, students—including young children and teenagers from local elementary, junior high and high school—packed the atrium of the W. Montague Medical Education Building to watch as the honor was bestowed on President dos Santos, one of Africa’s longest serving leaders.

Africa in the News

ICC Investigates Guinea 'Abuses'

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened an investigation into the Guinean military's brutal suppression of an anti-government protest.
The Hague court says it is deciding whether the events of 28 September amount to crimes against humanity.
The prosecutors say there is evidence that women were "abused or otherwise brutalized" during the crackdown.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8308420.stm

Tsvangirai Aide Back in Jail

A Zimbabwean court has ordered a senior official in the party of Morgan Tsvangirai, the Zimbabwean prime minister, back to jail to await trial on terrorism charges.
Authorities detained Roy Bennett, the treasurer of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), on Wednesday following orders from magistrate Lucy Mungwari.
"I commit the accused person to prison. If there is any defect in the process, the accused should raise it before the High Court," Mungwari said.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/10/2009101420304911779.html

Africa: Foreign Aid May Dry Up – FG

The Federal Government has predicted that foreign aid, which is important for a number of African countries, is likely to diminish in the coming years as a result of the global economic crisis.
This is following drastic reduction in the foreign direct investments in Africa as the credit squeeze takes hold.
This was made known by the Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, in a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the ongoing annual conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Abuja.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200910150398.html

Congo-Kinshasa: Rights Groups Urge UN to Rein in Army

U.N.-supported military operations in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have had an "unacceptable" cost for the civilian population, said a coalition of rights groups Tuesday.
The call to action by the Congo Advocacy Coalition said 1,000 civilians have been killed, 7,000 women and girls have been raped, and nearly 900,000 people have been forced to flee their homes since January.
That is when the Congolese army began an operation called Kimia II to disarm and disband the militia group Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, or FDLR, an organization of Rwandan Hutus, some whose leaders participated in the 1994 genocide in neighboring Rwanda.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200910141076.html

Africa in the News

Uganda Releases Somali Minister
Somalia's junior minister for defence who was briefly held in Uganda has been released, Uganda's army spokesman says. Sheikh Yusuf Mohamed Siad, a former Islamist warlord, was detained by Ugandan security forces during a trip to the capital Kampala on Tuesday. Army spokesman Lt Col Felix Kulayigye said he was arrested following a tip-off that a Somali dissident had entered the country. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8294131.stm

5 Held After Pirates Attack French Vessel
Five people were detained off Somalia's coast Wednesday after pirates mistook a French ship involved in an anti-piracy operation for a commercial vessel, the French Defense Ministry said. There were no injuries as a result of the attack on the BCR Somme, the ministry said. The pirates opened fire at midnight local time, about 250 nautical miles (463 kilometers) off Somalia's coast, officials added. An hour after the attack, the French command and supply ship chased down one of the pirates' skiffs, and detained five suspected pirates, it said. A second skiff involved in the attack got away.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/10/07/somalia.pirate.attack/index.html

Kenyans 'Rearming for 2012 Poll'
Rival ethnic groups in Kenya who fought after the 2007 election are rearming in readiness for violence at the 2012 poll, a BBC investigation has found. It is feared villagers in Rift Valley province are moving from traditional weapons such as spears to machine guns. Government officials insist they are tackling the influx of illegal arms.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8293745.stm

Annan: Kenya Must Prevent Chaos
Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary-general, has said Kenyans want their coalition government to take action on impunity and political reforms before the next general election in 2012. Annan, who chaired negotiations between the opposition and Mwai Kibaki, the president, after a disputed election triggered violence, said on Sunday that dealing with the issues would avoid a repeat of last year's unrest.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/10/200910510350194310.html

What's Going on in Africa Today??

Somalia: Bitter Fighting Continues in Kismayu Town
Kismayu — Bitter fighting between forces loyal to Harakat Al-shabab Mujahideen and Hizbul Islam is continuing in the port town of Kismayu in southern Somalia, witnesses and officials told Shabelle radio on Thursday.Reports from the town say that fighting is very heavy and both sides are exchanging heavy weapon fire in the war, which has affected all movement of traffic, people and business in the town.Residents said that the sound of gunfire could be heard in the neighborhood of Iskuraran, where rival fighters are using different weapons in the clash.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200910010290.html

Kikwete: African Leaders Must Create Right Climate for Business
African leaders "have a duty to create the right climate for business" in Africa, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete said September 28 in Washington. Kikwete spelled out five key sectors for business investment across Africa: infrastructure, the lack of which is strangling economic development across the region, he said; agriculture and agribusiness; natural resource development; tourism; and financial services, where a broader array of banking tools and programs is needed to help fuel long-term economic growth. The media have not been very helpful, Kikwete said, as Africa makes its case as a great place for investment opportunities and business. "Sometimes I read what they say about us and wonder." http://allafrica.com/stories/200909300795.html

Kenya: International Court to Handle Kenya Post-Election Violence
Those most responsible for last year's post-election violence in Kenya may now be punished by the International Criminal Court, after Kenya missed a deadline to address the issue. Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the chief prosecutor of the court, said in a statement Wednesday that his court will now step in to help Kenya address the post-election violence of early 2008. In the statement, he said the International Criminal Court would prosecute those most responsible, and other perpetrators would be subject to "national accountability proceedings as defined by the Kenyan Parliament, such as a Special Tribunal."
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/09/30/kenya.election.icc/index.html

Sudan: Peacekeeper Killed in Darfur Ambush
A Nigerian peacekeeper has been killed in an ambush in Sudan's western Darfur region, an official with the joint United Nations and African Union force (Unamid) has said.Kemal Saiki, the chief of communications of Unamid, said on Tuesday that two other soldiers were wounded in the attack which occurred a day earlier."There was a Unamid military and police convoy escorting civilians back to our camp in El Geneina [capital of West Darfur district]. They were attacked by a group of unidentified men," Saiki said."They [the attackers] opened fire, apparently with no warning ..."
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/09/200992975043393744.html

Kenyan Anti-Corruption Chief Quits
The head of Kenya's anti-corruption commission has resigned following weeks of public protests and a parliamentary vote against his reappointment. Aaron Ringera said that he and one of his deputy directors had stepped down on Wednesday because of the "national storm" stirred up after he was returned to the post by Mwai Kibaki, the president, in August."We have given the fight against corruption our all, we could not have done better," Ringera said. The reappointment of Ringera drew fire from ordinary Kenyans, anti-corruption activists and religious leaders who pointed to the failure of the commission to conclude even one case of high-level corruption on his watch. http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/09/2009930172145480512.html

Minister Gadio of Senegal Says, "A United Africa Becomes a Global Player"

On Friday, September 18 The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa held the third Ambassador Andrew Young Lecture Series of 2009. Bernadette Paolo, President and CEO of The Africa Society, served as the Mistress of Ceremony while His Excellency Amadou Ba, Ambassador to the U.S. from Senegal provided the welcome remarks. Africa Society Board Member, Timothy Bork, introduced the featured speaker, The Honorable Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Gadio, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Republic of Senegal. Minister Gadio delivered a dynamic lecture entitled, "A United Africa Becomes a Global Player." The audience of over 300 diplomats, policymakers, academics, and students listened intently as Minister Gadio spoke with passion about his belief in the power of a United States of Africa. The Minister described Africa as a place of hope and opportunity, noting that while many places worldwide have aging populations, the population of Africa is growing younger. Ambassador Ayalew Mandefro , Africa Society Board Member and former Ambassador to the U.S. from Ethiopia, concluded the program by presenting Minister Gadio with a gift.
The transcript of Minister Gadio’s remarks is currently available for viewing on The Africa Society’s website, http://www.africasummit.org/. Video footage from the reception and lecture will also be available for viewing shortly.

What's Going on in Africa Today?

Ethiopian Rebels Deny Helping Somali Islamists
An Ethiopian rebel group denied on Tuesday it is helping Islamist militants in neighboring Somalia who are waging a violent rebellion against the country's U.N.-backed government.
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSLM709146

IMF Unveils $21.5 Million Comoros Package to Support Growth
The International Monetary Fund has unveiled a three-year $21.5 million package for the Comoros to help consolidate economic gains as the archipelago implements far reaching reforms.
http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE58L06P20090922

UNESCO Split Over Egyptian's Leadership Bid
The United Nations agency for culture and education was divided on Monday over the leadership bid of Egyptian Culture Minister Farouk Hosni, who said last year he would burn Israeli books. Half the members of UNESCO's 58-strong executive board voted for Hosni, who is backed by the African Union and the League of Arab States, while the other 29 chose Bulgaria's Irina Gueorguieva Bokova in a fourth round of voting.
http://af.reuters.com/article/idAFLL7629820090921

Congo-Kinshasa: End Resource War, Urge Congolese Activists
One hundred years ago, a global outrage surrounding the death of an estimated ten million Congolese resulted in the end the rule of King Leopold II of Belgium over the Congo. Ordinary people around the world from all walks of life stood at the side of the Congolese and demanded the end of the first recorded Congolese holocaust. A century later, the world finds itself facing the same issue where the Congolese people are subjected to unimaginable suffering.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200909220115.html

The Africa Society Presents the Honorable Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Gadio, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Republic of Senegal

What's Going on in Africa Today

U.S. Kills Top Qaeda Leader in Southern Somalia (NY Times)
American commandos killed one of the most wanted Islamic militants in Africa in a daylight raid in southern Somalia on Monday, according to American and Somali officials, an indication of the Obama administration’s willingness to use combat troops strategically against Al Qaeda's growing influence in the region.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/15/world/africa/15raid.html

China Partnering, Not Plundering, in Africa (Reuters)
Beijing is worried about culturally naive Chinese companies damaging its image in Africa, but thinks the perception that it is only after cheap oil and minerals is unfair, its ambassador to Pretoria said on Tuesday.
http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE58E0K620090915

World Bank Urges Zambia to Control Spending (Reuters)
The World Bank will give further funds to Zambia when it implements measures to control spending and ensure such funds benefit its people, a senior Bank official said on Tuesday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSLF500257

Niger Corruption Case 'Political' (BBC News)
Niger opposition leader Mahamadou Issoufou has said the corruption charges he faces are politically motivated.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8256361.stm

Senegal's Youths Dream of Europe (BBC News)
Senegal was once the starting point for thousands of Africans trying to reach a better life, but has the economic downturn led to a reduction in the numbers seeking a new start? Will Ross reports from the West African state.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/8251029.stm

What's Going on in Africa Today?

Exodus From North Africa Full of Perils (NY TIMES)
Part of an exodus the Algerian press has dubbed the “harraga” — a play on a Maghreb Arabic word to mean “those who burn” — there is an overwhelming number of Algerian young people who are trying to cross the Mediterranean and burn identity papers and emotional ties in the process. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/09/world/africa/09iht-algeria.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

End Zimbabwe Sanctions, Say Southern African Leaders (Reuters)
Southern African heads of state called on the international community to end sanctions on Zimbabwe , ending a regional summit meeting on Tuesday with a statement many had expected. http://www.reuters.com/article/africaCrisis/idUSL833232

'Leak' Led to UN Kidnap in Niger (BBC)
A former UN special envoy to Niger who was kidnapped by al-Qaeda and held for four months has said he believes a high-level leak led to his abduction.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8245671.stm

Rwanda Named World's Top Business Reformer (All Africa)
Rwanda was named today as the world's top business reformer, measured by the changes the country has made over the past year to make doing business there easier.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200909090350.html

Ramadan Fighting in Mogadishu is "Worst in 20 Years" (Reuters)
Fighting in Mogadishu during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan has so far been some of the worst in 20 years, killing 32 civilians in four days this week, a human rights group in the Somali capital said on Thursday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSLA092532

Teach Africa™ Phase III in Review

As a result of the USAID funded Teach Africa™ initiative and the dissemination of the Africa Today film, The Africa Society and partner organizations have made resources and information about Africa-education available to over 100 million people. For those who could not be with us to experience the exhilarating Teach Africa™ Youth Forums, The Africa Society has created a short film highlighting the students, speakers, workshops, excitement, and importance of the Teach Africa™ initiative. The film is called Teach Africa™ Phase III in Review and can be found on The Africa Society’s youtube page at http://www.youtube.com/user/africasummit. We invite you to watch! To learn more about this initiative or other Africa Society programs, you may also visit our website at www.africasummit.org.

What's Going on in Africa Today?

Madagascar Power-Sharing Talks to Resume, Doubts Linger (Reuters) Madagascar 's political rivals will meet in Mozambique again next week to discuss how to allocate jobs in a power-sharing government they agreed to set up to end months of turmoil.
http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE57I0DQ20090819?sp=true

China and Congo Change Tack on Deal (Financial Times) China and the Democratic Republic of Congo have agreed to amend the terms of the biggest Chinese investment deal in Africa, which had been blocking Congo's access to much-needed debt relief, the International Monetary Fund has said
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ac7fd79c-8c2a-11de-b14f-00144feabdc0.html

Sudan: African-UN Mission Sets Up Unit to Investigate Gender-Based Crimes (UN NEWS)
The police component of the joint African Union-United Nations peacekeeping operation in Darfur has established a special investigations unit to monitor and report on crimes involving sexual and gender-based violence, a prevalent problem in the western Sudanese region.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=31790&Cr=Darfur&Cr1=

East Africa: Hague Court Orders Eritrea to Pay Ethiopia for War Damage (Daily Nations) An international panel has ordered both Eritrea and Ethiopia to pay each other damages for the 1989-2000 border war which left more than 80,000 killed
http://allafrica.com/stories/200908190698.html

Family Code Gets Nudge, But Women Seek a Push (NY Times) Despite an important reform of Morocco’s family code in 2004, pressed upon a reluctant Parliament by the young king, Muhammad VI, sex outside marriage is not recognized in Morocco, any more than homosexuality is.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/world/africa/19tangiers.html

UN Marking First Humanitarian Day (BBC) The United Nations is holding its first ever World Humanitarian Day to honor international aid workers
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8208575.stm

BURKINA FASO: Some parents refuse testing children for HIV (IRIN)
Health authorities estimate that less than 25 percent of HIV-infected children in Burkina Faso who require treatment are taking life-saving drugs while thousands of at-risk children are undiagnosed because their families refuse to have them tested.
http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=85765

What's Going on in Africa Today?

Ripples of Dispute Surround Tiny Island in East Africa (NY Times)


This little island doesn’t look like much. But baby Migingo is creating a huge fuss. The island happens to lie right along the disputed watery border between Kenya and Uganda, and politicians have even threatened to go to war over it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/17/world/africa/17victoria.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Ripples%20of%20Dispute%20Surround%20Tiny%20Island%20in%20East%20Africa%20&st=cse


Chinese Firm Invests $2.4 Billion in Post-War Angola (Reuters)


China's Sinohydro Corporation has invested $2.4 billion to rebuild infrastructure in Angola since the end of the country's civil war in 2002
http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE57G07P20090817


Ethiopia: Hunger-Ridden Country Defends Land Grabs


Ethiopia is on the defensive over a plan to offer 2.7 million hectares of land to foreign, mainly Asian, companies despite millions crying out for food aid from the international community.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200908140576.html


US Peace Corps Quits Mauritania (BBC)


The American Peace Corps says it has withdrawn more than 100 of its aid workers from Mauritania because of safety and security concerns.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8205532.stm

Live! It's Teach Africa

On Tuesday, July 28, 2009 The Africa Society celebrated the culmination of the USAID-funded Teach Africa™ initiative for 2009 with a Live Teach Africa™ Webinar which took place at Discovery Communications Headquarters. The live webinar allowed students and teachers, both in attendance and online, to witness a presentation and have an interactive discussion on the rich history, diverse cultures, and current events of the dynamic West African nation of Benin. The presentation was given by His Excellency Cyrille Segbe Oguin, Ambassador from the Republic of Benin to the U.S. Attendees enjoyed a reception as well as musical performance by the Beninese musical group, Wloguede. Dr. Sarah Moten, Chief of the Education Division of the Africa Bureau for USAID, also spoke passionately to the audience about her commitment to the continent of Africa and the importance of Africa education initiatives like the Teach Africa™ program.



Over 210 enthusiastic students and educators participated either in person or via the webinar. Guests left energized and armed with over $100 worth of Africa-focused educational materials to aid them in their study of the rich continent of Africa. Included in the gift bag was the film, Africa Today, which Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership produced in partnership with The Africa Society as a part of the Teach Africa™ initiative. Our combined efforts have made information about Teach Africa™ and the Africa Today film available to over 100 million people. To learn more about this initiative, we invite you to visit our website at www.africasummit.org.

What's Going on in Africa Today?

Clinton Concerned About Deaths, Rape in East Congo
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Tuesday more must be done to protect civilians from violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the army is fighting a string of conflicts.
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSLB717380

Somali Islamists Pull Teeth From "Sinners”
Somali Islamist group al Shabaab is forcibly removing gold and silver teeth from residents in southern Somalia because it says they contravene strict religious law, locals from a coastal town said on Monday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/africaCrisis/idUSLA242623

Mismanagement Marred Nigeria-Asia Oil Deals
Nigeria has mismanaged relations with Asian oil firms, failing to capitalize on deals which could have helped it develop infrastructure and leaving $20 billion of investment at risk
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Oil/idUSTRE57823I20090809

Deadly Attack by Rival Group in Sudan
The few wounded survivors of the attack recount their experiences as they recovered in the town of Akobo.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8194060.stm

Tutu and Zuma Bury the Hatchet
South Africa's President Jacob Zuma and one of his biggest critics - the former Archbishop of Cape Town Desmond Tutu - have made peace.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8189258.stm

You Don’t Have to Be Bill Gates to Be a Philanthropist!

You don’t have to be Bill Gates to be a philanthropist! On Friday July 24th, Just Cause hosted a happy hour at Mio restaurant that empowered ordinary people to do something extraordinary with their Friday night. Just Cause raises thousands of dollars for non-profit organizations by collecting $10 donations at monthly happy hours. The Africa Society was chosen to be the beneficiary of last month’s fundraiser and everyday philanthropists from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia came out to show their support. Guests enjoyed drinks, refreshments, good company, and the opportunity to win prizes. President and CEO of The Africa Society, Bernadette Paolo thanked everyone for attending, and The Africa Society's Senior Communications Consultant, Jomo Bellard presented raffle winners with gift certificates to Cake Love and Saxby’s Coffee, the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, and the African board game Afriqu’enjeux.

While $10 donations may not seem like much, they can certainly add up to a lot of good. It is precisely these kinds of contributions that enable The Africa Society to carry out its very important mission of engaging and educating Americans about the peoples, diverse cultures, histories, and economies of Africa. To explore how you can make philanthropy part of your everyday life, we invite you to visit our website at http://www.africasummit.org/.

"Toward a Comprehensive Strategy in Sudan"

The U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations is holding a hearing today focused on creating a "comprehensive strategy" for Sudan. If you're not lucky enough to be in the room at Dirksen Senate Office Building for the proceedings, click on the link below to read opening statements from Senators Kerry and Lugar, as well as testimony from the five scheduled panelists.

http://foreign.senate.gov/hearings/2009/hrg090730a.html

What's Going On in Africa Today?

"Clashes Between Militants and Police in Nigeria" (The New York Times)

As many as 50 people were killed on Sunday in clashes between a militant Islamist sect and police officers in the northern Nigerian city of Bauchi. There has been an increase in inter-religious fighting between Christians and Muslims in northern Nigeria in recent months. It is believed that Sunday's attack on a police station was motivated by the belief that policemen receive Western education, which the Muslim attackers staunchly oppose. The city has imposed a curfew and people are said to be "going about normal business" in spite of the violence.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/27/world/africa/27nigeria.html?_r=2&ref=world



"Guinea-Bissau Holds Runoff Vote on President" (The Associated Press)

The results of yesterday's runoff election between Malam Bacai Sanha and Kumba Yala for the office of president of Guinea-Bissau are due to be released next week. Voter turnout has been estimated at 40-60 percent and the voting proceeded without violence. Both candidates have been urged to peacefully accept the results of the electoral commission and the people of Guinea-Bissau remain optimistic that whoever is elected will bring positive change to the country.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AF_GUINEA_BISSAU_ELECTION?SITE=CTNHR&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT



"Somalia: More Pirate Attacks Expected in September" (AllAfrica)

The end of Monsoon season off the coast of Somalia is expected to coincide with an increase in pirate attacks on merchant ships. Currently, the international efforts of 34 patrol ships stationed along the Somali coast has led to a significant reduction in the numbers of successful pirate attacks, but the sheer size of the Gulf of Aden makes fighting piracy a continuous challenge.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200907260001.html

What's Going On in Africa Today?

“Somalia: Radicals Loot UN Buildings, Forcing Some Operations to Close” (AllAfrica)
-Al-Shabab militants have stolen equipment and vehicles from two UN facilities in the towns of Wajid and Baidoa, where the international organization has temporarily shut down its operations due to the looting.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200907201643.html

“Alarming Africa Male Gay HIV Rate” (BBC News)
-A new report from medical journal The Lancet reveals that in some African countries HIV rates are as much as 10 times higher in gay men than men in the general male population and recommends the redoubling of education efforts among gay men about HIV/AIDS.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8158469.stm

“Rwanda: Ex-Governor Convicted for Role in Rwandan Genocide” (The New York Times)
-The former governor of Kigali, Tharcisse Renzaho, has been convicted of five counts of rape, assassination, and genocide by a United Nations tribunal for his role in his country’s 1994 genocide.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/15/world/africa/15briefs-Rwanda.html?ref=africa

“Uganda: Rights Group Protests Indefinite Detentions”
-Human Rights Watch (HRW) has cited the Ugandan government as being in violation of its own constitution by holding five detainees without charges, access to a lawyer, or the possibility of family visitation.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200907210006.html

What's Going On in Africa? July 21, 2009 Edition.

“Somalia: Radicals Loot UN Buildings, Forcing Some Operations to Close” (AllAfrica)

-Al-Shabab militants have stolen equipment and vehicles from two UN facilities in the towns of Wajid and Baidoa, where the international organization has temporarily shut down its operations due to the looting.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200907201643.html

“Alarming Africa Male Gay HIV Rate” (BBC News)

-A new report from medical journal The Lancet reveals that in some African countries HIV rates are as much as 10 times higher in gay men than men in the general male population and recommends the redoubling of education efforts among gay men about HIV/AIDS.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8158469.stm

“Rwanda: Ex-Governor Convicted for Role in Rwandan Genocide” (The New York Times)

-The former governor of Kigali, Tharcisse Renzaho, has been convicted of five counts of rape, assassination, and genocide by a United Nations tribunal for his role in his country’s 1994 genocide.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/15/world/africa/15briefs-Rwanda.html?ref=africa

“Uganda: Rights Group Protests Indefinite Detentions”-

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has cited the Ugandan government as being in violation of its own constitution by holding five detainees without charges, access to a lawyer, or the possibility of family visitation.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200907210006.html

What's Going On in Africa?

"Seizures Show Somalia Rebels Need Money" (The New York Times)

-The recent kidnappings in Somalia (three in the past week) may signal that rebel extremist group al-Shabab is running low on funds.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/19/world/africa/19somalia.html?_r=2&ref=africa

"Kenya: Waki List Out" (AllAfrica)

-Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has given an envelope containing a list of names of suspected sponsors of the post-election violence in Kenya to Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200907190004.html

"Mauritania's Coup Leader Elected President" (AllAfrica)
-General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, leader of the military junta that has ruled Mauritania since he overthrew the elected government in a coup 11 months ago, won the country's election for president over the weekend.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200907200485.html

"South Africa Tests AIDS Vaccine" (The Washington Post)
-A vaccine designed to prevent infection from HIV subtype C (the strain most commonly found in southern Africa) has been administered to 36 healthy volunteers in South Africa.
-This vaccine was developed by the University of Cape Town (with support from the National Institute of Health) and launched in the United States earlier this year in a clinical trial of 12 healthy volunteers.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/19/AR2009071901309.html

President Obama Travels to Ghana

Monday morning quarterbacking has begun in earnest on President Obama’s weekend stop in Ghana. The American media has wasted no time in diminishing the significance of the president’s address to the Ghanaian House of Representatives by focusing solely on his “tough love” admonishments and devoting a disproportionate number of column inches to the continent’s security challenges.
The major Western news outlets this morning have parroted the same line from Obama’s 35 minute speech: “Africa’s future is up to Africans.” With only this reductionist coverage available, the American public is left ignorant not only of the numerous links Obama drew between Africa and the United States in his speech, but also of the countries and individuals he credits with affecting positive change on the continent. Readers remain unaware that “civil society and business” worked in tandem to end post-election strife in Kenya, that three-quarters of all South Africans voted in the country’s most recent election, and that individuals like Anas Aremeyaw Anas and Patience Quaye have helped make Ghana safe for democracy through reporting the truth and prosecuting human traffickers, respectively.
President Obama used this platform to address specific policy areas that are crucial to Africa’s development: democracy, opportunity, health, and peaceful conflict resolution. He is honest about Africa’s difficulties with each of these areas, but is also able to demonstrate that Africa is not simply a continent defined by its colonial past or its present strife.
Obama acknowledges that corruption and tyranny exist in many African governments, but is optimistic about the possibility that all African nations will eventually have the option to choose democracy over autocracy, as Ghana and Botswana have done. It is clear that Obama believes in an Africa that can utilize its abundant natural resources and the entrepreneurial spirit of its people to create economic opportunity, especially if these are coupled, at least initially, with effective foreign aid. He touches on the progress that the continent has made with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, applauds the efforts of interfaith groups in Nigeria to fight tropical diseases, and highlights intercontinental initiatives that help compensate for serious gaps in healthcare. Obama outright rejects a picture of Africa that is little more than a “crude caricature of a continent at perpetual war” and poignantly calls for its peoples to take pride in their diversity instead of using it as a rallying point for further conflict and violence.
Obama’s unifying and uplifting rhetoric in this landmark address has one key theme that resonates perfectly with the message of The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa: Africa Matters! Our president sees Africa as a valuable partner for America, one deserving of understanding and respect. The Africa Society’s mission of educating Americans about Africa has never been more important. President Obama has pointed to Africa and told the world that both its problems and its progress are globally relevant. Now we have to rise to the challenge of creating an educational foundation that Americans can use to better understand and respect their new partner.

More Than Just Teach Africa™, It's International Development

Years ago we had no way of knowing the speed with which the world would evolve or the degree to which, with the advent of globalization, peoples, cultures, and economies around the world would become so intricately interconnected. Many of our modern leaders were not groomed to be global ambassadors and citizens of the world. Imagine how different the United States, Africa, or the world would be if our current policymakers, administrators, and legislators had the benefit of an experience like Teach Africa™. What might the world be like? How would their decisions and policies be different if they had received a substantive and balanced education with respect to Africa? What partnerships might have been forged, relationships cultivated, conflicts averted, lives improved? We may never know. But it’s not too late to find out.

There is a fundamental link between strategic educational capacity and national power. In a nation where, according to the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, the percentage of workers with high school diplomas or college degrees, per capita income, and revenue from income tax are all projected to decline over the next 15 years, it is imperative that we improve and expand upon the current educational system in place. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said "When it comes to education, we shouldn't be playing catch-up with the world -- we should be leading it. Because the skills and knowledge of our workforce will determine whether America can compete and win in the global economy." In this regard we, as Americans are both personally and collectively responsible for defending our country against the looming ramifications of such a decline.

Rosa Whitaker, President and CEO of the Whitaker Group pointed out at a June 23 fundraiser for Congressman Donald M. Payne, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, that educational initiatives such as Teach Africa™ are not only educational, they are an integral form of international development. By educating students about Africa, we are not merely compensating for a gaping void in American curricula or exploring American history through its many links to Africa, we are cultivating the next generation of global leaders: arming them with knowledge, materials, the propensity for tolerance and understanding, and hopefully some perspective as to their place in the global community. What is your place in the global community? And how can you Teach Africa™ in order to strengthen America?

"Maybe He Forgot the Number on Your Hut"

Heading back to the district from the whirlwind Teach Africa™ Youth forum in Houston, I settled in to watch the in-flight movie. The movie selection: He’s Just Not That Into You. Lodged between two passengers, I adjusted my headset and began watching the movie. Within 20 minutes I received a reminder of exactly how important programs like Teach Africa™are.

In an attempt to demonstrate that romantic troubles transcend region and culture, the movie showed scenes of women around the world having similar conversations about dating. Each group of women made various excuses for the sudden disappearance of the men in their lives. The women in Baltimore and Tokyo were shown shopping and talking, while the women in Africa were shown sitting in the dust with goats and huts scattered in the background. One of the women offered, "Maybe he forgot the number on your hut." Another chimed in, "Maybe he was eaten by a lion." Funny, right? According to Claudia Puig of USA Today, it was “…one of the movie's funniest scenes.”

While the movie was entertaining otherwise, I was struck by the oversimplified and dated, if not comedic, portrayal of Africa. Such characterizations are typical, or should I say stereotypical. However, for many Americans, such images are their only insight into life on the continent of Africa. The Teach Africa™ program is designed to address this lack of knowledge and increase understanding through education.

Without access to the truth, we are all consciously or unconsciously influenced by the images presented to us. How do the images of Africa that you receive color your perceptions and impact your actions?

Teaching Africa Across America

Between April 1, 2009 and May 30, 2009, The Africa Society descended upon the cities of Atlanta, Houston, and Los Angeles to implement Phase Three of our flagship program, Teach Africa™. Teach Africa™ is a multiphase program designed to address the lack of Africa education in America by providing administrators, educators and students with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Africa and its role in the global community. The shining faces shown above are just a few of the more than 3,200 middle and high school students who recently attended the Teach Africa™ Youth Forums held in Atlanta on April 1 at the Georgia International Convention Center, in Houston on May 11 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, and in Los Angeles at UCLA’s Royce Hall. These mammoth Africa immersion events, executed in partnership with Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership and our regional partners, and funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, provided students with the unique opportunity to hear from and interact with diplomats, policymakers, and Africa experts while experiencing the vibrancy of the continent of Africa.

Each Teach Africa™ Youth Forum began with a panel of keynote speakers. Students were asked to participate and received prizes for being able to correctly answer questions about African countries, capitals, and heads of state. Featured speakers included Bernadette Paolo, President and CEO of The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa; Ambassador Andrew Young, Chair Emeritus of The Africa Society Board and Co-Chairman of GoodWorks International LLC; His Excellency Amadou Lamine Ba, Ambassador of Senegal to the U.S.; Her Excellency Josefina Diakite, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to the U.S.; and His Excellency Cyrille Oguin, Ambassador of Benin to the U.S. In Los Angeles, actor Isaiah Washington also spoke passionately to the students about his own connection and commitment to the continent of Africa.




Students in each city attended workshops on topics such as African Entrepreneurship, Energy, Democracy, USA-Africa Policy, and Oral Traditions. Members of The Africa Society staff also conducted interactive workshops on Youth Leadership in Africa. The Teach Africa™ Youth Forums also included cultural performances. In Houston, African drummers and Senegalese hip hop artists, Democracy in Dakar energized the crowd and invited students to perform with them on stage. Students were also given gift bags full of dynamic Africa focused materials, including T-shirts, DVD’s, board games, The Africa Society Resource Book, and the novel, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.

Many students worked diligently to prepare elaborate Africa focussed projects, posters, pamphlets and even websites for the Teach Africa™ Youth Forums. Through our programs, we strive to arouse curiosity and create a long term interest in the rich continent of Africa. If the sea of student work displayed is any indication, we are surely on the right path. We ask students the question “What does Africa mean to you?” We challenge you to find your own answers.

Assistant Secretary Johnnie Carson Speaks at National Press Club June 23

President Barack Obama’s nomination of Ambassador Johnnie Carson to the position of Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs should not come as a surprise. Ambassador Carson has an extensive history of involvement with Africa, including time spent as a Peace Corps volunteer and over 30 years as a career diplomat. He spoke yesterday, June 23, to an audience consisting of members of the African Diplomatic Corps, Africa focused NGOs, and other Africanists at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. The event was conducted by the Constituency for Africa and the African American Unity Caucus.

Carson offered a framework designed to engage Africa in a way that would promote stability and progress for the people, institutions, and states of the continent. Subsequently, he cited four major issues that inform and shape U.S. policies towards Africa: Democracy, Conflict Prevention, Economic Growth, and Global Challenges.

· Strengthening Democracy and Rule of Law
Highlighting the recent peaceful democratic elections held in Ghana, Carson noted that democracy and the rule of law are vital stabilizing elements. They are further strengthened by freedom of the civil society, which serves as a benchmark for preserving democracy. The rule of law must therefore maintain such democratic values as religious tolerance and a free media. Although Ghana serves as an exemplary nation with a stable democracy, Carson observed that some African nations are still plagued by a number of challenges that threaten their democratic institutions and values, including: Zimbabwe, Sudan, and Kenya. Although Carson noted that these three nations differ in the challenges that confront them, he argued that fragile institutions are a notorious source of instability on the continent.
· Conflict Mitigation and Prevention
Carson stated that U.S. policy towards Africa is determined to act diplomatically and in timely fashion in order to prevent conflicts. He elaborated on the economic and democratic problems engendered by conflict, emphasizing the need to confront and prevent crises from erupting, particularly in vulnerable nations like Somalia, Kenya, and Mauritania. Carson was however pleased to discuss the progress made in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Angola, and Southern Sudan where, in the past few years, there has been significant success in mitigating conflict. Unfortunately, he pointed out, Southern Somalia, Eastern Congo, and the Darfur region of Sudan remain areas of deep concern.

· Sustained and Long-Term Economic Growth
According to Carson, the recent global economic recession has led to a regression of gains made across the continent in the past 10 years. Investment in Africa has declined, commodity exports have lessened, and financial institutions are not eager to put money in African markets. Nonetheless, Carson maintained that there will be major emphasis and support for sustained economic growth on the continent, which will partly entail a major focus on food security and the development of agricultural initiatives. Noting that over 70 percent of Africans are dependent on agriculture as a primary or secondary source of income, Carson argued that the growth of this relatively neglected sector will reduce poverty and support the livelihood of families relying on farming.

· New and Old Global Challenges
Carson also spoke about the effects of climate change and environmental challenges on the continent, which he reiterated should receive more attention. Observing that there will be winners and losers in the inevitable climate change crisis, he admitted the sad truth that Africa is destined to be a loser. Other ecological challenges addressed by Carson were in relation to fossil fuels and the deepening problem of drug-trafficking in West Africa.

Concluding his presentation, Carson insisted on the openness of his office to views and opinions that serve the interest and future of Africa’s growth, and promised to continue to dialogue with members of the Africanist community who are committed to progress on the continent. . He underscored the resolve of this administration to continue to pay close attention to issues affecting Africa and, in this regard, made specific references to commitments by Secretary Hillary Clinton and President Obama. Both President Obama and Secretary Clinton will be traveling to the continent in the next few months, with Obama visiting Ghana in July and Secretary Clinton attending an August AGOA meeting in Kenya.