On Friday, September 17, 2010, The Africa Society attended Congressman Payne’s 40th Annual Brain Trust entitled “Africa: Forging Ahead.” The conference focused on current challenges to peace, security, human rights, justice and economic development in Africa. These included barriers to development such as access to clean water, food and education, lack of suitable infrastructure, and gender inequalities, as well as current conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia. Although the conference addressed sobering challenges to development the tone was positive and hopeful for future success.
Featured speakers of the conference cited numerous reports which showed promising results of foreign aid and investment on the continent. These reports will be further outlined and made accessible on this blog in the near future. Speakers encouraged the involvement of Africanists in evolving the general conception of Africa as a continent of conflict, poverty and despair to one that is diverse, dynamic, and progressive. In order for continued success on the continent, speakers emphasized the necessity of educating Americans about the progress that has occurred so that a positive outlook for the future may be obtained.
The conference concluded with a moving speech delivered by the President of Southern Sudan, Salva Kiir. President Kiir brought light to unique challenges of conflict in Africa, including the involvement of government and police in committing violent human rights abuses, and the silencing of victims and lack of accountability or justice. President Kiir thanked the American people and asked for continued support as his government anticipates a referendum for the independence of the Southern Sudanese in January 2011.
MORE INFORMATION
Prepared Remarks by USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah - The Truths About Africa: http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2010/sp100917.html
Prepared Remarks by MCC Senior Advisor Cassandra Butts: http://allafrica.com/stories/201009180004.html
A news report (video and article) from France 24 on the January 2011 referendum for Southern independence in Sudan: http://www.france24.com/en/20100423-2010-04-23-1010-wb-en-reporters-south-sudan-darfur
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What sources do you generally derive your conception of Africa from? How might you determine the quality of information you are receiving?
2. What do you think is a good resource for keeping up to date on African issues? Do you have access to these resources?
3. Do you consider development in Africa to be more positive or negative? How did you come to your conclusion?
4. What do you think about the referendum for the independence of Southern Sudan? Do you think it will be carried out fairly and peacefully? What could/should the US do to ensure this?
