ANB-BIA SUPPLEMENT

ISSUE/EDITION Nr 389 - 1/05/2000

CONTENTS | ANB-BIA HOMEPAGE | WEEKLY NEWS

Africa

Kosovo’s sad lesson

WAR

From the experiences of the Kosovo crisis, Africa is sadly drawing the conclusion that
the Great Powers will only make commitments where their own interests are at stake

The Great Powers always refute the criticism made by poor countries that, unless their own interests are at stake, they do not pay attention to those in need. However, the Media’s extensive coverage of the Kosovo crisis and the major resources used by NATO during the operation against Serbia; plus the international coalition led by the Americans against Iraq in the early 1990s, are proof enough to sustain the charge, and there are other similar situations which bear out the point in question.

One of the longest and most deadly conflicts seen by the world in nearly 25 years is that of the war in Angola. Angola is a country in flames and the world cannot forget what is taking place there — both man-made and from the forces of nature. Anti-personnel mines have been planted, people are falling ill from various diseases, the water supply is polluted, there’s famine, 80% of the roads have been destroyed, large stretches of land have been laid waste and innumerable dwellings burned to ashes. The two antagonists, Dos Santos and Savimbi manage to buy quantities of arms thanks to two principal resources: diamonds and petrol. However, these two products don’t only benefit the warring parties, but also, certain Great Powers who are all for the war continuing. For some time, now, the major oil companies have been quarrelling over the oilfields in Angola’s territory. Chevron (USA) is Angola’s main partner, with France’s Elf following on close behind. The Angolan Government has mortgaged off its petroleum products until the year 2001. Who is going to benefit from this sale of the national resources?

Of course, when one’s own interests are not threatened, then «mums the word», but when there’s danger ahead, then all hands to the pumps to safeguard one’s interests! This seems to be precisely the Great Powers’ attitude. Yet, even now, the situation within Angola doesn’t seem to be serious enough for the Great Powers to interfere and find a solution — at least that’s their attitude. What does it take to have a Kosovo-like situation in order to get international help? During the time of apartheid in South Africa, who would have reckoned on the dramatic changes which have now taken place. Wasn’t it because the international community put pressure on the government of the time in that country? So why not do the same in Congo RDC, Angola, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea?

Some of Africa’s present crisis situations

Sudan: There’s been 20 years of war between the Islamic government and the southern population. There are 4 million displaced people and 2 million dead. Ethiopia and Eritrea: The war between these two countries accounts for dozens of dead and about 700,000 displaced people. Somalia: Drought and inter-clan fighting are the order of the day. In the south there’s the prospect of famine —a grim reminder of the 300,000 victims who died from hunger in 1992 (in spite of the American organised operation «Restore Hope»). Congo-Brazzaville: In 1998-1999, civil war between the militia and government forces resulted in some 200,000 people having to flee for their lives, many falling victim to famine. And all the while, vital humanitarian aid was seized by their opponents and sold cheaply in Brazzaville’s streets and markets. Congo RDC: The on-going war is seriously upsetting the country’s economy — nearly 45% of the State’s revenue is used for war purposes, while the occupied provinces are looted by invading forces. Burundi and Rwanda: Both these countries are devastated by an ethnic war.

Sure enough, Washington has adopted a new policy — «African Crisis Initiative». Launched three years ago by the US Government, this initiative aims to help Africa take the initiative in keeping peace, rather than waiting for massive help from outside. Countries such as France and Great Britain are partners to this initiative. What is clear, however, is that the degree of understanding and help offered in a crisis situation by the international community, varies from one area to another, and from one continent to another.

Africa knows what’s going on

Already in 1996, Pascal Lissouba, former President of Congo-Brazza, had said: «African heads of state must agree on what to do when faced with the challenges of the new millennium...Africa needs to think ahead and make others aware of what action to take». Today, his words find a large acceptance throughout the continent. In fact, Africans have taken encouraging initiatives which shows they are becoming aware of present-day humanitarian problems and how to solve conflicts. During the recent Algiers Summit, they decided to tackle political and economic problems which prevent Africa’s development. Mrs Sadako Ogata, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, took part in this Summit. She expressed her satisfaction, saying: «This new attitude carries hope for Africa’s future».

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of its Convention on Refugees in Africa, the Organisation for African Unity (OAU), announced the setting up of an award for work undertaken to help refugees and people displaced by war on the African continent. This is intended to reward those countries which have, for a long time already, welcomed large numbers of refugees; countries which have maintained their own stability and thus have not created refugee problems themselves; countries which are taking positive steps to help refugees. Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire are the first to receive the award. But taking all in all, the results of those efforts are minimal when compared to the extent of the situation prevailing in Africa. Ceasefire agreements, signed here and there, are not respected; the continuous deterioration of several countries’ economic situation is causing their external debt to be steadily increasing. Conflicts of one kind or another continue to blaze up; refugees increase in number; unemployment is rising all the time; malnutrition, cholera, AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis are also constantly increasing.

The OAU, which doesn’t have much in the way of resources at the best of times, is using what little it has to settle internal or sub-regional conflicts; while democracy, Africa’s only hope seems doomed to failure.