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WEEKLY NEWS ISSUE of: 15-11-2001

PART #4/4 - From SUDAN to  ZIMBABWE

* Sudan. Talisman faces law-suit — On 8 November, a US anti-slavery group filed a $1 billion law-suit against Talisman, the Canadian oil company, alleging that its operations in Sudan have  contributed to an ethnic cleansing campaign against civilians in the south. The action suit, lead by a southern Sudanese church leader, also seeks an injunction to prevent Talisman from continuing its cooperation with the Sudanese government. A Talisman spokesman says: «We have been actively promoting respect for human rights in Sudan, and an end to the war. We are therefore disappointed in this move«. (ANB-BIA, Brussels, 9 November 2001)

* Soudan. Médiation des Etats-Unis — Le gouvernement américain est décidé à trouver des points de convergence entre le gouvernement soudanais et les rebelles sudistes du SPLA, avant l’ouverture de véritables négociations, a annoncé le 14 novembre l’envoyé spécial du président Bush au Soudan. Nommé récemment, M. John Danforth a été chargé de jouer le rôle de médiateur afin de ramener la paix au Soudan. Le 13 novembre, lors d’un entretien avec le président El Béchir, il a fait quelques propositions, notamment l’accès sans restriction de l’aide humanitaire à la région des Monts Nouba et la création de “zones de tranquillité” dans le sud pour faciliter l’assistance humanitaire. M. Danforth a affirmé que les Etats-Unis n’avaient aucun plan de paix précis et qu’ils cherchaient pour l’instant à collecter des informations sur le conflit afin d’être en mesure ensuite de proposer des solutions. (PANA, Sénégal, 14 novembre 2001)

* Sudan. US peace envoy starts mission — The new United States peace envoy to Sudan, John Danforth, has met the Sudanese President, Omar al-Beshir, at the start of his mission to try and broker a peace settlement in the country’s 18-year civil war. Sudan’s presidential peace advisor, Ghazi Salaheddin, told the French news agency AFP that, during the meeting, the president had stressed his commitment to current peace initiatives. The US envoy is in Khartoum on a four-day visit, his first since being appointed to the post by President George W. Bush in September. Sudan’s official news agency reported that Mr Danforth is also expected to meet leaders of the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Army and human rights groups. (BBC News, UK, 14 November 2001)

* Tanzania. «Compete or perish» — Tanzania has opted to make a major effort to improve her national, regional and international competitiveness, but to do this, the country must undertake to examine both its internal and external commercial conditions. The government has called on a number of international institutions to help it in this exercise. A survey conducted in 1999 discovered that corruption, among other problems, is still a major hinderance to encouraging investors. Also, conflicting policies and regulations were singled out as reasons for uncertainty and loss of investment. Despite these hurdles, economists and international financial institutions acknowledge the fact  that Tanzania has managed successfully to undertake macro-economic reforms, resulting in low inflation and economic stability. But there are other remaining areas which need further attention to bring about improved economic performance. Transport systems, communications, the lowering of the cost of doing business in Tanzania, cutting down on red tape, controlling unhelpful bureaucracy, are all mentioned as areas needing attention. (Perege Gumbo, ANB-BIA, Tanzania, 29 October 2001)

* Tanzanie. Rapatrier les réfugiés burundais — La Tanzanie a lancé un appel à l’assemblée générale des Nations unies pour l’amener à considérer comme une question prioritaire le rapatriement de plus de 800.000 réfugiés burundais qui vivent sur son territoire. Le ministre tanzanien des Affaires étrangères, M. Kikwete, a déclaré le 13 novembre à New York que le retour des réfugiés dans leur pays permettrait d’accélérer le processus de paix. A l’heure actuelle, la Tanzanie abrite, dans les régions de Kigoma et de Kigera, un demi million de réfugiés qui ont réussi à échapper aux troubles politiques au Burundi. 300.000 autres demandeurs d’asile burundais sont toujours installés dans des camps dans l’est de la Tanzanie. M. Kikwete a demandé à la communauté internationale de s’attaquer aux causes profondes de la crise des réfugiés dans la région des Grands Lacs, afin de soulager la Tanzanie de la charge que constitue l’afflux ininterrompu de ces personnes. (PANA, Sénégal, 14 novembre 2001)

* Western Sahara. Oil find, strains Western Sahara peace deal — An upsurge of interest in oil exploration off the Atlantic coast of North Africa threatens to further complicate a peace settlement in the Western Sahara. In the past year, Morocco has signed a dozen exploration or reconnaissance licences. Almost 40 licences are in operation off Morocco’s Atlantic seaboard as oil companies seek to disprove the adage that «the Ottomans stopped at Algeria and so did the oil». In May, a consortium led by Woodside of Australia struck oil offshore Mauritania, leading a junior partner to declare: «This could be like finding a new Gulf of Mexico.» A second well was disappointing but more drilling is scheduled. Between Morocco and Mauritania lies the disputed territory of Western Sahara, which is potentially rich in oil reserves. (Financial Times, UK, 14 November 2001)

* Togo. Législatives en mars 2002 — Le premier tour des élections législatives anticipées aura lieu de 10 mars 2002, a annoncé le président de la Commission électorale nationale indépendante. Il a précisé avoir obtenu du gouvernement la garantie que les décaissements et les ressources humaines seront disponibles au moment opportun. Les opérations de révision des listes électorales débuteront le 7 décembre. D’autre part, le président Eyadéma a déclaré qu’il ne pouvait intervenir  dans la libération de Me Agboyibo, le président du Comité d’action pour le renouveau, puisque l’affaire était pendante devant les tribunaux. Mais il s’est dit disposé à lui accorder la grâce présidentielle s’il en faisait la demande. (PANA, Sénégal, 13-14 novembre 2001)

* Zambia. Carter Centre in Lusaka to observe elections — In preparations to observe Zambia’s upcoming tripartite elections, the US-based Carter Democratic Institute has set up an office in Lusaka, local press reports confirmed on 7 November. The Zambia news agency said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited the institute to observe this year’s elections. Dr David Carroll, associate director of the Carter Centre Institute, said in a statement that the 2001 elections are important to the democratic development of Zambia and the Southern African region. He said the role of the Centre in Zambia’s elections would be to demonstrate the international community’s support for free and fair elections as well as provide an impartial assessment of Zambia’s electoral process. The Centre will oversee pre-election activities, including the deployment of five election volunteers across the country to observe and report on technical preparations for the vote aside from plans to deploy 25 observers throughout Zambia on elections day. (PANA, Senegal, 7 November 2001)

* Zambia. Zambia’s silver linings — Ali Zulu makes the journey across the Stanley Bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe every day. He returns with his bicycle dangerously overladen with boxes and plastic bags full of groceries and bottled drinks. Mr Zulu is one of hundreds of Zambian traders who take advantage of Zimbabwe’s falling currency to earn a living. But many more make the two-way journey from Livingstone, in the south-west corner of Zambia, on foot. Favourable exchange rates against the Zimbabwean dollar and price controls make the basic goods in the shops of Victoria Falls far cheaper than across the border. The unofficial exchange rate has fallen to Z$275 to the dollar from Z$145 in June. It touched a low of Z$350 last month. But the official rate is pegged at $55 to the dollar. The most popular trade is in bottled drinks: Coca-Cola, Fanta and Zambezi beer. Before the Zambian border post closes in the evening, a throng of women traders press for the gate with sacks of bottled drinks strapped to their backs. In the melee of taxis, trucks, cyclists and pedestrians, they make a lumbering dash past ill-tempered soldiers and immigration officials to avoid paying the small duty on their wares. Others push wheelbarrows and makeshift trolleys laden with bottles towards the waiting minibus taxis for the 10km onward journey to Livingstone. Zambian buyers have not always found themselves popular in Victoria Falls in spite of the hunger for hard currency. The Spar supermarket, the biggest in town, routinely has its shelves cleared by the traders from across the border bearing  Zambian kwacha and US dollars, leaving little for locals. According to Mr Zulu, the Zimbabwe government has introduced measures to protect local consumers in a country facing food shortages before the end of the year. The government, with the help of «war veterans», has tried to stop Zambians from buying sugar and bread. (Financial Times, UK, 8 November 2001)

* Zambie. Incursion de soldats angolais — L’ambassadeur angolais a été convoqué par les autorités de Lusaka en signe de protestation contre les incursions perpétrées le 9 novembre par des troupes gouvernementales angolaises en territoire zambien dans le district de Shangombo. L’incursion s’est soldée par la mort de 7 civils et l’enlèvement de nombreuses personnes. L’ambassadeur a promis qu’une enquête serait menée et que les responsables seraient recherchés. On est encore sans nouvelles d’une vingtaine de civils emmenés par les soldats; les autres ont été libérés et ont pu rentrer chez eux. On suppose que les militaires ont passé la frontière en poursuivant un groupe de rebelles de l’Unita et qu’ils s’en sont pris ensuite à la population locale. (Misna, Italie, 13 novembre 2001)

* Zambia. Zambians killed by Angolan troops — Seven Zambian nationals have been shot and killed, apparently by Angolan troops who abducted them on 9 November. Another 56 women and children who were abducted from the district of Shang’ombo in Zambia’s western province have been released. The Angolan soldiers crossed the border in hot pursuit of Unita rebels. Zambian police spokesperson Lemmy Kajoba confirmed the killings, saying among them is the headmaster of a local school. Mr Kajoba said two others — both men — are said to have serious gun-shot wounds, which might prove fatal. He said at least 20 Zambian men are still being held inside Angolan territory. It is not known where exactly in Angola they are being held. The Angolan troops have not yet established contact with Zambian security personnel. A few Zambians who managed to escape capture by Angolan soldiers are now slowly returning to their villages, some of which have been ransacked. This year, Angolan troops have frequently entered Zambia chasing Unita forces but on many occasions they have ended up looting property, destroying houses and stealing several herds of cattle. (BBC News, UK, 13 November 2001)

* Zambie. Observateurs payants — La Zambie a annoncé le 12 novembre que les étrangers qui veulent être observateurs aux élections à la fin de cette année, devront payer chacun 40 dollars pour obtenir leur accréditation. Les observateurs zambiens auront à payer 2,66 dollars. Une mesure fort rare. La date exacte des élections présidentielles, législatives et locales n’est pas encore connue, mais se situera probablement juste avant Noël. (D’après De Standaard, Belgique, 13 novembre 2001)

* Zimbabwe. Foreign observers banned from  elections — The Electoral Act will be amended before the end of the year to allow only civil servants to monitor the polls, a state-run newspaper reported on 7 November. In open defiance of European Union and US efforts to ensure free and fair elections, Patrick Chinamasa, the justice minister, will propose the new measure on November 20, when parliament resumes. Zanu-PF, the ruling party, has enough seats in parliament to guarantee the amendment will be passed, giving the Electoral Supervisory Commission (ESC) sole responsibility for recruiting and training election observers. Mr Chinamasa said foreign observers, or local monitors trained by foreign non-governmental organisations, could not be relied upon to be impartial. In last year’s parliamentary elections, which were marred by widespread violence and intimidation and narrowly won by Zanu-PF, 24,000 independent observers were deployed. The situation then was «undesirable», Mr Chinamasa said, «considering the fact that most NGOs are partial, foreign-funded, loyal to their funders and therefore produced monitors who were partisan». The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), the main opposition party, said the move to amend the Electoral Act «shows clearly that Zanu-PF wants to cheat» because the ESC has close links to the ruling party. (Financial Times, UK, 8 November 2001)

* Zimbabwe. Responsables du Daily News arrêtés — Le rédacteur en chef du seul quotidien indépendant à Harare, le Daily News, ainsi que le fondateur de la maison éditrice, ont été interpellés par la police à leurs domiciles le 8 novembre, sans qu’aucune raison leur soit notifiée. Ils pourraient être entendus sur un changement d’actionnariat qui, selon un article paru le 6 novembre dans le quotidien progouvernemental Herald, justifierait l’interdiction de la dernière voix dissidente dans le pays. (Le Monde, France, 9 novembre 2001)

* Zimbabwe. The «Daily News» under attack — 3 November: The Minister of State for Information and Publicity, Jonathan Moyo, orders the ejection of Mduduzi Mathuthu, a reporter with the Daily News, from a meeting in Bulawayo, after a heated argument erupted over allegations made by the minister. 6 November: Nhlahla Masukuk, chairman of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe, has accused the High Court of failing to understand the administration of airwaves in the country. 7 November: Zimbabwe’s leading independent daily newspaper, the Daily News, faces immediate closure, as the state-run Zimbabwe Investment Centre moots allegations of fraudulent activities at the Associated Newspapers Company, and the holding company that owns the daily newspaper. 8 November: The editor of the Daily News is arrested in Harare. He is charged with fraud. (ANB-BIA, Brussels, 9 November 2001)

* Zimbabwe. Vers les élections — Le 7 novembre, le gouvernement zimbabwéen a annoncé qu’il envisageait de modifier sa loi électorale en vue d’interdire la supervision du scrutin par des ONG locales et des groupes étrangers dont la plupart sont perçus comme favorables aux partis d’opposition. Selon le ministre de la Justice, la commission chargée de la supervision électorale, créée par le gouvernement, est seule responsable de la coduite des élections. D’autre part, le 8 novembre, un institut de sondage a donné une avance de 6% au chef de l’opposition, Morgan Tsvangirai, sur le président Mugabe pour l’élection présidentielle de mars 2002. - Par ailleurs, le 11 novembre, le président Mugabe a déclaré que les agents des ONG auraient interdiction de distribuer des secours humanitaires à la population. D’après les dernières estimations du PAM, les personnes souffrant de carences alimentaires sont près de 700.000 dans les zones rurales et 250.000 dans les zones urbaines. Mais le ministre de l’Information a précisé que seules les personnes chargées par le gouvernement seraient autorisées à distribuer des secours parce que “aucun étranger ne sera autorisé à errer dans le pays en interférant dans les affaires de politique intérieure”. (ANB-BIA, de sources diverses, 13 novembre 2001)

* Zimbabwe. La réforme agraire — Le 12 novembre, le ministre de la Justice a fait savoir que le Zimbabwe’s Land Act (décret qui permettra la saisie des proprétés des Blancs) avait été approuvé. Cette nouvelle mesure permettra au gouvernement d’attribuer les lots de terrain sans devoir attendre les verdicts des tribunaux appelés à gérer les controverses en cours. Le ministre a expliqué que les propriétaires recevraient la notification du gouvernement et devraient ensuite interrompre les travaux et quitter leurs habitations dans un délai de trois mois. (Ndlr.: Selon le quotidien belge De Standaard, mille fermiers blancs auraient déjà reçu cette notification). Selon l’Union des fermiers commerciaux (CFU) cette mesure est en désaccord total avec ce qui a été décidé en septembre à Abuja (Nigeria) dans le cadre du Commonwealth, où le président Mugabe s’était engagé à faire cesser les occupations des fermes et où la Grande-Bretagne avait offert d’importants financements pour indemniser les propriétaires expropriés. (Misna, Italie, 13 novembre 2001)

* Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s white farmers face eviction — Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has passed a decree, amending the country’s Land Acquisition Act so that white farmers can be forced off their land with immediate effect. The move means that farmers who have been issued with acquisition orders by the government will have to stop farming immediately and remain confined to their houses, which they will have to vacate after three months. Previously, land-acquisition orders had to pass through the  courts first, now the courts will examine cases retrospectively which correspondents say could take months. Zimbabwe’s white farmers say farming is likely to stop on almost 800 farms immediately. Zimbabwe’s economy is already in crisis, blamed largely on President Mugabe’s land-reform programme. Militants loyal to the government have occupied an estimated 1,700 white-owned farms over the last 18 months, demanding that they be redistributed to landless blacks. This, and the violence that has accompanied it, has meant that farming activities have been massively disrupted. The World Food Programme is due to begin a huge relief operation next month to feed over 500,000 Zimbabweans who face hunger or starvation. The white farmers have reacted with shock and anger to the presidential decree. (ANB-BIA, Brussels, 14 November 2001)