---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Pambazuka Editor <[email protected]> Date: Thu, Apr 19, 2012 at 7:48 PM Subject: Pambazuka News 581: Mali, BRICS and how African dictators corrupt Europe To: pambazuka-news <[email protected]>
PAMBAZUKA NEWS 581: MALI, BRICS AND HOW AFRICAN DICTATORS CORRUPT EUROPE The authoritative electronic weekly newsletter and platform for social justice in Africa Pambazuka News is delivered free to you with the support of donations from Friends of Pambazuka. KEEP PAMBAZUKA FREE AND INDEPENDENT! BECOME A FRIEND OF PAMBAZUKA NOW! http://www.pambazuka.org/en/friends.php Follow Pambazuka @pambazuka Pambazuka News (English edition): ISSN 1753-6839 CONTENTS: 1. Features, 2. Announcements, 3. Comment & analysis, 4. Advocacy & campaigns, 5. Letters & Opinions, 6. African Writers' Corner /\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\ 1 Features CRISIS IN MALI: FUNDAMENTALISM, WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND CULTURAL RESISTANCE Jessica Horn In conversation with Jessica Horn, a leading Malian women's rights activist (name supplied but withheld on request) identifies the roots of the crisis in Mali, and the opportunistic use of the crisis by Malian and international Islamic fundamentalists to gain a popular foothold in the north of the country. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/81472 ****** JIHADISM AND TUAREG NATIONALISM ARE NOT THE SAME Laurence Deschamps-Laporte The MNLA is not Jihadist. It is the main group representing the Azawad independence movement and has aims similar to those of other ethnic nationalist groups. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/81475 ****** AFRICA AND THE BRICS FORMATION What kind of development? Horace Campbell The BRICS leaders have seen concretely that there is no alternative to moving from a unipolar world to a multipolar world that is based on mutual respect and an end to hierarchies. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/81471 ****** HOW AFRICAN DICTATORS CORRUPT EUROPEAN POLITICS Michael Schmidt It is not only African presidents who are corrupted by European aid-with-strings-attached. Evidence abounds showing a secret and extensive "suitcase" system in which millions of dollars are sent by African dictators to corrupt the European political process. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/81461 ****** A 70TH BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO WALTER RODNEY Tendai Mwari As Pambazuka Press republishes 'How Europe Underdeveloped Africa' we publish a tribute to the late Walter Rodney - who was assassinated by government agents in Guyana in 1980 - tracing his life, career and continuing legacy. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/81484 ****** THE INTERNATIONAL CRISIS Opportunities and a vision from the South Yash Tandon An analysis of the relevance of concepts of 'Common Goods' and 'Common Good for Humanity' in the struggle for alternatives to neoliberal capitalism. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/81493 ****** I THUS CAUGHT THAT COLONIAL MINDSET AT WORK The misrepresentation of post-apartheid social movements Mandisi Majavu A colonial mindset still pervades some intellectual critiques of social movements in post-apartheid South Africa. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/81483 ****** FROM ANTI-WAR TO ANTI-IMPERIALISM A Black working class perspective on war and movement building Ajamu Baraka An excerpt from a presentation at the United National Anti-War Coalition national conference, 24 March 2012. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/81481 ****** AHMED BEN BELLA: 'I SPENT 24-AND-HALF YEARS IN PRISON' A candid interview with Silvia Cattori for Salem-News.com Ahmed Ben Bella, the first elected president of Algeria and one of the greatest figures of Arab nationalism died on April 11. In this wide-ranging interview, reflects on his life and offers interesting perspectives on world affairs. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/81476 ****** THE MISSING INGREDIENT IN SWEDEN'S RACIST-MISOGYNIST CAKE Shailja Patel What makes the cake episode so deeply offensive is the appropriation, by both artist and his audience, of African women's bodies and experiences, while completely excluding real African women from the discourse. It is a pornography of violence. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/81491 ****** RIO+20: TECHNOCRATS, META-INDUSTRIALS AND REAL GREEN JOBS Ariel Salleh A discourse of international governance is in the making. Yet market logic like 'carbon trading', 'geo-engineering', or 'climate smart agriculture' cannot restore broken life-support-systems in nature. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/81459 ****** UN MUST INCLUDE HUMAN RIGHTS COMPONENT TO MINURSO Malainin Lakhal Torture and other inhuman and degrading treatments, arbitrary arrest and detention, forced disappearance, the use of rape as a mean of intimidation, are current practices committed by the Moroccan authorities against Saharawi adults and children. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/81473 ****** THIS PHASE OF IGBO GENOCIDE Herbert Ekwe-Ekwe The continuing failure of the Nigerian state to protect the Igbo people from genocide demands new solutions to realise security and self-determination. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/81480 ****** KENYA: BRUTAL DEMOLITIONS LEAVE THE POOR DESTITUTE Grand Masese Residents of Nairobi's numerous slums live in constant fear of demolition of their homes. Yet there is no government plan to solve the problem of housing. The residents need to organise and demand their rights. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/81456 ****** SWAZIS VOW TO CONTINUE PRO-DEMOCRACY PROTESTS AFTER POLICE CRACKDOWN Peter Kenworthy Swaziland's democratic movement remains defiant and resolute in the face of police intimidation and brutality. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/81482 ****** GREECE'S FLOURISHING SOCIAL ECONOMY Papanikolopoulos Dimitris It appears to be one of the means Greeks use to resist poverty and unemployment imposed by the successive austerity packages. But the consequences of this social economy might be the foundation of a different society. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/81470 ****** PROMISE-BREAKING AT THE WORLD BANK Patrick Bond After the tragedy of Obama, the new World Bank president could well be a farce. It's simply a matter of considering the underlying power relations. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/81455 ****** TRAYVON MARTIN IS ALL OF US! Kali Akuno Demand Obama institute a National Plan of Action for Racial Justice to end the epidemic of Black murders. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/81495 ****** /\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\ 2 Announcements APRIL 2012 ISSUE OF THE FAHAMU REFUGEE LEGAL AID NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE The April 2012 issue of the Fahamu Refugee Legal Aid Newsletter is now available on our blog ( http://frlan.tumblr.com/ ) . In this issue: - 'We are in hell': Legal aid needed for detained asylum seekers in Romania - Legal aid battles in the Lords: a report from the United Kingdom - Country of Origin specialists: engaging at what cost? - 'Experts' in the asylum process: are good intentions good enough? - Court injunction forbids Israel from deporting South Sudanese - Update: Syrian refugees in Turkey - Syrian men barred from leaving country without military approval - More resettlement places in Europe? - Court rules conditions in Dadaab to be 'inhuman and degrading' - Canadian government to include Mexico on 'Safe Country of Origin' list - Mock trial for Europe aims to shed light on human rights - Petition: Support Refugee Action's 'Access to Justice' initiative - Petition: Campaign to save North Korean refugees in China from refoulement Also in this issue: Announcements; Country of Origin and legal news; Deportation news; Requests; Resources; Publications; Vacancies & Opportunities; Calls for papers; Conferences and courses. ****** FAHAMU SEEKS DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY - UTETEZI Fahamu Leading a dedicated team to accompany the development and implementation of campaign strategies led by progressive African social justice movements, the Utetezi Director will support innovative strategies to amplify grassroots demands and realize people-centred change. Location: Nairobi, Kenya or Dakar, Senegal. Deadline for application: May 7, 2012. For further information, please download ( http://www.fahamu.org/node/246 ) the job description and person specification. To apply, please send the duly completed application form attached to: [email protected]. ****** NEW EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, UN ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA Dr Lopes is considered an institutional development and reform specialist. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/Announce/81457 ****** /\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\ 3 Comment & analysis MANDELA: READING THE COURIER ON ROBBEN ISLAND Annar Cassam Thirty years ago, on March 31 1982, prisoner number 466/64 of Robben Island was transferred to Pollsmoor maximum security prison (Cape Town), thus ending two decades of banishment to the worst outpost of the South African penal system. During these years, The UNESCO Courier brought regularly news and ideas from the five continents to Nelson Mandela. In November 1983, The Courier published an issue on Racism with a portrait of Nelson Mandela on the cover. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/81448 ****** MALAWI: BANDA STARTS TOUGH AMIDST CRUCIAL CHALLENGES Naisola Likimani It remains to be seen whether the new president will be careful in her efforts to mend bridges with the West in order not to be seen as an unconditional supporter of the West. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/81474 ****** /\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\ 4 Advocacy & campaigns FRANCE: MOVE QUICKLY ON EQUATORIAL GUINEA WARRANT Son of president facing money laundering charges (Paris, April 12, 2012) - The French Ministry of Justice should move swiftly to issue an international arrest warrant for the son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, EG Justice, Human Rights Watch, and SHERPA said today. On April 11, 2012, judicial sources confirmed that a French public prosecutor has endorsed the request of investigating magistrates to issue a warrant for Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue ("Teodorin") over allegations of money laundering in connection with his lavish purchases in France. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/81451 ****** HUMAN RIGHTS MONITORING IN WESTERN SAHARA AND IN CAMPS IN TINDOUF, ALGERIA This is a letter Human Rights Watch sent to all 15 members of the UN Security Council on human rights monitoring in Western Sahara and in camps in Tindouf, Algeria. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/81452 ****** INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEASANT'S STRUGGLE SEES MASS MOBILISATION Small scale farmers mobilised against the corporate take over of the food chain on 17 April, reports this press release from La Via Campesina. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/81453 ****** PRESIDENT OBAMA'S GREEN LIGHT TO FTA IS A RED FLAG FOR AFRO-COLOMBIANS As President Obama seems to be ready to give a green light to Colombia for the implementation of the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement this weekend, under the guise of improvements in labour conditions and human rights, the Black Communities Process in Colombia (PCN) raises the question: what will it take for the Obama administration to understand the severity of Afro-Colombians' human rights? http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/81449 ****** RESPONSE TO FORCIBLE SEIZURE OF FREEDOM Swaziland Economic Justice Network In Swaziland intimidation and coercion by the state are a frightening reality. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/81462 ****** SUNDIATA ACOLI WINS APPEAL AND IS UP FOR PAROLE AGAIN Attorney Bruce Afran's appeal of Sundiata Acoli's ( http://www.SundiataAcoli.org ) parole-denial and 10 year hit resulted in the New Jersey Appellate Court's remand to the NJ Parole Board that its 10 year hit be cut to 2 years. It was done and Sundiata has become immediately eligible for a parole hearing again. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/81450 ****** /\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\ 5 Letters & Opinions GERMAN/FRENCH/GREECE TRIVIA GaveKal QUESTION: Who is the third biggest arms importer in the world, behind India and China? ANSWER: Greece QUESTION: If Greece had spent the EU average on defence over the past 10 years (1.7%) of GDP rather than spending 4% of GDP, how much money would it have saved? ANSWER: 52% of GDP or Euro150 billion. So why are France and Germany not demanding that Greece cuts its defence spending; a residual fear of the Turk or perhaps there is another reason...? QUESTION: In the period 2006-2010 which country was Germany's largest market for munitions? Answer: Greece, which accounted for 15% of total German arms sales. QUESTION: In the same period, what country was France's largest arms export market in Europe (third largest overall)? ANSWER: Greece QUESTION: In 2010 (last year data is available) social spending in Greece was cut by 1.8bn Euros, how much did military spending change? a) Decreased by Euro 900 million b) No change c) Increased by Euro 900million ANSWER: C ****** WORLD BANK NEEDS TO BE BETTER MANAGED Mo Ibrahim It is high time the US foregoes its sense of entitlement at the World Bank and allows a merit-based and transparent contest for the presidency to allow non-American candidates a genuine chance of winning. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/letters/81458 ****** /\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\ 6 African Writers' Corner ANCESTRAL SONG A Poem For Voices BAMILEKE: I am a Mod Ngam Man of spiders Often called a diviner. I am Bamileke Born in Cameroon Observing the Earth Spider. VOICES: He lives underground With the nature spirits Our ancestral messenger. BAMILEKE: Earth Spider takes his pick Movement of leaf and stick. VOICES (chanting): He knows the ancient ones. Earth Spider, tell us what you see; We await your diplomacy. DOGON: I am a Hogan Diagnosing for the Dogan, Sands of the Bandiagara. Come, Sand Fox There are sticks in the sand There is drought in the land. I invoke your presence; I am the Sunset Chanter. VOICES (chanting); Bandiagara Mountain of freedom For the Dogon of Mali. DOGON: Tell us Sand Fox Our precious visitor; Have we offended our ancestry? BAULE: I am called Komien Within the Baule My special pot called Gbekre. Once upon a time The mouse could speak Of that the Baule toast. Now he talks Through the movement of sticks For us in the Ivory Coast. KARANGA: I am an Nganga Throwing dice called Hakata; Made of wood Bone or seed. Between Ancestor and Karanga, I endeavour to intercede. Trusted and respected I divine, I pray; For the Karanga of Zimbabwe. VOICES (chanting): Ancestor, ancestor The Healer wants to talk with you. Whether with mice Or the use of dice Diviner wants to talk with you. ZULU: Being a Sangoma I also use bones. I am Nguni. That is the Zulu, the Xhosa The Ndebele and the Swazi. VOICES (chanting): Come with the bones, Sangoma Come as quick as you can Tell us of Unkulunkulu Are we drifting from his plan? ZULU: >From Unkulunkula I received a special duty. Having done my training, Knowing herbs and animals; I can make the sacred Muti. I was possessed I did not choose this profession. Unkulunkulu called me, Through my ancestor, To be a healer of this nation. VOICES: Blessed Babalawo It's not time for you to go. Here comes another someone With troubles in his head; I think he's sinking in the flow. YORUBA: I am Babalawo With the gift of Ifa Giving to my people the Yoruba. A gift from Olodumare Through his servant Orunmila To me, here in Nigeria. VOICES: You with great knowledge of Ifa We beg you, do not go. Her illness moves fast Her days grow slow. YORUBA: I am a busy Babalawo. ZANDE: To raise them from their woes To reach the spiritual height I use what God has given us; Divination by the termite Two branches in one termite hill. One from one tree One from another. And in their eating Knowledge begins to gather. You'll find us in the D.R.C The C.A.R. and Sudan- Those who are called the Zande. You will see us by the Congo As well as by the Nile, Praising the one called Onyame. POKOT: I am a Pokot elder >From the land of Kenya, But just like Dogon in Mali Our divination, Whether by goat or by shoe, Is performed for us by an elder The elder of the older. Shoes of he who is missing are thrown. Like the Zulu bone The Yoruba palm nut The Maasai stone. We continue to interpret the unknown. VOICES: The longer you live you get closer to the Shrine Attracted by the Crucial Flame. We get closer to Creator, Called by this and that, God of a thousand names. Bamileke: Si Dogon: Amma Baule: Nyamien Zande: Onyame Zulu: Unkulunkulu Yoruba: Oludumare Pokot: Torontot Karanga: Mwari VOICES (chanting): Ancestor, Ancestor The healer wants to talk with you. Whether by mice Or whether by dice, Diviner needs to talk with you. (c)Natty Mark Samuels, 2010 ****** MY JOB AS A POET IS TO TELL THE TRUTH Poetry Parnassus interview, with Steven J Fowler Shailja Patel 'My job as a poet is to wake myself up and take responsibility for learning the truth. That means doing hard work, looking beyond headlines, being willing to interrogate data, structures, systems.' http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/African_Writers/81469 ****** /\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\ Fahamu - Networks For Social Justice http://www.fahamu.org Pambazuka News is published by Fahamu Ltd. (c) Unless otherwise indicated, all materials published are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License. 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