Corruption Undermines Trust, Erodes Development

Here is a sample of what you will read in this article. "Corruption takes many forms, but bribery alone accounts for around $1 trillion annually, according to the World Bank. The bank points to corruption and fraud as significant impediments to economic and social development, weakening institutions and the rule of law." If interested, click the link and read on. It might just add a sense of the urgency that those of us who are trying to help raise awareness and therefore concrete or deliberate actions taken to end it right now.

Beijing to boost spending in Africa fund

The overriding story of the last few years has been the Chinese governments concerted efforts to woo and impress the leaders of the African continent that China means business and it will undertake that effort with no strings attached and with the flexibility to structure the relationships to the wishes and demands of the individual African country it deals with.  That has been the hallmark of the Chinese message to Africans and the leaders of the African countries.   The debate will go on the merits and of the long term implications of these arrangements on the continent and its people.  I posted this article as a basis for several posting that I will be making in the near future on this particular topic and for starting the discussions for those that are inclined or interested in  this type of discussion.  Please take a look at this article or click at the link above to go directly to the FT.

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Beijing to boost spending in Africa fund

By Tom Burgis in Johannesburg

Published: March 16 2009 18:38 | Last updated: March 16 2009 18:38

China is to pump a further $2bn into its African investment fund earlier than planned to snap up opportunities left by the hasty retreat of western investors from the continent.

Since its launch in late 2006, the China-African Development Fund has invested $400m (€309m, £286m). It expected to have spent most of its initial capital of $1bn by the end of the year, as much as two years ahead of schedule, said Chi Jianxin, fund chief executive.

Observers of China’s flourishing relationship with Africa have noted that Beijing has been known to deliver less than its prodigious promises. Indeed, anecdotal evidence suggests that recent Chinese arrivals on the continent, particularly miners, have been heading home in their droves as commodity prices plunge.

However, speaking ahead of the opening of the fund’s first representative office in Johannesburg, the commercial capital of South Africa, the continent’s biggest economy, Mr Chi said: “We are moving faster. Because other [investors from] markets are not coming, [African companies] need more money from us.”

The fund was created following the November 2006 Africa-China summit in Beijing, a landmark in China’s burgeoning political and economic relationship with a continent that is replete with the minerals it has needed to fuel its growth.

It receives all its capital from the China Development Bank, which had 2,261bn renminbi in assets at the end of 2007 and which is directly controlled by the State Council, China’s highest decision-making body.

A prospectus lists initial investments in agriculture ventures in Ethiopia, Malawi and Mozambique; a share of a $450m power station in Ghana; and Egyptian, Nigerian and Mauritian industrial zones, among other projects. Mr Chi added that the fund had also invested in Zimbabwe. The fund says the $400m it has spent so far “will drive Chinese enterprises to make investments of more than $2bn”.

From next year it would embark on a second, $2bn phase of investments, accelerating towards its goal of $5bn, Mr Chi said.

Beijing’s critics have attacked its willingness to invest heavily in countries with repressive regimes, citing close ties with Sudan and Zimbabwe. Its supporters accuse its western critics of hypocrisy, pointing to cosy relations between Washington and countries such as Equatorial Guinea, an oil producer with a poor human rights record.

The development fund’s appetite for African assets contrasts starkly with western investors, many of whom have exited as recession struck at home. In South Africa alone, foreign investors withdrew a net R54bn ($5.4bn, €4.2bn, £3.9bn) from the stock market last year, compared with net purchases worth R63bn the previous year.

Copyright The Financial Times Limited

Siemens agrees to pay $1.3B in bribery settlement

Here is an article about corporate corruption , one of the biggest engineering firms in the world admitting guilt in a long standing case of corruption in its business practices. Assistant Attorney General Matthew Friedrich stated:

"Corruption is not a victimless offense. Corruption is not a gentleman's agreement where no one gets hurt. People do get hurt. And the people who get hurt the worst are often residents of the poorest countries on the face of the earth."

This case has been prosecuted under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and is a very good example of the insidiousness of corruption and its impact throughout the world. Please read the article and make your comments about it and about the issues of corruption, fraud and mismanagement.

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FRANKFURT, Germany – Siemens AG — rocked by a series of corruption cases that has cost the company both prestige and money — agreed Monday to pay more than $1 billion in fines in Germany and the U.S. as it moved a step forward in closing a dark chapter in its history.

Munich-based Siemens agreed to pay more than $800 million in fines to settle long-standing corruption charges in the United States and another 395 million euros ($533.6 million) to European authorities. The announcements of the amounts of both fines came Monday.

Siemens, which makes products ranging from wind turbines to trams, has been embroiled in a far-reaching corruption scandal and has acknowledged making dubious payments to secure business. An investigation commissioned by Siemens found evidence of violations across the company, and in several countries.

In July, Siemens said it planned to sue two former chief executives and nine other former executives for alleged supervisory failings in the corruption scandal, which has cost the company many millions in fines and damaged its reputation.

In Washington on Monday, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon accepted guilty pleas from lawyers for the conglomerate — Germany's biggest engineering company — in federal court in Washington D.C.

Under the terms in the U.S., Siemens and three of its international subsidiaries will pay approximately $450 million to the U.S. Justice Department to settle charges of making bribes and trying to falsify corporate books from 2001 to 2007. It will pay another $350 million to settle charges from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and Germany's DAX.

U.S. prosecutors described schemes during which Siemens executives bribed foreign officials with suitcases stuffed with money and created vast slush funds to win government contracts. Though the company agreed to settle the case by paying in fines and penalties, acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Friedrich left open the possibility that the executives themselves could face future charges.

"Today's filings make clear that for its business operations overseas, bribery was nothing less than the standard operating procedure for Siemens," Friedrich said at a Justice Department news conference in Washington.

He added: "Corruption is not a victimless offense. Corruption is not a gentleman's agreement where no one gets hurt. People do get hurt. And the people who get hurt the worst are often residents of the poorest countries on the face of the earth."

Siemens said it will pay for an independent compliance monitor who will report to the Justice Department on the company's actions. Former German Finance Minister Theo Waigel will serve in that position, Siemens said in a statement.

The Justice Department called the charges against Siemens "further reaching in scope and magnitude" than any other case it had seen under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. But prosecutor Laurie Weinstein told Leon the company had cooperated with the investigation, including "helping investigate itself and unaffiliated third parties."

As part of the plea deal, Siemens will still be considered a "responsible contractor," and can still bid for government contracts.

Leon said he was "more than satisfied" with the plea agreement.

"This court believes this is a responsible and fair disposition of this case," Leon said.

In Munich, German prosecutors said they would fine the company 395 million euros for a "lack of control over its business activities," which a market regulatory filing late Monday said Siemens had accepted. Other investigations into former executives and managers in connection with the scandal continue, the announcement said.

The announcements were widely expected and Siemens announced earlier this year that it was setting aside approximately 1 billion euros to be booked in the last quarter of its September-ended 2008 fiscal year for any settlements.

The global economic downturn and the corruption scandal have both had negative effects on the company, with the shares trading at 47.15 euros, more than 55 percent of their 52-week high of 109.89 euros, set little more than a year ago.

Still, analysts said putting an end to the corruption issues surrounding the company should be good for the company. UniCredit Monday reiterated its "Buy" rating on the stock.

Obama's Victory Shames Africa

This article by Prof. George Ayittey strikes at the heart of what this blog is all about. It crystallises the dire need for a fresh and new approach to African leadership and governance. It gives a sense of urgency to the plight of nearly a billion people in Africa. Prof. Ayittey, in his own way gives clear and distinct advice to President elect Obama and his soon to be new administration and cabinet members dealing with Africa and African politics, economics and governance.

I like the following points that he (as do many Africans) feel are absolutely essential for Africa and Africans:

• An independent central bank: to assure monetary and economic stability, as well as stanch capital flight out of Africa. Witness Zimbabwe where the rate of inflation is 11 million percent - whatever that means. It even ran out of paper on which to print the currency.
• An independent judiciary -- essential for the rule of law.
• A free and independent media to ensure free flow of information. Get the media out of the hands of corrupt and incompetent governments in Africa.
• An independent Electoral Commission to ensure free and fair elections.
• An efficient and professional civil service to deliver essential social services to the people on the basis of need and not on the basis of ethnicity or political affiliation.
• The establishment of a neutral and professional armed and security forces.
  

Prof. Ayittey concludes: "Give Africans these institutions and they themselves will do the rest of the job of cleaning up the continent".

I totally concur with his statement. The only question I raise about the article is the fact that Prof. Ayittey, in the same article states that: Obama should set an example for African leaders, as Nelson Mandela did, and only serve one term. Here, I beg to differ with him. It is up to Africans and African leaders to follow the example of the Democratic rights of the American people that brought Mr. Obama to power. The process that brought Mr. Obama to power and the peaceful transfer of power that will be concluded on January 20, 2009 should be enough as an example to Africa's dictators. If they can observe and learn, that will be a miracle in itself. Overall, I enjoyed reading his article, as I am sure you will. So read on... by clicking on the link above.

Building State Capacity for Good Governance in Africa Requires a Paradigm Shift

Here is another article, reviewing the book from the World Bank, entitled, Building State Capacity in Africa: New Approaches, Emerging Lessons. It is worth reading and as it incorporates newer or recent approaches to governance are the main focus of the analysis.

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Building State Capacity for Good Governance in Africa Requires a Paradigm Shift

If Africa is to have a well-functioning public sector, there needs to be a paradigm shift in how to analyze and build state capacity. Specifically, African governments and their partners should move from a narrow focus on organizational, technocratic, and public management approaches to a broader perspective that incorporates both the political dynamics and the institutional rules of the game within which public organizations operate. This is the core message in a new book from the World Bank, Building State Capacity in Africa: New Approaches, Emerging Lessons. Launching the book in Washington, Frannie Leautier, World Bank Institute Vice President, said: "Where countries have a workable baseline of civil service capabilities and a visionary leadership, possibilities exist for a comprehensive program of capacity building. The administrative reforms in Tanzania and the extensive decentralized capacity building in Uganda are good examples.'

The book draws from the experience of a new generation of initiatives started in the 1990s in more than a dozen countries after decades of failed efforts. It provides pointers on how to align a capacity building strategy with country-specific realities, pointing to the need for a hopeful realism: recognizing that although building effective and accountable states is a centuries-long process, small beginnings can set in motion progressively more profound consequences. Some key lessons: * In reforming state institutions, get the right fit-It probably won't work unless you face the realities on the ground. Institutions that underpin systems of accountability are country specific, so that undifferentiated, "best practice," cookie-cutter approaches are doomed to failure. Any efforts to strengthen administrative and accountability systems will have to fit country-specific constitutional structures and patterns of political, social and economic interests.

* Align a capacity building strategy with country-specific realities. Building states that are both effective and accountable to their citizens is a centuries-long process. But small beginnings can set in motion progressively more profound consequences.

* If the country does not have bureaucratic and institutional capabilities, comprehensive reforms may not be the answer. It may be preferable to focus on more modest, viable initiatives, especially those for which results are observable. For example, if you can't fix the whole government, getting community schools to work may spearhead more reforms down the road.

* Public administrations operate in complex and interdependent systems of bureaucratic, political, social, and economic interests, so that approaches to building state capacity must take into account the underlying drivers of political and institutional change. These approaches complement the earlier and narrower technocratic view that problems are due to poor management and can be fixed by reorganizations, providing technical training, and installing hardware.

* In Africa, the record of reforms has been mixed. A survey of World Bank operations in twenty-one African countries showed far-reaching gains in public administrative capacity only in countries with a strongly pro-development political environment.

* Lessons from the last six years also show that the roots of corruption lie in dysfunctional state institutions. Anticorruption campaigns can play a valuable role but only when used in tandem with institutional interventions.

It is now generally agreed that poor governance and corruption are major factors that undermine a country's economic and social progress. Corruption not only stifles economic growth in society as a whole but also tends to affect the poor disproportionately by increasing the price for public services and restricting poor people's access to essential services such as water, education and health care. The editors, Brian Levy and Sahr Kpundeh note that: "We need to find a middle ground between the bipolar moods that have for decades plagued developmental theory and practice: exuberant optimism that some magic form u/a for development has been found, followed inevitably by deep disappointment over its limitations. This book describes a hopeful realism: recognizing that although only a few African countries will achieve major gains in the short term, irrespective of a country's initial circumstance, some way forward for building state capacity is there to be tapped. The book presents and analyzes recent experiences with supply side efforts to build administrative capacity (administrative reform, pay policies, budget formulation), and demand-side efforts to strengthen government accountability to citizens (role and impact of national parliaments, dedicated anti-corruption agencies, political dynamics of decentralization, education decentralization).

AllAfrica.com, Africa, Book Review by Brian Levy & Sahel Kp of Ghanaian Chronicle, 19 November 2004

Merkel Rebukes Zimbabwe's Mugabe at EU-Africa Summit (Update3)

Here is an article about telling the truth as a head of state of a well respected democratic government in the presence of some of the perpetrators of injustice and anti-democratic governance, the so called leaders of the African continent. Take a look at the article and give your comments and opinion about the entire episode. One aspect of the rebuke of Mugabe and Sudan, only reflects the obvious but it deliberately excludes other leaders that are doing the same thing in other African countries. Here is the article:

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Merkel Rebukes Zimbabwe's Mugabe at EU-Africa Summit (Update3)

By Leon Mangasarian and Mike Cohen

Dec. 8 (Bloomberg) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel rebuked Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe at an EU-Africa summit, saying ``time is of the essence'' for his country's people and upbraiding his suppression of political opposition.

``The current situation in Zimbabwe damages the image of the new Africa,'' Merkel told representatives from 80 EU and African states in a keynote speech at the meeting in Lisbon today, with Mugabe among those in the audience. ``Nothing can justify the intimidation of those holding different views and hindering freedom of the press.''

Mugabe's presence came close to wrecking the summit, the first such gathering since 2000. The Zimbabwean leader, who's banned from the 27-nation EU, received a special visa from the Portuguese government only after African leaders said they wouldn't come if he were barred. This prompted a boycott by some European leaders, including British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who says Mugabe is responsible for ``the collapse of Zimbabwe's society and economy.''

In addition to the U.K., Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Cyprus didn't send heads of state or government to the summit, according to a list of participants from the Portuguese foreign ministry.

Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt said Mugabe sat impassively during Merkel's speech in which she labeled the Zimbabwe administration, along with Belarus, Sudan and Myanmar, as ``bad government, violating human rights.''

`No Reaction'

Mugabe ``stayed in the room and I saw no reaction,'' said Reinfeldt, adding that Merkel spoke for ``all the EU'' on the issues raised.

Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, whose country holds the EU's rotating, six-month presidency, spoke of the ``serious situation in Zimbabwe'' in his opening address.

South African President Thabo Mbeki, who made Africa's keynote speech at the summit today, didn't mention Zimbabwe in the text of his remarks distributed at the meeting.

Zimbabwe is in its ninth successive year of economic recession following a land-seizure program implemented by Mugabe in 2000. The southern African nation has the world's fastest- shrinking peace-time economy and the highest inflation rate, estimated at 14,841 percent in October.

``Europe wanted this summit to end 50 years of uneasy post- colonial relations. But the meeting is attended by a leader who exploits the colonial past and uses it as an excuse for his human- rights violations and endemic corruption at home,'' Fredrik Erixon, director of the Brussels-based European Centre for International Political Economy, said in an interview.

Colonial Powers

Several EU countries are former African colonial powers including the U.K., France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy and Portugal. ``This summit is a summit of equals,'' said Socrates. ``There are no minor cultures; there are no superior civilizations.''

EU and African leaders also clashed over trade talks, with the African Union calling on its 53 member nations to resist pressure to swiftly sign accords that would oblige them to open up their markets to a wider range of goods and services.

``It's a bad approach,'' said Senegal's President Abdoulaye Wade in remarks to reporters.

Alpha Oumar Konare, chairman of the African Union commission said ``speeding up these negotiations will bring no benefits.'' He said a hasty deal might come at ``a tremendous cost to the rural African populations and to African industry.''

Trade Deals Expire

A series of preferential trade agreements between the 27- nation EU and 78 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries is due to expire at the end of the year. The EU is pressing for the adoption of new economic partnership agreements, which are often referred to as EPAs and cover trade in agricultural and industrial goods, services, investment regulations and competition policy.

European Commission President Jose Barroso defended the proposed treaties.

``They will turn our trading relationship into a healthy, diversified, development-oriented partnership,'' he told the summit. ``They are tools at the center of our common development goals.''

Aside from human rights, migration and security, EU leaders are using the two-day meeting as a bid to counter growing Chinese influence in Africa as competition for the continent's energy and mineral resources grows.

`Losing Ground'

``The EU hasn't missed the boat, but they've certainly lost a lot of ground,'' John Kotsopoulos, an Africa expert at the Brussels-based European Policy Centre research institute, said in a telephone interview.

China is providing $8 billion in loans and investment to Africa and attaches no political demands to aid -- in contrast to Europe, which often links aid to governance and human rights.

Mugabe isn't the only target of criticism at the summit. Protests are planned against human-rights abuses in Sudan's western Darfur region, where at least 200,000 people have died and 2.5 million have been turned into refugees since 2004.

To contact the reporters on this story: Leon Mangasarian in Lisbon at lmangasarian@bloomberg.net ; Mike Cohen in Lisbon at mcohen21@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: December 8, 2007 12:34 EST

Nigeria: FG Blacklists Siemens, Cancels Contract

Here is an article by Juliana Taiwo of Abuga, Pubished on December 6, 2007 on AllAfrica.Com

There is nothing as clear as day light and as being caught "red handed" as this clear cut situation of corruption in Nigeria. The article states,"Siemens was fined 201m euros ($248m) by a Munich court in October after being found guilty of paying bribes."

It takes two to tango as they say, and the partners on the African side are none other government officials, as the article states, "Siemens on its own had uncovered more than 1.3 billion euros in "suspicious payments", with Nigerian ministers or officials alone having allegedly received 10 million euros between 2001 and 2004.

Please read-on and voice your opinion about the article and the state of affairs in other African countries. The article begins here:
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The Federal Government has announced the cancellation of a contract awarded to the German engineering company, Siemens, following the bribery scandal that implicated some former government officials.

THISDAY checks revealed that this is the first step towards blacklisting the company as a result of the scandal which has created ripples since the news broke.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), which considered contracts that would strengthen the power supply and transmission of electricity generally in the country, yesterday announced the cancellation of a N128.4 million contract recently won by the German firm.

The Minister of Information and Communications, Mr. John Odey, who briefed State House correspondents in company with his Minister of State, Mr. Ibrahim Nakanda, on the outcome of the meeting, said the cancelled contract was for the supply of 14 indoor panels complete with circuit breakers for the improvement of power transmission in the country.

The FEC meeting chaired by President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua ruled that the firm, on "moral grounds," was not worthy of consideration for fresh contracts in the country in the face of the current scandal "which has seriously dented the country's image".

He said government would not enter into any further dealings with Siemens under the current situation until the investigation into the bribery allegation had been concluded and the firm exonerated.

Odey said: "The Federal Executive Council (FEC) considered a memo from the President for the improvement of power transmission and a bid for the supplies of transmission maintenance equipment which Siemens Nigeria Ltd participated and won. FEC cancelled the bid of Siemens Nigeria Ltd because of the current investigation against the company relating to corrupt practices, which are at variance with the laws, and norms of this administration.

"The Federal Government places high premium on transparency and strong emphasis on zero tolerance for corruption. You will recall that this company is undergoing investigation in Nigeria and also in Germany for corrupt practices and as a result of that we excluded them from the bid and FEC cancelled the bid they won until this investigation is concluded and they are exonerated or otherwise.

"Since this is under investigation, on moral grounds we should allow this investigation be concluded before we deal with Siemens. The contract that was supposed to be awarded to Siemens will be represented to Council since we excluded them. We did not proceed to award that particular lot that they won. The ministry will resubmit for reconsideration. They will look at other bidders for that same lot before taking a decision. They will consider new contractors excluding Siemens Nigeria."

Asked if this would affect the power generation programme in the country since Siemens and other countries were involved, he said "the programme will continue. It is only the company that is suspended for now. The programme of government is not dependent on Siemens."

Siemens was fined 201m euros ($248m) by a Munich court in October after being found guilty of paying bribes.

Siemens on its won had uncovered more than 1.3 billion euros in "suspicious payments", with Nigerian ministers or officials alone having allegedly received 10 million euros between 2001 and 2004.

The company's chairman and chief executive both resigned over the scandal.

Siemens accepted the court judgment. It also agreed to pay 179 million euros to the tax authorities.

Yesterday, FEC also awarded various contracts totalling over N3 billion for the supply of transformers with accessories and spare parts, combustion liners and switch gears among other items for the improvement of power generation and transmission in the country.

Odey said Council considered the design, manufacture and supply of transmission maintenance equipment including two number 150MVA 330/132KV power transformers with accessories and spare parts and another six number 60MVA/132/33KV power transformer in total sum of N1.4 billion in favour of two companies Pyford Engineering Services Ltd and Incomtel Nigeria Ltd with the completion period of 12 months.

"Council also considered another memo by Mr. President for the supply of combustion liners assembly for frame 9GT 18 Delta 1V at Ugeli in Sapele Power Station. This is meant to restore the unit back to service in order to improve power generation of about 100MW. Council therefore considered and approved this contract in the total sum of N77,367,95 with the completion period of six months.

"Another memo from Mr. President to boost power supply transmission was also considered. It includes four number 33 11KV power transformers and 10 sets of 11KV indoor switch gears. The purpose of this contract is to reinforce and improve electricity generation and transmission in the country following electricity power supply deterioration. The project will be funded from the internally generated revenue of PHCN. Council approved this contract in favour of Messers Achive Nigeria Ltd in the sum of N164,993,198 with the completion period of 12 months.

"Also FEC approved the supply of 10 sets of 11KV industries gears in favour of AK Electrical Ltd in the sum of N148.8 million with completion period of 12 months as well.

"Council also approved another memo for Delta Mac five control panels with spare parts for Ugheli Delta Electrical Power Business Unit in favour of Valence Holding Ltd in the sum N95.2 million with the completion period of another four months.

"Council further approved various contracts for supply of power equipments to various contractors with the list already with the ministry in a total sum of N1.8 billion, listing all various spare parts to help improve the transmission of power all over the country," he said.

Odey also said that the Federal Capital Territory Minister submitted a memo for consideration for the approval of Council for the award of contract for solar-powered street lights along outer southern express way from Ring Road one to Niger Barracks.

"Council commended his efforts for using solar power energy as an alternative energy source and encouraged other agencies of government to emulate this effort. Council approved the contract in favour of Computech Nig Ltd in the sum of N127.4 million with completion period of 20 weeks," he said.

China builds African empire

The headline reads, China builds African Empire, but that empire is being built at a cost of untold political and human rights gains being reversed by the corruption and collaboration of quasi government Chinese business enterprises as well as individuals and the reigning governments in the various African States. Please read the article by Michael Sheridan of the Sunday Times, to see the extent of their involvement and what impacts they are having on the African populace. Please make any comments that you might have on this issue and let us learn from each other.

Out of Africa

Here is another article about corruption and the elite in Africa. Please read and give your opinion about the issue.

I am back

I am back from a long absence and I am asking visitors to give any suggestions that will help in bringing more participation and more exchange of ideas on this blog. Please take a few minutes and review the Blog and give me some feedback on ways of getting more participation from the African Diaspora, from our brothers and sisters in Africa, as well as those who love and care about Africa and its people. I am all eyes and ears to hear from you all and I am prepared to make the changes that are necessary to help raise the participation level needed to raise the issues of corruption, mismanagement, fraud and their consequences on the lives of our people and our beloved continent. I hope you take a serious look at the objectives of the creation of this blog and give whatever feedback that you can.

With great sincerity,

Kebede

Africa – Up in smoke?

Here is an executive summary from the report ...

please go to the link to see the full report which is about 44 pages...

Africa – Up in smoke?
The second report from
the Working Group on Climate
Change and Development

Executive summary and recommendations
Africa – a special case for climate change

Global warming is already affecting Africa.1 The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that, “the effects of climate change are expected to be greatest in developing countries in terms of loss of life and relative effects on investment and economy.” It describes Africa, the world’s poorest region, as “the continent most vulnerable to the impacts of projected change because widespread poverty limits adaptation capabilities”.2

Small-scale farming provides most of the food produced in Africa, as well as employment for 70 per cent of working people.3 These simple facts, coupled with farming being overwhelmingly dependent on direct rainfall, mean that Africa is exceptionally vulnerable to the uncertainties and weather extremes of global warming.

But a vulnerable agricultural system is not the only problem. The continent is more exposed to the impacts of climate change than many other regions in the world.4 Its high sensitivity to climate is exacerbated by other factors such as widespread poverty, recurrent droughts and floods, an immediate daily dependence on natural resources and biodiversity, a heavy disease burden, and the numerous conflicts
that have engulfed the continent. There are further complications introduced by an unjust international trade system and the burden of unpayable debt.

All these factors call for a new model of development in which strategies to increase human resilience in the face of climate change and the stability of ecosystems are central. It calls for a new test on every policy and project, in which the key question will be, “Are you increasing or decreasing people’s vulnerability to the climate?”

Above all, the challenge calls for a new flexibility and not a one-size-fits-all, neoliberal- driven approach to development. As this Report observes, just as an investment portfolio spreads risk by including a variety of stocks and shares, so an agricultural system geared to manage the risks of changing climate requires a rich diversity of approaches in terms of what is grown, and how it is grown. But, even where the links to climate change are under-appreciated, Africa is a continent only too aware of the threat of ‘natural’ disasters and the obstacles they pose to poverty reduction. Mozambique hit world headlines at the beginning of the new Millennium when it was hit by floods on a biblical scale. Now, its Action Plan for the Reduction of Absolute Poverty 2001–2005 states: “Natural disasters… constitute an obstacle to a definitive break with certain degrees and patterns of poverty. Therefore, measures aimed at managing these risks are of the utmost importance.” More generally, the environment action plan of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) observes, “Natural disasters… cause considerable human suffering and economic damage in the continent.” And quite recently, governments agreed at the World Conference on Disaster Reduction in January 2005 that, “Disasters in Africa pose a major obstacle to the African continent’s efforts to achieve sustainable development.”5

Unfortunately, even this level of awareness is not the same as having a coherent and adequately funded approach to tackling the problem. Recently the role of developing new technology has been strongly emphasized. In particular, governments have focused on how to improve weather forecasting in Africa. There is a consensus among development groups, however, that a greater and more urgent challenge is strengthening communities from the bottom-up, and building on their own coping strategies to live with global warming. The need to give much more support to small-scale farming comes up again and again from the field experience of development groups, along with the priority for access to energy from sustainable sources.

We believe it is not necessary to wait years for more research on climate change before investing in disaster risk reduction. Governments have agreed on the need for action, and tools and methods for protecting communities from disasters are well developed. Now they need to be employed immediately in African countries and communities on a much greater scale.

At the moment, spending priorities are perverse. For every $1 spent on preparing for disaster, a further $7 is saved in the cost of recovering from it. Yet, as in the case of Mozambique, requests for resources to prepare for disasters before the great floods went seriously under-funded, leaving a huge disaster-relief bill to be paid after the floods. This Report finds that concerns about the effects of climate change on rural African societies are more than justified. Climate change is happening, and it is
affecting livelihoods that depend on the natural environment, which, in Africa, means nearly everyone. However, even without adequate support, far from being passive victims, people recognize even small changes in climate, and are taking steps to respond to them.

Executive summary and recommendations
Africa – a special case for climate change

Global warming is already affecting Africa.1 The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that, “the effects of climate change are expected to be greatest in developing countries in terms of loss of life and relative effects on investment and economy.” It describes Africa, the world’s poorest region, as “the continent most vulnerable to the impacts of projected change because widespread poverty limits adaptation capabilities”.2

Small-scale farming provides most of the food produced in Africa, as well as employment for 70 per cent of working people.3 These simple facts, coupled with farming being overwhelmingly dependent on direct rainfall, mean that Africa is exceptionally vulnerable to the uncertainties and weather extremes of global warming.

But a vulnerable agricultural system is not the only problem. The continent is more exposed to the impacts of climate change than many other regions in the world.4 Its high sensitivity to climate is exacerbated by other factors such as widespread poverty, recurrent droughts and floods, an immediate daily dependence on natural resources and biodiversity, a heavy disease burden, and the numerous conflicts
that have engulfed the continent. There are further complications introduced by an unjust international trade system and the burden of unpayable debt.

All these factors call for a new model of development in which strategies to increase human resilience in the face of climate change and the stability of ecosystems are central. It calls for a new test on every policy and project, in which the key question will be, “Are you increasing or decreasing people’s vulnerability to the climate?”

Above all, the challenge calls for a new flexibility and not a one-size-fits-all, neoliberal- driven approach to development. As this Report observes, just as an investment portfolio spreads risk by including a variety of stocks and shares, so an agricultural system geared to manage the risks of changing climate requires a rich diversity of approaches in terms of what is grown, and how it is grown. But, even where the links to climate change are under-appreciated, Africa is a continent only too aware of the threat of ‘natural’ disasters and the obstacles they pose to poverty reduction. Mozambique hit world headlines at the beginning of the
new Millennium when it was hit by floods on a biblical scale. Now, its Action Plan for the Reduction of Absolute Poverty 2001–2005 states: “Natural disasters… constitute an obstacle to a definitive break with certain degrees and patterns of poverty. Therefore, measures aimed at managing these risks are of the utmost importance.” More generally, the environment action plan of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) observes, “Natural disasters… cause considerable human suffering and economic damage in the continent.” And quite Reduction in January 2005 that, “Disasters in Africa pose a major obstacle to the African continent’s efforts to achieve sustainable development.”5

Unfortunately, even this level of awareness is not the same as having a coherent and adequately funded approach to tackling the problem. Recently the role of developing new technology has been strongly emphasized. In particular, governments have focused on how to improve weather forecasting in Africa. There is a consensus among development groups, however, that a greater and more urgent challenge is strengthening communities from the bottom-up, and building on their own coping strategies to live with global warming. The need to give much more support to small-scale farming comes up again and again from the field experience of development groups, along with the priority for access to energy from sustainable sources.

We believe it is not necessary to wait years for more research on climate change before investing in disaster risk reduction. Governments have agreed on the need for action, and tools and methods for protecting communities from disasters are well developed. Now they need to be employed immediately in African countries and communities on a much greater scale.

At the moment, spending priorities are perverse. For every $1 spent on preparing for disaster, a further $7 is saved in the cost of recovering from it. Yet, as in the case of Mozambique, requests for resources to prepare for disasters before the great floods went seriously under-funded, leaving a huge disaster-relief bill to be paid after the floods.

This Report finds that concerns about the effects of climate change on rural African societies are more than justified. Climate change is happening, and it is affecting livelihoods that depend on the natural environment, which, in Africa, means nearly everyone. However, even without adequate support, far from being passive victims, people recognize even small changes in climate, and are taking steps to respond to them.

Nigeria closes in on missing cash

"A lot of the money is believed to be in Swiss bank accounts, and Switzerland has now said it will help to send the money back". So goes the article from the BBC World Service Africa Business editor.

The article continues: "Nobody knows exactly how much money was made by these people," said Enrico Monfrini, a Swiss lawyer working for Nigeria's government to try and track down and return the missing money.

"All what we know was that $2.8bn was taken away from the Central Bank of Nigeria in cash.

"The rest of the money was made outside through commissions paid for by various international, or multinational, companies."

Imagine $2.8 bn, how many schools, clinics, miles of roads and other infrastructure could have been built to strengthen the nation, maintain the wellbeing of the people etc... This kind of crime is being committed in Africa hour by hour in every country and our people are suffering because of it. Time to rise up and question the status quo. Question the so called donors and worldwide financial institutions. See where there real desire is; is it with the people that are suffering day-in and day-out or is it with the dictators and the inept and the egomaniacs supposedly leading the people. It is time to ask those hard questions and get some answers.

Britain goes after Abacha millions

"The British High Court has given the government the go-ahead to help Nigeria trace more than $1bn allegedly looted by late dictator Sani Abacha". So goes the opening line of the article on the BBC News-Africa, this is a beginning of the realization that ruthless and blatantly corrupt African leaders should be accountable to their deeds much the same way that any ordinary thief or white collar criminals should. That is, face the legal systems of their own countries and be subject to international court proceedings. They should not be allowed to live in luxury in another country with the ill-gotten gains or money stolen from their country's treasuries, or from bribes and out and out theft. Please read the article by clicking at the link above.

African Leaders Can't Count, But People Still Know They're Lying

We have heard of the Pentagon's undeclared budget or the White house's slash funds and the like here in the US. But, in Africa and in this case, in Uganda - the military budget has a standing $ 1 million dollar allocated for dead or none-existent soldiers, some of whom were deserters and no longer serve in the army. What are the funds used for - read on to find out by clicking at the link above.

Nigerian police rearrest Abacha's son

This is real TV drama with out professional actors. The plot is money being looted from the treasury of the most populous nation in Africa. But the drama includes murder, arrest, incarceration, release and re-arest of the son of the former Nigerian ruler, Gen. Abacha. The general is accused of looting a Billion dollars from the Nigerian treasury and stashed it away in European banks. Please read on..the tragedy in Africa continues many times over... more to come..

Switzerland to give back Abacha millions

Switzerland is to give Nigeria back hundreds of millions of dollars of embezzled state funds stashed away in the country's banks by former military ruler General Sani Abacha.

Swiss banks will be ordered to return $535m under an out-of-court settlement between the Nigerian authorities and General Abacha's family and business associates, the Swiss Federal Justice Department said.

Under the deal, a total of around $1bn will be transferred to Nigeria from banks around the world, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

In return, the country's authorities have said they will drop criminal proceedings against members of the former leader's family.

Disputed funds

General Abacha, who died of an apparent heart attack in 1998, was accused of stealing some $3bn from state funds in the oil-rich country.
Under the settlement, his family will be allowed to keep $100m of the disputed cash.
These funds were acquired before General Abacha began his five-year rule in 1993 and "demonstrably do not derive from criminal acts", the statement said.

Accounts frozen

Nigeria asked Switzerland in 1999 to help uncover the financial network it suspected that Mr Abacha had established.

In response, the Swiss authorities froze around $670m in bank accounts belonging to Abacha, his son Mohammed, widow Mariam and other relatives.

Suspicious money was also discovered in Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Jersey, and Britain has found traces of around $1.3bn thought to have been handled by domestic banks for General Abacha's family and friends.

The Swiss ministry said that the funds to be repaid - currently frozen in various bank accounts abroad - would be transferred to the Bank for International Settlements in Basel.

Source: BBC

If you want to see the picture of Gen. Abacha, please click at the link at the top of the page.

Nigeria recovers 'stolen' money

Here is the beginning of a story that has many to follow. The trail of looted money is hot and some of it is being recovered to the delight of all that have been working to see these kinds of days all over Africa. Please read on...

Sorry for the long absence ......

I have been on a business trip overseas and was not able to post any articles, comments and links on the subject. I just got back on Friday and I will resume postings by Sunday.

A lot has happened over the last two to three weeks. Some of the highlights are the UN Summit and former President Clinton's roundtable on governance, poverty reduction and how the private sector can help eliminate these problems in the world. A lofty goal but in my view quite achievable if it prescribes a different approach and solutions than what has been done over the past forty years. I hope you will all join me in the discussion.

Britain urged to lift Ethiopia aid ban

Britain urged to lift Ethiopia aid ban

Britain should lift the suspension of new aid to Ethiopia, and other nations should continue to support the government despite disputed elections and political violence that has left 42 people dead, a UN envoy said today.

Martti Ahtisaari, special envoy for the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa, said as many as eight million people in Ethiopia will depend on foreign aid this year for survival.

Britain suspended STG£20 million after Ethiopian police opened fire on protesters demonstrating against suspected poll rigging. On Thursday, EU election observers said the May 15 general elections in Ethiopia did not meet international standards.

Ethiopian officials have insisted that the elections were free and fair.

The vote was seen as a key test of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's commitment to democratic reform in Ethiopia. Meles also serves on Prime Minister Tony Blair's Commission for Africa, and had been seen as a leader of reform efforts in Africa.

Ahtisaari, a former Finnish president, said the effort to help the poorest people in Ethiopia should be a separate matter from the elections.

I hope the negotiations continue,'' he said of Ethiopia's talks with Britain. Whatever has happened, humanitarian assistance should never be politicised. All those that are in need should be helped.''

Ahtisaari spent eight days in Eritrea and Ethiopia, where more than 10 million people require food aid. In Eritrea, food insecurity has left more than two thirds of the country's four million people dependent on outside help.

In Ethiopia, a $200 million a year pilot scheme has been launched to try and end chronic hunger and dependency among more than one in ten of the nation's 71 million people.

Each year, foreign nations inject $1.9 billion into Ethiopia in food and development aid, but the country remains among the poorest in the world.


Source: http://www.unison.ie 13:40 Sunday August 28th 2005


Comment: My only comment is on the last paragraph: Ethiopia receives $1.9 billion annually for food and development aid. Why do we have 10 - 14 million each year suffering from hunger. Why are they pouring money in if the government doesn't have adequate plans to feed its own people with the help that it is receiving from donors. Why are not the donors asking these questions? You know another fact- in countries like Ethiopia any aid help that comes for the hungry and the poor - governments claim they are feeding and housing the people and the recipients also are made to believe that their government is doing everything it can to feed them. In reality, it is the donors that are feeding the people and not the governments. They create dependency for control of the population and they ask the poor to support them in maintaining power. Another way that governments control people is by maintaining land ownesrhip. The government of Ethiopia owns all land and allocates it to farmers based on patronage and dolling favors for support from the people when the government needs it. Donors are aware of that as well. But, what are they doing about it? Reasonable people should ask and if they do not get reasonable answers they should investigate and act to make sure the aid is going to the people that need it the most and not to carry favors for the government's objectives. Kebede

Corruption in Africa: Western Banks Share Blame for Africa's Poverty

Dear Readers: I have been arguing on the side of the fact that we cannot continue to do business in Africa the way we have been doing over the last 40 years. This article on allafrica.com crystallizes the reason why more than anything else that I can write. It is a well written article full of facts and figures that will substantiate what I have been saying so far. It names names, gives dates and amounts of money mis-apropriated by the so called leaders of African countries. It also lays the blame on the door steps of western donors and governments, that look the other way when crimes are committed by their partners in African countries while at the same time their banks are benefiting form the inflow of capital that has been illegally, criminally being taken from the mouths of the poor in their countries.

Please read on by clicking the link above and suffer the concequesnces, more frustration, more headaches and more sleepless nights.

Who helped Zuma...

Here is one of the latest - unfolding before our eyes, corruption investigation in South Africa.

The story is former deputy president Jacob Zuma, has been accused of corruption. "Mr. Zuma will go on trial in October on two charges of corruption which emanated from the fraud and corruption conviction of his former financial adviser Schabir Shaik". So goes the report from South Africa's News 24. Please go to the link above and read he whole article. I can assure you there will be more on this one. kebede

African migration - Home, sweet home—for some

Here is a very timely article about the brain drain- a major problem, that plagues Africa more than any other region of the world. The article talks about efforts being made to reverse the trend by enticing Africans in the Diaspora to come back to their homeland. It is a worth while effort, but in my mind it does not deal with the root causes of the problem, lack of opportunities in education, lack of basic freedom, lack of basic necessities, low pay, corruption and mismanagement of resources, lack of rule of law and fairness, injustice, discrimination, ethnic or tribal governance that restricts movement from one region to another, authoritarian governments, etc.... Please click the link above and read the whole article.- Kebede

African migration Home, sweet home-for some
Aug11th 2005, From The Economist print edition

Principles To Combat Corruption In African Countries

We, Ministers and representatives of Government, the list of which is annexed hereto, having met under the auspices of the Global Coalition for Africa in Washington DC on February 23, 1999, .... So goes the statement from the Ministers and Government representatives that drew a 25 point code or principles. The irony of it is, I did not see this document and had not done any research on corruption in Africa other than what I read regularly in the news and my own experience and intuition in how things are done in developing countries. I would like others to make comments about the similarity or differences between these principles and COESA. I am just a layman, an African frustrated by the events in the continent and I was just pouring my heart out to anyone that can listen and read. As they say, "all roads lead to Rome"; I just want to see some teeth and "tough love" not only in eliminating corruption but in promoting democracy and the rule of law, which I thinks are pre-conditions to economic growth and development. Please click on the link above and read the Principles.

“Corruption Threatens Democracy”

“Corruption Threatens Democracy”

Document Actions

Corruption “threatens democracy, economic growth and the rule of law.” This is a central assertion of the Final Declaration of the IV Global Forum on Fighting Corruption approved Friday. The five-day event gathered representatives from international organizations, NGOs and government from 103 countries in Brasilia to discuss measures for fighting corruption around the world.

The document defines corruption as “a complex economic, political and social problem.” The nearly 1,800 participants reaffirmed their “commitment to the effective implementation of the international anticorruption conventions” and recognized the importance of signing and the ratifying the UN Convention against Corruption. Brazil is among the first countries to sign and ratify the Convention.

The final declaration of the IV Global Forum on Fighting Corruption urges governments to “deny safe haven to corrupt persons and entities – public or private – and their corruptly acquired assets, and to those that corrupt them.”
“The Forum has become the principal vehicle for all peoples in the struggle for dignity and against corruption,” said Minister Waldir Pires. “Brazil is prepared to support and strengthen all of the international conventions,” added.

The Minister of Public Service and Administration of South Africa, Geraldine Moleketi, announced that her country accepted the recommendation put forth by the international delegations that her country organize the 5th edition of the Global Forum, in 2007.

Civil Society

The distinguishing feature of the IV Global Forum on Fighting Corruption was the participation of civil society representatives the workshop and panel sessions. Participants applauded the Brazilian government’s decision to invite non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and academics. The event gathered almost 1,800 participants from 103 countries.

At the Forum’s closing ceremony, the Minister of Public Service and Administration of South Africa, Geraldine Moleketi, stressed that the involvement of different segments of society in the discussions will ensure faster adoption of anticorruption measures. She went on to praise the Public Lottery Oversight Program established by Brazil’s Office of Comptroller General. “The Brazilian government is not merely adopting punitive measures, but is also vigorously pursuing preventive actions,” she stated.

The Director of Global Governance at the World Bank (IBRD), Daniel Kaufmann, spoke of Brazil’s organizational capabilities in expanding the Forum beyond official government agencies and representatives. The first three editions included only government entities. “The participation of civil society and academics reflects a democratic opening in Brazil,” he declared. Mr. Kaufmann lauded the dynamism of the workshops and panels, which focused more on discussion than long speeches.

The Executive Director of Transparency Brazil, Claudio Abramo, said that the IV Global Forum on Fighting Corruption succeeded “with great competence” in gathering representatives of civil society for the first time. Mr. Abramo also underscored that the Forum addressed issues not considered in previous editions, such as corruption measurement and the limits of NGO oversight of the State.

The representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Reiner Pungs, also qualified the inclusion of civil society in the discussions as an excellent initiative. He went on to add that the Forum is an important platform for countries to learn more about the experiences of other countries. “I am certain that some of the measures adopted by Brazil will be adopted by other countries,” he concluded

Source: IV Global Forum to Fight Corruption, Brazil, June 7-10, 2005

Moroccans fight ‘crime against humanity’

Moroccans fight 'crime against humanity'
By Abderrahim El Ouali

Discover how a citizens group took action to demand the creation of a "national independent authority for truth and recovering misappropriated public funds." Please read the article by clicking on the link above. This is the type of citizens action that is required to face up to the corrupt officials in developing countries. Bravo to the Moroccans for being a very good example.

Africans among worst in 'corruption league'

Here is some more bad news regarding corruption and the African Continent. The article is entitled - Africans among worst in 'corruption league'.

Corruption 'costs Africa billions'

Here is another shocker, (maybe it is not to most of us) ...Corruption in Africa is costing the continent nearly $150bn a year, according to a new report. Please click the link above and read on....

Kenya corruption review 'blocked'

An African Union watchdog set up to monitor good governance says it has stopped work in Kenya after the government barred it from its offices.

The fact of the matter is: The African Peer Review Mechanism ( APRM) was set up by the African Union last year as a mechanism to monitor each other's progress towards political and economic reform.

Kenyan papers stung by corruption claims

Let the government be told who among its cabinet ministers and civil servants are corrupt and the figures involved. If credible, the culprits will immediately be sacked.
First Lady Lucy Kibaki in East African Standard

That is quiet a statement, but not from the president but, the first lady of Kenya. (Kebede)

Kenyan courts grind to halt

I had planned to post a video linkage for tonight. But the linkage did not work, I am trying to find a way to do that. Until then, here is another one from Kenya.

Code of Ethics for the Salvation of Africa (COESA)

Code of Ethics for the Salvation of Africa (COESA) ©2005

Donors’ Criteria for Aid

1. Commitment to a multi party democracy.
2. Commitment to fundamental human rights and the rule of law.
3. Commitment to open, transparent and accountable government.
4. Commitment to property rights and private ownership of land and resources.
5. Commitment to abolish and/or eliminate government and or party ownership of economic resources.
6. Commitment to open markets for internal and external investors.
7. Commitment to set up preemptive processes to prevent corruption.
8. Commitment to investigate any allegations of corruption and fiscal improprieties.
9. Commitment to prosecute and punish those found to be guilty of corruption.
10. Commitment of recipient countries to allow investigations by donors or their dully appointed representatives to conduct an investigation at will and/or annually and submit a report to donor countries and to make the report public.

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Recipient Country Obligations

1. Establish the basis for a multi-party democracy by allowing the formation of political parties.
2. Establish a constitution that underlines the rule of law, upholds the fundamental human rights of its citizens, and allows for property rights and private ownership of economic resources including the right to own land.
3. Establish the basis of open, transparent and accountable government.
4. Eliminate state or party ownership of businesses.
5. Establish the means and the process that allows internal and external investments.
6. Elected officials must declare their (spouses included) financial net-worth before taking office and those that are in office must do so immediately to an international body created for monitoring these obligations.
7. Establish preemptive measures to prevent corruption and to establish the mechanism to investigate corruption or allegations of corruption.
8. Prosecute corrupt individuals and make every effort to recover misappropriated funds and punish those that have been found guilty of the crime.
9. Be open and ready to allow investigators from donor nations or their duly appointed representatives to conduct such investigations at-will or at a prescribed time and receive their findings that will be made public by the donor nations.
10. To monitor donor funds and to require the establishment of the lowest possible limit for any overhead or administrative costs being deducted from the funds.

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For information contact: Kebede D Gashaw- kgashaw@gmail.com

An Open Letter to the President of The United States and the Code of Ethics for the Salvation of Africa (COESA)

Here is an open letter to the President of the United States that I sent a few weeks ago. I have also attached what I hope could be the basis of a discussion to change things around, to stop this massive corruption and pilfering of public funds and to help enhance democratic ideals and institutions in Africa. Please read the Code of Ethics for the Salvation of Africa (COESA) and let me know your thoughts, share it with others and give them an opportunity to make comments as well. Remember, with out open discussions, we cannot find solutions to our problems. Here is the letter..

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Kebede D Gashaw
9013 Old Creek Dr
Elk Grove, CA 95758-5407


Monday, July 18, 2005


President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20500
Phone: (202) 456-1414
Fax: (202) 456-2883

Dear Mr. President:

You have just returned from the G8 summit where the dire situation in Africa had been discussed and some more funds, in billions are going to be spent by the very same donors that have been spending their taxpayers’ monies in supporting tyrants, petty dictators, corrupt and undemocratic rulers. All this is being done in an effort to help address the multitude of problems faced by millions of Africans every day.

In the past forty plus years, many governments have come and gone, and billions of dollars in aid for development had poured in to help the people of Africa. By any measure or standards, those funds could not be accounted for and no major gains have been attributed to the dollars spent. As an African and an Ethiopian American residing in the United States, I along with millions of Africans in Africa and in the African Diaspora whole-heartedly believe that the continent suffers from lack of leadership, corruption and indifference to the sufferings of the people. Time and time again, the ravages of famine, malnutrition and disease continually affect the population. Aid money pours in, only to have the same persistent problems recur repeatedly. In a democracy, such as ours, problems can occur ones and immediately, mitigating factors are instituted in order to avoid a repeat of the problem. If it happens again, the individuals or officials that let it happen will face the voters and will be voted out and will be denied the opportunity not to ever repeat their malfeasances on the population. In Africa, petty dictators, autocrats, incompetent and corrupt so-called leaders are allowed to continue to plunder, pillage and subjugate their people in to oblivion by rampant diseases, malnutrition, famine and poverty.

Mr. President, the time has come to close the chapter on the petty dictators and autocrats and open a new beginning for the people of Africa. The so-called leaders should be accountable for their actions in the eyes of not only their people but of the world.

As a donor nation, the US must take the lead to demand they be accountable to their actions thus far and they must meet certain criteria developed by donors to qualify for any aid funds for development in the future. As any African in the Diaspora with thirty plus years of frustration and anxiety over the state of affairs in Africa, I have finally mustered the courage to put on paper what I feel should be given consideration: a Code of Ethics for the Salvation of Africa.

Mr. President, this code that I call, COESA for short, is shown as the attached document for your review and consideration. I hope and pray that you will consider it wholly or partially to redeem the people of Africa from the ravages of corruption, petty tyrants, autocrats and undemocratic governments by making them accountable for any development and aid funds they receive with the exception of direct humanitarian aid (food and medicine).

COESA will not only make them accountable but also will require them to commit for democratic reforms, establish the rule of law, protect human rights and allow the establishment of political parties thus establishing the basis for the creation of multi-party democracies.

There is no better time than now to take the necessary action to address Africa’s major problems – corruption and lack of leadership. There is no one individual that can address this issue and that can make a difference for over 850 million Africans than the president of the United States. You have championed the cause of liberty through out the world. Mr. president, here is the opportunity to do just that for a continent and people that have suffered so much and continue to suffer indefinitely unless this courageous and bold action is taken by the United States and other donor nations.

Respectfully,


Kebede D. Gashaw


CC: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Mr. Paul Wolfowitz, President of the World Bank Group