Is Africa playing victim at the Climate talks in Copenhagen?

A resolution drafted this fall by the African Union (AU) staged a united front to deliver a loud and clear message at the recent climate talks in Copenhagen. The argument emanates from the premise that Africa has contributed less to the green house gas emissions, yet is scarred by the effects of global warming. Droughts, floods and rising sea levels have bedeviled the continent causing wide-spread hunger, disease and loss of life. The price tag in the resolution was $65 billion a year—to buy the signature of the combative and controversial Meles Zenawi representing the 52 members of the AU. These events could have even inspired the great author, Charles Dickens whose young protagonists Oliver Twist stood before his master and asked—'Please, sir, I want some more.' Africa once again begging, with Meles Zenawi playing Oliver Twist.
 

It is always disheartening when events of such global significance highlight our vulnerability as a continent. Demands by the developing countries to use the Kyoto protocol as the corner stone for climate change fell on deaf ears. The Sarcozy-Zenawi Copenhagen Accord angered many--citing lack of commitment from the developed world to set strong targets for cutting emission and sufficient compensation for the developing countries. Further negotiations involving Meles Zenawi slicing the compensation threshold has left more frustrated. It has been a tense week to say the least—but surprising nonetheless is the notion that compensation for the developing countries has been center stage of this debate rather than addressing the forces propelling global warming. 


Is this our new Trump card? Why is Africa continuing to cherish the 'Oliver Twist' moment? As a continent we need to start showing seriousness in purpose and action that matches the realities of our struggles. Global warming has certainly affected Africa and though we are not the biggest polluters we need a more aggressive and thoughtful approach. Cash compensation will not solve our long-term problems simply because we have a history of having hollow pockets. Frankly speaking, this is not free cash—it comes at a profound cost— diminishing our voice and freedom of choice. It is critical to remember that nations on the path of development gradually ascend higher on the ladder of energy consumption and pollution. As we strive to industrialize our nations, jump start our economies— and accommodate rapid population growth, our energy demands and emissions will only continue to soar. We will certainly remain rooted at the bottom of the pit, as the billions offered end up in the pockets of corrupt officials-- leaving us with only slippery walls to climb.


African nations and leadership need to get serious if they intend to be taken seriously. We need to start asking the tough questions. Scientists in the field of global warming have stated that the course we are on is irreversible. We can only slow down the train. The 45% reduction in emission many are trying to implement for the developed nations—which will realistically never be attained tells the whole story. Have you thought about the other 55%? In other wards we are still continuing to pollute the globe and the only choice left is asking for a deadline extension. Therefore, we ought to ask our leaders—what they plan to do in the meantime for our people after the Copenhagen talks. Will this be another conference we forget about—and five years later wonder--what happened to the billions we were offered? There has been plenty of talk about Africa suffering most from the effects of global warming—a point I alluded to earlier. Do we really think the developed world owes us anything for global warming? Why can't we for once sit down and figure out how we can prepare our nations for disasters. Developed countries such as United States and Japan are situated in areas prone to disasters—such as earth quakes, Tsunamis and Tornados which historically wiped out populations. These nations invest heavily in disaster awareness schemes and infrastructure to minimize damage and death toll. What have we done lately in Africa to address droughts, famine, disease, flooding and overall disaster awareness? 


The recent show down in Copenhagen confirmed my belief that Africa at the moment has not made any initiative to chip in. We continue to play victim and beg rather than contribute through innovation, research and creativity. Africans need to start baking their own bread—and stop feeding off the crumbs. 'A man cannot ride your back unless it is bent'-- MLK. Africa appeared in Copenhagen for the climate talks with a bent back—and now we are angered because the developing countries continue to ride on our backs. 'Whenever men and women straighten their back, they are going somewhere' -- MLK.  When are we going to straighten our backs Africa?


© Kawuma

Time for Africa to talk Sex and Sexuality

Sex has always been a taboo word in Africa—and most of us were raised in families where sex and sexuality was a self taught subject. It has been stated that you can only take a horse to the river; you cannot force it to drink. In this case many of us were told the river never existed and once we stumbled on it, we hardly knew how to drink like a Tiger. HIV/AIDS was a reality check—simply put, it was similar to the American Indians being wiped out by infectious diseases after contact with Europeans. There immune system was not equipped with the antibodies to stem off the foreign pathogens and neither was African society equipped with the straight talk needed to create awareness and impede the spread of HIV/AIDS. The list of shame includes leaders such as Mbeki who denied the existence of AIDS and his fellow country man Jacob Zuma-- while being tried on charges of raping an HIV-positive family friend mentioned in his testimony that he took a shower after sex to lower the risk of AIDS.

Four years ago, I wrote an article about the need for Africans to tackle our last Taboo—of openly talking about sex. This was following events in which the Uganda Media Council banned a women's group from featuring the Play entitled 'Vagina Monologues'— on grounds that the play promoted illegal, unnatural sexual acts, homosexuality and prostitution. Once again Uganda is in the news for the wrong reasons and drawing worldwide criticism for proposed legislation to impose a death penalty for gay Ugandans—and up to seven years in jail for family and friends for failing to report individuals who display gay-like behavior. As an African, I feel concerned about the state of human rights and the incompetence of the leadership hierarchy. However, it is not a surprise because whenever you see the symptoms, there is likely a disease. Uganda's President Museveni has targeted the gay community with tough rhetoric over the years. In some of his speeches, he continues to urge youth to reject advances from Europe, suggesting that 'European homosexuals' had launched a recruitment drive in Africa. With the crusade of politicians and church clergy openly critical of homosexuality, it was only a matter of time before the rhetoric turned into legislation.

Is this a Ugandan problem, an African problem or even a global problem? It is no secret that other corners of Africa have had their own clashes with the gay community. Male-male sex is already a criminal offense in over 31 Sub-Saharan countries. In Senegal nine gay members of an HIV awareness group received a nine year sentence for indecent conduct and unnatural acts earlier this year—a sentence which was later over-turned. In Botswana gay activities are punishable up to 7 years, in Kenya sex between men is punishable by up to 14 years. The debate has centered on the notion that the 'African family' is under threat and also the idea that God created man and woman for a purpose or as President Museveni argues against homosexuality—'it was clear that is not how God arranged things to be.' Some scholars have suggested that there is another force behind this quagmire. The United States evangelical Christian right has been accused of exporting the sexuality battles to Africa—notably Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya. Africa is viewed as ideologically a favorable ground by the Christian right as well as the benefit of having financial ties to these ministries and political access to the leadership hierarchy.

As Africans we have to overcome some of the traditional loopholes that continue to hold us tightly in the shackles-- slowing down our progress as a civil society. It is true that homophobia is on large scale in Africa. In fact daring to introduce a same sex partner to one's family in Africa is a recipe for disaster-- one would be considered either crazy or an outcast. Growing up in such a society guaranteed most of us a rude awakening –the day we trudged onto western soil. It would be foolhardy to suggest that western society openly embraces gay people. In fact in every election cycle in America there is a battle—not to the extent of a death penalty but with a similar course of argument. Gay right activists in America continue to challenge bans on same sex marriage—and though public opinion is gradually changing in support of gay rights, the legislative battles are still too steep to overcome. It is disheartening to hear Africa's leaders spearhead hate speech. This turn of events is unacceptable and a gross infringement of human rights. As a society we need to seek out of our cultures and religion the values that propel our society to prosperity and not the norms that oppress the rights of the minority. Society in the past centuries openly oppressed women and blacks-- and the lessons learnt from such evil times should be used to avoid repeating the same historical sins of man.

Progress in Africa has for a long time been hampered by the failure of our politicians to break free from religious and cultural dogma. It is quintessential that we separate church and cultural taboos from our politics. The current popular religions are foreign to our lands and have in fact accounted for significant bloodshed and turmoil following the independence of African states. Religion is not necessarily a bad thing—but leadership should not impose or use their religious beliefs as grounds for excluding and oppressing minorities. Similarly, our traditional beliefs and cultural practices continue to face the test of time—and practices such as female circumcision in some ethnic groups have been abolished when it became clear that they were harmful. We cannot continue to live in the past. Society continues to change rapidly and our culture has to adapt to new challenges. African leadership should be the force guiding our politics out of cultural and religious captivity. Legislation against gays in Uganda and similar policies around the continent of Africa is another case of denial that the river indeed does not exist. HIV/AIDS caught us by surprise—and has over the last decade ravaged families and claimed millions of lives. Openly talking about sex and sexuality and developing a framework to create harmony between our religious and traditional values--from the grassroots of African families all the way to the leadership hierarchy is not only choice we have to make but a necessity.

© Kawuma

Why can't we Africans get along?

The term "tribe" generates controversy among African scholars. Some have called it a western brand name for 'savage' and 'primitive'--making my task more daunting to decipher the recent trend of sporadic but highly violent inter-(tribal) conflicts. Knowing that African history is a complex maze to unravel, I will not dwell on the definitions. History will not do us any favors, but shaping the present builds a path for a better future. It is imperative that Africans take a deep breath and weed out the root causes of the bloody conflicts we have endured in the last decade. Word on the street has branded these conflicts 'tribal war fare'-- the Rwandan genocide—Tutsi vs. Hutu, the Kenyan post election violence – Luo vs. Kikuyu and the Baganda vs. Ugandan government. These events are a reminder that much as society in Africa is on a path of inter-cultural integration, there are still deeply rooted hostilities among our ethnic groups. 


Why do we continue to have inter-ethnic violence in Africa? To uncover the origins of most conflicts in the world today, always follow the money trail. For the case of Arica, if we intend to weed out the catalyst for ethnic violence, I suggest examining wealth control—and the waves of economic forces operating within our society. Remember, wealth and power go hand-in-hand. It is evident historically that 'land' was a key asset for many African ethnic groups—just like the successful empires in the West. Wars were waged to conquer new territories and expand influence over new societies. The land battles still prevail in numerous African countries today-- with some ethnic groups demanding land that had been stripped away. The Buganda kingdom in Uganda is currently in a fierce battle with the central government over land ownership. To understand why we are having uprisings with ethnic ties, it is important to analyze the power dynamics. 


If you scout the streets in many of our nations, you will hear whispers of a particular leader diverting wealth to his tribes-men. Africa's leadership hierarchy has often been accused of plundering the national resources to benefit sections of the population and hence dominating, exploiting and discriminating against other ethnic groups. Allegations could be true or false depending on which country in Africa you come from, but at the heart of the recent conflicts, there strong elements of revenge or attempts to attack a group (ethnicity) of people perceived to be dominant. This phenomenon offers some explanation to the mayhem ensuing elections in some corners of Africa—after failing to topple the status quo. In fact the majority of wars in Africa have been fought because a particular group or ethnicity feels excluded from power. When the ballot fails to get the job done, many resort to the bullet and machetes.


To eliminate elements of ethnic rivalry we need to have a paradigm shift in the fabric of our economic, political and social setup. Western countries have been known for providing equal opportunity for every citizen to climb the ladder of progress. These societies have been engineered to reward excellence rather than privilege. The perception among the masses in Africa is that the African dream for a long-time continues to be tied to one's ethnic group. Hence the phrase that "You have to know somebody to be somebody." Everyone wants a piece of the pie for their own people and feather their nests. The lack of separation between our political institutions and ethnicity/religion continues to account for our failed democracies. It is not rare in some corners of Africa to have appointed ministers and candidates for leadership positions coming from the same ethnic group—indeed this phenomenon accounts for the desire and tendency for some to hold onto power at all costs. 


In order to reverse this trend and curb the cycle of ethnic tensions, we need to deconstruct and reverse our historical ties to tribalism, spatial divisions and objectification. A melting pot society which is equitable and just is the key to enabling each citizen to live up to their full potential. It is evident and worth noting that many Africans continue to derive their identity from the rich traditions, values, cultures and norms of their tribes. However, Africa's prosperity urgently needs a society that rises beyond the divisiveness and ethnic tensions that continue to derail the growth of our nation states—it is time for us to start getting along.

© Kawuma

Why is the International Criminal Court (ICC) only focusing on Africa?

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has recently been under-fire for indicting mostly Africans and turning a blind eye to the rest of the world. Critical analysis of the list of culprits has led pundits to propose changing the name from ICC to ACC (African Criminal Court). The recent push by ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo to weed out the suspects of the post-election violence in Kenya has only added fuel to the fire. The ICC was established in 2002 with the goal of prosecuting individuals that have accounted for inexcusable blood-shed through war crimes and genocide. I used the term 'inexcusable' because when it comes to Nations in the western world, these victims are usually referred to as elements of collateral damage. Investigation by the ICC has recently focused on war-crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Northern Uganda, Darfur, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR).

                                                


The following list includes individuals that have been indicted by the ICC—some are deceased but are still due for a court date. Joseph Kony (Uganda), Vincent Otti (deceased, Uganda), Raska Lukwiya (deceased, Uganda), Okot Odhiambo (Uganda), Dominic Ongwen (Uganda), Thomas Lubanga (DRC), Bosco Ntanda (DRC), Ahmed Haroun (Darfur), Ali Kushayb (Darfur), Germain Katanga (DRC), Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui (DRC), Jean-Pierre Bemba (CAR), Bahr Idriss Garda (Darfur), Omar Al-Bashir (Darfur). It is peculiar that in spite of crimes against humanity that have been committed in the Middle-East and South America—the list of warrants entirely focuses on Africa. There is no doubt that all 14 of the above culprits deserve prosecution and a severe penalty but the fact that the ICC received over 2000 cases and chose to dismiss many on grounds of-- lack of jurisdiction-has left many flabbergasted. 


The ICC has had its critics in Africa since the collapse of the peace talks between the Ugandan government and Joseph Kony--leader of the Lord's resistance Army (LRA). Kony and the LRA have caused mayhem in northern Uganda since 1987 with thousands killed, tortured, mutilated, abducted, enslaved and raped. Museveni referred the LRA debacle to the ICC for investigation after failing to achieve a military solution. Ironically, after making some progress with a unilateral ceasefire and peace talks in Juba in 2006, it was the arrest warrant issued by the ICC that was a stumbling block--ending any hope of a peaceful solution. Talks have been ongoing since 2006 but the rebels continue to refuse signing the final-peace treaty due to the confusion surrounding the handling of the war crimes prosecution and setting the bar high with un-attainable demands. This has led many to argue that the ICC has been interfering with Africa's efforts to bring peace in the region.


Tension between the ICC and the Kenyan government further highlights the on-going differences between the ICC and Africa's leadership hierarchy. President Kibaki and Raila Odinga appear to be at loggerheads with the initiative by the ICC to assume responsibility of the culprits responsible for the post-election violence that claimed numerous lives. Pundits have argued that Kenya should be allowed to conduct the investigations and set up their own tribunals—but the ICC prosecutor has questioned the intentions of the Kenyan government and wants justice to be served before the coming elections. This aggressive approach by the ICC has left some questioning the credibility of the court—that ignored similar post election violence in Iran. "Are some animals more equal than others?" The indictment of the incumbent-- President Omar Al-Bashir of Sudan has left others fearful that this might be another case of derailing ongoing peace talks in Sudan.


I have been a critic of the United Nations for a long-time—particularly the continued tendency to ignore the atrocities committed by the powerful nations. But when it comes to genocide and crimes against humanity, I find it inexcusable no matter the scenario— this is not the time for Africa to start waving the flag of victimization. Though the African Union (AU) has argued that "justice should be pursued in a way that does not impede or jeopardize efforts aimed at promoting lasting peace," we are yet to see any path of lasting peace laid out by the AU. Violence, chaos, piracy and bloodshed continue to plague Eastern Africa and the ICC cannot be blamed for all of our failures. Africa has thirsted for economic investment, medical supplies, and access to health care, food and shelter for her population. We have always desired to be on top of the list of well wishers—and when it comes to holding our leaders accountable; the standards should not be changed. This is not a "misuse of indictment against African leaders" as some have claimed. This is justice-- and no one is above the law—unless you are bigger than the ICC!

© Kawuma

‘African Time’ killing Africa

                                                         

                                                                  
The phrase "African time" is often used to describe the cultural deficiency in time perception and relaxed attitude of Africans towards time. This phenomenon is so widespread and acceptable---to the extent that lateness by an African requires no explanation. This adage can potentially be upgraded from a stereotype to an innate trait. Some have argued that it's not only an African concept---other cultures exhibit similar characteristics. Colored people's time (CPT) in the United States refers to a similar trend among people of color. If you have been around folks from Jamaica, Trinidad and South America, you might as well add them to the band-wagon. However, if I were to create a ranking with a scale of 1 to 10 with 'one' referring to least likely to be late and 'ten' most likely to be late, Africans could be ranked at eleven. 


Analyzing this topic does not require intensive research, as an African you could reflect on your own life experiences and daily tendencies. In my language, the terminologies for time 'describe the event' rather than the 'particular time' the events occur. Some of the words we use include: 'ku makya' (morning), 'mu ttuntu' (midday heat), 'akawungeezi' (evening), 'ekkiro' or 'ettumbi' (night). If you were to dig deeper into the linguistics—you could analyze 'time related word' usage in any African language and the results could be similar. "Before sunrise we always let the cattle out of the kraal--when the sun is high in the sky, the cattle graze by the river and by sunset all the milking is done before darkness arrives." Unlike that generalized assessment of time in African culture, the western view of time is more specific and linear in nature. The events of the day follow a timetable or schedule--breaking down the day in smaller blocks. On my first trip to Europe I was amazed by the punctuality of the public transport system. If you are a minute or even a few seconds late, you will most likely have to wait for the next one. Flash-back to the scene at the taxi-park in Africa—the taxi or bus only leaves after every seat is occupied. It could be minutes or even hours-- such a system makes the day very un-predictable and highlights the differences in our time management.


The statement that 'time is money' leaves no mystery why any society or culture with a relaxed attitude towards time—is still rooted at the bottom of the ladder of economic progress. Time management is a key aspect of organizing, prioritizing and in the context of economic advancement, a critical ingredient in maximizing productivity. The western countries and recently the Asian block excel at time management and are currently the highest achievers in many facets of life ranging from public service, economic prosperity, health-care, education and sports. Companies that function exceptionally well have a foundation based on maximizing productivity from their employees-- and in most western countries, work is paid by the hour. Africa's economy is hurting from the culture of 'getting the job done whenever it is finished' rather than setting a 'standard time it should take to complete a task.' For instance if I were to ask how long it would take to get a passport in a western country, you might have a specific answer of 7 to 14 business days. However, if I were to ask any African how long it would take to get a passport issued in their country, very few will have a rough estimate—hence the phrase 'it gets done, whenever it gets done.'


It is always a great danger to group people in one basket and promote the ongoing stereotypes about our people and continent. My intention is not to brand every African wired and consistently predictable for lack of time management. There Africans who master the art of punctuality and likewise westerners who exhibit the 'African time' symptoms. However, many will agree that the notion of African time is a statistically significant phenomenon. In order to compete at the highest level with the western world, whether in sports or economic progress, we need to grasp the concept of time. If we continue to cherish the notion of "African time", we can only further reinforce the stereotypes that brand our people as lazy and irresponsible. As Thomas Edison once said, 'Time is really the only capital that any human being has, and the only thing he can't afford to lose.' Africa's great grand parents never had the clock and used the sun to tell time—our generation has the clock and should listen to the tick-tack of the clock-arm to prevent 'African time' from killing Africa.

©Kawuma

Kawum-advice

                                                                       

Is it reasonable to break up Sudan into smaller countries as a solution to the current crisis?

Africa has a long history of bloodshed as a result of tribal and religious conflicts. Society has continued to expand and integration is prevalent in many corners of Africa. Homogeneous communities are history—however, there still regions populated by a majority of a particular tribe or religion. As Africans from different tribal and religious groups continue to migrate into metropolitan and economically prosperous regions—a melting point society has emerged. It would therefore be setting a dangerous precedent to separate Africa's largest nation as a result of religious differences. This might set off a chain of similar conflicts and demands in other nations. It could also undermine the notion of cultural and religious tolerance. Therefore we should focus our efforts on conflict resolution through a message of unity.

© Kawuma

Kawum-advice

                                                                    

It is genuine to ask what is hurting Africa the most—'AIDS' or Foreign 'aid'? Africa is at the cross-roads where self-sustenance or 'sustainable development' is critical for economic progress. Foreign aid has created a culture of dependence, starved the continent of the spirit of creativity, entrepreneurship and inventiveness needed to navigate out of the maze of poverty. AIDS continues to kill millions in Sub-Saharan Africa just as foreign aid has over a long-time killed the economies and kept numerous African Nations trapped in the cycle of poverty. "Necessity is the mother of invention', but once you are guaranteed to be spoon-fed when cash-stricken, it eliminates the necessity and urgency which drives societies to jump-start new ideas to remain on the ladder of progress. Africa is a vehicle that often runs out of gas on the long journey towards prosperity. However, the developed world continues to tow Africa to the destination whenever the 'gas light' is on empty. Africa should be given the opportunity to step out of the driver's seat and walk to the gas station.

© Kawuma

Africa gets yet another credit card with a $ 10 billion spending limit?

                                                                 

A theoretical war of volcanic proportion on 'fiscal responsibility' continues to rage between the liberal and conservative movements in the United States. Government spending has become a talking point for many politicians and hence the popular phrase of 'leaving our children and grand children in debt.' Developed nations especially with the current economic slump have struggled to balance their checkbooks, with projected expenditures far exceeding their revenues. As national deficits continue to pile-up and recessions continue to shake up the global markets---it is more critical than ever for African countries to consider balancing their books. Our economies rely heavily on foreign aid, direct investment, remittances and subsidized loans most of which come from developed nations. African countries are trapped in a cycle of dependence likely to send our economies in turmoil once the foreign aid check is terminated.

There appears to be a wave of excitement in Africa following Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao unveiling a new Visa Platinum card---- with a credit line of $10 billion. African finance ministers are already salivating at the no hassle enticing rewards with low interest rates and fees –offering additional spending power for the already indebted nations. This signals another step in the expansion of China's role in Africa—and it is no surprise that most items you will find in Africa have 'made in China' inscribed on the back. Though I believe that Africa has a lot to benefit from the large market offered by China, expansion of our national debt through additional foreign loans is digging our own grave. Foreign aid has been one of the significant barriers of economic growth in Africa. The notion that the continent continues to pile up debt with nothing to show for it—due to corruption, mismanagement and poor leadership calls for fiscal responsibility and a change in strategy.

Africa has to devise a new development plan—following the example of the Asian tigers as well as emerging economies like Brazil. A market-driven economy offers a more realistic path for development rather than simply putting bills in the hands of African governments. Sustainable development can only be achieved through open markets, better terms of trade and micro-finance. It is no secret that African nations pay millions to service foreign debt—over $20 billion per year, a large price tag for a continent still struggling to educate the youth and provide sufficient health-care. It is foolhardy for our governments to continue seeking aid in spite of the deleterious consequences. The public perception that foreign aid is free ought to be quashed—it is our duty as Africans to start holding our leadership accountable. The time has come for serious fiscal responsibility from African nations—and turning down the attractive $10 billion credit line from the Chinese would be a good start.

© Kawuma Daniel Busuulwa