XENOPHOBIA IN SOUTH AFRICA: A SIGN AFRICA IS DRIVING BACKWARDS

  A foreigner burnt by xenophobic South Africans

XENOPHOBIA IN SOUTH AFRICA: A SIGN AFRICA IS DRIVING BACKWARDS

By Tim Mugerwa

Africa is stagnated but some say it’s growing!
They say Africa is rising because we’ve many shopping malls owned by foreign investors, Chinese building our roads with their own workers yet we’ve engineers. Africa is rising because developed countries found market and business opportunities in Africa which Africans couldn’t exploit and can hardly benefit from up to now.

How can we say Africa is rising when the political class can’t take its children to African schools and universities and can’t seek medical services in African hospitals! The social indicators are proving Africa isn’t rising but we insist it is rising basing on GDP compiled by self seekers.

During slave trade centuries back, Africans were forced to be slaves but today they’re willing to die in Mediterranean Sea to enslave themselves in the promised land of Europe.

They sell their belongings and withstand the unforgiving African sun at the embassies of Europe and US seeking the mighty green card and visa to become slaves.

Again two or more centuries back, whites forcibly colonized us and we resisted, today we avail ourselves to be colonized but in a disguised manner. It takes a colonized mind to take an arm and turn it against a fellow African.
Precisely we’re performing worse than we were before!

As Kenyans are busy fighting terrorism, xenophobic South Africans are busy terrorizing their fellow Africans! Where is Africa going?
We’re fighting to maintain our status of a third world continent dominated by poverty, violence and stupidity of the highest degree.

Our skins are known to be dark but our hearts are dark too, actually darker than the skin.

Why do we always have to remind ourselves of these realities?
How can we be so myopic to this level?
Where is the so called ubuntu in Africa?

We always sing of African unity but when in actual sense we mean disunity, tribalism, ethnicity, xenophobia, homophobia and civil wars. Who bewitched Africans?

It’s as if diseases have not had enough damage on us! Ebola has just plagued us as HIV is continuing to reduce us but we still find room to ruthlessly kill innocent lives. Do we really think?

The xenophobic South Africans are exempting Chinese, Brazilians and Indians who are looting the country dry and benefiting from most resources and put the blame on Africans who don’t even have access to any mine, farm or any country’s resources. I am not saying they should turn on them too but wondering why turn against innocent Africans!

Africa is at war with herself!

ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE IS MORE THAN A NEED

ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE IS MORE THAN A NEED

Basic needs are commonly known as food, shelter and clothes but did you know that as much as they are important- we can fore go them for some days? You can delay having lunch or even the three meals a day and have them the next day. Shelter is important but you can still choose to fore go it for a night and nothing happens. For clothes I do not have to tell you that some people up to now do not wear them and in the modern society they’re becoming too short to serve their purpose. But did you know that now there’s something we cannot afford to delay, compromise, or even forego? By doing so we’re condemning ourselves to grave repercussions.

Acting on Climate Change is such a necessity in the 21^st century. Our inaction is costing us lives, biodiversity, risking our economies and most importantly risking the lives of future generations. What shall we tell our descendants when they ask us where we were while the ecosystem was deteriorating? We should be able to respond that we did all in our power to save it, we should be able to show the trees we planted, point out the endangered species we saved, the wetlands and other creatures we conserved, the policies we facilitated, formulated and lobbied.

On the 23^rd of September 2014, a UN climate summit will take place in New York. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has invited world leaders, from government, finance, business and civil society to galvanize and catalyze climate action. He has requested bold announcements and actions that will reduce emissions, strengthen climate resilience and mobilize political will for a meaningful legal agreement in 2015. What an opportune moment for the summit to occur! But what does this mean for us? The UN Summit provides us with a real opportunity to add our voices and join hands to ensure that we mitigate the harmful effects of climate change.

Millions of people across the world are mobilizing to host events that are going to shape the course of history. On the 21^st of September, New York will experience the world’s biggest protest ever. Many events around the world have been staged; children, youth, adults, women and men are calling on their leaders to make eco friendly decisions and commit themselves. Individuals, groups and communities are taking bold actions to ensure their descendants inherit a healthier and safer climate. Each of us can do something to save the only planet we all call home.

The UN climate summit, people’s global mobilization and individual initiatives have one thing in common, they are all demanding action on climate change but they cannot do it alone, they need everyone’s support. The climate change crisis can be defeated if all of us stand together as one. STAND UP AND TAKE ACTION TODAY!

Tim Mugerwa

Climate Reality Leader &

President of African Youth Union

Pretoria, South Africa

Africa’s Youth Policies Are a Threat to Africa’s Future

In recent years Africa has seen rise in extremist groups, child soldiers and all sorts of armed violence. The number of young people involved in illegal business and illicit behaviour has increased. Presently the continent has the youngest population in the world but with bizarre youth policies. The policies, instead of equipping young people with practical knowledge and skills, they make them somewhat vulnerable to extremist and rebel groups.
Young people, being the continent’s majority demographic group, deserve the most attention and involvement in the political, social and economic affairs of their continent but alas, there is hardly any attention given to them. From regional bodies to national governments, the youth are not prioritised which poses a big threat to Africa’s future. The African Union Commission (AUC) has no actual or effective youth programmes and policies. Many sectors at the AUC are allocated departments but the critical sector of the youth is dwarfed as a division within the Human Resources and Science Department, and moreover, run by three officers. Imagine three officers in charge of millions of young people on a continent with over 54 nations! It is a great cause of concern, is it not?

The role and mandate of the youth division is ambiguous, not to mention that the youth it is serving are hardly aware of its existence! The Youth Division mandated a continental youth body (PYU) to manage and oversee the affairs of young people on the continent, but again, the youth are hardly aware of it except for a handful that form the National Youth Councils (NYCs). The NYC as the name suggests, is supposed to nationally bring together young people and foster national development but that’s far from what it does. Most NYCs, if not all, are composed of junior ruling party cadres from the Youth League.

Most of the youth policies from the African Youth Charter that were adopted by heads of state in Gambia in 2006, were not consultative or participatory. Many African youth policies are based on assumptions and 20th century youth experiences. They are politicized instead of being socially driven and approached. Young people only hear about their concerns during election time when politicians are promising them heaven and earth which highly raises youth expectations. The most common promise or what politicians call, a youth policy, is job creation.

Young people are promised an ocean of jobs every five years but the ocean turns out to be a teacup! Politicians and youth policy makers never think of the negative impact their empty promises and non-implemented youth policies have on the youth. After suffering consistent disappointment from leaders and watching their policies catch dust year after year on shelves, young people resort to desperate means and decisions.

It is a known fact that young people are the majority on the continent, but issues affecting them are discussed, addressed and handled by a minority of people who are not facing youth-related challenges. During regional meetings/events at AU headquarters at UN missions among others, youth are either involved in inconsequential side events or selectively picked to play a silent listening and observing role as the elders are discussing issues. In a situation where the event is purely youth-related, there is no post-event action plan. This type of arrangement leaves organisers/hosts satisfied and reports submitted. What do the youth do upon completion of such events? They also realise that they are used to create a false impression that youth interests are evenly represented and to justify budgets. During and upon completion of such events the youth go shopping, return to their countries, share memories with their families and go on with their lives. The youth they supposedly represent never get to hear anything about the events their representative attended.

There’s a big gap between the youth and their governments and also between the youth and regional bodies. Governments and regional bodies are aware of this, but they feel the youth’s interests aren’t a priority to them. Yes, on paper and during public addresses young people are among their priorities, but in action and implementation of policies that is far from the truth. Africa’s young people are like sheep without a shepherd. They’re neglected, manipulated and used as raw materials for political campaign agendas.

Young people are joining armed groups in desperation for different reasons, not because they want to, but mainly due to the confusion created by people and institutions claiming to care for them. Governments and regional bodies hardly offer anything for them but extremist and rebel groups do offer something for the youth. The youth leave where they are not wanted and go where they are welcome. Governments and regional bodies make them idle, extremist groups make them active. The African youth policies, political system, up-bottom approach are driving our youth to desperate behaviour. They increase and fuel their vulnerability.

All isn’t lost

For Africa’s future to be well forecasted, governments and regional bodies must stop turning a deaf ear and blind eye to the pleas of the continent’s majority group of people. It is almost futile for us to continue discussing and speaking regional integration of Africa and Africa’s future, whilst purposely continuing to neglect and overlook the role and involvement of young people who still have more years to live than the continent’s minority group which is at the centre of all policies.

It’s not too late to change the approach and methodology of driving the African agenda. If all Africans regardless of age, sex, religion, tribe and nationality equally work together, there is a good future for Africa. I recommend the following to be urgently taken into consideration for Africa to be more pro-people and put an end to age prejudice:

Youth policies should be driven and championed by the youth and must be consultative.
Grassroot Youth should be extended opportunities to engage at national and regional levels.
Side events and selective representation must be replaced with active participation and grassroot engagements.
Civic education must be reintroduced at all levels of society.
All young Africans in key areas such as leadership, education, business, entrepreneurship and civic engagement should receive mentorship.
Grassroots, urban and regional youth formations need to be supported.
A clear and achievable post-event action plan must always be available prior to inviting young people.
Affordable quality education for all.
Bureaucracy should be reduced or cut (the youth need clear and proper communication channels to their leaders).
The AUC must hold governments accountable.

Article by: Mr. Tim Mugerwa – President of the African Youth Union

AFRICAN LEADERS ACT NOW ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND SAVE US FROM ITS WORST IMPACTS

AFRICAN LEADERS ACT NOW ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND SAVE US FROM ITS WORST IMPACTS

,

Dear our Leaders,

It is an open secret that Africa is most severely affected by global challenges. The scourges of poverty, disease, youth unemployment, hunger and famine have framed a common narrative of the African continent as a site of catastrophe and immense human suffering. This is further exacerbated by almost barren policies on climate change and its consequences for the continent. Why are we stuck with policies that have failed our planet?

The effects of climate change are already threatening our nations. Our lovely communities, beautiful flora, fauna, cultures and families are of a great value to us and a safe climate future can help us maintain their value. Like you already know, Africa has the youngest population in the world, which puts its future at a bigger risk if climate change is not urgently addressed.

There are natural causes of climate change that we barely have anything to do about but we have the power to address human induced climate change beyond politics. Everything in Africa is at stake and requires collective action. Like we united against slave trade, colonialism and apartheid, let us also unite against climate change.

I appreciate some of the beautiful policies formulated to address climate change but implementation remains a very big challenge. Your commitment during the day looks good but its quality fades at night. We always wake up when parts of our rain forests have disappeared yet during the day you encourage us to plant trees and your policies on paper emphasize afforestation and reforestation. In many parts of Africa thick forests are now becoming extinct, and many of the individuals involved are not prosecuted. This truly makes one wonder about the interests that are entrenched in the clearing of forests and whether there is sufficient political will to challenge these interests. The key question here is: who gives license or authority to investors to clear forests and wetlands? This is absolute injustice to future generations.

In some of our countries, mining is done anywhere regardless of the impact it has on the neighboring communities. Authority of issuing mining licenses from the department of environment is being shifted to other departments to avoid meeting the criteria. Yes we need our economies to thrive but not on the expenses of our lives.

Your actions today together with the policies you formulate will determine the type of world today’s children and youth will live in. Your present is our future.

Dear leaders: climate change presents us with a watershed moment to fight for a common cause; this is a cause we can all believe in. It is the only cause that supersedes race, colour, creed, religion, nation, status, political belief or ego. This is a cause to fight for our collective survival in our beautiful continent on the only planet we all call home.

We need peace in Africa but Africa cannot be at peace with its people when climate change is displacing people and when young Africans are uncertain of their future due to the threats posed by climate change.

Please leaders, climate change is real, it also requires real policies and actions. Young African people have started uniting against climate change through different initiatives such as the AYU Green Campaign pioneered by the African Youth Union. Young people need your consent, your willingness and support to mitigate the abovementioned threats. We need you to –truly- unite against climate change.

Thank You

Tim Mugerwa

Climate Reality Leader and

President – African Youth Union (AYU)

Pretoria, South Africa

AYU 4th Annual Summit Postponed

AYU 4th Annual Summit postponed

After careful consideration of the participating countries and the summit hosts, the African Youth Union has decided to postpone the upcoming AYU 4th Annual summit from 16-17 October 2014 to 2015. This year’s theme on regional integration requires every single country to participate in the summit, but at present, this is not possible due to the Ebola outbreak and the various initiatives by states to contain the virus by limiting travel to and from West Africa. Subsequently, airline companies have also suspended their services until 2015. We have also received requests from some participants to postpone the summit sighting Ebola fears.

As you can imagine, this has not been an easy decision to take. The African Youth Union’s decision-making process was largely informed by our desire to create an inclusive platform for all to deliberate on regional integration and the role of the youth in realizing this goal. We felt that it would be contrary to our vision to exclude individuals from this amazing opportunity to develop as young African leaders. At the same time, the safety of our delegates remained at the top of our agenda. As a result, the only way we could reconcile these two main concerns was to postpone the summit in order to ensure inclusive participation and the safety of our valued young leaders.

The summit will remain in Kampala, in taking this decision, the hosts feel that the chances for a successful outcome of the 4th annual summit will be enhanced.

A new date will be announced as soon as the condition in West Africa stabilizes.

We regret the inconvenience that this decision will cause for those who have already made plans to attend the summit. A new set of invitations and acceptance letters will be sent to delegates and participants in due time.

I hope that you will be able to join us next year.

Iris Nxumalo

Summit Coordinator

African Youth Union (AYU) 4th Summit Paper 2014

AFRICAN YOUTH UNION 4^TH ANNUAL SUMMIT PAPER

 

 

 

 

THEME: REGIONAL INTEGERATION OF AFRICA AND PERSPECTIVE OF THE YOUTH

 

 

DATE: 16 & 17 OF OCTOBER 2014

 

 

SUMMIT VENUE: IMPERIAL RESORT BEACH HOTEL

 

 

HOST COUNTRY: UGANDA

 

 

CONTACT: SUMMIT@AYU.ORG.ZA

AYU 4^TH ANNUAL SUMMIT 16-17 2014, UGANDA

 

Theme: REGIONAL INTEGERATION OF AFRICA AND PERSPECTIVE OF THE YOUTH

 

1. A.     BACKGROUND

According to the African Union, about 65% of the total population of Africa are below the age of 35 years, and over 35% are between the ages of 15 and 35 years – making Africa the most youthful continent. By 2020, it is projected that out of 4 people. About 10 million young African youth arrive each year on the labor market.

The African Union envisions and strives for a political agenda and an Africa integrated on economic social, cultural and political levels: A prosperous Africa at peace with itself and its partners.

Clearly an emergent and integrated Africa can be fully realized only if its demographic advantage – “a large population of youth” is mobilized and equipped to help drive Africa’s integration, peace and development agenda. This vision emanates from the belief and conviction that a strong and accountable leadership and successful integration needs to be anchored on participation of the key segment of the population of which the Youth are an essential pillar.

Against the foregoing and in light of; the great potential, dynamism, resourcefulness, resiliency, and aspiration of African youth, the continent continues to face daunting challenges of maximizing benefits from this critical social capital by, for example, adequately investing in its growth and enrichment.

The African population is estimated to be more than 1 billion people of whom 60% are youth. The greater proportion of youth does not have the opportunity to fully develop its potential and contribute effectively to the realization of the declared Vision and the Mission of Africa’s leaders. Consequently the majority of African youth continue to face; unemployment, underemployment, lack of skills, of relevant education, access to health-related information and services including those related to diagnosis, treatment, and care of those living with HIV and above all prevention of new HIV infections.

Along with other groups such as women and the disabled, the youth bear the brunt of internal and external crisis, be it those related to financial, food and energy crises or others. In addition, many disadvantaged youth are unwittingly conscripted into armed struggles, used to settle political scores and are exposed to various negative media that erodes their positive heritage- leading them to delinquency, drug abuse, and other risky behavior. Furthermore and as is well known, most youth that migrate to foreign countries or even within the continent;  in search of greener pastures also face exploitation mistreatments; and worse.

African Youth Charter defines a youth as person between the ages of 15 and 35 years.

 

1. B.     Youth and Regional Integration of Africa

“It is not enough to speak, write and disseminate a content and planned strategy to improve the development of the African continent and its people. It is not enough to involve the youth in the process. It is important and non-negotiable to ensure meaningful participation of all segments of African citizens in the implementation of the agenda 2063”. Dr. Nkosazana Zuma, AUC Chairperson

1. C.      Uganda and Regional Integration of Africa

Youth in Uganda are the youngest population in the world, with 77% of its population being under 30 years of age.

Uganda as a Member State of the AU and committed to the African Youth Charter is working diligently to fulfill its national and regional responsibilities in achieving the regional integration of Africa.

Uganda under President Museveni has been a driving force in the past years in championing regional integration of Africa and is still key in leading Africa to its desired destination.

The debate of regional integration of Africa is mainly held at top level while; local people, and especially the youth are hardly involved in this contentious issue which will have a significant effect on their lives.

1. D.     African Youth Union (AYU) and regional integration of Africa

AYU as the only independent functional regional youth body has among its objectives to unify all youth across the continent.

We see integration as one of the major missing factors to fundamental development of Africa.

The issue of regional integration of Africa needs to be given more attention than it is getting, and it has to be representative with all age brackets being given equal importance.

Uganda’s population being the most youthful one in Africa deserves correspondingly more attention.

AYU believes that the ideals of youth are crucial in the realization of Africa’s integration.

E. Summit Objectives

        i.            To facilitate a process that strengthens effective youth participation in the decision making on regional integration of Africa.

      ii.            To facilitate effective partnerships with youth and youth organizations in the implementation of agenda 2063 and regional integration of Africa.

    iii.            To create an inclusive platform with youth that enables them to review the progress of regional integration, share ideas, experiences and innovative approaches for effectively contributing to regional integration and agenda 2063 and its implementation.

    iv.            To establish a follow- up mechanism that supports young people as partners in the process of regional integration and implementation of agenda 2063.

F. African Youth Union (AYU) process

AYU will take measures to ensure that the forthcoming AYU summit is not just a one- off event on regional integration and youth. We firmly believe that, in order, to make an impact in partnership with youth we need to invest in a youth-centered preparatory process leading to the summit and most importantly, to a commitment to a follow -up phase in partnership with young people in the process of regional integration and agenda 2063 implementation.

 The following is a brief description of the proposed three phases:

1. 1.      Youth-Centered Preparatory Processes

The preparatory campaigns will be carried out in at least 10 African countries.

It is envisaged that this process will support youth led processes in the regional integration of Africa that enable their effective participation in contributing to key sessions that will shape the road map to integration and realization of agenda 2063. It will be vital to work closely with governments, the AU, youth organizations, and other stakeholders that are supporting young women and young men to effectively engage in discussions related to the above. The preparatory process will cover various regions and work with ongoing regional processes that are shaping Africa’s regional integration.

We ask governments and key actors to join us in the preparatory process.

The main goal here is to support young people to be able partners in the regional integration of Africa so that when they participate in the summit in 2014 they are able to share their ideas, roles and contributions.

2. African Youth Union 4^th Annual Summit 2014

The summit itself will allow for joint reflection, consolidation of experiences from the preparatory processes and also act as a spring -board for strengthening the partnership with youth in the regional integration of Africa and agenda 2063.

3. Youth-Centered Follow -Up Process

Past lessons clearly show that lack of investment in follow -up can derail the work, enthusiasm and energy to reach the next significant milepost. We strongly feel the need for the commitment of all stakeholders in the follow-up phase so that youth can be supported to become effective partners in the realization of regional integration of Africa and agenda 2063.

G.  African Youth Union Commitment 

AYU is committed to undertaking the responsibility to facilitate and lead the processes prior to and after 2014, in organizing the summit in Uganda and then setting up a follow-up plan and mechanism.

AYU is willing to take the responsibility of organizing the groundwork for the regional process with regional ownership, which will enable young people to contribute to the decision making process for Africa’s regional integration.

H. Partnerships

African Youth Union would like to invite all governments in Africa, regional bodies, youth organizations and all concerned parties to this pioneering process.

We seek advice from the government of Uganda and South Africa, the AU and Youth Organizations and other stakeholders to make this a truly youth centered experience.

1. I.       Summit Participants

The summit shall be attended by at least 300 young people across Africa and 50 from the diaspora. The total number of participants including guests is expected to be 400.

1. J.      Guest of Honor

The summit will be officially opened by H.E. President Y.K. Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda.

Other guests will include; government officials from different African governments, AU officials, diplomats, senior researchers, academicians and the Advisory Council/Board of Directors of the African Youth Union.

1. K.    Summit Dates and Venue

The summit shall be held on 16 and 17 of October 2014 but will be preceded by a meeting of AYU national coordinators and the International Executive Council (IEC) on 14-15, October 2014.

The summit will also be preceded by preparatory activities in different African countries that will include: Ghana, Cameroon, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda.

The summit shall be held at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel, Entebbe Uganda.

1. L.      Sponsorship

The sponsors of the 04^th annual summit shall be displayed on our promotional summit material and publications, website and special mentions during the summit. The sponsors are welcome to provide help in the following areas:

• Sponsoring delegates who cannot afford to attend (buying them air tickets and accommodation) 
• Hosting fundraising dinners and events
• Overall event logistics

To those willing to join us in supporting our activities and sponsoring the summit:, Please contact us at: summit@ayu.org.za. You are also welcome to donate towards our organization programs.

1. M.   Why the 4^th Annual Summit a must do?

                    I.            The 4^th annual summit is going to be the first ever meeting to bring together youth across Africa and the diaspora to discuss and put in place an action plan or realizing regional integration.

                 II.            The meeting is not a “talk show” but an extraordinary meeting that is going to adopt a historic roadmap to realizing agenda 2063 and the integration of Africa by the youth of Africa.

               III.            The 4^th annual summit is not a once off event, it has pre and post action oriented activities with practical and achievable results.

              IV.            The 4^th annual summit is the first summit that shall be held after the Pretoria resolution of promoting and engaging into action oriented Pan-Africanism.

                 V.            The summit will be preceded with participatory events and activities across Africa which will include;

ü  A regional campaign in at least 12 African countries, which will include but not limited to; Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Burundi, Rwanda, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, South Africa and Uganda.

ü  Outreach program in high school, high institutions of learning and communities.

ü  Consultative meetings

ü  Seminars and workshops

ü  Multi-stakeholders’ dialogue

ü  Participatory brainstorming sessions

1. N.    African Youth Union (AYU) Mandate

The AYU is a Pan-African Youth regional organization; representing millions of youth across the continent. It has a presence in at least 30 African countries. So far, AYU is the largest youth organization on the continent and has grown tremendously in a short period of time.

It has previously hosted successful events (summits. Seminars, workshops and awareness campaigns) that have influenced policies in many African countries.

AYU is run by young people aged 18-35, but has an advisory council that is composed of senior and experienced distinguished professionals.

AYU has members across the continent. It focuses on lobbying African governments to implement the African Youth Charter, promoting entrepreneurship among African youth, mobilizing youth to be active citizens and inspiring them to restore patriotism and Pan-Africanism, defending and protecting the rights of young people especially youth involved in rights and political activism, and raising awareness about the work and roles of Pan-African institutions.

Vision

To create a continent that caters for the youth, respect all classes of people and change the attitude of young people in Africa

Mission

To transform the image of Africa through young people

 

Ghadafi’s overthrow, its impact and lessons

Ghadafi’s overthrow, impact and lessons

By Tim Mugerwa

Some pertinent questions are relevant prior to drawing conclusions:
1. What was Libya in 2011?
2. Why was the regime a problem?

Ghadafi’s regime was a thorn to west and North Africa, France in particular was monitoring Ghadafi and influenced drafting of the resolution to overthrow him.

Politically, Ghadafi was a dictator; no one would give another view other than that of the green book.

Economically and socially, Libya was Number one, health care free, housing very subsidized, each citizen had a right to housing, sovereign fund of Libya was number 5 in world, Libya oil/petrol was selling at 0.05 euro, almost free to Libyans.

Ghadafi’s problem
1. He was supporting terrorism all over the world up to Indonesia
2. Ordered the bombing of two planes of innocent people
3. Economically independent, had no debt anywhere which was seen as a threat to western survival.
4. He was very outspoken, on one occasion when him and Sarkozy were holding a press conference, Sarkozy said that he discussed issues of human rights with Ghadafi but Ghadafi challenged Sarkozy and denied such talks. Diplomatically, that was unacceptable.

Ghadafi was interested in integration, he started with Arab countries and later turned to Africa when Arabs declined his proposal.

In 2000-2010 he heavily invested in Africa but it wasn’t philanthropic.
He was liked by poor and hated by rich especially west.

Africa’s reaction to Libyan crisis

Africa wasn’t silent as the majority say, its ability to deal with crises is poor and conflicts are mishandled because of the set guidelines. AU among other guidelines to end the conflict wanted;
1. Cease fire
2. Meeting (between warring parties)
3. Elections

AU was never silent, its Plan was ridiculed and contempt by European Union, it was never considered even with little attention. It was clear that west had its ready plan.

AU was and is still perceived as a silent institution on issues affecting the continent because it has no communication plan, it only has information plans.

AU highly pays for lacking a communication plan when news is twisted as it was in the case of Libya, Western media said AU didn’t have development plans which was wrong. Although Africa is politically poor, we shouldn’t accept a dictatorship of information.

Impact
75 percent of AU’s total ordinary budget is paid by Libya, South Africa, Egypt, Algeria and Nigeria. This implies that 30% is cut off since Libya and Egypt are no longer in position of paying.
AU works in trouble but up to now no decisive measures taken to help to cover up that gap.
97% of the other budget (peace and security) is financed by EU and other donors.
The death of Ghadafi was good news to west and North Africa but a tragedy to Sub saharan Africa not because he was an angel but his desire for African renaissance.

Lessons
1. Fate of those advocating for integration, Pan-Africanism and economic independence (all of them
killed)
Africa should reflect on how to respect and protect heroes
2. Communications should be given priority (AU is inaudible), a Pan-African media house is highly needed
3. Question of balance of power
Africa is still in old mode thinking they can’t influence international politics
Africa should develop a Policy which must be made and defend but we’ve to define our interests if such a policy is to be respected.
We need to enter the power war
4. We can’t say a word is a global village yet there’s no mutual respect. Mutual respect should be the game

Conclusion
Libya is worse than it was during Ghadafi era. But the question remains:
Should we invite those who used the responsibility to protect to come and have a responsibility to
rebuild it?

My beloved Africa

Timbukutu city in Mali built a 1000 years ago.

written by Nzinga and published by Mugerwa Tim

My Africa Continent with beautiful nature, rich in natural resources, rich in wildlife and the birth place of civilisation. Africa’s land is very fertile where Chinese and others are buying or renting lands in some of African countries to cultivate their products, there is no need for Africans to be suffering from famine or lack of food. In places such as Somalia or Ethiopia we see African children dying because of famine and waiting for UN to send in food as aid. When I think about my Beloved Africa there are sometime tears dropping in my eyes just about this beautiful and rich Continent where its people are running way from Africa to look for good live in different Continents, where they are mistreated because of the colour of their skin. Without realising that Africans are the people who must build again Africa just like our ancestors did in past before slavery. I’m proud to be an African and I love Africa is the birth place of humanity. Africa is the birth place of civilisation despite lot of people doubt about it because history of world was changed to benefit a particular type of race and put down Africans. But look where’s Pyramids in Egypt, the city of Timbuktu in Mali was developed more the 1000 years ago and Tsodilo art in Botswana may date back over 2,000 years. Then how Africans managed to build Timbuktu and Pyramid if they were uncivilised or uneducated back then! The first human being on earth where Africans because the oldest human skeleton where found in Africa, that human skeleton was around two million years old. We Africans should be proud to be Africans despite at moment Africa is controlled by dictators and outsider forces but one day Africa will be free again. The Outsider forces (former Slave Masters) did understand the importance of Africa from its beautiful nature, natural resources, etc. That why we have too many Chinese to settling in Africa today their intention is no just to take out its mineral resources but also to own some part of Africa lands just like slave Masters did in past. . Why such riches Continent but its people are asking for aids from the Western governments and the Chinese. There aren’t enough housing for its people but there are plenty of empty lands in Africa, there is lack of electricity in most of African countries but there is the biggest waterfall in World Inga Falls in DR Congo, Africa that it can produce electric power that it can support all Africa and export for other Continents. There is lack of clean water to for its people to drink but there are rivers and lakes everywhere in Africa. My beloved Africa why so much suffering for its people, may be it will be much better if Africa did not have all these natural resources, it may be it will be less interference from outsiders and Africans will find out their own way again for development of Africa. Just like their ancestors built Timbuktu, Pyramids, etc. So far Africa’s natural minerals resources are nightmare for its people, it’s causing so much injustice instead it should be something Africans should benefit to improve their live. My Beloved Africa may be one day it will be free again and we Africans will have peace.

Economic Hit Men

John Perkins was an EconomicHit Man.Perkins played a leading role in a larger process of economiccolonization of Third World

by Tim Mugerwa

Economic hit men are people who work for financial institutions were created by the Western governments to control and to slave so call the ‘Third World countries’ or countries that are in economic crisis. First let look how these in financial institutions where originated and who are economic hit men.

At Bretton Woods, in New Hampshire’s White Mountains,USA, all allies of second war world met in July 1944 to plan a new financial architecture for the post war world. In this new order, trade would be progressively liberalised, but restrictions on capital movements would remain in place. Exchange rates would be fixed, as under the gold standard, but now the secure the international reserve currency would be dollar rather than gold. The two guardian “sisters” of this new order were to be established in Washington, USA. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, later (in combination with the international Development Association) Known as World Bank.

According to former World Bank President (from 2007-2012) Robert Zoellick ‘The IMF was supposed to regulate exchange rates. What became the World Bank was supposed to help rebuild countries shattered by the war.

In August 1982, Mexico declared that it would no longer be able to pay its debt. An entire continent shakes on the verge of declaring bankruptcy. Yet the days had gone when investors could confidently expect their government to send gunboat when a foreign government misbehaved. Now the role of financial policing had to be played by two unarmed bankers.

Their new watch word became ‘conditionality’: no reforms, no money. Their preferred mechanism was the structural adjustment programme. The policies the debtor countries had to adopt became known as the Washington Consensus, a wish list of ten economic policies that would have bring joy to the heart of a British imperial administrator a hundred years before. Number one was to impose fiscal discipline to reduce or eliminate deficits. The tax base was to be broadened and tax rates lowered. The market was to set interest and exchange rates. Trade was be liberalised and so crucially were capital flows.

To some critics, however, the World Bank and the IMF were no better than agents of the same old American imperialism. Any loans from the IMF or World Bank, it was claimed, would simply be used to buy American goods from American firms often arms to keep ruthless dictator or corrupt oligarchies in power. The costs of ‘structural adjustment’ would be borne by their unlucky subjects. Third World leaders who stepped out of line would soon find themselves in trouble. Therefore, there were so many Africans leaders who refused to accept deals forced on them by economic hit men, they were outcast of power.

Jaimes Roldos Aguilera President of Ecuador 1979-1981 assissanated because of disagreement with economic hit men

 

Former chief economic of the Boston based company Chas.T.Main, Inc., John Perkins claims he was employed to ensure that money lent to countries like Ecuador and Panama by the IMF and World Bank would be spent on goods supplied by US corporations. ‘Economic hit men like himself, according to Perkins, were trained to build up the America empire to create situations where as many resources as possible flow into this country, to our corporations and our governments’:

This empire, unlike any other in the history of the world, has been built primarily through economic manipulation, through cheating, through fraud, through seducing people into our way of life, through the economic hit men. My real job was giving loans to other countries, huge loans, much bigger than they could possibly repay. So we make this big loan, most of it comes back to the United States, the country is left with debt plus lots of interest, and they basically become our servants, our slaves. It’s an empire there’s no two ways about it.

According to Perkins, two Latin American Leaders Jaimes Roldos Aguilera of Ecuador and Omar Torrijos of Panama, were assassinated in 1981 for opposing what he calls ‘that fraternity of corporate, government and banking heads whose is global empire. As Bob Zoellick puts it, ‘The IMF and the World Bank lend money to countries in crisis, not countries that offer huge opportunities to corporate America.

Look IMF and World Bank when the ‘two sisters ‘were created to control the weakest countries such as the Third world countries. When Robert Mugabe refused to follow the British orders the Zimbabwean economy was destroyed but Robert Mugabe tried to fight back by printing more Zimbwabean dollars where 200 millions zimbabwean dollars is equal to 5 US dollars today.
They same thinking they are trying to strangle Iranian economy but Iran is fighting back because they understood early that the best weapon the Western government use its economic hit men to destroy you when they can’t come by force the same thing with North Korea. Look International Monetary Fund (IMF) leaders are always Europeans and World Bank are always Americans. The Africans and others they can be Secretary General of United Nation but not the leaders of two sisters.

AYU congratulatory message to President Jacob Zuma

South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma celebrates his re-election as Party President at the National Conference of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) in Bloemfontein on Dec. 18, 2012

AYU congratulatory message to President Jacob Zuma

The African Youth Union (AYU) through its President Mr. Timothy Mugerwa submitted a congratulatory message to the office of the President of South Africa and the Secretary General of ANC. The message that was signed by the union’s President read in full;

“Your excellence the President of the republic of South Africa, on behalf of African Youth Union (AYU) and on my behalf, I convey our sincere and warm congratulation to you upon your remarkable re-election as the President of the historical and oldest Party on the African continent-ANC.

The news of your overwhelming victory was received by great enthusiasm and hope among us the youths of Africa. Your great success in the last term was sufficiently evident that a re-election was inevitable. We laud you for your Pan-African campaigns that restored hope among Africans and assured us that AU can again regain its momentum.

Your efforts to bring peace on the African continent is a noble cause that we feel should be emulated by the rest of African leaders. Your selfless contributions to the people of South Africa make you a distinguished icon worth emulated by the young generations.

Your excellence you’re an African legend that we the youth can count on and we’re indeed proud of you. We ask you to continue with the African spirit and involving the youths in all programs that have an effect on them. We pledge our support towards your second term in office as you continue to bring peace and development on the African continent.

Your excellence, accept our congratulatory message once again. May the almighty God guide and bless you as continue to serve.”