Effective Methods of Encouraging Aid

David Brewster

November 30, 2012

Effective Methods of Encouraging Aid

            In July 2011, The Economist wrote an article explaining the growing importance of financial aid to the Horn of Africa for hunger relief. Citing the recent famine that has plagued the region, the author makes the lasting statement that, “Long-term investment could have made villages and towns more resilient” (The Economist 2011). However, is this really a lasting statement of fact, or is it simply an emotionally charged beg letter for aid? In reality, as CNN.com highlighted in the same time, “There are ways you can help” (Angley 2011). By highlighting agencies and their direct impacts in the region, CNN.com effectively shows the ways in which individuals in first world countries can send money directly to agencies with direct impact.

            Both articles send attempts at pathos with their opening stories of emaciated children and their stories of hunger however, the difference between the two highlights the most important aspect of aid encouragement. The Economist article opens with, “Bloated bellies with stick arms and legs; huge eyes staring out of skeletal heads; gaunt mothers trying to suckle babies on withered breasts” (The Economist 2011). While images like this may appeal to the senses, it is also clear that it fails to directly call people to action because of uncertainty. Sure, we feel bad about these stories however we aren’t directly called into immediate action because our stations are flooded with too many of the same things. What makes the CNN.com article more profound and efficient is its direct reference to agencies and their immediate effects.

            The opening of CNN.com’s article opens with the statement, “Twelve million people are facing a hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa, and they are in desperate need of help” (Angley 2011). This statement is a more direct claim, without as much of the attempt at emotional begging. However, in a world in which information is transferred with unbelievable efficiency and speed, individuals need more certainty than raw numbers in order to call themselves into action. This is where the CNN.com article is more efficient than The Economist article. Angley states, “Save the Children is feeding underweight children, providing life-saving medical treatment, and getting clean water to remote communities in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia” (Angley 2011). She then goes on to state exactly how to donate, and where the donation goes. This process is repeated for other organizations.

            Appeals for aid in situations of extreme circumstance need to be addressed in the proper way. Information feeds are inundated with stories and emotional appeals in order to encourage help. However, where The Economist article falls short is its failure to explain the direct ways in which aid will be used. People feel more comfort in the convenience of knowing how to give aid, and where the aid will go. For this reason, the CNN.com article is clearly more effective at encouraging participation in aid for the famine crisis of 2011.

Angley, Natalie. "East Africa: How you can help."CNN.com. 18 2011: n. page. Web. 30 Nov. 2012. <http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/07/20/iyw.howtohelp.somalia.famine/index.html>.

"Once more unto the abyss." The Economist. 7 2011: n. page. Web. 30 Nov. 2012. <http://www.economist.com/node/18929467?zid=301&ah=e8eb01e57f7c9b43a3c864613973b57f>.

A New Frame: The Bright Continent

In an interview on TED Radio Hour for NPR, Ugandan journalist Andrew Mwenda shares his intelligent criticisms of foreign aid outlook towards Africa and how it perpetuates the notion of Africa as a hopeless continent.

Central to Mwenda’s argument is the way Africa is viewed, specifically by the G8, the eight powerhouse countries that provide the majority of aid to Africa. The common view is one of pity. Africa is too quickly deemed as unstable and needy, rarely a marketable prospect for foreign investment. Yet according to Mwenda, foreign investment that seeks out economic opportunities rather than being derailed by humanitarian issues is the key to building up the continent. Too often outside attention is troubled by Africa’s big problems like Malaria and HIV/AIDS, overlooking chances to invest in resource rich economies. While these are admittedly pressing issues, Mwenda’s underlying counter argument is that these big problems can solve themselves when the economic strength of African states and their people are improved. Simply put, African countries must be framed in a different context: “From a challenge of despair to a challenge of hope.”

Africa can be seen as a place full of diverse potential: resources, young minds, stock, etc. Problems need to become opportunities i.e. taking a lack of electricity as an opportunity for sustainable energy (wind, biofuel) to be invested in urban areas and other locations that have the demand for that market.

Mwenda desires the creation of wealth in Africa, but wealth as a function of income, and not an offshoot of aid. For instance, providing schools and education for African youth won’t help them if there are no jobs available when they come of age but giving scholarships for African students to study abroad can lead them towards international careers that help put Africa on the map of the global economy. Yet despite the inevitability of international interaction, Mwenda wants most for African countries to focus on their local playing fields. Governments that have lost interest in the productivity of their citizens do not benefit from foreign aid that continues to draw their attention outwards. “Governments’ fiscal survival must depend on the productivity of their citizens.” Allowing that foreign investment improves local economic prospects, government will be persuaded to care about the productivity of their people.

Aid also lacks accountability and easily ends up in the pockets of corrupt bureaucrats. Yet this builds up to another conundrum of exaggerated views of corruption in Africa, which becomes a deterrent to investment. Mwenda argues that corruption is decreasing due to easier access to foreign exchange that was previously only accessible through bribes. To avoid corruption, new forms of aid should avoid connections between local and international politicians.

The discussion concludes with media representations of Africa. Not only have negative portrayals of Africa affected an attitude of pity among Westerners and other donors, they are also perceived by Africans themselves, creating a warped reality of their own lives. This negative media simultaneously disables parties inside and outside the region. This compliments Michael’s urging of these blog posts to also consider positive cases in Africa among so many negative cases. It is imperative of us as higher educated people to speculate on both ends of the spectrum and perhaps empower ourselves with the optimism that Mwenda deems necessary to improving conditions on his continent. I chose this article because it takes into account the intelligent perspective of an actual African, rather than so many distant Western sources, but also because it shares a radical way of viewing the “Dark Continent” as not necessarily so dark.

Here is the whole interview with Andrew Mwenda:

Oil Troubles In Angola

My article is about oil production in Angola. Angola is an incredibly resource rich country that has seen huge GDP growth in the last decade. This is largely due to oil reserves, which account for 90% of Angola’s revenue. Luanda, Angola’s capital has developed beautiful buildings and skyscrapers and offers expensive luxuries. However, right next to the capital city there are miles of slums that are home to citizens who make less than $2 a day. Most of Angola is impoverished and ordinary citizens do not share any of the benefits of oil production. This raises the question of where the oil money goes. Sonangol, Angola’s state oil company has many of its oil deals confidentially, making it difficult to know where the profit goes. Sonangol’s executive manager stated that the company produces billions of dollars worth of oil a year and a large amount of the profits are used to develop Angola. However, Human Rights Watch has noted that tens of billions of dollars had never made it to Angola’s central bank. This oil money has disappeared and Angola’s elite are getting richer. Still, Angola’s government claims that there is no corruption in their oil industry.

I chose this article because I believe it is a strong example of a country experiencing the resource curse. As more oil is discovered in Angola, greater instability and corruption is present. Different rebel groups will fight over resources, which brings conflict and violence. With billions of dollars disappearing, corruption will only grow stronger as the elite get richer. This also makes it difficult for countries to give foreign aid to Angola because the aid funding is likely to end up in corrupt hands and never reach the citizens. I think that policymakers should demand that Angola’s oil companies and government be more transparent. If the government claims there is no corruption, there should not be a problem with letting the international community see Angola’s affairs. If the government refuses, sanctions should be put on Angola until they become more transparent or until oil profits benefit the citizens directly.

Article: http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/28/business/angola-oil-revenues/index.html?hpt=iaf_t4

Kenyan Floods threaten farmers

Recent heavy rains in Kenya have created flash floods that have affected rice farmers throughout significant regions of Kenya. These farmers have lost much of their crops and threatens the neat future of these regions local economies along with possible food shortages. Many of the farmers affected were harvesting rice, Kenya’s third staple after maize and wheat. The annual production of Kenya’s rice farmers is estimated at nearly 50,000 tons per year. This only accounts for nearly one seventh of Kenya’s consumption level of rice. This means that Kenya will have to rely on even further imports from countries like Pakistan as nearly 2,000 farmers have lost their entire batch of crops due to the floods. I chose to pick this issue because due to these flash floods and the massive loss of crops, Kenya will have an uphill battle in order to cope with these losses. Kenya is a highly agricultural state and with its third largest staple being knocked out, it will put serious strains on the government. 

Natural disasters come in different forms and sizes. As United States citizens we hear about domestic disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy that ravaged our coastlines, along with the Tsunami that hit southeast asia and left billions in damages. What we dont hear about is disasters like what has happened in Kenya. Although not nearly as large or as devastating, it has severely damaged certain populations and the ability for the country to feed its own people. When a country does not have the basic necessities to feed its own population this can lead to even more discontent and a possible lead to violence. Especially in Kenya, where since the corrupt presidential election of 2007, there have been tensions. Although Kenya has since worked to implement a new constitution and state of peace, when a highly important resource like that of the rice cultivation takes a massive hit, it could intern lead to some unrest. 

Along with the huge loss of agricultural production, the floods have also created major health risks among the Kenyan population. This is because of the pit latrines which also got swept away which could lead to a major outbreak of waterborne diseases. Kenyans have no choice but to continue to drink the water that has now been tainted with the latrines as it is their only source of water. Kenyan Leonard Kwama stated, “We continue using this water but I know people will get sick after some time.” This is a real problem that if not addressed sooner rather than later will break out into disease for a significant and important part of the Kenyan population. 

The Kenyan government must step in to help salvage this area and population. The agrictultural sector is vital to the Kenyan economy and without it or continual displacement to families and crops in the area the economy will suffer. If this happens food shortages are also likely as Kenya must already import a significant amount of its food. The Kenyan government should also put in resources that would mitigate the damages that future flash floods will do. They can put in oxbows and canals which they previously tried, but were abandoned after farmers asked for compensation as they would have to be placed on their farms. However, because these areas are so vital to Kenya they should do it and pay the compensation to the farmers as it will needed if flash floods continue to affect the area in future years. Farmers have also stated the faultiness to the flood warning system, as many times when these warnings are issued nothing occurs. If the warnings became more accurate they could be better prepared. Finally there are also ways to build flood proof storage facilities that farmers can keep their harvest in safely. If the government brought people in and taught the farmers how to construct these buildings it would save millions of dollars when the next flood occurs. 

However, the most important thing right now is for the government to act now to help the displaced farmers. These floods have not only cost the local economies in the area, but also the health of citizens in the area. If the government does not step in they not only risk food shortages throughout the country, but also the risk of waterborne diseases to be contracted. In a country that has just put in a new constitution and according to freedom house is between a 3 and 4 in levels of civil liberties, political rights, and freedom rating, it would be smart for the government to intervene and help this portion of the population if they want continual peace and stability. If food shortages become evident and the emergence of a new waterborne disease/s then protest and possible violence are likely. 

http://www.ihavenet.com/World-Africa-Kenya_Kenyan-Rice-Farmers-Lose-Harvest-to-Floods.html

http://www.freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2012/kenya

Terrorist Organization Strikes Again in East Africa

Somali terrorist group Al-Shabaab is reemerging in conflict in the southern part of the country. After being ousted from Mogadishu, the capital city, Somalia along with members of the international community believed that the group’s threat would begin to diminish. On the contrary, Al-Shabaab struck again in small town named Bula-Hawa near the Kenyan border. The attack killed dozens of people and it showed that the presence of Al-Shabaab will continue to cause problems. Since they were defeated in Mogadishu, the terrorists have relocated to a northern region of Somalia, Puntland.

One of the reasons I chose this topic is because it is interesting how the problem has spread to another country. Somalia’s problems have had a history of spilling over into Ethiopia, Djibouti, and even Kenya. But what makes this situation different is that Al-Shabaab is now also targeting non-Somali Kenyan citizens. The situation poses the question will Kenya be forced to have an aggressive approach to AL-Shabaab if their own citizens face a direct threat? As Kenya “is increasingly becoming unsafe,” they will have to step up their fight against terrorism. Kenya will most likely become increasingly involved with the Somali terrorist group over time.

Another reason I chose this topic is related to themes we have been discussing in class. In the bigger picture, Somalia faces yet another setback. Despite reports of the country becoming increasingly stable, it will never achieve the peace it desires so long as Al-Shabaab is present. It is crucial for the Somali transitional government to make it a priority to defeat the radical terrorist group. Removing Al-Shabaab’s power will pave the way for stability and this may lead to an increase of foreign aid. Even though Somali has received countless forms of international humanitarian aid in the last few years due to the famine and drought, the country still needs help from the international community for development. The international community will not contribute foreign direct investment to a country that is continually unstable. Somalia must successfully contain Al-Shabaab, with or without Kenyan involvement, in order to grow in the future.

Examiner, November 25, 2012
http://www.examiner.com/article/al-shabaab-launches-terrorist-attack-on-somali-border-town

Daily Nation, November 19, 2012
http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Letters/Attacks-should-make-Kenyans-more-determined/-/440806/1624422/-/14perqkz/-/index.html

The Telegraph, November 27, 2012
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/al-qaeda/9706696/Al-Qaedas-East-Africa-network-regrouping-and-rearming-in-northern-Somalia.html

Unrest in Sudan

     While we were busy celebrating Thanksgiving, Sudanese authorities arrested thirteen people suspected of plotting a coup to overthrow the government. The state-owned and state-run radio station, Radio Omdurman, claimed that authorities had uncovered a "subversive plot" that was "uncovered and aborted".  Further details are currently hard to come by in the repressive state, although one of the men arrested was Lieutenant Salah Abdallah Gosh, the former director of National Security and Intelligence Services for the Sudanese government. He was fired and expelled from the President's inner circle last April after he criticized the government. Gosh's current location is a mystery. 
     Although the tense and violent situation in DRC dominates the news right now, other African countries continue to experience political disorder and corruption. The reasons for Lt. Gosh's arrest are unknown, but one could propose a variety of theories. He could have, in fact, been planning to overthrow the government in the spirit of democracy, supported by those in the population who protested last summer after being inspired by the Arab Spring. Gosh's aims could have instead been driven by greed and an interest in personal gain from Sudan's oil revenues and the power of the state. There may not have been any plot at all--Gosh could simply have been perceived as a threat and eliminated preemptively, a strategy frequently seen in authoritarian regimes. The lack of transparency and mistrust of state-controlled media makes it difficult to know exactly what is going on in these regimes, but it is important to continue to monitor the situation, particularly given Sudan's proximity to the Middle East and its Arab Spring counterparts. Sudan remains vulnerable given its relatively recent upheaval after the breakup with Southern Sudan.

Source: "Sudan: 13 Arrested on Charges of Plotting Coup." NY Times Online. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/23/world/africa/sudan-13-arrested-on-charges-of-plotting-coup.html?adxnnl=1&ref=africa&adxnnlx=1354132814-2p7TJXPSuSAexcR8XXY56g

Campaign Contributions

Think large bags of money, donated by some wealthy, old lady in England, who (with gloves on) tells some servant, younger-than-she, to send the money to those poor people in Africa. She has no idea where the money is going, she has no care as to what the money will go towards, for it is simply the idea of ‘helping’ (aimlessly donating in this case) that helps such a lady sleep at night.

Now, lets beam this lady onto a larger scale, lets amplify her into a country. The same ‘self-less’ (as it requires little-to-no personal interaction) act is repeated on a grand scale, where an appropriated amount of money designated by the respective country’s congress. That single bag of money is now multiplied into 20 large bags of money, also containing weapons, food, shelter (Think of these bags like Santa’s gift-carrying bag) and you have the general picture of  ‘international aid’.

But why? Why do these countries feel the need to donate resources to the less fortunate?

Tis a difficult question--is it because of empathy? No.

Is it because the developed countries feel that the sea is rising---so must all of the boats? No.

Is it because these resource-possessing countries want some thing in return for their ‘aid’? YES. (Reciprocity is expected in any relationship--I expect you to comment on this post.)

As stated by the Sultan of Sub-Sahara, the Baron of Borders, or the Maharaja of Mountain Gorillas--‘Foreign Aid’ has been historically shown to be ineffective, while it is continually given to allies rather than those in need. In summation, aid is given strategically… Where countries like Japan will aid land-locked countries in Africa, in efforts of gaining their support in the name of Japanese whaling.

Evidently, the modern, developed country will aid only those countries with a strategic interest… If such a relationship were reciprocal, there would be no reason to ‘invest’ in a country where a developed country has no strategic interests. (see the US occupation of Guam- the US gives resources and protection in exchange for a strategic military station)

So with countries donating only to their friends, and only those friends who hold something valuable in return, is it feasible to compare ‘international aid’ to lobbying groups in politics? Where one group gives support and resources to a specific recipient, in exchange for votes? I think so. The entire scheme of Foreign Aid is rather one big political election, where the developed countries are the lobbying groups, and the less-fortunate states are the candidates- waiting to be swung by sizable aid packages. 

 

This all sounds feasible and realistic, so I wonder, should there be a regulatory body that monitors the foreign aid? A third body that denotes to who and how much a country can aid? Is there a limit to Campaign Contributions?

M23 Rebels Take Goma

Rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo have taken control of Goma, the main city in the country's mineral-rich east border, after several days of fighting with UN-backed government forces. The rebel group calling themselves M23, the Heavily armed rebels strolled through the center of the city that is home to over one million people, without facing the bloodbath that was expected on Tuesday, the United Nations peacekeepers even observed small groups of residents greeted them.  "The town of Goma fell at 11:33 local time, despite the attack helicopters, the heavy weapons, the FARDC [Congolese army] has let the town fall into our hands," a rebel M23 spokesman, told the Reuters news agency by phone. The rebels have reportedly taken control of the border posts between Goma and Gisenyi, a town on the Rwandan side of the border, the AFP news agency said. Lambert Mende, a government spokesman, warned of the consequences of an M23 takeover of the city, blaming neighboring Rwanda for backing the rebels. Joseph Kabila, the country's president, urged people in Goma to "resist" the rebels' advancement. "DR Congo is today confronted with a difficult situation," Kabila said on national television. "When a war is imposed, one has an obligation to resist. I ask that the entire population defend our sovereignty."  DR Congo and Rwanda have already fought two wars, the most recent of which ended in 2003 after lasting nearly six years. The latest round of fighting erupted last week after the US and the UN imposed sanctions on the leader of the M23 rebels, Sultani Makenga. Makenga is accused of atrocities including masterminding killings, rapes, abductions and recruiting child soldiers. The rebels have said they plan to fight the DR Congo government "until it falls". The M23 rebels had a Town meeting to explain to the people what their rebel group stands for. It also stood for a chance for the Congo Government's police to join the rebel forces. The DRC has to either fight or continue letting the M23 rebel group to dictate how the country will be run. The mineral rich DRC is again having its rich lands exploited by neighboring countries and rebel groups. I am not usually one to encourage fighting but I back the Congo president that the people need to fight back. As long as the Congolese army was also supporting the defense. The fact that residents greeted the war criminal Makenga shows to me that the people of Goma are confused or not sure about who they want as their Leader. Article link: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/11/20121120102140544513.html

Burundi to Increase Coffee Production Significantly

* I don't know why this didn't publish on the 15th but it was saved as a draft on the 15th? UGH! Well, here it is published now

Introduction to current event: Burundi's coffee regular has set a plan in motion to increase coffee production in amounts to almost double the output of the previous year. The plan is to increase the output production to an amount of 30,000 metric tons or more by the year 2016. Farmers are uneducated on the particularly flourishing demands for various agriculturally rich exports (coffee) that Burundi has; so they are not farming nearly as much coffee as demanded by other countries around the world. These farmers are unaware of how much of an increase in revenue and GDP growth could happen just by producing significantly larger amounts of coffee.

Why did you pick it: I picked it because Burundi is a country that hasn't really been posted often by the class, and I wanted to choose a country with an issue that wasn't already posted. I also picked it because I googled "Burundi Current Events," and the first thing that came up was this article. I also wanted to stray away from the horrific and depressing articles that are more commonly posted by my class.

Explanation of why we should care about this issue: We should care about this issue because agriculture is such a crucial part of the barely surviving countries economies and GDP growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. These Farmers are so incredibly uneducated about which agricultural resources are more crucial and which are less. This goes to show that the government should educate the farmers more elaborately because it could have a direct effect on the nation's people as a whole, (everything boils down to money). The government is also doing something beneficial to its society, which we hope won't be taken into neopatrimonialist measures. ( The government using all of the revenue from the mass produced coffee to increase the income of its cronies).

An analysis of what could happen based on theories we have discussed in class: This is so important because if one single crop is mass produced and becomes a huge import, it can have a trickle down effects on the governments economy, which essentially can lead to better public resources: education, healthcare, etc. What could happen is that the government increases the revenue by having the farmers each start a coffee farm and give all or most of the proceeds to the government. When it is in the government's hands, it could go two different directions. It could take a neopatrimonialist approach along with inherent corruption by the Burundi government pocketing all of the extra yet much needed revenue, along with fictitious farm jobs created to allow for a more elaborate scheme to make sure the revenue goes directly into the regime's followers/supporters/govt officials pockets. The other direction it could take would be that the increased revenue be put into public welfare so that the people can not only have greater access to public education, healthcare etc. but have a higher quality of such.

Recommendations of what should be done for policymakers: What should be done by the policymakers is that the coffee production should continue to increase and that each farmer should try and have as much coffee produced as possible because of the inherent demand around the world. What also should be done, is the farmers get a substantial and fair amount of the proceeds by the coffee production, and the policy makers distribute the funds publicly to ensure the wellbeing of their people.

Nimubona, Desire. "Burundi Plans to Nearly Double Coffee Output to Meet New Demand." Www.businessweek.com. Bloomberg, 15 Nov. 2012. Web. 15 Nov. 2012. <http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-11-15/burundi-plans-to-nearly-double-coffee-output-to-meet-new-demand>.

Crisis in East Africa

A major issue that became apparent in East Africa in 2011 was the world’s worst food crisis is felt in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya. Although there have been successful rains for crops to be grown, these successful rains are being looked at as failed rains which were manmade and could have been avoided. Both the international community and local governments were aware that a crisis was about to happen but both did little to stop it. Along with this is the high price of food, which is out of the reach of many civilians plus the conflict and hostile disputes stretching into Somalia. The International Community Oxfam described that 12 million people are in need of food, clean water, and basic sanitation. I picked this issue because the crisis is not focused in one single country in African but in multiple, along with the fact that this crisis could have been avoided or at least toned down.

            But why should people care about this? When millions of people are being affected by the same cause it is clear that the international community needs to respond. The world had an opportunity to save thousands of lives in parts of Somalia if small donations were made revolving around famine, which had been predicted eight months before the crisis. At the current rate around 3,500 people are fleeing Somalia per day towards Ethiopia and Kenya, which has been stricken with one of the driest years in six decades.

            Currently Kenya is operating under a semi-presidential democratic republic while Ethiopia operates under a federal parliamentary republic. Both countries have power either under a prime minister, president, or the government. In either case the high powers within the governments could take action to stop the influx of Somalia’s civilians leaving them with little or no options. Although I find that none of these countries as associated with a resource curse, rentier effect, or modernization effect, the fact that famine is currently hitting all of East Africa is a scary thought. In order for these countries to avoid future famine attacks certain actions need to be put in place: Help from the international community, rehabilitation of water points, increased veterinary services targeting dry season grazing areas, nutrition support programs, and increase food security.

 

"East Africa Food Crisis 2011." - Global Issues. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. <http://www.globalissues.org/article/796/east-africa-food-crisis>.

 

"Kenya Profile." BBC News. BBC, 26 Sept. 2012. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13681341>.

 

"Background Note: Ethiopia." U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of State, n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. <http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2859.htm>.

DRC and Resource Conflicts

Democratic Republic of Congo and Resource Conflicts

 

            There are many conflicts in the DRC centered around distribution and uses of resources. There have been a number of complex reasons for these conflicts including, basic needs of water, access and control over rich minerals and other resources as well as various political agendas. Due to various national and international corporations and other regimes, which have interest in the outcome of conflicts. Since violence outbreaks in 1998 over 5.4 million people have died (deadliest conflict since WW2), a majority of the people have died from non-violent related issues (such as diseases), which has risen due to the conflict, with children resulting in 47% of the deaths (some 45,000 children dying each month).

            Due to the immense natural resources in this nation, there have been various powers internationally and domestic who have sought to gain the advantages of the resources. The DRC has accused some of its former allies such as Rwanda and Uganda as ulterior motives to gain access of water, diamonds, and rich minerals. All sides have been accused of having commercial interests in this war due to the vast resources involved.

            Because the DRC’s rich resources proved easy ways to finance the conflicts and rebels it is apparent that the DRC is associated with a resource curse. Involved with the resource curse is the rentier effect, the modernization effect, and the repression effect. It has been very clear that this country has been negatively affected by large corporations in order to receive its rich resources. Due to this, DRC’s civilians continue to be repressed due to these corporations not sharing resource wealth to the countries civilians. Because of this conflicts have risen and promoted regimes to violently rebound. In order for these issues to be resolved action from the international community, participation to promote domestic prosperity from large corporations, and government aid must be put in place.

 

"The Democratic Republic of Congo." - Global Issues. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. <http://www.globalissues.org/article/87/the-democratic-republic-of-congo>

Conflict in the DRC...again.

No stranger to conflict, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and President Joseph Kabila are facing opposition from a rebel group known as the "M23 Rebels".  Named after a peace treaty the group says the government violated, rebels mostly comprised of the Tutsi minority have violently perpetuated conflict in the DRC since April 2012.  On the brink of declaring the situation a humanitarian crisis due to a lack of substantial food or medical resources, the UN has urged leaders to communicate and ultimately broker a legitimate peace agreement.  Due to the frequency we typically discuss the DRC and its ultimate encompassing of generally stereotypical sub Saharan African problems, this topic seemed to correlate nicely to topics typically covered in class.  Beyond the violence being experienced in the DRC, most notably in the east, the inevitable problem of refugee's and the recruitment of child rebels peaked my interest.

Most recently, four African leaders representing the nations of Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and the DRC have met with hopes deliberations will lead to a brokered cease fire in the region.  Although nothing has come of these meetings as of late, "the four presidents issued a statement calling on the M23 to 'stop all war activities and withdraw from Goma' and 'stop talk of overthrowing an elected government'. Mr Kabila was also urged to listen to the rebels' grievances."  Beyond purporting means of violence in the DRC, most notably the eastern city of Goma, the M23's agenda has vocally supported absolution of the current government succeeded by a more suitable governing body.  Led by Sultani Makenga, the M23 are fighting for President Kabila to "evaluate the legitimate grievances of M23".   Also at the heart of said conflict is the abundance of minerals located in the eastern region of the DRC.  As mentioned in class, the prescience of resources within the rationale of rebel grievances can significantly prolong conflict where fighting has become prevalent.  My fears lie within this facet of the present conflict occurring in the DRC.  For rebels, although the absolution of self serving government and legitimate grievances are substantive reasons for taking up arms- I fear the exposure to wealth as a result of natural resources could mislead the current course of the rebel movement and ultimately become one big privatized larceny. 

Beyond political effects and violence between armies, the displacement of citizens in violent regions has become a problem.  As seen in an array of conflicted regions in Africa, refugee camps and the separation of families are a sad reality.  Per the International Criminal Court, a former head of the M23 was previously indicted for the recruitment of child soldiers.  With the practice of recruiting child soldiers being all to common, "the United Nations' children's fund Unicef says hundreds of children have been separated from their parents. It warns that many of them risk being recruited by armed groups."  This coupled with an all too common resource curse could ultimately morph the current conflict in a full blown war if not quickly stunted by those with power.  Ultimately, although the international community is important, it's up to President Kabila to respond appropriately with the people of the DRC and the grievances of the M23 in mind.

It appears if the M23 rebels are truly concerned with addressing "legitimate grievances" with President Kabila and the DRC government, it would be in their best interest to take part in peace talks while not conceding their current military power.  With an army of approximately 1,000-6,000 rebels, the M23 won't be able to withstand a drawn out conflict as seen in the DRC from 1997-2003.  In the best interest of conceding to international demands without giving up power, if the M23 rationally makes attempts at peace following an interim ceasefire, President Kabila will have no choice but to bend to their demands.  The question is, even if Mr. Kabila conceded to the rebels demands, would he honor said demands?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20476677

Ivory Becoming a New Conflict Mineral

Garamba National Park, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was created around 70 years ago to protect the rare white horned rhinoceros. Once numbered around 1,000, rangers in the park have failed to spot a rhino in the past 5 years. The demise of the white horned rhino is attributed to the belief in Asia that the horn of the rhino is thought to cure cancer and other illnesses and goes for $30,000 per pound. Now, tens of thousands of elephants have been poached in Garmaba for their ivory tusks that go for $1,000 per pound. Just last year 38.8 tons of ivory was confiscated worldwide: equivalent to 4,000 slaughtered elephants. This is due in part by the increase in poaching particularly fueled by corrupt militaries, rebel groups and the huge demand in China.

Ivory has become the latest conflict resource such as blood diamonds and other conflict minerals in Africa. The underground ivory trade has infiltrated across Africa and the sale of ivory has fueled conflicts across the region as a source of revenue for weapons. Organized crime groups are partnering with these groups and coordinate smuggling and transport of ivory across continents. Experts claim that 70% of ivory is going to China. The director of Garamba says that the ivory trade is like the drug war because as long as people continue to buy ivory, poaching won’t stop and without the demand from China this would all dry up. 

Poaching in Garamba has become a transnational issue stemming in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some of Africa’s most infamous rebel groups are using the ivory trade to fund their mayhem. One of the world most wanted notorious criminals, Joseph Kony, and his Lord’s Resistance Army have started slaughtering elephants for their ivory tusks. The Janjaweed militia of Darfur are rumored to have killed hundreds of elephants in January and the Congolese military says even an element of their army is involved. Rangers continue to battle South Sudan’s military, the People’s Liberation Army, but even some of Garamba’s rangers poach the animals they are trusted to protect. The militant Islam group in Somalia, the Shabab, are also involved and encourage villager to bring them tusks in exchange for cash and the port town of Mombasa, Kenya provides lenient inspections for shipments. Additionally, just this April, the South Africa conservation organization that manages Garamba got footage of a military transport helicopter in the park that is assumed to have slaughtered a handful of elephants. The helicopter was eventually traced back to the Ugandan military. 

Garamba once had over 20,000 elephants but just last year, the park estimated that only 2,800 remain. Not only does the ivory trade contribute to the demise of elephants, it fuels conflicts that result in genocide and the loss human lives.  The ivory trade has become a conflict mineral just like other natural resources that plague the region such as conflict or blood diamonds.  In 2000, the United Nations recognized that conflict diamonds, and other conflict minerals are, “a crucial factor in prolonging brutal wars in parts of Africa” and adopted a resolution on conflict diamonds (United Nations Department of Public Information). The United Nations, governments, NGOs and many other actors have helped reduce the illicit trade of conflict diamonds and help reroute the diamond industry to the legitimate market. The United Nations has even issued sanctions on UNITA in Angola and rebels in Sierra Leone that still use conflict diamonds as their main source of funding. Although anti-conflict diamond efforts have yielded success, the ivory trade cannot be transferred into the legitimate market like diamonds. 

The solution rests mainly in the halting of Chinese demand for ivory and in the security and capacity of a state to protect itself and all entities within its territory. First, the international community should provide harsh punishment to those involved in the ivory trade and even provide strict punishment on China for allowing ivory to pass through its ports.  Additionally, other states militaries, such as South Sudan and Uganda, should not be in another states territory and there should be consequences for these actions. The US also provided considerable aid to many of these militaries that have been spotted in the park and the US should reassess aid allocation or provide consequences. Perhaps NGOs can help provide more technology to protect these wildlife parks and save these endangered animals. If security and monitoring of these parks can improve and we can help decrease the demand of ivory in China, perhaps we can save and help repopulate the elephant population in Garambia National Park and reduce funding to rebel groups and corrupt governments that are fueling regional conflict.

 

Gettleman, Jeffrey. "Elephants Dying in Epic Frenzy as Ivory Fuels Wars and Profits." 3 9 2012. Africa. 10 11 2012 <http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/04/world

/africa/africas-elephants-are-being-slaughtered-in-poaching frenzy

.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0>.

United Nations Department of Public Information. Conflict Diamonds. 1 3 2001. 10  11 2012 <http://www.un.org/peace/africa/Diamond.html>.

Nigeria's Oil Corruption

Recently Nigeria announced that their oil production had reached a record 2.7 million barrels a day, but some experts challenge to believe it. It was said that oil was being stolen at a record rate, and traders’ figures show that output is well below the government’s statistics. Former senior World Banker, Oby Ezekwesili, claims that $400 billion of Nigeria’s oil revenue has been stolen or misspent since the country’s initial independence in 1960. Nigeria is Africa’s biggest oil producer and according to BP it has the world’s ninth largest gas reserves. A report last May reported a fraud amounting of $6.8 billion over a subsidy for petrol imports. Worst of all the oil wealth that should have benefited the people seems to be dispersing into other areas. I chose this article because it has a lot to do with the resource curse and rentier state theory that we have been discussing in class. Nigeria suffers from the resource curse because it is a poor state that has high amounts of natural resources. Since large portions of revenue comes from an external source, like oil in Nigeria there is a rentier effect. Since most the wealth from the natural resource is not being spread down towards the people it makes the state less democratic.

We should care about his issue because other than it taking away a lot of democracy and benefits to the people and state, it has many long term environmental effects. Pipeline sabotage now accounts for more than half the spills in the region. A UN report last year claims that Royal Dutch Shell and the state oil firm (NNPC) have over polluted Ogoniland. Weak regulations have lead to many spills by corporations like Shell and Chevron, since the environmental devastation from the oil-producing delta continues to go unchecked. I believe to help fix the problem the Petroleum industry Bill that has been in the works for over 15 years should finally be passed. It intends to overhaul the industry, make it more transparent, and improve regulatory institutions and fiscal policies while bringing everything up to global standards. Even with the reform the state-run oil monopoly called the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), will still control the majority of the industry from exploration and production to refining; along with pipelines and petrochemicals. It is considered a “slush fund to the government” and is accountable to no one. To help fix this issue the corporation should be sold and turned into an independent, profitable company that is along the lines of Brazil’s Petrobras. With these actions it could help the country turn itself around instead of shooting itself in the foot over and over again.

Sources:

http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21564906-goodluck-jonathan-says-he-wants-reform-oil-industry-really