2024 Olympics Bid: Nairobi Sets Their Sights

As excitement builds for the first Olympic Games in South America (Rio 2016), other countries are looking ahead to Games even farther in the distance. Kenya has now joined the list of countries bidding for the 2024 Games. The bidding process is long, arduous, and costly, even for developed countries who aim to get the Games. However, this would be a momentous occasion for Africa as a whole if Nairobi won the bid; they would thus be the first African city to host the Games. With the successful staging of the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, Africa doesn’t seem like such a scary place anymore to host international sporting events.

However, it seems strange to think about Nairobi in quite the same way that people thought about London leading up to the 2012 Olympic Games. When people think about London, iconic images come to mind of the Royal Family, Big Ben, and the London Eye. What sort of image do people have when they think about Nairobi? The top stories about Africa lately have been about poverty, violence, and corruption- not quite the kind of place where people would be willing to go to watch gymnastic matches. The most recent story about Nairobi on CNN is about a fatal grenade blast that occurred on a minibus in November of this year. It is difficult to think about a place like this being ready to host one of the world’s most prestigious and watched sporting events.

And yet, similar events like this occur around the world on a daily basis. One day after London found out that they were the 2012 Host City, there were terrorist attacks on the London Underground. There is no guarantee that the 2024 Games will be exceptionally different, no matter who wins the bid. Nairobi is up against some tough competition, though; the U.S and Canada are planning a joint bid to host the Games in Toronto and Buffalo. France is also joining the race once more. Bidding for the Olympics is nothing new for them, and experience matters in something as complicated as an Olympic bid.

Though the bidding process will be costly and time-consuming for Nairobi, it is still worth a shot. Perhaps if the Games were in more regions of the world that are relatively unknown, or known for the wrong reasons, then perceptions could change. It is possible that the world could start seeing Africa not as a dark continent but rather a place of change and hope for the future. Furthermore, maybe focus will begin to shift from seeing South Africa as the sole developed country in Africa and other successful countries will receive more recognition. As Nairobi gears up to bid for the 2024 Games, the world will be watching. 

Sources: 

Nairobi Olympic Bid:http://www.webpronews.com/2024-olympics-bid-nairobi-sets-their-sights-2012-08

Kenya Grenade Attacks: http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/18/world/africa/kenya-grenade-attack/index.html?iref=allsearch

London Terrorist Attacks: http://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=917172&page=1#.UMUDcJPjk45

Contrasting Solutions to the Crisis in Mali

Nine months after the coup that dissolved Mali’s democratic government, resulting in an interim government based in northern Mali, discussions have begun between two of the rebel groups and the national government. To give a brief summary of the crisis, junior soldiers first seized the presidential palace on Mach 22^nd, 2012. At this time the government was dissolved and the constitution suspended. Only two weeks later, a rebel group named the National Movement for the Liberation of Azaward (MNLA) seceded from northern Mali and formed a new state, Azawad. This claim was then withdrawn when Islamist groups associated with Al-Qaeda influenced them. Currently, Mali is being run by an interim government led by Dioncounda Traoré, former President of the General Assembly.

In regards to the current talks, Mali’s government and two of the four main rebel groups are meeting to discuss the end of this crisis that has divided the country. The armed groups are MNLA and Ansar Dine. The discussions have taken place in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and are being mediated by leaders of countries such as Algeria and Burkina Faso. Compaore, President of Burkina Faso has met with the two rebel group representatives independently and they plan on negotiating, but commitments have yet to be made. Thus far, all parties have agreed to respect the country’s “national unity” (Al Jazeera), territorial integrity, reject extremism and terrorism, and to “respect… human rights, human dignity and basic and religious freedoms” (Middle East Online). Top U.S. diplomats for Africa are encouraging the country to hold free and credible elections by April 2013 to end the crisis.

Also at this time, the African Union and Chad are once again asking the United Nations to authorize military intervention to retake the “Azaward” region of Mali. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) claims to have 3,000 troops prepared for deployment and are awaiting the UN’s approval. The President of the Ivory Coast, Outtara also approves this intervention. The international community is concerned that al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), another armed group, has unchecked power at this time and can utilize their new location to attack both Europe and northern Africa. In a recent speech to the Homeland Security Police Institute at George Washington University, General Carter Ham explained that this branch of al Qaeda is currently recruiting and supporting militant Islamic organizations in the North African region. He went on to say that this organization is “strengthening its hold in Northern Mali” (Huffington Post), and perhaps even becoming the best armed and financed of the al Qaeda “franchises”. The United Nations has responded to this request by stating “military operation may be required as a last resort to deal with the most hardline extremist and criminal elements in the north” (Middle East Online). African leaders speculate this approval may come as early as the end of the month.

The big question at this time is: Which solution will prevail in Mali? While peaceful talks between the interim government and two of the main rebel groups may be the more ‘democratic’ resolution, will it be effective? With news headlines such as “Mali neighbours urged to step up border patrols” (The Australian), “Why the world is preparing for war in Mali” (The Week), and “Mali: Al-Jazeera Journalists Detained in Mali for Two Days” (All Africa), I’m uncertain how productive these talks will be without a U.N.-sanctioned military intervention as a threatening back up. Particularly with al Qaeda appearing to utilize these northern regions as recruitment and training facilities, its unclear how willing these rebel groups will be to give up their newly acquired land. 

Sources:
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/12/201212420515159568.html
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=55919
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-hayden/the-long-war-reaches-mali_b_2247968.html
http://theweek.com/bullpen/column/237457/why-the-world-is-preparing-for-war-in-mali
http://allafrica.com/stories/201212061593.html

Ghana election: John Mahama faces Nana Akufo-Addo challenge

The head of Ghana's electoral commission announced to the press today that the country is ready for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections. Since overcoming military rule in 1992, Ghana is one of the few sub-Saharan states that have maintained strong democratic institutions and undergone peaceful transitions of power. 

Unlike many of the countries we have studied in class, elections in Ghana are dynamic and narrowly contested. This year, current President John Mahama is expected to face a strong challenge from his opponent, Nana Akufo-Add. In the previous election, the President of the majority party, lost the election by a mere 30,000 votes. In order to curb voter fraud, the electoral commission has introduced biometric voter identification systems--machines that scan your fingerprint to ensure your eligibility to vote. The machines, which will be installed mostly in urban areas, are expected to reduce voter fraud and corruption among Ghana's 14 million registered voters. 

In class we have learned about the "resource curse" and how the accumulation of rent from natural resources tends to exasperate government corruption. However, Ghana is a remarkable exception to this case because it is considered to be one of the most stable and prosperous democracies in Africa, despite its large gold and oil exports and a history of colonial exploitation and dictatorial rule.

"Ghana election: John Mahama faces Nana Akufo-Addo challenge." BBC Africa. 6 Dec. 2012. Web. 6 Dec. 2012. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20631933>.

M23 Calls For Negotiations In Uganda

       The M23 rebellion has called for negotiation talks to be had with Congolese President Joseph Kabila in Uganda. The reason for the talks to be had in Uganda is that the M23 rebellion leaders fear that if negotiations are held in Kinshasa, the Kinshasa government will overwhelm the rebellion and that fair and equal negotiations will not be garnished. The M23 rebellion which until previously had control over the city of Goma in the east, retreated from the city three kilometers into the mountains. This was done because President Kabila said he would not talk to rebels until Goma was free. While Gome is no longer occupied, many stores and businesses have chosen to remain closed for fear of the rebellion coming back into the city. The Goma airport is however open, despite the fact that armed rebels are just kilometers from the airport. Though the M23 have retreated from the city of Goma, Kabila has yet to confirm that there will actually be any negations. M23 leaders say that if Kabila fails to negotiate, they will in fact return to Goma, and they will continue to occupy cities to the west and to the south, and anticipate putting pressure on Kinshasa. 

I chose this issue because it is very current, and Kabila’s choice to either negotiate or not will have direct implications on the future of the M23 rebellion. While Kabila may in fact choose to negotiate with the M23, I doubt that Kabila will in fact give the M23 what they desire, and that conflict shall continue. 

Works Cited

Associated Press. "Congo’s M23 rebels say they will talk with President Joseph Kabila’s government in Uganda - The   Washington Post." Washington Post. N.p., 5 Dec.  2012. Web. 6 Dec. 2012.

Poaching in Africa

            Even though, Africa has had and will probably always have poaching until the extinction of all animals, the last year has been especially catastrophic for elephant and rhino herds. Ivory has always been a delicacy in China but in recent years with the economic boom and growing middle class the demand has greatly been increased. The heightened demand from China  has had great effects on all of the African continent.  It is reported that like other resources such as blood diamonds and oil, ivory is fueling wars while depleting the majestic creatures populations. It is believed that rebellion armies including the Lord’s Resistance Army, the Shabab and Darfur’s janjaweed are slaughtering the elephants and using the tusks to buy weapons to continue raging war. It is not just rebellion groups; it was reported last march a helicopter flown by Ugandan soldiers massacred 22 elephants from the sky.  It is evident that Ivory is leading to conflict in Africa. What is also startling is that last year over 120 Chinese citizens that were sent to provide relief building roads and various other projects were caught poaching elephants. It is pretty clear that steps have to be done to stop the poaching that is higher than ever (NYtimes 2012). This article is very important because poaching has resurfaced as a major issue that is financing war and killing many endangered species. It has been controlled but now has been recorded in extremely high numbers this past year.

            In recent news Google and WWF have teamed up on a project to try and stop poaching in major African Parks. Google just pledged 5 million dollars on drones and helped give software to monitor poachers from the air. This aid will be used to help protect all species but for now the main concern is the rhino whose population is in desperate need of conservation. WWF President expresses the need for aid in an interview, “We face an unprecedented poaching crisis. The killings are way up”.  This has been the bloodiest year for poaching and it does not seem to be changing anytime soon.  With the Chinese market blossoming and demand higher than ever for the rare tusks.

After studying Chinese aid and possible affects this story brings up many questions. With Chinese-African relations at a higher point than ever it seems that this is definitely a reason why the ivory trade is back up to the highest numbers since the 80’s. Also With more Chinese citizens working on infrastructure in Africa it could lead to heightened smuggling and the rise of the a larger black market. It has been reported that over 136 illegal ivory shops have surfaced in China. 

As for the five million dollars that Google just gave to help make Drones in the national parks it seems that the money could potentially be better spent on revamping the ground control and living conditions on rangers. They almost are starting a project that may not be as effective as supporting NGO’s and locals that are already in place with the fight on poachers.

 http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/04/world/africa/africas-elephants-are-being-slaughtered-in-poaching-frenzy.html?pagewanted=5&_r=0&ref=africa

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20625578

China in Africa: Human Rights Violations or Boosting the Economy?

Zambian President meets with China's Prime Minister in Beijing (The Guardian)

Take Your Pick, Human Rights Violations or Boosting the Economy?

            Among actors of the international community, it is evident that China has been the biggest contributor and foreign aid lender to Africa. There are numerous articles and journals attributing to China’s success in building infrastructure and boosting the African economy, especially success stories that supersede those of the US. However, how helpful is this aid and infrastructure? How does the African community feel towards the developmental efforts of the Chinese over the past few decades? Are the developmental efforts ethical?

           

  “In 2010, for example, 11 local employees of a coal mine in Sinazongwe, Zambia were sprayed with bullets by the Chinese managers while they were protesting about pay and working conditions. This followed a 2005 explosion in a Chinese copper mine in Chambishi, Zambia, which killed 46 workers. In 2007, the Nigerian government leased to China Nuclear International Uranium Company a tract of land belonging to ethnic Tuaregs, without compensating them” (Shah).

            Human rights violations have been at the forefront of aid from China. The Chinese are lending aid with their unique cultural mentality: that human rights and environmental rights do not really matter in developmental efforts and successes.  

           

“Legal and illegal timber logging has wreaked havoc on the prospects for sustainable forestry in Liberia and Mozambique. Dams built in Sudan and Mozambique have displaced thousands of local residents, while over-fishing off the eastern and southern African coasts has impaired communities dependant on fishing for their livelihood” (Shah).

            In addition to human and environmental concerns, other issues arise about Chinese aid favoring dictators and ignoring democracy. However, after analyzing foreign aid in comparison to the US, it was found that the US actually favors corrupt regimes and that China favors democratic clients such as Zambia and Namibia (Shah). The US sold to Sudan five times more than China and sold Egypt billions of dollars worth of fighter jets, tanks, missiles, and other arms (Shah).

            In class on Monday we discussed how China tends to act without concerns for the environment or human rights, which is evidently true. We also discussed how there is no conditionality for China in working with democracies, however, this article argues differently. This article states that in fact the US will act with their own strategic interests in mind even if it fuels corruption and that China will act in favor of democracies.

            This week we have analyzed how China is more efficacious at providing foreign aid to Africa than the US, via building infrastructure rather than writing checks. The Chinese also employ over 70% of the natives for their building projects and small and medium businesses so that the economy can be stimulated. But the question is, which is more important, human and environmental rights or boosting the economy? Can we have both?

            I chose this article because this week we have extensively covered China’s foreign aid influence on Africa and I found this article to challenge some theories covered in class. It challenges that theory that China has no preference for democracies and supports the theory that China turns its head away from human and environmental concerns. 

Article: China in Africa: Who Benefits? 

Photo: The Guardian

China's Foreign Aid to Africa

China's Foreign Aid to Africa

  

          The Chinese foreign aid being distributed in Africa and other parts of the world shows that a economic shift is occurring and has been for over a decade. More and more countries have become involved with aid and have become donors. For example, along with China, Russia, India, Brazil, and South Africa are major aid donors and countries such as Venezuela, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey have begun to have a more significant role in foreign aid. Despite these countries participating in foreign aid, China is by far the largest current donor and gives out more money than the World Bank.

            Many of the donors listed above have been giving aid for an extended amount of time however; this aid was in the form of technical cooperation and knowledge sharing instead of large amounts of money being funneled into other countries’ governments. China, which is currently the world’s biggest donor, is often criticized for the strategies they use and the alliances they form with questionable governments. In April of 2011, China released its first white paper on foreign aid that disclosed where China was sending their financial aid and discouraged any questionable uses for the aid that was being given and discloses the missions for the aid being distributed. China may have been shy about disclosing where their aid reaches but they have no problem addressing the idea that financial aid is both ethical and humanitarian. While the foreign aid being provided does reach those who are in need, the aid also helps countries gain political leverage around the globe.

            I chose this article because we have been discussing China in Africa and whether or not the aid being provided was helpful and hurtful. Although China gives billions of dollars away in foreign aid, some of their arrangements and business deals have kept questionable leaders in power and have allegedly started famines and outbreaks of violence. Is the aid China is offering truly to help those in need or is it simply a self-perpetuating plan to further extend China’s economic wealth and power?