Saul, continue the great job you are doing, sensitizing people about the
plight of defenseless Gambian citizens. We appreciate the efforts you put in
despite a very loaded schedule. Keep up the good work.
KB


>From: saul khan <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Fwd: FW: UPDATE: ADNA 10/3 Meeting draft Minutes
>Date: Thu, 19 Oct 2000 20:42:40 GMT
>
>FYI.
>
>
>>Saul:
>>
>>Please find below draft minutes of the last ADNA meeting, which you may
>>have
>>already received. Thanks for sending me the other documents on The Gambia.
>>I'll read and analyze them in the coming days and start working on the
>>sign
>>on letter as agreed at the last ADNA meeting. I look forward to talking to
>>you soon. Take care
>>
>>Abdul Lamin
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: [log in to unmask]
>>To: [log in to unmask]
>>Sent: 10/19/00 10:05 AM
>>Subject: UPDATE: ADNA DC- groups 10/3 draft Minutes
>>
>>ADNA Update:  001019
>>Message from:  Society of Missionaries in Africa
>>For contact information see also:
>>http://www.africapolicy.org/adna
>>
>>Dear ADNA members,
>>
>>Following find draft minutes from the October meeting of the DC
>>area ADNA member groups.  Please send comments or corrections
>>to Steven Price of the minutes committee at the e-mail noted for
>>replies.  Also note that the date for the November meeting has been
>>moved out to Tuesday, November 14 so that we may include
>>discussion of the election results in that agenda, and due to the
>>schedule change, we must also meet in a different location.  The
>>Nov 14 meeting will be held at the Mott House at 122 Maryland Ave,
>>NE just two buildings down from our usual location.
>>
>>Regards,
>>Vicki Ferguson
>>ADNA Communications Facilitator
>>
>>
>>Date sent:             Wed, 18 Oct 2000 22:22:17 -0400
>>From:                  "Steve Price - SMA Justice, Peace &
>>Environmental Care" <[log in to unmask]>
>>Send reply to:         [log in to unmask]
>>Organization:          Society of African Missions
>>Subject:               draft ADNA Minutes of October 3, 2000
>>
>>ADVOCACY NETWORK FOR AFRICA  - - - -  Meeting Minutes
>>10/3/2000
>>
>>PARTICIPANTS:
>>
>>Ezekiel Pajibo  Africa Faith & Justice Network
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Vicki Ferguson  Africa Policy Information Center
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Smita Baruah  InterAction
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Kathleen McNeely  Maryknoll
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Luke Davenport  Africa Policy Information Center
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Ray Almeida  Bread for the World
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Saul Saidykhan  Free Gambia Movement
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Maura Browne  Sisters of Notre Dame
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Liz Keyes   Catholic Relief Services
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Aster Tesfai  Amnesty International
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Kwabena Akuffo-Akoto Amnesty International
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Mark Harrison  United Meth Ch  / Gen Bd Ch Soc
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Clarissa Kayosa  C.I.P.
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Anne Edgerton  Refugees International
>>Sayre Nyce  Refugees International
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Adotei Akwei  Amnesty International USA
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Martin Shupack  Mennonite Central Committee
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Stephen Price  Society of African Missions
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Leon Spencer  Washington Office on Africa
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Phil Reed   Missionaries of Africa
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Billie Day   Friends of Sierra Leone
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Beverly Lacayo  Missionary Sist of Our Lady of Afr
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Ann Wang  World Relief
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Moses Akol  Ethiopian Community Dev Council
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Yomi Ademola  TransAfrica
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Mwiza Munthali  TransAfrica / TransAfrica Forum
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Steffan Spencer  Public Citizen's GTW
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Njoki Njoroge Njehu  Fifty Years is Enough Network
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Drew Crandall  Africa-America Institute
>>[log in to unmask]
>>Bill Jackson  Africa-America Institute
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Tommy Calvert  Africa-America Institute
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Yvonne O'Brien  Dept. of State
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Annette Aulton  Dept. of State
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Jim Matlack  American Friends Service Comm.
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>J. Paul Olweny  C.I.P.
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Erin McCandless  Journal Peacebuilding & Dev
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Abitaile Fofana  ACS GSG
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Stephanie Loomis  Commonwealth HR Initiative
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Erin McAlister  RFK Memorial Ctr for HR
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Reginald Fianu  Africa Policy Information Center
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Danielle Hirsch  Religious Action Center
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Heather Nolen  Natl Council Churches / C W S
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Holly Burkhalter  Physicians for Human Rights
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Trevor Ngwane   Alternative Info and Dec Centre (South Afr)
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Carole Collins  Small World Information Services
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Mike Landry  Africa Policy Information Center
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>James Gomez  Rainbow PUSH Coalition
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Zewdu Derseh
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Nuhad Jamal  Eritrean Development Foundation
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Emira Woods  InterAction
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Pat Morris   InterAction
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Abdul Lamin  CODISAL
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Rory Anderson  World Vision
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>Susie Johnson  United Methodist Women
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>J. Michael Turner Hunter College / NSOA Evaluation
>>  [log in to unmask]
>>
>>
>>AGENDA
>>
>>1)  Welcome and introductions were completed, including welcome
>>to guests (see #14 below).
>>
>>Corrections by Refugees International to the previous minutes were
>>noted.   The corrected text of (8) in the September 5 ADNA minutes
>>should be as follows: Refugees International says that many on the
>>ground in Eritrea are concerned with the possible outbreak of
>>fighting when the rains end, which is now.  UN Peacekeepers need
>>to be deployed on the disputed border as soon as possible to avoid
>>another possible outbreak of fighting.  Humanitarian needs remain
>>high, especially for many who have been internally displaced since
>>May 1998.  De-mining is also a necessity. Interviews conducted by
>>RI indicate that there may have been and may be ongoing incidents
>>of rape by the Ethiopian army.  This poses a potentially huge social
>>problem in Eritrea, as Eritrea has a very low rate of AIDS, and the
>>Ethiopian army has a very high rate of HIV infection.  Human rights
>>groups are needed to document the situation, and NGOs who have
>>technical knowledge of psycho-social programs are also needed.
>>Refugees International and the Eritrean Development Fund will hold
>>a joint briefing on the current humanitarian situation in Eritrea
>>September 13 at the U.S. Committee for Refugees. (Note:  Ethiopian
>>groups have not come to ADNA regularly, despite invitation.)
>>
>>2)  ADNA Internal Organization Discussion
>>
>>Vicki facilitated a discussion of dreams for the future of ADNA.  She
>>noted that for 5-7 years co-chairs had been from a limited number
>>of member organizations.  But new leadership is invited, as well as
>>diversification to Neo-Diaspora and African-American members.
>>ADNA has doubled to 209 organizations as a result of increased
>>outreach and visibility efforts in the past two years, mostly outside
>>DC-NY.  About 1/3 are not email-reachable. There are opportunities
>>for greater networking, popular education, and constituency-
>>building.
>>
>>Comments, observations, and suggestions from other participants: ·
>>
>>Some issues involve non-overlapping coalitions, who should be told
>>of ADNA.
>>· Africans coming to the U.S. are interested in what U.S. advocacy
>>groups do.  Some African NGOs want to exchange with ADNA also,
>>but the mechanism is not developed yet.
>>· The working groups in ADNA could have issue-specific networks
>>with NGO's elsewhere.
>>· There could be a comprehensive annual ADNA meeting where all
>>members could come.
>>· ADNA could list its organizations/resource people by specific issue
>>or country.
>>· ADNA could connect with Africa persons in US Government and
>>invite their participation.
>>· More strategizing is needed on how to have greater effectiveness. ·
>>ADNA should organize to use its local (non-DC) base more
>>effectively, producing materials for them. Grassroots could be built
>>up, directed to the Congressional Subcommittees on Africa
>>· DC area ADNA members were encouraged to attend more
>>faithfully each month even if the agenda does not include their
>>priority every month.
>>· The Working Groups are helpful; ADNA could audit and distribute
>>their resources on the various issues.
>>· Can ADNA educate the media better and take issue with Africa
>>stereotypes?
>>· Support and participate with the African diplomatic corps.
>>
>>At the next meeting we will request firm commitments from member
>>organizations for the next year or longer, in exchange for the
>>benefits received from ADNA.
>>Organizations, please identify to ADNA leadership your willingness
>>to serve, even BEFORE next meeting.  No one took up the co-chair
>>position for 2001-we may be spoiled by AFJN and Ezekiel's
>>personal gifts.   It should be noted that organizational backing for
>>facilitators is required because there is a time commitment.
>>APIC will continue to be communications facilitator and maintain
>>membership and website.
>>
>>Basic tasks for operating ADNA
>>· Management of regular monthly meetings  (agenda, guests,
>>timekeeping, facilitation)
>>· Facilitation and coordination support of emergency or special
>>opportunity meetings, brown bag lunchs etc between regular
>>monthly meetings
>>· Produce  written Multi-country updates prior to meeting
>>· Service phone, fax and e-mail contacts generated from postings,
>>webpages, events, networking - mostly to make information referrals
>>within the ADNA network and working groups
>>· Take and/or refer Press calls, maintain a small press list for ADNA
>>· Produce, correct, maintain file of DC monthly meeting minutes.
>>
>>One suggestion is to have a larger coordinating or steering
>>committee rather than only two co-facilitators and divide these
>>responsibilities out further.
>>Another is to identify, develop lists or resource persons on
>>issues/countries and circulate those regularly so that more people
>>can handle information requests, referrals and press contacts.
>>These could also be people with particular topical expertise who
>>could feed information into the written monthly update.
>>
>>More discussion and a preliminary proposal will be considered at
>>the next meeting.
>>
>>3)  Kenya
>>
>>Concurrent Res 410 condemning assassination of Fr. John Kaiser
>>is to be marked up in HR committee today.  There is support from
>>Kenya and from AI, missionaries, and Minnesota.  Sens. Wellstone
>>and Grams will introduce a version in the Senate.  A memorial
>>service was held at the Kenyan Embassy September 24.  The
>>Catholic Church is in some conflict with Moi government, which may
>>be stirring ethnic tension.  There may be another action alert
>>forthcoming.
>>
>>4)  HIV/AIDS
>>
>>Letters went to Congress over the Global AIDS bill-a chart of
>>funding levels is available.  It will likely not go to conference.  The
>>biggest issue is debt relief.  Lobby calls were chosen over
>>visits-contact Heather at NCC to participate.
>>Contact Leon at WOA to be on the email list on AIDS WG issues.
>>There are now six new one-page HIV/AIDS papers on debt, testing,
>>gender issues, etc., updatable and expandable.  Download them
>>from http://www.woaafrica.org or http://www.afjn.org, and APIC will
>>also distribute them and archive them on the ADNA web pages.
>>WOA can also provide the original formatted copy for reproduction.
>>It should be noted that Congressional drops for these six documents
>>took a minimum of 80 hours of staff time; more help is needed on
>>these group initiatives.  The next meeting of the AIDS Working
>>Group:  10/5/00, 10:00-12:00, at WOA, dealing with AIDS as
>>development issue and strategies on appropriations.  Congressional
>>staff may participate. There is a panel discussion October 18 on
>>AIDS, 6:30-8:30 pm, at TransAfrica, 1744 R St. NW.
>>
>>5)  Zimbabwe
>>
>>Erin provided a briefing paper on recent events and issues in
>>Zimbabwe, including accounts of bombings.  For the 2002 elections
>>President Mugabe is already campaigning, against Tsvangirai-who
>>may face arrest.  There is a nationwide civil disobedience campaign
>>by the MDC to start soon to force Mugabe to retire.  The Zimbabwe
>>Democracy Bill in the U.S. was passed by the Senate; lobbying
>>support comes from SADC and African-American organizations, as
>>well as MDC, which earns criticism of foreign interference.  The
>>farm eviction/land resettlement issue continues; a 30 day notice is
>>given but acquisition process is not stopped.  Economically
>>Zimbabwe is increasingly in severe crisis.
>>
>>6)  Liberia
>>
>>Deferred Enforced Departure was extended by President Clinton for
>>an additional year, allowing some thousands of Liberians stranded in
>>the U.S. for years to stay and work for another year.  Jesse
>>Jackson Sr. and Operation Rainbow PUSH were helpful on this
>>effort.  Efforts continue on legislation to offer residency to these
>>Liberians who are on DED.
>>
>>7)  Gambia
>>
>>It was reported that a big crude oil scandal in early 2000 occurred
>>when the President diverted money to himself.  In March and April
>>students were tortured, raped and even killed (12 in Banjul and 2 in
>>rural areas).  In June the President sent assassins against the main
>>opposition leader, who escaped.  But three U.S. Congressmen
>>visited Gambia and gave good reports-their offices should be
>>contacted to protest.  Lobbyists are paid by Gambia to lobby the
>>U.S. Government.  There is a commission of inquiry but it was
>>forbidden to inquire on who ordered the student deaths. Last week
>>saw an ambush plan uncovered.
>>An ADNA Action Alert will be forthcoming; Abdul Lamin, Saul
>>Saidykhan, and Ezekiel will work on this.
>>
>>8)  Democratic Republic of Congo
>>
>>See October 3 Washington Post on DRC.  Refugees International
>>reports there are big problems.  Some 700,000 IDPs in Burundi,
>>and 300,000 refugees in Tanzania.  IDP regroupment camps have
>>been emptied by the government and people are now scattered,
>>making it hard for NGOs to serve them.  Ann Edgerton of RI goes to
>>the region October 23.  RI has a bulletin on the issues.  The region
>>is high on the agenda of PRM and OFDA., who are holding
>>discussions on relief efforts.  It is like Sudan's Operation Lifeline.
>>Health, access, and security are issues. Great Lakes Policy Forum
>>meets 9:00-11:00 on October 12 at 1779 Mass. Ave., N.W.
>>(CEWP).  An informal bag lunch with a prominent speaker may be
>>forthcoming.
>>
>>9)  Sierra Leone
>>
>>FOSL reports that war amputees who came to U.S. for medical
>>reasons also attended a hearing in Congress before 25 members of
>>Congress.  Now they are undergoing treatment in Staten Island.
>>They do not do other political appearances, however. Rep. Tony Hall
>>  is giving Sierra Leone more attention; October 4 at 10:00 a.m. eight
>>members of Congress will read the biographies of the amputees.
>>Peacekeeping funds appropriations are another hot issue for Africa
>>and Sierra Leone.  Reps. Carolyn Kilpatrick and Sheila Jackson
>>Lee made strong statements. A UN Team goes to SL on October 7,
>>headed by the UK and a deputy US Ambassador to the UN.  The
>>amputees may come before the UN as well. Thanks to any who are
>>working with amputees in Sierra Leone-contact Billie Day to share
>>information. TPS for Sierra Leoneans expires November 2.
>>Renewal is likely. There is a spillover of conflict into Guinea. There
>>has been lots of media attention but still many in U.S. have no idea
>>there is a war in SL. On September 29 the UN Security Council
>>discussed the war crimes tribunal issue.  On that day's Nightline TV
>>program, Adotei of Amnesty International spoke on Sierra Leone.
>>The Indian UN commander has made accusations about Nigerian
>>UN troop involvement in SL diamonds  The Nigerians called for
>>evidence or else the general should leave.  There are even some
>>reports of intra-troop skirmishes.  The Indians are due to pull out in
>>any case. The U.S. Institute of Peace held a meeting on the Truth
>>and Reconciliation Commission Oct. 2. The Potomac Institute for
>>Policy Studies held a seminar on conflict on September 29.
>>Amnesty International's position is that a criminal court has to be
>>impartial and deal with violations of all parties.  But as it's being
>>set
>>up it will deal only with the RUF.  This will only feed resentments in
>>SL..  AI believes it also should try adults only, not child soldiers.
>>
>>10)  Conflict Diamonds
>>
>>At Antwerp our sign-on letter to ask the industry to clean up was
>>presented.  The industry is moving fast, in its own interest. Global
>>Witness of UK pushed industry into adopting a good diamond
>>certification scheme for all countries to enact import/export
>>legislation. The bad trade will be reduced greatly.  On July 17 the
>>Industry agreed to the scheme.  There will be a computerized
>>record of the movement of all diamonds.  Cutters and Polishers in
>>Israel, India, and Belgium will have inspection and controls too.  The
>>global system will try to squeeze out conflict diamonds, with criminal
>>penalties.  In September a meeting of Ministers of Mines was held; a
>>followup meeting will be in London in November to add final touches.
>>In Congress the CARAT Act is dead for 2000.  It may no longer be
>>the right legislation.  Something could still pass but there is not much
>>
>>more NGO involvement now.  It would be desirable to have the
>>Administration put import controls on diamonds effective one year
>>from now.  Meetings between Rep. Hall and industry are being
>>pushed; it is critical to get industry support.  There is a
>>demonstration October 6 or 7 in New York in front of Cartier, and
>>possibly later in regard to the Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian.
>>However, Physicians for Human Rights does not support this
>>approach because so far industry is cooperating with commendable
>>speed.
>>
>>11)  Appropriations for Debt and Peacekeeping
>>
>>It appears that Congress will appropriate the $435 million for debt
>>relief this year.  President Clinton says he will stand firm on debt
>>relief; the key is to lobby Sen. Gramm.  Clinton says he will veto
>>legislation if there are too many conditionalities.  But Rep. De Lay
>>says they will override a veto. On money for conflict resolution:
>>There was a briefing with the UN Security Council support groups.
>>The Administration says it will give money to peacekeeping
>>operations.
>>
>>12)  The Eritrean-Ethiopian War
>>
>>There is some hope that the conflict will not restart after the rainy
>>season as foretold.  Peacekeepers are to be deployed in November
>>and that would bring better prospects.
>>
>>13)  Landmines
>>
>>At the Geneva meeting, International Campaign to Ban Land Mines
>>campaigners and researchers from Africa were there.  They were
>>told they should speak with the U.S. military which was pressing
>>countries not to sign.  The U.S. Ambassador there denied that.
>>
>>14)  Guests:
>>
>>A)  Yvonne O'Brien and Annette Aulton of the Office of Public
>>Liaison of the State Department stated that they are our advocates
>>at the State Department.  They will continue on in any new
>>Administration.  They can help connect ADNA with proper personnel
>>and can help with ADNA grassroots efforts as they do town
>>meetings around the country.  They could send State Dept speakers
>>to various ADNA members' meetings.  Monthly Briefings are held
>>the last Thursday of each month-contact them to be included in
>>these.
>>
>>B)  Trevor Ngwane of the Alternative Information and Dec Centre of
>>South Africa, was one of the "Two Trevors Go to Washington" in the
>>film of that name.  A long-time Soweto activits noted that indicators
>>are gloomy: The rich get richer, HIV is at a high rate, and cholera is
>>occurring.  The government policy of privatization of basic services
>>is exacerbating these.  The Anti-Privatization Forum is a a coalition
>>of organizations (church, student, women, unions, NGOs, etc.) that
>>focuses on the effects of privatization.  It has sub-groups on
>>research, media, organizing, and coordinating.  Trevor expressed
>>appreciation for ADNA's efforts and invites a working relationship.
>>
>>C)  Dr. Michael Turner of Hunter College is doing an evaluation of
>>the National Summit on Africa as a Ford Foundation consultant.
>>Was the Summit successful?  Was it able to publicize Africa to the
>>U.S. public?  Were the Regional processes effective?  What has
>>been the relationship of the Washington office of the NSOA to the
>>national network of state NSOA organizations?  Questionnaires were
>>sent out nationwide; a report will be completed by December.  Some
>>or all of it will be published as the Ford Foundation decides.
>>
>>D)  Abitaile Fofana of Cote d'Ivoire recounted the military putsch of
>>December 1999 which installed the present military government.
>>President Gueye is running the upcoming elections.  By October 7
>>other candidates must announce.  Two students died last week;
>>there are military arrests. It is better not to have military rule, but
>>the
>>future is unclear.
>>
>>15)  Announcements
>>· Questions for the Presidential candidates' debate can be proposed
>>at http://www.debates.org.
>>
>>· On October 2  the Administration announced the countries that will
>>receive the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
>>
>>· Becky Schwartz of the Administration's Trade Office will attend the
>>meeting of the Africa Trade Policy Working Group on October 19 at
>>3:00 p.m. at WOA, 212 E. Capitol St.
>>
>>· For the next 4-6 months, Ray Almeida (of BFW) offers to co-
>>convene with Bill Jackson (of AAI) an ADNA Working Group on the
>>(U.S. Government) Transition.
>>
>>· APIC/Africa Fund have a joint brochure on questions for the
>>candidates that will be published by October 7-it goes to all party
>>headquarters and to Jim Lehrer and Bernard Shaw.
>>
>>· The ADNA communications system (via APIC), for the period
>>January 1 - June 30, 2000, produced 76 different country and issue
>>Updates, 39 Action Alerts, and 20 Event Notices.
>>
>>16)  NEXT ADNA MEETING (note the CHANGE):  Tuesday
>>NOVEMBER 14, 10:00 a.m., at the Mott House at 122 Maryland Ave
>>NE.  This avoids Election Day on November 7 and allows analysis of
>>results.  Please submit agenda items to Ezekiel on time.
>>
>>***
>>
>>This message from Society of Missionaries in Africa is distributed
>>through the Advocacy Network for Africa (ADNA).
>>
>>Vicki Lynn Ferguson
>>Advocacy Network for Africa
>>Communications Facilitator
>>c/o Africa Policy Information Center
>>110 Maryland Ave, NE  #509
>>Washington, DC 20002
>>Ph:  202-546-7961
>>Fax: 202-546-1545
>>E-mail:  [log in to unmask]
>>Web: http://www.africapolicy.org/adna
>
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