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 > >_________________________________________________________________________ >Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. > >Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at >http://profiles.msn.com. > >---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > >To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L >Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html >You may also send subscription requests to >[log in to unmask] >if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your >full name and e-mail address. >---------------------------------------------------------------------------- _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------