*Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue* *Issue No. 49/06, 26-28 June, 2006* *Editorial* *AU Summit*** The AU Summit constitutes the ordinary session of the African Union, which comprises heads of state and government or their duly accredited representatives. The office of the Chairperson of the assembly shall be held for a period of one year by a head of state or government elected after consultation among member states. When the summit was held in Sudan 16 - 24 January, 2006 the heads of state decided not to make the president of Sudan the Chairperson of the assembly because of the unresolved problems in Darfur and other concerns. The President of Congo was made the Chairperson. So hosting the summit is therefore not synonymous with being the Chairperson of the Assembly. One may now ask: What are the heads of state coming to do in the Gambia. The answer is simple. The assembly of heads of state is responsible for determining the policies and budgets of the union, appoint the Chairperson of the AU Commission and the Commissioners, create new organises and so on and so forth. The summit is going to concentrate on the rationalization and harmonization of the regional economic groupings that are created to facilitate regional integration. Other issues such as the conflict areas are also going to find expression. FOROYAA will follow the summit and keep the readers acquainted with all developments. *Another 18 Million Dalasis Paid To Farmers* Reports reaching the Foroyaa have indicated that the Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Societies (FACS) have paid a total of D30 million out of the total sum of D48 million it is owing the farmers. This sum of D48 million dalasis is the amount owed to farmers between January and March this year by FACS alone. It does not include the private buyers. According to earlier reports, published by FOROYAA No. 39/2006, a sum of 12 million dalasis had been paid before. Now, reports have it that an additional D18 million had been paid, bringing the total paid by FACS to D30 million dalasis. This means that a sum of 18 million dalasis is still outstanding. The source further indicated that the payments were done through the GGC by government except for the first payment, which was done by GAMCO. The source indicated finally that groundnuts taken on credit basis by private buyers association members are yet to be paid for. *JUSTICE MONAGEN CAUTIONS THE STATE LAW OFFICE* *By Surakata Danso* Justice Monagen, who presides over one of the busiest courtrooms in the High Court, has cautioned the state law office to always make sure that witnesses are brought before they bring prisoners to court. The judge made these remarks following the appearance of several detained prisoners in her court whose cases could not proceed due to absence of prosecution witnesses in the cases against the accused persons including manslaughter and murder. When the cases were called, the prosecutors asked for adjournment due to lack of access to witnesses. For the illegal rape case the problem had been lack of a Bambara (a dialect of Mandinka) interpreter. The accused in the case is one Sarjo Jarra, a Malian. He is said to have been arrested and detained since the year 2000. Justice Monagen indicated that she does not see the need why the state and the court should continue to encroach on the life of accused persons for lack of witnesses and interpreters. She asserted that the Police should make sure that witnesses are provided. She further indicated that the court should also make sure that interpreters are available at all limes. She finally suggested that there is the need for a meeting between the court, the Attorney General's Chambers and the IGP's office to sort out the issue of non availability of witnesses in criminal trials. NAMS HAVE POWERS OVER SECRETARIES OF STATE *By Abdoulie Dibba* Contributing to the adjournment debate at the National Assembly last Monday, the National Assembly Member for Wuli West, Hon. Sidia Jatta, told his colleagues that there is no use crying over the absence of Secretaries of State during Assembly meetings particularly adjournment debates. Hon. Jatta told his colleagues that they must stop crying because they are not powerless. He said they have constitutional powers to control the Executive, and, not only to control them, but they also have the powers to even remove them from their jobs. He pointed out that some of his colleagues clamored for Permanent Secretaries to attend Parliamentary sittings on behalf of Secretaries of State. He stressed that the constitution is very clear on who should attend sittings under Section 77(4). He indicated that Section 77(4) stipulated very clearly that "*the Vice President or a Secretary of State shall, when requested by the National Assembly, report to the National Assembly on any matter concerning a department or other business of Government committed to his or her charge and shall be entitled to attend and speak in the National Assembly whenever any bill or other matter concerning such department or business is being debated*". Sidia told his colleagues that it is the Secretaries of State who should go to the National Assembly so that when Parliamentarians raise issues, they will respond. He said Permanent Secretaries cannot speak at the National Assembly. He further stated that Permanent Secretaries attend National Assembly sittings out of their free will, but they are not constitutionally bound to do so. Hon. Jatta told his colleagues that they have been crying since 1997 when they could discipline Secretaries of State to attend by simply telling them that "Since you are not interested in the concerns of the people we are representing in this august body, we too, when you come with your bills and protocols we would have no interest in them. They need us to enact their bills and ratify their protocols. If we are ready, we can discipline the Secretaries of State". *PRESS STATEMENT* FORUM ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION BARRED A network of free expression and journalist organisations has issued a press release accusing the Coordinating Committee set up by the Government of The Gambia to oversee the African Union (AU) Summit of barring civil society organizations on the continent from holding a forum on freedom of expression in the country. The forum was scheduled to take place in Banjul, the capital, on June 29 and 30, prior to the Summit. According to the press release, in a letter sent on June 19, 2006 to "The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations" (TANGO) and copied to the Kombo Beach Hotel, which had been booked as venue for the Forum, the General Coordinator of the Summit, Mr. Bolong Sonko, told the hotel management to suspend the freedom of expression forum until government approves it. The Gambian government therefore effectively stopped the NGOs from holding the forum, the statement points out. The statement considers the Gambian government's action as hostile to human rights a violation of the Constitutive Act of the African Union. The signatories of the statement find it unacceptable for the Gambian authorities to attempt to subject an NGO forum, particularly one aimed at discussing an issue as fundamental as the right to freedom of expression, to governmental approval. According to the statement, in recent months, since the government announced the foiling of an alleged attempted coup d'état, security agents have arrested scores of Gambian citizens, including journalists, lawyers, Secretaries of state, civil servants, army personnel, and the Speaker of the National Assembly. The statement points out that the state of fear imposed on the people of Gambia is such that citizens are afraid to have any conversation whatsoever about public affairs. The regime has closed down several newspapers and radio stations, and has frightened and gagged most of the newspapers not yet closed down. The statement further indicates that it is for this reason that the Network of African Freedom Expression Organisations (NAFEO) has declared President Jammeh's government "the most violent violator of press freedom in West Africa" today, and the Gambia one of the six "hotspots" of freedom of expression violations in Africa. The African Union offers a new framework for good governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law. It is therefore unacceptable and intolerable that despite being the host of the African Union Summit, the Gambia government persists in silencing free speech and trampling on the basic rights of Gambians," the statement asserts. The signatories of the statement then conclude by making the following demands: 1. denounce and protest the Gambian government's high-handed action and violent repression of human rights in the Gambia; 2. call on the leaders of democratic governments attending the Banjul Summit to reject the Gambia government's action against the planned freedom of expression forum; 3. demand that the AU makes it obligatory on any host government to permit civil society organisations to organise their forums during all AU-authorised events, including summits; 4. demand from leaders of democratic governments attending the Banjul Summit to condemn the widespread and unending violent attacks on human rights in the Gambia. 5. further call on the Heads of State and Governments of the AU to take urgent steps to ensure that the Gambian government respects its obligations under international human rights law. *VIEWS OF ORDINARY GAMBIANS ON * *AU BANJUL SUMMIT* *By Musa Barrow & Madiba Singhateh * Electricity poles have been erected, roads have been reconstructed, villas have been built, VIP protection course have been organised, a media onslaught has been mounted, companies and communities have handed over their contributions. All these are geared towards making The AU Banjul Summit not just a success, but a memorable gathering of African Leaders, the like of which Africa has never been held before. Within a short period of time the country has witnessed a rapid revamping of its infrastural adjustment, the kind of which is unprecedented. Proponents of the AU Banjul Summit argued that the staging of the African Union Summit in the country is a national issue, which will earn The Gambia glory and pride in the international arena. They further insisted that, it also transcends party politics, since it is an opportunity for the Nation to attract potential business investment. When our reporter went out to the streets to seek the views of ordinary Gambians on AU Banjul Summit, the views of the proponents were shared by some people and among them were two market women, Mariama Drammeh and Fatou Sanyang, who said that the AU Banjul Summit is a great event for all Gambians. However, when the two women were initially approached by our reporter, they looked reluctant to voice out their opinions. One of them told our reporter that, she knew very little about the AU Banjul Summit, because according to her she wakes up early in the morning to go to the market and returns late at night. She said, she does not have time to either listen to the radio or watch TV. According to another enthusiast of The AU Banjul Summit, one Aji Marico, the summit is a source of pride and honour for the country. His views were echoed by two other youths, one Abdullah Seckan and Lamin Daffeh, who also believe that the country could derive some economic benefits by hosting the AU Summit. However, when they were asked to explain some of those economic benefits they were not able to give answers. Also speaking from the pro-AU Banjul Summit camp was one man, probably in his fifties, who wished to remain anonymous. He stated that it is the responsibility of all Gambians to make this forthcoming AU Banjul Summit a success. Talking about the benefits that Gambia can derive from the summit, he noted that some potential investors might come with the leaders. He further indicated that since the main agenda of the summit would be African integration, if that happens Gambia must definitely benefit. In sharp contrast to the views earlier expressed, some people are sceptical about the issue. And one such opinion was the one expressed by a man who wanted to be only known as Mr. Conteh. He stated that although he is not opposed to Gambia hosting the summit, given the present economic situation in the country, it would have been prudent to spend the huge sums of money spent in the preparations for the summit on other important sectors. Mr. Conteh further elaborated that, the money used to build lofty Presidential villas and purchasing of lavish and flashy cars, should have been used to pay farmers and provide better social services throughout The Gambia. He described the current reconstruction of roads in KMC and the surrounding as a mere show-piece aimed at disguising the true state of most of our roads. Mr. Conteh also added that the essence of the summit would depend on what African Leaders discuss. He said that if they discuss issues regarding their own personal interests rather than the issues affecting ordinary Africans, then the purpose of the summit would be defeated. He also implored African leaders to look into the state of African Football. Sharing Mr. Conteh's comments was one Ansu Jammeh who further appealed to Gambian authorities to free all political prisoners. Another sceptic of The AU Banjul Summit, Alieu Demba, stated that hosting the AU Summit is just varity with very little benefit for the country. He also said that it would have been wise to invest in the socio-economic development of the country rather than host the AU Summit at such exorbitant cost. According to one Yoro Saho, hosting the AU Summit is a good idea. But he went on to say that after the summit, government should concentrate on improving the standard of living of Gambians. Referring to the ongoing preparation on efforts, Mr. Saho questioned the essence of flashy cars and lofty buildings when the standard of living of ordinary citizen is falling. He also cited a striking personal experience at the Jammeh Foundation Hospital in Bundung, where, he said, his wife gave birth two months back. According to him on that fateful day, there was no doctor or nurse at that hospital to look after his wife when she gave birth. To add insult to injury, Mr. Saho said, there wasn't even water at the hospital at that particular moment. *SOS MBOWE CLARIFIES* *By Abdoulie Dibba* The Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tamsir Mbowe, told Deputies at the National Assembly that the embargo on the issuance of new licenses applies to all categories of drug outlets namely category A, B and C. SoS Mbowe went on to indicate that the embargo is due to the problems faced in the private sector such as proliferation of drug outlets, non-licensed outlets and also drug outlets being manned by non-qualified personnel which need to be addressed. SoS Mbowe said the current drug legislation that is the Medicines Act 1984 and the Medicines Regulation 1986 were reviewed in 2005. SoS Mbowe told Deputies that the Revised Drug Legislation, the Medicines and Related Products Act, 2006 is currently being finalized for submission to Cabinet and the Assembly for enactment before end of 2006. SoS Mbowe concluded by saying that "the embargo will be lifted as soon as the new Drug Legislation is enacted by the National Assembly. SoS Mbowe made these remarks at the National Assembly while responding to a question raised by the Member for Janjangbureh Constituency, Hon. Musa A. K. Sillah, regarding the embargo on the issuance of licenses and its lifting. In a supplementary question, the Minority Leader of the National Assembly, Halifa Sallah, asked SoS Mbowe to clarify whether impact assessment has been done since the embargo? In response, SoS Mbowe said impact assessment has been done. *AU SUMMIT* *As from this issue, we open this column to report on developments related with the AU summit and to discuss Pan-African issues.* *WHAT DOES THE AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT MEAN FOR AFRICANS*? *BRAVO BANJUL AU- SUMMIT* *TRADE UNION'S POSITION FOR SUSTAINABLE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA BY PA MOMODOU K.B FAAL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY GENERAL G.W.C* Africa is currently facing major challenges to which urgent, humane and sustainable solutions must be found during the Banjul AU Summit In fact, over the last five years, many African countries have been implementing multiple strategies aimed at solving the crucial problems brought about by the implementation of the measures of the Structural adjustment programmes, especially in the economic and social fields. Yet again, these countries today find themselves in another predicament where they must make efforts and unprecedented sacrifices to attain and maintain themselves like the other industrialised countries, on an economic performance orbit, which goes with the globalisation of the economy. This globalisation phenomenon is translated by an increasing interdependence of the global economy, as a result of rapid economic and technological changes The process of this globalisation of the economy sees itself as the guarantee for economic growth and the development of countries, advocates for a liberalisation of the global economy, increase competition and relegates social issues to the background. Owing to the poor economic performance and this inexorable adventure facing us in a situation where employment, the purchasing power, production, investments, terms of trade on the regional and international markets are permanently on the decline, Africa is at the fringe of this new order. Besides, the efficiency of developmental policies of the high potential sectors including agriculture, industry and the inadequacy of researches on local and foreign market opportunities, keeps the Continent outside this competition. It is therefore imperative for African Trade Unions to make an in depth diagnosis this globalisation phenomenon, analyse its consequences on workers and put forward sustainable alternative solutions capable of guaranteeing the social advancement and economic development of the continent The first pad of this article will therefore look at the prevailing conditions at the time of Africa integration. The second part should tackle the consequences of the globalisation and the third will evolve on trade union methods and strategies that could be implemented to confront the challenges of globalisation. *1. EMERGENCE OF THE GLOBALISATION PHENOMENON IN AFRICA* After the independence era, the domestic wealth of many African countries attracted foreign capital. Investments of the 70s had no serious economic justifications and were rather a pretext to seek prestige and indirect advantages. This gave birth to the phenomenon referred to as "white elephant" in other words, prestigious projects. However, the trend to consume foreign manufactured products became the order of the day. In these conditions, African cities, the place of residence of the privileged strata became the clients of the industrialised centres of the West- The rural areas where the majority of African populations lived were therefore ignored. The building of the foundation of a prosperous economy was thus neglected. Relations established following formal and informal alliances between Governments and multinational enterprises did not enable Africans acquire and master the necessary know-how to advantageously position themselves on the scene of world affairs. African economies found themselves constantly declining This situation worsened with the economic recession of the 70s following the oil crisis of 1970 and 1983 and coupled with the low prices of raw materials and the constant deterioration of the terms of trade. At one stage, Governments were no longer in the position to pay back their accumulated debts. This state of affairs, towards the mid 80s, made the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund launch their strategic "Structural Adjustment Programmes" (SAPS). The aims and objectives of SAPs are on the need to restructure African economies, redirect public sector expenditures and eliminate prices manipulations. It also seeks to create a favourable environment for private sector investment. Measures based on the criteria of profitability and competitiveness was put in place. It involved changes to the production apparatus to stimulate efficiency. The final objective on the one hand, is to enable African countries to play along in the competition and assert themselves on the international markets and on the other eliminate budgetary imbalances and absorb their foreign debts. This is how, through indebtedness and SAPs, Africa entered globalisation in full swing. As far as Africa is concerned, it is a system of development based on the global integration of national economies and the increased role of economic actors that multinational companies constitute. This phenomenon is not new to Africa. It has already been in existence at least as far as trade is concerned. However, its tempo has increased of late with the integration of financial markets and the technological development of the means of communication, leading to the shrinking of the world to the extent that lifestyles and processes of thought and action seem to be standardising. In short, this globalisation phenomenon has been increased by the following factors among others: - the predominance of economic policies centred on the global market; - the withdrawal or reduction of institutional barriers to international Trade through multilateral agreements with the view to harmonising policies and improving access to market; - the technological advancement in transport and electronic communication, which have significantly reduced the cost of trade and made viable the export of wide range of goods and services; - the rapid developments of the world financial markets to remove cost of transactions; - the geographical dispersal or global integration of productive and marketing processes controlled by multinational corporations. Globalisation is taking place at different rhythms depending on the countries and activities. In view of the above, one could say that the success or failure of a country or region in the process of a globalised and liberalised world economy depends on the level of its trade, investment inflows, technological development, its competitiveness, its penetration into the international markets as well as the efficient management of its resources. In addition to all these elements are the other factors associated with peace, stability and correct choice of developmental policies. However, the experience with SAPs proved to us at the time that socio economic problems are not solved with only figures and curves of economic growth. Global equilibrium are insufficient for mart happiness. The economic globalisation shall go hand in hand with the globalisation of the fundamental human and good governance *ii CONSEQUENCES AND CHALLENGES OF GLOBALISATION* Globalisation in the scope of first conception seems to be a model of development based on internationalisation of production and the integration of the world economy. At the onset, it translates the expectation of new developments within the scope of a free, liberal and competitive world market. 1-lowever, no matter the justification of the optimism of globalisation, r argument can hold as far as its risks for Africa is concerned. Having suffered the bitter consequences of the developmental policies of the 70s, Africa should be careful not to adopt developmental approaches that have sometimes been against the interests of workers. This explains why beyond all afro-pessimism, our analysis of Africa's situation owing to its integration into the globalisation process highlights poignant consequences and challenges of various dimensions. *2-1 At the economic level* One of the strongest tendencies of the reconversion of the economy within the framework of globalisation is the privatisation of enterprises, leading to outright sale of local industries to multinational companies. This practice has re-in a capitalist economy, the control of which governments find increasingly elusive in Africa. Those with the capital are increasingly controlling the economy and investments, which are not always made according to a better development but rather according to prospects of better turnovers. One would no doubt witness a free play of economic forces; however, it still stands to bring about a de-capitalisation of African countries to the advantage of giant companies of developed countries. These latter set themselves up in African countries in the form of a financial suction pump, further exploiting our poverty. Thus, as the producer of input and semi-finished goods, African workers are simply exploited on the basis of the fact that as individuals they have no power to defend themselves. There is therefore a development of under-development in such a way that African countries are economically poor ones across the planet. The neo-liberal opening was also pronounced in Africa through strong monetarist practices involving the re-establishment of the macro economic equilibrium. African countries made desperate efforts at reducing their budgetary deficits by implementing harsh monetary discipline. However, they witnessed the resurgence of inflationary pressures at the lowest level of economic activity. Economic infrastructures collapsed following) the reduction in government expenditure and the high interest rates. Dodging customs banters, the giant multinational companies flood the African markets with low priced goods, which contribute to the poor sales of African products and the collapse of African enterprises. Newly created companies and jobs run the risk of folding up owing to the low competitiveness. The result is a process of local African disinvestments and an increased poverty. Some forces and structures have emerged as the major actors of globalisation and the liberalisation of the economy and whose influence on the global competition and economic development sometimes transcends national frontiers. These forces and structures are among others: the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for trade and investments, the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for structural adjustment, multinational companies for the production and management, technological advancement for information, communication and transportation. As regards measures to respond to globalisation, sub-Saharan African countries have still not succeeded well. Though some among, them belong to international groupings such as EU-ACP (Lome Convention), they have not been able to develop strong economic groupings of their own such as the European Union to ensure a real economic integration and harmonise economic policies. Efforts by regional groupings such as the creation of ECOWAS have not yet yielded the desired real economic integration. On the whole, we realise that Africa got involved in the globalisation unprepared and without acquiring new reflexes and appropriate production methods. Of what purpose therefore, is the opening into a world market to a country whose position is more or less non existent in the sub-regional, regional and international trade? Of what purpose therefore is globalisation to a country whose overall domestic savings cannot be mobilised for financing companies or investments? It therefore appears that the solution to Africa's problem as far as globalisation is concerned, by far goes beyond the simple economic point of view. In reality, it is a problem of building more humane society. The model of development, which would be required, should be that which takes human being into consideration. *2.2 At the social level* The complexity of the non-enviable situation of African workers still does not allow for a dear identification of the difference between the phenomena caused by the problem of under-development and globalisation. The reality of this situation is brutal and reflects their living conditions. With the integration of Africa in the process of globalisation, there is first of all an exacerbation of the social crisis. Owing to the low growth rates, there is little job opportunities. We should also take note of the fact that with the reduction in social investments in favour of re-establishing the macro-economic equilibrium, the social sectors for the development of woman/ man are affected. The medico-health structures or several African countries have seriously deteriorated in the course of the last few years. Illiteracy has increased. Under-financing of the social amenities has rendered workers' access to health care and education insufficient. This state of affairs prevents workers from drawing the maximum benefit from globalisation. The forced integration of Africa into the globalisation phenomenon has given rise to especially urban economic activities. This situation generates a strong movement of rural exodus. In the host areas, especially big cities, social problems have increased to such an extent that today, in Africa; there is a highly increasing urban poverty owing to the fact that the city could not offer the expected employment. Furthermore, the African population is experiencing a high population growth rate (about 3%), while the continent requires an economic growth of 5% and the creation of several millions of new jobs to guarantee income. The prospects are dark, to the extent that 45 to 50% of Africans live below the poverty line (US$1 per day). The informal sector, the present survival solution has rapidly developed and provides 40% of urban employment. However, working conditions there are difficult and offers no social security to the workers. Globalisation is taking place in Africa through the imposition of unacceptable working and living conditions. This is particularly obvious following the revisions of labour codes, which try to reduce the collective and individual rights of workers. Hence, this is expressed in Africa through the liberalisation of the labour market, privatisation, deregulation and the flexibility of working conditions. Globalisation has provoked a series of problems related to labour and has rekindled others. It leads to a lot of suffering and to new forms of poverty. Given that the average per capita income is $490 (1995) with an annual economic growth rate of negative -1,1% (1985 workers in sub-Saharan African countries are poor. This situation has brought about a degeneration of human relations, weakening of the social fabric and jeopardised living conditions of families and children. Child labour comes about as a survival strategy for the family. 90% of the young girls between ages 7 and 8 who are child maids work in extremely difficult conditions with no social security schemes Employment opportunities being limited to the informal sector, many companies in this sector resort to child labour and exploitation of unskilled and cheap labour. Under the weight of globalisation, the situation of women is becoming increasingly precarious. Their resources are rapidly reducing and they are compelled to spend ungodly hours at work and compromise themselves to survive in a difficult environment. Of a labour of force over 257 million workers, 42% are women and 68% of whom are engaged in food production and 18% in the industrial sector. Most of these women and especially young girls hide behind the migration phenomenon to the detriment of educational or specialised training in the quest of better living and working conditions. * 2.3 At the cultural level* In spite of the thought processes, the globalisation of communication has sparked off a process of erosion and destruction of cultures in Africa. In fact, the crux of the matter here is the scope of the resources of some multinational enterprises that make use of an unprecedented penetration and diffusion force. Hence, a large patronage of certain images and some cultures. However, it is not the foreign cultural product that matters as such, since its presence is important in many other respects. It is the penetration of the multinationals to occupy the whole field of cultural supply. It leads to the solution where African cultural and ethic values are not respected. There is also what may be termed as the invasion of western media, which reinforces the marginalisation of African national languages. In the lace of all these, there is cause to promote new cultural principles which will position man/women in the centre of interests, not only to pull out Africa from its lethargy, but also to save the world. The values of African civilisations, of which the precepts of generosity are acknowledged, may be the hope for all of humanity. *2.4 At the Political level* The political world of globalisation is defined as the democratic world, which has become a reference model. This is how some recent events brought down some dictatorial regimes. Today, it is the process of democratisation, the rule of law and the reference to the right of the person, which defines the hopes, and aspirations of citizens everywhere. However, alt these take place with a strong presence of ultra-liberal ideology. The welfare state is being questioned. In the new challenge, there is the emergence of the civil society as an opposition force. There is however more ground to be covered, especially as regards trade unions. Tri-partism is threatened; trade unions are not involved in the resolution of the problems of workers. In Africa the World Bank, IMF and other financial donors (bilateral co operation) are ever so powerful that the sovereignty of states is in crisis. No Government can singularly pursue its own national developmental policies without taking the demands and interests of these institutions into consideration. Powerful interest therefore directs the choices of policies, which are not always favourable to workers. It is therefore, for trade unions movements in the African society to assume the role of a mediator in its capacity as a social force, breathe a new life into a development dynamics for the benefit of all. *2.5 At the trade union level* ** The integration of Africa into the new division of labour has had serious consequences on the labour world and workers as a whole. The risks, impasses and contradictions are many which are: * Unemployment; * Massive lay offs * flexibilisation to make retrenchment procedures and laws governing fixed period working contracts less restricting; * weakening of the solidarity mechanism; 4ns4 #4zs't4octc * The development of the informal sector and dangerous and Hazardous jobs ; as well as * Social exclusion. Neither job security nor increase in the purchasing power of workers can be guaranteed. Collective bargaining is rarely successful because African trade unions are confronted with the internationalisation of decision making centres and capital. There is also the issue of de-unionisation, shrinkage of negotiation margin of trade unions. African trade union movements are therefore faced with a problem of responsibility and efficiency. Meanwhile, it is for them, as organised social force, to efficiently participate in the process of economic and social development. All things considered, globalisation should be demystified to avoid the farce of the development of underdevelopment and of the vast network of domination and exploitation of the poverty of African workers. *Ill- TRADE UNION ALTERNATIVES AND STRATEGIES* In order to face up to the different challenges mentioned above, t is important to prepare the basis for a social, economic and political offensive of the trade union movement in order to consolidate the defence and promotion of workers rights and freedoms and their organisations. The objective is to surmount the adverse effects of globalisation and institute a human faced full developmental process. It is therefore more than just the need for African trade union movement to carry out this struggle with coherent strategies at the political, economic, social and cultural levels. It shall involve the taking into account of the primacy of labour over capital, co-operation, social justice and the full involvement and participation of workers and the population in general in the development of their countries and continent. * For an effective contribution to the solving of the problems enumerated, workers must mobilise themselves and unite their forces to achieve, through negotiation, the balance between economic growth and social advancement, especially as regards the promotion of employment, working conditions and a just remuneration for work done- It is within this framework that the principle of social security which seems to be disappearing at the time of globalisation should be defended and widened in such a way as to make social security one of the major themes of the social dialogue, * There is no doubt that this task requires more resources and organisation that a trade union structure only, cannot cope with. It is why trade unions must widen their base by mobilising more members and resources, by organising and creating trade unions in the informal and rural sectors. * As social partners, and workers' representatives, the need for the consolidation of a unity of action in national and continental and international trade union diversity and the strengthening of a free and able civil society is imperative in order to come out with a real social programme which safeguard the ultimate interests of the workers and populations of the African continent. * To take advantage of the united forces and opportunities that inter- union integration and co-operation may yield, it is necessary to give priority to negotiation of regional and sub-regional agreements, which guarantee the rights of migrant workers. * It is also necessary for workers to propose and defend social clauses in the commercial agreements, which are negotiated in the Government circles and are represented. * In reaction to the increasing globalisation and liberalisation, trade unions must participate in the setting up of mechanisms of economic co-operation, national and sub-regional trade integration. It is by so doing that trade unions may and should be able for instance to efficiently develop strategies for the training, protection and defence of the interests of workers in the Export Processing Zones (EPZs). Trade unions must encourage and put forward policies of free movements of goods, persons and services and the use of a common currency on national, sub-regional and regional markets. In a fast globalising environment, it is important for trade unions to increase and intensify their co-operation with all the international organisations such as the ILO, UNDP, FAC, WHO, UNICEF,…… the financial and trading institutions like the WB, IMF, WTO and the regional and sub-regional organisations: AU, ECOWAS, CACU. * The new trade union policy in the face of globalisation calls for the reinforcement of the culture of transparency and democracy as far as decision making and management at all levels are concerned. * One of the possible bases for a sustainable self sufficiency and a multiplication of employment is the creation of small and medium scale enterprises for the production of goods and services for lucrative markets. Trade union must be able to create multi-sectoral co-operatives, mutual aid schemes, associations arid projects of any other collective interests. This calls for the encouragement and support of the mechanisms of accessibility to capital, through the promotion of savings, affordable credit, and appropriate technology. * Considering the constraints of private initiatives in certain areas at this time of globalisation, trade union organisations now have the task of initiating and increasing dialogue with governments to bring about a good choice of strategic economic policies which take social advancement into account, especially education, health and job security. • As a social force, trade unions must penetrate the media, sensitise workers and give their points of view on all issues concerning the labour world and the different challenges facing the populations. This calls for innovations and new reflexes in order to develop communication strategies in enterprise, national union organisations and with all other actors. * Trade unions must sensitise workers and populations in general to be able to stop once and for all armed conflicts, which create employment and wealth elsewhere through military and humanitarian interventions in sacrificing the life and development of Africans. In this respect, the creation of national and regional platforms between trade unions and governments is necessary to tackle the problems of peace, stability and development. * The implementation of these strategies requires institutional capabilities and development based on long and short term specific and broad based training programmes. It is why an increased of co-ordination of activities of national organisations is deemed imperative to really assume the responsibility of promoting a sustainable human development. * It is in this light that professional organisations must be further reinforced and structured into confederations in order to have bigger and more credible organisations. * In the light of the presentation of the living and working conditions of African women and young girls, actions aimed at eliminating constraints wherever they exist is important in order to ensure a real consideration of the concerns of all socio-professional categories of women and youth associations. This involves the reinforcement of pan African commissions on working women and the efficient organisation of the youth. * The struggle against child labour must be pursued and in this way, lead governments to harmonise national laws on employment, and education in order to eliminate the differences existing in many countries between the minimum age for admission to employment or work and that of the age at which compulsory education stops. In the face of these challenges the labour movements is already making headway through its departments and their different programmes, by assigning it specific objectives in order to give substantial support to its affiliated organisations. *CONCLUSION* The globalisation phenomenon is irreversible. The challenge to Governments, trade unions and the civil society in general is big. It calls for all the individual and collective conscience to offset the harmful effects on living conditions. Trade union movement has never been absent from the crucial moment of the struggles that have characterised our continent. This old experience, which is due to its ability to mobilize workers and populations in general, is a wealth, the value of which cannot be estimated, considering the effects of globalisation. Therefore, the time has now come for us to propose as a workers' movement, suitable alternatives given the urgency to restore the real sense and the specific finality of economic activity. It is therefore important to come up with solutions of a different economy capable of providing solutions to the problems facing us, with a social content because the end purpose is to satisfy the needs of workers. We are resolutely committed to actively participate in the process of dialogue through tri-partism, co-operation and a unity of action of the trade union movement in order to solve the problems brought about globalisation, through specific projects of different natures. We are therefore launching an appeal to all workers, partners and our governments to strive for a humane development and economic growth. BRAVO!! BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!! Present Jammeh and the Banjul Au Summit Organisers There Is Victory For Us. *WHAT DOES THE AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT MEAN FOR AFRICANS*? What is the African Union? Why are they meeting in the Gambia? What does an African Union Summit mean? How much does it cost the Gambia to host the summit? What benefits does it give us for hosting the event? Why should Africa unite? What are the objectives of the African Union? How can the African Union and African unity solve the problems of hunger and poverty, HIV/AIDS and malaria, corruption and coup d'etats, rebel wars and drought violation of human rights and bad governance among others in Africa? Can the Africa Union ensure the dignity, prosperity and liberty of Africans in the world? These are the questions, which should have been the topics for discussions by GRTS, the newspapers and radio stations in the Gambia. Instead what we see is propaganda that is trying to take us for a ride by making us believe that the AU is a sign of approval of the Government of the Gambia by the international community. Meanwhile artists and musicians of all sorts are being mobilised to produce songs and portraits in the name of welcoming so-called African leaders, and to praise President Yaya Jammeh for all the good things that happen to this country. We are been told to come out in large numbers to welcome guests to the Gambia, but we are not told what will be the benefit of the coming of these guests to the Gambia and Africa. It is because of the lack of awareness created by African leaders and their governments, which is the reason, why the vast majority of Africans do not know what the African Union is all about. Since the days of the OAU to the AU, there has been no effort by African leader, except for the Nkrumahs, Sekou Tourays, Julius Nyereres and the Kenneth Kaundas, to inform and educate the populace on issues about African unity. Interestingly all our leaders parade themselves as serious Pan-Africanists yet no one of them ever made Pan-Africanism a subject in their election campaigns. No one of them created any policy or programme that will promote and speed up African Unity. In each and every African country, our leaders and their anti-African governments do nothing other than creating policies and laws that bring more hardship onto Africans, treat us like aliens and subject our people to all forms of oppression and exploitation. Meanwhile these leaders emerge as rich and powerful, more than the people who voted them into power. In the days of Nkrumah, Sekou Touray and Modibo Keita, they made sure that Ghana, Guinea and Mali had provisions in their constitutions, which states that in the interest of African unity, their countries will surrender their sovereignty. But today, the only thing our leaders are interested in is to protect their territorial integrity so that they can be lords over their people. No one of them wants to see a unified Africa because they do not want to lose their titles and unjust privileges. This is why they only pay lip service to African unity, but all their actions, decisions, policies and programmes are all against African unity. If not, why is it that since the creation of the AU more than five years ago, still the majority of Africans do not know what the AU is doing? There has been no mass consultation and sensitization in any African country to engage the people about unity. No referendum has been held in any country to ask the people whether they wish to be part of the African Union or not. But we see in Europe how their leaders constantly engage their people on issues of European Union. They even had to ask the people in a referendum in which some agreed and others do not. But still they are pursuing the agenda to make sure that the whole of Europe become one country. Why therefore are our leaders not doing the same here? All they are interested in is to gather every six months in one country after another just to waste our time and resources on a summit that does not produce any tangible development for the vast majority of Africans. I call on all Africans to demand from our leaders an agenda right now about their plans for unity. This agenda should include the time when we should have a democratic United States of Africa. For that purpose I have reproduced here the agenda Kwame Nkrumah presented to our leaders in 1963. Unfortunately just as the leaders of yesterday failed us, today these same leaders are failing us by not implementing this agenda. This is the 10- point proposal of Kwame Nkrumah, delivered on the 24" May 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: 1. A Common Economic and Industrial Program 2. An African Common Market 3. A Common African Currency 4. An African Monetary Zone 5. An African Central Bank 6. A Continental Communications System 7. A Common Foreign Policy and Diplomacy 8. A Common Defense System 9. A Common African Citizenship 10. A Common African Army with an African High Command This is the agenda these leaders should address and implement if Africa is to assume its rightful place in the comity of nations. This is the agenda that will empower Africans to be the masters of their own destiny and place our resources in our own hands for our benefit. This is the agenda, which will empower Africa to do away with poverty, hunger, misrule, conflicts, diseases, and all other forms of oppression and exploitation. This is the agenda that will develop, protect and give Africa power and prestige in the world. This is the agenda that will bring about democracy based on transparent and accountable governance, the respect for human rights, and peace and stability in Africa. Anything less or different from this agenda should be rejected by all Africans right now and put pressure on our governments and leaders to go back to the Nkrumah plan. For that purpose, we should demand that a commission be created for each of the proposals so that each commission will be tasked to produce a blueprint for the implementation of the proposal in six months and present to the AU Secretariat and Parliament in June 2007. The AU Secretariat and Parliament should implement the recommendations of the Commissions by December 2008 so that by that time we can launch the United States of Africa. In conclusion, let all Africans ask their leaders these 10 questions, and see whether our lives have really developed or deteriorated. 1. Why is it that after five decades of independence the majority of African people are poorer today than in 1960? 2. Why is it that after fifty years of independence majority of our people are yet to enjoy freedom of movement and speech, free education, health care and better living conditions? 3. Why is it that after so much billions of dollars in loan the African community is still so wretched and poor and continues to languish under all forms of hardship? 4. Why is it that all leaders of Africa and those working in their governments quickly get rich and live better lives than the majority of our people living in the villages, towns and cities across our Motherland? 5. Why is it that after decades of implementing several economic and social policies the masses of our people are still no near better living conditions? 6. Why is it that Africa, which is the richest continent in the world, is home to the poorest people on earth? 7. Why is it that all our leaders 'speak' in favour of African unity for over 50 years, and yet still they cannot form a union government? 8. Why is it that our people, who fought for independence so as to get land and avoid over taxation and to better their lives, rather they continue to be deprived of that same land and endure even more taxation and hardship? 9. Why is it that Africa, which is the richest and second largest continent in the world and endowed with the most valuable mineral and natural resources, is the weakest and poorest continent in the world? 10. Why is it that each of the continents of the world has a permanent representation in the United Nations except Africa, which in fact has the highest number of member states in the UN? If you attempt to answer these questions, only then will you realize that Pan-Africanism and its objective - the total liberation and unification of Africa— is not just imperative and inevitable, but also a necessity that has been imposed on us by the realities of Africa and the world. Postscript: Let the people know that the African Union holds a summit every six months, and each time one African country hosts it, which means that the Gambia's hosting of this event right now does not mean anything special. The last summit was held in Sudan, which has a government that authoritarian, and supports militias - the Janjanweed — to kill their fellow citizens in Darfur. Yet still our leaders refuse to condemn the Khartoum government by refusing to allow the AU summit to take place there. Instead they all closed their hearts and minds to the suffering of our people and associated themselves with a government that does not deserve to host the AU summit, but continues to annihilate fellow Africans even when the summit was taking place in Khartoum. Fellow Africans, this will show you what kind of leaders we have in Africa. In the service of Africa, I remain, *INDEPENDENT JOURNALIST PLEADS NOT GUILTY* *By Bubacarr K. Sowe* Lamin Camara, the defense counsel for the *Independent* newspaper reporter, Lamin Fatty, on Thursday told the Kanifing Magistrates' Court that the charge against his client is "duplicitous and uncertain." Lawyer Camara submitted that his client should not be charged with uncertain offences. "The charges filed against my client are duplicitous and uncertain. The particulars are duplicated. The charge as laid out is bad. The evidence could be uncertain," Camara argued. According to the particulars of the offence, Fatty, between the 23rd and the 27th of March 2006, while working for the *Independent *newspaper, wilfully or recklessly or negligently or having no reason, published false information about an individual. However, the police prosecutor, 1748 Mballow, objected to the submission made by Lamin Camara. He said there is nothing wrong with the charge. "The charge is proper and Fatty should take his plea," Mballow indicated. The Presiding Magistrate, Kebba Sanyang, ruled that duplicity of offence only happens in the statement of offence and not in the particulars of the offence. He, however, adjourned the trial to the 6th of July and indicated to the defense counsel that he is free to forward his matter to the superior courts. Lamin Fatty who pleaded not guilty, was arrested on the 10th of April and remained in detention until the 12th of June when he was brought to the Kanifing Magistrates' Court. He was then granted bail in the sum of fifty thousand dalasis and a Gambian surety. *TREASON PROCEEDINGS ADJORNED* *By Surakata Danso*** The concealment and conspiracy trial involving the following accused persons, namely Captains Abdoukarim Jah and Pierre Mendy, Lieutenant Momodou Alieu Bah, Samba Bah, Lance Corporal Babou Janha, Private Alhagie Nying and Hamadi Sowe has been adjourned to 30th June 2006. Justice Monagen made this order following the notice that the sixth accused, private Alhagie Nying, is yet to have a counsel. When the case was called after the defence and the prosecution announced their presence, the court noticed that the sixth accused had not been represented even though the state had promised to provide counsels for the two accused persons who were not represented during the last sitting. The acting DPP, Mr. Emmanuel Fagbenleh, later applied for an adjournment to allow them to put their house in order. *AFRICAN LEADERS URGED TO ACT* *By Bubacarr K. Sowe* The Civil Society fraternity across Africa on Thursday finalised a series of recommendations aimed at convincing the African leaders to act positively on the development of the continent, during the African Union (AU) Summit in Banjul. As part of preparations for the summit, The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (TANGO) recently organized a four day forum at the Friendship Hotel, Bakau, with participants from Senegal, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Zambia, Congo and The Gambia. The director of TANGO, Ousman Yarbo, described the forum as a golden opportunity for Africans to voice out their demands to the African heads of states. Mr. Yabo also called for an end to corruption, poverty, bad governance and conflicts, stressing that African citizens are tired and desperate. He said that what Africa needs is the development of its human resource with sound education, health care, transport and self-reliance on agriculture. Yaya Sanyang, the country director of Action Aid International - The Gambia, called on African leaders to invest more in production inorder for the continent to be self-reliant and self-sustaining. "It is not a matter of debt accumulation," Sanyang said. Sanyang also called on participants at the forum to consider the African Peer Review Mechanism which most African governments have failed to sign and adopt. Tennyson Williams, country director of Action Aid International – Sierra Leone said until Africans engage locally, the continent would not catch up. "The politics of aid is not helping but deepens poverty," Williams said. *HALIFA EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER PUBLIC FUND* *By Abdoulie Dibba* The Minority Leader at the National Assembly, Hon. Halifa Sallah, is of the opinion that Parliamentarians need to find out what has happen to the monies of the Continent Bank depositors. Hon. Sallah made these remarks at the National Assembly during the adjournment debate. He indicated that if one looks at page 11 of the 2006 estimates, one would discover under Settlement of Confirmed Outstanding Debt an amount of D20 million for the settlement of Continent Bank depositors. This amount, Hon. Halifa said, is to pay what has ultimately been caused by mismanagement and misappropriation of resources. The Minority Leader told his colleagues that the crisis in the Continent Bank is caused by mismanagement and misappropriation of resources. He pointed out that even though they cannot leave the depositors to suffer, Parliamentarians must continue to find out what has happened to the resources which were deposited by the depositors and what is being done to recover it because they are using public resources to settle the depositors. Halifa stressed that they must make an enquiry. He further posited that they must be informed what happened to the depositors' money. ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://listserv.icors.org/archives/gambia-l.html To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?S1=gambia-l To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to: [log in to unmask] ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤