ACORD IN SOLIDARITY WITH TSUNAMI VICTIMS: WHERE IS AFRICA?

The natural catastrophe that hit the South East Asian and some African countries last December was shocking and the level of destruction of both life and property unprecedented in recent history. ACORD, on her own behalf and that of communities and partners she works with in Africa, wishes to send condolences to families who lost their dear ones and comfort many others who survived but are maimed and millions of those devastated and left with no means of livelihood. With more than 160,000 people dead, the countries worst hit can never be the same again.

The outpouring of sympathy for the tsunami victims has been great. Many governments, NGOs, private companies and the public have pledged and some delivered their assistance to the victims. What is surprising however is the conspicuous silence of many African governments, civil societies and the public in the wake of this catastrophe. So far, many African governments, NGOs and individuals have exhibited an indifference to the situation not only in the Far East but also on their own continent. We salute those who have offered their assistance but reiterate that there is still very limited African government and civil society initiatives put in place to aid these victims. It is noteworthy that giving is not about those who have surpluses but indeed it is about obligation and responsibility to our fellow brothers and sisters in distress. Could this be because Africa has been socialized into receiving more than giving? Or is it a pointer to the inadequate ingenuity in the civil society and even governments to galvanize, catalyse and mobilize public support and resources to rise to such occasions?

Many Northern governments have responded with massive pledges to assist the victims of the tsunami. We hope that this tremendous response to this catastrophe does not in fact overshadow other pressing development issues on the global agenda, but rather sets a precedent to tackle with renewed vigour existing if not worse disasters in other parts of the world. This disaster, though devastating has its lessons for mankind for it not only affected those who live along the shores of the Indian Ocean in the affected countries but also citizens from other parts of the world; demonstrating how the world has become a very small village in which what happens in some remote place on the globe may have far reaching implications on those living thousands of miles away. This is one reality that should prick the conscience of all of us to be obligated to each other. This is more relevant now in a world where we have some people living in extreme poverty while others wallow in riches. Africa for example is plagued by numerous structural poverty problems and disasters which continue to kill, often, very silently millions of children, women and men.

Africa persistently bleeds from the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS, preventable tropical diseases, seasonal droughts and floods and senseless armed conflicts that leave millions dead and many others destitute. Nations reel under debts from richer countries of the north and continue to use their meagre resources to service these debts, diverting the much needed resources that would otherwise have been used to improve the health service infrastructure and the general provision of public services to the majority poor on the continent. What is left of the continent is then milked dry through unfair world trade practices that continue to use Africa as a producer of cheap raw materials, a dumping ground for second hand goods among other unscrupulous trade practices.

The gusto with which governments, NGOs, private individuals and companies responded to the tsunami disaster demonstrates that with similar efforts, Africa's problems can be surmounted. The recent freezing of debt servicing for the tsunami affected countries is a very positive step. It's incumbent upon Northern governments and multilateral financing institutions to replicate this in the whole of Africa. However it would serve a much better purpose if these debts were cancelled altogether for all least developed countries.

The irony of this African problem is that it may not be as visible as the tsunami waves, but is complex and requires concerted efforts and responses. The fact that stakeholders the world over responded with such zest to the tsunami disaster, shows that we can, if there is the will, do better even in the face of problems bedeviling Africa. However, these efforts must begin from Africa herself.

Ousainou Ngum, Ag. Executive Director