Brigitte Meidinger Born A Designer Brigitte Meidinger, une styliste née

Transcription

From Mobile
Restaurant
to Posh
Restaurants
Election
présidentielle sous
haute
surveillance
www.africalink.ch
Wanna call Africa
at low rates?
See our advert for details.
ortel.ch
September/October 2015 Vol.16 No.3
YMK-223_Ortel_Africa_Link_Teaser.indd 1
27.04.2015 13:2
THE VOICE OF AFRICA IN THE DIASPORA LA VOIX DE L’AFRIQUE DANS LA DIASPORA
Brigitte
Meidinger
Born A
Designer
Brigitte
Meidinger,
une styliste
née
05
*
*
*
*
*
Ghana Ce 4
Kenya KShs 250 Liberia Lb$ 250
Nigeria N500
Sierra Leone LE 5000
South Africa RSeptember/October
18 UK £ 2.202015CFA Countries CFA 1800 Euro Countries € 3.5
*
*
9
771661
442003
1
G
U
E
S
T
-
H
O
U
S
E
Das G u e s t-H ous e
mit Cha r me
Casa Heinrich
Guest-House
Heinrichstrasse 68
8005 Zürich
Tel. 044 271 04 77
Fax 044 271 04 47
[email protected]
www.casaheinrich-guesthouse.ch
2
September/October 2015
CONTENTS AND
CONTENTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Editorial4
Obama and the African mind-set
Obama et la mentalité africaine
Cartoon 6
Religion7
A Seed Of Hope
Sing It Out
Briefs8
Swissline9
Crisis response remains Nestlé’s Achilles heel page 9
Crisis Response Remains Nestlé’s Achilles Heel
Quand la communication de Nestlé échoue en Inde
Integration12
Disposal of Waste and Energy Conservation In Basel City
Abfallentsorgung und Energiesparmassnahmen in Basel
Celebration14
From Mobile Restaurant to Posh Restaurants
Feature16
SA Reviews Its Immigration Policy
page 17
Côte d'Ivoire: Election présidentielle
sous haute surveillance
page 23
Claim: Jonathan Leaves Nigeria With 7 Trillion Naira Deficit
Does Not Add Up
Politics17
L’Afrique du Sud réforme sa politique d’immigration
Lead20
Brigitte Meidinger Born A Designer
Brigitte Meidinger, une styliste née
Politics23
CÔTE D’IVOIRE: Election présidentielle sous haute surveillance
CÔTE D’IVOIRE: Presidential Election Draws Global Attention
TRIBUTE27
João Filipe Martins, un diplomate et une vie scellés à l’histoire angolaise
João Filipe Martins – A Diplomat and A Life Interlinked
with Angola's History
AU Report
"We are Girls not Brides"
President Obama Hails Africa’s Development
30
Celebration32
KING MOHAMMED: Urges Moroccans to Keep Identity
UNO Report
15th Session of Human Rights Council Advisory Committee Ended
UNCHR Helps in Voluntary Repatriation of Congolese from CAR
Nigerian Refugees: Even the Hills Couldn't Save Us
116 Somali Refugees Leave Kenya For Mogadishu
João Filipe Martins, un diplomate et une vie scellés à
l’histoire angolaise page 27
34
Entertainement36
SAF Prides Itself of Cultural Integration
Film: Experiences of Africans Across the World Revealed
page 31
3
EDITORIAL
Obama And The African Mind-set
In this high profile visit of the President of the United States of America to Africa
as he prepares to take a bow, he spoke with passion and his usual disarming frankness to the leadership and people of Africa. He did so without the fear of crossing
red lines or stepping on sensitive toes.
As far as the woes of the continent and the
list of desired changes are concerned, he did
not say much that is new. All that he said about
corruption, education and women’s empowerment had been trumpeted by African activists
and NGOs from the late Wangari Maathai to
Sesôr Africa and agencies of the United Nations
from the Economic Commission for Africa to
UNCTAD, UNESCO and even the African
people themselves. Of course, coming from the
President of the most powerful nation, his words
carry weight and the impact will sink into more
ears across the globe for good or ill. Africa needs
to do more than listen to this proud American,
son of an African father from a remote village in
Kenya who is proud to introduce his two daughters to the heritage of their ancestors who were
both slaves and slave owners. Of course the slave
and the slave owner had different and divergent
mindsets. And that is what we have to deal with
as the President of the United States of America
seeks in the dying months of his eight years in
power to thunder on Africa. A few words about
mindsets are therefore in order.
In their seminal tome Why Nations Fail,
economic historians, Daron Acemoglu and James
Robinson, expose the reader to some of the most
heinous acts of brutal exploitation perpetrated by
man against his fellow being. One of those that
is likely to get you hot under the collar if you
have any inkling of a sense of social justice is the
narrative of how the Spanish conquistadors dealt
with their innocent, welcoming and generous
indigenous peoples of the new world. A typical
ploy was to take the ruler of the generous welcoming people of the Aztec nation prisoner, put
him in a room and inform him that the condition
for his release was to order his people to fill that
room with gold. However, even after the near
impossible condition had been fulfilled by the
bewildered Aztecs, the conquistadors still went
ahead and executed their leaders.
The mindset of the conquistadors was to fill
up the palaces of their kings and queens and their
castles with gold and precious stones from distant
lands and conquered peoples from all discovered
Whatever they did
to fulfil their zeal
was good and proper
and indeed
in honour of the god
of their world view.
lands. Whatever they did to fulfil their zeal was
good and proper and indeed in honour of the god
of their world view.
A scanning of the activities of conquistadors
by whatever name called from the Alaskan
promontory to the Australian sub-continent
demonstrates the preponderance of this mindset
for the better part of six centuries. The metamorphosis of the motto of this mindset from the
“king and country” mantra to the “greed is good”
one did not soften its essential barbarism. The
softening of the methodology from the audible
rattling of the sabre and its ominous glint in the
sun before the strike or the plunge to the bite
and blow strategy of the proverbial rat has not
changed the conquistador’s mindset. In African
mythology, the rat nibbling at your feet while
Tel. +41 44 776 25 60,
Fax +41 44 776 25 63
[email protected]
www.africalink.ch
IMPRINT
ISSN 1661-44-29
AFRICA LINK
Published by AFRICA LINK ORG.
Postfach 1, 8914 Aeugst am Albis
Switzerland
4
Editor-in-chief
Mr. Johnson Oduwaiye
Tel. +41 79 664 13 54
[email protected]
By Atsen J. Ahua
Editor
you sleep, takes a bite then blows cool air on the
wound to keep you comfortably sleeping while
he has his feel of dinner from your feet. The new
conquistador convinces the hapless victim that he
is taking him to heaven while gently pushing him
down the slippery slope of destructive policies
and unworkable programmes packaged as aid
or partnership. The bellicosity of the ominous
gunboat or Maxim gun has been taken over by
the subtlety of economic subversion and socio-political manipulation. And many of the countries
of Africa have been either hapless victims because
of their clueless leaders or worse; where their
leaders have been willing collaborators with the
tormentors of their lands and people. The mind
set of defeatism, dependency and self-abnegation
has been the lot of the majority of Africans for
the last half millennium.
So when Obama says “Dignity -- that basic
idea that by virtue of our common humanity,
no matter where we come from, or what we look
like, we are all born equal, touched by the grace
of God. Every person has worth. Every person
matters. Every person deserves to be treated with
decency and respect…” he strikes a chord that
should resonate with all Africans, leaders and
followers alike.
When he says “America’s approach to development -- the central focus of our engagement with
Africa -- is focused on helping you build your
own capacity to realize that vision”, Africans must
understand that both our perceptions of each
other and our vision of the future are functions of
the mind and our mind-set determines that which
flows there from. The economic programmes and
the commitment to partnership are indeed good
but the greater realisation is that our battles of
today and tomorrow are those of the mind.
Editor: Mr. Atsen Ahua
[email protected]
Associate Editors
Mr. Mohomodou Houssouba
Mr. Misseli M. Bationo
Guest Contributor
Mr. George Ola-Davies
Contributing Editors
Ms. Folake Idowu,
Mr. Hilary Nwokeabia,
Tunde Bamidele (Nigeria),
Representative/Political Editor
Mr. Dennis Onyango (Kenya),
(Nigeria)
Mr. Keith Gottschalk (SA)
Mr. Ifeanyi E. Nwosu
Dr. Priscilla 2015
Bowens (USA)
September/October
EDITORIAL
Obama et la mentalité africaine
Par Atsen J. Ahua Éditeur
À l’occasion d’une visite très médiatisée, au moment où il s’apprête à quitter le pouvoir, c’est avec la passion et la franchise désarmante qui le caractérisent que le président des États-Unis d’Amérique s’est adressé aux dirigeants et aux peuples d’Afrique,
sans craindre de franchir des lignes rouges ou de froisser quelques susceptibilités. Il n’a
pourtant rien dit de bien nouveau concernant les malheurs du continent et la liste des
changements souhaités.
En effet, tout ce qu’il a déclaré sur la corruption,
l’éducation et l’émancipation des femmes, des activistes africains et des ONG l’avaient déjà martelé,
de feu Wangari Maathai à Sesôr Africa, ainsi que
des agences des Nations Unies comme la Commission économique pour l’Afrique, la CNUCED
et l’UNESCO, voire les peuples d’Afrique euxmêmes. Bien sûr, venant du président de la nation
la plus puissante, ces mots ont un poids et un
impact supérieurs partout dans le monde, pour
le meilleur ou pour le pire. Mais l’Afrique ne doit
pas se contenter d’écouter cet Américain (et fier
de l’être), dont le père est originaire d’un lointain
village kenyan, heureux de présenter à ses deux
filles l’héritage de leurs ancêtres, qui étaient à la fois
esclaves et propriétaires d’esclaves. Évidemment,
la mentalité de l’esclave et celle du propriétaire
d’esclaves étaient aussi différentes que divergentes.
Et c’est précisément ce qu’il nous faut comprendre
du message retentissant que le président des ÉtatsUnis, à quelques mois de la fin de son mandat de
huit ans, souhaite livrer à l’Afrique. Il est donc de
mise d’évoquer les mentalités en question.
Dans leur ouvrage précurseur Why Nations Fail
(Pourquoi les nations périclitent), les historiens de
l’économie Daron Acemoglu et James Robinson
décrivent au lecteur quelques-uns des actes d’exploitation brutale les plus odieux que l’homme ait pu
infliger à ses pairs. L’un de ceux qui vous feront voir
rouge si vous êtes quelque peu sensible à la justice
sociale est le récit de la façon dont les conquistadors espagnols traitaient les indigènes innocents,
accueillants et généreux du Nouveau Monde. L’un
des stratagèmes les plus courants consistait à emprisonner le chef de ces bonnes et hospitalières nations
aztèques pour l’informer ensuite qu’en échange de
sa libération, son peuple devait remplir d’or la pièce
dans laquelle il était enfermé. Cependant, lorsque
cette condition presque irréaliste était remplie par les
Aztèques abasourdis, les conquistadors procédaient
malgré tout à l’exécution des dirigeants.
Les conquistadors avaient pour mission de remplir les palais de leurs monarques et leurs propres
châteaux d’or et de pierres précieuses en provenance
de chacune des terres lointaines ou populations
qu’ils découvraient et conquéraient. Tout ce qu’ils
entreprenaient avec ardeur dans ce but était bon et
légitime; ils honoraient ainsi le dieu correspondant
à leur vision du monde.
Du promontoire de l’Alaska au sous-continent
australien, les études démontrent que cette mentalité
a présidé aux activités des conquistadors durant près
de six siècles. De «au nom du roi et de la patrie» à «la
cupidité est juste cause», le changement de la devise
propre à cet état d’esprit n’en a pas pour autant
adouci le caractère fondamentalement inhumain.
En effet, passer de la méthode du cliquetis des sabres
aux reflets menaçants annonçant le coup prochain
à la stratégie du rat de la légende qui souffle sur la
morsure qu’il vient d’infliger n’a guère fait évoluer
la mentalité du conquistador. Dans la mythologie
africaine, le rat qui vous grignote les pieds pendant
que vous dormez se repaît de vous en croquant
une bouchée, puis souffle une haleine fraîche sur
la blessure afin de préserver votre sommeil. Le
conquistador des temps modernes persuade sa
malheureuse victime qu’il l’emmène au paradis,
tout en la poussant doucement sur la pente glissante de politiques destructrices et de programmes
impraticables, travestis en aides ou partenariats. Le
bellicisme de la canonnière ou de la mitrailleuse
Maxim a été remplacé par un putsch économique
et une manipulation sociopolitique subtils. Ainsi, de
nombreux pays d’Afrique ont été ces malheureuses
victimes, en raison de l’impéritie de leurs dirigeants,
ou pire: ce sont leurs dirigeants qui ont volontairement collaboré avec les persécuteurs de leurs peuples
et de leurs terres. La mentalité du défaitisme, de la
dépendance et de l’abnégation de soi est le lot de la
majorité des Africains depuis un demi-millénaire.
Aussi, lorsqu’il évoque «la dignité: cette notion
fondamentale selon laquelle, en vertu de notre commune humanité, quelles que soient notre origine et
notre apparence, nous naissons tous égaux, touchés
par la grâce de Dieu. Chaque personne a de la valeur.
Chaque personne compte. Chaque personne mérite
d’être traitée décemment et avec respect...», le président Obama touche une corde sensible qui devrait
résonner auprès de tous les Africains, dirigeants et
partisans confondus.
Lorsqu’il affirme que «l’approche de l’Amérique
en matière de développement – le cœur de cible de
son engagement en Afrique – consiste à vous aider
à devenir capables de réaliser vous-mêmes cette
vision», les Africains doivent comprendre que leurs
perceptions réciproques et leur vision de l’avenir
sont des créations mentales et que leur état d’esprit
détermine ce qui en découle. Les programmes
économiques et les promesses de partenariats sont
bel et bien positifs, mais l’essentiel consiste à réaliser
que nos batailles d’aujourd’hui et de demain sont
celles de l’esprit.
Pictures
By Africa Link,
except otherwise stated
Layout
Soldini Communication, Zürich
Opinions published do not necessarily
reflect those of the Editorial Board
Africa Link Bank Account
Branch: Raiffeisenbank Kelleramt-Albis
Account Nr. 60976.22
IBAN: CH95 8070 2000 0060 9762 2
Clearing: 80702
All correspondence to
AFRICA LINK, Allmendstrasse 18, Postfach 1,
8914 Aeugst am Albis, Switzerland
E-mail: [email protected]
Editorial Board Members
Mr. Peter Hevi
Ms. Folake Idowu
Mr. Mohomodou Houssouba
Mr. Misseli M. Bationo
Tout ce qu’ils
entreprenaient
avec ardeur dans ce but
était bon et légitime;
ils honoraient ainsi
le dieu correspondant
à leur vision
du monde.
© by Africa Link Org
5
Nigeria
C ARTOON
6
RELIGION
A Seed Of Hope
By Joel Osteen
A seed of hope is the beginning of every good thing in our lives. Hope gives birth to the
overcoming life. It always believes for the best, even in the face of the worst circumstances. For believers in Christ, hope is much more than a wish, yearning or a positive
outlook, it is based on the promises of God found in His Word. They are promises to
move on your behalf.
We can have hope in life no matter what surrounds
us, because we serve a mighty God who cares, knows
us by name (Isaiah 45:3), understands the desires
of our heart (1 Chronicles 28:9), and who knew us
before we were even formed in out mother’s womb
(Jeremiah 1:5).
Recently, we all watched the miracle of Flight
#1549. Instead of ending in a disastrous crash, it gracefully landed in the Hudson River in New York City.
The outcome was nothing short of a miracle.
In fact, it is being referred to as “the miracle on the
Hudson” because all 152 passengers and all the crew
survived.
I thought about the passengers and what must
have been racing through their minds in those final
minutes before the impact. Amid the cries and
Sing It Out
By Cindy Cruse Ratcliff
Develop a Lifestyle of Worship
When people come in to our worship center or listen to one of our CDs or watch
our television program, my deepest desire
is that they know they have stepped into
the presence of the living God.
When we get into the presence of God, things
change in our life. It’s undeniable. God can meet any
need we have, but we have to come into His presence.
The Bible says: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God,
and His righteousness; and all these things shall be
added unto you.” We have to do our part first and
seek after Him, and an important step in seeking after
God is our worship.
Worship is not something we do once or twice
a week when we happen to be sitting in a pew
somewhere; it’s a lifestyle, a habit, an attitude of our
heart. Worship is not just something we do; it’s part
of who we are. The Bible encourages us to keep God’s
praises continually in our mouth.
Praise and worship is not only music
It’s our conversation with God when we’re driving
prayers, I’m confident there was one thing they all
desperately held on to — Hope.
Some hoped to kiss their spouse one more time,
others to hug their son or daughter, and some to make
things right with a friend or family member.
As the plane was about to hit the water, they knew
their lives were at stake. Many were praying, and all
were hoping for a miracle. Then the impact came and
an amazing scene unfolded with passengers streaming
onto the wings of the aircraft, soon to be stepping
into rescue boats.
As I watched the amazing rescue, I could not help
but think of the many people who feel their life is like
this “plane”. They feel it is going down, leaving them
only to hope that someday things might be different.
Let me encourage you!
to work. It’s our encouraging words when we’re on
the phone with a friend. It’s a note of appreciation to
a co-worker or neighbor. Worship should be part of
our everyday life.
Years ago, I experienced a devastating personal
loss. I felt overwhelming discouragement and wondered if my ministry might be over. My parents
encouraged me every day, saying, “Cindy, God has
a plan for your life. Just because things aren’t what
you’d like them to be, you can still flourish in what
God’s called you to do.”
I had a choice: Do I stay depressed and live a life
of defeat? Or do I rise above my circumstances and
look to God to restore what the devil has taken? I
decided I was going to serve the Lord no matter what
and bless Him in spite of my circumstances. When I
made that choice, I began experiencing a relationship
wit Him life never before. I developed such a deep
connection of love for Him that I couldn’t keep my
Perhaps you are facing setbacks with your job or
relationships. Maybe you’re struggling financially
or the pressures of life are just overwhelming you.
If that’s you, there is still hope! God is for you, not
against you. His resources are endless, and His power
and love know no boundaries. God is on your side.
Do not let the enemy, Satan, your own thoughts, or
anyone else tell you anything different. Keep hope
alive and never ever give up!
Look up and expect the miraculous keep hope
alive.
I am praying for hope to come alive in you. God
is a God of more than enough. He doesn’t have any
lack. He always has a solution.
God is ready to speak to you, to encourage you
and for some, rescue you.
Let me ask you where your hope is today. Is it in
people? Your own abilities? Your job? Be encouraged
and build your hope on nothing less than Jesus himself. He is your solid rock in which all other ground is
sinking sand. Hope today, hope now! Whoever hopes
in God and trusts in Him, will never be disappointed.
Joel Osteen is pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston,
Texas. Joel shares a positive message of hope and encouragement that extends all around the world.
praise and adoration to myself!
Over and over, I’d remember my parents’ words
of encouragement, and I began to speak them over
my own life: “I have purpose. I have destiny. I have
a ministry.” Deep down, I knew that God wasn’t
through with me, but keeping His praises flowing
from my mouth kept my spirit encouraged.
The word worship comes from the words
worth=ship. If we really give God what He’s worthy
of, then our lives will reflect what He’s all about.
You can know God in this real, personal way yourself. Just turn to Him and begin a new relationship
with Him today. When you begin each day with a
heart of gratitude for His goodness and for who He
is, you will live a life filled with praise and begin to
experience the abundance of joy, hope and purpose
that He has in store for you.
Friends, people may reject you, but God accepts
you. He’s already chosen you, and He’s the One that
matters most. He has a way of working everything
out for our good! And it’s always better than we could
have ever imagined!
Cindy Cruse Ratcliff is a gifted performer and writer,
and the youngest-ever ASCAP licensed songwriter at the
tender age of nine, and has written and produced over 100
recordings. She serves as Director of Music and Worship for
Joel Osteen Ministries and Lakewood Church.
7
BRIEFS
Egypt
Eni discovers about 15 bln
cubic metres of gas
The Italian giant Eni discovered gas reserves of
up to 15 billion cubic meters in Egypt’s Nile Delta
region, with production set to start in two months,
the Egyptian oil ministry disclosed..
According to Egyptian oil ministry, Eni made
the discovery at a depth of 3,600 meters in Western
Abu Madi, 120 km northeast of Alexandria, where
Eni holds 75 percent of exploration rights through
an Egyptian subsidiary, with Britain’s BP holding
a 25 percent stake. Last June, the Egyptian General
Petroleum Corp. (EGPC) signed a $2 billion energy
exploration deal with Eni for exploration and development activities offshore Egypt.
The agreement includes a total of $515 million
in bonuses: $10 million in unrecoverable signature
bonuses, and $505 million in recoverable signature
bonuses for a five-year period.
In March 2015 Eni group said it is going to invest
an estimated $5 billion for the development of oil
and gas resources in Egypt, over the next four years
that include the development of 200 MMbbl and
1.3 Tcf of gas.
Recently, Egypt raised the prices it pays Eni and
Edison for the natural gas they produce in the country
to improve terms for foreign oil and gas businesses in
the hope that more competitive pricing will encourage
investment in the energy-hungry country.
Eni has been present in Egypt since 1954, where
it operates through IEOC and is the market leader
with an equity production of approximately 210,000
barrels of oil equivalent per day.
me-confidential.com
Namibia
Concerns About Dairy
Industry's Future
The world dairy industry is a crisis and faces
an uncertain future, says Wallie Roux, Namibian
Agricultural Union Manager for Research and
Development. Roux made this comment at the
Annual General Meeting of the Dairy Producers
Association of Namibia (DPAN) explaining
how the Russian/Ukraine crisis has resulted in
the European dairy industries dumping milk
powder and other milk products after a ban was
imposed on dairy exports to Russia from 2014 to
2016 due to the crisis. Roux says the European
dairy industries were hit hard by the ban and it is
especially cheese exports to Russia that suffered
tremendously. "Due to this, the EU average dairy
8
commodity prices dropped sharply from January
2014 to January this year, and then accelerated
again. What is of concern is the surge of 23
percent in the exports by the EU of milk powder
to various African countries after the EU ended
its 30 year quota system in April this year. We
definitely don't want to see a wave of milk powder
in Africa," he notes.
Nigeria imported milk powder of the tune
of US$ 1 million (N120 m) per day in June this
year. "This makes one wonder about why Africa is
a continent of many cattle but little milk," he observes. Roux explains that feeding constitute some
75 percent of local dairy producers' input costs,
and expresses his concerns about the imports of
some 500,000 litres of long-life milk from South
African every month. "Namibian producers are
basically back to where they were in 2013 before
government intervened in the form of import quotas from South Africa. In August 2014, the High
Court in Windhoek ordered the abolishment
of these quotas with immediate effect, and new
negotiations regarding government support has
begun between the dairy producers Association
and the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and
SME Development."
Roux is also concerned about the local
industry going down as the risks of dairy production are very high. He urges communal farmers to
get involved on a much higher scale in producing
milk. "We must compare apples with apples.
Namibia produces 200 million litres of milk per
annum and simply cannot compete with South
Africa, a country that produces the same volume
each and every day. The Namibian dairy industry
is not asking for a complete ban of imported milk
from South Africa. What they are asking for is the
same protection the maize and chicken industries
are enjoying," he concludes.
Press Release
Congo-Brazzaville
Sassou Nguesso Sends
Message to Paul Biya
The President of the Republic of Congo, Denis
Sassou Nguesso, has sent a message of friendship,
cooperation and solidarity to his Cameroonian counterpart, President Paul Biya, through his Diplomatic
Adviser and Special Envoy, Martin Adouki.
After handing over the message to Prime Minister, Head of Government Philemon Yang during an
audience on 12 August 2015 at the Star Building, the
Special Envoy told the press that relations between
both countries were excellent. "Both Heads of State are
two key actors in the region. They have an extremely
important bilateral agenda," he disclosed.
In the Congolese city of Ouesso which will soon
host celebrations to mark the 55th anniversary of the
independence of the Republic of Congo, several joint
projects are underway. According to Martin Adouki,
key examples include a Congo-Cameroon Inter-State
University, the construction of an inter-State road as
well as joint projects in mining and the construction
of hydroelectric dams.
While acknowledging that President Sassou
Nguesso and his Equato-Guinean counterpart,
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, were mandated by their peers of the Economic Community
of Central African States, ECCAS, to negotiate
a joint meeting with their West African counterparts for a common platform to combat the
Boko Haram insurgency, he declined giving further
details as to the state of evolution of that mission.
Cameroon Tribune
Nigeria
Boko Haram’s Leader:
'Am Still In Charge'
Leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau
has again resurfaced in a recording and denied claims
by Chadian president, Idriss Deby that he has been
replaced by another sect member.
Mr Deby claimed that Boko Haram was no longer
led by Abubakar Shekau and that his successor was
open to talks. “There is someone apparently called
Mahamat Daoud who is said to have replaced Abubakar Shekau and wants to negotiate with the Nigerian
government,” Deby said. The Boko Haram leader
denied that he had been killed or ousted as chief of
the extremist group in an audio recording released in
August attributed to him by security experts.
In the eight-minute Hausa-language message,
Abubakar Shekau denied claims by Chadian leader
Idriss Deby that he had been replaced and called the
president a “hypocrite” and a “tyrant”.
“It is indeed all over the global media of infidels
that I am dead or that I am sick and incapacitated and
has lost influence in the affairs of religion,” he said in
the recording released on social media obtained by
AFP. “It should be understood that this is false. This
is indeed a lie. If it were true, my voice wouldn’t have
been heard, now that I am speaking,” Shekau said.
Mr Deby declared that efforts to combat neighbouring Nigeria’s Boko Haram jihadists had succeeded in
“decapitating” the group and would be wrapped up
“by the end of the year”.
Premium Times
SWISSLINE
MAGGI NOODLES
Crisis Response Remains
Nestlé’s Achilles Heel
photo: Keystone
Nestlé’s slow response in tackling accusations of lead in its Maggi instant noodles in
India will cost it CHF47 million, not including reputational damage. However, this is
not the first time the Swiss food giant has found itself wanting in a PR crisis.
The first sign of trouble for the Swiss food giant
came when food regulators in the northern Indian state
of Uttar Pradesh ordered the withdrawal of a batch of
noodles for labelling violations. Instead of complying,
Nestlé challenged the decision which set in motion a
public relations quandary for its popular Maggi brand.
On the defensive
“The first response should be honest, transparent
and meaningful,” Herbert Koch, president of the
Swiss-based Association of Risk and Crisis Communication told swissinfo.ch.
Nestlé’s first response was to contest the state
government’s order and assure consumers that everything was alright. However, within a few days
six Indian states had ordered recalls of the instant
noodles. The company’s assurances that “people can
be confident that Maggi noodle products are safe to
eat” increasingly began to look hollow.
Nestlé was cornered into a defensive position by
public outcry and was reduced to firefighting on
different fronts.
“Companies should be proactive and take charge of
the communications from the start,” says Koch. “If you
have to respond, you’re swimming against the tide.”
“We have been, and continue to be, 100% focused
on resolving this situation and getting Maggi back on
the shelves, and we are doing everything possible to
facilitate this, which is why this is not the time to get
into discussions about our communication strategy,”
a Nestlé spokesperson told swissinfo.ch.
Food policy expert Devinder Sharma states that
big multinational corporations usually get away
with even serious violations in India. “There is a very
strong lobby comprising major industry players and
advertising and public relations agencies that works
on several cogs within the system to ensure not much
action is taken against them.”
In the Maggi case, however, Nestlé appeared to
have lost control of the narrative in the early stages.
Experts agree that the media played a key role in the
controversy around the presence of lead and MSG
in Maggi noodles. Kavitha Kuruganti of the NGO
India for Safe Food says the media has, over the last
few years, been proactive with regard to food safety.
“For instance, when the Centre for Science and
Environment released its findings on the presence of
large amounts of pesticides in bottled water and cola,
all media outlets gave the stories top billing.”
Ghosts from the past
“Nestlé is arrogant as it is the biggest food com-
pany in the world,” Patti Rundall, policy director
for the non-governmental organisation Baby Milk
Action told swissinfo.ch. “They think that if they
repeat something enough, everyone will believe it.”
Baby Milk Action (BMA) has been campaigning
for a boycott of Nestlé for decades. According to
BMA, Nestlé contributes to “unnecessary death and
suffering of infants” by targeting pregnant women,
new mothers and health workers to sell its products
and discourages breastfeeding.
“Size was an important consideration for the
Nestlé boycott,” says Rundall. “You have to go after
the biggest [players] because they set market trends.”
As part of its response to that PR challenge the
food giant had countered that poor water quality and
malnourished mothers were to blame for infant deaths
and not its own products. Various NGOs including
BMA campaigned for a boycott of Nestlé and the
company was labelled as a “baby killer” in a booklet
published in 1974. The food giant successfully sued
the publisher responsible for the German version of
the “baby killer booklet ” for libel in a Swiss court. But
the judge noted that Nestlé "must modify its publicity
methods fundamentally” and the case brought even
more attention to the campaign.
Another PR setback for Nestlé was the Greenpeace
campaign in 2010 that accused the company of
abetting deforestation in tropical countries by using
unsustainable palm oil in its products. To drive the
message home, Greenpeace created a YouTube video
in the style of a Kit Kat advertisement that equated
eating the chocolate bar with killing orangutan apes.
“Nestle is a global brand with huge public recognition,” Ian Duff, Greenpeace forest campaigner told
swissinfo.ch. “With our limited time and resources
we felt it was best to focus on one big company.”
Nestlé asked YouTube to remove the video citing
copyright infringement. Subsequent policing of
comments on Nestlé’s Facebook page only served to
provoke more outrage and make the video go viral.
“When companies that always want to be in
control lose control it is always going to be exciting
for the public,” says Duff. “I think Nestlé should
have responded to the campaign in an open and
honest way and dealt with the questions being raised
by the public.”
Explaining the public enthusiasm for this case,
Duff shared that Kit Kat and the adverts promoting
it are culturally iconic in Europe (like Maggi noodles
in India). And like the lead in Maggi, Nestlé did not
think palm oil in Kit Kat bars would become a major
crisis for the brand.
“We had tried to engage with them before the
campaign but we didn't get anywhere,” says Duff.
“They didn't recognise the urgency of the situation.”
(continued on page 11)
9
SWISSLINE
Quand la communication de
Nestlé échoue en Inde
trouvé une vaste quantité de pesticides dans l'eau en
bouteille et le Coca-Cola, cela s'est retrouvé en Une
des journaux.»
photo: Keystone
Lorsque le gouvernement indien a retrouvé des traces de plomb dans ses
nouilles, le géant de l’agroalimentaire a commencé par nier. Puis, il a dû
se résoudre à retirer tous les produits Maggi des rayons. Une catastrophe en
termes de relations publiques.
Les ennuis de Nestlé ont commencé de façon anodine, lorsque les autorités de régulation alimentaires de
l'Uttar Pradesh, un Etat au nord du pays, ont exigé le
retrait d'un chargement de nouilles Maggi en raison
d'une violation des règles sur l'étiquetage. Au lieu de
s'y plier, le groupe basé à Vevey a choisi de contester
l'injonction. Cela a mis sa très populaire marque de
nouilles sous le feu des projecteurs.
«En cas de crise, une entreprise devrait avant tout
chercher à apparaître honnête, transparente et sincère»,
dit à swissinfo.ch Herbert Koch, président de l'Association internationale pour le risque et la communication
de crise, basée à Genève. Or, Nestlé a commencé par
contester la décision des autorités locales et assurer aux
consommateurs que tout était en ordre. «Les produits
de la gamme Maggi peuvent être consommés sans
risques», a garanti le groupe veveysan.
Une promesse qui a rapidement été invalidée
lorsque six états indiens ont ordonné un rappel de ses
nouilles instantanées, après y avoir trouvé des traces
de plomb et de glutamate monosodique (MSG).
Cela a obligé la firme helvétique à adopter une posture défensive et à éteindre des incendies sur divers
fronts. «Il faut se montrer proactif dès le départ en
matière de communication, estime Herbert Koch.
Sinon, on se retrouve à réagir, ce qui revient à nager
à contrecourant.»
10
Lobby alimentaire
«Nous avons été - et sommes toujours - focalisés
à 100% sur la résolution de cette question, afin de
pouvoir remettre les produits Maggi dans les rayons,
assure à swissinfo.ch un porte-parole de Nestlé. Nous
faisons tout pour y parvenir. Une discussion de notre
stratégie de communication ne nous paraît donc pas
opportune à ce stade.»
Les grandes multinationales n'ont pas l'habitude
de devoir rendre des comptes en Inde, même en cas
de violations sévères. «Il existe un puissant lobby,
composé de la plupart des grands acteurs de l'industrie ainsi que des agences de publicité et de relations
publiques, qui agit à différents échelons du système
pour s'assurer que rien ne vienne entraver ses activités»,
détaille Devinder Sharma, un expert de la politique
alimentaire.
Mais dans le cas de l'affaire Maggi, Nestlé a rapidement perdu la maitrise de l’affaire. La plupart des
experts s'accordent sur le rôle clé joué par les médias
dans cette controverse.
Les journalistes se sont montrés très actifs ces
dernières années pour enquêter sur la sécurité des
aliments, confirme Kavitha Kuruganti, de l'ONG
India for Safe Food : «Par exemple, lorsque le Centre
pour la science et l'environnement (un autre organisme non gouvernemental, ndlr) a révélé qu'il avait
Le précédent du lait en poudre
«En tant que plus grand groupe alimentaire au
monde, Nestlé n'hésite pas à se montrer arrogant,
souligne Patti Rundall, le directeur des politiques
publiques de l'ONG Baby Milk Action, interrogé
par swissinfo.ch. Ses dirigeants pensent que s'ils
répètent la même chose assez souvent, les gens vont
finir par les croire.»
Baby Milk Action (BMA) fait campagne en
faveur d'un boycott de la multinationale depuis des
décennies. Il accuse Nestlé de provoquer «la mort ou
une souffrance inutiles chez les bébés», en ciblant les
femmes enceintes, les jeunes mères et les travailleurs
du domaine de la santé pour écouler ses produits et
les enjoindre à renoncer au lait maternel.
«La taille de l'entreprise a joué un rôle prépondérant dans notre décision de lancer un boycott, relève
Patti Rundall. Il faut s'en prendre aux acteurs les
plus importants, car ils sont à l'origine des grandes
tendances de marché.» Le géant agroalimentaire a
rétorqué que la plupart des décès d'enfants en bas âge
étaient causés par la mauvaise qualité de l'eau et la
sous-alimentation des mères, et non par ses produits.
«Tuer des bébés»
Cela n'a pas empêché diverses ONG, dont BMA,
de faire campagne pour un boycott de Nestlé et
d'accuser la firme de "tuer des bébés" dans un livret
publié en 1974. Le groupe helvétique a obtenu gain
de cause devant les tribunaux suisses, qui ont déclaré
que la version allemande de cette brochure était
diffamatoire.
Le juge a toutefois estimé que Nestlé «devait revoir
fondamentalement ses méthodes publicitaires». Au
final, le procès a surtout contribué à mettre le boycott
sur le devant de la scène.
Nestlé a dû affronter une autre crise de relations
publiques en 2010, lorsque Greenpeace a lancé une
campagne accusant la firme suisse de favoriser la
déforestation dans les pays tropicaux en utilisant de
l'huile de palme issue de sources non renouvelables.
Pour appuyer son message, l'ONG de défense de
l'environnement a produit une vidéo Youtube qui
imite une publicité Kit Kat et compare la consommation de ces barres chocolatées au fait de tuer un
orang-outang.
«Nestlé a une image de marque globale, qui
génère une immense reconnaissance publique, fait
remarquer à swissinfo.ch Ian Duff, le responsable de
la campagne sur la déforestation chez Greenpeace.
Il nous a paru logique de focaliser nos ressources
limitées sur une seule grande entreprise.»
SWISSLINE
Malheureuse intervention
Nestlé a demandé à Youtube de retirer la vidéo,
en invoquant une violation du droit d'auteur, et s'est
mis à éditer les commentaires sur sa page Facebook.
Cela n'a fait qu'accroître la colère du public et la vidéo
est rapidement devenue virale.
«Lorsqu'une entreprise qui gère normalement sa
communication d'une main de fer en perd le contrôle,
cela génère beaucoup d'excitation auprès du public,
glisse Ian Duff. Je pense que Nestlé aurait mieux
fait de répondre à notre campagne de façon ouverte
et honnête et d'adresser les questions soulevées par
le public.»
Si l'internet s'est à ce point enflammé pour la
parodie imaginée par Greenpeace, c'est que les
publicités pour cette barre chocolatée sont cultes en
Europe, au même titre que celles vantant les mérites
de Maggi en Inde. Et comme dans le cas du plomb
retrouvé dans ses nouilles, le groupe veveysan n'a pas
compris que l'huile de palme contenue dans ses barres
Kit Kat pourrait générer une telle crise en matière de
relations publiques.
«Nous avions pourtant tenté de discuter avec eux
avant de lancer notre campagne, mais ils n'ont rien
voulu savoir, explique Ian Duff. Ils n'ont pas perçu
l'urgence de la situation.»
Surprenant chef de file
Si le groupe veveysan n'a pas vraiment réussi à
mettre en place une communication de crise optimale face aux campagnes de Baby Milk Action et de
Greenpeace, il s'est en revanche montré plus doué pour
réparer après coup les dégâts causés à sa réputation.
«Nous sommes désormais considérés comme des chefs
de file dans le domaine du marketing responsable de
lait en poudre et de la lutte contre la déforestation,
souligne Nina Kruchten, la cheffe de la communication de la firme, interviewée par swissinfo.ch.
Nestlé est la seule entité commercialisant des
substituts de lait maternel à figurer dans le FTSE4Good Index, qui évalue les pratiques publicitaires
des entreprises à l'aune d'une série de critères de
responsabilité sociale. Une inclusion contestée par
Baby Milk Action.
Malgré sa réaction initiale à la campagne de
Greenpeace, Nestlé s'est en outreengagé fermement
en 2010 en faveur de la lutte contre la déforestation,
en promettant de n'utiliser que de l'huile de palme
obtenue de sources durables. Le groupe suisse a été
le premier à s'engager de cette façon et a depuis été
suivi par plusieurs autres entreprises du secteur de
l'alimentation, fait remarquer Nina Kruchten.
Jamais trop tard
«Même s'ils se sont montrés très maladroits dans
leur gestion de la crise à ses débuts, ils y ont répondu
de façon intelligente sur le moyen terme», reconnaît
Ian Duff.
Il n'est jamais trop tard pour redresser la barre,
après une première réaction désastreuse, pense Helmut
Koch, l'expert des crises. «Si elle s'en tient à une vision
à court terme, une firme peut certes refuser d'admettre
ses erreurs de communication, espérer que le public va
les oublier et passer à autre chose, détaille-t-il. Mais ce
serait disputable du point de vue éthique et cela pourrait impacter négativement les ventes de l'entreprise
sur le long terme. »
(Traduction de l'anglais: Julie Zaugg),
swissinfo.c Par Anand Chandrasekhar avec Aritra
Bhattacharya, «The Statesman», Mumbai
Crisis response remains Nestlé’s Achilles heel (continued from page 9)
Damage control
While Nestlé’s crisis communications was
not optimal during the Baby Milk Action and
Greenpeace campaigns, it has fared much better
at reputational damage repair.
“The fact is that we are today recognised
industry leaders in both the area of responsible
marketing of breastmilk substitutes and no-deforestation,” Nestlé’s senior corporate spokesperson
Nina Kruchten, told swissinfo.ch.
She pointed out that Nestlé is the only infant
formula company included in the FTSE4Good
Index, which assesses company’s breastmilk
substitute marketing practices against a set of
criteria, even though this is disputed by Baby
Milk Action.
And despite its first response to the Greenpeace campaign, Nestlé moved into action and
made big commitments in 2010 to halt deforestation. Kruchten noted that this commitment was
the first of its kind by a food company and that a
significant number of traders and manufacturers
have since followed Nestlé’s lead and developed
sustainable palm oil policies of their own.
“While they did handle the campaign in
a very clumsy way in the beginning they
did respond positively in the medium term,”
acknowledges Duff.
According to crisis expert Koch, it is never
too late to make amends for a poor first response.
“From a short-term business point of view,
a company in such a situation could refuse to
acknowledge a failure in communication and
hope that people will forget and move on,” he
says. “But this might not only be ethically wrong,
but is also likely to damage the company in the
long-term.”
By Anand Chandrasekhar with input from Aritra
Bhattacharya, The Statesman, Mumbai. swissinfo.ch
The Maggi noodles PR crisis
Random tests carried out by the Uttar Pradesh
state’s food safety authority indicated the presence
of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) in samples of
Maggi instant noodles despite bearing a label stating
“no added MSG”. Nestlé was asked to recall a batch
of around 200,000 packs of Maggi instant noodles,
which it contested. Following Nestlé’s appeal, the
samples were forwarded to a laboratory where they
not only tested positive for MSG but also high-levels
of lead.
Within a few days six Indian states had ordered
recalls of the instant noodles. Hours before being
banned for sale in India by the national food safety
body, Nestlé buckled under public pressure and
announced the withdrawal of its products from the
market on June 5.
It was at this stage that Nestlé roped in global crisis
communications specialist APCO. Within a day of
APCO taking charge, the Swiss multinational’s top
India leadership appeared together for a joint media
conference - the first since the controversy broke out.
Nestlé’s CEO Paul Bulcke also flew into the country
to give the efforts a boost.
The Indian media blamed the slow product withdrawal for the rapid escalation of the issue, especially
on social media. Nestlé’s attempts to portray the
product recall as a response to public pressure rather
than to food safety concerns were also criticised. In
addition, company statements referring to Indian
consumers being “confused” were deemed as patronising and attempts to challenge the government’s
testing protocols were seen as nitpicking.
When questioned by swissinfo.ch, Chris Hogg,
deputy head of corporate media relations did not
agree that the company had waited too long to recall
its products or that it should have avoided references
to an “environment of confusion for the consumer” or
that questioning testing protocols was a wrong move.
11
INTEGR ATION
Disposal of Waste and
Energy Conservation
In Basel City
Par Jonhson Oduwaiye
Proper Way to Dispose Waste
Clean environment contributes highly to the good health of people, and an environmental friendly community. This belief informs the strict regulations for disposal of
refuse in canton of Basel City, Switzerland, which when it is properly followed will
lead not only to environmental friendly place but will also help every household to save
money.
Refuse collection: Each year every household receives
refuse collection and disposal plan which contains
the timetable of collection, dates for different wastes,
recyclable materials and how they should be packed
for collection. In Basel, house wastes are packed in
the official light-blue bag called “Bebbi-sacs” which
are available in various sizes (17/35/60 litre for CHF
1.20/2.30/3.30 each respectively) in rolls of 10. The
wastes have to be packed in the bag and tied properly
before being deposited in containers. If the sac is
deposited in a special WIGA container one has to pay
12
according to the weight of the refuse. A bag should not
contain more than 20kg waste.
Photo: Life In Basel
Thus the canton wants the people to see the benefits
in cultivating a right attitude toward the correct way
of handling refuse disposal issue. A right attitude will
also help to reduce the cost for refuse disposal and
waste collection.
However failure to obey the regulations, for
example, throwing away or leaving rubbish in undesignated places could attract a fine of CHF 80.00. And
illegal dumping of any kind of waste on public property
is subject to legal charges or a minimum fine of CHF
200.00. Regulations exist for disposal of everything
and every product. A large portion of household waste
is sorted according to the items. And there are specific
collection days for paper, cardboard, bulky waste, metal
and green waste among others.
Disposal of waste in this case also means recycling
items such as pet beverage bottles, aluminium beverage
cans, batteries and rechargeable batteries, solvents as
well as all kinds of electronic and electric appliances.
Each neighbourhood has recycling stations (older ones
with large containers; newer ones with underground
containers) for the proper disposal of glass bottles (sorted
by colour), aluminium and batteries.
These recycle items could be taken to shops that deal
with the products. It does not matter if the product was
purchased from that particular shop or not. These shops
have the obligation to take them.
35L “Bebbi-sacs”
Collection points for hazardous waste: Certain
pharmacies, chemists or specialist shops and recycling
parks accept hazardous wastes in household quantities
free of charge. Locations in your area can be found
in the refuse collection plan or on the Internet at:
www.aue.bs.ch/a-z.
Clothing, shoes, textiles: These are regularly collected by private collection organisations. Bags for
these are distributed in letter boxes in advance. The
necessary information and the date of collection are
printed on the bags. There is also the possibility of
using clothing containers. More information could
be found at: www.aue.bs.ch/a-z.
packed as household rubbish include: bulky trash,
non-inflammable waste materials, paper, cardboard
and compost. Rubbish can be deposited after 19:00
hrs before the collection day or at the latest 07:00 hrs
on collection day itself. Depositing rubbish at times
other than these is subject to a fine of CHF 50.00.
More information could be found at an interactive
website (www.aue.bs.ch/a-z.) that provides information and tips about refuse disposal. The brochure
can also be obtained from the “Amt für Umwelt und
Energie” free of charge. It can also be downloaded
from: www.aue.bs.ch/publikationen as well.
Bulky goods, non-inflammable rubbish and compost must be provided with an adequate number of
fee vignettes and deposited at the roadside in an area
that is clearly visible. Collection must be arranged
via the cleanliness hotline or www.tiefbauamt.bs.ch/
abfallentsorgung.
Non registered refuse that contain foreign matter
(for example, Styrofoam in compost) will not be
collected. If there are not enough fee vignettes, it
is officially regarded as an illegal dumping, and the
rubbish likewise will not be collected. Bulky goods
vignettes contain list of sales outlets. For each 10 kg
of refuse a CHF 4.50 vignette is required.
Free bulky goods vignettes: The refuse collection
plan contains two free bulky goods vignettes per
year, corresponding to bulky goods vignettes, that is
CHF 4.50 each.
Compost vignettes: Compost vignettes are required
for the collection of compost refuse. You can determine the amount from the refuse collection plan. It
also contains a list of sale points. More information at
www.stadtplan.bs.ch where information about all the
recycling and collection stations are available
Conservation of Energy
The issue of global warming continues to
dominate the global discourse, calling for
an alternative energy, and reduction of
the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2), a
harmful by-product of energy generation
Second-hand shops: There are a large number
and consumption.
of used goods shops, second-hand shops and a
building components exchange in Basel, which
gladly accept usable items. More information and
locations can be found in the brochure “Entsorgen von A bis Z” or at: www.aue.bs.ch/a-z.
Paper and cardboard: These have to be tied with
string in bundles. They are not to be placed in bags
or tied with adhesive tape. Wastes that could be
It is believed that a reduction in consumption
of energy would lead to a drop in production of
fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, the primary
contributor to global warming, and other pollutants.
In Switzerland, two of the suggested ways to realise
this is through conservation of energy and investment
in renewable energy.
INTEGR ATION
What is Energy Conservation?
Energy conservation is sometimes misconstrued
to be about making limited resources last as long as
they can. It is in effect the process of reducing demand
on a limited supply and enabling that supply to begin
to rebuild itself. Fossil energy takes hundreds of years
to replenish. Many times the best way to conserve
energy is to replace the energy used with an alternate
one, like from solar source.
The goal of energy conservation is to reduce
demand, protect and replenish supplies, develop and
use alternative energy sources, and to have a clean
environment, by reducing the emission of carbon
dioxides.
Why Save Electricity? With the rising costs and
shrinking economy it is imperative to find ways to
reduce expenses, and to increase savings. One of
such ways is to save electricity which will eventually
reduce electricity consumption (and bill) and also
decrease pollution. “Energy efficient homes conserve
energy, reduce unnecessary energy consumption,
greenhouse gas emissions and demand for non-renewable resources. They provide significant savings
over conventional homes.”
Here are some tips to conserve energy in homes
Windows: It is possible to lose a lot of heat during
winter and cool air during summer. To avoid such
a phenomenon, ensure that your windows are well
insulated. If they are not you have to think of
repairing or replacing them completely. This will
help to conserve energy.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs): If you have
the older type light bulbs in your home, then you
may find that you are using much more energy than
you have to. Using older type of bulbs consumes
more energy than the fluorescent bulbs over a long
period. It is worth the while to go for the fluorescent
bulbs or a mixture of both.
Overuse of Appliances: Even with energy efficient
appliances, it is still helpful and a means to save
money by not overusing them. Make sure not
to overuse your heater during winter, unless you
must. Also, try to keep your thermostats at a comfortable setting rather than changing adjusting it
all the time. Readjusting it always consumes a lot
more energy than may be necessary. You should
also consider turning certain equipment off when
they are not in use as they use energy even if they
aren’t powered.
Water Heater: You can cut electricity bills by
making a few of these adjustments. Firstly, set the
temperature of your water heater to warm setting
(approx. 120°F – 130°F) (48°C-54°C). You do not
need water hotter than that to wash clothes and
dishes. Secondly, use low-flow fixtures for showers
and baths and thirdly, insulate your hot water pipes
so that they don’t cool off quickly.
Home appliances: Turn your refrigerator down.
Refrigerators account for about 20% of Household
electricity use. Set your refrigerator temperature as
close to 37°F (2°C) and your freezer as close to 3°F
(-16°C) as possible. Make sure that its energy saver
switch is turned on. Also, check the gaskets around
your refrigerator/freezer doors to make sure they are
clean and sealed tightly.
Make sure your dishwasher is full when you run
it and use the energy saving setting, if available, to
allow the dishes to air dry. You can also turn off the
drying cycle manually. Not using heat in the drying
cycle can save 20 percent of your dishwasher's total
electricity use.
Clean or replace air filters as recommended. Energy
is lost when air conditioners and hot-air furnaces
have to work harder to draw air through dirty filters.
Cleaning a dirty air conditioner filter can save five
percent of the energy used.
Electronic devices holiday: Switch electronic devices
off completely or pull out the plug when going on
holidays. This will prevent energy from being wasted
in standby mode. If all Swiss households switched off
their devices while on holiday, the energy saved would
be the same as the annual consumption of around
18,000 households.
Sources: http://www.helloswitzerland.ch/-/waste-recycling-in-basel; www.unibas.ch/Recycling; http://www.
conserve-energy-future.com/SaveElectricity.php
Abfallentsorgung und Energiesparmassnahmen in Basel
Abfall richtig entsorgen
dosen, Batterien und Akkus, Lösungsmittel
und alle Arten elektronischer Geräte. In jedem
Quartier gibt es Recyclingstationen (die älteren
mit grossen Containern und die neueren mit
Unterflurcontainern), wo etwa Glasflaschen (nach
Farbe getrennt), Aluminium und Batterien richtig
entsorgt werden können.
Eine saubere Umwelt trägt stark
zur Gesundheit der Bevölkerung und
einer umweltbewussten Gesellschaft
bei. Diese Idee liegt den strengen Regeln
zur Abfallentsorgung im Kanton BaselStadt zu Grund. Wer diese befolgt,
trägt nicht nur zu einer umweltfreund- Energie sparen
lichen Umgebung bei, sondern spart im
Das weltweite Problem der Erderwärmung
ruft nach alternativen Energiequellen und einer
eigenen Haushalt Geld.
Es gibt genaue Regeln, wie jedes Produkt oder
Material entsorgt werden muss. Ein grosser Teil
der Haushaltsabfälle wird nach Material getrennt.
So gibt es spezielle Sammlungen für Papier, Karton, Sperrgut, Metalle, Kompost und anderes.
So bedeutet Entsorgung auch Recycling von
Gegenständen wie PET-Getränkeflaschen, Alu-
Verminderung des Ausstosses von Kohlendioxid
(CO2), einem schädlichen Nebenprodukt bei der
Stromerzeugung.
Es ist anzunehmen, dass ein geringerer Energieverbrauch auch zu einer geringeren Produktion
fossiler Brennstoffe (Kohle, Erdöl, Erdgas) und
anderer umweltschädigender Stoffe führen würde,
welche für die Erderwärmung verantwortlich sind.
Um Energie zu sparen, den Ausstoss von CO2
zu reduzieren und die Umwelt sauber zu halten
muss man den Bedarf an Energie mindern, die
Energievorräte bewahren und wieder füllen, alternative Energieformen fördern und gebrauchen.
Warum Strom sparen?
Bei steigenden Kosten und einer schwachen
Wirtschaftslage ist es notwendig, Ausgaben zu beschränken und mehr zu sparen. Indem man Strom
spart, wird die Stromrechnung ebenso wie die
Umweltverschmutzung reduziert. Mit energieeffizienten Gebäuden wird Strom gespart. Damit
reduziert sich der unnötige Energieverbrauch wird
reduziert, der Ausstoss von Treibhausgasen und die
Nachfrage nach nicht erneuerbaren Energiequellen. Gegenüber von konventionellen Gebäuden
zeigt sich ein grosses Sparpotential.
13
CELEBR ATION
STELLA ANUKEGE:
From Mobile Restaurant to Posh Restaurants
By Mola Ajisafe
Like many African women, cooking was just a mere passion for Mrs. Stella
Anukege. That tide turned about six years ago when her husband invited his
colleagues over for lunch for the Easter break celebrations.
The menu that day was simple but mouth
watering. So it was that after tasting her cuisine
her guests asked casually if she could be preparing
and supplying them food in their various places
of work. “I told them I was going to consider the
request and that I would get back with them later,”
she narrated.
A few days later she accepted that offer with
glee. Thus she began on a small scale and found the
occupation not only exciting but also (financially)
promising. Her first task then was to register her
services as a “mobile restaurant.” This led to her
opening up a catering service and subsequently
her first restaurant –“Olive Catering Service” in
Volketswil in October 2010.
Nearly five years on, Mrs Anukege has moved
a step further. She had just opened the “Queen
Idia African Restaurant” in Zurich, a town which
has few and far between African restaurants. The
few African restaurants in the city and its environments led her to make this business which she has
started by “accident” a reality.
At the opening ceremony in August, diners
were treated to a buffet comprising such Nigerian
dishes as jollof rice, fried rice, moin moin, fried
plantain, fufu, pounded yam with egusi sauce and
okra sauce, fried gizzards and fried fish.
The guests at the inaugural dinner were made
up of both Africans and Europeans and they all
expressed their delight at being there. One told
Africa Link: “This is very impressive, I like the
decor and the menu is really attractive.” Some of
them promised to make the venue their regular
lunch and dinner rendezvous.
Mrs Anukege attributed her success in opening
both Olive Catering Service, and Queen Idia African
Restaurant to “my Lord and God.” She said in a form
of prayer: “He that provides me with this new place,
will surely run it for me.” Beaming with smiles, Mrs.
Anukege, accompanied by her husband, Andrew, went
around each diners’ tables to express their gratitude
for having honoured their invitation.
But Mr. Anukege also did same collectively in his
vote of thanks when he expressed their appreciation
to both individuals and corporate bodies’ for their
support and hoped that this would translate to the
continued patronage of the restaurant. He promised
not to let the people down with the quality of food
and services.
Queen Idia African restaurant is located at Bendenerstr 125, in the heart of Zurich and is open on
weekdays from 11.00am to mid-night, and longer
on weekends.
Mr. & Mrs. Anukege at the opening ceremony
The couple pose with Dr. Matthias Ezeoba (l) and Johnson Oduwaiye (r)
Stella Anukege flanked by friends, Blessing Marcon (r) and Juliet Ehigie (l)
r – l: Ibrahim M.Yunusa, Mrs. Anukege (3) Issa Abdullahi, Andrew Anukege and Peter Awodi
14
CELEBR ATION
❶
❷
❸
❹
❺
❻
❼
❽
❾
❿
11
Some guests at the opening ceremony include: pic 1 a group photo of the staff of Queen Idia African Restaurant, pic 2 a group of Nigerian ladies with Kelechi EnebeliSchmucki extreme left, pic 3 r-l Tayo Joseph, Dayo O. Ogunsola, Dr. Ezeoba and Johnson Oduwaiye in a happy mood, pic 4 the Enugu group, pic 7 l-r Mary Eggenberge,
Mrs. Marianne Onuoha, Ms Ndiya Unuoha Monica Emmanel. Pic 10 is an interior view of the restaurant and pic 11 is a sample of buffet served for lunch.
15
FE ATURE
Claim: Jonathan Leaves
Nigeria With 7 Trillion Naira
Deficit Does Not Add Up
By Tolu Ogunlesi
photo by aitonline.tv
The last government left the country with a 7 trillion naira deficit, the head of
Nigeria's Transition Committee was reported as saying. But the claim does not
add up.
Former President Jonathan
Did the government of Nigeria's former president,
Goodluck Jonathan, leave the newly elected
administration facing a 7 trillion naira (USD$35
billion) deficit in 2015?
Nigeria's newspapers were awash with headlines
such as "Jonathan left N7 trillion deficit, says Joda"
a few weeks ago. This followed an interview by the
Daily Trust with the chairman of Nigeria's Transition
Committee, Ahmed Joda. This committee was set up
to ensure a smooth handover from one administration to the next.
Joda was quoted as saying: "We were told at the
beginning of the exercise that the government was in
deficit of at least N1.3 trillion and by the end people
were talking about N7 trillion; everything is in a
state of collapse."
Is there evidence for this? Could Jonathan's
government have left Nigeria with a deficit this year
worth nearly 150% of the country's 2014 budget?
Deficit or debt?
Confusion about the terms "deficit" and "debt"
is common. A 2012study in the United Kingdom
found that most Britons did not understand the
difference between debt and deficit and, in 2014 US
fact-checking website PolitiFact found similar levels
of confusion in that country.
So what's the difference? Essentially it's a matter
16
of timing. A deficit is annual, and occurs when a
government's expenditure exceeds its revenues in any
given year. Debt is long-term buildups year on year
when governments run multiple deficits, and is the
total sum of monies owed.
How big is Nigeria's debt?
According to Nigeria's Debt Management Office,
the country's total debt - foreign and domestic debt
owed by the Federal Government and all the 36
states - was N12.1 trillion ($63.8 billion) at the end
of the second quarter of 2015. At the end of 2014, it
had stood at N11.2 trillion.
At a press conference on May 23, a few days
before her tenure as finance minister ended, Ngozi
Okonjo-Iweala said Nigeria owed $63.7 billion
in debt, but only $21.8 billion was incurred while
Goodluck Jonathan was president between May
2010 and May 2015.
Nigeria has a National Debt Management Framework that sets a self-imposed limit that debt should
not exceed 25% of GDP. Debt reliefbrought the ratio
down from 28.6% in 2006 to 11.8% in 2007, rising
to 19% by 2013 until the 2014 rebasing of Nigeria's
GDP brought it down to 11%.
What deficit did the last government say Nigeria
would have in 2015?
The deficit anticipated for 2015, as set out in
the budget passed by parliament in May, is N1.075
trillion. This amounts to about a quarter of the total
budget of N4.493 trillion, and 1.12% of Nigeria's
current GDP. This is below the 1.24% projection in
the 2014 budget.
In her speech presenting the 2015 budget to the
public in December 2014, Okonjo-Iweala noted that
the "deficit is well under the 3% of GDP encapsulated
in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, which is also
the international norm."
A development economist who teaches at the
Lagos Business School Dr Bongo Adi, told Africa
Check: "Running a balanced budget is not always a
good thing; there is a permissible level of deficit that
governments are allowed to run."
Could the actual deficit be bigger than the last
government admitted?
Africa Check was shown relevant sections of an
as-yet-unpublished report by Joda's Transition Committee, which has also been published in part in other
newspapers.
In it the committee claimed that, apart from the
approximately N1 trillion deficit officially anticipated
for 2015, an additional N3 trillion may be required
during the course of this year to offset obligations incurred since the beginning of 2015, but not budgeted
for by the previous government.
These would include arrears of salaries for federal
and state government workers, a fuel subsidy bill, monies owed contractors, the national oil company's "Joint
Venture" contribution to oil exploration expenses, and
funding for a "Marshall Plan" for the insurgency-hit
northeast. However the report also emphasised the
sums that make up the N3 trillion claim are merely
estimates, requiring verification.
In the sections shown to Africa Check the committee also said that it is unsure about the actual age of
the contractor debts, which leaves open the possibility
that part or all of it may already have been captured
in the total public debt figure as captured by the Debt
Management Office.
Conclusion: Claim that Jonathan left Nigeria with
a N7 trillion deficit for 2015 does not add up
The deficit anticipated for 2015 in the budget
passed by parliament in May is N1.075 trillion, not
N7 trillion.
Even if we were to assume that the entire additional N3 trillion deficit which the Joda committee
anticipated occurs - and that is currently conjecture
- it would leave the deficit for the year at N4 trillion,
not N7 trillion.
In summary, which ever figure proves right, the
claim of a N7 trillion deficit in 2015 does not add up.
POLITICS
By Johnson Oduwaiye
Hon. Gigaba and Hansjürg Saager
The South African government has stepped up efforts to review its immigration
policy which has had some loopholes that were creating worries for the government.
When this review becomes fully operative, immigrants and visitors to the country
may soon find solace in both living in tranquillity and ease of obtaining visas.
The South African minister of Home Affairs,
Mr. Malusi Gigaba, under whose ministry immigration issues are dealt with, gave a number of
reasons why the review was necessary.
Addressing the SwissSouthern African Chamber of Commerce in Zurich in July, Mr. Gigaba
outlined the main reasons for the review which
range from the abuse by some immigrants of the
policies in place to making it easy to obtain visas,
especially for skilled workers.
The review of the regulations will seek to,
among others: simplify the obtaining of visas and
residence permits; address areas of weakness, risk
and abuse; align the immigration rules with other
legislation; and improve the processes for key
economic contributors such as skilled workers and
investors.
Responding to complaints by the business
community about the frustrating visa procedures
for their spouses and children, the minister informed the community that visas for this group of
people have been made easier to obtain, as the
spouses and immediate family of visa holders are
being considered as a unit. This will make it easier
for families to have visas that will be linked to the
expiration of his or her visa.
He informed the Chamber of Commerce of
his ministry’s partnership with a private company,
Visa Facilitation Services Global, that will open
Visa Facilitation Centres (VFCs) around the
country, and a Premium Visa and Permitting
Centre in Sandton, Johannesburg, for big corporate clients and their family members.
To improve efficiency, he said, customer service
and application are being handled by the VFCs,
while his Ministry retains the responsibility for
vetting and adjudication. With this in place the
time to treat applications for both visas and resi-
dence permits would be reduced considerably, he
said.
On the controversy over the new policy, the
minister explained that certain changes were
restricted especially when an applicant is already
in the country because this is where people abuse
the system the most.
“I must emphasise that safeguarding our national security is as vital to a country as it is to its
visitors, be they tourists, investors, or temporary
residents. And we have a duty to minimise those
risks through various measures, such as policy,
legislation, regulations and, of course, capacity to
implement the above.” Minister Gigaba said.
On why rule violators are declared undesirable
persons, the minister went on to explain that those
who overstayed beyond the expiration of their
visas were being fined but such fines did not serve
as a deterrent, “resulting in massive abuse and
contravening of our laws.” The country has therefore sought to use much more stringent measures
that will deter visitors from overstaying their
welcome.
In addressing rules for children travelling into
or out of South Africa, Mr. Gigaba said this is
informed by the prevalence of abduction and child
17
POLITICS
l-r: Amb. Helene Budliger Artieda, Hon. Gigaba, Mr. Saager, Amb. Ramosepele
trafficking in South Africa and the Southern
African region, as identified by the government
and relevant international organizations. Henceforth, he said, any child entering or leaving the
country should posses a valid passport so that
the child can be positively identified. This should
be in addition to an unabridged birth certificate
or equivalent document listing the details of the
child’s parents or legal guardians, to know who
is empowered to give consent.
South Africa has taken bold steps to review
its immigration regulations in line with international norms. The regulations sought to: simplify
visas and residence and work permits; address
some clear areas of weakness, risk and abuse;
align the immigration rules with other legislation;
and improve processes for key economic contributors such as skilled workers and investors.
In order to promote economic development
of the country, several improvements to the
country’s visa rules have been made. “We have
introduced a critical skills visa, to respond to
skills shortages in critical areas and introduced
rules to make it easier for the families of visa and
permit holders.
Holders of critical skills can obtain a visa to
live in South Africa even 12 months prior to
obtaining a job, which was not the case previously, and are also able to apply for permanent
residence without residing in the country for five
years as was the case before now.
“Our government recognizes that there will
be times when particular skills cannot be sourced
in South Africa, and our own state-owned com-
18
panies frequently have to import skills to deliver
on our huge infrastructure programme, so as
employers and investors ourselves, we understand
that foreign talent has a role to play in doing
business and building South Africa.”
He charged members of the SwissCham to do
a genuine search for the required skills in SA,
and that when they have to bring someone in
from abroad they should develop “our local skills
base by transferring skills to, and developing,
and Mr. Heinz Brand, Member of Parliament
(Nationalrat).
An executive member of the SwissCham Southern Africa, Mr. Hansjürg Saager, expressed his
gratitude to the South African Ambassador to
Switzerland, Ms Claudinah Ntini Ramosepele,
for her role in making the meeting possible which
in itself is a means to strengthen the relationship
between both countries.
On the subject of the meeting itself he said:
Extreme left is Mr. Heinz Brand, member of the Swiss Parliament (Senate)
local talent.”
Among those present at the ceremony was the
South African Ambassador to Switzerland, Ms.
Claudinah Ntini Ramosepele, and her counterpart to South Africa, Helene Budliger Artieda,
“We are here to listen attentively to what the
minister has to say on immigration. And I am
convinced that sharing our experience and
knowledge on the topic will help to improve the
situation of immigration in the two countries.”
POLITICS
LE AD
L’Afrique du Sud réforme
sa politique d’immigration
Par Jonhson Oduwaiye
Le gouvernement sud-africain a intensifié ses efforts pour réviser une politique
d’immigration dont les failles devenaient préoccupantes. Pleinement opérationnelle, cette réforme devrait rapidement soulager les immigrants et visiteurs dont
le quotidien dans le pays sera plus serein et l’obtention de visas facilitée.
Le ministre de l’Intérieur d’Afrique du Sud, M.
Malusi Gigaba, sous le mandat duquel sont traités
les problèmes liés à l’immigration, avance plusieurs
raisons pour justifier cette réforme.
À l’occasion d’une intervention à la Chambre
de commerce sud-africaine de Zurich au mois de
juillet, M. Gigaba a évoqué les principales, qui vont
des infractions aux politiques actuelles commises
par certains immigrants à l’assouplissement des
procédures d’obtention des visas, surtout pour les
travailleurs qualifiés.
La réforme des réglementations vise, entre autres
objectifs, à simplifier l’obtention des visas et permis
de séjour, à traiter les lacunes, domaines à risque et
secteurs d’abus, à mettre les règles d’immigration
au diapason d’autres lois et à améliorer les procédures pour les acteurs économiques majeurs, tels
que les travailleurs qualifiés et les investisseurs.
En réponse aux plaintes émanant du milieu des
entreprises face aux procédures frustrantes
d’obtention de visas pour leurs époux et enfants, le
ministre a annoncé que celles-ci seraient facilitées,
car les époux et la famille immédiate sont désormais
considérés comme une unité. Ceci permettra aux
familles d’obtenir plus facilement des visas dont la
durée de validité sera liée à celle du visa principal.
Il a également informé la Chambre de commerce
du partenariat engagé par son ministère avec une
entreprise privée, Visa Facilitation Services Global,
qui ouvrira des Visa Facilitation Centres (VFC)
partout dans le pays, ainsi qu’un Premium Visa and
Permitting Centre à Sandton, Johannesburg, pour
les clients des grandes entreprises et les membres de
leur famille.
Il a précisé que, par souci d’efficacité, le service
à la clientèle et les demandes seraient traités par les
VFC, tandis que son ministère conserverait la responsabilité des enquêtes et des décisions. Selon le
ministre, la mise en place de ces mesures de traitement des demandes de visa et de permis de séjour
devrait permettre de réduire considérablement les
délais.
Sur la question de la controverse suscitée par la
nouvelle politique, le ministre a expliqué que cer-
tains changements seraient limités, surtout lorsque
le demandeur se trouve déjà dans le pays, car c’est
dans cette situation que l’on enregistre le plus grand
nombre d’abus.
«J’insiste sur le fait que la préservation de notre
sécurité nationale est aussi essentielle pour le pays
que pour ses visiteurs, qu’il s’agisse de touristes,
d’investisseurs ou de résidents temporaires. Nous
avons le devoir de minimiser les risques par
l’intermédiaire de diverses mesures, telles que la
politique, la législation, les réglementations et, bien
sûr, notre capacité à les mettre en place», a déclaré
Malusi Gigaba.
Sur la raison pour laquelle les auteurs
d’infractions seront déclarés «individus indésirables», le ministre a expliqué que ceux qui restaient
dans le pays au-delà de la date d’expiration de leur
visa recevaient des amendes, mais que ces dernières
n’étaient pas dissuasives, ce qui «provoquait de
graves abus et transgressions de nos lois». C’est
pourquoi le pays cherche à adopter des mesures
beaucoup plus strictes, afin de dissuader les visiteurs
de rester au-delà de la durée autorisée.
M. Gigaba a également précisé que la fréquence
des enlèvements et le trafic d’enfants en Afrique du
Sud et dans la région du sud de l’Afrique relevés par
le gouvernement et plusieurs organisations internationales compétentes, présideraient à la définition
des règles applicables aux enfants pénétrant ou
quittant le sol sud-africain. Dorénavant, a-t-il annoncé, tout enfant entrant dans le pays ou quittant
celui-ci devra détenir un passeport en cours de
validité, de façon à pouvoir être irréfutablement
identifié. Cette mesure devrait s’ajouter à l’obligation
d’être en possession de la version intégrale de l’acte
de naissance ou d’un document équivalent précisant
le nom des parents ou tuteurs légaux de l’enfant,
afin d’identifier les individus habilités à autoriser
le voyage.
L’Afrique du Sud entreprend ainsi des démarches
audacieuses pour adapter sa réglementation aux
normes internationales en matière d’immigration.
Ces démarches visent à simplifier l’obtention des
visas, permis de séjour et permis de travail, à traiter
les points faibles, risques et abus clairement identifiés, à harmoniser les règles d’immigration avec les
autres lois, et à faciliter les procédures pour les
acteurs économiques clés, comme les travailleurs
qualifiés et les investisseurs.
D’ailleurs, les critères d’attribution des visas ont
déjà été améliorés, afin d’encourager le développement économique du pays. «Nous avons créé un
visa “compétences essentielles” pour répondre à la
pénurie de main-d’œuvre dans les domaines clés,
et établi des réglementations plus souples pour les
familles des détenteurs de visas et de permis.»
Les personnes possédant des compétences essentielles peuvent obtenir un visa leur permettant
de vivre en Afrique du Sud pendant 12 mois avant
même de trouver un emploi, ce qui n’était pas le cas
auparavant. Elles ont aussi la possibilité de demander un titre de séjour permanent sans devoir
préalablement résider dans le pays pendant cinq
ans, comme les y obligeait le règlement précédent.
«Notre gouvernement admet que certaines
compétences ne sont pas toujours disponibles en
Afrique du Sud. Nos entreprises publiques doivent
d’ailleurs souvent importer ces compétences pour
mettre en œuvre notre programme colossal
d’infrastructures. En tant qu’employeur et investisseur, l’État comprend que les talents en provenance
de l’étranger ont un rôle à jouer dans la construction
et les échanges commerciaux de l’Afrique du Sud.»
Il a d’ailleurs confié à des membres de la SwissCham la tâche de rechercher les compétences requises en Afrique du Sud, de façon à pouvoir, lorsqu’il
est nécessaire de faire venir quelqu’un de l’étranger,
développer «notre vivier local en transférant les
compétences et en formant les talents présents sur
place».
Claudinah Ntini Ramosepele, ambassadrice
d’Afrique du Sud en Suisse, et son homologue suisse
en Afrique du Sud, Helene Budliger Artieda, ainsi
que M. Heinz Brand, membre du Parlement (Nationalrat), étaient présents à la cérémonie.
M. Hansjürg Saager, membre du bureau de
SwissCham pour la région du sud de l’Afrique, a
exprimé sa gratitude à l’ambassadrice sud-africaine
en Suisse, Claudinah Ntini Ramosepele, pour le
rôle qu’elle a joué dans l’organisation de cette rencontre, qui permet de renforcer les relations entre
les deux pays.
«Nous sommes ici pour écouter attentivement
ce que le ministre a à dire sur l’immigration», a-t-il
déclaré à propos de la rencontre. «Je suis convaincu
que partager notre expérience et notre connaissance
du sujet contribuera à améliorer la situation de
l’immigration dans les deux pays.»
19
LE AD
Brigitte Meidinger Born A Designer
By Johnson Oduwaiye
thinking of my future as a mother, and how to combine
In this issue we introduce a new column dedicated to the profile of African Diaspora in work and motherhood. I was twenty-five then. When it
Switzerland and beyond. Our first diaspora is Brigitte Meidinger, a fashion designer became obvious that I could not combine both I decided
of binational parents (Ghanaian and Scottish) who has made her mark in Basel in to resign. I got married and started my family.
particular, and Switzerland at large.
“Years later I realised I had taken a good decision.
Brigitte Meidinger
Read on:
“It was clear to me from childhood that I would
eventually be a designer. I have been fascinated by
material, colourful fabrics. I used to make dresses
for my dolls, wrapped them with pieces of fabrics
made into wrappers and headgears. So when the
time came to choose a profession, I did not have to
think about it,” so said Brigitte Meidinger, as she
reflects on her childhood.
Brigitte was born in Kumasi, Ghana to an “old
tradition family”. At the tender age of nine she had
an opportunity that took her to Switzerland where
she spent six months with her aunt who was married
to a Swiss. During this period she attended language
school for children of foreigners. Her mother later
joined her in Switzerland, but barely two years later
they had to return to Ghana because her mother could
not withstand the weather and lifestyle in the country.
Back in Ghana she attended a Swiss School,
Ramemde Memorial Primary School, as a boarding
pupil. This school was usually frequented by children
of Swiss and German expatriates as well as those
of wealthy African parents. Some of these African
children came from Liberia. Brigitte was among the
first batch of the pupils that attended the school. With
that six-month stint in Switzerland she found herself
sailing smoothly without any language barrier as she
was fluent in both Swiss German and High German.
The school also taught English and French. She
speaks Swiss German, High German, English and
20
French. As far as Swiss and German children
were concerned, they returned home when they
completed their primary school education to
pursue their education.
“For me I did not see how I could have returned to Switzerland. But it was the time the
Swiss matron of the Boarding House would
finally return home. She liked me and was aware
that I could not make it back to Switzerland to
continue my education. She wanted me to come
with her. So with the approval of my mother, and
support of my aunt and her husband, the matron
procured all the necessary documents for me to
go with her”, she explained
After junior high school, (Sekondar Schule),
she had to undergo a professional apprenticeship, and schooling which is a Swiss system of
education.
Asked what carrier was in her mind?
It was clear to me from childhood that I would
be a fashion designer. It was my ambition. My
mother and I would argue about that over and
over. She would argue: ‘every second woman in
Ghana is a seamstress.’ She did not like the idea.
But it was (and still is) a profession that fascinated me, and I had a passion for it. I used to make
dresses for my dolls in different styles, wrapped
them with pieces of fabrics, made into wrappers
and headgears. So when the time came to choose
a profession, I did not have to think about it.
However there was an initial snag: The only
fashion design school in Switzerland then was in
Zurich and she lived in Basel. This was in addition to the fact that the school was very expensive.
That meant she had to start with a basic sewing
course. After, she did an apprenticeship on artistic
designing and learnt the art of working with fur
coat. It was at this point that a new vista opened
for her. She was firstly exposed to the world of
fashion both by working and modelling for the
company. She went on to work for a label collection company she joined hereafter. She recollects:
“I was approached by Bally, the Fashion branch
of Bally Shoes, to manage their boutique they
wanted to open in Basel. I readily accepted and
managed it for three years. By that time I was
When I see the quality and maturity of my children, I
knew it would have been difficult for them if I had to
work full time which was required of me.”
How and when did it dawn on you to start your own
design business?
Two things led to the idea. She divorced when her
children were still young and so could not accept any
job offer. “One day as I was ruminating over my life, in
Europe it occurred to me that a part of me was still in
Africa. Then it became clear to me that to have a harmonious life I had to bring the two parts together.”
Then without any a second thought she plunged
herself into designing and producing African Fashion
under her own label – ‘Green Mamba.’
What was it like initially?
“It was tough! What with two children to care for
added to the fact that I was naïve in running such a
business? It sapped my energy enormously but I refused
to give up. When I look back and think about it today
I am surprised at how I did it. Perhaps it was my strong
belief and the excitement of starting a new thing on my
own that spurred me on.”
Initially, she said, people did not understand her
An Act in Fashion-Performance Photo by Pino Covino
brand. It was therefore not surprising that they always
asked if they were for carnival (fastnacht). Some bought
the cloths which they used to make carnival costume.
“It was understandable,” she said, “because it was for
carnival that they used colourful materials to make their
costumes.”
Realising such a dream must have come as a huge
satisfaction?
“Satisfaction? Yes. But the problem is when you give
(continued on page 22)
LE AD
Brigitte Meidinger, une styliste née
Par Johnson Oduwaiye
Dans cette édition, nous introduisons une nouvelle rubrique dédiée au profil de la diaspora africaine en Suisse et au-delà. Notre première expatriée est Brigitte Meidinger, styliste
binationale par ses parents (Ghana et Ecosse), qui s’est fait un nom, à Bâle en particulier
et en Suisse en général.
Brigitte(middle) posing with her cast
Lisez plutôt:
“It was clear to me from childhood that I would
eventually be a designer. I have been fascinated by
material, colourful fabrics. I used to make dresses
for my dolls, wrapped them with pieces of fabrics
made into wrappers and headgears. So when the
time came to choose a profession, I did not have to
think about it,” so said Brigitte Meidinger, as she
reflects on her childhood.
Brigitte est née à Kumasi, Ghana, dans une «
ancienne famille traditionnelle ». A l’âge tendre de
neuf ans, elle a eu l’occasion de passer six mois en
Suisse, où sa tante était mariée à un Suisse. Pendant
cette période, elle a suivi des cours de langue pour
enfants d’étrangers. Sa mère l’a ensuite rejointe en
Suisse, mais il a fallu retourner au Ghana à peine deux
ans plus tard, car sa mère ne supportait pas le climat
et le style de vie du pays.
De retour au Ghana, Brigitte a fréquenté un
internat suisse, l’école primaire Ramemde Memorial. Cette école était généralement fréquentée par
des enfants d’expatriés suisses et allemands ainsi que
des enfants d’Africains aisés. Certains venaient du
Liberia. Brigitte a été dans la première volée d’élèves
à fréquenter cette école. Avec son bagage de six mois
passés en Suisse, la langue n’a pas été un obstacle à sa
progression, car elle parlait couramment aussi bien
le « bon allemand » que le suisse-allemand. L’école
enseignait aussi l’anglais et le français. Elle parle le
suisse-allemand, l’allemand, l’anglais et le français.
Les enfants suisses et allemands retournaient généralement dans leur pays après la fin de l’école primaire
pour poursuivre leur éducation.
« Quant à moi, je ne voyais pas comment j’aurais
pu retourner en Suisse. Mais c’était le moment où
la directrice suisse de l’internat allait rentrer chez
elle. Elle m’aimait bien et se rendait compte que je
ne pouvais pas retourner en Suisse pour poursuivre
mon éducation. Elle a voulu m’emmener avec elle.
Avec l’approbation de ma mère et le soutien de ma
tante et de son mari, cette directrice s’est donc procuré
tous les documents nécessaires pour m’emmener »,
explique-t-elle.
Après l’école secondaire, elle a dû faire un apprentissage, qui, en Suisse, comprend une partie scolaire.
Quelle carrière aviez-vous à l’esprit?
Depuis l’enfance, il était clair pour moi que je
serais dessinatrice de mode. C’était mon ambition.
Ma mère et moi nous disputions souvent à ce sujet.
Elle disait qu’une femme ghanéenne sur deux est
couturière. Cette idée ne lui plaisait pas.
Mais c’était une profession qui me fascinait (et
me fascine toujours) – chez moi, c’était une passion.
Je faisais des habits de poupées de différents styles, je
les habillais de bouts de tissu drapés ou transformés
en turbans et chapeaux. Je n’ai pas eu longtemps à
réfléchir pour choisir une profession.
Toutefois, il y avait un hic: La seule école de stylisme de Suisse se trouvait alors à Zurich, et Brigitte
habitait Bâle. De plus, cette école coûtait très cher.
Elle a donc dû commencer par des cours de couture
de base. Elle a ensuite fait un apprentissage de stylisme
et dans la confection de manteaux de fourrure. A ce
stade, une nouvelle perspective s’est ouverte. Elle est
entrée doublement en contact avec le monde de la
mode, en travaillant également comme modèle pour
son entreprise. Puis elle est passée dans une société
de collections de marque. « J’ai été contactée par la
succursale de mode des Chaussures Bally pour gérer
une boutique qu’ils voulaient ouvrir à Bâle. J’ai tout
de suite accepté et l’ai gérée pendant trois ans. Mais
à ce moment, j’ai pensé à mon avenir de mère et me
suis demandé comment combiner ma vie familiale
et professionnelle. J’avais vingt-cinq ans. Quand il
est devenu évident que je ne pouvais pas combiner les
deux, j’ai décidé de démissionner. Je me suis mariée
et j’ai fondé ma famille.
« Des années plus tard, j’ai réalisé que j’avais pris
une bonne décision. Quand je vois la qualité et la
maturité de mes enfants, je sais que cela aurait été
difficile pour eux si j’avais dû travailler à plein temps
comme on me le demandait. »
Quand et comment avez-vous eu l’idée de lancer
votre propre entreprise de stylisme?
Deux éléments ont conduit à cette idée. Ayant
divorcé quand ses enfants étaient encore jeunes, elle
ne pouvait pas prendre de travail : « Un jour que je
ruminais sur ma vie en Europe, il m’est venu à l’esprit
qu’une partie de moi était toujours en Afrique. Alors il
est devenu clair que, pour mener une vie harmonieuse,
il fallait que je réunisse les deux parties. »
Sans y réfléchir à deux fois, elle s’est plongée dans
le stylisme et dans la création de mode africaine sous
son propre label – « Green Mamba ».
Comment se sont passés les débuts?
« C’était dur! Avec deux enfants dont je devais
m’occuper, et le fait que j’étais novice dans la conduite
d’une telle entreprise! Cela me pompait énormément
d’énergie, mais j’y tenais dur comme fer. Quand je
regarde en arrière aujourd’hui, je suis étonnée de ce
que j’ai pu faire. C’était peut-être ma conviction et
l’enthousiasme de commencer quelque chose de
nouveau, par moi-même, qui m’ont aiguillonnée. »
« Au début, dit-elle, les gens ne comprenaient pas
ma marque. Je n’étais pas étonnée quand ils me demandaient si c’était pour le carnaval. Certains achetaient les tissus pour en faire des costumes de carnaval. C’était compréhensible, dit-elle, car il n’y avait
qu’au carnaval qu’on voyait des costumes aussi bariolés. »
La réalisation d’un tel rêve a dû être une énorme
satisfaction?
« Une satisfaction? Oui. Mais le problème, c’est
quand on se donne à fond, qu’on n’arrive pas à en
vivre et que d’autres pressions viennent se surajouter
; cela prédomine sur la satisfaction. C’en était au point
où des gens ont commencé à me suggérer de retourner
en Afrique, où ils pensaient que je réussirais. »
Et pourquoi n’êtes-vous pas partie?
« Je ne pouvais pas, parce que mes enfants étaient
encore jeunes, et il aurait été difficile de commencer
une nouvelle vie à un endroit dont les méthodes de
commerce m’étaient pratiquement inconnues. »
L’une des caractéristiques uniques de Brigitte est
qu’elle ne fait pas de production en série. Chaque
vêtement est créé selon la spécificité du client. Elle
estime que chaque personne est unique, et c’est aussi
ce qu’est chacune de ses collections. Ce qui compte
21
LE AD
que ce que je fais est plus affirmatif que ce ne l’était
il y a encore dix ans. »
Sa clientèle est principalement non africaine. A
ce sujet, elle dit: « C’est tout à fait autre chose. Peu
d’Africaines sont des habituées de ma boutique. Je
vois cela comme un grand complexe de notre peuple.
Et je ne sais toujours pas comment y faire face. Les
Africains ne sont pas leurs propres clients, je ne sais
pas s’ils vous soutiennent - Africa Link. Bien sûr, un
produit qui vous est propre a quelque chose de spécial.
Je suis dans la haute couture, le fait-main, et cela a
son prix. On pourrait dire que les robes que je fais
sont aussi chères que celles d’Armani et d’autres
stylistes connus. La différence est que ce que je fais
est unique. Je ne suis pas comme ces grands couturiers qui vont faire de la production en série dans des
pays en développement et vendent tout de même leurs
produits très cher. Je présente des produits de haute
qualité, mais les Africaines d’ici préfèrent acheter des
marques renommées pour montrer qu’elles peuvent
se payer ces robes. Elles refusent de soutenir mes
produits, malgré leur qualité. Si un grand couturier
doit produire une robe sur mesure pour une cliente,
c’est que celle-ci est d’une richesse indécente. »
Brigitte, dont les collections ont été présentées
Brigitte Meidinger Born A Designer (continued from page 20)
so much, and you can’t live on it, coupled with other
pressures then they overcome one’s satisfaction. It was
so much that people started suggesting that I return to
Africa where they believed I would make it.”
And why didn’t you go?
“I could not because my children were still young
and it would have been difficult to start a new life with
them in a place I did not really know business wise.”
One of the uniqueness about Brigitte is that she
does not engage in mass production. Each dress
is made to client’s specification. She believes every
person is unique, and so is every of her collections.
What counts for her is her clients, and “what I make
is special for a client and only for that client.”
It takes time and a series of discussion plus her
own professional touches to arrive at what the clients
want, and that evidently makes the cost of the final
product a bit on the high side. “But when they wear
them, they feel different; they look different and move
differently. It is like a treasure for the clients.”
African fashion is gradually becoming a trend
in Switzerland especially among young people, she
observed.
“It shows the young generation are more open
to new things, new culture. It is this new wave that
makes me content, considering how many years it
22
took the people to understand and appreciate African
materials and expressions in fashion. Of course the big
designers are also into African Fashion, and are using
fabrics. It is clear now that what I am doing is more
positive than it used to be a decade ago.”
Her clientele is mainly non-Africans. She says of
this: “That is another thing entirely. Rarely do Africans patronise my boutique. I see it as a big complex
among our people. And I still don’t know how we can
address this issue. They hardly patronise their own, I
don’t know whether they patronise you - Africa Link.
Of course your own product is special. I am in the
haute couture, hand-made business and this comes
with a price. Let me put it this way: ‘The dresses I
make are as expensive as Amani’s and other popular
designers’. The difference is what I make is unique.
I am not like those big name designers who go to
developing countries, produce en masse and still sell
the products expensively. I come out with high quality
products but the Africans here prefer to buy big name
labels to show they can afford the dresses. They refuse
to patronise my products, despite the high quality. If
any of the big designers has to produce a dress for a
client, that client must be stinkly rich.”
Brigitte, whose collections have been presented at
fashion shows in many locations in Switzerland and
the United Kingdom, has introduced a new element
Display of fabrics
dans des défilés de mode à plusieurs endroits de Suisse
et du Royaume-Uni, a introduit dans les défilés un
nouvel élément qu’on appelle la fashion performance.
C’est une combinaison entre un défilé de type artistique et des mouvements artistiques, qui prend de
l’envergure, attire la haute société, devient une attraction pour des grands événements et reflète ses deux
univers – le noir et blanc, l’Afrique et l’Europe. Elle
est régulièrement invitée à mettre en scène cette
nouvelle invention.
into fashion show called Fashion Performance. It is
a combination of fashion show in artistic form and
artistic movement which is gaining momentum and
more attraction in high society and on special occasions, and reflects on her two worlds – black and
white; Africa and Europe. She is regularly invited to
stage her new invention.
Photo: Pino Covino
pour elle, ce sont ses clients, et « ce que je fais est
destiné spécialement à un client, et à lui seul. »
Réaliser les souhaits de la clientèle demande du
temps, une série de discussions et sa propre « patte »
professionnelle ; évidemment, cela rend le coût du
produit fini un peu élevé. « Mais quand la personne
le porte, elle se sent différente; sont apparence, ses
mouvements sont différents. C’est une sorte de trésor
pour elle. »
Peu à peu, la mode africaine devient une tendance
en Suisse, particulièrement
chez les jeunes, observe-telle.
« Cela montre que la
jeune génération est plus
ouverte aux choses nouvelles, à une culture nouvelle. C’est cette nouvelle
A dress displayed in
her boutique
vague qui me satisfait,
quand je repense à toutes les
années qu’il a fallu pour que les gens comprennent et
apprécient les étoffes et l’expression de l’Afrique dans
la mode. Bien sûr, les grands couturiers aussi font de
la mode africaine, ils utilisent ces tissus. Il est clair
Acts in the Fashion-Performance
POLITICS
CÔTE D’IVOIRE
Election présidentielle sous
haute surveillance
Photo: NET.tv
Par Misseli M. Bationo
Mr. Alassane Ouattara
Mr. Henri Konan Bédié
Il ne faut pas être grand devin pour prédire que l’élection présidentielle du 25 octobre prochain en Côte d’Ivoire est gagnée d’avance. Mr. Alassane Dramane Ouattara sera réélu pour un second mandat. Pour autant, le scrutin en lui-même ne perd
rien de son intérêt. Au contraire. Jamais en effet une élection présidentielle ne sera
autant examinée à la loupe.
Tant les enjeux sont considérables et nombreux
les observateurs : les milieux d’affaires qui ont
afflué ces dernières années dans le pays pour tirer
profit de ses remarquables taux de croissance, la
communauté internationale qui voudra se rassurer
que le pays tourne la page de ses crises à répétition
et ouvre celle de son développement, le peuple
ivoirien soucieux de faire le bon choix et le candidat Ouattara lui-même qui espère une forte adhésion à ses choix et priorités de gouvernement. Tout
cela va se mesurer pour les uns à l’aune du taux de
participation, pour les autres à celle de la régularité
du processus électoral et pour d’autres encore à
celle du pourcentage des votes recueillis par l’élu.
Au titre de son bilan, le président Ouattara peut
légitimement se prévaloir de sérieux acquis dans
de nombreux domaines : les insolents taux de
croissance qui ont tutoyé les 10% tout le long de
son mandat se sont appuyés sur la première richesse
du pays, son agriculture dont il a entrepris la
modernisation et dans laquelle pas moins 2040
milliards de francs CFA (plus de 4 milliards $) ont
été injectés dans le cadre du Programme national
d’investissements agricoles (PNIA). En plus du
café et du cacao, il s’agit d’augmenter les rendements à l’hectare du riz, du soja et autres cultures
maraichères. Le secteur minier avec notamment
l’or, le diamant, le gaz et le pétrole est en expansion
mais surtout rentre désormais dans les statistiques
officielles. Dans le domaine des TIC, 7000 km de
fibres optiques vont bientôt relier tous les grands
chefs-lieux de régions et de départements et permettre la généralisation du haut débit. Sur le plan
des infrastructures les réalisations sont encore plus
impressionnantes. Le pays entier est un chantier
de routes, de ponts et de barrages hydroélectriques.
Dialogue laborieux
Au chapitre de la réconciliation nationale, essentielle pour un pays qui sort de quinze ans de
crise, le dialogue avec l’opposition est laborieux.
Il a cependant permis des avancées notables.
Notamment l’installation de la commission dialogue, vérité et réconciliation (CDVR) dont les
résultats de son premier président n’ont guère
convaincu, l’accord sur le financement des partis
politiques et la mise en place de la commission
électorale indépendante (CEI). L’un des chantiers
les plus importants de ce chapitre demeure la réinsertion des ex-combattants des deux camps. Le
programme démobilisation, désarmement et réinsertion (DDR) mis en place par les pouvoirs pu-
blics au profit des 74.000 intéressés commence à
donner ses fruits même si l’on reste encore sceptique sur le niveau réel du désarmement. Certains
se présentent déjà sur le marché du travail avec des
compétences certaines, notamment au niveau du
bâtiment.
L’emploi des jeunes et le niveau presque endémique de la pauvreté vont rester pendant longtemps encore des sujets de préoccupation. Pendant
les dix années du régime de Laurent Gbagbo,
l‘éducation nationale et notamment l’enseignement supérieur ont connu des perturbations de
type chronique qui ont laissé de nombreux jeunes
sans diplômes ni qualifications. La création récente
d’un ministère délégué chargé de la promotion de
la jeunesse et de l’emploi est supposée s’attaquer à
ce chantier pharaonique. Mais l’on est bien
conscient que seuls une formation adéquate, le
développement d’un secteur privé dynamique et
la stimulation d’un esprit d’entreprenariat chez
l’Ivoirien peuvent venir à bout de ce problème.
Appel controversé
La réélection quasi-certaine du président Ouattara ne sera pas seulement le fait de son bilan en
matière de reconstruction et de relance de l’activité
économique du pays. Au plan politique il va bénéficier d’un soutien autant inespéré que controversé.
Il y a un peu plus d’un an, Henri Konan Bédié,
candidat malheureux de la dernière élection présidentielle de 2010 et président du PDCI-RDA,
l’ancien parti unique du pays a lancé un cri de
ralliement autour de la candidature du président
Ouattara. « L’appel de Daoukro », comme il est
désormais connu a profondément bouleversé le jeu
politique, et du même coup l’issue du scrutin à
venir. On se souvient que c’est le même Bédié qui
avait favorisé l’élection d’Alassane Ouattara en
2010 en appelant ses partisans à voter pour ce
dernier au second tour. « Le faiseur de roi » avait
été entendu et suivi à l’époque. Cette fois l’unanimité des partisans lui a manqué puisqu’il lui a
fallu passer par la tenue d’un congrès extraordinaire pour faire adopter sa proposition. Dans la
foulée, Bédié réussira le coup de force de rallier
également au projet les partis membres du RHDP,
une coalition se réclamant de la philosophie de
Houphouet Boigny, le père fondateur de la nation
ivoirienne dont il est le président. N’empêche !
Certains barons de son parti, dont M. Essy Amara,
ancien ministre des Affaires Etrangères et M.
Konan Banny, ancien premier ministre du gouvernement de coalition sous Gbagbo vont se présenter tout de même… en candidats indépendants.
Certains s’interrogent encore sur les réelles motivations de Bédié et sur l’éventuel « deal » qu’il
(suite à la page 25)
23
POLITICS
All eyes are on the upcoming
presidential election
By Misseli M. Bationo
The economic and social growth should be going
hand in hand with political dialogue for national
unity, especially as the country is still reeling from
its 15-year civil strife. Sadly this has not been the
case. Dialogue with the opposition is to say the least,
strained.
Photo: connectionivoirienne.net
Photo: AfriqueInside.com
You don’t need a crystal ball to know who will win the October 25 presidential elections
in Côte d’Ivoire. Although President Alassane Dramane Ouattara’s re-election for a
second term appears to be a done deal, the election itself will be worth watching. Indeed, no other presidential election in the country would have been the subject of so
much scrutiny.
Strained dialogue
Konan Banny
The stakes are considerable and the observers
many. They range from businesses that have flocked
into Côte d’Ivoire to cash in on its booming economy
through the international community, which wants
to ensure that the country turns away from the
conflict years. The successful outcome of the polls
will be determined by the turnout and the free and
fairness of it all.
President Ouattara’s administration has undoubtedly made huge economic and social progress during
his term in office. There has been infrastructural
development while the economic growth rate stands
at nearly ten percent. Under the National Agricultural Investment Programme (NAIP) the government
invested more than US$4.billion to modernise the
country’s agricultural sector thereby making it the
country’s principal economic contributor. This investment led to the increase per-hectare yields of coffee,
cocoa, rice, soybeans and other vegetable crops.
The mining industry — particularly gold, diamonds, gas and oil — is growing and, more importantly, is now included in the official statistics. A huge
chunk of the country will soon benefit from high
speed internet connection through the installation of
a 7000 km of fibre optic cable. Construction work,
including roads, bridges and hydroelectric dams could
be seen everywhere in the country.
24
Employment and poverty will long remain critical issues in Côte d’Ivoire. During President Laurent
Gbagbo’s decade-long regime, the education system,
particularly higher education, suffered chronic
disruptions which led to students not being graduated for many years, thus making them unqualified
to face the work market. It was against this background that the current regime created the Ministry
for Youth and Employment.
Photo: flickr.com
CÔTE D’IVOIRE
Pascale Affi Nguessan
The, Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Commission Dialogue, Verité et Réconciliation – CDVR) created for this purpose has had very
limited successes.
The civil war left many hangovers and bringing
the country to grips with its past glory remain a major
task for the government and even succeeding governments to come. One such task is the reintegration of
the armed forces.
The demobilization, disarmament and reintegration programme (DDR) set up by the government
had to deal with 74,000 former fighters. There has
been some measured success with this process even
though it is difficult to determine the real number of
those that have actually completely demobilised. Some
of those who gave up are now demonstrating their
other skills, especially in the field of construction.
Abdourahamane Sangaré
A controversial call
It is widely expected that President Ouattara
would be returned to power not only based on the
successes of his government but also the gains that
he has made on his support base. He is no longer
being referred to as the Northern or Muslim candidate
A little over a year ago, one-time President, Henri
Konan Bédié, who also contested in the 2010 presidential polls rallied around Ouattara’s candidacy.
The ‘Call of Daoukro’, as it is now known, completely changed the political landscape. Bédié was leader
of the country’s once ruling PDCI-RDA party
created by Cote d’Ivoire’s independence leader, Felix
Houphouet-Boigny.
This call, even though voted by an extraordinary
congress because of a lack of consensus, did not go
down well with the big wigs in the once powerful
party. It therefore brought out a split that pushed
some of its senior members to contest for the forthcoming polls. Former Prime Minister, Konan Banny
and one-time Foreign Minister and Secretary-General of the then Organisation of African Unity, Amara
Essy will now be running for the presidency in the
up-coming elections as independent candidates.
Bédié’s motives for rallying behind Ouattara
remain unclear. There are suggestions that he is still
nursing the idea of an alternation between PDCI-
POLITICS
Liberty for the Republic party (Liberté et Démocratie pour la République — LIDER) by the former President of the National Assembly under
Gbagbo, Pascal Affi Nguessan.
The creation of his party clearly demonstrates
the cracks in the wall of the FPI. What remained
Photo: snipview.com
RDA come 2020 in order to preserve a peaceful and
stable Côte d’Ivoire. But that remains to be seen.
One thing is certain — the PDCI-RDA has lost
its lustre. Its identity project of Ivoirité, which characterised Bédié’s short term in office and which
observers attribute to the country’s woes will not help
matters.
But that aside, the lack of discipline within the
party’s ranks has also been one of the main factors
for its lacklustre performances both the Presidential
elections in 2010 and the parliamentary polls in 2012.
Worse still for the party, many erstwhile supporters ran as independent candidates in the general
elections and dealt serious blows to the party’s official
candidates.
Ghost Opposition
The opposition parties are as divided as ever
making it an easy task for the ruling party. There are
those parties created by voluntary returnees after
the war who came to see a complete transformed
country from the that which they ran away, and those
released from prison, who hitherto belonged to the
Ivorian Popular Front (Front Populaire Ivorien, or
FPI) of incarcerated President Laurent Gbagbo.
There is also the newly created Democracy and
Amara Essy
Election présidentielle sous haute surveillance
aurait conclu avec le président Ouattara.
D’aucuns lui prêtent même l’idée de jouer dès
maintenant la carte de l’alternance avec un PDCiRDA au pouvoir en 2020, au nom d’une Côte
d’Ivoire apaisée et stabilisée à préserver aujourd’hui.
Une chose est sûre, le PDCI-RDA avait perdu
de sa superbe. Son projet identitaire de l’ « ivoirité
» qu’il avait décliné sous le mandat écourté de
Bédié, à l’origine disent d’aucuns de tous les maux
du pays ne l’ont pas grandi. L’écartement au second
tour du scrutin de 2010 de son candidat et le score
« peu convaincant » recueilli lors des législatives
de 2012 imputable au manque de discipline en son
sein ont fini par démontrer que le parti avait besoin
de se remettre en cause. En effet, ces législatives
avaient vu nombre de ses partisans se présenter
sous l’étiquette d’indépendants et surtout, comble
d’ironie, l’emporter face aux candidats adoubés
par le parti. C’est à ce risque de décomposition à
terme du parti que le président Bédié veut se
donner le temps de remédier…avec en ligne de
mire le projet qu’il caresse d’unifier tous les partis
membres du RHDP. Affaire à suivre…
of the party after this desertion is now being
further divided between the supporters of Affi
Nguessan and those of the hardliner Abdourahamane Sangaré who was also a close ally of Laurent
Gbagbo.
Both factions want the same thing — the release of Laurent Gbagbo, but with a different timetable. One sees it as a condition for returning to
the political arena, while the other not necessarily
so.
Both are however calling for a boycott of the
Population Census and Habitat (Recensement
Général des Populations et de l’Habitat — RGPH)
and of the census for updating the electoral rolls.
They have also been debating about reforming the
Independent Electoral Commission (CEI;) and
reviving the outmoded issue of the ineligibility of
President Ouattara.
They are instead proposing a transitional period
before every new election.
The National Coalition for Change (Coalition
Nationale pour le Changement — CNC), a final
attempt to unite the opposition before the 25
October deadline, is struggling to speak with one
voice and propose a common policy.
(suite de la page 23)
Une opposition fantôme
Et les partis d’opposition dans tout cela ?
Piètre figure en général et du pain béni pour le
camp Ouattara. Sortis, pour certains, progressivement de leur exil volontaire au lendemain
de la crise post-électorale et de prison pour
d’autres, les grosses pointures du Front populaire
ivoirien (FPI), l’ancien parti gouvernemental,
ont visiblement du mal à retrouver leurs marques
pour les prochaines échéances électorales. Ils
sont comme sonnés debout, et encore groggy
devant l’accélération de la transformation du
pays. La création très tôt du parti Liberté et
démocratie pour la république (LIDER) par
l’ancien président de l’Assemblée nationale du
régime de Gbagbo présageait des difficultés du
FPI dont il était un des ténors. Ce qui est resté
du parti après cette défection va se partager
entre, d’un côté, les partisans de son secrétaire
général M. Affi Nguessan et, de l’autre, les tenants de la ligne dure dite tendance Abdourahamane Sangaré, un autre fidèle de l’ancien
président. Les deux factions ont en commun
une revendication : la libération de Laurent
Gbagbo. Mai un calendrier différent. L’une la
pose comme condition pour revenir dans l’arène
politique, l’autre pas nécessairement.
Tout le long, les uns et les autres s’adonnent
volontiers au petit jeu de « j’y vais, j’y vais pas
» : tour à tour appelant au boycott du recensement général des populations et de l’habitat
(RGPH), de celui pour la mise à jour de la liste
électorale ; lançant un débat sur la refonte de la
commission électorale indépendante ; ressuscitant la question surannée de l’inéligibilité du
président Ouattara et enfin, dernière trouvaille,
proposant une période de transition avant toute
nouvelle élection.
La Coalition nationale pour le changement
(CNC), dernière tentative d’unification des
partis de l’opposition avant l’échéance du 25
octobre peine à parler d’une seule voix et à
proposer un programme commun de gouvernement.
Pendant ce temps, en face, le RHDP est déjà
aux manœuvres et mobilise avec pour souhait
une victoire de leur candidat dès le premier tour
qui ne souffre d’aucune contestation.
25
POLITICS
BOOK: NEW PUBLICATION
In a world characterized
by violence and conflict
in many regions, there is
brokenness that occurs at
the personal, family, community, and societal levels
in virtually all countries of
the world as we push into
the second decade of the
twenty-first century. Everywhere there is the need for
the reconstruction of lives,
families, communities, and
whole countries and regions. This need manifests
most strongly in Africa,
which has had more than
its fair share of disruption
and brokenness. «A time
to build» models the reconstruction strategy of
Nehemiah, a Jewish exile
and cup-bearer to the Persian Emperor Artaxerxes
who was appointed Governor of Judea by the Emperor in the 5th century BC
to reconstruct the broken
walls of Jerusalem. His
strategy is fresh and relevant to individuals, families, communities and nations needing reconstruction today.
Available at:
Trafford bookstore/Time to build: www.trafford.com
Amazon: Amazon.com/Time to build
26
Sponsored Page
TRIBUTE TO JOÃO FILIPE MARTINS
João Filipe Martins,
un diplomate et une vie
scellés à l’histoire angolaise
Par Marie Rumignani
Le 27 juin dernier à l’hôtel Warwick
de Genève, la communauté angolaise a
commémoré la mémoire du docteur João
Filipe Martins, ancien ministre et ambassadeur en Suisse. Dix ans après sa disparition, le diplomate continue de marquer
les esprits.
ambassadeur en Suisse et représentant à l’ONU.
Une compilation d’instants volés, marqués par
autant d’inconnus que des grands noms de l’histoire
de l’Angola, et du monde. On reconnaît entre deux
photos Fidel Castro, Josip Broz Tito ou encore le
premier président Agostinho Neto.
Les hommages se suivent au rythme des chansons d’Urbano de Castro. Amis, collègues, anciens
compagnons de route, pasteur, famille. Tous les
âges, venus de tous les horizons. Chacun représente
un fragment du passé, présent et futur. Ils prennent
tour à tour le micro, partageant une pensée ou un trait
mémorable. On retrouve toujours les mêmes mots,
les mêmes adjectifs. Un vrai membre de la famille,
philosophe, courageux, cultivé, patriote, engagé,
La salle, retentissante de rires et de discussions, fait
place au silence. La longiligne Afiwa Sika Kuzeauwu
se saisit de sa contrebasse. Et entonne les premières
paroles d’Afro Blue d’une voix suave et frissonnante
: « Dream of a land my soul is from… » (Rêver d’un
pays d’où mon âme vient). Le public ferme les yeux.
Il rêve, pense, un brin mélancolique. Pour la jeune
artiste, le choix de ce standard du jazz était
une évidence : « Dès la première phrase,
on parle de rêver du pays, et de sa beauté.
C’est exactement ce que faisait João Filipe
Martins ».
Né en 1942 dans la province de Malanje
(au nord du pays), il a rejoint à son adolescence le mouvement pour la libération
de l’Angola, (MPLA). Arrêté, il a été
condamné par un tribunal militaire en 1963
et passa près de cinq ans dans les geôles.
Des années sombres pour de nombreux
militants angolais, constamment surveillées
et victimes des violences perpétrées par
l’impitoyable police politique portugaise
PIDE. João Filipe Martins terminera ses
études secondaires dans la prison de Saint
Paulo à Luanda, et obtiendra par la suite un
diplôme de l’école de droit de l’Université
Classique de Lisbonne. Il restera dans la
capitale portugaise quelques temps, et participa à la fondation de la Casa de Angola,
une association qui comptait parmi ses João Filipe Martins
membres bon nombres de futurs politiciens
et dirigeants liées au MPLA.
Epinglées sur un grand tableau, une cinquantaine résistant. Les anecdotes se poursuivent jusqu’à table,
de photos en noir et blanc ou aux couleurs vieillies un moment propice aux confidences accompagné de
par le temps attestent une carrière des plus singu- funge,(foofoo) ragoûts, bananes frites et tant d’autres
lières. Il fut tour à tour Ministre de l’Information, spécialités angolais.
Pour certains, la rencontre s’est fait par intermitpremier ambassadeur en Yougoslavie, vice-ministre
de l’éducation, doyen de l’Université Agostinho Neto, tence, des retrouvailles par delà les décennies et les
gouverneur de la province de Malanje, directeur continents. « Je l’ai connu en plusieurs étapes, confie
de plusieurs départements aux affaires étrangères, Raimundo de Sousa, un ami des plus proches. Il a
M. J. Filipe Martins (de dos) serrait la main du premier
président de l'Angola, M. António Agostinho Neto.
été mon professeur d’histoire, français et anglais à
l’école secondaire. Il m’a notamment aidé à préparer
mon entrée à l’université. C’était une personne très
intelligente, qui a donné le grand exemple. C’était
une vraie personnalité ». Pour Isabelle,
qui a quitté le pays il y a plus de vingt ans
pour fuir la guerre civile, le diplomate s’est
investi sans compter pour la communauté
angolaise vivant en Suisse. « Il m’a beaucoup
aidé pour les démarches, sans a priori et avec
une ouverture au dialogue - livre-t-elle,
émue – Il est aussi passé par là, il connaissait
l’histoire de son pays».
L’histoire. Ne pas oublier. Des mots
qui ne cessent de revenir. La soirée est une
communion pour la mémoire collective.
Un appel du passé pour la génération future
angolaise, très présente ce soir là, dont les
petits-enfants du diplomate disparu. Un
vieil ami de la famille veut se montrer
optimiste : « Il y a un espoir que les jeunes
apprennent des vieux. Il faut continuer de
raconter ce qui s’est passé, et de connaître
l’histoire de ces artisans de l’indépendance.
La lutte n’est pas uniquement pour soimême, mais pour tout un peuple ».
Pour Claudio Martins, le fils de João
Filipe Martins, responsable du service économique à l’ambassade angolaise à Berne
et organisateur de la soirée, « les gens n’avaient pas
l’idée de son parcours, y compris moi-même. C’est
après avoir été interpellé plusieurs fois sur mon nom
de famille que je me suis rendu compte de sa portée
». Il n’était plus possible de taire « sa voix et sa vie. Et
si le fils ne parle pas, personne le ne fera ». Un appel
qui ne doit cesser de résonner, au delà des frontières
et du temps.
27
Sponsored Page
❶
❷
❸
❹
❺
❻
❼
❽
❾
❿
11
Among the guests at the occasion are : pic 1 Pasteur Roberto Sebastião-Église Missionaire Christ est Roit Mme. Liliane Dombele, pic 2 Cláudio Rodrigues Martins
(3rd son of 5), pic 3 Yema welwitchia de Sousa (Niece), pic 4 Klerson Martins a grandson of João Filipe Martins who was one month and five days old when the grandfather
died reading a poem he wrote and dedicated to honour his grandfather at the gathering. Klerson is said to resemble his grandfather who fortunately saw him (Klerson)
on many occasions before his demise. pic 6 l-r: Mwana Thomás, Mem. Luisa Assis, Joyce Cardoso (MC) and Yema Welwitchia Cardoso, pic 7 Mr. Luis Nuno de Azevedo,
a guest paying tribute to Mr. João Filipe Martin, pic 8 (r) Mr. Alberto, Pio do Amaral Gourgel, (Permanent Mission of Angola in Geneva), pic 10 Recipients of honour
as fathers and friends of the former leader and politician João Filipe Martins, pic 11 Guests and singers, Njila Pinto and Afiua - Singing Blues.
28
Sponsored Page
João Filipe Martins – A Diplomat and A Life
Interlinked with Angola's History
By Marie Rumignani
João Filipe Martins receiving a gift
The Angolan community came together at
the Hotel Warwick in Geneva, Switzerland, on 27 June 2015 to commemorate
the memory of Doctor João Filipe Martins, former minister and ambassador to
Switzerland. Ten years after his death,
the diplomat continues to inspire.
The laughter and talking that filled the room faded
to silence as the tall and slender Afiwa Sika Kuzeawu
grasped his double bass and, in his smooth, quivering
voice, sang 'Dream of a land my soul is from', the first
few lyrics of 'Afro Blue'. The audience closed their eyes
and let their minds wander somewhat wistfully. For
the young singer and composer, this jazz standard was
an obvious choice. 'Right from the first line, it talks
about dreaming about Angola and its beauty. This is
exactly what João Filipe Martins did'.
Born in 1942 in Malanje Province in northern
Angola, Martin joined the People's Movement for
the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) as an adolescent.
Arrested and sentenced by a military tribunal in 1963,
he spent nearly five years in prison. The period was
a dark one for many Angolan militants, who were
under constant surveillance and violently harassed
by the PIDE, the ruthless Portuguese political police.
After completing his secondary education at São Paulo
Prison at Luanda, Martins earned a degree in law
from the Lisbon Classic University. He remained in
Lisbon for a while and helped found Casa de Angola,
an association whose members have included many
future politicians and leaders with ties to the MPLA.
More than 50 photos – some black and white,
others in washed-out colour – covered a large board.
They served as testimony to Martins' most remarkable
career, during which he alternately served as minister
of information, Angola's first ambassador to Yugoslavia, vice minister of education, dean of Agostinho
Neto University, governor of Malanje Province, director of several foreign affairs departments, ambassador
to Switzerland, and a representative to the UN. These
snapshots showed, in equal measure, Martins alongside everyday people and key figures in the history of
Angola and the world, such as Fidel Castro, Tito and
the Agostinho Neto, the first president of Angola.
One by one, people of all ages and walks of life
– from friends, family members and colleagues, to
pastors and former brothers-in-arms – paid tribute
to Martins as Urbano de Castro's songs played in
the background. Representing a part of the past, the
present and the future, each person spoke into the
microphone, sharing their thoughts about Martins
or reminiscing about his unforgettable character. The
same words and adjectives – 'a genuine member of
the family', 'philosopher', 'brave', 'cultured', 'patriotic',
'committed', 'a resistant' – were said over and over.
The stories and discussions continued during the
subsequent meal, which consisted of fufu, stews, fried
bananas and other Angolan specialties.
For some, their friendship with Martins grew gradually and continued across decades and continents. 'I
got to know him over several stages', said Raimundo
de Sousa, one of his closest friends. 'He was my history, French and English teacher in secondary school,
and he helped me to get into university. He was very
intelligent and exemplary – a real personality'. For
Isabel, who fled the civil war in Angola more than 20
years ago, Martins worked tirelessly for the Angolan
community living in Switzerland. "He helped me a lot
in getting through local formalities. He was unbiased
and always ready to discuss', she said, with a catch in
her voice. 'He had gone through the same thing. He
knew his country's history'.
‘History’. ‘Never forget’. Words heard over and
over. The evening was a moment of communion for
Angola's collective memory – an appeal from the past
to Angola's future generations, which were present in
large number and included Martins' own grandchildren. 'We hope that the young generation will learn
from their elders', said an old friend of Martins. 'We
must continue to tell them what happened. They
must learn the story of these builders of independence
and that the fight is not just for oneself, but for an
entire people'.
'No one, myself included, had any idea about the
path my father's life took', said Claudio Martins, third
secretary of the economics sector at the Embassy of
Angola in Bern and organiser of the evening. 'It wasn't
until a number of people asked me about my surname
that I realized just how much he accomplished'. It
was no longer possible to keep "his voice and his life
under wraps. And if his son won't speak about him,
who will?' An appeal that must continue to resonate
across borders and time.
Mr. João Filipe Martins shaking hands with Cuba’s President Fidel Castro, and the lady Extreme right João F. Martins in one of the delegations headed by President
in the picture is Angola’s 1st Lady, Maria Eugénia Neto the spouse of President António Dos Santos of Angola
Agostinho Neto, the 1st Angola’s President
29
AU REPORT
AU CAMPAIGN TO END CHILD MARRIAGE
"We are Girls not Brides"
By Our Correspondent
Zimbabwe’s First Lady, Dr. Grace Mugabe said Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, the AU Commissioner
in her keynote address at the national launch of for Social Affairs noted that the launch of the AU
the AU Campaign to end child marriage in Africa Campaign to End Child Marriage in Zimbabwe
titled ‘We are Girls not Brides’ held at the Harare comes at a time when H.E. Cde Robert Mugabe
International Conference Centre.
The First Lady called on all
Zimbabwean daughters to fight
against the sentencing of girls to a
lifetime of violation. She pleaded
with girls not to be threatened into
being married off but to strive for a
better life; making education their
first love. She also called on the
Ministry of Justice to harmonize
all laws on the age of marriage to
18 years as stipulated by the constitution and apply stiffer penalties
and sentencing of violators.
Dr. Mugabe also received the
petition of the child parliamentarians and called on all Cabinet
Ministers to jointly work towards
a national action plan on ending
child marriage in Zimbabwe.
In her own contribution, Ms.
Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, the
AU Goodwill Ambassador on
Ending Child Marriage in Africa
said: “We have a crisis on our
hands. The UN estimates that 15
million girls experience child mar- Dr. (Mrs.) Grace Mugabe
riage each year. That is more than
the entire population of Zimbabwe. We must move was the sitting Chairperson of the African Union
from vulnerability to voice and leadership. Africa is and furthers His Excellency's commitment not just
young and full of innovation. This energy must be to the theme of the African Union for 2015, i.e.
harnessed to ensure that we have lasting solutions." Year of Women Empowerment and Development
Child marriage predominantly affects girls who towards Agenda 2063, but also to issues affecting
live in poor and rural communities. The likelihood women and girls across the continent.
This has also been evidenced in the way His
of girls being married off as children, stems largely
from the lack of education and poverty. Zimbabwe Excellency was able to galvanize other Heads of
has one of the highest rates of child marriage in States into adopting the African Common Position
Africa; with about 31% of Zimbabwean girls being on Ending Child Marriage during the June 2015
married before their 18th birthday and another 4% Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government.
The Republic of Zimbabwe is the 8th African
before they turn 15.
Also speaking at the launch, His Excellency, Dr. Nation to launch the AU Campaign following
30
national launches in Ethiopia, Niger, Burkina Faso,
Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar
and Uganda.
The Zimbabwean launch of the campaign
also comes at a critical time when the country was
recently under the global lens following a statement
by Prosecutor-General Mr. Johannes Tomana on the
age of sexual consent. This sparked a public outcry
and accentuated the need for a nationwide campaign
that tackles the harmful practice
of child marriage with the focus
of highlighting the consequences
of allowing the perpetuation of
the practice.
The event was attended by
the Zimbabwean Senate President,
Hon. Edna Madzongwe, the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Advocate Jacob Mudenda, Members of
Senate and Parliament, Cabinet
Ministers who all joined their
voices to calling for an end to child
marriages.
Speaking on behalf of the UN
agencies, the Resident Coordinator and Country Director for
UNICEF, Mr Reza Hossani called on all stakeholders to reject
social norms and break the cultural
silence that continues to hide these
violations of the rights of vulnerable
children.
Photo by zimbabwenewsday.co.uk
"Child molesters, paedophiles, and rapists should not be allowed to get away with lenient sentences like community service. Child marriage is a tragedy for the girl child, her
unborn children and her country's development"
About the AU Campaign to End
Child Marriage in Africa
The campaign was launched at the continental level in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 29 May 2014, during
the Conference of Ministers of Social Development. It
aims at ending child marriage by: (i) supporting legal
and policy actions in the protection and promotion of
human rights, (ii) mobilizing continental awareness of
the negative socio-economic impact of child marriage,
(iii) building social movement and social mobilization
at the grassroots and national levels; and (iv) increasing
the capacity of non-state actors to undertake evidence
based policy advocacy including the role of youth leadership through new media technology, monitoring
and evaluation among others.
AU REPORT
HISTORIC VISIT
“It is critical to shared prosperity and to Africa
"Although we welcome you as the President of the United States of America,
we also claim you as our own”. With those words, H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dla- becoming a prosperous, integrated, peaceful, peoplemini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, welcomed the centered continent, playing a dynamic role in the
US President Barack Hussein Obama to the AU Headquarters, on Tuesday world,” she concluded.
In his farewell speech, following a historic trip to
28 July 2015.
President Obama
AU Chairperson Dr. Zuma
The visit is the first by a sitting USA president to
the African Union, Dr. Zuma noted the strong and
historic bond of Africa and the USA, which forged
with the blood and sweat of African sons and daughters captured and forced across the Atlantic Ocean,
toiling on the plantations and cities that made the
United States into the great country it is today.
The Chairperson also warmly welcomed the
Congressional delegation, recalling their bipartisan
unwavering support, and the support of ordinary
Americans, to the African struggle against colonialism
and apartheid.
She highlighted that this visit comes at a time
when the African continent has adopted a framework
for its development for the coming fifty years, Agenda
2063, the Africa we want. “Africa is a youthful
continent and likely to remain so over the next few
decades. By the end of this century, one in three of
the world’s population will be African. Over half of
its population is women. Our people therefore remain
our most precious resource,” she added.
She went on that the continent is in a unique
position to chart its development and industrialization
path that is different, through renewable energy and
climate-smart agriculture, highlighting its endeavours in technology, infrastructure, and launching
of negotiations for the Continental Free Trade Area,
to enhance intra-Africa and global trade, investments
and others.
However, despite progress, she acknowledged
the challenges facing Africa facing, which include
terrorism and corruption.
“We are as concerned as you are with the global
threats of terrorism and extremism and Africa is
playing its part in the fight against Al-Shabaab and
Boko Haram. South Sudan and Libya are also major
challenges, and we hope that the IGAD process
will bear fruits by the next scheduled meeting. We
must all work to build greater tolerance for religious,
cultural and political diversity, and build inclusive
societies,” she added.
Corruption as a global phenomenon is of great
concern to us. Contrary to popular perceptions of
corruption in Africa, the report of the Panel chaired
by former President Thabo Mbeki on the Illicit
Financial Flows from the continent (amounting to
over 50 billion US dollars per year) shows, that over
60% of these outflows are as a result of the activities
of large commercial companies, with criminal activity
accounting for a further a 30% and political corruption less than 10%. We must therefore tackle this
issue head-on, based on accurate diagnosis of where
the problem lies, and through collective action,” Dr.
Zuma said.
The Chairperson also called for investing in
women, saying women’s empowerment is not only a
human rights issue, but also makes economic sense,
and is a guarantee for sustainable peace, community
stability and cohesion. She further pointed out
women’s contribution to the prosperity of families
and communities, especially since women on average
contribute 70% of their income to the household,
whilst men on average only contribute 30% of their
incomes towards households and communities.
Kenya and Ethiopia, U.S. President Barack Obama
hailed Africa's extraordinary progress, while noting
that such progress can only be sustained through
continued progress and democracy for all. It was the
first speech to the AU by a sitting USA president.
“I stand before you as a proud American. I also
stand before you as the son of an African,” said President Obama during his address to the African Union.
He summarized his personal interest in seeing
Africa’s continued economic and developmental
growth as it sheds a history of colonialism. Obama
hailed the continent’s gains, from a plummeting HIV/
AIDS infections rate to millions of Africans being
lifted out of poverty, while championing the U.S.
role in such gains.
The President also stressed the need for strong
functional institutions and reforms in trade and
industry to help the continent generate more jobs,
boosted by its imminent population boom that could
help foster employment opportunities.
Urging Africa's leaders to make their countries
more attractive to foreign investment, he called for
ending corruption, upholding democratic freedoms,
supporting human rights, and observing proper
mediums of power transfer, as it is the African people
who can best liberate themselves from the wide spread
political, social and moral vices that have scared the
continent. He further urging the African Union
to spear head all development agendas and lead by
example.
He called on the AU to use its authority to help
make sure African leaders stick to their term limits
and follow their constitutions. "Nobody should be
president for life," said Obama, who leaves office in
January 2017.
President Obama stressed that peace and security
is very pertinent in Africa's progress, as it creates increased level of investment potential in the continent,
pledging continuous U.S support and collaboration
in the fight against terrorism.
The President’s visit to the AU Headquarter marks
the end of a five-day tour to Africa that included an
earlier stop in Kenya where he participated in the
Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Nairobi.
31
CELEBR ATION
KING MOHAMMED VI MARKS 16TH ANNIVERSARY:
Urges Moroccans to Keep
Identity
His Royal Highness, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has called on Moroccans to keep
their identity, "the sacred trust received from our ancestors", stressing that it is Moroccans' national duty and religious obligation to remain committed to the Sunni, Maliki
rite that they inherited from their forefathers.
The King said in his address to the Nation on
30th October to mark his 16th anniversary of his
ascension to the throne.
"Let us not forget why
Moroccan citizens made
the ultimate sacrifice during the First and Second
World Wars in several
parts of the globe, and
why my revered grandfather, His Late Majesty
King Mohammed V may he rest in peace was exiled," he recalled,
adding that "sacrifices
were made so that the
universal, human values
we all believe in may
prevail. Today, in keeping
with the same values, we
are fighting against extremism and terrorism."
After noting that it is
out of commitment to its
Arab and Islamic identity
that the Kingdom "joined
the inter-Arab alliances to
fight terrorism and restore legitimacy in Yemen",
insisted that there is no
reason why Moroccans
should give up their traditions and forsake their
cultural values - which are
rooted in tolerance and King Mohammed Vl
moderation - in order to
embrace a different doctrine that has nothing to
do with their ethics.
"Therefore, let no one from outside the country
give you lessons on how to live your faith. And
although I respect all revealed religions, let me say
this: do not accept anyone's invitation to embrace
a different rite or faith, be it from East or West,
32
North or South."
He urged them to reject any attempt to sow the
seeds of division, and to remain - as always - deeply
committed to the unity of your rite and to your
sacred values, and to be proud of your faith and
of belonging to this nation."
Earlier in his address, King Mohammed
VI enjoined the people not to allow anyone to
undermine Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial
integrity, or tolerate any attempt to harm its
institutions or offend the dignity of its citizens.
"As far as firmness is concerned, and being a
responsible partner that honours its international
obligations, Morocco will do whatever it takes to
defend its interests" at the United Nations and
domestic levels.
"By the grace of the Almighty, we shall start
implementing the advanced regionalization scheme
as well as the development model for the Kingdom's
Southern Provinces," he added.
He asked the citizens to remain vigilant and
mobilized to thwart the schemes and plots of our
adversaries and counter whatever deviation there
may be from the UN settlement process.
The King reminded then on the question of territorial unity: "I clearly and unequivocally spelled out,
in the speech marking the
Green March anniversary,
the reference framework
and guiding principles for
dealing with the Moroccan Sahara issue, both
domestically and at the
international level."
"Whereas our domestic policy is designed to
serve the citizens, the
objective of our foreign
policy is to safeguard the
nation's best interests,"
adding that "we have
sought to revisit the basic
policy and methods of our
diplomatic services while
remaining committed to
the nation's immutable
values which underpin
our country's foreign relations, namely firmness,
solidarity and credibility."
This approach is dictated by the level of development and maturity
achieved by the Moroccan
model and is in response
not only to the sweeping changes occurring at
regional and international
levels, but also to the need
to make the most of the opportunities offered and
rise to challenges, said the Monarch.
HM the King noted that, as regards solidarity,
Morocco's strategic diplomacy is aimed at promoting
active South-South cooperation, especially with
African sister nations.
CELEBR ATION
Photo News: Embassy celebrates King Mohamed VI's 16th Anni.
❶
❷
❸
❹
❺
❻
❼
❽
❾
❿
11
12
13
14
14
The Royal Embassy of Morocco in Bern hosted a reception to mark the 16th anniversary of King Mohammed VI of Morocco on the throne. The well attended reception was
graced by business and diplomatic communities, Swiss government officials, friends of Morocco, and Moroccan community in Switzerland. In the photos Mr. Saïd Mimoun
Amenzou Chargé d’Affaires a.i. with his spouse, pic 1&2, were at hand to welcome guests to the reception where they were treated to Moroccan dishes and Moroccan desserts
and tea. Some of the attendees include pic 4 l-r: Amb Claudinah Ramosepele of South African Embassy, Johnson Oduwaiye, Editor-in-Chief Africa Link and the Ambassador’s
spouse Mr Augustine Mgoola, pic 9 l-r: Mr. Date Djo, Commercial Officer Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire, Peter Hartmann, president Swisscham-Africa and Mr. & Mrs. Giancarlo
Tschui of BEKB and pic 10 from left: Mr. Karl Lorenz and André Künzi both of State Secretariat for Migration SEM, and Ms. Najar of the Embassy of Tunisia.
33
UNO REPORT
NIGERIAN REFUGEES:
15th Session of Human Rights
Council Advisory Committee
Ended
The Human Rights Council Advisory Committee, a body of 18 independent experts
serving as a think-tank to the United Nations Human Rights Council, concluded its
15th session on 14 August 2015 during which it held substantive debates on three
issues: the activities of vulture funds and human rights; unaccompanied migrant children; and the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy.
The Committee decided to postpone the submission of the progress report on vulture funds to
the Council from the thirty-first session in March
2016 to the thirty-third session in September 2016.
On unaccompanied migrant children, it was
decided that a draft progress report would be
prepared for the next session of the Advisory
Committee.
Concerning the mandate which requests the
Committee to review the implementation of the
principles and guidelines for the elimination of
discrimination against persons affected by leprosy
and their family members, which had been developed by the Committee some time ago and were
ultimately adopted by the General Assembly, it
was decided that the Advisory Committee would
start drafting a study and a questionnaire was
elaborated to seek the views of States and other
stakeholders.
Also during the session, the two final reports
on the role of local government in the protection
of human rights and on the possibilities of using
sport and the Olympic ideal to promote human
rights, which will be considered by the Council in
September, were presented. Support was expressed
for the Advisory Committee's recommendation to
develop guiding principles for local government
and human rights.
The Advisory Committee considered a number
of reflection papers on whistle-blowing and human
rights in the context of corruption; climate induced
displacement and human rights; mainstreaming human rights in the post-2015 development
agenda; regional human rights regimes (protection
mechanisms); and global grievance forum for
perceived defamation of religion. All reflection
papers will be reconsidered at the next session.
Several proposals were made for new reflection
papers for the next session on the impact of settler colonialism on human rights; the immaterial
approach to social rights in the framework of
sustainable development; youth and human rights:
contribution to social cohesion; and improving the
impact of the Human Rights Council: efficiency
- efficacy - implementation - follow-up.
The sixteenth session of the Human Rights
Council Advisory Committee will be held at
the Palais des Nations in Geneva from 22 to 26
February 2016.
UNCHR Helps in Voluntary Repatriation of Congolese from CAR
The UN refugee agency has launched an airlift to repatriate more than 600 also providing a repatriation grant of US$150 per adult
refugees to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) six years after they and US$100 per child. The World Food Programme
fled to Central African Republic (CAR) to escape attacks by the rebel Lord's will give out cash vouchers for food.
The refugees will be returning to an area where
Resistance Army (LRA).
A first group of 39 Congolese refugees boarded a
Dash-8 aircraft in Zemio, south-east CAR and flew
to Ango in a remote area of Orientale province in
northern DRC. UNHCR plans to repatriate a total
of 628 refugees on 12 chartered flights.
All of the returnees had said they wished to leave
UNHCR-run Zemio and return to their homes in
the Ango area because of concerns about the volatile
security situation in the Central African Republic.
UNHCR has worked with the governments of the
Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to facilitate the voluntary repatriation
to Ango, where the LRA still has a presence but the
governments believe the situation is stable enough to
allow for return. The refugees were fully informed
about the security situation in return areas before they
made a final decision to go back.
Some 5,000 Congolese fled LRA attacks and
atrocities between 2008 and 2009 in the Ango and
34
Obo border areas and fled to CAR. The feared Ugandan rebel group robbed villagers, looted property,
torched homes, kidnapped people, raped women and
girls and used the young as child soldiers and sex slaves.
Most of them found shelter in Zemio, a camp run
by UNHCR and now hosting 3,499 refugees, including those being repatriated with the airlift programme.
Since the latest wave of instability began rocking CAR
in 2012, at least 2,800 Congolese refugees have made
their way home from Zemio and other parts of CAR.
Meanwhile UNHCR is looking for durable
solutions for those opting not to return to the DRC.
Funding shortages could affect the level of aid at Zemio, which is in a volatile area and difficult to access.
The lack of roads makes overland repatriation
impossible and the airstrip at Ango has been rehabilitated and extended. On arrival, each returnee received
US$60 to cover the cost of travel to their villages along
dirt tracks on motorbikes, bicycles or foot. UNHCR is
the weakened LRA has launched sporadic attacks in
past months. The last reported incident was in late
July. But the government in Kinshasa has reviewed
the security situation and given the green light for
the return operation.
The LRA appeared in Uganda in 1986, established
its first base in Sudan in 1993, and spread to the DRC
in 2005, before moving further north into the Central
African Republic in 2009. Chased by the Ugandan
armed forces, remaining LRA rebels have retreated
into the forests in south-eastern Central African
Republic. It continues to spread terror in the region.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported an increase in LRA attacks and
abductions in both the Central African Republic and
the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2014. More
than 180,000 people remain internally displaced in
LRA-affected areas in the CAR and the DRC, while
LRA violence caused more than 30,000 people to flee
to neighbouring countries.
UNO REPORT
NIGERIAN REFUGEES:
Even the Hills Couldn't Save Us
By Mark Doyle, Cameroon
The UN refugee agency is working with the authorities in countries neighbouring
Nigeria to maintain a shrinking humanitarian space as Nigerian insurgents have
extended attacks in recent months to Chad, Niger and Cameroon.
Much of the activity has been focused on the
UNHCR-managed camp of Minawao, the largest
formal refugee camp in the region for Nigerian
asylum-seekers.
Minawao camp in northern Cameroon was built
for 30,000 people but is now home to nearly 45,000
and growing by the day. UNHCR Representative in
Cameroon Khassim Diagne said overcrowding there
is "unsustainable".
Nigerian refugee Kulkwa Tatu, who was a teacher
said, "When Boko Haram burned down my house,
possibly because I was a teacher, I cried. Some of my
family and I ran up to the hills to escape. But even the
hills could not save us. So we ran and ran and then
came down here to Cameroon. We thank the Cameroonian government so much for letting us stay."
In recent weeks the Nigerian insurgents have also
attacked Cameroon, using suicide bombers – a tactic
never before seen in the country.
These attacks have raised fears and tension in
Cameroon. They have led the Cameroonian authori-
ties considerably to increase security patrols and other
measures, which have inevitably limited freedom of
movement for Cameroonians and Nigerian asylumseekers alike. Many thousands of Nigerians live in
the border areas inside Cameroon. Some are potential
asylum seekers but others are economic migrants – or,
simply, people living alongside their Cameroonian
cousins in an area of porous colonial boundaries.
For some weeks, increased Cameroonian security
patrols and evacuations meant no potential asylum
seekers could reach Minawao camp to seek protection. However, UNHCR has been working with
Cameroon to try to mitigate this problem.
"For a number of security officials directly
involved in the border operations all Nigerians in
the border areas are potentially complicit with the
insurgents, including asylum-seekers", said UNHCR
northern Cameroon head Mamady Fatta Kourouma;
"So the authorities said that for security reasons
there should be no more movement towards the
camp," he added.
VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION:
116 Somali Refugees Leave Kenya For Mogadishu
The arrival at Mogadishu International Airport of 116 Somali refugees from
Kenya marks a new chapter in the voluntary return process.
Earlier in the morning, the two planes took off
from Dadaab in Northeastern Kenya, the largest
refugee settlement in the world, still hosting 333,000
Somali refugees. This is the result of efforts by the
Tripartite Commission formed by UNHCR and
the Governments of Kenya and Somalia, to step up
support for voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees.
The Commission met on 29 July and agreed
to scale up assistance to Somali refugees in Kenya
wishing to return home and agreed on a strategy that
envisages the voluntary repatriation of some 425,000
Somali refugees over a five year period.
Despite the fragile security environment situation in Somalia, refugees have started to return. In
response to signs of increasing stability in Somalia,
between December 2014 and early August, 2,969
Somali refugees have returned to the districts of
Luuq, Baidoa and Kismayo, with UNHCR support
as part of the pilot phase. More still have returned
spontaneously without receiving assistance from
UNHCR. Under the current agreement assistance
will be provided to returnees to any area of Somaliland, Puntland and South Central Somalia. UNHCR
support includes standardized financial and in-kind
assistance to ensure safe and dignified return, as well
as longer-term support to help returnees reintegrate in
areas they once fled from. The majority of the returns
from Kenya to Somalia will continue to take place by
"But we have negotiated some access to the camp
to provide protection. I met the Governor of the
Region, I met the Colonel in charge of operations.
And between us we found common ground", he
explained. "Now a reception centre for refugees is
open [just outside the main camp] and some refugees
are allowed to go there".
Some new arrivals have therefore arrived in the reception centre over the past few days. On Wednesday
(Aug 12), there were about 50 in the reception centre,
just outside the camp-proper, according to Charles
Gatoto, a senior UNHCR official.
The 50 people will be screened by a joint Cameroonian government/UNHCR team for possible entry
into Minawao camp, Gatoto added.
Camp managers at Minawao say that because of
the overcrowding there are constant shortages of basic
materials like wood to build shelters, and even nails.
The wood shortage is serious because Minawao
is in a relatively arid area of Cameroon. During the
current precious rainy season, the plateau surrounding the camp is dotted with millet and cotton fields
scoured from the stony ground by hand.
The surrounding mountains are speckled green
with grass. But in the dry season Minawao is extremely hot – up to 45 C. In this season the greenery
all but disappears. Water for drinking and washing
is hard to access.
The UNHCR is negotiating with the Cameroonian government for a second camp to relieve the
congestion, and water shortages, in Minawao.
road as has been the case during the pilot phase, and
only for people with specific protection needs will
UNHCR facilitate airlifts.
Comprehensive development efforts are planned
for nine districts in South Central regions – namely
Mogadishu, Afgoye, Jowhar, Balcad, WanlaWeyn and
Belet Weyne as well as Luuq, Baidoa and Kismayo.
Development efforts in these areas aim to strengthen
access to employment opportunities as well as health,
education and other public services to anchor returns
in Somalia.
UNHCR together with the two governments
involved will strengthen efforts to rally international
support for comprehensive and community-based
interventions to support the refugees and their
communities. A portfolio of humanitarian and
development projects is being designed with the aim
of creating a solid foundation for strengthening the
resilience of the refugee and host communities in
Kenya, preparing refugees for durable solutions, and
creating conditions in Somalia that are conducive to
meaningful and sustainable reintegration.
35
ENTERTAINMENT
SAF Prides Itself of Cultural Integration
This year’s African Cultural Festival in Bern has come
and gone but left an indelible mark. It is a small but impressive and unique gathering that usually brings together
not only Africans in the Diaspora but also attracts embassies, Swiss traditional groups with family programmes to
spice it all up.
The two-day extravaganza held on August 8 and 9 was organised by the
Swiss African Forum (SAF). One of this year’s highlights was the fashion
Show put up by Kenyan born Anna Kambi and moderated by Nigeria’s Stella
Oganwu (Miss Elegant). The show which focused on modern and traditional
mode for the younger generation and turned out to be so successful that
would-be participants have already booked their places for next year’s event.
The show could pride itself to having occupied the number one spot in
terms of cultural integration in the Canton. Every year at the Waisenhausplatz, migrants, majority of them Africans, use this festival as a means to
celebrate and learn from each other’s cultural experience. The Swiss also
make their presence felt.
Undoubtedly those who enjoyed most were the children who demonstrated no barrier in their integration and even though this year’s event was
run with an austere budget its outcome overcame this hurdle.
But perhaps what propped the festive atmosphere most was the perfect
weather. There were African traditional dances, African cuisine of all sorts.
Another event that drew participants’ attention was the Eggman Show
put up by Gregory Da Silva. He holds a world record and is in the Guinness
Book of records for carrying 735 live eggs. He brought a new lease of life
to the city of Berne. With over two meters high well decorated eggs on his
head, the famous eggman (berühmte Eiermann) brought the whole city of
Berne to its feet as he paraded the major streets of the city center singing,
drumming and dancing. Among other groups that spiced the festival included
the Belly Dance specialist, Elenna from Berne, Keur gi Khewel from Senegal,
Gregory Da Silva (Eggman)
Ländlerkapellen Honegg
36
Belly Dancers
ENTERTAINMENT
the Ländlerkapellen Honegg from Berner Oberland,
Jamming (Swiss), and Kendy Christo from Nigeria.
The National Coordinator of the Swiss African
Forum, Alhaji Issa Abdullahi expressed his gratitude
to the participants and reminded them of the objectives of the festival among which are to promote,
encourage, understand and appreciate their cultural
diversity. “This festival should also give us the opportunity to network, meet old and make new friends and
remember home. It offers all of us and our children
the opportunity to see Africa almost in its original
form. The event is an opportunity to discover African
talents as it provides a platform to showcase and polish
up their talents.”
The Cantonal Police also participated in the Festi-
val as part of their efforts to interact with the African
community and boost the confidence building measures in which they are engaged. They were actively
engaged in many of the activities. In particular they
took to the goal scoring board with both children
and adults. They also engaged parents and indeed
other participants in discussions and responded to a
number of questions from the participants.
As organisers we have been so impressed with
this gesture of cooperation that we hope to keep it
going. Among the other participants were Gemein
gegen Rassimus und Gewalt (GGGfon), AIDS Hilfe
Berne, and African embassies - Ghana, South Africa
and Cote d' Ivoire - also had stands.
Anna Kambi, the organiser of Fashion Show below
Alhaji Issa Abdullahi with the Cantonal Police
A Kenyan lady in a traditional dress at the festival
Stella Oganwu
37
ENTERTAINMENT
Film: Experiences of Africans
Across the World Revealed
By Roger Field
Creole is the language used daily by the majority of Guinea Bissau's population,
but it has no official status. The film Lantanda, one of twenty-one short and long
documentaries being shown at the Africa World Documentary Film Festival in
Cape Town, explores this fascinating story.
Lantanda (Guinea Bissau/Spain) opens with the
mesmerising sound of the kora, an instrument associated with tradition, caste and cultural nationalism.
Through a steady exploration of music and
culture, we place it and other instruments in
the broader context of a national liberation
struggle against Portugal and Portuguese led
by Amilcar Cabral. The Creole language,
music and culture played a vital part in this
struggle. In the post-colonial era, musicians
and writers explain why they have chosen
this language to express their feelings and
transmit the social reality of the country. The
film is also interesting in the way in which it
integrates photography into the narrative of
national liberation.
The festival has been running for eight
years. This is the third time it has been held
in Cape Town. Its aim is to promote the
knowledge, life and culture of African people
on the continent as well as those across the
world through the art of documentary
filmmaking.
Lantanda
Based at the University of Missouri in
the US, the festival screens films in cities across the
US, the UK and the Caribbean. It has African partners at the Institute of African Studies, University
of Ghana, the University of Yaoundé, Cameroon,
and the iRepresent International Documentary Film
Festival, Lagos.
What is 'African' about the films on show?
Over the past two years the majority of films
which the festival has screened in Cape Town have
been made by filmmakers based in Africa through
international collaborations and/or partnerships. The
local selection panel for this year's festival interpreted
the description of an 'African' film broadly to include:
• films about African topics made by people living
in Africa who self-identify as African;
• films that are not about Africa but are made by people in the African diaspora;
• films about people in the African diaspora and Africa-related topics made by people who do not identify as African.
38
This broad interpretation invites two simple
questions with an abundance of answers: who speaks
for Africa, and how?
While it is vital for African filmmakers to find,
reclaim and tell African stories, this cannot be on
the basis of racial exclusivity. Nor should we dismiss
those who are at home on more than one continent
as mere Afropolitans.
The festival provides a platform for debate. It also
shows how documentary films clarify and complicate
the answers through content and narrative techniques.
Themes explored
One of the feature-length films is Life in Progress
(SA/Switzerland) about members of a Katlehong
dance group called Taxido. Themes explored in this
film include the ways in which dance reinforces and
challenges stereotypes about Africa and rhythm,
the difficulties faced by young black women in the
townships as they deal with sexist male fellow dancers and the stigma associated with pregnancy. The
film's fluctuation between fly-on-the-wall technique
and low-key interview raises a question that has long
dogged documentary filmmakers: how much does
their presence as observers shape the events that
they record?
A dance double feature Fare-Ta: Land of Dance
(Guinea/UK) gives viewers the chance to compare
two films that view dance as a combination of individual aesthetic expression as well as social and selfdiscipline but treat context and character differently.
One of the short films is Maestra (Cuba). Many
people in the Caribbean are descended from slaves
captured in Africa. In 1961, 250,000 volunteers taught
700,000 people to read and write in one year. 100,000
of the teachers were under 18 years old, and over half
were women. The documentary explores this story
through testimonies of the young women who went
out to teach literacy in rural communities - and were
transformed in the process. The story offers policy
makers and practitioners an inspiring example
given Africa's low adult literacy rates.
As part of its short-film programme, three films
will be screened under the title: 'The Performance
of Racism and Race'. The aim is to explore the
notions that race may be felt but is not real; that it is
'performed', that it is a 'social construction' through
films in which people designated as 'non-white'
literally act in a racist manner or adopt the racist
interpellations to which they been subjected. The
films are: Wolf Call (USA); Money 1955;The Emmett Till Murder Trial (US); Wish You Were Here
(SA). Gold is Here (Ghana) takes a critical look at
villagers who have been shot while defending their
land from illegal mining providing an additional
contribution to the documentary conversation on
miners, mining and conflict initiated by Rehad
Desai's Miners Shot Down (2014) and continued
with Aryan Kaganoff's Night Is Coming (2015).
The film also focuses on women who ferry ore
from dangerous pits to process them in poisoned
waters. It sheds light on children who mine abandoned and collapsing mine pits. For some, work in
mercury-infested streams is their only way to pay
for school. As a result, some suffer serious diseases.
Activists and African cinephiles may wish to draw
comparisons with Laurent Salgue's Dreams of Dust
(2008). A Day in the Sun (SA) offers a peek behind
the scenes of South Africa's most widely read tabloid
newspaper, the Daily Sun and provides a poetic look
at stories behind the headlines.Noise Runs (Haiti/
US) offers a different take on the mass media. In
the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, protests
erupt in the streets. Driven by their passion for a new
Haiti, young Haitians offer hope through a radical
newspaper.
Roger Field is Senior Lecturer at University of the
Western Cape and an organiser at the Cape Town leg of
the Africa World Documentary Film Festival.
ica
ll Afrll Africa
na ca
nasca
?te
a
WanWan
e
ric
s?
t
Af
ll
a
ra
ca
r
low
an
wna
W
at
lo
at at
low rates?
16th Edition of
Fashion:
Africa Freedom
2nd Edition of
focuses on Respect
AFSG:
c
h
ecoNoMi
ortel.c
& Tolerance
A Fashionable
Ismael Lo
FoRUM
el.ch
Eventort
Indeed
icaand Susana
Buhari
Black
eria
Jonathan &
Nig
ails.details.
Afr
:
for details.
detfor
7:29 Find our advert
ortel.ch
Baca
h
Movieinside
adv
Electionscall
4 10:0
for ert
rms up
l.cSee
our
Wa
at
rt
te
08/201
rm
l.ch
9
12/
ve
perfo
orte
or
ia:
a
10:07:2
In Niger
12/08/2014
un rayon
icsa?
nn
ils.
Davos
our ad
WIPO
te
rt for deta
The
ir
afr
SeeSee ourwww.africalink.ch
7:29
adve
Wa As
llticks
rA
10:0
.
nter
d’espo
ca
2014
Confab
w
tails
a Clock
July/August 2014 Vol.15 No. 3 in Wi
1
12/08/
h
nnlo
14_f1.indd
r de
Waat
rt fo
tes?
adve
w rra
ils.
e ou
atSelo
r deta
ATH:
AFTERMine,
Indiscipl
Lack of ion
rat
Prepa rica’s
Mar Af dors
ssa
Amba
ER:
JUPIT y
ne
“If mo y
can bu …”
I
death
See
rt
r adve
ou
fo
.ch14_
alink
r_1009
ease
www.afric
Link_t
ica-
29_Afr
OR_01
ortel.c
dd
f1.in
er/
1
ndd
mb
pte_f1.i
Se
r_100914
1
Octob
er 20
ica-Lin
OR_0129_Afr
:29
14 10:07
14 Vo
12/08/20
.4
l.15 No
k_teaser_1009
r
1
.indd /Decembe
mber
Nove
914_f1
1
er_100
r_111114.indd
2014 Vol.15
No.5
Wanna call Africa
at low rates?
09/10/2014
13:19:39
OR_0116_Africa-Link_120714-teaser.indd 1
ica-
re info,
For mo
13/06/2014 10:29:06
fricaOR_0037_A
www.afric
ink_tease
_Africa-L
t ins
ortel.ch
r adver
find ou
March/a
indd 1
_Feb-2014.
link_teaser
eas
ink_tease
Link_t
OR_0151_Africa-L
29_Afr
OR_01
w
ed in lo
Interest to Africa?
lls
cost ca
ide
pril 20
11/02/2014
No. 1
14 vol.15
16:23:55
alink.ch
OR_0129
The Voice of AfricA RA
in The DiASporA
Spor LA VoiX De L’AfriQUe DAnS LA DiASporA
DIASPO
www.a
frical
ink.ch
Afri
e of
The
cA in
LA
rA
r
or
po
Sp
DiAS
De L’A
VoiX
ace Ag
Brazil’s r
World Cu
by ww
w.laciud
addepo
rtiva.co
m
Voic
A
DA
friQUe
Kenya’s Terror Attack:
iX De L’A
A LA Vo
DiASpor
“Local political networks”
in The
AfricA
of
ice
sil
The Vo
or Al
Shabaab?
e au Bré
4
Attaque terroriste au Kenya:
Monde 201
la montr
e
Coupe du
r
t
n
o
«réseaux politiques locaux»
c
e
cour201s4e
ou Al Shebab?
ainst Tim
p
urt
as co
eventii-gay Law
s
u
M
’s An
f for
relies Uganda
ie
nullif
i
n
’s
ve
Muse ganda
ef for ifies U
f: reoliurt nuallw
as cti-gay L
An
The
DiASpor
nS LA
E DANS LA
DE L’AFRIQU
RA LA VOIX
porA
DiAS
THE DIASPO
LAIN
ICA
AFR
DAnS
CE OF
THE VOIfr
iQUe
o
rda Wamakk
yu Magataka
Governor Ali
epor tiva.c
om
Photo
nt Achieverret
rnor and Sile
disc
People’s Govedu peuple et gagneur
ur
Gouverne
1
dadd
www.laciu
05
06
442003
LE
Leone
Sierra
a N500 untries € 3.5
Nigeri
Euro Co
1800
9
5000
771661
raila Odinga
* *
Ce 4 18
R
Ghana ica Sep
Afr
South
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Photo by
President Uh
UhUrU Kenyatta
1
LE 5000
442003
9 771661
Sierra Leone
Nigeria N500 tries € 3.5
250
a Lb$ 250
a Lb$
Coun
Liberi ries CFA
250 Liberi
1800 EuroGhana Ce 4
Kenya KShs
Kenya KShs 250 Liberia Lb$ 250 Nigeria N500 Sierra Leone LE 5000
250
Countries CFA
Count
KShs
Ghana Ce 4
2.20 2014CFA
UK £cember
ber/De
Kenya £obe
0 4 CFA
r 201
18
Novem
R
South
Africa
July/August
R
18
2014
2.2
UK
£
2.20
CFA
Countries
CFA 1800 Euro Countries € 3.5
Oct
South Africa
UK
tember/
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
1
02
1
0
ne LE 500
Sierra Leo
00
Nigeria N5 Countries € 3.5
250
o
Liberia Lb$ CFA 1800 Eur
s 250
Countries
Kenya KSh
CFA
4
Ce
£ 2.20
UK2014
Ghana
R 18ch/April
ca Mar
South Afri
*
*
*
*
*
BILINGUAL,
UNIQUE & VERSATILE
*
9
771661
442003
*
BILINGUE,
UNIQUE et DIVERSIFIÉ
SUBSCRIPTION FORM
FORMULAIRE D’INSCRIPTION
Six issues yearly
Six numéros par an
o 1 year subscription in Switzerland CHF 30.–
o 2 years CHF 50.–
Abonnement d’un an en Suisse 30.00 CHF
o 1 year subscription from other countries CHF 50.–
Abonnement d’un an depuis d’autres pays 50.00 CHF
Deux ans 50.00 CHF
o 2 years CHF 70.–
de deux ans 70.00 CHF
Surname/Nom
First name/Prénom
Street/Rue
P.O. Box/Case postale
Area Code/Numéro postal
City/Ville
Country/ Pays
Tel./Tél.
E-mail/E-mail
Pay into Africa Link Bank account:
A payer sur le compte en banque d’Africa Link:
o Raiffeisenbank Kelleramt-Albis, CH95 8070 2000 0060 9762 2
o Or through Africa Link pay-in slip (on demand)
Ou par bulletin de versement d’Africa Link (sur demande)
Africa Link, Postfach 1, CH-8914 Aeugst am Albis, Tel. +41 44 776 25 60, Mobile +41 79 664 13 54,
Fax +41 44 776
25 63, Email:
September/October
2015 [email protected], www.africalink.ch
39
COMPLETELY FREE!
New!
CALLS FROM
FREE
ORTEL TO ORTEL
HELLO AFRICA!
Cameroon
Fixed: CHF 0.09
Mobile: CHF 0.19
Senegal
Fixed: CHF 0.14
Mobile: CHF 0.28
D.R. Congo
Fixed: CHF 0.15
Mobile: CHF 0.22
Ethiopia
Fixed: CHF 0.17
Mobile: CHF 0.29
Cape Verde
Fixed: CHF 0.19
Mobile: CHF 0.29
Ghana
Eritrea
Nigeria
Fixed: CHF 0.01
Mobile: CHF 0.05
Ivory Coast
Fixed: CHF 0.14
Mobile: CHF 0.28
Angola
Fixed: CHF 0.14
Mobile: CHF 0.17
Fixed: CHF 0.17
Mobile: CHF 0.22
Fixed: CHF 0.07
Mobile: CHF 0.07
National Ortel to Ortel SMS: CHF 0.15/SMS
40
Ortel to Ortel: calls from Ortel to Ortel are free within Switzerland with no connection fee. You must have credit on your SIM card. More information at ortel.ch.

Brigitte Meidinger Born A Designer Brigitte Meidinger, une styliste née

Transcription

Documents pareils

Christophe ONO-DIT-BIOT Plonger / Dive

Are you a Masterpiece?

Volume 1, issue 2

ECS2 anglais rentrée 2015 ( PDF

Métro - ScholarWorks@GVSU - Grand Valley State University

La plupart des blues content les misères qui affectent le chanteur

tlement reduced their number to about 200 in 18

kim davenport

comment traduire - Bridget`s English pages.

Gustave Surand (1860-1937)