Chatham House Africa Programme News & Events

2008 - End of Year Message

All of us at the Africa Programme would like to thank you for your interest in our work, and to those of you who have taken the time to participate in our meetings, seek our advice and offer your expertise. We would particularly like to thank all our sponsors, listed at the bottom of this email, without the generous support of whom we would not be able to function.

Sixty one years after leading Africa to independence, Ghana ’s citizens again carry much weight on their shoulders as the election outcome there will play a significant role in how 2008 is remembered for Africa . A largely trouble free outcome will be an important reminder that, despite reverses, 2008 has seen democracy, prosperity and the rule of law deepen across much of the continent. The Africa Programme was lucky enough to play a small role in events, as throughout the year senior officials from around the world came to Chatham House to discuss how best to build on these successes and overcome the formidable challenges that remain.

Chatham House was particularly grateful to receive President Koroma of Sierra Leone , shortly after momentous elections saw a peaceful transfer of power there. Prime Minister Odinga of Kenya also met with Chatham House experts, to explain how Kenyan politicians might come together to address the root cause of the violence that began 2008 on such a tragic note. President Yar’Adua of Nigeria also spoke to a Chatham House audience, answering robust questions on the need to retain momentum in Nigeria ’s reform efforts. Finally; we were honoured to receive outgoing President Kufuor of Ghana as winner of the Chatham House Prize, underlining the high esteem with which Ghana is held internationally.

Meanwhile, conflict, poverty and injustice have remained an everyday reality for millions, and the Africa Programme has worked to highlight equally problems and ideas for addressing them across Africa . Somalia and the Horn of Africa have taken much of our time as we have sought to promote an understanding of the complex politics in the region. Instability in Eastern DRC has also been a key theme of our Congo Forum, and we have continued to seek policy options to address the problems of the Niger Delta. Despite the hope brought by elections, 2008 was the year when Zimbabwe became not just a national political disaster, but a regional humanitarian failure. Sadly; no country in Africa has been immune from poverty, disease, high food, oil and fertilizer prices, the global economic meltdown or environmental degradation.

The coming year will be full of challenges, but there are strong signs that a fundamental transformation is taking root in a growing number of African States. The African Union receives much criticism, but the suspension of Guinea shows the increasing seriousness with which the AU and sub regional organisations apply African solutions to African problems. Business in most African states has flourished, though the benefits have often been mixed. While the financial uncertainties facing the world are bound to impact Africa , the continent is likely to remain the region of the world with the fastest economic growth in 2009. As shopping malls business parks and commercial farms have sprung up across the continent, a new confidence seems to be springing up alongside, including the confidence to hold national governments to account, as well as those foreign governments and businesses that are now investing in increasing numbers.

The coming year will be a key test of gains made so far, and Chatham House will be closely analysing events and trends to enable policy makers, journalists, business people, academics and civil society groups discuss and to respond in an ever more complex and demanding decision making environment. We very much look forward to working with you all.

Events January 2009

Publications:

Ghana: Leading Africa Once More

Alex Vines, Director of Regional and security Research, Chatham House

http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/media/comment/ghana/

Congo Conflict: Time to Act

Dr. Muzong Kodi, Associate Fellow, Chatham House

World Today Article, January 2009,

http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/twt/archive/view/-/id/1857/

Against the Gathering Storm: Securing Sudan ’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement

A Chatham House Report

Author – Dr. Edward Thomas

Publication Date, January 9, 2009

This new Chatham House Report will be published on the 4th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that sought to reconcile the Sudanese people after decades of brutal civil war. Although conflict continues in Darfur , the unravelling of the CPA could bring destruction on an even greater regional scale. This report seeks to lay out the main issues, and suggest ways in which the international community might help Sudan to enact the CPA.

Meetings:

Entry to these expert meetings is restricted. Experts and interested individuals should apply via the email address below. Only receipt of a confirmation email from Chatham House allows entry to meetings.

Places are limited & Chatham House reserves the right to restrict access to any of its meetings without notice or explanation. Attendees may be required to present photo identification at any time.

Unless otherwise stated, if you would like to apply to attend any meeting please email Tighisti Amare at tamare@chathamhouse.org.uk stating your name and affiliation.

Friday 9 January 2009 13:30-14:30 (Note Change of time)

Launch of a New Chatham House Report on Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement

Dr. Edward Thomas, Report Author

Senior Representatives to be confirmed

On the 9th January the Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) will be four years old. To coincide with this anniversary Chatham House is publishing a major new report on progress on and prospects for the CPA. The report’s author Dr Edward Thomas will be joined by key figures involved in the CPA process.

The CPA sought to bring to an end one of the longest and bloodiest civil wars in Africa and mapped a path for the future peaceful resolution of Sudan ’s internal conflicts. Now as the key milestones of national elections and a referendum on the future status of South Sudan approach, the CPA remains the best hope for avoiding a return to war. The report argues for sustained and committed international engagement to ensure that the provisions and principles of the CPA are adhered too and sets out areas where problems may arise over the next several years.

Monday 26 January 2009 13:30 to 14:30

Interpreting Current Trends in South Africa

Michael Spicer, CEO, Business Leadership South Africa .

The speaker will assess the likely medium-to long-term political trends in South Africa , commenting on the run-up to the 2009 general election. He will argue that the ousting of President Thabo Mbeki by a Jacob Zuma-led ANC, and the emergence of a breakaway grouping led by former ANC heavyweights Mbazhima Shilowa and Mosiua Lekota, are good for South African democracy. Michael Spicer is CEO of Business Leadership South Africa- an association of the CEOs and Chairmen of the largest 80 companies in South Africa .

Thursday May 7th 2009

A Major Chatham House Conference

Held in Association with British American Business

What is the Future for Africa ’s New Emerging Markets?

In recent years, interest in Africa 's emerging economies has been growing, from both sovereign and private investors, against a background of financial downturn in the West and global pressure to secure natural resources. Many increasingly dominant global players such as China , India , South Korea , Singapore , Malaysia and Brazil have been moving fast to secure investments.

The market has continued to grow despite recent global financial turmoil. What are the immediate and long term prospects for investment in Africa 's rapidly emerging markets?

Focusing on the fastest emerging economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria , Kenya , South Africa , Ghana , Senegal and Angola , this major event will feature leading policy makers, economists and financiers speaking on new and growing opportunities for FDI investment in Africa .

Register via http://www.babinc.org/events/london/lon_05_12_09.html











The work of the Africa Programme is principally supported by:



FCO, SHELL INTERNATIONAL, BHP BILLITON , SABMILLER, BG GROUP, SAVE THE CHILDREN, BP, ONE WORLD ACTION , ROC OIL, GOVERNMENT OF SWITZERLAND, BANCO AFRICANO DE INVESTIMENTOS, DE LA RUE, DEBEERS, HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH, MARATHON, MWANA AFRICA, LIMJE, ANGLO AMERICAN, STATOILHYDRO, EXXONMOBIL, CHRISTIAN AID, CRS, GOVERNMENT OF CANADA, GOVERNMENT OF NORWAY, CHEVRON, GOVERNMENT OF DENMARK, REVENUEWATCH, STANDARD CHARTERED BANK, VIRGIN NIGERIA, DFID, THE STAVROS NIARCHOS FOUNDATION





Many thanks for your support.





Best wishes,



The Africa Programme team



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