The November 2011 edition of AEFJN's Forum for Action is now online. It contains articles on the ethical responsibility of the Church on the climate issue, on the clean up of the Ogoniland oil spills, which will take decades, on the spread of Libyan arms in the Sahel, on the production of medicines in Africa and on the EU's attempt to force African countries to sign EPAs.
The national election campaign officially started the 28th October in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), exactly one month ahead of historic presidential and legislative elections, scheduled for November 28 2011. 41 humanitarian and human rights organizations, among them AEFJN, have expressed concern about the high political tension and deteriorating security situation. They have called upon all Congolese and international actors involved to take urgent measures to prevent electoral violence, better protect civilians and ensure credible, free and fair elections.100625 Continent’s guns to go silent
The African Union has began a 90-day countdown to the International Peace Day, when all guns in the continent’s conflict hot-spots are expected to go silent. But, just for a day. The countdown began on Tuesday, June 22 and is special for the political bloc given its declaration of 2010 as “the year of peace and security.”
To achieve peace
At a pre-agreed time on that day, September 21, the whole continent will go quiet for one minute to reflect on peace. Mr Jean Ping, the AU Commission Chairperson said: “I urge the African civil society and private sector to join hands with the AU and its Member States to make peace happen in 2010 and beyond.” He added: “To achieve peace between nations and non-violence in our homes, communities and schools requires everyone’s involvement.”
“On 21 September, a cease-fire shall be observed in conflict zones, no physical violence will be inflicted, no rude words passed,” noted a statement on a website to spearhead the campaign. The cessation of hostilities on this day will enable people in conflict zones to receive vital food, water, mosquito nets and other emergency supplies. We will save lives, and the lessons we will draw and the activities that will flow from a single day of non-violence and action for peace will provide a very strong impetus to promote peace permanently.”