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Africa-France Summit opens amid rancor over human rights
Monday, 31 May 2010 14:35
By Kemo ChamThe 25th Africa-France summit opened today, Monday, May 31, in the French city of Nice amid rancor among human rights organizations about the theme.
The summit that sees the participation of at least 33 African heads of states is centered mainly on the role of business and investment in development. President Yahya Jammeh is not attending, apparently busy with the Kanilai Festival.
Rights organizations denounced the fact that there will be little question in Nice on dictatorship, corruption in high places and coups. They argue that the relationship between France and Africa must not be limited to the defense of economic interests, but must contribute to the promotion of democracy.
"The fight against impunity for serious crimes should be central to the discussions" on peace and security,” said the International Federation of Human Rights, whose leader, on Sunday, denounced the summit as fake.
The civil liberties groups said that out of the 38 African heads of state billed to attend the summit only two (unnamed) could not be accused of human rights violations.
Meanwhile, clearly indifferent to the argument in favor of democracy, some African leaders see the Nice Summit as another chance to re-launch longstanding call for a bigger say at international organizations, precisely the UN Security Council and the G20 forum.
On Sunday, President Abdoulaye Wade said Africa was too important to be left out of discussions, and he looked forward to discussing that with French President Sarkozy.
According to French newspaper, Le Monde, President Sarkozy has to deal with one big challenge of redeeming his status in Africa, in light with past controversial statements regarding the continent’s place in history and its importance to the economic needs of France. The paper added that in a bid to demonstrate that France is not treating the summit as a Francophone "family gathering", the French president is set to hold bilateral talks with the leaders of Africa’s major economic heavyweights - Nigeria and South Africa – both of which happens to be English-speaking.
French Business interest
France is said to be concerned about the fact that French companies lose business opportunities in Africa to competing companies from countries such as China, which appear to always have lucrative offers for the continent in the form of infrastructure - roads, bridges, stadiums, etc. – as has been seen in countries like Senegal and Guinea. This is also expected to be discussed at the Nice summit.
For the first time, about 250 business leaders from Africa and France are said to have been invited at the summit to discuss with the relevant authorities on the business environment in Africa, renewable energy and social and environmental responsibilities.
Accordingly, a business forum is planned on the sidelines of the summit. Also on the table for discussion are issues such as climate change, terrorism and trafficking.
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