Independent, sovereign states. It would be a good idea for Europe to examine the functioning of its special relations with the African states with which it has been connected since the birth of the European Community because there have been significant changes over the years (see yesterday's column). These African countries have gained their independence and are sovereign states, and most of them have moved in the direction of development and have grown in political weight on the international stage. They have hugely expanded relations and cooperation with the world outside Europe, particular China, to which several countries have handed the exploitation of some of their natural resources. The EU has to take account of these changes (and those to come), adjusting its position accordingly. Its role can't be limited to that of a partner and supplier of financial aid. The positive changes have been recognised and Barroso pointed out last week that the democratic winds of change sweeping over North Africa are starting to blow across black African countries like the Ivory Coast, Niger and Guinea. The EU should be just as open about its queries and reservations.
I am not referring to the tragic cases of wars that it is impossible to ignore and which are condemned by the EU, but rather to more general changes about which the European Commission and Council of Ministers seem to remain silent although the European Parliament is starting to move and several less official bodies make a great fuss about.
The sale of farmland. My first example is the Slow Food association's slamming of the sale of fertile farmland in some African countries to foreign countries. Pointing out that a lot of these sales are secret, Slow Food has released highly significant information - in Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Sudan and Madagascar millions of hectares of farmland have been sold to China, India, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates on 20, 30 or 90-year leases. Some of these African countries say that the sales may prove positive for local farming because the farmers continue to work on their land and can learn more advanced and efficient farming methods, to the advantage of all; but Slow Food is calling for a global ban on land grabbing.
The situation is highly problematic. How can the continent where there is a constant and acute danger of famine dare to sell off its food production for whole decades at a time? In some regions, there is famine right now, and the future prospects are bleak. Who is responsible for the sales? Who gets the cash paid by the new land-owners? It is true, however, that some African countries will be able to make agriculture more efficient to meet the demands of the local population and finally escape from the scourge of growing cash crops for export.
Sustainable mining. When it comes to mining, the Commission is quicker off the mark. Without naming African countries where improvements are needed, Barroso has said that the EU is preparing legislation and hopes a joint EU-African statement will put the transparency initiative for mining in Africa on a legal footing. The European Parliament criticises the current set-up and will no doubt issue a resolution. Mining in Africa raises massive problems on several fronts: (a) humanitarian (the way some mines are run is truly dangerous for people working there and living in the neighbourhood); (b) political (a vast swath of wars, disorder and armed conflict is caused by battles for ownership of mines); (c) economic (due to the high value of the commodities extracted); and (d) industrial (the developed world, including the EU, relies on regular supplies of raw materials). This subject is so far-reaching that a hefty tome would be needed just to scratch the surface.
At first sight, it is in everyone's interest to have clear rules of behaviour and it should not be difficult for the EU and Africa to reach agreement. In practice, however, there is so much money at stake that constant bickering takes place between local politicians and mining companies (some of which are European), overlaid with rampant corruption and organised crime. Gritted teeth and political determination will be required to arrive at a joint statement.
The extractive industries and the sale of fertile land are two areas requiring urgent examination.
The time is ripe for an overview - in tomorrow's newsletter. (F.R./transl.fl)