STOP THE EPAs Campaign

 Let us take the initiative!

Let us create the event! 

The World Social Forum (WSF) in Nairobi has just ended. Much energy was mobilised around the Economic Partnership Agreements(EPAs). There were more than 20 workshops on the subject. Unfortunately it took until the last meeting day before the beginnings of a coordination was put in place.

 o       It was on that day that many came to realise that Europe is pressing ahead to have these agreements signed in June and July 2007. The trade ministers  of the European Union and the ACPs (Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific) will hold their last preparatory meeting on March 1^st (in Brussels ?)

 o       We agreed (most of us) on the assessment that our STOP THE EPAs campaign had not been in vain. In the civil society and among peasant leaders in particular many have become aware of the threat that the EPAs hold for our countries and our people. We have alerted our leaders to this threat. Many African negotiators and trade ministers have joined our side.

o       However the fact stands that this has not been sufficient. The European Union has imposed its agenda and the African countries have given in at all the different stages of the negotiations. At every moment the European stance has prevailed. The fear of losing EDF (European Development Fund) money has had the upper hand all along these negotiations. Therefore  we have to state today that our battle to convince African governments has failed.

o       Nevertheless there is still one more card at hand and therefore there is hope. Even if we have lost our battle to persuade our African governments and the European Commission, it is still possible to act on the level of the European governments and show them that the European Commission is about to commit a monumental mistake, acting on their behalf. We still have allies in Europe among the NGOs of International Solidarity and in some European countries (in the U.K. , in France – see the Report Lefort – and in Belgium - see the stance of the Belgian Senate – and certainly in other countries as well!

   Therefore:

 We must not let the EDF money lead us where we do not want to go. Let us take the initiative! Let us create the event!  

• In Africa

 Let us stage a sit-in in front of the embassies of the United Kingdom , Germany , Belgium and France and others, if we have the strength! This should continue at length, to show ambassadors our determination and to give the media sufficient time to take an interest in our campaign.

•  In Europe

 We call upon our friends in Europe, both Europeans and Africans, the NGOs of International Solidarity (in particular those who have already worked on the EPAs) and all those who defend Human Rights (especially those living in Paris , London , Brussels … (Note 1). You too could create a lasting  event, to attract big media and see to it that they finally take up the EPA issue. The EPAs must finally come out in the limelight. Their unfair and suicidal effects on Africa must be exposed together with the shadow of shame that they will cast over Europe .

• In Europe and in Africa

 We must be aware that there are only a few days left to take action efficiently. We absolutely have to make our voice heard before March 1^st. Let us take the initiative, co-ordinate our action and inform the media. In the very next few days.

 While waiting for one of the NGOs and other associations to take on the task (in Europe and in Africa ) of coordinating this campaign, I am willing to act as a central antenna and collect your proposals and forward them to other organisations and persons concerned.

 Once again

 Let us not have EDF money lead us down a path we do not wish to take. Let us take a new initiative! Let us create the event and the shape of things to come!

 Maurice Oudet
January 30 2007
on the Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Bamako

PS 1   It would certainly be possible to take up the logistics of the Don Quichote Association’s campaign for the homeless. They might lend us their tents for setting up our camps in front of the parliaments and ministries concerned. Participants could introduce themselves as ambassadors for hundreds of millions of potential victims of the EPAs along these lines:

 “We have come to remind you that there are only a few days left for Europe to delay and alter the EPAs in favour of the development of Africa . Failing this the majority of Africans will not have a future in their home country. They will come by the thousands to try to make a living  over here.”

 PS 2   Those who do not see how the EPAs could constitute a threat to Africa could consult
le rapport Lefort or at least a summary of its conclusions.