F- NEXT GIAF GENERAL MEETINGMAY 4 AT 3:00 P.M. (PARIS) As it happens, this book ties in perfectly with our conclusions from Cotonou and, coming from someone who is very knowledgeable on these subjects, we couldn’t ask for better advice for our European friends as they engage in their own self-reflection to write this “New History of Africa and Europe” and even though this has become even more difficult today, it is more urgent than ever to get it right…… Cheickh Tidiane DIEYE current Minister of Water and Sanitation in Senegal , who had participated in several GIAf conferences, published a very interesting book in 2024 on Europe-Africa relations titled: “ Africa and Europe: The End of a Story.”Dear friends,
Here are some news items and highlights about us from this period:
A- THE SITUATION IN MALI CONTINUES TO ESCALATE
It’s been five years now, and today in Bamako there’s practically only …two hours of electricity each day—and even then, only at night! Populism has its limits; people believe in it for a while, but during all that time nothing has happened… even if we don’t make any predictions, this can only end in disaster!
Authorities continue to arrest and silence the press and most recently, Youssouf SISSOKO, editor-in-chief of L’Alternance , was arrested and sentenced to two years in prison without parole after publishing an article casting doubt on a statement by Nigerien President Abdourahame Tiani, in which he blamed the presidents of France, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire for the attack on Niamey Airport…
We must once again highlight the “unlivable” conditions in Malian prisons, given the overcrowding, filth, and particularly stifling heat, and this is an opportunity to recall the imprisonment of MOUSSA MARA in prison, in order to…a tweet. According to *La Nouvelle Revue Politique*, this would nevertheless strengthen his base,
https://
nouvellerevuepolitique.fr/au- mali-en-prison-pour-un-tweet- moussa-mara-consolide-son- assise/ Our thoughts are also with Clément DEMBELE and, of course, with President BAZOUM—a symbol of resistance—and his wife.
B- WIDELY SHARE THE “NEW CONCLUSIONS” OF THE COTONOU CONFERENCE
This latest version supersedes all previous versions. It flows more smoothly and is better structured in terms of the action. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to those who helped finalize it: Joël BERTRAND, Joël ASSOKO, José AHODODÉ, Malick DIAWARA, Olivier SIEBER, and Jean-Patrice POIRIER.
Judge for yourselves: Learn more
These conclusions should now be widely shared by all members and supporters with the audiences of their choice: decision-makers, supporters, young people, diaspora communities… because they allow us to explore in greater depth this concept of sovereignty—which is so often invoked—to spark reflection and debate, and to raise our profile.
Let’s not forget that, historically, the GIAF’s recommendations—which proved to be correct— were not widely shared enough! One of the unique features of GIAF is precisely that its network monitors the implementation of the recommendations to which it has itself contributed, and does so on an increasingly pan-African scale. Thank you in advance to everyone for the efforts you will make within your networks and for any contacts or other ideas for dissemination that you may suggest to us!
C–SUGGESTIONS FOR NEW EUROPE-AFRICA RELATIONS
Cheickh Tidiane DIEYE, the current Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation in Senegal who had participated in several GIAf conferences published a very interesting book in 2024 on Europe-Africa relations titled: “Africa and Europe: The End of a Story”.
The validity of his analysis is based on his extensive knowledge of international relations (he holds a Ph.D. in development from the IEHEID in Geneva), but he has also served as director of the African Center for Trade, Integration, and Development and was a member of the ECOWAS Negotiating Committee on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs).
Starting with an uncompromising yet well-reasoned analysis of the shortcomings in the evolution of European policy toward Africa, he concludes with recommendations calling for a radical change in the nature of the partnership in all its various aspects: attitudes, vision, approaches, strategies, political priorities…
As it happens, this book aligns perfectly with our conclusions from Cotonou And coming from someone who is very knowledgeable on these subjects, there could be no better advice for our European friends as they engage in their own self-reflection, to write this “New History of Africa and Europe”—and even though this has become even more difficult today, it is more urgent than ever to get it right. ……The book “Africa and Europe: The End of a Story” , published by L’Harmattan, is available online.
D–THE POPE’S FIRST MAJOR TRIP …TO AFRICA
This first major trip by the Pope is no coincidence, given Africa’s potential, in terms of spiritual power and future growth (with 288 million Christians already).
After Algeria —where he clearly helped improve relations between the Christian and Muslim communities—his religious witness, particularly in Bamenda in Cameroon , with a crowd cheering as his car passed by, was impressive. Powerful words were spoken: “Condemn the warlords. Now is the time to change, to transform the history of this country. “Today, not tomorrow; now, not in the future”!In Angola : “ The country has the potential for significant growth; believe in the diversity of its wealth. Do not be afraid of dissent; do not stifle the visions of young people; learn to manage conflicts by transforming them into paths of renewal. Together, you can make Angola a source of hope. The Catholic Church wishes to be the leaven in the dough…. ”
Indeed, in a way, the Church could also be a partner in implementing our recommendations …
During this period, the opposition to Trump’s vision was clear, with encouragement for the “ myriad of peace-seekers to bring about a silent revolution and thwart a few rulers who are destroying the world”…
In this debate, there is a fact that is too often overlooked and needs to be taken into account—one that explains, in particular, the close collusion between the U.S. and Israel, which is currently led by Zionists—and that is the influence of American “Zionist” Christians who represent a significant electoral bloc (50 million) and are very prominent in Trump’s inner circle:
E–LIFE OF THE GROUP
– Paul DERREUMAUX, asks a question that is on the minds of many decision-makers: Public Debt in Sub-Saharan Africa: Trap or Lever?
See for yourselves by clicking on Regard d’Afrique
– Starting today, April 20 in Senegal the “ PEACE AND SECURITY FORUM”, for which our friend Saliou NDIAYE serves as scientific coordinator, on the theme:
“Africa Faces Challenges of Stability, Integration, and Sovereignty: What Are the Sustainable Solutions?”
– Two very interesting and friendly lunches organized by the Paris chapter took place on March 20 and April 20 at Père Tranquille (which has fortunately reopened)
F- NEXT GIAF GENERAL MEETING ON MAY 4 AT 3 PM (PARIS)
Please make a note right now of the date of our next GIAF General Meeting, which will be held via videoconference:
Monday, May 4 at 1:00 p.m. UTC (3:00 p.m. in Paris)
We will send you the Zoom link and hope to see many of you online.
The meeting will be followed by a reception in the late afternoon around 6:00 p.m. in Paris, and in the regional chapters that wish to organize one at a time of their choosing.