http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/rss/6 This feed contains all new content on the Chatham House website related to Africa. http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1012/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1012/ 13:00, 9th January 2009 - On 9 January the Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) will be four years old. To coincide with this anniversary Chatham House are publishing a major new report on progress with and prospects for the CPA. The report's author Dr Edward Thomas will be joined by key figures involved in the future of the CPA process. The CPA sought to bring to an end one of the longest and bloodiest civil wars in Africa and mapped a path for the future peaceful resolution of Sudan's internal conflicts. As the key milestones of national elections and a referendum on the future status of South Sudan approach the CPA remains the best hope for avoiding a return to war. The report argues for sustained and committed international engagement to ensure that the provisions and principles of the CPA are adhered too and sets out areas where problems may lie over the next several years. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 11:46:51 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1011/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1011/ 11:30, 12th December 2008 - Held as part of the Europe Africa Research Network To much fanfare and controversy, the EU-Africa Summit was held in Lisbon last year on 8 December, seeking to cement ties between the two continents, and launch a joint strategy and action plan for future engagement. This meeting will highlight progress so far and allow some of the key officials involved to be questioned on its implementation. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 11:42:17 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1010/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1010/ 16:30, 11th December 2008 - In March 2004 Nick du Toit confessed to 'the Wonga Coup' - an attempt to overthrow the government of Equatorial Guinea. This is the story of how the coup was set up and why it failed. In this meeting, the author will bring the story up to date and cast new light on some of the questions raised by the book. The meeting will be followed by a reception. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 11:33:55 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1009/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1009/ 11:30, 11th December 2008 - Somalia's citizens suffer daily violence as a result of fighting between Ethiopian military forces, Islamist insurgents, and Somali transitional government. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been driven from their homes this year alone, and much of the Somali capital is a deserted ghost city. This report describes the widespread patterns of abuse and war crimes that each warring party has committed, and the devastating impact they have had on Somalia's people. It warns that, if left unaddressed, these abuses risk plunging Somalia into a human rights and humanitarian crisis of even more terrifying proportions. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:40:55 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1008/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1008/ 13:00, 9th December 2008 - African civil society has been successful in forging global connections through an ever-growing diaspora. Against this background, this book - Development and the African Diaspora: Place and the Politics of Home - sheds light on the diaspora networks whose economic contributions are being used in development. Despite the fact that the flow of migrants' resources back to Africa now outweighs official development assistance, the relationship between the flow of capital and social and political change are still poorly understood. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:33:46 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1003/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/1003/ 00:00, 13th November 2008 - Global Futures: The Chatham House Annual Conference 2008 Global Futures: The Chatham House Annual Conference will focus on issues of global importance each year. Drawing on Chatham House's extensive range of contacts and its adventurous thinking on international political, economic and geopolitical issues, this annual event offers you the opportunity to hear from, and engage in debate with, leaders from governments, business and international organizations as well as expert commentators. Chatham House has traditionally held an annual members' conference. This annual event, primarily for Chatham House members and Chatham House Foundation Fellows, will take a forward look at future trends in international affairs. Taking advantage of our independent stance and unparalleled convening power, it will provide new insights and high level debate on the most crucial issues facing the world today. Is Globalization in Crisis? Global Futures: The Chatham House Annual Conference 2008 will ask whether the most recent wave of globalization - the growing interdependence of societies and economies through the opening of markets and borders - has reached a turning point, marked by the crisis in financial markets and an increase in protectionist rhetoric. The arrival of a new US administration in Washington, new questions about globalization in the EU, the continuing rise of China and India, combined with financial instability in the West, and increased competition for resources globally, make this a significant moment to review the likely future course of this third wave of globalization of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Most of the speeches were held under the Chatham House Rule. Transcripts which are available are attached below. Previous Chatham House Annual Conferences >> Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:03:55 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/677/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/677/ Yemen presents a potent combination of problems for policy-makers confronting the prospect of state failure in this strategically important Red Sea country. It is the poorest state in the Arab world, with high levels of unemployment, rapid population growth and dwindling water resources. President Saleh faces an intermittent civil war in the north, a southern separatist movement and resurgent terrorist groups. Yemen's jihadi networks appear to be growing as operating conditions in Iraq and Saudi Arabia become more difficult. The underlying drivers for future instability are economic. The state budget is heavily dependent on revenue from dwindling oil supplies. Yemen's window of opportunity to shape its own future and create a post-oil economy is narrowing. Western governments need to work towards an effective regional approach with the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, in particular Saudi Arabia. Future instability in Yemen could expand a lawless zone stretching from northern Kenya, through Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, to Saudi Arabia. Piracy, organized crime and violent jihad would escalate, with implications for the security of shipping routes, the transit of oil through the Suez Canal and the internal security of Yemen's neighbours. Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:37:11 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/474/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/474/ Yemen presents a 'perfect storm' of problems for Western governments confronting the prospect of state failure in this strategically important Red Sea country, according to a new Chatham House paper. Yemen is the poorest state in the Arab world, where jihadi networks appear to be growing as operating conditions in Iraq and Saudi Arabia become more difficult. Yemen's economy is heavily dependent on revenue from oil sales but oil production is declining. Based on original research conducted over 16 months in Yemen, this paper by journalist and film-maker Ginny Hill says future instability in this weak and incomplete state has the potential to expand a lawless zone stretching from northern Kenya, through Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, to Saudi Arabia. Piracy, smuggling and violent jihad would flourish, with implications for the security of shipping routes, the transit of oil through the Suez Canal and the internal security of Yemen's neighbours. 'Yemen: Fear of Failure' concludes that Yemen's window of opportunity to shape its own future and create a post-oil economy is narrowing. This fragile state faces several complex and intertwined challenges: the strain on political instability posed by the impending transition of power, multiple internal threats to security, rapid population growth and dwindling water resources. The scale of the problem and the speed of action required pose a challenge both to the international community and to advocates of reform within Yemen. Western governments need to work towards an effective regional approach that includes the tacit approval of Saudi Arabia. The prospect of state collapse in Yemen would reduce any chance of progress towards peace in Somalia and further endanger the security of countries throughout the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa. NOTES TO EDITORS Read paper: Yemen: Fear of Failure Ginny Hill is a freelance journalist and TV producer. She has reported from Yemen and the Horn of Africa for the BBC, the Economist, the Christian Science Monitor and Jane's Islamic Affairs Analysis. Her film on Somali refugees in Yemen was broadcast by Channel 4 News, CNN, al-Jazeera English and France 3. Ginny Hill is available for interview on +44 (0) 7779 790 356 For all other media enquiries, please contact Nicola Norton +44 (0)20 7957 5739 pressoffice@chathamhouse.org.uk Ends Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:31:35 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/473/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/473/ Chatham House experts offer their perspectives on the key foreign policy and economic challenges facing the new administration. The following quotes and comments from Chatham House are available for immediate use. Dr Robin Niblett, Director, Chatham House Mr Obama's first job will be to keep Americans safe and not to please the international gallery. This does not mean that Europeans should resign themselves to be disappointed. Read full comment >> Alex Vines, Research Director and Head, Africa Programme: Reining in stratospherically high expectations both from within Africa, and from within his own administration, will be a principle pre-occupation for the first years of Obama's Africa policy. Read full comment >> Dr Gareth Price, Head, Asia Programme: Barack Obama, whose formative years were spent in Indonesia, in some ways brings greater cultural awareness of the diverse region than any previous president. Read full comment >> Dr DeAnne Julius, Chairman, Chatham House: The downward lurch of the US economy during the final month of the campaign undoubtedly helped Mr Obama win the election. Can he now return the favour by arresting the economic decline? The fundamentals are against him. Read full comment >> Dr Paola Subacchi, Research Director, International Economics Cries for the end of US economic hegemony may be premature. Despite being badly hit by the credit crisis, the US may still show great resilience. Read full comment >> Robin Shepherd, Senior Research Fellow, Europe There are many unanswered questions on Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel-Palestine and Russia. Obama needs to put meat on the bone now. Read full comment >> Dr Claire Spencer, Head, Middle East Programme: The main headaches for the US administration will remain the three 'Is': Iran, Iraq and the lingering Israel-Palestine conflict. Read full comment >> James Sherr, Head, Russia and Eurasia Programme: It is important for the USA that Russia regain respect for its competence, interests and the judicious use of American power. Read full comment >> Notes to Editors Read all comments in full >> More information on the Chatham House Project, 'Rethinking the United States' International Role' >> Forthcoming event:Monday 17 November 2008 The Whitehead Lecture: Major Foreign Policy Challenges for the Next US President The 2008 Whitehead Lecture will be given by Dr Zbigniew Brzezinski, National Security Advisor to the President of the United States (1977-1981). Contact: Nicola Norton Media Relations Manager ++ (0) 20 7957 5739 ENDS Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:48:08 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/974/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/974/ 14:00, 12th November 2008 - World Development Report 2009 looks at transformations along the dimensions of economic geography: growth of cities; migration of workers and businesses to urban centres; and nations lowering their economic borders and entering world markets to produce at scale and trade in specialized products. The changes along these dimensions - density, distance, and division - are visible in the parts of the world that prosper. World Development Report 2009 'Reshaping Economic Geography' concludes that these transformations are essential, and should be encouraged. The World Development Report 2009 is available to download or to order online at http://go.worldbank.org/K2CBHVB7H0. Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:53:19 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/972/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/972/ 16:30, 19th November 2008 - This new book offers the first comprehensive assessment of the post-Cold War foreign policy of Nigeria - one of Africa's most important states. Expert contributors, comprising academics and scholar-diplomats, analyse Nigeria's most vital domestic challenges and critical regional issues from historical and contemporary perspectives. Nigeria's relations with its neighbours and other significant states and regional and international bodies are also examined. Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:19:24 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/971/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/971/ 14:00, 11th November 2008 - The Diamond Development Initiative seeks to gather all interested parties into a process that will address, in a comprehensive way, the political, social and economic challenges facing the artisanal diamond mining sector. Mrs Gizenga will offer an update of the work of DDI and her perspectives on the state of the Kimberly process. Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:16:37 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/970/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/970/ 17:00, 14th November 2008 - Based on thirty years in the global oil game, intimate knowledge of African history and direct experience of over forty countries, 'Crude Continent: The Struggle for Africa's Oil Prize' shows that Africa's flaws are not the whole story, when it comes to the continent's history. A definitive yet original perspective on the rush for Africa's oil, this is also a guide to the hidden face of Africa. Duncan Clarke begins by placing African oil issues in their historical context before tackling the issues of power, nationalism and different parties' strategies for control that have led to today's oil scene. A reception will follow the event. Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:09:29 +0000 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/961/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/961/ 17:15, 20th November 2008 - In this inaugural meeting of the African Agriculture Series, the speakers will discuss the role of agriculture in Africa today. Across the continent, agricultural output per person has fallen 15% over the past 40 years. Most experts agree the lessons of Asia's 20th-century 'green revolution' are applicable to much of Africa. The meeting will draw together experts in agricultural development to discuss the possibility and nature of a 'green revolution' in the continent. Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:49:42 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/956/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/956/ 10:30, 30th October 2008 - Alex Gillies has recently completed field research in Nigeria on oil sector reform. In this meeting she will discuss some of the efforts being made to improve how the sector operates, the usage of oil revenues, and the political/systemic obstacles in the sector. The Niger Delta situation will be discussed as one of the serious implications of a highly uneven reform record. Professor Richard Joseph will take a broader view on the governance challenges facing the country, drawing illustrations from the past as well as current circumstances. This event is full and registration has closed. Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:51:45 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/471/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/471/ A new paper by Chatham House says that the once-in-a-century economic meltdown means that OECD countries' simultaneous collapse in consumer and business spending will get worse and more extraordinary 'out of the box' measures may still be needed before the situation turns around. The paper, Synchronized Dive Into Recession: Focus on Damage Limitation, by Vanessa Rossi, Senior Research Fellow, International Economics Programme, also analyzes China's increasingly important role as the single largest contributor to economic growth. Summary Points The global financial system has suffered a once-in-a-century meltdown that almost brought the world economy to a halt in late September. Confidence and trust have been shattered. In spite of concerted and extraordinary efforts on the part of central banks and political leaders, including recapitalizing the banks, it is not yet certain that the waves of panic and destruction have been halted. Many of the repercussions have yet to emerge, including possible legal action as well as economic damage. Even before this latest explosion, the leading OECD economies were plunging into an unusually synchronized recession, driven by the simultaneous collapse in consumer and business spending. This will now get worse. Will a severe OECD recession engulf the rest of the world? Up to mid-2008, the emerging markets remained strong - 'decoupling' did work. Now the crisis has deepened, no region will remain immune to shock waves. This time round, the outcome for China will be much more important because it has doubled its share of world GDP over the last decade and is now the single largest contributor to global growth. China will fight to avoid recession, but can it win? If it can keep up growth, bolstered by its enormous pool of savings pent up in the banking system, this will provide important sustenance for the global economy. Without doubt, this crisis will require substantial, persistent and coordinated global efforts to turn around - possibly including yet more extraordinary 'out of the box' measures. The US and EU are now getting to grips with the immensity of the task. The message has become 'whatever it takes' to halt further widespread destruction. Note to Editors Read Synchronized Dive Into Recession: Focus on Damage Limitation Vanessa Rossi is Senior Research Fellow, International Economics Programme, Chatham House. Contact Nicola Norton Media Relations Manager ++ (0) 20 7957 5739 ENDS Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:13:40 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/470/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/470/ The current financial crisis should come as no surprise, writes Dr Paola Subacchi in this month's The World Today. As early as 2004 structural cracks became apparent and now the stability of the international financial system is at stake. The ultimate goal is to prevent a systemic crisis but it is not clear who should take the lead. Also in this month's issue: Martin Plaut, Africa Editor of the BBC World Service, examines the crisis facing South Africa following the removal of President Thabo Mbeki from office. He concludes that what is at stake is the question of whether the judiciary is above political interference. Romilly Gregory of Oxfam explains how cheap mobile phone devices and mobile internet services are fast-becoming critical tools in helping a billion people around the world. Other articles look at Russia and Georgia and the international arms trade. More about The World Today >> Full list of contents: Financial Crisis: Panic, Blame and Crash Avoidance Paola Subacchi Economic Crisis: Down They Fall Vanessa Rossi Russia and Georgia: A Dangerous GameJames Sherr Moscow's Domestic Policy: Russian Roulette Lilia Shevtsova Georgia, Russia and Energy: Going for Gas John Roberts Two-Tier NATO: Alliance DividedTimo Noetzel and Benjamin Schreer Food Reserves: Just One Failed Harvest...Daryll E Ray and Harwood D Schaffer Mobile Phones: Dialling Change Romilly Gregory South African Judicary: Threat to JusticeMartin Plaut South Africa's Leadership: Uncertain Future James Hamill International Arms Trade Treaty: Gun Control Paul Cornish Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:56:19 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/667/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/667/ Download Paper here (French version) This is a report of a meeting, Alternative Management Models and Finance Mechanisms for Sustainable Forest Use in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which took place at the Grand Hôtel de Kinshasa from 23-24 June 2008. The objectives of the Kinshasa workshop included (1) the presentation of five proposals developed by different organisations with a view to analysing their feasibility and effectiveness, strengths and weaknesses, and any challenges which have to be overcome; (2) the description of the next steps to be taken, identification of who should implement these and development of a timeline for activities. This meeting was part of the workshop, Towards Sustainable Management and Financing of the Democratic Republic of Congo. More information on the project Developing Innovative Management and Financing Models for the Forests of The Democratic Republic of Congo >> Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:13:26 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/945/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/945/ 13:30, 7th November 2008 - Co hosted with Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, this will be an opportunity to hear the perspectives of grass-roots African Women campaigners on vital issues for Peace, Human Rights and Development in Africa. The event will be echoing many of the issues that were raised by women during the Accra International Women Forum on Aid Effectiveness and the recent 22 September UN General Assembly-backed Forum on the development needs of African women who are a vital part of efforts to achieve the global anti-poverty targets but millions of them are experiencing violence, exclusion and discrimination as everyday realities. This event is full. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:46:59 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/944/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/944/ 17:00, 4th November 2008 - Yash Tandon explores the possibilities for change in the architecture of aid in his new book 'Ending Aid Dependence' (Fahamu Books). Developing countries reliant on aid want to escape dependence, and yet appear unable to do so. This book proposes ways developing countries can free themselves from aid that has had varying degrees of success. Tandon argues in his book that exiting aid dependence should be at the top of the political agenda of all developing countries. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:42:12 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/943/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/943/ 11:00, 13th October 2008 - A freelance journalist who has recently returned from several weeks in Mogadishu and southern Somalia, Abdisalam Guled, will present some of his documentary, 'The Forgotten People', filmed during his trip. The film shows the dire security situation and humanitarian suffering of the Somali people. Guled stayed in the infamous Bakaara market during his time in Mogadishu and witnessed life in the city first hand. After the film he will discuss his findings during his time in Somalia. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:33:41 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/942/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/942/ 15:00, 9th October 2008 - This event has been cancelled. A vital part of any European strategy towards Africa is to deal with its main partners. China is obviously one of them. The rapidity and scale of China's charm offensive is challenging the EU to develop a partnership that suits both its own interest and the long-term development of Africa. At this conference, European Commissioner for Development Louis Michel will clarify the necessity of trilateral cooperation. He will also explain the EU's expectations and proposals towards China in issues like security, the development of Africa's infrastructure and the sustainable management of the abundant natural resources. Held jointly with the Brussels Institute of Contemporary Chinese Studies. Please note this event takes place in Brussels. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:26:48 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/665/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/665/ Piracy off the coast of Somalia has more than doubled in 2008; so far over 60 ships have been attacked. Pirates are regularly demanding and receiving million-dollar ransom payments and are becoming more aggressive and assertive. The international community must be aware of the danger that Somali pirates could become agents of international terrorist networks. Already money from ransoms is helping to pay for the war in Somalia, including funds to the US terror-listed Al-Shabaab. The high level of piracy is making aid deliveries to drought-stricken Somalia ever more difficult and costly. The World Food Programme has already been forced to temporarily suspend food deliveries. Canada is now escorting WFP deliveries but there are no plans in place to replace their escort when it finishes later this year. The danger and cost of piracy (insurance premiums for the Gulf of Aden have increased tenfold) mean that shipping could be forced to avoid the Gulf of Aden/Suez Canal and divert around the Cape of Good Hope. This would add considerably to the costs of manufactured goods and oil from Asia and the Middle East. At a time of high inflationary pressures, this should be of grave concern. Piracy could cause a major environmental disaster in the Gulf of Aden if a tanker is sunk or run aground or set on fire. The use of ever more powerful weaponry makes this increasingly likely. There are a number of options for the international community but ignoring the problem is not one of them. It must ensure that WFP deliveries are protected and that gaps in supply do not occur. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 23:08:18 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/940/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/940/ 00:00, 27th October 2008 - President John Kufuor of Ghana has been voted by members the winner of the 2008 Chatham House Prize. The President will visit London on Monday 27 October to collect his award from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. The presentation will be made at a dinner at Drapers' Hall in the City of London with keynote speeches by Lord Ashdown, a President of Chatham House, and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Managing Director of the World Bank. More information about the Chatham House Prize >> A limited number of places at the dinner are still available: Individual Members please contact Charmaine Monteiro (020 7957 5732). Corporate Members please contact Stéphane Dubois (020 7957 5727). Sponsorship enquiries should also be directed to Stéphane Dubois (020 7957 5727). Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:45:22 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/469/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/469/ As the UN prepares to withdraw its peacekeeping mission from Sierra Leone this week, the country remains at risk of renewed instability, says a new Chatham House paper. One year after landmark elections in Sierra Leone put the opposition All People's Congress Party (APC) in power, the country remains the poorest in the world, made worse by high oil prices, global food shortages and the burgeoning drugs trade. 'Sierra Leone a Year after Elections' argues that poverty, unemployment, corruption and a history of violence leaves the country especially vulnerable. Further, a new threat is growing in the form of South American drug cartels seeking to use Sierra Leone and other West African countries as an access route to Europe. West Africa has within recent months become the principle route for cocaine into Europe. The report's author, Tom Cargill, argues that whilst there are good signs the government is serious about reform, it will need to show greater leadership and confidence to both voters and donors if the country is to develop and prosper. The challenges to the year-old government of Sierra Leone are massive as it struggles against multiple competing priorities, with limited assistance from the international community. NOTES TO EDITORS The UN mission that led Sierra Leone out of civil war in 2002 ends on 30 September 2008. Read the briefing paper: Sierra Leone a Year after Elections: Still in the Balance Tom Cargill is Assistant Head of the Africa Programme at Chatham House Tom Cargill is available for interview. Contact: Nicola Norton Media Relations Manager +44 (0) 20 7957 5739 +44 (0) 7917 757 528 nnorton@chathamhouse.org.uk Ends Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:56:11 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/467/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/467/ Piracy off the coast of Somalia has more than doubled in 2008 and threatens to disrupt international trade and could potentially become a weapon of international terrorism, says a new Chatham House paper. Pirates are regularly demanding and receiving million-dollar ransom payments and their operations are become increasingly sophisticated. The pirates have improved their equipment and now use GPS systems and satellite phones giving them a greater ability to capture potential targets. 'Piracy in Somalia: Threatening Global Trade, Feeding Local Wars' says the danger of piracy could mean shipping is forced away from the Gulf of Aden into the longer route to Europe and North America. The extra weeks of travel and fuel consumption could have a major impact on oil and commodity prices. The paper also argues that Somali pirates could become agents of international terrorist networks. Already money from ransoms is helping to pay for the war in Somalia, including funds to the US terror-listed Al-Shabaab. In a region that saw the attacks on the USS Cole, the possibility of seaborne terrorism should be taken seriously. As a result of piracy, the World Food Programme (WFP) has been forced to temporarily suspend food deliveries to drought-stricken Somalia. Canada is now escorting WFP deliveries but there are no plans in place to replace their escort when it ends later this year. In this paper, Roger Middleton, outlines a number of options available to the international community to reduce the risks of piracy but stresses that ignoring the problem is not one of them. Only a political solution in Somalia offers a long-term solution to piracy. NOTES TO EDITORS Read Piracy in Somalia: Threatening Global Trade, Feeding Local Wars. Roger Middleton is a consultant researcher working for the Africa Programme at Chatham House. He specializes in the politics of the Horn of Africa, African Peace and Security and Africa's relations with the EU. Roger Middleton is available for interview. Mobile: +44 (0) 7886 927 694 Contact: Nicola Norton Media Relations Manager +44 (0) 20 7957 5739 +44 (0) 7917 757 528 nnorton@chathamhouse.org.uk Ends Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:34:33 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/658/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/publications/papers/view/-/id/658/ The UN mission that led Sierra Leone out of bloody civil war in 2002 ends on 30 September 2008. Despite significant advances, and landmark elections last year that saw the opposition win power, the country remains amongst the poorest in the world. It is vulnerable to crime, corruption, and the growing power of South American drugs cartels. The UK has been Sierra Leone's major donor since its military intervention in 2000 - the last successful military intervention before the Iraq war. However, slow progress and uncertain prospects for the country mean that the UK is keen to broaden the responsibility for supporting Sierra Leone. There are good signs that the government of Sierra Leone is serious about reform. But if it is to cement stability and growth, it will need to find new international partners, continue its reform efforts, and deter drug-traffickers from establishing themselves in the country. Most importantly, it will need to show greater leadership, confidence and direction to both voters and donors to ensure that widespread goodwill is not eroded by uncertainty and drift. Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:26:22 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/463/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/news/view/-/id/463/ President John Kufuor of Ghana has been voted by members the winner of the 2008 Chatham House Prize. The President will visit London on Monday 27 October to collect his award from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. The presentation will be made at a dinner at Drapers' Hall in the City of London with keynote speeches by Lord Ashdown, a President of Chatham House, and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Managing Director of the World Bank. The 2008 Chatham House Prize honours President Kufuor for his tireless and selfless mediation in multiple crises across the continent during his chairmanship of the African Union in 2007. It also recognizes his positive role in mediating conflicts with Ghana's more immediate neighbours, including Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire. In Ghana he has made economic growth a priority and contributed to social freedom and the development of a robustly free press. Other nominees for the 2008 Chatham House Prize were: HH the Aga Khan, Founder, Agha Khan Development Network; Ambassador Christopher Hill, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, US; and HE Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. More information on 2008 nominees >> Event details, attendance and sponsorship information >> NOTES TO EDITORS Journalists are welcome to attend the ceremony and to cover the presentation of the award by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to President Kufuor. The speeches by Lord Ashdown and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala will be delivered after the dinner and will not be open to the media. Photographers will be permitted on the same basis. For more information contact: Nicola Norton Media Relations Manager +44 (0) 20 7957 5739 +44 (0) 7917 757 528 nnorton@chathamhouse.org.uk About the Chatham House Prize The annual Chatham House Prize is awarded to the statesperson who is deemed by Chatham House members to have made the most significant contribution to the improvement of international relations in the previous year. The selection process draws on the expertise of Chatham House's research teams and three presidents - Lord Ashdown, Lord Hurd and Lord Robertson. Our members are then invited to vote for the winner in a ballot. The winner is presented with a crystal award and a scroll signed by our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen. The award ceremony and dinner takes place at a City of London venue with keynote speeches by leading figures in international affairs. The recipient of the Prize or a keynote speaker from the ceremony will also be invited to address a Members' Event on or around the day of the award. Sponsors of this year's award ceremony include Lead Sponsor Royal Dutch Shell plc as well as Bloomberg News, British American Tobacco, Chevron, and Tullow Oil. Chatham House is delighted to recognize their contribution as it underlines their commitment to the values and purpose of the Prize. More information on the Chatham House Prize >> Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:53:02 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/933/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/933/ 12:30, 16th October 2008 - With the conclusion of fraught negotiations, a power-sharing government of sorts will attempt to lead Zimbabwe forward. Thabo Mbeki's hesitation at critical earlier stages of the negotiations was in part due to his judgment that Morgan Tsvangirai did not have the capacity to lead a country. What changed? What is the future with Tsvangirai at the helm? Professor Chan and Dr Chitiyo will offer an analysis that attempts to answer these questions and look at what the future may hold for Zimbabwe. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:16:18 +0100 http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/929/ http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/events/view/-/id/929/ 09:30, 26th September 2008 - Mr Banny was Prime Minister of Cote d'Ivoire from December 2005 until April 2007 through a key period in the country's attempts to end its divisions. A former Governor of the Central Bank of West African States, Mr Banny has a distinguished background as an economist and statesman. As Cote d'Ivoire prepares for elections Mr Banny will offer his perspective on priorities for the country at this crucial juncture. Spaces at this meeting are limited. Early registration is essential. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:56:25 +0100