Greetings from the Justice and Peace Offices of both the Comboni Missionaries (North American Province, NAP) and the Comboni Missionary Sisters (USA). We have just returned from the Africa Faith & Justice Network (AFJN) 25th Anniversary conference held near Washington, D.C. We learned a lot and networked vigorously!
One of the major issues of importance to bring to your attention is that of AFRICOM, the U.S.-based military command for Africa, that has negative ramifications for Africa. It emanates from the Defense Department of the United States and is unfortunately pretty much of a "done deal," to go into effect next October. It is now in the staging phase in Stuttgart, Germany. AFJN's activism and member-approved resolution on AFRICOM were part of the conference agenda.
We have issued a Statement of Concern on AFRICOM from the Comboni Missionaries and Sisters, that is signed by both Provincials, Fr. Louie Gasparini and Sr. Mary Luz Aguilera. It voices our opposition to the AFRICOM initiative and we trust it will raise awareness throughout the Comboni family (and beyond) about this.
This is just the first of many statements to follow that will reflect our interests and concerns. We will also make sure that the Comboni Lay Missionary program leaders work with us in developing our unique position.
You can help us in the following ways:
1) By endorsing the Statement through your provincial councils;
2) By engaging the JPIC provincial committee so they in turn engage the people they serve;
3) By creatively finding ways to raise the consciousness of peoples, parishes, groups, magazines about AFRICOM;
4) By taking action on AFJN's directives as stated and approved at the AFJN Annual Meeting, which are stated as follows:
Be it resolved that the members of the Africa Faith & Justice Network:
1. Call on the U.S. Congress to de-fund the new Africa Command and instead increase funding for development initiatives and multilateral diplomatic institutions.
2. Call on the State Department to demand that diplomatic and development efforts not be placed under the jurisdiction of the military and that Ambassadors retain the Chief of Mission authority in their countries.
3. Call on the U.S. government to support the African Union as the first responder to crises and the United Nations as the vehicle for long-term, protracted security needs on the African continent.
4. Call on the State Department and the Department of Defense to cease training and equipping of the armies of African governments which have committed gross human rights violations, experienced a military coup, condoned human trafficking, child soldiers, or religious intolerance.
5. Call on Representatives and Senators in Congress to pass legislation which would prohibit AFRICOM from expending funds to hire Private Military Contractors to carry out training and logistics programs with African military, police, border, and paramilitary forces.
6. Call on Senators and Representatives to develop sufficient means of overseeing the impacts of increasing U.S. military presence in Africa through the establishment of regular public reports to both the U.S. Congress and to bodies of jurisdiction in each African country.
7. Call on African governments, the African Union, regional security bodies, and the African people to continue to voice their concerns about AFRICOM and to stand against the further militarization of their home continent.
The Resolution and what it asks is more directed to those in the U.S. However, your awareness of AFRICOM can lead to activism through your own NGOs, AEFJN, and by paying close attention to NATO.
There is more information at www.resistafricom.orghttp://www.resistafricom.org and the other view at AFRICOM's web site, www.africom.mil <http://www.africom.mil>. We invite you to learn more about the Africa Faith & Justice Network (AFJN), the pioneering group in Washington, D.C. for advocacy and education about Africa.
AFJN had the early support of the Comboni Missionaries when it began in 1983, and since 1994, the Combonis have had continuous board member representation. In addition, these Combonis were elected to represent AFJN at the United Nations, due to Montclair's proximity to New York, and this connection has been invaluable. The Comboni Missionary Sisters (USA) are also an AFJN organizational member.
When you can, please visit the web site, www.afjn.org <http://www.afjn.org>, and its European counterpart, AEFJN, at www.aefjn.org <http://www.aefjn.org>.
Faithfully,
The Justice and Peace Team
Fr. Luigi Zanotto
Sr. Giovanna Sguazza
Cindy Browne
