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++++TCSF English Newsletter Extra++++ May 29, 2008

Viva! Africa: People's Network across Continents
Published by TICAD Civil Society Forum (TCSF)
http://ticad-csf.net/eng/
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Press release from TNnet/G8 NGO Forum on People's TICAD and the Civil
Society Participation
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Press Release
May 29th, 2008

= Calling on "People's TICAD” and the Civil Society Participation =

In the 15-year history of TICAD, the civil society has always fought for
its space as a legitimate development actor in the process. The
situation did not improve drastically for the on-going TICAD IV: The
civil society is participating in this 5-year cyclic event as an
observer with limited access to the main conference hall. There was one
small progress, however, this time: The civil society session was
adopted as an official program, not a side event.

The civil society session gathered 160 people from African, Japanese and
international civil society organizations, Japanese Government, TICAD
co-organizers such as the World Bank, UNDP, the world famous singer and
advocate for Africa, Bono, and the Roll-back Malaria Good Will
Ambassador, Yvonne Chakachaka. The lively discussion was broadcasted
live in the internet.

The biggest disparagement raised by the African civil society was the
heavy inclination of TICAD IV to the acceleration of the macro economic
growth. The superficial, macro economic growth disguises the
aggravating poverty and social inequity. The draft output of TICAD IV
as they are now, they criticized, does not take into consideration these
negative social impacts of economic growth. The participants explored
the issue of social inequity by touching upon the recent social
disturbances in many African countries resulting from the food price
increase. These events were triggered by the acute increase of prices
for sure, but the underlying cause is the persisting social divide
between the rich and the poor within the African societies. An urgent
action was called on to redistribute the gain of the macro economic
growth. The practical, concrete actions are needed to support the small
farmers and the people who are engaged in the informal sectors.

TICAD IV is taking place in the midst of global discussion about the
impending impact of the climate change to the African people. The mid
term review revealed that the achievement of the MDGs by African
countries is almost impossible. Is TICAD process in general and Japanese aid
policy for Africa in specific addressing these fundamental issues? Not
sure: If not, then for whom, and for what TICAD is meant to be?

The participants from the African civil society were very candid. TICAD
IV seems to put much effort to make and keep African Governments happy.
It does not, however, seem to care listening to the ordinary African
people, and especially most marginalized people who may not necessarily
be represented by the Government. They are the drivers of the African
Development, and therefore should be in the centre of the TICAD process.
The civil society wants TICAD to be owned by the African people, and it
is possible. For that to happen, TICAD should recognize that it is no
longer only the government that functions in the interest of people.

"Dynamic social movements happen when there is a dynamic individual or
group of individuals," said Bono. These movements are often backed by
the true voices that come from within. "(Therefore) we cannot not to
consult the Civil Society because they bring these voices of the people
to the policy discussion and deliver the commitment to the people" followed
Mr. Hartwig Schafer of the World Bank. "African Civil Society must
regain its volunteer corps that contributes to the development of their
own communities and enhance solidarity," further added Mr. Thierno Kane
of UNDP. All comments reconfirm the opening speech by H.E. Mr. Yasushi
Kurokochi, the Chair of TICAD I: The achievement of vibrant Africa
depends on the vibrant people and vibrant civil society.

"The paradigm shift in the African development started when G8 including
Japan committed for the debt relieve. Now we need to make them keep
their words," added Bono.

Government of course represents its people, if it is legitimately
elected and trusted by the public. Otherwise, the role of the civil
society becomes even more important. It is imperative for the civil
society to engage in the whole process of TICAD, from selection of the
agenda, to drafting the output documents to implementation to monitoring.
The comment from Mr. Hiroki of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was
encouraging. "Japanese Government honors its promise," he said. "One
promise that we make here is that we would work closely with the Civil
Society: both African and Japanese."

Contacts:
TICAD IV・NGO Network TNnet）
Ms. Minori Tanimura, World Vision Japan / mobile: =81- (0) 90-6537-8098
Ms. Mariko Yamada, TICAD civil society forum / mobile: +81-(0)90-9623-5205
Address: Sodai Nishi Waseda Building 7th floor Nishi Waseda
1-21-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0051
Telephone: +81-(0)3-5286-8261

*** NGO Press Conference right after TICAD IV ***

Date and Time: May 30th, 2008(Fri), PM3:00-4:00
Language: English (*Japanese and French questions will be interpreted
consecutively)
Venue: Conference Room, Foreign Press Center, Japan(FPCJ) 6F
Nippon Press Center Building, 2-2-1, Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda-ku
Tel: +81 (0)3-3501-3401 http://fpcj.jp/
Access: Kasumigaseki Station-Hibiya/Chiyoda Lines/Marunouchi Line(Exit C4),
Uchisaiwaicho Station-Mita Line(Exit A6)


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*This newsletter was edited by the TCSF network working group
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TICAD Civil Society Forum (TCSF)
http://ticad-csf.net/eng/
news@ticad-csf.net
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