New approach
June 15, 2011
With unrest still gripping North Africa, the German cabinet on Wednesday approved a new policy towards the wider continent, emphasizing development and stability in the region.
The new concept is divided into six categories that focus on peace and security, economics, human rights, environment, energy and development. The government said it was in Germany's interest to ensure Africa's further development.
The document said the continent was marked by a prosperous minority and, simultaneously, a majority living in grinding poverty.
Straightening out priorities
Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle presented the plan in a spectacular hall at the Foreign Ministry in Berlin in front of diplomats from all over Africa.
"What we are experiencing in Africa is possibly the most fascinating sign of our world in flux," he said. "Our aim is to use the potential of our cooperation for the good of the people in Africa, but also, and let's not forget this, also for our own good, also in our own interests."
The fact that the German government is open about its own economic interests in Africa is what troubles many critics. Susanne Anger, German spokeswoman for the United for Africa campaign, says there needs to be a shift in emphasis.
"The priority is increasingly that it serves German economic interests, that we look for attractive markets," she told Deutsche Welle. "We criticize that because we think that the people in Africa overcoming poverty should be at the center."
The new policy envisions increased trade ties with Africa - Germany exported some 20 billion euros ($28 billion) worth of goods to African nations in 2010, whereas, in comparison, its exports to neighboring Austria amounted to 46 billion euros.
The new Africa policy also foresees closer cooperation between the various German ministries whose work concerns Africa.
Foreign Minister Westerwelle unveiled the details of the new policy at a press conference before travelling to Sudan on Wednesday. He's scheduled to visit the capital, Khartoum, as well as the Darfur region and breakaway South Sudan, which gains independence next month.
The World Bank, meanwhile, has set up a $75-million trust fund for South Sudan to help provide healthcare, infrastructure and job opportunities.
Author: Darren Mara (Reuters, dpa)
Editor: Michael Lawton