AFRICANS MUST ACT FOR AFRICA ONE AFRICA - ONE VOICE AGAINST HUNGER

Africans Act 4 Africa (AA4A) is a movement to encourage African people, institutions and governments to act decisively to end the current hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa and champion positive growth and development in Africa.  We are saying this should be the last famine in Africa.

On 25^th August 2011, the African Union will hold a conference to pledge assistance for the food crisis to help more than 12 million people affected by drought, hunger and famine in the Horn of Africa (Primarily Somalia, northernKenya and parts of Ethiopia).  We note the commitment of the government to give 300tons of aid to Somalia and encourage the government of Tanzania to continue to take a leading role within the AU in providing support through food aid and financial commitments to the on-going efforts to end this crisis. Furthermore, we encourage all Tanzanians to make individual donations as well as educate their friends and co-workers about how they too can help.

African activists, celebrities and citizens are doing what they can and calling on African governments to act now to makesurethis is Africa's LAST famine.

Artists in Tanzania have joined in adding their voices to the call for Africans to act in solidarity and support their sisters and brothers affected by drought. Search for it on Youtube at Africans Act 4 Africa.  Featuring: Steven Kanumba, Fid Q, Chege of TMK Wanaume Family, Pina of Kikosi Cha Mizinga, Nakaaya, Lamar, Malfred, Lotus, Steve Kafaya, RAGE, Monagansta, Leonard ‘Big Boss’ Christopher.

We are calling on people to express their support. Donate if you can.  Additionally, many people have committed to a 12 hour fast on 25^th August to show their solidarity with the 12 million people who go hungry everyday.  Because this date falls within Ramadan and many people are already fasting, we call on those people to dedicate their fast on this day to our brothers and sisters who are suffering in the Horn.  Use this day to tell people around you why we should care about more than 12 million people facing hunger. Join the face book page ‘Africans Act 4 Africa’ and put your message of support. We need to show the world we care.

You can make donations and get more information at a range of charities and initiatives, including: http://au.int/pages/savinglives,http://www.oxfam.org/eastafrica, http://www.un.org/news/

The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr Jean Ping, appeals to all MemberStates and other stakeholders to generously contribute to the on-going efforts. This is part of the build up to an African Union Pledging Conference which will take place on 25^th August 2011. Out government needs to know we care.  We look forward to seeing African governments taking a lead in responding.  

Context

Once again, millions of African citizens face famine and the destruction of their livelihoods. At this moment, 12 million men, women and children in Somalia,Kenya and Ethiopia are in dire need of food, clean water and basic sanitation.Tens of thousands of Somali children have died in the last 90 days and over 500,000 are now at risk of death. Dadaab refugee camp is now the biggest in the world – and with 400 000 inhabitants is the size of a small city. 1400 new refugees arrive at the camp each day.

The response from donors in the international community is still insufficient. The response of African governments has been negligible. Governments are making paltry donations and spending on items like luxury cars and jets.

Ordinary citizens in South Africa, Kenya and in other countries continue to give cash for the Horn of Africa famine through SMS lines and public appeals. Now we really need our governments to step up and play a decisive role. We need them to show their commitment to end suffering from drought now and in the future. This would be a powerful demonstration of “African solutions to African problems.”

Africans Act 4 Africa

We need to see the AU and its member states in the pledging conference committing to:

- Operationalize the African Union fund with adequate resources

- Ensuring longer-term measures to make this Africa’s last famine.