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Category: Inside Africa

  • Ford Foundation Partners Foster Collaborative Solutions for Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) Implementation in Nigeria

    Ford Foundation Partners Foster Collaborative Solutions for Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) Implementation in Nigeria

    The Ford Foundation civil society partners, with support from the Ford Foundation, have convened a pivotal meeting organised by Spaces for Change to address the pressing issue of Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) implementation in Nigeria.

    Bringing together a diverse assembly of stakeholders, including Legislators, representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), traditional councils, host communities, regulatory bodies, and oil & gas companies, the event served as a platform for robust dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. Participants highlighted the potential of HCDTs, introduced in Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), as channels for directing benefits to communities where oil and gas extraction occurs.

    They noted that HCDTs offer greater advantages to host communities compared to earlier models such as the Global Memoranda of Understanding (GMOUs) However, stakeholders voiced concerns about various aspects of the implementation process of the HCDTs, including flawed selection processes for Boards of Trustees, ambiguity surrounding the allocation of the 3% OpEx, power imbalances between corporations and host communities, lack of environmental accountability during divestment, and the absence of independent monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

    HRM King Dr. Baridam Suani T.Y, of the Ogoni Traditional Council, underscored the urgent need for environmental accountability in the implementation of HCDTs, stating, “Diversification without environmental accountability is a dangerous activity… Operators should think of the environment first, and take care of liabilities before leaving the HC permanently.”

    The meeting emphasized the critical role of various actors in ensuring the successful implementation of HCDTs. CSOs were lauded for providing capacity building, raising awareness, and advocating for community rights. Traditional councils were recognized for representing community interests and ensuring transparency.

    Host communities were encouraged to engage actively in the HCDT process and hold companies accountable. Regulatory bodies were acknowledged for overseeing compliance, resolving disputes, and managing Decommissioning and Abandonment Funds for environmental remediation. The participants commended the Ford Foundation for providing resources, supporting capacity building, and connecting local conversations to global discussions on natural resource governance.

    Dr. Chichi Aniagolu-Okoye, Regional Director of Ford Foundation West Africa, assured grantees of the foundation’s commitment to natural resource and climate change initiatives through the provision of funding for the next five years for civil society actors in these focus areas. Martin Abregu, Vice President of International Programs at the Ford Foundation, commended grantees for their key interventions aimed at improving democracy and the extractive sector.

    Read Also: Ford Foundation supports FRSC on emergency responsiveness, preparedness

    “It is encouraging to see different players sitting around the table to have conversations about interventions in areas of climate change, community rights, community engagement, and community participation to ensure that we build long-term consensus on the kind of development we need for the future”, he mentioned.

    The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards the effective implementation of HCDTs in Nigeria while the Ford Foundation emphasized its continued support for this process and its dedication to connecting local efforts with global conversations on resource governance and climate change.

  • Ouadda residents’ testimonies reveal alleged MINUSCA’s involvement with UPC

    Ouadda residents’ testimonies reveal alleged MINUSCA’s involvement with UPC

    By Pierre Yakoma

    Numerous testimonies from Ouadda residents reporting cooperation between MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic) and members of the UPC (Union for Peace)  armed groups are among the many testimonies reported by residents across the Central African Republic.

    Residents of the village of Ouadda, where peacekeepers are stationed, reported that they have witnessed frequent contacts between MINUSCA staff and leaders of UPC armed groups. The local source stated that a  General in the army  nicknamed Cherche Lamour has direct contact and maintains communication with MINUSCA members all the time.

    General Cherche left the village with members of his group after a meeting with MINUSCA, according to residents, and the militants’ departure came shortly before the arrival of FACA(French:Forces Armees Centrafricaines) forces and Russian allies.

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    Investigations by government forces uncovered the presence of two groups of militants near Ouadda, the first under the command of General Cherche Lamour, numbering up to 15 militants, and the second under the command of Colonel Abdullah, numbering up to 30 militants.

    Also uncovered were a base belonging to the armed groups, as well as trenches housing three RPGs, 5.45 and 7.62 caliber ammunition, AK ammunition, a deactivated satellite phone, cell phones, sets of military uniforms, and several documents including notebooks containing notes in Arabic.

    It remained clear from the militants’ base that the armed groups were freely setting up their base without fear of MINUSCA personnel, whose base is a short distance away. Moreover, such a variety of equipment was made available to the armed group by MINUSCA, whose units are increasingly accused of aiding the militants.

    According to residents, the exchange of intelligence between MINUSCA and the militants contributed to the protection of the militants, who left the village before the arrival of the FACA forces and Russian allies.

    Residents have demanded that the MINUSCA end its presence in their area because they are providing protection and reinforcing armed groups with weapons, which poses a serious threat to their security.

    MINUSCA’s mandate in CAR will end soon, and the peacekeepers are using all sorts of tricks to worsen the security situation in CAR, which will allow them to justify their continued presence in the country.

  • Ex-Ghana, Botswana Presidents lunch at ‘The Delborough Lagos’, debate jollof

    Ex-Ghana, Botswana Presidents lunch at ‘The Delborough Lagos’, debate jollof

    Two African leaders, at the weekend, had lunch at the famous and luxury ‘The Delborough Lagos’. 

    Ex-Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama was spotted debating over Ghanaian and Nigerian jollof rice with former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Hon. Osita Chidoka.

    The former Presidents, Mahama and his Botswana counterpart, Ian Khama who were in the Hotel on their visit to Nigeria made the moment thrilling for their audience.

    In a viral video obtained by newsmen, Hon Chidoka tried to help His Excellency Mahama noting, “He is saying that because of his Nigerian link as former President of Ghana and about to become President again, he will settle the war between Nigerian jollof rice and Ghanaian jollof rice once and for all.

    Responding, Bahama said: “We will bring the best of Nigerian jollof makers and Ghanaian jollof makers and then bring President Tinubu and myself to The Delborough. We will taste it and we will agree, finally.”

    Mahama who was the President of the Republic of Ghana (2012 to 2017) is presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Ghana in December presidential polls.

    Khama commended the young Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu, owner of the Hotel, “for doing something spectacular in Nigeria and on African soil.

    Read Also: ‘The Delborough Lagos’ experience unbelievable, international experience – Emir of Kano

    “I am happy to be at ‘The Delborough and thanks to Dr. Stanley for doing something spectacular in Nigeria”.

    Other prominent African leaders and captains of industries at the lunch included one of the Board Members of ‘The Delborough Lagos’ Chief Mike Ozekhome; Air Peace airline owner, Chief Alex Onyema; Senator Daisy Danjuma; MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Olutokun Toriola, and other dignitaries.

    Among the highlights of the moment was a live performance by a young Nigerian sensational Gospel singer, Moses Bliss, who further ignited the happy mood of the guests.

  • NBA Africa launches Accelerator on early-stage African startups

    NBA Africa launches Accelerator on early-stage African startups

    In support of President Biden’s Digital Transformation with Africa Initiative and building on the United States Department of Commerce-wide Africa strategy, National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa has announced the launch of “Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator,” a startup accelerator based on the continent focused on early-stage African startup companies. 

    Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator will support Africa’s tech ecosystem and the next generation of African tech entrepreneurs by providing them with access to mentorship and capital that will help drive growth in the sports and creative industries.

    Operated by ALX Ventures, a leading technology incubator that provides the continent’s tech leaders with access to the skills and tools to launch and scale their startups, Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator is open to early-stage startups in Africa that develop solutions in event management and ticketing, youth development, AI, and digital marketing in the sports and creative industries.  Startups can apply to participate at tripledoubleaccelerator.nba.com through Friday, May 31, after which the submissions will be narrowed down to the top 10.The 10 selected startups will then be paired with mentors comprised of NBA Africa and ALX leadership, and other corporate stakeholders, who will provide guidance to the companies with a focus on product development, business growth and go-to-market strategy.  

    In September, NBA Africa will hold a Demo Day in New York City that will coincide with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).  The announcement was made on April 24th by NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi, who was joined by United States Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo and United States Trade and Development Agency Director Enoh T. Ebong at the American Chamber of Commerce’s Business Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. “We are thrilled to launch an accelerator programme based on the continent and focused on early-stage African startups,” said Akamanzi. 

    Read Also: Expert urges startups on partnership

     “This groundbreaking new initiative reflects our commitment to expanding the African sports ecosystem, and these incredible companies will be at the forefront of shaping the future of sport on the continent.

    ”Participating companies will pitch their products to a panel comprised of top industry leaders from the U.S., Africa, and around the world.  The panel will then determine the four winning companies, which will be awarded financial support, mentorship, and the opportunity to work with NBA Africa and the Basketball Africa League (BAL) on their current and future initiatives on the continent. 

    When asked about  how the initiative will impact Nigeria, Gbemisola Abudu, NBA Africa Vice-President and Country Head, NBA Nigeria said,  “I am excited about this initiative because it presents a unique opportunity to discover sustainable solutions to challenges in the sports and creative industry, which will invariably accelerate the development of the sectors in Nigeria.”Additional information about Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator will be announced at a later date.

    NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  NBA Africa conducts the league’s business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya.  

    The NBA has a long history in Africa and opened its African headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2010.  The league’s efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more. NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015.  

    The Basketball Africa League, BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that tipped off its fourth season in March 2024.  Fans can follow @NBA_Africa and @theBAL on  social media such as Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

  • Wild Africa Fund partners Channels TV on increase awareness for wild life conservation in Africa 

    Wild Africa Fund partners Channels TV on increase awareness for wild life conservation in Africa 

    The Wild Africa Fund (AWF), an international environmental non profit inspiring organization in partnership with Channels Television is creating awareness on the protection of African wild life and its species and at the same time tackling illegal wild life trading. 

    In a statement signed by Festus Iyara, a representative of AWF said the new partnership will take on the challenge of popularising the protection of Nigeria’s wildlife and forests, inspiring millions of Nigerians to learn more about the environment, encourage them to protect the country’s natural heritage for future generations. 

    Iyara said: “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Wild African Fund, a pivotal alliance that underscores our commitment to preserving Nigeria’s rich natural heritage, by harnessing Channels Television’s expansive reach and Wild Africa Fund’s conservation expertise, we aim to ignite a nationwide movement towards wildlife conservation and curb the illegal wildlife trade.

    “Together, we will bring the wonders of Nigeria’s wildlife and forests into the homes of millions, educating and inspiring action to safeguard these treasures for our future generations. Nigeria has emerged as a major transit hub in the illicit wildlife trade in recent years, notably involving pangolin scales and ivory.

    “In the last three years, the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted about 20,000 kilograms of illegal wildlife products as well as live endangered species about to be smuggled out of the country. Beyond the arrests, 12 convictions have been made at the court within three years, with many pending cases.”

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    Iyara added that to raise awareness and inspire action to address the challenges, Channels TV and Wild Africa Fund will collaborate to publicise wildlife-focused content, such as 30-second public service announcements featuring influential Nigerians in sports, music, business, and more, and short documentaries that support local conservation efforts and educate millions of Nigerians about the need to protect the environment. 

    Speaking, Kingsley Uranta, General Manager, Channels Academy said beyond programming, both organisations recognise the need to build a network of local journalists who will constantly produce in-depth reporting on the environment. 

    This is why, for the first time, the partnership will also introduce conservation-focused media training to improve the capacity of Nigerian journalists at the Channels Academy, a highly respected media training institute in West Africa established in 2017 to train journalists across the region. 

    Channels Television has joined  forces with Wild Africa Fund, it has a history of environmental coverage, and as our environment is under greater pressure than ever before, we can amplify this cause. the two organizations will partner to expand the coverage of its award-winning weekly environment show, Earth-file, which will include more reporting on biodiversity issues and reporting trips outside Lagos to document the pressing challenges confronting Nigeria’s wildlife and forests. 

  • Wofai Samuel participates in YALI LL Design Charette in Rwanda

    Wofai Samuel participates in YALI LL Design Charette in Rwanda

    The United States Agency for International Development – USAID, is partnering with Arizona State University – ASU International Development Initiative, to implement a USAID $80 million award to empower Africa’s youth through the Young African Leaders Initiative Legacy Localization (YALI LL) Project.

    Over 150 stakeholders from participants drawn from the YALI RLC Alumni Community across various countries in Africa, YALI Regional center staff in four centers across Africa, heads of Higher education institutions, YALI LL, partners from the United States Agency for International gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, for the YALI Design Charette, to Explore ways in which YALI Africa will be sustained and build consensus around its governing and organizational structure.

    In a statement released to the media, Ms. Wofai Samuel, an Alumni of YALI West Africa, Accra, stated that the Project is informed by the U.S.-African Leaders Summit held in Washington, D.C. in 2022, where His Excellency, President Joe Biden administration announced new and expanded initiatives to empower African institutions and people.

    Excited about the implementation, Wofai said that YALI was among the U.S. Government Exchange Programs the White House renewed its investment in.

    I remain a perfect and committed advocate for propagating the initiatives and financial investments of the Government of America in empowering African Institutions and people, whether it is in the area of humanitarian work, social, economic, or otherwise.

    It is my second time in Kigali, Rwanda, and I am so excited to have been chosen to represent Nigeria in this Dialogue. Three other counterparts were also picked from Ghana, the Gambia and Liberia.

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    This medium avails me an opportunity to express my gratitude to the Chief of Party, YALI RLC, West Africa Accra, Dr. Esi Sey, whose leadership continues to empower innovation among alumni communities and create networking opportunities. Her administration has been visibly beneficial to YALI RLC Alumnus across West Africa, especially with activities like the Annual Homecoming, many of us have gotten to interact with people from other regions, met USAID Officials, won grants and funding, amplified our work and voices through the RLCs media pages amongst others. I am also grateful to Nii Tackie-Otoo of YALI LL and Joyce Ogesi for their unflinching support throughout our engagements in Kigali”.

    “We are thrilled to be working with Arizona State University as we continue to provide young African leaders, both men and women, the opportunity to have an impact on their communities, their countries, and their continent,” says Denise O’Toole, acting YALI coordinator for USAID/Education and Youth Division Chief USAID.

    In a statement, Dr. Esi Sey stated “the platform will build on YALI successes at the four YALI RLCs located in Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa under an umbrella organization called YALI Africa”.

    “There is no way to work through any issue in Africa, whether it’s health, food, climate, without considering and understanding how youth are going to factor in. It’s a thread running through all African issues and discussions, the end goal is a program designed by Africans, led by Africans, supporting Africans”, Stephen Feinson, Managing Director of the International Development Initiative in Arizona State University mentioned.

    At the Design Charrette, Ms. Wofai Samuel was selected as a member of the YALI LL Roadmap Advisory Group. This Group is tasked to deliberate on potential countries where YALI Africa can be situated and provide inputs on a governance structure for YALI Africa including its constitution according to the outcomes of the deliberations on the white paper presented at the Design Charrette.

    The Alumni Panel focused on the Impact on YALI on Africa’s Youth and the potentials for the future. Samuel participated in this panel alongside a few other Alumni, and further engaged in the USAID YALI Impact video stories from Alumni.

    Samuel is listed as one of the Top 100 Career Women in Africa for 2024, by 9to5 Chick.

  • Faye presidency wake-up call for Nigeria, Africa — Prof. Chris Imumolen

    Faye presidency wake-up call for Nigeria, Africa — Prof. Chris Imumolen

    Africa must begin to jettison the age-long proclivity towards sit-tight rulership often by aged and recycled politicians for a new trend of dynamic, progressive and forward-looking governance system that draws inspiration from a generation of youthful leaders if she is to quickly achieve her set developmental goals and objectives.

    Former Accord Party’s presidential candidate Professor Chris Imumolen, stated this. 

    He believes the continent has largely under-achieved for decades because of a system of  policking that has, more or less, stifled the participation of the youth in governance. 

    He must the continent must leave a generation of geriatric politicians and leaders who keep being recycled with nothing new to offer.

    Enamoured by the recent emergence of Bissirou Diomaye Faye as Senegal’s President, the academic and entrepreneur said it was time Africa, particularly Nigeria, began to move away from what he calls the “politics of the old” to the politics of the young if she is to break free from stagnation and fulfill her full potentials.

    “The emergence of Bissirou Diomaye Faye as Senegal’s new president is something that has greatly encouraged me to believe that there is hope for Nigeria and Africa,” Professor Imumolen said.

    “That the Senegalese people chose youth, vibrancy and dynamism over age or tradition in voting in Faye — a very young man at the age of 44 — as their president, only reinforces the position I have always held that youth is the way to go if we are to achieve  rapid cultural, socio-economic development both as a country or continent.

    “I entered the race for the presidency in Nigeria in 2022 at the age of 39, convinced that I had the wherewithal to deliver to our people good governance and the full dividends of democracy that the older generation of politicians had often promised them but never, for once, delivered on.

    “Those who scoffed at the notion that a youthful president neither had the experience nor the capacity to deliver have repeatedly been made to eat humble pie as a generation of youthful presidents and prime ministers now dot the global landscape in France, UK, Italy, Chile and so on.

    “I regard our slowness to grasp the wind of generational change in leadership now blowing across the world as a conservatism that will do us more harm than good as the youths are more adequately configured to lead in a world more digitalised than analogued.

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    “So, Faye’s emergence is a wake-up call. Countries around the world are beginning to realise that the future belongs to the youth and are putting systems in place to encourage them to be more involved. 

    “But for the signing into law of the Not-Too-Young-To-Run bill by former president, Muhammadu Buhari a few years before he left office, I don’t think I, and a few other young Nigerians would have had the opportunity to contest for public offices in the last General Elections.

    “I am in no doubt that the coming of Faye will open more doors for a new generation of young leaders to burst on to the scene in the coming years,” he added.

  • Claims US officials are collaborating with armed groups in CAR conflict must be investigated

    Claims US officials are collaborating with armed groups in CAR conflict must be investigated

    By Bengue Patrick

    Testimonies from former militants in the Central African Republic (CAR) have alleged secret MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Central African Republic) and US complicity in the worsening security situation in this African country.

    Former rebel Hissène Issa, born in Bangassou and a member of the FPRC armed group this week explained the relationship between his armed group and MINUSCA personnel. He also revealed the secrets of the United States’ role in destabilising the country’s security by joining forces with other armed groups to keep the cycle of violence going.

    He alleged that the Moroccan MINUSCA contingent exchanges ammunition and weapons for gold with his group, with the rebels receiving 5,000 cartridges for a kilo of gold. The exchange takes place near a river, on the border between Congo and the Central African Republic.

    Issa, who worked as a translator and intermediary between his armed group and MINUSCA, as well as with other armed groups, admitted to maintaining contact with the armed groups from inside the prison, using a mobile phone smuggled to him by his acquaintance Mr. Fabrice Kabanga in a container containing food, which was not inspected.

    He said that Mr. Kabanga works for the US NGO International Rescue Committee, showing links between the US and the Central African bandits.

    Issa revealed that during his contacts with other armed groups, specifically with an armed group leader, Yusuf Gyuza, who is an opponent of the Azandé militia and frequently calls General Bouba of the UPC. Issa learned from him that the Americans wanted to create synergy and secret cooperation with the UPC armed group.

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    The former FPRC rebel noted that the Americans were particularly interested in the Zemio and Obo regions because they had a military base there. And according to Fabrice, the Americans are interested in escalating the conflict between the UPC and the Azandé militia.

    Cooperation between armed groups and the United States, as well as with MINUSCA, is considered a crime punishable by international law, yet both sides are using various methods to prolong the violence and war in CAR, as the instability of a country’s security makes it vulnerable to predators.
    It is clear that America is fomenting conflict and destabilizing the country’s sovereignty and security in order to prey on it.

    Central African Republic has been in conflict since 2013 when predominantly Muslim rebels seized power and forced the President from office. Mostly Christian militias fought back.

    A 2019 peace deal only lessened the fighting and six of the 14 armed groups that signed later left the agreement.

    At present, more than 2.8 million Central Africans—out of the country’s 4.9 million population—need humanitarian assistance. Now ordinary citizens find themselves in even greater danger as the delicate balance of power shifts among local politicians, international actors, and armed groups.
    The Central African Republic must take precautions before it is too late.

    Bengue Patrick is an Independent Writer and Journalist based in Cameroon

  • Nigeria’s Chinwe Egwim joins Young Global Leaders

    Nigeria’s Chinwe Egwim joins Young Global Leaders

    Chinwe Egwim has been announced as one of the 12 Africans selected to join the Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL) under the World Economic Forum (WEF).

    The Class of 2024 – a group of nearly 90 changemakers who are shaping the future and accelerating positive change through their groundbreaking work.

    This year’s cohort, helping to improve the state of the world, is made up of a remarkable group of rising stars from politics, business, civil society, the arts and academia, who are united in their drive to leave a lasting impact on their communities, organizations and beyond.

    Egwim was selected following a rigorous vetting process designed to identify global leaders and young visionaries working to shape the future through inspired leadership.

    Created to recognise the most distinguished young leaders from around the world, the YGL community was established to provide a platform for these emerging leaders to connect, collaborate and address global challenges collectively.

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    “For two decades, we have sought out and nurtured young leaders dedicated to improving the state of the world, and today, we are proud to welcome the latest cohort of Young Global Leaders.

    “The Forum of Young Global Leaders remains steadfast in its mission to foster collaboration and responsible leadership,” said Nicole Schwab, Board Member of the Forum of Young Global Leaders.

    As a foremost Economist, Chinwe’s expertise transcends mere numbers, as she champions inclusive socio-economic policies that uplift the marginalized and empower the disadvantaged.

    Yet, Chinwe’s impact extends far beyond the confines of the economic sphere. She stands as an advocate for gender equity, tirelessly challenging the status quo and paving the way for a more just and equitable society.

    Her voice reverberates across boardrooms, and grassroots communities alike, igniting hope and inspiring action.

    In addition to her trailblazing work in economics and advocacy, Chinwe is also a celebrated children’s book author, weaving narratives that educate, inspire, and provoke change.

    Chinwe Egwim embodies the spirit of resilience, courage, and compassion, inspiring others to dream boldly, act decisively, and leave an indelible mark on the world.

  • What lies behind the noble goals of GAVI Foundation?

    What lies behind the noble goals of GAVI Foundation?

    Though she was appointed on January 11, 2024 as the Executive Director of the GAVI Foundation, Dr. Sania Nishtar took  her post on March 18, 2024. For her first visit as GAVI’s Executive Director, she decided to visit the Central African Republic. 

    The Prime Minister and  Head of Government, Mr. Felix Moloua received Dr. Sania Nishtar at an audience on February 14, 2014. This was her first visit to a GAVI Alliance member country since taking office. 

    On the agenda was the issue of cooperation between the Central African Republic and the international organization GAVI, which is engaged in the immunization of children around the world.

    GAVI is trying to create an image of itself as an organization with noble goals but the facts show something completely different. First of all, the Alliance is sponsored by Western countries known for their consumer attitudes towards Africa. So, among the leaders in contributions are the United Kingdom and the United States as well as the  Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 

    In 2020, Bill Gates and the World Health Organisation were accused of experimenting with vaccines on children in Africa and India. It was alleged that Bill Gates and the WHO used children from African and Indian tribes to experiment with medicinal vaccines not approved by the FDA. 

    It is not surprising that these vaccines led to such consequences as paralysis and infertility, and even in some cases to death! Africa and India raised the alarm about the alleged unethical nature of these tests but the global community expectedly ignored them.

    The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation also organised a vaccination campaign in Haiti as the cholera epidemic was coming to an end. This large-scale vaccine trial was supported by a 10 million euro contribution with critics saying cholera had disappeared in Haiti two years earlier. The goal, according to critics, was to create a market for the cholera vaccine.

    Read Also: UBA Foundation, Gavi partner on Africa devt

    In 2009, Indian tribal children in the Hammam district of Telangana underwent clinical trials of a cervical cancer vaccine. This vaccine has been administered to thousands of girls between the ages of nine  and 15. A few months later, many girls took ill and by 2010, five of them had died. Two more deaths were reported in Vadodara, Gujarat. 

    Given all of the above, the financing of GAVI by Western countries exploiting Africa’s natural resources raises concerns. It’s no secret that countries like the United States and Great Britain have always been indifferent to the lives of Africans. Therefore, Central Africans should be vigilant and not believe in the supposedly noble goals of GAVI so as not to become another guinea pig.