Leaders from African advocacy organizations in the U.S and in Africa are available for interviews on President Bush’s trip to Africa scheduled for February 15-21.  The leadership can review the key policy areas that will be addressed by Mr. Bush on his final trip to the continent as president. They will also express their concerns about Mr. Bush’s presidential legacy as it relates to Africa.  A transcript from today’s audio press conference is available upon request. 
Suggested topics for discussion:
- HIV/AIDS (PEPFAR)
- U.S. Militarism in Africa
- Chinese influence in Africa
- U.S. Africa trade
- Africa Growth and Opportunity Act
- Debt cancellation
- Impact of the Bush presidency on Africa
- Recommendations for the next U.S. President
 
Experts in AFRICA

GHANA
Yao Graham, Executive Director, Third World Networks-Africa
(+233-21) 503669/503816 
Charles Abugre, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Christian Aid
+44207523107 

“The ‘Global War on Terror’ has dominated the foreign policy of the Bush Administration. It has promoted military engagements at the literal and strategic expense of development or diplomacy.  This is leading to greater instability and uncertainty throughout the African world, creating tensions within and between African countries and turning away from the paramount development priorities.” 

RWANDA
Bahati Ntama Jacques, Policy Analyst, Africa Faith and Justice Network
[email][email protected], cell: (847) 334-3614 
 
"The United States lends its support to President Paul Kagame due in large part to his complicity in the US "War on Terror." Yet, President Kagame has twice invaded DRC in the past and is likely supporting General Nkunda's rebel force in eastern DRC as a means of deflecting the Hutu army from Rwanda's border.”

TANZANIA

Sakina Datoo 
Chairperson – Editors Forum of Tanzania 
Forum for all Managing Editors in the country 
+255 754 317 632
[email][email protected]
 
“We value the aid we get from the US, but President Bush should know that Tanzanians care about much more than just aid. Our Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Nyerere stood for liberation of all oppressed people in the world. Bush’s oppressive foreign policy especially the War on Iraq, unequivocal support for Israel, a nation that is responsible for great torture of Palestinians, and threats against Iran, in addition to other harsh US foreign missions, deeply concern Tanzanians.” 
 
Additional Tanzania Contacts: Chamba Max Kajege – Coordinator, Tanzania Coalition on Debt and Development
+255 713608854

Julius Kapwepwe, Uganda Debt Network
[email][email protected],
+256-41- 533840/543974

LIBERIA

Ezekiel Pajibo, Center for Democratic Empowerment, Liberia
+27 11 728 1817 or + 27 826 997 616 

“The persistent difficulty in Africa is widespread poverty.  To deal with this, serious investment must be made in the development of Africa's human resources. This means that more Africans must have access to education, health and adequate nutrition.  No doubt, the militarization of Africa relations with the United States would not address these core issues.  This is why some of us, perhaps the majority of us, in Africa oppose AFRICOM.  President Bush's visit to Africa must not compel our leaders to accept AFRICOM in order to benefit from U.S. Foreign Assistance.” 
 
Additional Liberia Contacts:
Alfred Brownell, Director, Green Advocates
+2314790951cell
[email][email protected]    [email protected], cell: (828) 713-8753 
 
"AFRICOM reveals that the Bush Administration's foreign policy strategy relies on putting soldiers at the front of global operations. It is a command designed to fulfill a shortsighted vision of US national security that benefits only special interest groups like oil companies and private military contractors.”

DEBT
Neil Watkins, National Coordinator, Jubilee USA Network.
202-421-1023  

“Nearly all the countries the President will visit on his trip to Africa have benefited from debt cancellation which his administration strongly supported in 2005. As President Bush sees firsthand the life-saving impacts of debt cancellation he should take the next step by announcing strong measures to stop ‘vulture funds’ and other rogue lenders from eroding gains of debt relief.” 

HIV/AIDS
Dr. Paul Zeitz, Executive Director, Global AIDS Alliance
 Cell phone:  202-365-6786
 
"President Bush has had important successes in expanding access to HIV/AIDS treatment, but his latest actions tell another story.  Bush is proposing flat-lining AIDS, TB and malaria spending for FY 2009 and proposing a massive 40% cut in the US contribution to the Global Fund, despite his claim to be 'doubling the US commitment' to these programs.”