Africa Summit: Human rights activists criticize the lack of support for poorer African countries

On the occasion of the Africa Summit in the Federal Chancellery, the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) criticizes the fact that the poorer and conflict-ridden African states are not invited. "Apparently, there aren't any plans for direct investments in these countries in the context of the Compact with Africa – although this could help to promote democracy and strengthen the rule of law," criticized Ulrich Delius, the STP's director, in Göttingen on Tuesday. "Obviously, the aspect of human rights is not important when it comes to choosing partner countries – but it would be possible to at least support states that are trying to get back on their feet after a civil war. It would be necessary to create jobs in the Central African Republic or in South Sudan, to give people hope for a better future."

Further, the human rights organization criticized the fact that the civil society in the respective African states was ignored in the Compact negotiations, although strong civil society structures are crucial for efforts to fight corruption.

The STP warned against making increased investments from Germany dependent on measures to curb flight and migration. The situation is much more complex, and a strengthening of the local economy only has very limited influence on flight and migration.

"Economic promotion and private direct investment can not replace an active foreign policy to stabilize fragile states in Africa," Delius emphasized, demanding Germany and the European Union to show more commitment for the civil-war-stricken African countries. Above all, the Central African Republic needs economic initiatives to revive the economy after years of civil war – not more emergency aid.

Today, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will meet up with twelve heads of state and government from Africa in the Federal Chancellery. The "Compact with Africa" initiative, which was developed as part of Germany's G-20 presidency, aims to secure and strengthen direct investment by German companies. However, the focus is not on helping the continent's poorest countries.

Headerimage: Russell Watkins/Department for International Development via Flickr