REPORT ON THE DIASPORA UNITY SYMPOSIUM ,HELD AT THE BOLGER CONFERENCE CENTER ON THE 16^THOF DECEMBER, 2011.

Introduction

The African Union Assembly Heads of State in the year 2003, passed amendment 3(q) of the AU Constitutive Act, and based on that decision, invited the African Diaspora to participate as voting members in the advisory functions of the AU. Article 3(q) of the A.U's amended Constitutive Act, "invites the full participation of the African Diaspora as an important part of our continent, in the building of the African Union." However, the passage of time, coupled with numerous conferences and workshops, have clearly demonstrated that in order for the African Diaspora to accept the African Union’s invitation, it is imperative for the African Diaspora to organize itself into a unified body.

In May 2012, the African Union will hold a global Diaspora Summit in South Africa – the latter having been designated by the African Union to coordinate its Diaspora-related efforts. There are sub-regions within the 6^thRegion from the North American continent which comprise one constituency. Further, the North American constituency is farthest behind in organizing itself into a unified body. It lacks a platform and consensus on issues of importance, more particularly definition (given the “historic” and “modern” elements of its composition) and it lacks credible representation – although a plethora of national and other Diaspora-oriented organizations currently exist.

The African Union Mission, recognizing the challenges facing the organizational efforts of the African Diaspora in the Western hemisphere, made the decision to host a Diaspora Unity Symposium. The Unity African Diaspora Symposium comprises one of many initiatives created by the Mission in recent times. An IDF grant awarded by the World Bank with the goal of strengthening the capacity of the Representational Mission, with specific emphasis on the Mission's interaction with institutions such as AU Member State Missions in the Americas and the African Diaspora, facilitated the organization of the Diaspora Unity Symposium.

Objectives

The Diaspora Unity Symposium was organized with the goal of achieving agreement on common principles through which members of the African Diaspora can agree to speak with “one voice“ . A second goal sought to carefully consider and recommend a rational, democratic and practical method by which African Diaspora representatives in the Western Hemisphere may be elected.

Agenda and Work Program

A detailed account of the agenda and work program has been attached to this report.

Attendance

The event was attended by an estimate of 50 individuals spanning government, academia, non-governmental organizations and social activists. Moreover, the Mission ensured the inclusion of participants from the various political and socio-economic sectors with the aim of providing a democratic context to the ensuing discussions. A sheet indicating the attendance of individuals at the event has been attached to the report.

Summary of Discussions by Workshops and discussed topics

Ambassador Amina Ali, set the tone of the event by informing participants about the goals and objectives of the event and the desired output during her introductory speech.

History & current state of A.U & the Diaspora

Attendees were addressed by former Jamaican Ambassador Dudley Thompson via satellite on noteworthy historical events (most of which he witnessed and participated in) that had occurred on the African continent. These events contributed to the formation of the African Union and to the recent efforts of the African Union at embracing and providing opportunities for acknowledging the African Diaspora. He urged participants to consistently aim at contributing their quota for the good of the African continent. Moreover, he encouraged attendees to move with speed in creating a collective Diaspora voice to address the African Union.

Further background information on the Diaspora as a Sixth Region initiative was provided by Unity Symposium panelists.

Contributions by the 6th Region towards helping Africa

The vast pool of human resources possessed by the African Diaspora was disclosed to participants. Attendees were implored to contribute positively towards the development of Africa by getting involved in the various opportunities available. The main issues discussed in this session included the following:

1. Education:

Participants with writing talents were encouraged to publish educational books about Africa due to the scarcity of positive and enriching information centering on the continent (Africa) currently available.

Moreover, an effort at ensuring the maintenance of African education in the educational system of the Western hemisphere, with particular emphasis on the United States was encouraged.

Finally, the organizing of cultural exchange programs between schools in Africa and the United States was acknowledged and encouraged. Attendees were implored to increase its (cultural exchange programs) current rate of occurrence since these exchange programs served as a window for expanding the world view of participants while providing them with a holistic mode of development.

2. Science and Technology:

Members of the African Diaspora with a skill set in science and technology were advised to seek out opportunities through which technological skill transfer to Africa could be attained. This input was stressed as crucial to the development of Africa’s Science and Technology sector.

3. Humanitarianism:

Attendees at the Symposium were requested to engage in humanitarian activities such as the pooling of individual and community resources for the construction of essential facilities, including libraries in Africa, and the shipping of reading materials to children residing in Africa who are in dire need of these resources.

4. Unity:

Suggestions were made for achieving unity in the Diaspora ; such as the importance of merging with organizations in the U.S and retracing our steps to the 25th dynasty of Kemet or Egypt, which is a model we can refer to for uniting disparate elements of both Africans at home and abroad.

I). Workshop on developing a set of unifying principles:

An in-depth session on the common and perceived values essential for uniting a group towards the attainment of goals was discussed and deliberated upon. Five (5) key factors were prioritized and unanimously agreed on as essential for the creation of unifying principles for the African Diaspora: Gender balance / intergenerational leadership,

Global Communications/Positive Messaging, Economic Interdependence, Unity in diversity and Identifying Adversaries/Allies and seeking Repatriation.

1. Gender balance/intergenerational leadership: Both males and females should be provided with equal leadership opportunities.

2. Global Communications/Positive Messaging: A consensus reached by the group was the need to promote and focus on more positive reports and output emerging from the African continent. Such an approach would help to diffuse the stereotypes regarding the African continent held by many abroad and culminate in the positive development of the Continent.

3. Economic Interdependence: More partnership should be formed between Africans and African descendants aimed toward economic development. This would help create more business and investment opportunities and investments, increase successful economic engagement models among various African communities and help lead to gradual economic liberation on the continent.

4. Unity in Diversity: The diversity among Africans and African descendants provides some strong avenues for development. For instance, the vast human resources available serve as an asset that can be tapped into for a Diaspora skills and knowledge database. African descendants in North America can help the African continent with advanced technological knowledge and skills gained from their experience in developing countries.

5. Identifying Adversaries/Allies and seeking Reparation: Africans and African descendants should team up and be conscious of people seeking to exploit the African continent. Those identified as having a history of exploiting the African continent should be directed to atone for their wrongdoings through decisive and tangible actions (policy, programs, financial compensation, etc.). These actions will immediately begin repairing the damage of their legacy of transgressions against African people and the African continent.

II). Model/Process for electing delegates:

Due to the intricacies of the North American Diaspora, the session on a model/process for electing delegates was challenging. Three(3) suggested models or approaches were presented by three(3) people. Moreover, two(2) out of the three(3) models were based on structures/organizations already in existence. These structures/organizations have been working on the process of electing delegates who can eventually serve as credentialed Diaspora representatives in the AU.

The first model under this session was proposed by the SRDC group. Due recognition should be given to the fact that Elected AU-Diaspora Representatives at the Precinct Level are also not required to join SRDC. Below are guidelines of the proposed model:

Model 1

I. Precinct Level: Each of the current 7 sub-regions of the African Diaspora (the 90 known countries with significant Afro descendant populations divided into 7 geographical areas) will hold Town Hall meetings, large village gatherings at which major educational content regarding the AU-Diaspora process will be disseminated, and state, district or area representatives will be elected. Either the first or second Town Hall will elect a Community Council of Elders (or legitimize working with a pre-existing CCOE), and the third or fourth Town Hall (if necessary) will elect actual state, provincial, regional or area representatives from a diverse body of candidates nominated by community members. In the USA and Canada, the emphasis for this Precinct Level will be on capital cities in the 50 states, and in the Canadian provinces. It is suggested that the other parts of the Diaspora also do this.

II. Also at the Precinct Level, at the first or second Town Hall gathering, a set of Minimum Qualifications for the Council of Elders will be discussed and agreed upon by the diverse Town Hall attendees, and a set of Minimum Qualifications for the state or area Diasporan Representatives will also be discussed and agreed upon, based on descriptions of what others have already done in different parts of the Diaspora, on the ECOSOCC Statues, and on what works in the particular circumstances of each community. The next scheduled Town Hall(s) then implement those approved Minimum Qualifications in electing state-wide representatives.

III. At the National Level, those elected as provincial, county or state/area representatives and Council of Elders members (at the Precinct Level) will meet in a national gathering in a central location to discuss and vote on AU-related issues, the AU-Diaspora Representatives, and other matters, based partially on the short-listing of candidates approved and submitted to this national gathering by the ECOSOCC Credentials Committee. This national gathering will constitute a National Sub-Regional Diaspora Caucus, which will meet at least once every two years as a collective group, once the initial elections of AU-Diaspora Representatives have occurred. The actual elected representatives from each of the combined 7 sub-regional (20 delegates) will also meet at least once every two years as the 6^th Region Diaspora Caucus (combined Western Hemisphere and Europe) in a central location usually a few days before AU Commission meetings, or at some other relevant times chosen.

IV. As an example of how this has already worked or is working, in the USA, African-centered and Pan African groups in 15 states have been asked to hold Town Hall gatherings to elect CCOEs, to hold candidates' forums and to elect 2 representatives from each state, and up to 6 Observers in each state. More are scheduled in the future. Voting eligibility consists of having residence in the particular state, being African descendant, having a demonstrated community commitment to the building of the African Union and the development of African unification, and being at least 18 years of age (this latter was flexible based on the particular community). In the USA, this should potentially result in approximately 100 elected state/area representatives, who will each receive training in international diplomacy in preparation to attend any future AU sessions, and who will be provided regular up-to-date information on developments and progress within the AU-Diaspora process. From this body of possibly 100—which will represent the National Sub -Regional Diaspora Caucus, USA--- will be elected/selected the USA representatives to the ECOSOCC Commission and other available AU positions, committees or working groups, once the AU has approved the Methodology. (2) Currently, each state/area representative for the National Sub-Regional Caucus position is elected to serve for a term of two years, and is eligible for election for a second and final term of two years. In no circumstances will a representative serve more than 2 terms of 2 years. (3) These 4 national Representatives for the USA (and Observers) will be elected from eligible candidates by simple majority votes (raised hands and/or paper ballots). Representatives who violate the public's trust or who demonstrate disrespect for the African descendant community, or for the AU, can be removed by the Council of Elders calling a special Town Hall meeting in the city, province, county or other area in which the representative was elected, having a discussion on why/why not be removed, and a simple majority vote that approximates the same number and/or percentage of constituents who voted the representative into office. (4) This method, with slight regional adjustments, has been successfully used in all 6 countries of Central America (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, Panama), 10 states in the USA (California, New York, South Carolina, Ohio, Washington State, Maryland, Oregon, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Florida pending, etc.), 2 states in Brazil (Bahia and Rio de Janeiro), several countries in the Caribbean (Guadeloupe and Martinique , and being considered in Barbados), in Nova Scotia and British Columbia, Canada, and the Netherlands (and currently being considered in Brussels, Paris, etc.). Written records and videotapes of the gatherings and the voting have been collected to send to the AU when it is considered appropriate.

Model 2:

The second model comprised the following highlights:

1. The process for electing delegates was to pass through various levels, with the Federal level being the highest;

2. The focus of the model is to influence policy at the local and state level with the ultimate goal being to improve the lives of Diasporan people worldwide.

Model 3:

Under the third model, Embassies and Consulates across the US were to be approached with the AU serving as the focal point . A contact person from those Institutions(Embassies and Consulates) will be identified to make outreach to the various communities, organizations and associations. That model was viewed as the quick approach.

Some of the issues raised about the feasibility of the models entailed the following:

• At the local level, who will oversee the activities?

• How was accountability to be ensured?

• Due processes for getting resources

• Concerns of individual folks affiliated to groups/sectors that were not present at the meeting

• Lack of prior information about proceedings regarding the AU and the opportunity that the Diaspora has as part of the designated Sixth Region.

What does the 6^thRegion Bring to the table & the AU regarding helping Africa

Prof. David L Horne and Mr. Mel Foote highlighted mechanisms through which the 6th Region can positively impact Africa's development.

Prof. David Horne in his address, suggested the creation of a North American- African Diaspora Unity Council whose membership will be based on organizations agreeing on the three(3) stipulations listed below:

1) The groups must be committed to the development of the African Union and the unification of Africa;

2). Groups must be interested in joining and participating and working inside the African Union

3). Groups must be willing to work in collaborative ways with other groups to create a Diaspora network.

Furthermore, each member organization will have one vote on all issues with a rotating chairperson, elected for one year, based on the model of the AU Assembly.

Mr. Mel Foote informed participants that educating people of African descent within North America about Africa should be viewed as a priority. This was due to the fact that most people of African descent were mis-educated about Africa. He implored members to address the questions;

1) how were they going to educate their constituencies about Africa?

2) how were they going to improve co-ordination among the various groups?

3). How did they plan to influence US policy on Africa?

To address his questions, he suggested the utilization of town-hall meetings as a mechanism for educating people of African descent about Africa.

OUTCOME, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Outcome:

Key models for nominating reputable representatives were deliberated upon. No consensus was reached on a suitable process which could be adopted as a model. Some challenges experienced included the concern over involvement with institutions and structures that already exist and are already to some degree taking on this process.

Most importantly, the unifying set of principles developed emphasized the desire of the Mission to accelerate the mechanism through which the African Diaspora in the Western Hemisphere can be integrated into the development of Africa.

Conclusions:

The Diaspora Unity Symposium fulfilled the Mission’s aim of facilitating the creation of a mechanism through which the African Diaspora could be organized to speak with one voice. Background information on the historical and current state of the AU, coupled with the breakout sessions, not only indicated recognition of the vast pool of human resources possessed by the African Diaspora, but also the importance of seeking avenues through which they(African Diaspora) can be more effectively incorporated in the developmental paradigms of Africa.

Recommendations/Next Steps:

1. Liaising of the African Diaspora with African Embassies in the Western Hemisphere. These African Embassies are to serve as a conduit for informing the African Diaspora about initiatives requiring their input.

2. The creation of several ad hoc committees whose members represent the Symposium participants, and whose sole responsibilities will be to streamline suggestions from the workshops held, and to cull the best elements of the models presented. Their efforts will facilitate the implementation of suggestions made by attendees.

3. Forging ahead in the creation of a model for democratically electing representatives, by fusing elements of the proposed models into a coherent whole. The final model will be introduced and taken through the publicly announced procedures of the African Union for approval and integration of activity models.

4. Some participants volunteered to develop an outline for the model process comprising input from the workshop. Their proposal consisted of an effective utilization of work that has already been done with an emphasis on expanding it into areas that have not been touched. They also intended to include some components to ensure independence of the process.

5. Her Excellency, Ambassador Amina S. Ali, in her closing remarks, emphasized the importance of creating avenues through which the Youth can be actively engaged in shaping the future of Africa and the African Diaspora. A clear recognition on the need to channel immense efforts at preparing and strengthening the next generation of leaders on the African Diaspora was emphasized. She stressed the need to take a "big leap forward" by thinking of the big picture instead of individualistically.

6. The necessity to host a follow-up meeting was addressed, since the time allotted for the Unity Symposium proved itself insufficient in fulfilling some of the Ambassador's objectives given the intricate nature of the unifying process. In addition, there was a consensus among attendees on the need for more work in building a unified Diaspora within North America.