The very reason for this movement, the Action Africa Interfaith Movement (AAIM) is to get away from the product of many interfaith organisations of ‘consensus’ and ‘dialog’. There is room for that for sure, it keeps humankind in communication and resolves differences.
However, there is a more pressing issue in these times we live in. It is called ACTION. Millions die every year from AIDS and AIDS related illnesses, millions starve every day we sit on our computers and blog, whilst sipping a cup of coffee or chewing on a muffin. Even more are dying, suffering or traumatised by addiction to drugs. Most people on this planet wouldn’t know even five of the thirty Human Rights they have according to the UN Declaration on Human Rights.
The lack of knowledge of application of human rights, the lack of awareness of the dangers of drugs amongst the youth, the simple humanitarian actions we can take daily to improve the lives of our fellows are what ACTION is about.
AAIM is thus dedicated to aligning itself with those in the religious field of whatever religious belief – simply to take on the responsibility to see to an improvement in our society. As it is named the Action Africa Interfaith, it is clear we are focused on the continent of Africa. That does not eliminate anyone else from participation.
Currently we are interested in assisting two campaigns – Anti-Drug awareness and education and a successful international campaign called Youth for Human Rights which is educating youth about their fundamental rights.
If you like the idea, let us know.
How many armed troops are at your disposal? I’m serious; do you really think you can supply valuable medicines and humanitarian support in Africa without troops to defend the relief workers?
Change will only come to Africa as a benefit of occupation by a foreign power. There have been few stable and no lastingly non-repressive governments in sub-Saharan Africa since the Colonial days.
We don’t think we can supply medicines and humanitarian support. These are functions of the big International Aid Organisations.
We know we can improve the lives of many by the basic actions we propose. We have already been doing it in many areas, and having travelled in a number of sub-saharan countries in Africa, I know it can be done without troops. Most Africans are good people and willing to participate as they see this is real help and given to them without strings attached.
Much of the reason we have problems in many parts of Africa is due to foreign power intervention. True, there are a number of unstable governments, but unless we, as Africans, do something about it, few have the inclination to do so – and many of those do it from a viewpoint of getting something out.
The majority of investment in Africa by foreign powers is to get what Africa has. Without getting into a long discourse about it, history shows the contribution by foreign powers has been more destructive than constructive in many zones of Africa.
This is a rich continent. Just take a look at the scramble for Africa that has taken place and is again taking place – mostly around our minerals and resources. For who? Not for Africans.
That said, foreign powers or groups, with more humanitarian interests are most welcome in Africa. Foreign powers with self-interest (and these are the majority) are not. Exploitation – from the days of slavery to the current days of the mineral exploitation – is a part of our history. It has been destructive to the African societies.
We can help, we should be helping – and we intend to do our best to make a difference.
Ahh…I read further into your mission and now have a better understanding of your methodology. Yes, I agree you would need limited armed support – non if you don’t mind a few martyrs.
I’d be somewhat concerned about the ramifications of “pushing” Human Rights as defined by the UN though. That sort of thing could easily lead to rebellion and / or reprisals.