An open letter to Mr. Cameron and the G8/G20
Dear Mr. Cameron
I read your article in this morning’s Globe and Mail with interest.
I do agree with you when you say that summits must avoid becoming talking shops. Why? Well, these summits are held each year and I often wonder whether this will be the year that something useful actually comes out of these events. It probably does inside the conference itself but doesn’t really translate into action as far as I can see.
Is this the reason that you too are afraid this summit may become yet another talking shop? 
I note that David Milliband has reproached you on your diplomacy by saying this is not best way to approach these issues and that you must be more diplomatic and appreciate the value of these summits.
I disagree with him, because at one of these summits Italy and France made pledges to developing economies and failed to honor them. I am not sure as yet if anyone in the G8/G20 did anything to ensure that this sort of thing doesn’t happen. Are these summits indeed talking shops?
Moving on, Africa is almost always part of the agenda at these summits with leaders of the richest countries in world pledging more help for the continent; however these meetings are never held in Africa, unlike the Commonwealth Head of State Meetings .
If the Queen can travel to Africa, I don’t suppose it is too much to ask of the G8/G20 leaders, do you?
I can imagine that a lot of money is spent at these meetings, imagine therefore what such a meeting would do for the economy of a small central African country, like Rwanda, Burundi or Uganda, unless of course the organisers of such a meeting opted to fly in everything that would be used, including food service staff etc. But even then, there would inevitably be a trickle down of sorts.
The economic benefits aside, if you have a matter to resolve with someone isn’t it best that you go to them and do this face to face. Some of the points that come out these meetings regarding Africa are, MAKE AFRICA LEADERS MORE ACCOUNTABLE, END CORRUPTION, IMPROVE GOVERNANCE, and so on and so forth, but if the leaders of Africa only ever here this on TV and Radio, wouldn’t they be forgiven for thinking it has nothing to do with them, a sort of hearsay, After all would you take anyone seriously who talked about you behind your back? The natural reaction is one of IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY TO ME…
Obama and Clinton have led the way to going to the leaders of Africa and given them some tough love and I do hope that the G20 will follow in their footsteps.
I would like to end my letter to you Mr . Cameron with a few questions
- Can the G20 ever see Africa as a key economic player and not a basket case that needs hand out and Is this indeed the solution to Africa’s ending poverty?
- Can a whole continent be lifted out of poverty by AID?
I look forward to hearing your views on these matters
Yours sincerely
Ida Horner
Ps, I was very encouraged by the work you did in Rwanda whilst in opposition.
About IdaHornerFounder of Ethnic Supplies a social enterprise working to alleviate poverty amongst East African women involved in textile and handicraft production. Managing Editor of Africa on the blog
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5 Responses to An open letter to Mr. Cameron and the G8/G20
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Let me get this straight in my head Ida, they go to G8, G20 and talk about Africa as if she wasn't there?
If that is the case, it really is as you say – hearsay and talking behind their back. How can these business leaders make decisions about Africa without going there and spending time and seeing how the economy works? The “End corruption” mantras are worthless if they are not said in the countries they are trying to help and support.
Not sure I understand it enough to comment further.
Yes Sarah I am afraid you are right. G20/G8 do not engage African leaders in any meaningful way and I can't help but wonder if that isn't indeed part of the problem. If they took the grievances of poor governance, corruption directly to Africa or even told them directly that Europe is struggling financially so don't expect more handouts without you doing your part maybe jsut maybe that would make a difference.. or maybe I am being naive here I sincerely don't know
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An Interesting article on a similar issue http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/20/724219
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