[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 9]
[House]
[Pages 12472-12475]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING 17 AFRICAN NATIONS ON 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 1405) congratulating the people of the 17 African 
nations that in 2010 are marking the 50th year of their national 
independence, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1405

       Whereas in the year 2010, 17 African nations will celebrate 
     the 50th anniversary of their independence from France, 
     Italy, or Great Britain, including Cameroon (January 1, 
     1960), Togolese Republic (April 27, 1960), Republic of Mali 
     (June 20, 1960), Republic of Senegal (June 20, 1960), 
     Republic of Madagascar (June 26, 1960), Democratic Republic 
     of the Congo (June 30, 1960), Somalia (July 1, 1960), 
     Republic of Benin (August 1, 1960), Republic of Niger (August 
     3, 1960), Burkina Faso (August 5, 1960), Republic of Cote 
     d'Ivoire (August 7, 1960), Republic of Chad (August 11, 
     1960), Central African Republic (August 13, 1960), Republic 
     of the Congo (August 15, 1960), Gabonese Republic (August 17, 
     1960), Federal Republic of Nigeria (October 1, 1960), and the 
     Islamic Republic of Mauritania (November 28, 1960);
       Whereas contemporary United States ties with Sub-Saharan 
     Africa today far transcend the humanitarian interests that 
     have frequently underpinned United States engagement with the 
     continent;
       Whereas there is a growing understanding among foreign 
     policy experts that economic development, natural resource 
     management, human security, and global stability are 
     inextricably linked;
       Whereas cooperation between the United States Armed Forces 
     and Africa is growing, with United States and African forces 
     routinely conducting joint exercises;
       Whereas African governments are steadily taking a larger 
     role in the provision of security and peacekeeping on the 
     continent, due in part to United States security assistance 
     and training;
       Whereas Africa's growing importance is reflected in the 
     intensifying efforts of China, Russia, India, Iran, and other 
     countries to gain access to African resources and advance 
     their ties to the continent; and
       Whereas a more comprehensive, multi-faceted regional policy 
     is essential for the United States to operate effectively in 
     this increasingly competitive environment: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) congratulates the people of the 17 African nations that 
     in 2010 are marking the 50th year of their national 
     independence;
       (2) honors the lives of the ten of thousands of patriots, 
     including innocent civilians, who died, were imprisoned, or 
     otherwise dedicated their lives, often at great personal 
     sacrifice, to achieving African political independence;
       (3) commends the socioeconomic and political progress being 
     made by these nations, while acknowledging the associated 
     challenges that many still face;
       (4) recognizes Africa's significant strategic, political, 
     economic, and humanitarian importance to the United States; 
     and
       (5) renews the commitment of the United States to help the 
     people of sub-Saharan Africa to foster democratic rule, 
     advance civic

[[Page 12473]]

     freedom and participation, and promote market-based economic 
     growth, and to alleviate the burden of poverty and disease 
     that so many in the region continue to face.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Watson) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.


                             General Leave

  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for all Members to 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include 
extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution 
and yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Rush for introducing this resolution 
that recognizes the 50th anniversary of independence for 17 African 
countries.
  In the scramble for Africa between 1880 and the First World War, 
European countries extended their political and economic rule over the 
vast territory and resources of Africa. The colonizing powers saw this 
as an opportunity to continue commerce between Europe and Africa 
following the end of the slave trade.
  At the Berlin Conference of 1884, the European powers carved up 
Africa among themselves to suit their demand for gold, diamonds, 
minerals, and spices. The age of European imperialism ravaged the human 
and natural resources of the African continent.
  In 1941, President Roosevelt introduced the principle of the Economy 
of Imperial Colonies to Prime Minister Winston Churchill and started 
the debate over British and eventually all European imperialism. In 
1957, sub-Saharan Africa's post-colonial era began with the 
independence of Ghana. Over the following several decades, all other 
African countries won their independence and joined the international 
community of sovereign nations.
  Now, this resolution congratulates the people of the 17 African 
nations who celebrate their 50th year of national independence in 2010. 
The American people have benefited greatly from our relations with 
African nations during the past 50 years.
  African countries remain among our strongest allies in the world. We 
enjoy strong economic and political ties with many African countries, 
and we are the beneficiaries of strong cultural and social ties to 
Africa's people.

                              {time}  1945

  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this important 
resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1405, 
congratulating the people of 17 African nations on 50 years of 
independence and recognizing the importance of Africa to the United 
States.
  Fifty years ago, 17 African nations threw off the yoke of colonialism 
and established themselves as independent nations. Unfortunately, the 
past half century has been anything but peaceful or joyful for all too 
many of these states.
  Only two of the 17 nations we celebrate today--Mali and Benin--are 
considered to be free. One, Somalia, is virtually a collapsed state, 
and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a brutal civil war that 
continues in the east has claimed millions of lives and has spawned 
some of the worst human rights atrocities known to man. Yet there have 
been some successes, Mr. Speaker.
  African economies are growing at rates reminiscent of the great Asian 
tigers. Citizens are becoming increasingly aware of their rights and 
are demanding a greater stake in their economic and political futures, 
demanding accountability and driving the ``Big Men of Africa'' from 
office. Still, in Africa, independence has proven to be a necessary but 
insufficient condition for freedom.
  At a battlefield in Gettysburg, the great Abraham Lincoln honored the 
fallen by stating, ``We here highly resolve that these dead shall not 
have died in vain--that this Nation, under God, shall have a new birth 
of freedom--and that the government of the people, by the people, for 
the people, shall not perish from the Earth.''
  So, Mr. Speaker, on this 50th anniversary of independence for no less 
than 17 African nations, we stand in solidarity with the people who won 
their independence but who continue in their struggle for freedom.
  I urge my colleagues to support this timely and important resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Illinois, Bobby L. Rush.
  Mr. RUSH. I would like to begin by thanking Foreign Affairs Committee 
Chairman Howard Berman, Africa and Global Health Subcommittee Chairman 
Donald Payne, and my good friend Congresswoman Diane Watson. I also 
would like to thank Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Congressman Ed 
Royce for their constant leadership on African issues.
  This year, Mr. Speaker, 17 African nations are celebrating the 50th 
anniversary of their independence.
  1960 was an important year for those former French, British, and 
Italian colonies and protectorates. The triumphant march of a series of 
hard-fought victories that led to independence started on January 1 
with the nation of Cameroon, and it ended on November 28, 1960, with 
the nation of Mauritania's securing its independence from France.
  The resolution I am bringing to the floor today will honor the 
sacrifices of the founding fathers of these African nations. Little did 
they know then that a proud and supportive USA would today enter into 
our Nation's permanent history this well-deserved tribute to the 
thousands of unsung men and women who gave their lives based on the 
simple dream of freedom and on a desire to assert their self-
determination over the lives that only God could give them.
  We in the USA know something about that freedom and that 
determination.
  Chief among these visionary African leaders are Amadou Ahidjo in 
Cameroon; Kwame Nkrumah in Ghana; Patrice Lumumba in the Democratic 
Republic of the Congo; Leopold Senghor in Senegal; Thomas Sankara in 
Burkina Faso; Felix Houphouet Boigny in Cote d'Ivoire; and Julius 
Nyerere in Tanzania.
  This resolution also commends the socioeconomic and political 
progress being made by these nations while acknowledging the associated 
challenges that many still face today. Many of these nations have 
become democracies and are striving to break the links to past 
oppressions. Men and women of good faith work tirelessly to overcome 
the remnants of colonialism, neocolonialism, structural adjustments, 
internal and regional wars, and their own bureaucratic hurdles. They 
also face serious challenges beyond their control, which have been 
exacerbated by growing threats from the global financial crisis, 
climate change, and terrorism.
  Despite numerous challenges, many of the African nations we salute 
today are becoming economically, politically, and strategically 
important to the United States. Our Nation simply cannot afford to take 
Africa for granted nor can it afford to mistakenly see Africa as a 
desperate continent forever in need of charity from our Nation. 
Africa's growing economic importance is reflected in intensified 
efforts by China, Russia, India, Iran, and other nations which seek to 
gain access to Africa's vast natural resources.
  Some say we may need Africa more than Africa needs us, and it is 
clear that many African leaders are beginning to think the same way. 
Both sides are mistaken. We need each other now more than ever. It is 
time to solidify our economic and strategic partnership.

[[Page 12474]]

  I and others who support this resolution commend President Obama for 
his leadership in making our mutually beneficial partnership a reality 
by signing a binational commission agreement with South Africa, with 
Angola, and with Nigeria. We hope that the United States will soon 
adopt a similar strategic agreement with the entire Gulf of Guinea 
region.
  The White House has announced that President Obama will be hosting 
these 17 African heads of state and a group of younger, emerging 
leaders within these nations at a celebration that will mark the 50th 
anniversary later this summer. I would like to take this opportunity to 
commend our President for calling this summit. It was long overdue. I 
hope the invitation will be extended to other African nations as well.
  As Professor Paul Collier wrote in a recent article, entitled ``The 
Case for Investing in Africa,'' ``The continent is now growing much 
more rapidly than the OECD nations. It may well be on the cusp of a 
reversal of fortune.''
  It is time to revisit our relationship with the continent of Africa 
and to define a more comprehensive approach.
  I would encourage the administration to also establish a commission 
that will create a platform where human rights groups, the civil 
society, U.S., and African governments, financial institutions, the 
private sector, and the diaspora can formulate and implement a mutually 
beneficial and coordinated policy framework that advances democracy, 
economic growth, and prosperity in Africa.
  It is worth noting that the U.S. has already taken several steps that 
underline Africa's increasing importance. Our economy and its recovery 
are far more dependent on Africa than we have acknowledged to date, and 
so, too, is our national security.
  For these reasons, I urge you to vote for H.R. 1405, which celebrates 
the 50th anniversary of 17 African nations, recognizing that Africa is 
of significant strategic, political, economic, and humanitarian 
importance to the United States. It will renew the commitment of the 
United States and will help the people of the sub-Saharan Africa to 
foster democratic rule, to advance civic freedom, to promote market-
based economic growth, and to alleviate the burden of poverty and 
disease that so many in the region continue to face.
  This is only the first step, Mr. Speaker, to Africa's much needed 
transition into a global economy. However, this step is the right one 
as we undertake the long overdue transformation and our own approach 
toward Africa and our own belief in the African people and in the 
African continent.
  Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1405, a 
resolution celebrating 50 Years of African Independence. The seventeen 
African countries celebrating their political independence are: 
Cameroon, Togo, Mali, Senegal, Madagascar, Democratic Republic of 
Congo, Somalia, Benin, Niger, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Chad, 
Central Africa Republic, Congo, Gabon, Nigeria and Mauritania.
  This resolution is important because democratic principles have 
flourished in many African countries over the past decade. Indeed, more 
than two-thirds of sub-Saharan African countries have held democratic 
elections since 2000. Moreover, several nations, from Senegal to 
Tanzania, and from Ghana to Zambia have seen successful power changes 
over the past decade. The Unites States Department of State has 
expressed its commitment to supporting African efforts to fortify 
government accountability and overall good governance, which is crucial 
to the continent's future growth and global influence.
  The resolution commends the socio-economic and political progress 
being made by African countries, while acknowledging the associated 
challenges that many still face. According to a June 2010 McKinsey 
Global Institute report entitled `Lions on the Move: The Progress and 
Potential of African Economies,' over the past decade ``Africa's 
economic pulse has quickened, infusing the continent with new 
commercial vibrancy.'' Africa's combined consumer spending in 2008 was 
$860 billion, and America is committed to partnering with African 
nations to foster economic development, entrepreneurship and trade in 
the continent.
  Kofi Annan, Chair of the Africa Progress Panel (APP) recently noted 
that `Africa's future is in its own hands, but that success in managing 
its own affairs depends on supportive global policies and agreements.' 
H. Res. 1405 comes at a time when the world is taking notice of 
Africa's great progress in recent years and it reaffirms the United 
States' commitment to growth and prosperity in Africa.
  I commend the House for passing this important resolution.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 
1405: ``Congratulating the people of the 17 African nations that in 
2010 are marking the 50th year of their national independence.'' As a 
cosponsor of this resolution, I am proud to acknowledge the progress 
made by these 17 nations as well as the other African nations that 
gained independence in the early 1960s. The 17 African nations that 
gained independence in 1960 are:
  The Republic of Cameroon (January 1, 1960);
  The Togolese Republic (April 27, 1960);
  The Republic of Mali (June 20, 1960);
  The Republic of Senegal (June 20, 1960);
  The Republic of Madagascar (June 26, 1960);
  The Democratic Republic of the Congo (June 30, 1960);
  Somalia gained its independence on (July 1, 1960);
  The Republic of Benin (August 1, 1960);
  The Republic of Niger (August 3, 1960);
  Burkina Faso (August 5, 1960);
  The Republic of Cote d'Ivoire (August 7, 1960);
  The Republic of Chad (August 11, 1960);
  The Central African Republic (August 13, 1960);
  The Republic of the Congo (August 15, 1960);
  The Gabonese Republic (August 17, 1960);
  The Federal Republic of Nigeria (October 1, 1960); and
  The Islamic Republic of Mauritania (November 28, 1960)
  When the nations in Africa gained independence during the 1960s and 
1970s, there was an expectation that the end of colonialism would usher 
in a new era of representative government in which the people of these 
new nations could freely choose a government that represented their 
interests. Fifty years after independence, however, the progress of 
these nations has been mixed at best. In many nations, progress has 
failed to match expectations as the people of these new nations 
struggled to shed the yoke of their colonial legacies. These legacies 
include inorganic borders and inherited systems of patronage.
  Although many African nations were dealt a difficult hand, the 
continent's new leaders, by in large, sought to consolidate and retain 
power rather than embrace political systems defined and strengthened by 
their diversity. Since independence, transfer of political power has 
consistently been a thorn in the side of side of most African nations.
  Although many of the challenges of broadening and democratizing 
political participation in Africa rests in the hands of a few `big 
men,' there are also significant challenges at local levels. Today, 
millions of people in Africa are stateless. Some because their births 
were never recorded, others because they belong to the `wrong' ethnic 
group. Civil conflicts in Cote d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of 
Congo and numerous other countries have been fuelled if not created by 
pernicious citizenship policies that sever the link between certain 
parts of the population and the state. As rebel leader in the Ivory 
Coast reportedly exclaimed, ``Give us our identity cards and we hand 
over our Kalashnikovs.'' This, to me, captures both the tension and the 
stakes in play. The people of Sudan, the DRC, Guinea, and others have 
long since passed the point where they can afford to be at war. It is 
imperative that we work to end conflicts and facilitate governments 
that reflect the will of the people.
  While we must remain vigilant in our scrutiny of those leaders who 
stifle democracy, we must also recognize leaders who promote democracy 
even if it imperils their own political position. Last summer, I 
visited Ghana and saw a democracy that is heading in the right 
direction. During the December 2008 Presidential elections, John Atta 
Mills of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) won the election in an 
extremely narrow victory that required a run-off with Nana Akufo-Addo 
of the former ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Domestic and 
international observers deemed the election free and fair. Facilitating 
mature democracies requires us to find ways to encourage leaders to 
relinquish power, and I think we can improve our use of these 
`carrots.'
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this 
resolution and renew the commitment of the United States to help the 
people of sub-Saharan Africa to foster democratic rule, advance civic 
freedom and participation, and promote market-based economic growth, 
and to alleviate the burden of poverty and disease that so many in the 
region continue to face. We must also remember to keep

[[Page 12475]]

``fifty years of independence'' in context. Fifty years may seem like a 
long time, but consider America's own history when, fifty years after 
independence, the country had not yet had experienced its civil war.
  Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my best wishes to 
the people of Somalia living throughout the world on the 50th 
anniversary of Somali Independence.
  It is my pleasure and honor to represent a large and vibrant Somali-
American community in Minnesota. I want to offer my congratulations on 
this special day as they continue to work to advance the cause of 
peace.
  I am grateful for the contributions of Somali-Americans to 
Minnesota's rich tradition of diversity. The Somali-American community 
continues to enrich our state through its lively culture, optimism, and 
wisdom.
  Sadly, Somalis in their homeland have endured a tremendous amount of 
strife and suffering. On this anniversary we must continue to focus on 
diplomatic efforts to create a lasting peace for the people of Somalia. 
I continue to have faith that renewed diplomatic efforts will lead to 
good governance, respect for human rights, and democracy for the people 
of Somalia.
  Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res 1405, a 
resolution celebrating 50 Years of African independence. I thank Mr. 
Rush for sponsoring this important resolution and for his work as a 
champion for Africa here in Congress. Mr. Rush's leadership, along with 
that of Representatives Donald Payne and Ed Royce, in shaping policies 
that help foster economic vitality and good governance on the continent 
is truly commendable.
  I was a lead cosponsor of this resolution because it recognizes the 
importance of good governance and democratic principles, which have 
flourished in many African countries over the past decade. Indeed, more 
than two-thirds of sub-Saharan African countries have held democratic 
elections since 2000. Moreover, several nations, from Senegal to 
Tanzania, and from Ghana to Zambia have seen successful power changes 
over the past decade. The United States Department of State has 
expressed its commitment to supporting African efforts to fortify 
government accountability and overall good governance, which is crucial 
to the continent's future growth and global influence.
  The resolution commends the socio-economic and political progress 
being made by African countries, while acknowledging the associated 
challenges that many still face. According to a June 2010 McKinsey 
Global Institute report entitled ``Lions on the Move: The Progress and 
Potential of African Economies,'' over the past decade ``Africa's 
economic pulse has quickened, infusing the continent with new 
commercial vibrancy.'' Africa's combined consumer spending in 2008 was 
$860 billion, and America is committed to partnering with African 
nations to foster economic development, entrepreneurship and trade in 
the continent.
  Kofi Annan, Chair of the Africa Progress Panel (APP) recently noted 
that ``Africa's future is in its own hands, but that success in 
managing its own affairs depends on supportive global policies and 
agreements.'' H. Res. 1405 comes at a time when the world is taking 
notice of Africa's great progress in recent years and it reaffirms the 
United States' commitment to growth and prosperity in Africa.
  This resolution is a celebration of the hope that resonates in the 
hearts and minds of the many Africans, African Americans, policymakers, 
and NGOs that are committed to Africa's progress and prosperity. I urge 
my colleagues to vote in favor of this important resolution.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, today I celebrate the fiftieth 
anniversary of the Year of Africa--that pivotal year of 1960 when 
seventeen African nations gained independence from European colonial 
rule. On this day, in this year, and in the many years to come, we mark 
this milestone given that, as Americans, we know first-hand how 
precious freedom truly is, and the heavy price it often takes to attain 
it.
  At the center of our connection to Africa is a simple concept: to be 
free. What does it mean to be free? For centuries, philosophers, 
revolutionaries, and politicians alike have debated this very question. 
While I do not claim to be an expert, I humbly believe that being free 
means having the freedom to reach one's full potential. Whether that 
means having the resources to pursue a passion in academia or the 
support and finances to raise a healthy family, this freedom can mean 
many things to many people, and for a lot of us, we were gifted with 
this freedom from birth.
  For many, however, freedom is not a gift, but a goal. In the United 
States alone, more than thirty-seven million citizens live in poverty 
and look so far ahead as to the next meal, much less dreams for the 
distant future. For Africa, the numbers and the situations are even 
more daunting. In the Republic of Madagascar, one of the first African 
nations to gain independence in 1960, more than two-thirds of the 
population lives below the international poverty threshold of $1.25 a 
day. Throughout Africa, instability and poverty persist. Between the 
unprecedented rates for various deadly diseases, the bloody ethnic 
clashes, languishing economies, and notoriously corrupt government 
bodies, it is hard to celebrate this ``freedom'' that they have 
attained without realizing the long-lasting consequences of Colonial 
rule and injustice. For these people, in the same countries that 
celebrated freedom from European powers just decades and years ago, 
true freedom is still, but a goal.
  As policymakers, we work toward fulfilling the promises of our 
founding fathers and the generations of leaders that have come after 
them. Their message is simple: to achieve freedom. We must remember 
today, tomorrow, and for every day of the foreseeable future that while 
we have come far from our colonial days, there are still many people 
who have not yet achieved that freedom. We must remember, too, that our 
Nation was once in the same situation as the many African nations are 
in today, and that we must support their progress and efforts toward 
helping their citizens fulfill their potential. While we celebrate this 
year as a cornerstone of their struggle toward attaining freedom, we 
must also remember that more change is needed to attain our shared 
promise.
  Mr. McMAHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 1405, a 
Resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the independence and 
self-determination of seventeen African nations from the rule of 
France, Italy and Great Britain.
  The United States of America is dedicated to the advancement of 
freedom and democracy, and the African nations have proven to be open 
to the process of democratization, despite the many obstacles that have 
stood in their way. These nations have fought, struggled, and died for 
independence, just as our ancestors did, and for these reasons the 
United States shares a bond with the African continent and its diverse 
inhabitants.
  The United States is dedicated to strengthening its relationship with 
the African continent and the seventeen nations recognized through this 
resolution can serve as partners in this endeavor. I also would like to 
take the time to honor all those Americans on the ground that are 
working to advance democracy, civic freedom and formulating the 
conditions to foster stable economic growth.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 
50th anniversary of these seventeen nation's independence while 
pledging a renewed commitment to furthering the significant 
relationship we have maintained with our counterparts on the African 
continent.
  I invite the members of the House to join me in supporting H. Res. 
1405.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1405, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

                          ____________________