International criminal justice - my summer

After a great meal with a friend currently in law school, we begun to talk about international criminal justice. He's taking one such class and as we talked about the many topics that plague international justice now (and for many years), it reminded me to post my blog about my summer at the Special Court for Sierra Leone in Freetown, Sierra and in the international capital of international law, the Hague.

Sierra Leone
I will write more about life in Sierra Leone later. Now I want to tell you about my experience at the Special Court. I took the summer off to learn more about international criminal law and practice and what better place was there than the Special Court? The prosecution team was very knowledgable and helpful as I settled in. We were working on the sentencing appeals in the RUF trial. For more information go to http://www.sc-sl.org/CASES/ProsecutorvsSesayKallonandGbaoRUFCase/RUFSummaryoftheCharges/tabid/185/Default.aspx . In addition to the legal experience, it was interesting to learn more about the history of the war, the subsequent reconclilation and better yet the resilience of the people.

The Hague
I had to leave Sierra Leone early to attend the Hague Academy. That was great. Housed in the International Court of Justice I had the opportunity not only to learn a lot of legal theory, but also the opportunity to meet some of the world's best jurists at the ICJ (from left to right: Judge Burgenthal, Judge Koroma, Judge Trindade). I also met a lot of lawyers from around the world all doing interesting stuff. I was inspired.

That said, my friend and I are still debating how to improve the international criminal system. We have concluded that a lot more is being done than has been done in the past and as young lawyers we hope to continue to contribute to the betterment of the system.

African Social Enterprise Forum

The African Social Enterprise Forum--Saturday September 26,2009 at the Desmond Tutu Center, NYC--will have at least US$4 billion social investment capital represented as well as senior executives from leading social entrepreneurship organizations such as Acumen Fund, the Rockefeller Foundation, Endeavor, Ashoka and Social Private Equity South Africa.


The forum will respond to the question raised at the Skoll Forum, "Are the Only Innovations in Social Entrepreneurship Anglo-Saxon?", by highlighting Africa's most innovative, world class social entrepreneurial solutions.

I am very happy to be speaking about the structural, regulatory and legal requirements for setting up different types of businesses in Africa.

Please visit www.asef2009.weebly.com to register.

Sierra Leone – Virgin territories: A new market for innovative investment.

I've been in Sierra Leone for close to three weeks now and so far it has been great. I am here doing several things: 1. working as an intern for the Office of Prosecution at the United Nations Special Court for Sierra Leone 2. scoping out investment and entrepreneurship opportunities for Transitional Trade 3. helping organize TAN CON SL, whose theme is above "Sierra Leone – Virgin territories: A new market for innovative investment" (trying to get in some much needed rest and relaxation by going to the beach every other day is also high on my agenda).

So far, working on an appeals case at the Court is needless to say, interesting. As a transactional attorney now working on a litigation matter, it is great to put into practice skills I haven't really used since law school. It is also great to see a practical application of international law. I'll deal more with the Court at a later date.

Sierra Leone is not only very peaceful, it is very beautiful and there is great investor potential. This post conflict country has opportunities in reconstruction as well as construction in different sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, telecommunications, water etc. Name it and there is probably great potential. As we organize this year's conference, we not only aim to highlight what Sierra Leone has to offer, but I also aim to engage investors and would be investors in dialogue about the importance of social investment in Africa as well as corporate social responsibility.

I'll continue to post as I can, but for now, I bid you farewell from sweet Salone.

A Promise to Be Ethical in an Era of Immorality

I was reading the New York Times Article entitled "A Promise to Be Ethical in an Era of Immorality" and it got me thinking about doing business in post conflict countries. Is there a way that business leaders doing business in those areas (and the rest of the world for that matter) can take a similar oath to be ethical? If that were possible would the blood diamond conflict in Sierra Leone have happened? Would the war in the Congo currently be taking place? I can go on, but I don't think it's necessary to list all the wars and conflicts that have arisen as a result of unethical business leaders.

How can ethics lessons be taught to business leaders at all levels from the smallest of business owners to business leaders heading multinationals? Can you imagine if there was enforcement all over the world if such "promises" were broken? How can such lessons be adapted in post conflict countries' business environments?

During our orientation as freshmen at Davidson College, we too, had to sign an honor code pledging to uphold the highest standards of integrity. I really believe that Davidson College produces ethical leaders. I'm glad that more schools are adopting such practices.

I hope we can find out the answers/solutions fast because I think that we have the opportunity to prevent future conflicts.


To read the article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/30/business/30oath.html?_r=2&em

Iron ladies of Africa that have inspired me

Left to right: Ms. Wureh, Esq. (Chair of the International Colloquium, Jacqueline Musiitwa, Esq., Minister King-Akerele, Liberian Foreign Affairs Minister)

For the past month I have been negligent about updating the blog. Being super busy is not an excuse (even though it has been super busy). I have taken time out during the past month to learn and absorb a lot of what has been hapening around the world. I have continued to post Twitter updates of news that is relevant to Transitional Trade`s work. Sad to say, the situation in the Congo and Darfur remain the same, violence in Sri Lanka, Iraq and Pakistan has escalated. It is sometimes disheartening for me because as one conflict subsides, another arises. Not all is grim though. A few weeks ago I attended a dinner hosted by Ambassador Barnes fo Liberia at which several other Liberian politicians and business people were congregated to discuss the trade potentials in Liberia. I was especially inspired by the words of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable King-Akerele who challenged everyone in the room to find the many opportunities in Liberia and take part in Liberia`s continuing success. The night after I was one of many who saw President Sirleaf-Johnson discuss her new book, This Child Will be Great. It was such a humbling experience to see such an accomplished woman discuss her trials abd tribulations and better yet learn how she overcame them. Then, two weeks ago, I moderated a panel at the Stanford African Business Forum, where many speakers gave updates on the postive developments taking place in Africa`s economy. The Honorable Amina Ali, African Union Ambassador to the United States spoke about Africa`s potential to grow into a greater trade force than it is. Indeed, Africa is ready for business. Lastly, this past weekend I moderated a panel at the Rwanda Convention which was held in Montreal, Canada where the Rwandan Minister of Commerce, Monique N`Sanzabaganwa spoke about all of the positive developments being made in Rwanda to improve the trading and investment environment.

Left to right: Jacqueline Musiitwa, Esq., Ambassador Amina Ali, African Union Ambassador to the United States

One of the most impressive elements of all of the above spokespersons for Africa is that they are all female. At the end of the day, an effective leader is an effective leader regardless of gender, but I think that the fact that at long last African women are taking such prominent roles in the public sector is an inspiration to us, the younger generation of aspiring leaders.

Africa related conferences I spoke at this weekend

This past weekend I had the pleasure of speaking at the Columbia African Economic Forum. I was a panelist on the Law & Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: Globalized Markets & Legal Regimes (http://www.sipa.columbia.edu/aef/law.html) and a moderator for the Post-Conflict Economic Development (http://www.sipa.columbia.edu/aef/post-conflict.html).

I had a great weekend interacting with people in different sectors and brainstorming creative solutions to Africa's problems. Better yet, several people and I got together to start taking action rather than just speaking. I was very inspired by the people I met.

The keynote speakers, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, William Kamkwamba, George Ayittey, were phenomenal. Great job Columbia!

I also spoke at the “Neo-Imperialism” in Post-Independence Africa:
Definitions, Case Studies and Human Impacts at Yale University. I also met some interesting people and learned a lot about different aspects of Neo-Imperialism in Africa. http://www.yale.edu/macmillan/african/Neo-ImperialismSchedule.pdf

I am even more ready than I was before to be of service to Africa.

Presiden Kagame of Rwanda interviewed on HARDtalk

Watch the interview with President Kagame of Rwanda. Some touch questions about Rwanda's role in the Congo are posed. A must see.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/hardtalk/7948535.stm

Is Sudanization of aid Sudan's solution?

After the ICC put out a warrant for Al-Bashir's arrest, the Sudanese government retaliated by expelling foreign aid workers. This seems counterproductive when many aid agencies are not directly involved with lobbying the countries of their origin. Also, aid agencies provide relief for citizens that the government is failing to provide for.

The idea that aid agencies are somehow a threat to the governement or that by expelling them the international community will see where the power in Sudan lies makes no sense. If the government wants more Sudanese to work with aid agencies then the government should enable more Sudanese to get trained in those skills. If the government wants to implement Sudanese solutions to Sudanese problems, that is okay provided that the Sudanese government is fair to all its citizens and protects the human rights of all. Unfortunately that is not the case.

I fear that expelling aid agencies and alienating the international community will for regions like Darfur (other parts of the country are doing much better as a result of the exploitation of oil) result in humanitarian crisis similar to that in Zimbabwe. Did not Zimbabwe start its downward spiral with similar "pro Zimbabwe" sounding slogans? Where did that leave the country? I am in full support of African solutions to African problems, however I believe that diplomacy with the African Union and the rest of the international community is essential. I also think that learning from countries like Zimbabwe will help save many lives, livelihoods and the current stage of development.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=30201&Cr=darfur&Cr1=

A warrant it out for Al Bashir's arrest

After about a year, the prosecutors in the case finally got a warrant for the arrest of Sudanese president Omar Al Bashir. This is a powerful message that the international community will not sit back as leaders commit or allow crimes against humanity to be commited to their people.

There are several legal issues, including whether or not Al Bashir can be arrested. According to Sudan's law, a head of state has immunity from criminal prosecution during his term. That said, nothing in Sudan's law or international law has recognized immunity for crimes against humanity.

This is definately a case I will continue to follow.

http://www.amnestyusa.org/document.php?id=ENGNAU200903049632&lang=e&rss=recentnews

Transitional justice in the Hague

One the one hand, prison sentences were handed to five senior officials in the government of the Milosevic government and on the other hand, former Serb president Milutinovic was acquitted.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/27/world/europe/27hague.html?_r=1&ref=world

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/02/26/world/AP-EU-War-Crimes-Kosovo.html?em

Sierra Leone rebels brought to book

Three rebels found guilty of heinous crimes during the war in Sierra Leone were found finally brought to book. The biggest question is whether people in the future will be deterred from committing such crimes based on the verdict in this and other cases of the Special Court for Sierra Leone.

Also, what next for Charles Taylor?

http://www.abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=6953628

Howard African Business Conference

This weekend I attended the Howard African Business Conference. For only having been the second annual conference, the organizers did a great job. My panel, Entrepreneurship, show cased myself, albeit briefly since I was moderating, Dr. Ajayi, an optometrist from Lagos with great goals of providing quality access eye care to all in need in Lagos and Mr. Phillips, the founder and CEO of Phillips Consulting, a consulting firm based in Nigeria and South Africa. I met lots of interesting people and was once again motivated to do more for Africa.

http://www.howardabc.com/

Survival versus environmental protection

Liberia's Sapo National Park is facing that dilemma. Per the article, in a country where over 85% of the population is unemployed, it is no wonder people are resorting to illegal mining in the forests. The issues for Ms. Johnson and her government are how to create more jobs generally and also how to protect national forests.

http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-02-20-voa57.cfm

Thomas Friedman, the bailout and start ups

Now Friedman might be onto something here. It might lead to the resparking of the start up sector. What if the money from the bailout plan was given to entrepreneurs? Better yet, what if the money were given to social entrepreneurs? Not only would we create jobs, but the social and environmental causes would benefit too. I am not proposing taking money away from the auto industry, banking or the mortgage industry, I am proposing coming up with more innovative ways to bounce back the economy. Considering the fact that the government wants to add more money to the plan, perhaps we need to rally the government's focus on social enterprise.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/22/opinion/22friedman.html?em

I spoke at the Harvard African Business Conference

On Saturday I was a panelist on the Investing in Post Conflict Countries in Africa panel at the Harvard African Business Conference. It was a great forum at which to learn about various topics relating to the business environment in Africa. I met a lot of great people and learned a lot. A special thanks to the organizers.

http://www.hbsafricaconference.com/custpage.cfm/frm/14557/sec_id/14557

El Salvador, the environment and corporate social responsibility

The Salvadorian government launched a "Green Network" to encourage good environment practices and also increase corporate social responsibility.

http://www.temasactuales.com/temasblog/environmental-protection/el-salvador-launches-green-network-on-corporate-environmental-responsibility/

Conflict and Investment in Madagascar

I have been waiting for mainstream US media to put the spotlight on the violence in Madagascar, but nothing. Many of my Twitter friends are doing a great job of providing updated information otherwise I wonder if I would have even know about the conflict. Then again, it took years for the crisis in the Congo to receive continuous attention in the New York Times. I am not a fan of highlighting only the negative aspects of Africa, but I think it is important to inform citizens of the world of what is going on.

With violence comes detrimental consequences. The latest in Madagascar is a potential pullout by South Korea of funding for a farming project. What should an investor do when the country they are looking to invest in is unstable? How soon after conflict should an investor invest? Who is to say that the violence won't remain localized and not even affect the area where the farm was to operate?

I shall continue to keep the people in Madagascar in my thoughts.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i5LtbH2-oNaYQ47us9pfjNTjaKLw

A story with a happy beginning

Sierra Leone is set to open its first stock exchange. This is exciting news considering that this is their first exchange and also it was not too long ago that the country was engaged in a brutal war. This is a great sign that despite all odds, Africa continues to prosper.

Check it out:
http://www.africanews.com/site/list_messages/22904

Good news for Ethiopia

From a posting on the AngelAfrica site:

Ethiopia announced perhaps the first sub-sovereign corporate bondaimed at the diaspora. A release by the Ethiopian Ministry of ForeignAffairs says that the bond launched on December 23rd will providefunds to the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCO) forinvestments which will increase power supply to the nation, where only27 percent of the people currently have access to electricity.The government-guarante ed bond will be issued for a minimumdenomination of US$500, maturing in 5, 7 or 10 years (with interestrates of 4%, 4.5% and 5% respectively) . The interest earned would befree of income tax. The news that companies in developing countriesare starting view migrants as a potential source of external (hardcurrency) finance is indeed noteworthy.


Check out:


http://peoplemove.%20worldbank.%20org/en/content/%20ethiopia-%20announces-%20first-diaspora-%20corporate-%20bond

The new year so far

The new year has started on a chaotic note for the Palestinians and Israelis, cholera is still killing many in Zimbabwe, and the political future of Guinea remains uncertain. On the upside, the Bush government has authorized emergency supplies shipments to Darfur and the Obama administration starts its term in a week and a half or so which brings new hope for change in US foreign policy.

For 2009, I look forward to following world events and continuing to make a difference.