April 16, 1999

African activists share stories, hopes for future

Loyola hosted a community discussion with two activists from Africa. The visit was designed to promote better understanding of issues facing African nations ranging from arms control to economic development.

Under the umbrella “African Peace Tour,” 12 scholars and activists visited 40 campuses across the United States from April 10 through April 16. The activists were on Loyola campus on Thursday, April 15, at 7 p.m.

According to tour organizers, the Africans hope their interactions with college students and people from across the country will help to improve U.S. geopolitical and economic policies toward Africa. Because understanding is usually achieved through education, the activists will discuss diverse cultures, religions, and economic and social structures on the African continent. African concerns–stopping the flow of arms in their communities, stemming the outflow of natural and human resources, preventing violence, and seeking an economic livelihood for all people–parallel those in the United States. Consequently, the African Peace Tour seeks to promote organized American citizen action that will influence U.S. policies toward Africa.

The two speakers who visited Loyola were Bakary Tandia, a human rights activist from Mauritania, and Rebecca Wakuteka, a singer/songwriter from Democratic Republic of the Congo. Tandia has been especially active on the issue of slavery, physical abuse, and land expropriation. Wakuteka uses her voice and lyrics to speak out against the ongoing fighting in central Africa and the fear and tension Africans live under in the region.

The African Peace Tour is sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths committed to social justice, peace, and humanitarian service.