Afrika N‪å‬ Fellesrådet for Afrika

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently in the process of developing a new Norwegian strategy for Africa. Africa, with its 55 states, is developing fast and the changing geopolitical situation in the world is also an important backdrop. Many countries in the world are now intensifying their diplomatic ties with African countries.

For the last decade the African continent has seen economic growth, population growth, demand for rare mineral resources and climate change. African countries are both experiencing great possibilities and challenges. What does this mean for Norway's partnership with African countries and what should we prioritize the coming years?

What are the most important goals a new Africa strategy should contain? How do Norway ensure that the strategy considers the different historic and political context of each country and promote African states' own agency and development on their terms? And what role could and should the African diaspora in Norway play in this process and in developing foreign and development policies in general?

The Niger Delta in Nigeria has endured extensive environmental degradation due to decades of oil exploration activities. One of the major companies to have operated in the region is Shell. Communities in the Niger Delta have faced pollution, loss of livelihoods and health crises and Shell's operation in the country have been mired in some of the most serious human rights violations and ecological pollution.

Their plan now is to divest from onshore operations, seemingly an attempt to absolve them of their responsibility for decades of environmental degradation and community disenfranchisement.
Shell is not operating in a vacuum. Many of the big oil companies (including Equinor) are divesting from high emission areas.

What responsibilities do oil companies have for the damages they have caused in the local communities? What are the dilemmas regarding divestment strategies and how can civil society and environmental organizations tackle this? And how can we ensure empowerment of indigenous capital in fossil extraction?

Human rights violations against East African migrant workers in the Gulf States have prompted growing concern. Human Rights Watch recently reported a tragic incident where hundreds of Ethiopians lost their lives while attempting to cross the border into Saudi Arabia. The pervasive Kafala system, binding workers to their employers, further exacerbates the challenges faced by migrant workers in the region.

In this panel discussion, our primary goal is to illuminate the gravity of human rights violations faced by migrant workers from East African nations in the Gulf States. This specific group has endured prolonged mistreatment in the region. The advent of social media and increased awareness has empowered these migrant workers to share their harrowing experiences by posting pictures and videos depicting their difficult conditions in the Gulf States. Join us as we explore these critical issues, delving into the challenges faced by East African migrant workers in the Gulf States and how they can be resolved.

Michelle Bachelet, former UN high commissioner for human rights, said: "young people are always at the forefront of crisis - and fighting for a better future." This is also true in African countries, where young activists have led big movements such as #EndSARS and Fridays for Future.

Come join us in celebrating five young human rights defenders working on climate, debt issues and student activism. Why did they become activists in the first place, what have they learned from their engagement and what are their biggest wins?

In August Zimbabwe headed to the polls again and on the 26th of August the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission announced that Emmerson Mnangagwa had been re-elected after gaining a majority of votes. The opposition 'Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)' refused this victory, stating instead that they, with leader Nelson Chamisa, had won. The opposition also accused ZANU-PF of rigging and voter suppression.

What has happened in the country since Mugabe was forced to resign? Were the elections free and fair? How has the opposition been treated during and after the elections? What is happening with the economic situation in the country that was a major concern for many before the elections? Does Nelson Chamisa have what it takes to unite the opposition or has he outplayed his role as leader? What is life like for ordinary Zimbabweans today?

According to the Human Rights Watch World Report 2023 Eritrea's government is continuing to severely repress its population and imposing restrictions on freedom of expression, opinion and faith. At the end of 2021 there were almost 600 000 Eritreans refugees and asylum seekers abroad.

We have seen clashes between Eritreans in several European cities, including in Bergen and Oslo. Why are Eritreans fighting each other in Norway? How is the Eritrean regime operating here and how does it affect the human rights of the Eritrean diaspora? What is the human rights situation in Eritrea like at the moment?