wfn.org | AACC - Nyansako-ni-Nku Says Justice Rare in Africa

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

All Africa Conference of Churches
Mitch Odero - AACC Information Desk
E-mail:  infodesk@aacc-ceta.org
Tel: 254-020-882021/22 (up to February 4th)
Fax: 254-020-4443241/4445835

February 3rd 2004

PRESS RELEASE

Justice a rare commodity in Africa
By Mitch Odero

Justice has become a rare commodity in Africa, the President of the All 
Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) Rev. Dr. Nyansako-ni-Nku observed today.

Stressing that there can be no peace in Africa without justice Rev. Nku 
called on the church in Africa to undertake its duty of ensuring that 
justice is realized in the affairs of the people of Africa.

The AACC President was sharing his reflections on the topic building 
structures that sustain justice and peace during a meeting of AACC General 
Committee in Nairobi.  The Committee is the AACC policy making organ.  Its 
members are drawn from all over Africa.

He noted that "the rich and powerful are trampling upon the fundamental 
human rights of our people while some zealous state authorities break the 
law with impunity".

Rebuilding of Africa, he went on, "requires that structures be introduced 
whereby our nations will no longer be ruled by petty tyrants".

He called for a new Africa with political systems which guarantee "a 
functional democracy in which everybody will feel a sense of belonging 
rather than banishing those without the right connections or politically 
correct, to the fringes."

Rev. Nku gave an eight point proposal for the development of a new Africa 
as follows:

1. A functional democracy which shall guarantee the right of every citizen 
to participate in the decision making process.
2. The organization of free and fair election in which people can freely 
choose their leaders
3. The existence of an independent judiciary in which all citizens are 
equal before the law, so that the culture of impunity can be eliminated.
4. Transparency in the management of public affairs, including especially 
national resources and state finances.
5. The eradication of corruption in national life.
6. The just and equitable distribution of social amenities.
7. The establishment of structures for the peaceful resolution of conflicts 
between individuals, groups and tribes.
8. The peaceful co-existence of different religious affiliations.