Open Society News: Africa

The United Nations, at a special session on HIV/AIDS in June, warned that the disease was spreading rapidly in Russia, Central Asia, and South America. But it also urged the world to provide greater assistance to Africa, which lies at the heart of the epidemic. The countries of Africa and the outside world must strive to combat HIV/AIDS. Otherwise, moves to develop open, democratic societies will come under threat. And the continent will be all the more vulnerable to violent, demagogic alternatives.

This issue of OSN provides examples of programs that are empowering people to confront immediate problems such as HIV/AIDS and violence as well as build enduring communities and institutions. Whether it is Nigerian women learning preventative measures to avoid HIV/AIDS or South Africans coming together to build their own housing, the stories in this issue illustrate the Soros network’s role in encouraging people throughout Africa to improve their lives and strengthen their communities through legal, democratic processes. Following years of turmoil, these activities are a welcome move toward meaningful change.

Yet the challenges facing Africa remain substantial. There must be careful consideration of which policies will enable long-term solutions. In addition to describing programs, this issue features several authors who examine the policies dealing with conflict resolution, press freedom, electoral reform, and economic development in Africa today. While these analyses may prompt debate, the contrast of long-term policy questions with grassroots activities aims to generate thoughtful commentary and provide a sense of the possibilities for building open societies in Africa.

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