Famine Crimes: Politics and the Disaster Relief Industry in Africa

About this book

Can Africa avoid famine? When freedom from famine is a basic right or a political imperative, famine is prevented. Case studies demonstrate such successes but they are not often acknowledged or repeated. Who is responsible for the failures? African governments, western donors and international relief agencies all contribute to the problem. What is the role of international relief agencies? Relief has helped to fuel war and undermine democratic accountability. What is the way forward? Progress lies in bringing the fight against famine into democratic politics, and calling to account those guilty of creating famine. Published in association with the International African Institute North America: Indiana U Press

Contents

Rights and entitlements; the conquest of famine in Africa 1900-1985; a fragile obligation to famine relief; retreat from accountability I; neo-liberalism and adjustment; retreat from accountability II; the humanitarian international - Sudan 1972-93; privatizinf famine - Northern Ethiopia; revolution, war-famine and two models of relief - the end of the Cold War; a new humanitarian dispensation - Somalia 1991-92; famine and relief after the state - humanitarian impunity; Somalia 1993 and Rwanda 1991-92; Eastern Zaire 1996 - the fundraisers' catastrophe; political contracts and humanitarian dilemmas.

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