Today, many African countries struggle with the problems caused by colonization; however there are many positive developments which provide hope. Reformers within some African countries have helped to create organizations to monitor elections which have resulted in valid results. The work of intergovernmental organizations such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the United Nations had helped to provide some African countries with debt relief and strategies for disarmament.
In Sierra Leone, the recent elections were hailed as a success due to the work of domestic and international organizations
. The National Election Commission of Sierra Leone was formed to oversee elections and ensure a fair outcome. With the help of IFES, a non-profit group that works to promote democracy the 2007 elections in Sierra Leone were fair and free. The NEC was able to monitor the elections and deal with any reports of ballot stuffing or other fraud. The organization efficiently dealt with claims of voter fraud by investigating the allegations and then invalidating the fraudulent ballots. The commission was also able to educate voters and increase voter registration which helps in the legitimacy of the election. For more information on the elections see this article by the BBC.
Another problem plaguing African countries has been national debt. Many times the debt is caused by corrupt government officials stealing money and putting it in foreign bank accounts. However, the World Bank and the United Nations have stepped in and are helping these countries regain their stolen assets. In the case of Nigeria, $505 million dollars was returned due to the aid of the World Bank and United Nations. To read more about the debt relief please see the International Herald Tribune article.
The United Nations is also working towards disarming soldiers by setting up programs which promote the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of soldiers. These programs are being implemented in Cote d’ Ivoire and if everything goes as planned around 50,000 soldiers on both sides will disarm and return to civilian life. This transition from military to civilian life will be aided by the reintegration programs which teach them job skills. The UN is also working with the governments of Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the disarmament of the soldiers in these countries. For more information relating to these programs see this article from the United Nations website.
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