Written evidence from Tearfund (UKA0006)

1. How effective is the FCO's ‘New approach to Sub-Saharan Africa?’  Is it clear what this approach is trying to achieve?  Is it an effective means of delivering UK influence in the continent?

1.1 Whilst we are supportive of the focus on growing economic partnerships with Africa, we believe that the UK can continue to play an important role in the promotion of democracy and good governance in Africa, particularly in contexts where civil society is disempowered by repressive governments. Therefore, in pursuing ‘win-win partnerships’, key mechanisms need to be in place to ensure that the ‘win’ for African countries is benefiting the population as a whole, rather than specific groups. The New Approach does not mention the standards of human rights, governmental accountability, or commitments to preventing corruption which the UK will hold partner African countries to account for, as part of the conditions of partnerships. Neither does it identify the mechanisms which will be used to hold partner governments to account in such areas. A key building block of DFID’s Building Stability Framework is ‘fair power structures’ and to  ‘broaden inclusion, accountability and transparency’[1]. With 35 sub-Saharan African countries classified as ‘fragile’[2] we would welcome greater clarity as to how DFID’s strategy in these areas will be incorporated into the FCO’s New Approach.

1.2 We are encouraged by the reference approaches 6 and 7 make to ‘communities’ and not just nation states/countries:

‘Security and stability as the essential foundations for growth and prosperity, tackling our shared threats by supporting African countries’ and communities’ efforts to address the underlying drivers of fragility and conflict’

‘It is in all our interests that we support communities on the front line of instability, so

there will also be greater UK engagement and presence in the Sahel, doing more

to tackle poverty and build stability across the region – one of the world’s poorest and

most fragile.’[3]

We urge policies developed under these commitments to include non-traditional actors such as faith leaders and marginalised groups within communities. Local Faith Communities (LFCs) and Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) play an invaluable and unique role in building the resilience of individuals and communities. Faith leaders and FBOs hold a high degree of trust and influence in their communities. They often support the most vulnerable to access  government services and support the local government understand the needs of the community. They are often present in hard to access regions where no other networks are present, including in insecure areas. The knowledge that faith leaders have of the local cultural, economic and social norms of their community is indispensable, particularly when seeking to change attitudes and behaviours. They are also often the first responders in the aftermath of disasters, social unrest and violence. The role of faith leaders and FBOs is evidenced in Tearfund’s Keeping the Faith[4] report on responses to the Ebola crisis, and the Does Faith Matter?[5] and Rethinking Relationships[6] briefs on violence against women and girls. DFID’s strategy in protracted crises settings (many of which are in sub-Saharan Africa) recognises the importance of inclusion of a range of stakeholders: ‘...where possible, building on the range of stakeholders delivering services on the grounds (community, faith-based, private sector, governmental etc)’[7]. However there is a clear trend of shrinking space for civil society actors in many sub-Saharan African countries. As such, in order to strengthen the New Approach, greater attention should be given to the inclusion of civil society, faith based actors and local communities. This is particularly pertinent to peace building.

August 2019