Recent government declassification revealed behind-the-scenes debates that happened while setting up the 2004 Commission for Africa, initiated by then UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. Government declassified papers revealed that music artist and organizer of Live Aid campaigner Bob Geldof led opposition against co-chair from an African nation based on a rationale of lack of successful leadership to resolve development in the continent.
A Vision for Change
The Commission for Africa was meant to provide a change-inducing road map for the continent, as inspired by the Brandt Report of 1980 and modelled on the post-World War II Marshall Plan. The report Our Common Interest brought forth landmark commitments from wealthy nations to increase aid and cancel debts owed by African countries.
Geldof, who played a critical role in compelling Blair to back the initiative, demanded that Blair be directly involved. In his letter to the prime minister, Geldof made it clear that the success of the project relied on the authority of Blair. This has to be a direct commission from you personally—your vision, your authority, your weight,” Geldof wrote, pointing out that the timing was also critical in the fact that this was the period of the UK’s presidency of the G8 and the 20th anniversary of Live Aid.
Contentious Decisions
Although they shared a common vision, Geldof and the government differed on several aspects of the setup of the commission. Geldof was opposed to an African co-chair, believing most African heads of state lacked the leadership to steer the commission, and he felt that Blair’s leadership would lend the commission much-needed credibility, especially with an audience in the US.
However, this stance worried government advisors, who were more concerned with African representation being more prominent than any other for the initiative to have legitimacy. Senior international development advisor Liz Lloyd suggested that exclusion of an African co-chair could provoke criticism. She advised Blair to consult with South African President Thabo Mbeki and try to gain his support so that African voices can be heard within the process.
Balancing Independence and Oversight
Another issue in the composition was Geldof’s insistence that the commission be independent notwithstanding the chairmanship of Blair. Lloyd remarked that although independence was important, the government needed final oversight of the report to ensure it fitted the mainspring of official policy.
Legacy of the Commission for Africa
The work of the commission culminated in the Gleneagles G8 Summit in 2005, where leaders promised to double aid to Africa and expand debt relief. Geldof declared the outcome a success, calling it “mission accomplished.” However, anti-poverty advocates criticized the measures as insufficient and voiced concerns over Geldof’s close relationship with government officials.
The documents provide a rare insight into the intricacies of international development initiatives and the balancing act required to address competing priorities and perspectives.
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