Statements by Bono, Bob Geldof and DATA on German Chancellor Merkel's announcement that German development assistance will be increased by 750 million Euros in 2008

5.31.07

 

"Two weeks ago we were despondent, last week we were angry, now it's getting exciting again. This news from Chancellor Merkel could be the kiss of life for the G8 in Heiligendamm -- if Chancellor Merkel can use it to persuade her counterparts to also do their fair share for Africa. I believe she can. President Bush has already come forward. As a group, the G8 still have a long climb if they are going to reach any kind of 'summit' when they meet, but Germany is pushing the pace," said Bono, U2 leader singer and co-founder of DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa)

 

"I warmly welcome that Chancellor Merkel is living up to Germany's Africa aid promise with this 750 million Euro increase in the 2008 budget. And we trust Germany will commit to similar increases each year through to 2010 to ensure Germany stays on track for Africa. Following President Bush's announcements yesterday and today, this is great momentum building up the heat on the whole G8 for Heiligendamm next week. Germany would need to increase by twice this sum to 1.4 billion Euros to be on track for its global aid promise, so we trust all of the 750 million Euros announced is going to Africa," said Bob Geldof, musician and spokesperson for DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa).

 

"Today's announcement means that Germany is trying hard to get back on track with its promises to Africa. This is profoundly good news just before a G8 Summit. We trust Chancellor Merkel and her negotiator Dr. Pfaffenbach will now leverage their leadership into getting the rest of the G8 nations to keep their commitments to Africa, especially on AIDS and education, at an emergency session next week in Heiligendamm," said Tobias Kahler, Germany Director of DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa).

 

"Germany and America have now both announced lifesaving programs and new initiatives for Africa to help keep their promises - what will the rest of the G8 do in response? This may yet turn into a hugely significant G8 Summit for Africa," said Jamie Drummond, Executive Director of DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa).

 

Technical Notes:

-This announcement will not get Germany to meet its overall commitment to hit .51% of ODA/GNI globally by 2010.

-However, if the commitment to Africa is understood as half of .51% ODA/GNI going to Africa by 2010, this announcement does get Germany closer to attaining the Africa portion of the commitment.

 

Contact: Taylor Thompson, +1 202.360.1306, tthompson@data.org