>I don't know whether all NCUC people are aware
>of the debate going on about the Nairobi
>meeting, and how many are planning on attending.
>But below with apologies to Adam is a useful
>cross posting from the extended Nairobi
>discussion on the ALAC list.
>
>Apparently only 300+ people have registered so
>far. The board is having a call tonight to make
>a decision; it seems cancelation is a real
>possibility. I sat next to one boardie at
>dinner last night (at the ICANN Studienkreis in
>Barcelona) who said he was for canceling and
>repurposing the funds to allow AC/SOs to hold
>their own, disaggregated meetings.
Did the board member say why? As members living
in Kenya have commented, the demonstration seems
to have been specific, the cause now gone.
Since heard the UN hasn't changed the status of its security alert.
For the last day or so the big concern had been
an unofficial terrorist song posted on a website
associated with the the Somali based al-Shebab.
The song, cappella apparently, told of attacking
Kenya and all the usual violent stuff (one news
report also said they'd be marching on Rome...
Nairobi then Rome, bizarre user generated
content, Web 2.0 and all that :-) )
But good news is the New York Times/Reuters say
al-Shebab deny planning any such attack, the
recording was a fake
<http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2010/01/22/world/international-uk-kenya-somalia.html>
So one has to hope ICANN haven't been feeding
board members concern about the song threat.
Please let the board member know.
Kenya's had terrorist attacks, Nairobi US Embassy
bombing in 1998 when hundreds of people were
killed and a 2002 bombing in Mombasa. Since then
Kenya's worked closely with the US on terrorism,
so have to hope the intelligence will be as good
as it can be.
Best,
Adam
>Bill
>
>
>Begin forwarded message:
>
>>From: Adam Peake <<mailto:[log in to unmask]>[log in to unmask]>
>>
>>Date: January 21, 2010 8:48:50 AM GMT+01:00
>>
>>To: ALAC Internal List
>><<mailto:[log in to unmask]>[log in to unmask]>
>>
>>Subject: Re: [ALAC-Internal] ICANN meeting and security concerns
>>
>>Reply-To: ALAC Internal List
>><<mailto:[log in to unmask]>[log in to unmask]>
>>
>>
>>Rebecca's posted a follow-up to her article.
>> Worth a look, not about security, but ICANN
>>and Africa in general
>><<http://wanjiku.co.ke/eng/articles/main/uxn1264057592/>http://wanjiku.co.ke/eng/articles/main/uxn1264057592/>
>> She also reminds us there's an AFTLD meeting
>>planned the week before the ICANN meeting,
>>important training for the region. (I should
>>have remembered, I hope to go to a few of the
>>sessions :-))
>>
>>I have a couple of projects with people in
>>Kenya and East Africa so hear some general
>>comments. The following is not a security
>>assessment!
>>
>>Background: There was a demonstration in the
>>city last Friday over the deportation of a
>>Muslim cleric, Abdullah al-Faisal, who was in
>>the country illegally. Faisal
>><<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdullah_el-Faisal>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdullah_el-Faisal>
>>was convicted of racial hatred (I am not sure
>>that's the name of the actual crime) in the UK,
>>jailed and then deported. He found his way to
>>Kenya around New Year and was preaching. He is
>>now being jailed in Kenya while awaiting
>>deportation and this led to demonstrations by
>>some of the Muslim community in downtown
>>Nairobi that turned violent with about 7 people
>>being shot, one killed. The Kenyan police are
>>not subtle, though they claim shots were fired
>>from the demonstration.
>>
>>The demonstrations were pretty violent with
>>gangs of Kenyan youths seeming to have joined
>>in on the side of the police, and all this
>>happened in the downtown area close to where a
>>number of the ICANN hotels are and the
>>conference center where the meeting will be
>>held. The central Mosque is in downtown, that's
>>why people were there. The area where the
>>demonstration happened seemed to be quite
>>constrained. The concern for ICANN seems to be
>>that the trouble was in downtown near the
>>meeting location and hotels (although my
>>understanding is the demonstration did not
>>reach either.) ICANN knows there are areas of
>>the city where you simply do not go, and these
>>are the areas where there was violence after
>>the elections a couple of years ago, but last
>>Friday's violence was in downtown and this is
>>new.
>>
>>That said, three friends were out to dinner in
>>downtown Nairobi last Friday and they didn't
>>know of the troubles until one of them got some
>>calls about ICANN's concerns! Sometimes news
>>footage can make things look much worse than
>>they are, and perhaps this is the case here?
>>
>>Not trying to pretend this isn't serious, just
>>that more information would be helpful. The UN
>>has a very large office in Nairobi, location of
>>the UN Environment Programme and UN-Habitat,
>>both global programs. It would be good to know
>>what the UN security assessment is,
>>particularly if it has changed since last
>>Friday's violence.
>>
>>People in Nairobi seem to think it's a one off,
>>although there might be a demonstration this
>>coming Friday (which would be bad timing for
>>the board meeting!) But my very non-expert
>>sense is further demonstrations in downtown are
>>not likely to continue, they can't afford the
>>city center to be disrupted, its the hub of the
>>city, the area around the law courts,
>>administration etc. That said, there is
>>certainly ongoing tension with the Muslim
>>community.
>>
>>There is some talk of moving the ICANN meeting
>>to the UN center. There are a couple of
>>problems with this. The UN center is out of
>>the city, not many hotels near, and it is on a
>>road known for traffic jams (traffic during
>>rush hour in Nairobi is bad generally). And
>>that road has construction planned for the next
>>few months so the jams at the moment are
>>terrible. It will be a nightmare to get to. As
>>it's out of the city, and is also seen by many
>>Kenyans as a bit of a separate 'country' (it's
>>not easy to get in, all the usual UN security
>>clearances needed) any meeting held there would
>>not see many locals. Not good for the meeting
>>generally, very bad for At Large in particular.
>>
>>I think the article Patrick forwarded makes
>>clear that there's a feeling that ICANN's
>>concerns are a typical over reaction to events
>>in a developing country. The demonstrations
>>probably the only piece of news about Kenya the
>>world's press has picked up on in weeks. And
>>violence in Africa is often the only news we
>>see. It becomes a stereotype. I am not trying
>>to downplay the seriousness of this situation,
>>but be aware of that point of view. Comments
>>from African colleagues on this general point
>>might he helpful.
>>
>>Unless the security assessments have changed,
>>assessments by the UN or perhaps major
>>embassies such as the EU, I am happy to stick
>>to arrangements in place (and no doubt anyway
>>being updated to reflect any changes.)
>>
>>For what it's worth, a very high level of
>>security has been planned for the conference
>>center and hotels. The conference center is
>>used to handling high level meetings, ICANN is
>>quite small by comparison to many.
>>
>>If there's any change, a move from Nairobi to
>>another city, or a change of planned conference
>>venue in Nairobi, let it be based on a fact
>>based independent assessment. ICANN owes Kenya
>>and Africa that.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Adam
>>
>>
>>>Perhaps it would be useful to Vanda in the upcoming Board meeting on this
>>>
>>>issue (Friday) for us to have IN THIS LIST, some opinion / discussions on
>>>
>>>this issue...
>>>
>>>
>>>For example it is My view that unless serious and substantial *security
>>>
>>>risks* exist (and I assume the Board will have some access to proper
>>>
>>>briefings on any that do) AND I do NOT mean street crime that can happen any
>>>
>>>where in my view... Then we should hold the Nairobi meeting either as
>>>
>>>planned (or with relevant modifications / precautions arranged...
>>>
>>>
>>>*IF* however for what ever good reason there is the meeting is moved (and it
>>>
>>>should be MOVED *not* Cancelled we have way too much to do we need this F2F
>>>
>>>opportunity... Then it must be clear that this is not for any phobic reason
>>>
>>>rather a matter of real risk mitigation or management AND if that did
>>>
>>>happen then significant effort into outreach and regional activities MUST be
>>>
>>>undertaken by ICANN (in partnership with others perhaps) to
>>>
>>>also effectively mitigate the 'opportunities lost' by the meeting Not being
>>>
>>>held as planned...
>>>
>>>
>>>What are your thoughts??
>>>
>>>
>>>And Yes I will go wherever it is held... Preferable in Nairobi...
>>>
>>>
>>>CLO
>>>
>>>
>>>2010/1/21 Patrick Vande Walle
>>><<mailto:[log in to unmask]>[log in to unmask]>
>>>
>>>
>>>>FYI
>>>>
>>>>
>>>><http://wanjiku.co.ke/eng/articles/main/pte1263978626/>http://wanjiku.co.ke/eng/articles/main/pte1263978626/
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>In March 2008, Nairobi was supposed to host Internet Corporation for
>>>>
>>>>Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) meeting. This is a huge meeting,
>>>>
>>>>ICANN uses about $ 2 million for these meetings, am sure you know what
>>>>
>>>>it means for the economy.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>But the events that followed the 2007 elections meant that the meeting
>>>>
>>>>was cancelled, it was such a shame but that was understandable; after
>>>>
>>>>all, you do not want the people who control internet resources to fall
>>>>
>>>>into the traps of rival tribal gangs or to be caught in the cross fire.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>After another round of presentations last year, the Kenya delegation led
>>>>
>>>>by Kenic and the Communications Commission of Kenya was able to convince
>>>>
>>>>the ICANN community that Kenya is safe enough, and they agreed to host
>>>>
>>>>the meeting this March.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>We have been busy sweeping the roads and upgrading the hotels just to
>>>>
>>>>make sure that the most important ICANN community is happy, but they
>>>>
>>>>have never been, and I do not think they will ever be, if you ask me. I
>>>>
>>>>have been talking to sources within the organizing committee and ICANN
>>>>
>>>>has always had one niggling problem after another.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Last Friday's fracas with the muslims seems to have tipped the balance;
>>>>
>>>>ICANN now is contemplating moving the meeting to another safer city.
>>>>
>>> >
>>>
>>>>But if you ask me or any other ordinary Kenyan, I think ICANN does not
>>>>
>>>>understand the country and how it operates. Since 1998, Kenya has never
>>>>
>>>>been secure, according to US and UK embassies, yet its their
>>>>
>>>>installations that make us targets.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>For whatever reasons, the country has always been rated poorly security
>>>>
>>>>wise, but which city is safe? New York? J' Burg? Cairo? Cassablanca? Am
>>>>
>>>>sure this is open to debate.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>I think ICANN has its double standards; if they were truly concerned
>>>>
>>>>about the security, the meeting in Seoul would not have taken place;
>>>>
>>>>South Korea is always under alert because of North Korea nuclear
>>>>
>>>>intentions.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>The meeting in Mexico city would not have gone on, after all every one
>>>>
>>>>there is said to carry a gun and the senior executives within ICANN
>>>>
>>>>membership were at risk of kidnappings. But the meetings took place.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>So, why all the security farce about Nairobi?
>>>>
>>> >
>>>
>>>>I would love to point out a similar incident during the 2005 or around
>>>>
>>>>there Cricket world cup, where New Zealand forfeited their match with
>>>>
>>>>Kenya in Nairobi because of security situation. Sri Lanka agreed to play
>>>>
>>>>their match in Nairobi provided they were given top notch security, the
>>>>
>>>>government obliged.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>By the time the plane carrying the Sri Lanka cricket team entered the
>>>>
>>> > Kenyan air space, they were escorted by helicopter gunships and all the
>>>
>>>>other stuff you see in the movies. But Sri Lanka soon realized that no
>>>>
>>>>one was bothered with them; we whipped them and by the time they were
>>>>
>>>>going back to the airport, they took taxis and realized that no one cares.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>In short, ICANN should know that they will come, they will hold their
>>>>
>>>>meeting, they will go away, and no one will probably remember they were
>>>>
>>> > here. How many people know about ICANN and what it does? How many people
>>>
>>>>know that the people present are online millionaires?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>ICANN has made demands that the meeting be moved to the UNEP Complex in
>>>>
>>>>Gigiri, and that the government should pay for all the charges bla
>>>>
>>>>bla... I think this is a move to alienate themselves from the ordinary
>>>>
>>>>kenyans. Getting to Gigiri is hectic let alone getting through the mean
>>>>
>>>>UN security staff.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Trust me, I have had my share of security incidences in Nairobi, but I
>>>>
>>>>do not think its worth canceling a meeting.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> >From my sources, I am told the government is paying for the gala dinner
>>>>
>>>>and all that, in other countries, ICANN has paid for that. So I think
>>>>
>>>>this is just a way for ICANN to make their demands and demonstrate their
>>>>
>>>>authority.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>I am not saying that security measures should be ignored, but just know
>>>>
>>>>that poor security rating means more hardship allowance for the UN and
>>>>
>>>>embassy staff, so its in their interest to show Kenya on fire all the time.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>One thing you should know that Kenya is a highly political company, all
>>>>
>>>>year round, stupid politics and we the media love it and exalt it, so
>>>>
>>>>deal with that. When you come and when you go, we will remain the same,
>>>>
>>>>and it does not mean ICANN will change anything, so get over it.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>By the way, most people who will come will be holed up in lavish 5-star
>>>>
>>>>hotels where the thugs will not reach. The insecurity problem is for
>>>>
>>>>people like us who will have to walk home and deal with the neighborhood
>>>>
>>>>thugs.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>The upshot of it is that ICANN should come, hold their meeting, give us
>>>>
>>>>the revenue, visit Maasai Mara and all the other areas, and go home. I
>>>>
>>>>am sure there will be enough cops guarding everywhere.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>So, insecure or not, I think the meeting should go on. If you guys are
>>>>
>>>>not convinced, then you can move the meeting to wherever you want!
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>_______________________________________________
>>>>
>>>>ALAC-Internal mailing list
>>>>
>>>><mailto:[log in to unmask]>[log in to unmask]
>>>>
>>>>
>>>><http://atlarge-lists.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/alac-internal_atlarge-lists.icann.org>http://atlarge-lists.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/alac-internal_atlarge-lists.icann.org
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>ALAC Wiki: <http://st.icann.org/alac>http://st.icann.org/alac
>>>>
>>>>At-Large Website: <http://atlarge.icann.org>http://atlarge.icann.org
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>--
>>>
>>>Cheryl Langdon-Orr
>>>
>>>(CLO)
>>>
>>>_______________________________________________
>>>
>>>ALAC-Internal mailing list
>>>
>>><mailto:[log in to unmask]>[log in to unmask]
>>>
>>><http://atlarge-lists.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/alac-internal_atlarge-lists.icann.org>http://atlarge-lists.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/alac-internal_atlarge-lists.icann.org
>>>
>>>
>>>ALAC Wiki: <http://st.icann.org/alac>http://st.icann.org/alac
>>>
>>>At-Large Website: <http://atlarge.icann.org>http://atlarge.icann.org
>>>
>>
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>ALAC-Internal mailing list
>><mailto:[log in to unmask]>[log in to unmask]
>>http://atlarge-lists.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/alac-internal_atlarge-lists.icann.org
>>
>>ALAC Wiki: http://st.icann.org/alac
>>At-Large Website: http://atlarge.icann.org
>>
>
>***********************************************************
>William J. Drake
>Senior Associate
>Centre for International Governance
>Graduate Institute of International and
> Development Studies
>Geneva, Switzerland
><mailto:[log in to unmask]>[log in to unmask]
>www.graduateinstitute.ch/cig/drake.html
>***********************************************************
|
