<div dir="ltr"><div>I think thers is a need for further understanding on this list and in the community of <br> what is going on about the so called dotArica project. I come across the message <br>below from Sophia Bekele about a supposedly Interference of ICANN staff in DotAfrica <br>
initiative!<br><br>The lady is complaining about the interference of Ms. Richell in the dot Africa<br>initiative (well first of all this is still an initiative and not a bid nor a proposal so I see no <br>point to start with) but this looks strange for me since that same person Sophia has <br>
publicly stated during ICANN meeting in Paris something like:<br><br>"... But when I have come into the ICANN community, I have talked to Anne-Rachel<br>and Mouhamet Diop, and in an effort not to duplicate any other initiatives, we<br>
have decided to continue putting this initiative together". I read this as if she has requested </div>
<div>the support of some ICANN officials for her initiative including Anne Rachel ... knowing </div>
<div>that there could be conflict of Interest?<br><br><a href="https://par.icann.org/files/paris/Paris-ICANNPublicForum-25JUN08.txt" target="_blank">https://par.icann.org/files/paris/Paris-ICANNPublicForum-25JUN08.txt</a><br>
<br>This same person again, on the powerpoint of her dotAfrica initiative at:<br><a href="http://www.dotafrica.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://www.dotafrica.blogspot.com/</a> on page 14 have listed Afristar Organisations<br>
such as AfriNIC as interested Sponsors ... but on other hand she seems to </div>
<div>be the one behind the ban of AfriNIC meeting in Ethiopia because of AfriNIC </div>
<div>suporting the Afstar dotAfrica proposal... <br><br>So After attacking AfriNIC, now she is attacking ICANN staff. Is she really<br>serious about what she is doing? I guess the next time it won't be the whole </div>
<div>Technical community which will sue. </div>
<div><br>Dear Africa Friends let be careful about which image we are showing of our dear<br>continent! I don't know who that lady is, but please stop her for creating so much <br>confusion and damage to people who are trying to do things.<br>
<br>=====<br clear="all"></div>
<blockquote type="cite">
<div>From: Sophia Bekele <<a href="mailto:sophiabekele@yahoo.com" target="_blank">sophiabekele@yahoo.com</a>><br>Date: 31 October 2008 00:00:22 GMT+02:00<br>To: <snip><br>Subject: Complaint letter - Interference of ICANN staff in the DotAfrica initiative<br>
<br><snip>-<br><br>How are you? <br><br>My guy sent this email<br>accidental including your names in the Board list. I gave him your<br>address, cause I wanted you to be informed since dotafrica is<br>gtld, however, we were suppose to sent it via a separate cc. <br>
<br>Since we do not want to antagonize the Board,<br>we want to give them a chance to respond before it goes anywhere, so<br>I wish to express this to you by sending you this separate email and for this<br>info is not to be for public consumption at this time.<br>
<br>Therefore, can you please keep this info<br>CONFIDENTIAL?<br><br>Thank you ahead and see you all in Cairo.<br><br>Respectfully,<br>Sophia<br><br><br><br>----- Forwarded Message ----<br>From: <snip></div>
<div>To:<snip><br>Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2008 8:44:06 PM<br>Subject: VERY URGENT- CONFIDENTIAL: Complaint letter - Interference of ICANN<br>staff in the DotAfrica initiativeVery<br><br>29<br>October 2008 <br>
<br>Hon. Chairman, Peter Dengate Thrush: <br><br>I have been instructed by Sophia Bekele,<br>Executive Director of DotAfrica project to send to you<br>the attached document regarding the above subject Complaint letter - Interference of ICANN staff in the DotAfrica initiative<br>
<br>The email attachment contains the following<br>and we have sent a corresponding fax to your office:<br> <br>Letter of complaint for DotAfrica<br> Forensic<br>and media evidence on Ms. Richells activities in collaboration with Afri*<br>
sabotaging our DotAfrica initiative<br> <br>A carbon copy of the above documents have<br>been sent via email and fax to the following individuals:<br> * Distinguished Board of Directors, Internet Corporation for Assigned Nams & Numbers (ICANN )<br>
* Ombudsman Office, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) <br> * Mr.Nebiyu Yosef, B.S; MSEE, Coordinator (dot.africa)<br> * Mr.Ephrem Beyene, B.S., Secretary (dot.africa)<br>Please your Hon., accept Ms. Bekele's regards. <br>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>--------------<br>Project Coordinator (DotAfrica)<br><a href="mailto:nyosef@dotconnectafrica.org" target="_blank">nyosef@dotconnectafrica.org</a><br><a href="http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/" target="_blank">http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/</a></div>
</blockquote><br><br><br>-- <br>John L. Tselebe<br>Internet Policy Analyst<br>ACFI - Internet for all in Africa<br></div>