Cartegena, Colombia: DCA would like to praise the outcome of the Cartegena meeting, despite the issues of delay around the gTLDs, and hereby expresses general satisfaction with the results achieved there for the good of one and all.
The present general turn of events have again vindicated the position of DCA in all matters.
DCA is still confident that all existing endorsements obtained and freely granted it to date, including that from the AU Chairperson will be re-validated.
DCA and its Executive Director and main promoter- Ms. Sophia Bekele - have suffered a lot of traducement and hate-mongering and negative propaganda in past months, but DCA remains confident in the 'righteousness' of its missions, and that if everything is conducted in a fair, above-board manner, sticking to the stated rules, DCA will successfully prove itself as the leading stakeholder and implementer of the Registry of the gTLD for Africa.
DCA remains committed to work with like-minded individuals and corporates and other serious stakeholders of proven integrity in order to help Africa achieve the bridging of the Digital Divide and achieve a consolidation of the .Africa brand on the Internet.
DCA has reinforced its support for new African gTLDs at the AfriICANN/AFRALO meeting as well as had opportunities to engage in constructive discussions and way forward with open-minded African counterparts regarding its .africa proposal at this ICANN meeting.
DCA believes in inclusiveness and wider participation; and is currently promoting certain initiatives to bring in further regions into the .Africa space such as strengthening the Francophone element and the Arab/North African elements, so as to make it truly a Pan-African Initiative that is representative of all of its peoples.
DCA hails the current ICANN Leadership and Board and believes that this rejuventated and independent Board will lead ICANN in the right direction and enable it achieve its broad mandates and global vision in an unfettered manner, free from the manipulation of outside influences and special interest groups.
DCA encourages the involvement of the African Council of Ministers and is confident that whatever directives issued by the Council of Ministers would be consistent, and in broad principle agreement with the existing endorsement already granted to DCA by the AU Chairperson.
DCA encourages one and all to avoid rancour and needless in-fighting and endless debates, but urges all hands to be on deck to realize this ICT vision for the good of Africa and its peoples.
DCA wishes a Merry Christmas season of peace and good will to one and all.
