Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the

will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today's world do not have.
Ronald Reagan, 40 President of the United States once said these bold words which embody my partner and
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Is uncompromising stance on todays resolution. A stance, that shows our will as free men and women urge us
to prioritize developmental aid over the foolhardy ideal of military aid in the Sahel Region of Africa. For these
reasons my partner and I stand in firm affirmation of today resolution:

Resolved: Development assistance should be prioritized over military aid in the Sahel region of Africa.

Contention 1: When military aid is prioritized, authoritarian practices are encouraged.

Subpoint A- Increased militarism will only make what we are attempting to do in Africa
ineffective.

(Princeton N. Lyman, former U.S. ambassador to Nigeria and South Africa The War on Terrorism in Africa,
reprinted from Africa in World Politics by John Harbeson- Westview Press,
http://www.cfr.org/content/thinktank/Lyman_chapter_Terrorism.pdf, 4 edition,2009 )
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Two major challenges now loom in the African and American responses to terrorism. Generally, many Africans
and some American critics are very concerned that the new Africa Command and other U.S. anti-terrorism
programs signal an increased militarization of U.S. policy in Africa. These critics argue that only a continual
intensive attack on the root causes of terrorism and violence, that is, poverty, authoritarianism, discrimination,
weak states, and similar conditions, will effectively combat such threats. They contend that a focus that relies
too heavily on security will encourage authoritarian practices and undermine Africas move toward more
democratic governance.

Subpoint B- Attacking the root of terrorism, one of which is poverty will continue the reduction of
authoritarianism in the region.
As the previous card stated, an intensive attack on the root causes of terror and violence will effectively
combat such practices. In order to expand upon this point, I look to Steven Katzs 2011 article Al Qaedas
emerging Africa enterpriseal Qaeda
Ultimately, targeting Africas terror-conductive environment through primarily nonmilitary initiatives as well
as grasping the complex and diverse human terrain of high-risk regions and terror focal points will likely be
the silver-bullet in defeating the center of gravity for both AQIM and al-Shabaab: support from the local
populace. What this card is saying is that the key way to reduce terrorism is to reverse the effects of poverty
thus making the terrorist groups lose the support of the populace, diminishing their power and control of the
region.

Contention Two: Military aid should not be excluded, but should not be the priority.

Subpoint A- Assistance in the Sahel region is meant to help and provide for the people of Sahel who
are being burdened with malnutrition and a lack of government.

The UNs main priority in Sahel is to cut down the amount of malnutrition in the region, meaning that
developmental aid must be prioritized. Once malnutrition has been reduced, military aid can be used to assist
in the rebuilding of the government to provide a sense of security and to also defend against insurgent groups
who look only to manipulate the system and the people.
According to the UN News Centre, More than 11 million people are at risk of hunger and 5 million children
under five are at risk of acute malnutrition. In addition, political instability and unconstitutional changes in
Governments have had significant economic and social consequences in the region and terrorist acts, as well
as organized crime, have threatened the regions stability.

Subpoint B- Maslows Hierarchy of needs exemplifies the importance of developmental aids

prioritization.

It explains that needs such as food, water, shelter, and warmth, all come before the ideals which the
negative will advocate for today, security and stability. These two things are vital, but must come second, and
not prioritized due to the hierarchy. The idea is one must be fed first to ever be safe. One must complete the
base of a tower before erecting it.

In conclusion, my partner and I can see no other option than a vote in affirmation on todays ballot; due to our
two key points which we feel that truly sum up why the ideals of developmental aid must be prioritized. These
are: Contention One: When military aid is prioritized, authoritarian practices are encouraged, and; Contention
Two: Military aid should not be excluded, but should not be the priority. We once again respectfully urge a
vote of affirmation and thank you for your time.