Stories about French from March, 2011
Japan: Story and photos of everyday life in the aftermath of the earthquakes
The Japanese francophone blogger from A la cuisine de Shoko writes here [fr] and here [fr] with accompanying photos, about daily life and the atmosphere in Tokyo after the earthquake....
Tunisia: Hillary Clinton's Unwelcome Visit
On the night of Wednesday 15 March, 2011, US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton arrived in Tunisia after a trip to Egypt. Her visit was marked by protests in capital Tunis, from people who see her visit as the height of hypocrisy, considering that the US government was known to be an ally of former President Ben Ali's regime.
Côte d'Ivoire: Gbagbo Rulings Ridiculed on Twitter
In the ongoing struggle between presidential candidates Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane Ouattara, that has been going on in the West African nation of Côte d'Ivoire since the presidential elections of November 2010, each day brings a new batch of surprising rulings.
Côte d'Ivoire: When Ethnic Hate Shadows Politics
Abobo and Yopougon are two districts of Abidjan, the economic capital city of Côte d'Ivoire. Different ethnic and religious groups have mixed peacefully in the areas, until the recent Ivorian political crisis began. For the last ten days, they have witnessed incidents of ethnic violence, crystallising political disputes and the threat of civil war.
Senegal: March 19, National Day of Action
The winds of revolt are blowing across the Maghreb and the Middle East. Political opponents in Senegal are also getting in on the action by expressing their discontent at their government's misguided ways. March 19, 2011, has been chosen as the date to organize demonstrations in the country.
Senegal:Online Movement of Discontent: WadeDegage2012
Senegal: Senegalese Youth expressed its displeasure on blogs and social networks for a change of president and say no to corruption and despotism of President Abdoulaye Wade ...
Japan: Earthquake, “how to protect yourself” in 30 languages
TUFS students launched a website with advices on risk management translated in more than 30 languages. The website provides “a basic guide in several languages to what to do when...
Global: Thoughts on the World Day Against Cyber-Censorship
Bloggers took action on the World Day Against Cyber-Censorship on March 12, 2011, and spent the weekend commenting on the state of online freedom of expression, raising awareness about censorship and sharing tips to circumvent it.
Libya: Sub-Saharan Africans in Serious Danger
The crisis in Libya since the uprisings against Colonel Mouammar Gaddafi has not only had dramatic consequences for Libyans, but also for Sub-Saharan African citizens residing in Libya. Thousands of refugees are exposed to terrible conditions on journeys to the nearest borders, and numerous black Africans currently do not dare to leave their homes.
Gabon: Two Rival Presidents, One Accused of Embezzlement
As the power struggle between two opposing presidents continues in Gabon, Ali Bongo (the official president) now stands accused of "misappropriation of shares for personal profit" in a World Bank suit. Supporters of the opposition led by Mba Obame anxiously await his next move.
Côte d'Ivoire: Fear of Medicine Shortage Looms
The political crisis in Côte d'Ivoire is ongoing, without any prospect of a solution in the short-term. Doctors in the country have warned of the prospect of imminent medical shortages, as a result of embargos that have been placed on ships docking in Ivorian ports. In this article, netizens and tweeps discuss the issue.
Cameroon: Netizens React to SMS-to-Tweet Ban
Cameroonian internet users were shocked to learn that "for security reasons, the country's government asked that posting on Twitter via SMS be suspended on the MTN Cameroon network". Many speculate that the government's decision was motivated by the fear that Twitter has played a role in uprisings throughout Africa. Julie Owono explains.
Morocco: King's Speech Tweeted
On Wednesday, King Mohammed VI of Morocco gave his first address to the nation since the beginning of pro-democracy protests in his country. He promised "a comprehensive reform of the constitution". The king's speech was closely followed on Twitter.
Côte d’Ivoire: Abandoning the CFA?
Papa Keita [fr] wrote on the Dakar Bondy blog [fr] :” Isolated by the International community and by the Uemoa, Gbagbo continues to play tricks. His entourage is stirring up the launch...
Morocco: Women Celebrate International Day
Moroccan women, who have long been at the forefront of the civil society's struggle for a better and more dignified life, celebrated the 100th anniversary of the International Women's Day today. Across the Moroccan blogosphere, male and female bloggers have been reflecting on this occasion.
Are Sub-Saharan Mercenaries Fighting for Gaddafi?
From the very first days of the 2011 Libyan uprising, there has been talk of foreign mercenaries, both from Sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Europe, within long-standing leader Colonel Gaddafi's commando units. Explanations and opinions from the African blogosphere are presented here.
Côte d'Ivoire: A Solution to the Post-Electoral Crisis?
The post-electoral crisis across Cote d'Ivoire is dragging on since two opposing leaders, Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane Ouattara both claim to have won. A sequence of violent events have followed, and there seems to be no prospect of a viable solution.
Senegal: Self-immolation on the Rise
In a post published in the collective blog Bondy blog , Amara Soumah writes [fr]: “In February, two Senegalese self-immolated in the vicinity of the presidential palace. Senegalese people would...
Senegal: Relocation of polluting industries
Papa Mamadou Diéry Diallo [Fr] wrote in pressafrik.com: “On February 22nd 2011, Abdoulaye Baldé, the Minister of Mines, Industry and agro-Industry, visited factories in the suburbs of Dakar and announced...
Tunisia: Reconciliation Between the People and the Government?
Tunisia's interim president Fouad Mebazaa addressed the public, promising a complete break with the old regime, yesterday (March 3, 2011). He announced that on July 24, the people will choose their representatives by electing a national constitutional assembly which will rewrite the constitution.
Côte d'Ivoire: Who Killed the Seven Women Protestors? (Videos)
What was supposed to be a peaceful march ended up as a bloodbath on Thursday March 3, 2011. During an all female protest organised in Abobo, a district of economic capital Abidjan, seven women were shot dead, apparently by national Defense and Security Forces.