Stories about French from November, 2012
Coalition of African Nations Agrees to Send 3,300 Soldiers a year to Northern Mali
Seven African nations of ECOWAS namely Nigeria, Senegal, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire and Togo have agreed with Malian government [fr] to send 3,300 soldiers a year to Northern Mali to take back control of northern Mali from Islamist fighters. Other nations outside the ECOWAS might also send in troops.
French Government Eases Strict Immigration Policy
French Interior Minister Manuel Valls, during a speech in Toulouse in southwestern France, expressed his desire to change his country's immigration policy, amending the naturalization requirements and, in particular, doing away with the multiple choice tests and the need to have signed a permanent employment contract. Here is a summary of the reactions to these new measures.
Concern over Subterranean Water in the Sahel
We are told that miners do everything to waterproof the soil and ensure that waste does not contaminate subterranean water. But it must be recognized that there is always a risk, as they can never be completely sure that they are not contaminating subterranean pools. Moreover, with the impact of...
Senegal: Ensuring Efficient Telephone Use by the Government
Aliou Fama reveals [fr] that Macky Sall, President of Senegal, has decided to put the members of his goverment on a strict regime, in order to reduce government telephone bills: Ministers’ telephone credit is now capped at 500 000 FCFA (EUR 762,25), with that of technical advisers limited to 150...
Brazil, France: Agroecology Helps Reduce Poverty
Respecting the soil is fundemental to us. It is where we get our food from and how we will provide for our children Suelia explains [fr] how the agroecology approach (bringing ecological principles to bear in agroecosystems) has helped many in her community grow a sustainable business model by diversifying...
A New Start for Barack Obama in Africa?
Following the November 6, 2012, re-election of Barack Obama as President of the United States, Africa questions his legacy after four years in charge of an America more concerned with the economic crisis than by its international relations, especially those within the African continent. The expectations of Africans were high, however many believe that a second term for Obama will allow him greater manouevrability on African issues.
Banks Shut Down to Protest Insecurity in Madagascar
Bill on Madagascar Tribune reports that [fr] banks will close for one afternoon on November 6 to protest the lack of security in Madagascar. Last week, a branch of Accès Banque was robbed of 502 millions Ariary in the borough of Andraharo, Antananarivo (The capital city of Madagascar).
Cameroonian Twitter Users Celebrate Biya's 30 years Anniversary with Sarcasm
“@JeanYvesMorio [fr]: November 6, 1982, I woke up without running water nor electricity. November 6 2012, I woke up without running water nor electricity #30anssansmourir ,!–more–> On Twitter, Cameroonian Jean Yves Morio makes light of the fact that president Paul Biya has been in power for thirty years to this day and yet...
D. R. of Congo: Human Rights Activist Assaulted, Guard Killed
Leading Human Rights Activist and gynecologist Denis Mukwege, was attacked outside his home, and his guard killed on October 25, 2012. Doctor Mukwege has campaigned tirelessly for the wellbeing of women and girls affected by the use of mass rape as a weapon of war. He recently gave a speech to the United Nations where he spoke of his outrage and shock at the violence that females have suffered in his homeland.
Madagascar: Tear Bomb Thrown into a University Classroom
Madonline reports [fr] that a tear bomb was thrown by military forces into a classroom of Ankatso University where students are protesting [fr] the delay in the disbursement of their scholarships. The same protests are currently happening at the University of Toamasina (East Coast of Madagascar).