· August, 2006

Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from August, 2006

Ethiopia: 16 Days

  31 August 2006

Ato G may not be corrupt. But he lives in a society ruined by corruption. He may be honest and hardworking. Yet the law will always make an enemy of people like him. ET Wonqette powerfully plays on words, satirising Ethiopia, which he says, “is ruinously, unrelentingly peaceful. Better days...

Nigeria: Brain Gain

  31 August 2006

Unlike many countries, Nigeria is richly endowed with human and natural resources. But it’s lagging behind, in terms of development. Many emerging rich countries, Nkem Ifejika argues, are taking advantage of the little they have to transform their economies. Some even rely solely on human resources, where expert experiences gained...

Ethiopia: Ethiopian Politician hospitalised

  31 August 2006

Tale of corruption and official high-handedness is re-echoed by Ethio-Zagol, who seems rather pleased that Bereket Simon, “one of the most detested EPRDF politicians” in Ethiopia, is defraying the cost, via divine punishment, having been rushed to hospital in Israel. Even in a close shave with death their kleptomaniac fingers...

South Africa: Which South African Bank is the best?

  31 August 2006

Joel Basson’s experience with banks in South Africa had made him lose confidence in them. He felt they were only out to rip people off. Soon the opportunity to prove him wrong came and right at his doorstep, his own bank forced him to a rethink. He now thinks differently....

Nigeria: The Long Grass

  31 August 2006

For anyone that passed through the boarding school system, Nkem Ifejika’s story, bizarre as it sounds, is not in any way strange. What may, however, seem strange is that anyone could be convicted for violating immigration rules and sentenced to gardening. Yet life at Nkem’s school might have been much...

Nigeria: Survivor Africa

  31 August 2006

From Big Brother Africa to Survivor Africa young men and women across the continent are making their way up, ascending the ladder of fame. And this time out as many as twelve were called. But only one will be chosen, to take home the star prize of US$100, 000. Courtesy...

Kenya: Man Gives Deadly Gift To Lover

  30 August 2006

For two hearts in love no price is too much to pay and no gift is too expensive to give. Perhaps, this could be taken to the extreme, where roses are swapped for crawling creatures, all in the name of love. You Missed This EXTRA captures a Romeo’s mood as...

South Africa: Is the microwave mega dangerous?

  30 August 2006

How often do you use microwave? Is it very often, sometimes or hardly? If you hardly do and think it’s harmful, then you need to read Sotho’s piece. His family members avoid it because they feel it’s capable of contaminating food. But he is unconvinced and he writes, “Since the...

South Africa: Cape Town's Somali Genocide

  30 August 2006

Mike Golby, a South African blogger, struggles to understand the situation in Cape Town, where, as cosmopolitan as it seems, refugees find it difficult if not entirely impossible to integrate fully. For the Somali refugees, as he particularly notes, it’s hell on earth. “That they might be, but it seems...

Nigeria: Catch a fire….naija style

  30 August 2006

Looking for something unique to wear this mid week up to the weekend? Bella Naija offers something to make you stand out in any crowd. She’s always wanted to be different and her high sense of imagination brings this to your blogstep. She has this to say as she proudly...

Burkina Faso: Gorom-Gorom Food Distribution

  30 August 2006

Recently, floods unleashed havoc in northern Burkina Faso, rendering thousands of people homeless in Gorom-Gorom. A missionary blogger, Keith Smith who’s been working for over a decade among Fulanis in the arid region, quickly mobilised support for the victims. He now gives an update of the effort that was to...

Rwanda: Public Transportation Problems in Kigali

  29 August 2006

From Rwanda, expat blogger Guillaume is worried about the state of public transportation in Kigali now that motorcycles are scarce (Fr): “To my great surprise (I only thought it partially possible), there are no more motos downtown nor on any of the main highways of Kigali since last monday. Secondary...

Reunion: Tamul Celebrations

  29 August 2006

Reunion Passion posts pictures (Fr) of the Malbar firewalking celebration of the Tamul Indian community which constitutes 30% of Reunion's population. The celebrations usually take place in January.

Senegal: Commemorating the Senegalese Riflemen of WWII

  29 August 2006

While Senegal commemorated the Senegalese riflemen who assisted the French in WWII, Senegalese blogger Semett remembered (Fr) their forced labor, involuntary conscription and drew comparisons with the triangular slave trade. He seemed unconvinced with President Wade's sincerity in facing the realities of the riflemen but also that of the youth...

Africans in France: Riots’ First Anniversary

  29 August 2006

Senegalese blogger Semett worries that (Fr) not much has changed for communities of color in France since last year's summer riots: “Despite the temporary emotions, we don't get the impression that anything has changed since. Our brothers and sisters continue to live in unsanitary and dangerous conditions. Whether it is...

DRC: Election results fragmented

  29 August 2006

The Head Heeb analyses the partial results from the Democratic Republic of Congo's National Assembly election which took place alongside the better-publicised presidential poll. It's already clear that the incoming parliament will be highly fragmented,” he concludes.

Ethiopia: Floods and conflict take their toll

  29 August 2006

Tobian Thinktank asks why Ethiopia's army is bothering with its military manoeuvres in Somalia while foreign troops are having to come into Ethiopia to help flood victims. We've people and villages getting swept away, lives being taken and destroyed by the hundreds and what is the Ethiopian army doing?

Sudan: Rape still a weapon

  29 August 2006

The Concoction reports that Darfur women are still being raped three months after a key peace deal in Sudan. “Fetching fire wood or water often ends up in the women being raped. Just imagine running to the grocery store to get a gallon of milk and there is a very...

About our Sub-Saharan Africa coverage

Zita Zage
Zita Zage is the Anglophone Africa Editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.

Jean Sovon
Jean Sovon is the Francophone Africa. Editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.

Dércio Tsandzana
Dércio Tsandzana is the Lusophone (Portuguese) editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.