Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from November, 2013
France Replaces Central African Republic Ambassador on the Eve of Military Drive
France is set to send an additional 1,000 troops to the Central African Republic to prevent an escalation of the conflict in the region. So it came as a bit of a surprise when France decided to replace its ambassador Serge Mucetti in the country on the eve of such an important military...
Wealthy Tourists Can Now ‘Experience Poverty’ in Fake South African Slum
For 82 US dollars, you can "experience" poverty in a fake slum in South Africa, the only one in the world "equipped with under-floor heating and wireless Internet access".
Reasons for Power Outages in Benin
Benin has suffered more power outages over the last few days with the national electric energy company (SEEB) denying all responsibility. Nigeria supplies a large quantity of Benin's power, even though it has difficulty providing its own citizens with electricity.
Collection of Articles on the Sacking of Popular Tanzanian Opposition MP
Ben Taylor shares a collection of articles on the sacking of Zitto Kabwe, a popular young Member of Parliament with the main Tanzanian opposition party, Chadema. Zitto was: […] was stripped of his official positions by party leaders in the early hours of Friday morning. He will no longer be...
South Africa Doesn't Want You to See the President's Lavish House
The South African government has used $20 million to upgrade President Jacob Zuma's private residence. Government ministers have warned that anyone publishing photos of the home will be arrested.
VIDEO: Authorities Destroy Mosques in Angola
The destruction of at least 11 mosques in the last two months in Angola is provoking reactions of outrage online. According to Voz da América [pt], Angolan authorities state that the reason for the destruction is illegal construction. Other reports add that the process of legalization of Islam and other religions in the country...
Czech Crime Boss Claims South African Police “Tortured” Him
Radovan Krejcir, an alleged Czech crime boss living in South Africa, was arrested on Friday, November 22, 2013, in Johannesburg on charges of kidnapping and attempted murder, although there are rumors on social media that other charges, such as money laundering and conspiracy, will be added to the list. Krejcir,...
‘People That Look Like Themselves': A Comic that Celebrates Natural Black Hair
Angolan artist Francisca Nzenze Meireles, aka Chiquinha, discusses the inspiration for her comic, which relates the day-to-day experiences of those who love their naturally curly hair.
Global Voices Meetup in Kampala, Uganda
The next Global Voices Meetup is scheduled for November 23 in Kampala, Uganda, bringing together community members to share ideas.
RESULTS: Uganda's First Ever Social Media Awards
The first ever Uganda Social Media Awards (SMAs) took place on 15 November 2013 at The Hub, Oasis Mall in Kampala, Uganda. The objectives of the awards, which were organised by BluFlamingo, were: The Uganda SMA’s (Social Media awards) is Uganda’s first event that seeks to bring together individuals and...
More Transparency Needed in Uranium Negotiation in Niger
Anne-Sophie Simpere reports that the Uranium exploitation contract between Niger and Areva, a french energy company, are set to be re-negotiated as it comes to an end as of December 2013. She writes [fr]: Il est incompréhensible que le Niger, 4ème producteur d’uranium au monde, et fournisseur stratégique d’Areva et...
Zambia’s ‘King Cobra’ President Publicly Calls Ministers, MPs Fools
President Michael Sata is notorious for his abrasiveness and disregard for protocol at both local and international functions.
PHOTOS: The Thrill and Agony of World Cup Qualifying Matches
While Algeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon and France celebrated, Burkina Faso, Senegal and Tunisia saw their hopes of heading to Brazil vanish with the final whistle.
Massive Railway Project between Niamey and Cotonou Underway
A 1,500 km-long railway project between Niamey, the capital city of Niger and Cotonou, the capital city of Benin has been green lighted by the authorities of the two countries and construction will begin on March 2014 [fr]. Francois Ndiaye in Niamey unpacks the set up of the financial agreement [fr] that includes...
“Underground” Newspaper Launched in Mozambique
A new “underground” newspaper called “Vigilant Citizen”, launched in Mozambique on the eve of elections, is being shared in .PDF by the blog Moçambique para Todos [pt]. Its cover carries the iconic image of protesters with the poster “Who keeps voting for these guys?”
Long-Awaited Madagascar Elections Go to Second Round
Jean-Louis Robinson won 21.1 percent of the vote, and Hery Rajaonarimampianina won about 15.9 percent. The second round is scheduled for December 20, but many questions remain.
PHOTOS: Rally of Mozambique's Main Opposition Party Attacked by Riot Police
The final mayoral campaign rally of opposition party MDM in Beira ended with three people killed and several injured – the injured included the candidate's own son – following an attack by riot police who used tear gas grenades and shot bullets to the air. When the tumult began, incumbent...
Thinking About Blogging at WordCamp Kenya 2013
White Africa thinks about blogging at WordCamp Kenya 2013 Today finds me in Nanyuki, Kenya at WordCamp Kenya 2013. The past couple years, I’ve been traveling during the event, but this year I get to come hang out with my blogging brothers and sisters. As I was thinking about what...
Malawians Should Brace for More Cash-gate Scandal
Steve Sharra explains why Malawians should brace for more cash-gate scandal after revelations that some powerful Malawians abused the Integrated Financial Management System internal controls to loot billions of public funds: Social inequality is creating deep rifts among Malawians, a ticking time bomb. The increasing incidents of mass violence and...
Ethiopians: #SomeoneTellSaudiArabia to Stop Immigration Crackdown
Saudi Arabia has began enforcing a crackdown on illegal immigrants after the expiry of an amnesty period given to illegal immigrants. Ethiopian immigrants find themselves a target.
An Investigation into the World of Prostitution in Burundi
Cedric Soledad Urakeza from Burundi reports on his investigation into the world of prostitution in Bujumbura [fr], published on the community blog Les voix du Burundi: Notre enquête montre trois catégories de prostituées. Il y a celles filles qui viennent de l’intérieur du pays pour chercher du travail domestique...