Africa: Masks

007 in Africa introduces us to Bruce the mask seller…”He used to work for the Art Museum that shut down during civil strifes, roaming the country far and wide to find nice antique pieces for display. All the art pieces have now been locked in storage, occsionally plundered by various...

Zimbabwe–Great Lakes Blog Roundup

Zimbabwe: Robert Mugabe, the last of Africa's “big men” turns 82 late next month. Members of the ruling ZANU-PF have begun murmuring about ambitous plans for an extravagant birthday bash despite the failing economy and famished population. The silver lining in Zimbabwe's dark cloud is that the rainy season has...

DRC: Patrice Lumumba

The Trials & Tribulations of a Freshly-Arrived Denizen reminds us that we should not forget Patrice Lumumba...”Today, I say SHAME to Belgium for having killed this man, and SHAME to the US for having had a President under the name of Eisenhower who ordered his death because of the distorted...

DRC: thousands flee armed clashes

Coalition for Darfur reports that thousands are fleeing as DRC troops clash with militia armies in the east.

DRC: Belgium

Black Star Journal comments on objections to the trial of former Chadian dictator, Hissène Habré, taking place in Belgium stating “But if one is going to get outraged at Belgian hypocrisy regarding crimes against humanity, isn't it more compelling to invoke one of the worst crimes against humanity of all...

DRC: Constitution accepted

Congo Watch reports that the people of the DRC have voted in favour of the new constitution which will lead to elections in March

007 in Africa writes about the problems of having drugs delivered to the DRC….no addresses to speak of, almost impossible to get photos taken, too few staff and a scanner? “are you kidding, no electricity.

DRC: fighting stigma of rape

Passion of the Present points to an article on women in the DRC who are fighting the stigma of rape.

Covering DRC & Darfur

My Hearts in Accra comments on the lack of coverage of the DRC and Darfur and provides a few links on both.

DRC: referendum untruths

15 fun tidbits on the Congolese referendum.… 007 in Africa lists 15 “wholly untrue tid bits from various new sources”….1) Most people have not had enough information on the ConstitutionSource: Colleagues and friends… (2) The Diamond-rich city of Mbuji-Mayi only has one copy of the Constitution Source: Colleagues and friends……….

Congo: International aid

Breaking Hearts in the Heart of Darkness by aid worker in the Congo adds her commentary to the article by Paul THEROUX on ” international aid to the third world“……My problem with the article is that its assumptions that aid has not worked and that more aid will not work...