Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from December, 2010
Africa: West Africa's First Commercial Data Center Launching in 2011
A company simply identifying itself as West Africa Data Centres is taken the bold step to launch the first commercial large-scale data centre, in West Africa, David Ajao reports.
Ghana: Reflections on Christmas in Accra
Fiona reflects on Christmas in Accra, Ghana: “Pink plastic Christmas trees on sale by the side of the road. Inflatable Santas on sale by the side of the road. Flashing Santa hats on sale by the side of the road. Pictures of Jesus, hair clippers, rat poison, socks, kites, ‘white...
Uganda: On 10 Most Influential Persons in Uganda
David Bahati, a Member of Parliament in Uganda who presented the Anti- Homosexual Bill, which would classify “aggravated homosexuality” as a capital offence is one of The Ten Most Influential Persons in Uganda in 2010.
Tanzania: Dar Es Salaam in Photos
Photos of streets of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania by Tanzanian photo blogger Othaman Michuzi [SW].
Comoros: Provisional Results of the Presidential Elections and Possible Fraud
Wongo's blog in Anjouan provides some provisional results (VP Ikililou Dhoinine projected with 65% of the votes) of the presidential elections currently taking place in Comoros (fr). Opposition claims that fraud has taken place in Anjouan though (fr).
Mali: Tracklist from music shared by cellphone users
A tracklist of music shared between cell phones users in Mali: “This little cassette of music collected from cellphones has been in internet circulation lately…”
Kenya: Are citizens expected to contribute to special ‘Hague 6 defence fund’?
Moreen Majiwa asks, “To whose fund will you be contributing?”: We shall not discriminate…we will mobilise all resources and hire the best lawyers so that the suspects are fully represented at the Hague’ this was the statement made by Kiraitu Murungi, Minister for Energy on Tuesday this week.”
Nigeria: Bring our health data alive
Bring our health data in Nigeria alive: “For a long time, our leaders have taken Nigerians for a ride, quoting astronomical amounts of money for delivering nothing. One major reason for this is that we had no way of knowing more than they told us.”
Africa: Tech Success in Africa is Built on the Ordinary
Meeting the needs of ordinary people is key to success in tech industry in Africa: “In fact, you can take this one step further. Almost any meaningful success in Africa’s mobile or web space has been from companies focused on meeting the needs of ordinary people.”
Nigeria: Journey to nationhood
Solomon posts a documentary looking at Nigeria's history and particularly its’ colonial history. The footage belongs to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Nigeria: Sotheby’s cancels sale of Benin’s stoles Mask
An update on the proposed sale of stolen masks from Nigeria: “Many thanks to all MyWeku readers and the 3000+ Members of the Connoisseurs of Contemporary African Art group who signed the online petition, tweeted and shared the planned sale of the “Queen of Idia” mask on various social media...
Sudan: President Announces North Will Be Ruled By Islamic Law If South Separates
As the referendum on whether or not Southern Sudan will separate approaches, a few Sudanese bloggers have been busy commenting on the future prospects of their country. Recent comments made by the Sudanese President, Omar Hassan Al-Bashir, about the implementation of Islamic Law in North Sudan if the South separates have sparked controversy
Tragedy bookends Year 2010 for Francophone Citizen Media
It appears that tragedy will bookend yet another year rich in remarkable events in the world of francophone citizen media. The month of January set the tone with the fallout from the earthquake in Haiti and December saw the elections in Cote d'Ivoire take a dramatic turn. Here is the year 2010 reviewed through the lenses of francophone citizen media users.
South Africa: Corrective rape is a hate crime
Corrective rape is a criminal practice, whereby men rape lesbian women, purportedly as a means of “curing” the woman of her sexual orientation. Despite South Africa being the first nation on earth to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation, the first African country to legalize same-sex marriage and the world’s first republic to guarantee LGBT citizens equal rights in all realms of life (including adoption and military service), cases of corrective rape have been on the rise.
“In the beginning was the Word”: Blogs by Bible translators
This week Christians will celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christianity appears in many forms around the world and has around 2.2 billion adherents. In this post we take a look at the blogs of the people trying to make sure Christian scripture can be understood in as many languages as possible – Bible translators.
Christmas Recipes in Global Food Blogs
Christmas means ‘coming home’ to many people - but if this isn’t possible, preparing a magic meal can be a consolation. Bloggers of many continents have shared their favorite holiday recipes. With these you can dream yourself back home or even visit a place, you’ve never been to before. Where are you celebrating Christmas this year and what are you serving?
D. R. of Congo: Ben Affleck wants to make movie about Congo
Ben Affleck would like to make a movie about the Democratic Republic of Congo: “With the success of DRC Congo’s star singer Fally Ipupa during the MAMAs, now Oscar-winning screenwriter, actor, director and now Africa advocate Ben Affleck wants to make a movie about the troubled eastern Democratic Republic of...
Kenya: Remember When Former Kenyan Minister Topped Twitter List?
Do you remember when former Kenyan Minister of Education topped Twitter list?: “William Ruto was among the top three trending list with the hash tag #Rutoplaylist. Ruto is receiving a lot of attention on the social site, he comes a close third after tweets about Lil Wayne’s release from prison...
Ghana/Kenya: Ghanain Producer in Nairobi for Film Workshops
Ghanaian actor and director Ruffy Samuel is in Kenya for a series of film making workshops in a joint collaboration between the Kenya government’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and Unicef.
Sudan: My Juba Diary
This is Grains of Masala's Juba Diary. Juba is the regional capital of Southern Sudan: “Interesting ride; I love taxi drivers! They are such a great source of the most amazing stories. My driver was a Ugandan who came to Juba 4 years ago…I bully him a little, and ask...
Kenya: Of Drug Barons, Rogue Envoy and Poisoned ICC
Of Drug Barons, Rogue Envoy and Poisoned ICC in Kenya: “Only in Kenya do you find the title Honourable before the name of a drug baron. And the Kenyan voter love them while the Diaspora applaud the bling bling MPs as hard working. Woe unto you envious, lazy mortals for...