Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from August, 2011
Video: Women Transforming Communities
Voices of Women Worldwide brings together people from all over the world interested in promoting the voices of voiceless women, young girls and children using all the different media they have available: blog posts, audio, video and visual journalism.
Cameroon: Strength in Diversity
Africavox published [fr] a dossier on the differences between the 250 ethnic groups in Cameroon. It states that “mixed marriages, cultural adaptation to their neighbors’ practices and a relative appeasement of the political climate have led to greater tolerance and understanding among Cameroonians. While ethnic diversity is now widely seen...
Nigeria: Two Satellites Launched
Wadr.org reports [fr] that ” Nigeria announced on Thursday that it had launched two satellites to monitor natural hazards, such as drought and floods, as well as to improve agriculture and security”.
Madagascar: Expectant Mothers, Beware
In an interesting post on “Fady” (cultural taboos) in traditional Malagasy society, blogger Ariniaina lists a few “do not” tips for pregnant women [fr], for example: “Do not carry fish in a basket on your head (and do not eat it) otherwise, your baby could grow scales on its skin”.
China-Africa Project Hope
China Media Project translated some local news about some doubts and questions about the 26-year-old chairperson, Lu Xingyu, of the China-Africa Project Hope, who defends herself against public criticism by describing her position as “second-generation benevolent”.
Guinea: Slow Blogging
After a year of blogging on blog platform Mondoblog, Sow shares [fr] how difficult it is to connect from his hometown in Guinea, located 500 km from the capital Conakry: “This country is plagued with a standard access to the Internet that breaks every record of slowness. If you add...
D.R. of Congo: End Congo Rape Campaign Launched Online
End Cong Rape online campaign has been launched: “The aim of this site is to inform people on the plight of women in the east of the Congo, as well as to encourage people to get involved and donate.”
Somalia: Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan In Mogadishu
afrik.com reports [fr] on Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan's visit in Mogadishu: “The prime minister, his wife Emine and other [Turkish] political and business leaders, as well as artists, are in Somalia to meet the victims of the drought and famine raging in the country.”
Rwanda: Interacting With the Tweeting President
Global Voices Author Gershom Ndhlovu interacts with Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Twitter. Kagame’s Twitter exchange with netizens puts him far ahead of his contemporary African leaders.
Uganda: Ugandans Take Fight to Save a Rainforest to Internet
The Mabira Forest is found in central Uganda near the capital Kampala. It’s one of the few natural rain forests that remain after years of degradation. Ugandans are fighting their government's move to sell the land off to a sugar corporation.
World: Write a blog post and win up to 3,000 Euros
Participate in YoBloCo Awards and win up to 3,000 Euros: “The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU (CTA), in collaboration with FARA, Yam-Pukri, CAFAN, AYF, ANAFE, SPC/PAFPNET is organizing the Youth in Agriculture Blog Competition (YoBloCo Awards).”
Uganda: Minister Claims Opposition Using Social Media to Prepare for War
Uganda’s Minister for Security claims that Ugandan activists are using Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to wage a campaign against the country's security forces and to prepare young people for war.
Malawi: Confusion and Uncertainty Over August 17 Vigil
With hours to go before August 17, the day set aside for follow-up nation-wide demonstrations in Malawi, a cloud of uncertainty hovers over the country. One team has announced a postponement, another team has indicated they are going ahead. Online reactions range from relief to frustration, confusion to defiance.
Africa: The Looting of African Fishery Resources
The first chapter of the Greenpeace project SOS Oceans is entitled: “How Africa feeds Europe “. The website introduce the project with the following statement [fr] : “After depleting the reserves of fishes in their own waters, European fish boats are now on the move to target other oceans to fish in.”
Senegal: Mayor Becomes the Oldest Elementary School Graduate
Assane Diallo celebrates the uncommon achievement of the mayor of Tambacounda in Senegal : ” Among the 2 233 candidates for the Year End Elementary School Diploma was the mayor of Tambacounda, Mr Oury Bâ. The 67-year-old elected official successfully earned his first diploma, a testimony to perseverance and the value he gives to education....
Madagascar: Sanctions Result in Economic Decline and Food Insecurity
After two and a half years of transitional government, Madagascar has experienced a slow, seemingly unstoppable decline of its fragile economy that has put a strain on the lives of millions. With an economy ranked worst in the world and a food crisis looming, Malagasy citizens debate the merits and impacts of international sanctions
Zambia: Netizen Launches Vlog Ahead of Elections
As Zambians are getting ready for the country's September 20 tripartite elections, a Zambian political activist has decided to put across his political and socio-economic messages through videos. He shares his videos on YouTube.
Blogging in Portuguese on Special Education
The blog Grito de Mudança (Cry for Change) [pt] gathers several articles and resources on special education and children with special needs in Portuguese language.
Nigeria: Adrift, Awaiting the Arrival of a Woman?
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is Nigeria’s new Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy. Until recently, she was the Managing Director of the World Bank. As soon as her appointment was announced, netizens have not stopped talking about the most powerful woman in President Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet.
Africa: Africa to Send Troops and Care Packages to the UK
Following the killing of a 29-year old man, Mark Duggan, in Tottenham on August 4, 2011, angry residents in London and other cities in the UK took to the street rioting and looting. Bloggers in Africa share their perspectives.
Madagascar: The Evictions of Families of Malagasy Farmers from Lands on the Rise
The Collective Body for the Defense of Malagasy [fr and mg] - (TANY) states that : “the procedure to obtain land titles in Madagascar necessitates on average 24 steps, 6 years and up to $500 USD. Yet the evicitions of farmers’ families [fr] from lands they have cultivated for several...
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