Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from May, 2012
Côte d'Ivoire: Controversy during 2012 Tech Conferences
Between May 15 and 18, 2012, Côte d"Ivoire played host to two important tech conferences. Covering IT and communications technology (ICT), among the themes intended to be covered were cybercrime and the inclusion of women in the world of ICT. ‘Google Days’ and the JNTIC 2012 conference caused controversy and debate, with many people on the Ivorian blogosphere reacting passionately to the issues raised.
Mauritania: Student Scandal Rocks Presidential Palace
On May 3 a group of Mauritanian students made a surprise revelation at a press conference. They announced that the president's chief of staff Isselkou Ould Izidbih had attempted to bribe them to give up their struggle for students' rights as well as to stop sit-ins and protests.
Ghana: Make Petroleum Revenue Management Bill Public
Seth Bokpe reports that a coalition of civil society organisations in Ghana has called on the government to make the draft Petroleum Revenue Management Bill public.
Mali: Coup Leader Sanogo To be Sworn in as New Interim President
Various online reports state [fr] that coup leader Captain Sanogo will be sworn in as new interim president after former interim president D. Traoré got injured following protests earlier in...
Mali: Protests Call for National Unity in Gao and Timbuktu
Following protests in Timbuktu in April 2012, citizens of the city of Gao have taken to the streets to protest about the demands and orders imposed by the Islamic groups currently occupying northern Mali. Malian bloggers and their readers react to the protests as well as to the current situation in Northern Mali.
South Sudan: South Sudan Theatre Company Online
South Sudan Theatre Company online: “Advised and led by three of South Sudan’s most respected cultural leaders, a group of artists and dramatists have come together to form the South...
Mauritania: Al Qaeda Execution Stirs Debate
A YouTube video posted on the Al Akhbar website on May 12 has angered Mauritanians. The video shows a 40-year-old Mauritanian man being interrogated by members of Al Qaeda, who accuse him of espionage. He was later executed after confessing to working with Mauritanian intelligence.
South Africa: The Spear, Freedom of Speech and Morality
A painting by Cape Town-based artist Brett Murray depicting President Jacob Zuma's genitals has ignited online debate about morality and freedom of speech in South Africa. The painting tilted “The Spear” is part of Hail to the Thief II exhibition in Johannesburg.
Africa: Regimes Under Attack From Satire and Cartoons
The use of satirical language and cartoons in the media is relatively new in most African countries. Abdoulaye Bah explores the history behind these comic tools.
Mali: Interim President Injured as Protesters Enter Presidential Palace
Malijet reports that Interim President Dioncounda Traoré was hurt [fr] during protests [fr] that asked for his removal and caused three casualties.
Zambia: Judge Suspensions Unfold into Embarrassing Drama
The suspension of one Supreme Court Judge and two high court judges and setting up of a tribunal to investigate them is turning into an embarrassing drama. A high court judge, Flugence Chisanga, ruled against it in a move that inevitably pitted the judiciary against the executive.
Zambia: President Sues Citizens and Media for Alleged Defamation
President Sata has sued United Party for National Development leader Hakainde Hichilema, the Daily Nation newspaper, radio station Hot FM and University of Zambia lecturer Cholwe Beyani for defamation of character.
Mayotte: Capsizing Boat Kills at Least 5 Economic Refugees
Malango Actualité provides the social context [fr] related to the sinking of a boat that killed at least 5, including 3 children and an infant. The fishing boat was carrying 43 people...
Zambia: Tensions Continue Over Severe Fuel Shortages
Zambian netizens do not understand why they are experiencing fuel shortages barely a month after President Michael Sata’s PF government donated 5 million liters of fuel to Malawi following the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika.
Science Blogging in Sub-Saharan Africa
Blogging has become an integral part of popular culture in Sub-Saharan Africa but blogging about science is still lagging behind. Many initiatives have been launched to increase the culture of sharing in the African scientific world, yet African science blogs, particularly about research, are still few and far between.
Malawi: President Promises to Lift Ban on Homosexuality
In her first National Address, new Malawian President Joyce Banda of Malawi indicated that the country will lift ban on homosexuality. Homosexuality, which is punishable by up to 14 years in prison in Malawi, is outlawed in 38 African countries and it can be punishable by death in Mauritania, Sudan, and northern Nigeria.
Africa: Fresh Perspective in Telling African Stories
SautiProject is an African citizen journalism project supported by Al Jazeera Kiswahili and Pawa254 Sauti Project is an African citizen journalist initiative; a fresh perspective into the telling of African...
Ethiopia: G8 Summit Casts Fresh Light on Ethiopia
Netizens have stepped up their effort to draw attention to Ethiopia’s independent media situation as the G8 Summit approaches. Ethiopia's Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and three other African heads of state are expected to attend. The upcoming G8 Summit in the United States will be held at Camp David in Maryland from 18-19 May, 2012.
Cape Verde: Encouraging Storytelling and Creative Writing
Set over the course of seven weeks, a creative writing competition promoted by the young Cape Verdean journalist Odair Varela on his blog, has led a dozen word lovers to get behind their keyboards and let their imaginations flow. The winners have already been announced and this article provides an overview of the stories told.
Togo : Presidential Patrimony versus University Facilities
Commenting on the declaration of assets of the new French President Francois Hollande, Jeogo wrote [fr]: “What is certain is that the patrimony of Francois Hollande (..) is no match for the patrimony of...
Lesotho: 2012 General Election Date Set
Lesotho will hold general elections on 26 May, against a backdrop of political violence. The Lesotho Political Parties Leadership Forum claims that there is a “hit squad” that has been assigned to kill prominent people ahead of the general elections.
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