Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from June, 2012
Cameroon: Officials’ Corrupt Behaviors
Salma Amadore, wrote [fr] about the bad habits of Cameroon officials, on blogitude.mondoblog.org: ” When they are assigned to another city, directors take it upon themselves to sell the TV, mobile phone (especially when it's a blackberry) and fridges that belong to the office. As for laptops, one director even bought...
Ethiopia: Disconnecting Citizens From the Future
"Well we Ethiopians have never had dragons in our mythology and folklore like Chinese but so far there has been attempt by Ethiopians to bring on dragons to our culture in the most nauseating manner – internet censorship," writes Endalk in his analysis of the controversial bill which criminalizes the use of internet services such as Skype and Google Talk.
Malawi: New Government, Costly Livelihood
The rising cost of living in Malawi has forced some Malawians to come up with innovative ways of making ends meet. Dalitso Chimwaza and several other friends earn a living from collections they make on a wooden brige they constructed across Lilongwe River in the capital city.
Togo: Violent Police Clash With ‘Save Togo’ Protesters
A peaceful march by the 'Save Togo' collective on June 12 degenerated into a stand off with security forces and around 120 injuries were recorded. Amongst other things, the protesters are calling for the implementation of recommendations relating to torture and wide ranging constitutional change. Other demonstrations are scheduled for the coming week.
Mozambique: Need a Ride? Take the Chapa
Lucas, a Brazilian journalist in Mozambique, on his blog A voz de África (Voice of Africa), wrote a story [pt] that describes peculiar and funny situations one may come across while travelling with the local transport called chapa. A photo report on Demotix illustrates these over-busy minibus taxis in the...
Mauritania: Security Forces Break Up March, Arrest Activists
Coordinators of the youth opposition organised a demonstration held after Friday prayers on May 18, which saw opposition protestors leave the Saudi Mosque in the capital Nouakchott in a march headed towards the Ministry of Interior. The demonstration was forcefully suppressed by security forces using tear gas.
Angola: Rhythms of Resistance, Past and Present
While international human rights organizations and bloggers are calling attention to the escalation of violence and repression against Angolan activists and musicians in the run up to this year's elections, in Lisbon, recently a tribute was paid to the Angolan music of resistance from the 1950s and 60s - N'Gola Ritmos. We invite you to time travel to the past of Anglola's rhythms of resistance and reflect on the country's political present.
Togo: Protests for Human Rights Repressed with Violence
The Association “Collectif Sauvons le Togo (Save Togo) ” published images and videos of violence following marching protests [fr] for Human Rights and Democracy in Lome, Capital City of Togo on June 12 and 13. Hundred of protesters were injured [fr] and dozens were arrested [fr].
Zimbabwe: Security Elites Get Facebook Grilling
Widespread concern about about politicization of the military in Zimbabwe has made Roy Bennett, a senior official of Movement for Democratic Change, turn to Facebook to speak his mind about the military’s brazen partisanship. Other Zimbabweans have joined in the conversation despite the arrest of one Zimbabwean last year for a comment he posted on Facebook.
Zambia: Meet a Blogger Who Tackles Health Issues
One Zambian female blogger tackles an issue other Zambian bloggers don’t touch — health. Meluse Kapatamoyo has written about dementia, fibroids as well as malaria eradication and the use of beads for family planning among other health conditions on her blog.
Ethiopia: The State of Social Media
Geraldine de Bastion (@geralbine) is an expert on information and communication technology and new media for development. She talks to Global Voices Online about, among other issue, the state of social media in Ethiopia.
Zimbabwe: Netizens Use Facebook Against Compatriot
Zimbabwean followers of popular reality show Big Brother Africa Stargame have taken to Facebook to register their displeasure with one of their compatriot's behavior.
Mozambique: NGO Launches “Corporate Interests” Transparency Platform
Mozambican NGO Centro de Integridade Pública (Public Integrity Center) [pt] released on June 12, 2012, the transparency database Interesses Empresariais (Corporate Interests) [pt]. This participatory platform aims to make the profiles of corporations and public figures more accessible, as well as to show their connections with the so-called Nomenklatura and national...
Africa: Improving Governance and Accountability with New Media
L. Abena Annan speaks with Kwami Ahiabenu,II from African Elections Project about the impact of new media technologies in coverage of elections in Africa. African Elections Project enhances the ability of journalists, citizen journalists and the news media to use new media tools to monitor and cover elections.
Algeria: Qatar's Role in Mali
Algerian-American blogger Kal, from The Moor Next Door, discusses claims of Qatar's alleged role in funding armed groups in northern Mali in this post.
South Africa: No Pain, No Gain
Learn about No Pain, No Gain campaign in South Africa: “SANGONeT's Executive Director, David Barnard, will run 750km across three deserts on three continents in 2012 in celebration of SANGONeT's 25th anniversary, to raise R1 million in support of SANGONeT's work and to create awareness about the work of NGOs...
Kenya: The State of Social Media
Collins Mbalo speaks with Mark Kaigwa Mark about the state of social media in Kenya. Mark is a Kenyan communications consultant working with brands, businesses and nonprofits across Africa helping them use media across mobile and web technology to impact Africans.
Africa: US Military Initiatives Lack Transparency
Cassidy identifies problems with US military initiatives in Africa:”Current military and counterterrorism initiatives in and assistance to many countries in Africa – and, in particular, those in East Africa – lack transparency and congressional oversight. Though sources at the National Defense University have, for example, estimated related assistance to Kenya...
Ethiopia: Father of Ethiopian Jazz Honored
“Ethiopian jazz giant Mulatu Astatke has been honored by the world-renowned Berklee College of Music. Mulatu, often dubbed as the father of Ethiopian jazz, was presented honorary doctor of music degree yesterday from the university’s president Roger H. Brown at 2012 commencement,” Arefe reports.
The Evolution of African Social Welfare Systems
The implementation of national social welfare systems is still in its evolutionary phase for many African countries. The achievement of the systems currently in place are discussed by social protection experts in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Equatorial Guinea: Dictatorship Seeks Entry in Portuguese Language Community
In July 2012 the Maputo Summit will take place in which a decision will be taken on the possible entry of Equatorial Guinea into the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). On the one hand there are various initiatives which condemn Teodoro Obiang's 33 year regime, hostile to the orienting principles of the CPLP. However, there are also those who support the country's admission.
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