· July, 2012

Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from July, 2012

Africa: Digital Citizen Indaba 7

Digital Citizen Indaba 7 is coming: “In recent years we discussed the role of bloggers during disasters, we showed the latest digital tools in activism and continued the conversation about...

24 July 2012

Mauritania: Outrage Over the Murder of a Worker

In the early hours of Sunday [July, 15], Guard Forces (police) in Mauritania attacked a group of workers on strike, at the headquarters of the Mauritanian Copper Company [MCM], where they work. The attack led to the death of a worker for the first time since the sixties of the last century. The case sparked the interest of Mauritanian activists. Mohamed Abdou summarizes their online reactions.

23 July 2012

Mauritania: A Journalist Behind Bars

Mauritanian journalist Obeid Ould Amegn, whose health is in bad condition [Ar], is still in the central prison of the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott. Obeid Ould Amegn, a journalist and an anti-slavery human rights activist, is the vice-president of the Club of Activist Journalists. Mauritanian police had arrested him on April 29, in the capital Nouakchott, after he gave a statement to Al Arabiya TV network regarding those arrested following a book-burning protest.

21 July 2012

Zambia: New Minimum Wage Pits Employers Against Government

The Statutory Instrument stipulating the minimum wage payable to domestic servants, shop workers and other general workers is arguably one of the most controversial policies of the 10 months old Patriotic Front (PF) government. This issue has divided Zambian netizens on citizen media and social network sites, those for and those against it, in equal measure.

21 July 2012

South Africa: #HowMandelaSoldUsOut

An open letter to Nelson Mandela published on South Africa's premier news site News24, argues that the iconic leader 'sold out' black South Africans in negotiations that ended the Apartheid system. #HowMandelaSoldUsOut started trending on Twitter soon after its publication.

20 July 2012

Mali: What is The ECOWAS Waiting for ?

Francis Laloupo wonders whether the ECOWAS has a clear  purpose in the resolution [fr] of the crisis in Northern Mali. Laloupo argues that while the ECOWAS has maintained for the past 4 months...

20 July 2012

Pre-Olympics 2012: What’s Buzzing

With the 2012 London Olympics drawing closer, activities relating to the Games are heightening every day. From countries participating in the Games to their athletes preparing to score their best, the world's online audience is coming alive and getting ready for this extravaganza.

20 July 2012

Africa: Nelson Mandela, an Icon Transcending Differences

On his 94th birthday, the entire world is celebrating Nelson Mandela, and the internet users of Francophone Africa are no exception. Nelson Mandela remains an absolute icon of the African renaissance, throughout the continent. Francophone bloggers have praised the life of the man whom they affectionately call "Madiba", and the lessons learned from his struggle.

18 July 2012

South Africa: Happy Birthday Tata Nelson Mandela

One of the world's greatest icons of the modern age, Nelson Mandela, known fondly in South Africa as Tata [father] Madiba, celebrated his 94th birthday today. His birthday has not only been celebrated offline but also online as Muhammad Karim shows.

18 July 2012

Africa: African Women on Fire

Rumbidzai Dube explains why 2012 is the year for African women: “2012 has been a progressive year for African women in global politics. In April Joyce Banda of Malawi became...

18 July 2012

Nigeria: Fury as Lagos State Government Demolishes #Makoko Slum

What is the reason behind the ruckus that has vibrated over the Nigerian social media platforms following the demolition of Makoko slum in Lagos? After all the hallmark of ‘development’ lies in substituting such 'ugly' urban spaces with more dignified habitable conditions. Our Nigerian author, Nwachukwu Egbunike, explains.

17 July 2012

Kenya: Mau Mau Freedom Fighters Take Battle to British Court

Three former Mau Mau freedom fighters have taken the British government to the High Court in London demanding an apology and damages for brutality they suffered during the British colonial rule in Kenya. Tweets are pouring in in support of their fight for justice. @JeromeTaylor and @TandemLaw are tweeting live from the courtroom.

17 July 2012

About our Sub-Saharan Africa coverage

Zita Zage
Zita Zage is the Anglophone Africa Editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.

Jean Sovon
Jean Sovon is the Francophone Africa. Editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.