Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from January, 2014
The Worrisome Job Market Projection in Burkina Faso
The AFDB published its country report for Burkina Faso in which it highlights the worrisome job market trend [fr] for the next decade : Sept burkinabè sur dix ont moins de 30 ans. Le nombre de jeunes (15-24 ans), primo demandeurs d’emplois, doublera entre 2010 et 2030, passant de trois à six millions...
Catherine Samba-Panza, Mayor of Bangui, Elected as Transitional President of Central African Republic
After Michel Djotodia stepped down as president [fr] two weeks ago, the Central African Republic (CAR) Parliament elected Catherine Samba-Panza [fr], former mayor of Bangui, as the transitional president in charge of stabilizing the country until the next elections. Samba-Panza was recognized for her crisis management of the city during the rebels pillaging...
Massive Street Protests against Constitutional Reform in Burkina Faso
On January 18, thousands of Burkinabe citizens took to the streets of Ouagadougou [fr] to protest against proposed changes of the constitution that would allow current president Campaoré to run for another mandate. The protests were relayed on many Burkinabe twitter feed. Alain Boh Bi posted images of the protest: Jan18th,...
Madagascar Finally Has a New President, But Uncertainty Remains
Does this mean Madagascar is back on the path to democracy? Are prosperity and peace finally on the horizon for a country marred by chronic instability and poverty?
President: Ugandan Soldiers Killed Fighting in South Sudan
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni confirmed that Ugandan troops are fighting alongside South Sudan's President Salva Kiir's troops in the ongoing conflict between government and rebel forces there.
Remembering Congolese Leader Patrice Lumumba's Struggle Against Colonialism
Iconic freedom fighter Patrice Émery Lumumba was the first democratically elected prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He was executed 53 years ago.
Two Opposite Arguments on Whether CAR Crisis is a Religious Conflict
Has the CAR Crisis Turned into a Religious Conflict ?
Job Market Trends in the Mobile Phone Industry of Côte d'Ivoire
Alain François Loukou, a research fellow and teacher at the Alassane Ouattara University in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire, wrote an extensive report on the evolution of IT in Côte d'Ivoire [fr]. He shares the following table on the recent evolution of the mobile phone market in his country in terms of mobile penetration, jobs, turnover...
Being Gay in Nigeria Now Means Arrest, Prison
Nigeria has arrested dozens of gay men under the country's new anti-gay law, Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, signed by President Goodluck Jonathan on January 7, 2014.
Mauritius Tops Index of Economic Freedom Ranking in Africa
The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal published the latest Index of Economic Freedom and Mauritius ranks highest among African nations [fr]. It also ranks in the top ten worldwide. The index cites the following reasons for Mauritius high ranking: Efficient and transparent regulations underpin a dynamic entrepreneurial environment and...
Understanding Human Rights in Portuguese-Speaking Countries
[All links lead to Portuguese language pages, except where otherwise stated] The Portuguese language version of the educational manual for human rights “Understanding Human Rights” is available online. The website provides the complete manual in pdf format or divided into chapters, as well as training material, bibliographical references and institutional information specifically aimed at...
How Online Platforms Are Working to Save Angola's Languages
There are an estimated 37 languages and 50 dialects in Angola, and almost 8.5 million Angolans only speak national languages that aren't featured in any education or social programs.
Madagascar's Return to Democracy Proving to Be a Bumpy One
Hery Rajaonarimampianina was declared winner of the presidential elections' second round, but the final verdict is still pending. The elections were an important step to solving the country's political crisis.
How New Interim President Nguendet Can Bring Stability Back to CAR
After Michel Djotodia stepped down as interim president of the Central African Republic (CAR), Alexandre-Ferdinand Nguendet was selected as the new president of the national council of the transition. Philippe Hugon opines on what needs to be done to bring stability back to CAR [fr]: Il est très important...
Fighting Corruption in Comoros, Cameroon and Madagascar
The people of Comoros, Cameroon and Madagascar haven't got much faith in the honesty and integrity of the public sector, according to Transparency International's annual Corruption Perceptions Index.
Hockey, Diving for Crosses and Other Christmas-in-January Traditions
While Christians in the Western hemisphere celebrate Christmas in December, most Orthodox and Coptic Christians mark the birth of Christ in early January, from Eastern Europe to North Africa.
Arrested for Calling Zambia's President Michael Sata a ‘Sweet Potato’
Catholic Priest turned politician Father Frank Bwalya called President Michael Sata a crooked sweet potato that cannot be straightened during a community radio show.
Silent Treatment on Violence against Women in Guinea
Boubacar Sanso Barry for Guinée Conakry Info wrote an in-depth report on the undercovered issue of violence against women in Guinea. Even though the National Agency on Gender reports that 80% of Guinean women were victims of psychological or physical abuse [fr], the topic seems to be too often ignored...
Reason for President of Central African Republic Djotodia Imminent Resignation
Multiple sources report [fr] that Michel Djotodia, Interim President of Central African Republic (CAR) will step down tomorrow (January 9) as his country is rocked by violent inter-community conflicts. Although the minister of Communication denied [fr] the president's resignation earlier, Simon Koitoua in Bangui, CAR opines that it was bound to happen because of...
A Call for African Leaders to Stand with the Central African Republic
As the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) drastically worsens [fr] (935 000 IDPs as of today), Thione Niang, the Senegalese head of the GIVE1Project and Mehdi Bensaid, a Moroccan MP, calls from the African continent to stand up and show support to the victims of the conflict in CAR [fr]: Nous ne...
Why Elders Protect Doves in Rural Mali
Fasokan explains why elders in rural Mali pay special attention to the protection of doves [fr] : Les vieilles personnes font tout pour protéger ces oiseaux contre la tuerie des enfants pendant leurs chasses avec des lance-pierres. Si par hasard il arrive qu’un groupe de jeunes garçons attrape une tourterelle...
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