Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from May, 2008
Tanzania: Review of Bongoland II
The Star Tribune review a Swahili movie, Bongoland II: “The beauty of “Bongoland II” arises in its misleading simplicity. Although it could be said that the film tracks Juma's adaptation, it uses larger issues to highlight the ways in which Juma is not – and may never be – fully...
Sudan: Sami al-Hajj Released, Khartoum Attacked
This round-up highlights the two most talked about recent topics in the Sudanese blogosphere. We will start with the release of the Sudanese al-Jazeera journalist Sami al-Hajj from Guantanamo Bay where he was held for six years without trial.
Videos: Creativity in facing the water crisis
With two very recent natural disasters in mind: the cyclone in Myanmar and the Earthquake in Sichuan, China, the topic of getting pure and drinkable water to needy populations has come back into the conversation. Following, several videos which propose different solutions to supply clean water or at least make it easier for people to have a healthful liquid to drink.
Paraguay: First Actions for Lugo
Edgar Ruiz Diaz of Las Preguntas de Venerando [es] provides his thoughts on the first steps that Paraguayan President-elect Fernando Lugo should take upon taking office, such as lowering his own salary, as well as of senators and deputies.
Malawi: To believe or not to believe rumors of a coup plot
Following Victor Kaonga's Monday May 12th breaking news post of the unusual arrests in Malawi of high ranking former and current military and police officers, as well as opposition figures, amid government accusations of a coup plot, Malawian bloggers and netizens have been reacting to the news with shock, skepticism, bewilderment, and ambivalence.
Cape Verde: Three hours waiting to vote
Eileen Barbosa [pt] reports that the elections in Cape Verde yesterday were marked by long queues and people's good will to attend to the polls. “Personally, I found it quite inadmissible, but many people went ahead and… gave up! Who can blame them, more than three-hour wait on a Sunday…...
Kidepo, an unbeaten path in Uganda
Omar Basawad writes of Kidepo National Park, saying “Of all Ugandan national parks and game reserves, Kidepo is the most remote and has the most unique wilderness and terrain.” noting that many tourists and travelers are missing out on a pristine location.
Cape Verde: It is elections time
Abraão Vicente [pt] has a long and reflective post about the upcoming elections in Cape Town, which he iltustrated with a Gilbert & George pic. “I'm a little bit confused, I must confess. During the election campaign everything seems to be easy. It seems that all dreams are possible to...
Mozambique: In defense of native languages
Jorge Saiete [pt] is very disappointed that some people in Mozambique believe that native languages, such as Xangana, Xitswa, Ndau, Nhugwe, Macua, and Chuabo should be avoided and are often reprimanded and labeled as language of evil. “I think the national languages are our heritage that most deserves to be...
Angola: On the standardization of the Portuguese language
Eugénio Costa Almeida [pt] breaks the news that the deal to standardize the Portuguese language in all countries was ratified in the Portuguese Parliament and within six years new spelling rules may be adopted. “Everyone has thought about “getting into the habit” but the most important thing was forgotten: children...
Zimbabwe: Taking your power back
Taking power back to the people in Zimbabwe: “As Zimbabweans, we also have to start taking our power – from the politicians and unelected ministers and military authorities who are running the country instead of the democratically elected parliament.”
Zimbabwe: E-Cards For Democracy
Online activism using e-cards in Zimbabwe: “Sokwanele will be releasing regular e-card designs in the days leading up to the run-off election, now scheduled for June 27. We’d like to ask everyone around the world to join us and use them to help all Zimbabweans stay fully engaged with their...
Malawi: Illusions of a coup plot
Is the coup plot in Malawi an illusion?: “Call me naïve, but some things do not add up to this alleged new “coup plot” against the Mutharika presidency. Instead, it gives me a sense of déjà-vu: taking us back to the dark days of the Banda presidency.”
Malawi: Army officers arrested for “coup plot”
More arrests following Malawi “coup plot”: “Malawi has arrested two senior army officers for plotting to overthrow the government, police said on Wednesday, a day after the arrest of two opposition leaders on the same charges.”
Africa: Nokia and the developing world
White African notes that Nokia's business interest in Africa: “There is a reason that Africans, by and large, love Nokia and there’s a reason that the brand has made such an impact in that part of the world. While most companies around the world are ignoring Africa, Nokia actively develops...
Nigeria: Boycott The British Airways
A campaign for Nigerians to boycott the British Airways: “Boycott British Airways. We can do with one “less” airline. Nigerians are very respectful and hardworking people and they deserve to be respected. British Airways does not respect Nigerians.”
Nigeria: African Mobile Marketing & Advertising Summit 2008
Yomi writes about the African Mobile Marketing & Advertising Summit in Lagos, Nigeria: “The African Mobile Marketing & Advertising Summit is the foremost event of the year dedicated to communication and loyalty on the mobile in the emerging markets. With the huge growth of mobile communications in Africa, this event...
Africa: The Simba Lions of Congo
African migrants and refugees enter South Australian amateur league: “The Simba Lions of Congo has, for the first time, entered the South Australian Amateur Soccer League (SSAASL), as a registered club. The club is made up of young migrants and refugees from Africa who now call Australia home.”
Africa: Africa's food insecurity
A commentary on food security in Africa: “The most worrying scenario in Africa today, as the hike in food prices ravage the world's poor, is not in the price of the food, especially the imported kind per say, but is the underlying fact that Africa's population which is largely agrarian...
Africa: Cannes International Film Festival
Leo Africanus wonders why there are not African films at the Cannes International Film Festival: “I may be missing something, but no African film or film with an African theme (including North Africa) made the official cut.”
Africa: They don't take photos in Africa
Do they take photos in Africa?: “Pieter Hugo, the South African photographer, is the only African featured in JUXTAPOZ’s “Photo Issue” that came out this month. I guess we’ll have to wait till their “Africa” issue.”
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