Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from August, 2010
Sao Tome & Principe: Revolt Against Water Diverted from Hospital
In the past few months, a heated discussion animated the blogosphere of Sao Tome and Principe, on a public health problem that apparently has already been solved. Until last week, there was no water running from the taps of Ayres de Menezes Hospital, but its director now assures that the issue has been taken care of.
Madagascar: The Undercover Investigations That Exposed Rosewood Trafficking from the Rain Forest
One of the consequences of the enduring political crisis in Madagascar is its punishing impact on the environment. The investigation of activists specialized in conservation and protection of the environment was instrumental in documenting the crimes and holding the government accountable for protecting Malagasy natural resources. Here are there reflections on the initiatives:
Liberia: Charles Taylor Trial Update
Alpha Sesay writes about the testimony Isa Sesay, the former interim leader of the Sierra Leonean rebel group that Charles Taylor is accused of providing support at the Charles Taylor trial at the Hague.
Burundi: At Rainbow's end
Christopher Redmonds blogs about the shooting of a new movie in Burundi: “The film is based on the true story of a man who fled to Tanzania in 1972 after coming home to find his wife and daughter murdered.”
Mauritania: Floods Impact Aggravated by Disrupted Roads, Sewer Systems
Kal writes that the severe floods in Mauritania have cut off communication between many cities, impeding the transport of critical food supplies. He adds that the limited number of sewer systems has resulted in destruction of ancient mosques. Here are photos of the flood damages [Ar].
Ghana: Leave the judges alone
Nana Sarpong wants the National Chairman of the Ghanaian ruling party to leave judges alone after he called on the Chief Justice of Ghana to ‘clean up’ the judiciary.
Africa: A Pan-African Social Media Brand
Munashe writes about Sowambe, a Pan-African social media brand: “Loy Okezie the blogger/writer and Francis Oghuma the co-founder of Naijaborn and Camerborn recently partnered to form create Sowambe.”
Nigeria: Around Nigeria in 20 days
Nigeria at 50, The Land of Our Fathers, Our Beloved Motherland: Around Nigeria in 20 days.
Africa: The new direction for Maneno blogging platform
Miquel discusses new direction for multilingual blogging platform, Maneno: “…we will be stepping back from the active social media promotion of articles and content that people have been writing on Maneno. Additionally, we are also going to gradually stop hosting blogs on the system as well as not accept any...
Africa: African Wedding Songs Playlist
Chale's African wedding songs playlist:”I already have a good idea what will be played at my wedding. Unless, my partner comes up with some recipe of her own. My list is African songs only.”
Nigeria: Citizen Reporter Interviews Fiery Lagos Preacher
A video of a citizen reporter, Kayode Ogundamisi, interviewing fiery Lagos pastor of the convener of the Save Nigeria Group.
South Africa: Would Media Appeals Tribunal be constitutional?
Pierre de Vos discusses the constitutionality of the proposed Media Appeals Tribunal (MAP) in South Africa: “The legislature will thus either pass a law creating a MAP that will not change anything, or it will pass a law creating a MAP that would be unconstitutional…”
Nigeria: Communications Commission wants to track your movement
Should the Nigerian Communications Commission be allowed to track your movement? David Ajao answers: “This is ludicrous. Telecom operators are now law enforcement agencies. Even if the NCC was allowed to implement this absurdity, how would they access the GPS coordinates of a mobile phone…”
Africa: Maker Faire Africa 2010
MightyAfrican writes about Maker Faire Africa 2010. Maker Faire is an event that features African-made products amongst others: “If you are in Kenya this August 26 to 28, you should attend this event at the University of Nairobi campus.”
Ghana: Footbal star ventures into music
The Ghanaian football star Asamoah Gyan has become the first footballer to venture into hiplife music.
Zambia: Citizens react to Chiluba's court clearance
Zambian President Dr. Frederick Chiluba and seven others were found guilty of stealing US$46 million public funds by Zambian High Court judge Evans Hamaundu. As expected, the court's decision last week has attracted debate in the Zambian blogosphere.
China: Technology and Offshore Farms
David Wolf from Silicon Hutong predicted that Chinese offshore farms are likely to invest in agricultural technology in the coming five years.
Liberia/Mexico: Mexico Vs Liberia: An informal comparison
Esteyonange's informal comparison of Liberia/Mexico: “Ever since arriving in Liberia with the “knowledge” that 85% of its residents were unemployed, I have been suffering from a minor obsession about how people with little to no money make it from day to day…”
Africa: Putting arts and culture on SADC's agenda
Arts and culture is on SADC's 30th Anniversary: “Zimbabwean renowned poet, Albert Nyathi performs on the 17/08/2010 for all of SADC’s Heads of State during the 30th Anniversary of the regional body here in Windhoek, Namibia.”
Zambia: The Attorney General Vs Dr. Frederick Chiluba
Zambian Economist posts the court ruling in the case Attorney General Versus Dr Frederick Chiluba (Zambia's former president) and others.
Sierra Leone: Sierra Leonean Kansas City Wizards soccer star
Vickie writes about Sierra Leonean football star Kei Kamara: “Back in July over 50,000 football fans watched Sierra Leone's Kei Kamara of the Kansas City Wizards score the winning goal for a 2-1 victory over Manchester United.”
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