Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from July, 2011
Malawi: Arab Spring Spreading South of the Sahara?
It's winter in Africa, south of the Equator, but the temperature in Malawi feels more like Spring - particularly that of the recent Arab pedigree. The Malawian air is rife with tension and anxiety over what is expected to be a clash between civil society and the Malawi government on Wednesday July 20.
Nigeria: Challenges of Shopping Online
David explains the challenges of shopping online in Nigeria: “Trust is a very rare commodity, especially in Nigeria. There are multitudes of stories about scams and betrayals. Since trust is in short supply, many find it impossible to sit behind a computer to buy online by sending money to a...
Ghana: Creativity at Chale Wote Street Festival
Nana blogs about the Chale Wote Street Festival in James Town in Ghana: “Creativity is gradually finding its voice again in Ghana. Yesterday was proof. Poets, Musicians, Artists, performers, cyclists and all sorts of creatives stormed this ancient part of Accra and breathed fresh life into it.”
Guinea: Mass Slaughter of Cattles After Ethnic Clashes
According to guineelibre.com [fr] “Over 1,200 cattle were slaughtered after ethnic clashes between Fulani and Malinke – the minority groups of Guinea – reported residents of the village of Thiakoro, in south-eastern Guinea.”
South Sudan: Messages of #LoveFromSudan
On the eve of the independence of South Sudan, a group of young Sudanese started a movement that is trying to start a conversation between North and South to create mutual friendship between both sides and link young citizens of the two countries. The movement uses the hashtag #lovefromsudan.
Africa: Of Misunderstandings, the Best Laid Plans and Language Challenge
Find out about what's on the minds of a variety of African bloggers with Global Voices author Paula Odhiambo.
Madagascar: Honduras as an Example of Crisis Recovery
Commenting on the publication of the report from the Honduras Truth and Reconciliation Commission on July 7th, Madagascar Tribune has published [fr] an opinion piece by Patrick A: “As the African Union still seems to be hesitating over the case of Madagascar, it is not impossible that it would take...
Sao Tome and Principe: Saving a Cultural Crossroads
The celebration of Sao Tome and Principe's 36th anniversary of independence, on July 12, involves cultural and traditional events being held throughout the country. The country has been a cultural crossroads for centuries, absorbing various traditions into a unique blend. Bloggers help document dance traditions, and express regret that not enough is being done to preserve them for future generations.
Zimbabwe: Socialists Facing Treason Charge
Zimbabwe socialists are facing treason charge: “The International Socialist Organisation [ISO] Zimbabwe wishes to update all progressive cadres, socialists, revolutionaries and democrats who have been in solidarity with us since the unjust February 19th 2011 arrest, detention and torture of ISO comrades, student leaders and human rights activists that the...
Zambia: Brenda Zulu Discusses the State of Zambian Blogosphere
The spotlight is on Brenda Zulu, a Zambian journalist and blogger. Based in Lusaka, Zambia, Brenda has been blogging since 2004 and is one of Zambia’s seasoned blogger’s. I talked with Brenda about her life, her blogging origins and the state of Zambian blogosphere.
Senegal-Chad: Is Habré Extradition a Political Diversion by Wade?
Commenting former Chad president Hissene Habré's extradition to his homeland, makaila.over-blog observes [fr]: “Many Senegalese analysts are already questionning whether this is just a diversion by the Senegalese embattled president. The opposition and civil society organizations were planning for a massive gathering on July 9th”. The rally was ultimately banned by...
South Sudan: Celebration of Independence
Slate.fr blog reports [fr] that South Sudan celebrated the birth of their state with a friendly international football match: “South Sudanese authorities held a friendly football game between their national team and the Kenyan team on July 10th. The game took place in Juba, the new capital city, in a country...
Senegal-Chad: Hissène Habré won't be expelled anymore
In a post published on July 11th, leboytownshow.com blog states the following [fr] :”Senegalese authorities finally announced that they suspend the deportation order against Hissène Habré (editor's note: Chad former president) “.
Zambia: Tourism Body Ignores Local Musicians For Rebranding Event
The Zambia Tourist Board has just rebranded with a new logo. However, to the chagrin of local musicians, the board invited a Paris-based Congolese musician Fally Ipupa to perform at the rebranding function in the capital, Lusaka. Exasperated Zambian tweeps were quick to pick on the ZTB faux pas and quickly took to their gadgets to express their disapproval of the move.
Russia: Reintroducing Fabergé
John Helmer of Dancing With Bears tells the story of how a South African entrepreneur is reintroducing production of Russia's famous Fabergé eggs.
South Sudan: Free At Last!
Africa has a new nation: the Republic of South Sudan. South Sudan held a referendum on January 9, 2011, on whether or not it should remain a part of Sudan. After voting almost unanimously (99%) for independence from the north, Southern Sudan's formal independence was declared on 9 July, 2011. Bloggers discuss this historic occasion.
Angola: Human Rights Activist “Partially” Released
The Angolan human rights activist Agostinho Chicaia has been released from jail, though he is “still without his passport, thus unable to go back home”, reports [pt] the blog Branqkituma. Chicaia was “arbitrarily arrested” at the airport of Kinshasa (D. R. of Congo) on June 20 “under an international arrest...
Kenya: e-Goverment Movement
Bankelele looks at e-government trends in Kenya: “This week the, the National Council for Law Reporting – [NCLR, a state corporation charged with publishing the law and judicial opinions of the High court and Court of appeal) in partnership with Google Kenya launched digital versions of the Kenya Parliamentary debates...
Ghana: On the Proliferation of Grassroots Pressure Groups
Abena is fascinated with the proliferation of grass-root pressure groups taking part in the hotly-contested race between the incumbent president of Ghana, Professor John Evans Atta Mills and an unlikely contender in the person of the former first lady of Ghana, Mrs. Nana Konadu Agygeman Rawlings.
South Africa: Introducing Rapper Prinston
Skyllie introduces South African musician Prinston: “The producer rapper straight out of Durban South Africa known by his fans as Prinston, is really an artist to be reckoned with lately. Having spent some time in the USA in Florida and experienced some international and local exposure, Prinston has built up...
South Sudan: A New Journey Begins
A new journey begins in South Sudan: “South Sudan has been born at time when Africa has made substantial steps in development unlike the 60s. With a population that is not even half that of my country Uganda, South Sudan will need its neighbours who are already a step ahead...
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