Stories about France from November, 2013
France Replaces Central African Republic Ambassador on the Eve of Military Drive
France is set to send an additional 1,000 troops to the Central African Republic to prevent an escalation of the conflict in the region. So it came as a bit of a surprise when France decided to replace its ambassador Serge Mucetti in the country on the eve of such an important military...
Keeping up with the 2013 World Forum for Democracy
The second World Forum for Democracy is currently taking place in Strasbourg, France. The motto of this year conference is “Connecting Institutions and Citizens in the Digital Age”. Follow the four themes and the 21 workshops of the conference with the hashtag #CoE_WFD.
Brazilian “Wikicity” Travels to the World Forum for Democracy
Known as “the capital of participatory democracy”, the Brazilian city of Porto Alegre will become subject for a lab in the World Forum for Democracy. Focus will be given to the case of PortoAlegre.cc, a project created at the University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos (Unisinos) which is based on...
Racism, the United Nations, and the Dutch Saint Nicholas Tradition
While the children of Belgium, The Netherlands and other European countries prepare for the arrival of Saint Nicholas on December 6, the shadow of racism hangs over this tradition.
More Transparency Needed in Uranium Negotiation in Niger
Anne-Sophie Simpere reports that the Uranium exploitation contract between Niger and Areva, a french energy company, are set to be re-negotiated as it comes to an end as of December 2013. She writes [fr]: Il est incompréhensible que le Niger, 4ème producteur d’uranium au monde, et fournisseur stratégique d’Areva et...
PHOTOS: The Thrill and Agony of World Cup Qualifying Matches
While Algeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon and France celebrated, Burkina Faso, Senegal and Tunisia saw their hopes of heading to Brazil vanish with the final whistle.
No One Found Guilty of ‘Prestige’ Oil Disaster in Spain
After 10 years of investigation and a nine-month trial, Galicia's High Court of Justice has acquitted the three defendants of all crimes against the environment.
Have Racist Behaviors Been Unleashed in France ?
Epitomized by racial taunts [fr] towards the French Guiana-born Minister of Justice Christine Taubira on the cover of the weekly newspaper Minute, many observers bemoan the rise of racist behaviors [fr] in France. One of those observers is Harry Roselmack, a prominent reporter born in Martinique, who wrote an editorial in which...
How to Have Fun With Nuclear Negotiation
When "making progress" during nuclear negotiations still means no deal, Iranians on Twitter share jokes about the comical side of things.
South Korean Media Whitewashes President's European Trip
South Korean President had her first trip to Europe. Korean media lavishly praised her fashion sense and language skills, but didn't report on anything of substance.
Sadness and Anger in Kidal, Mali
Blogger Wirriyamu mourns the two French journalists killed [fr] in Kidal, Mali. But beside his immense sadness, Wirriyamu also feels angry at seeing Northern Mali left helpless yet again to terrorists attacks. He writes [fr] about his silent anger at the situation there : Tant qu’il ne sera pas possible...
‘Women Should Be Submissive’, and Other Google Autocomplete Suggestions
Following UN Women's lead, Global Voices conducted its own experiments with Google's Autocomplete feature. The investigation revealed popular attitudes about women’s roles, sexuality, appearance and relationships with men.
87 Migrants Die of Thirst in Northern Niger
On 0ctober 30, 87 people trying to reach the Mediterranean sea died after being abandoned in the Sahara Desert when their drivers left them stranded to seek for help. The harrowing story of one the survivors, 14-year-old Shafa, highlights the plight of many migrants trying to reach Europe and the obstacles they face. In...
South Koreans in Europe Protest Spy Agency Scandal
Protests have continued against South Korea's spy agency who allegedly interfered with the latest presidential election and manipulated public opinion to tip the scales in favor of current president Park Geun-hye. Ahead of Park's official visit to Western Europe, Koreans living in France held candlelight vigils denoucing the allegations and more...