Stories from 1 February 2011
East Timor: Unique footage from 1975
On his Youtube channel, Marc Smith (@PsychologyMarc) shares his father's unique film footage from after East Timor's civil war, when the territory was on the brink of Indonesia's invasion, revealing the weak legacy of the former Portuguese colonizer and the humble strength of “maubere” mountain people.
Côte d’Ivoire: About Gbagbo's Pan-Africanism
With the death anniversary of Patrice Lumumba and Gbagbo's Pan-Africanist speech, many started likening both men to the fathers of Pan-Africanism. It happens that Laurent Gbagbo himself compares himself to Robert Mugabe. Many Internet users and thinkers have reacted on this subject. Anna Gueye offers us an overview of the history behind it and the contents of the debate:
Egypt: Protesting Women Celebrated Online
Women’s roles in the ongoing Egyptian anti-government uprising have captured the attention of bloggers and citizens spreading information on social networking sites.
Uganda: War of words at David Kato's funeral puts spotlight on Anglican Church
Ugandan gay-rights advocate, David Kato, was slain on January 26, 2011. At David Kato's funeral the presiding Anglican minister ranted against homosexuality. The Anglican leadership in Uganda has been very supportive of the anti-gay rhetoric.
Angola: “Melon of gold” uncovers social gap
Angolan netizens express their revolt in dozens of comments to a recent news [pt] about melon price speculation. The fruit is sold in one shop of Luanda for USD 105. In 2010 Luanda was considered the most expensive city in the world for expatriates. Almost 10 million [pt] Angolans still...
Tanzania: A white musician releases Swahili album
An interview of Mzungu Kichaa (Swahili for a crazy white man) who has released a music album in Tanzania in Swahili.
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwean, Facebook and new meaning of “friend”
Zimbabwean, Facebook and the changing meaning of “friend” and “community”:”…in my adult life I get perplexed when I receive an e-mail from someone I barely know asking me to be their friend. The word friend seems to have mutated to the point where I am lost.
Africa: Top 6 African Models of 2010
Top 6 African models of 2010 from Haute Fashion Africa: “Without a Doubt, the 2010 fashion calendar was well saturated & influenced by African Fashion; from western designers designing collections that were African-Inspired to Trends that were African-inspired, The African Fashion Industry is definitely a budding one.”
Egypt: Mubarak is Strangling Us, as Banks Remain Closed and Food Runs Out
Banks and stock markets remain closed in Egypt today, as Egyptians continue their anti-Mubarak protests for the eighth day in a row. Reports continue to emerge of food and medical shortages, as the cash flow dwindles after ATM machines across the country have stopped working. The consensus is that Mubarak is deliberately starving the people.
Egypt: Live from Cairo
As thousands of Egyptians march from Tahrir Square, to call for an end to president Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule, the world cheers on. Despite a total Internet blackout, reports continue to pour in. Here is the latest selection of 140 character messages from Twitter - some from people on the ground, reporting live from Cairo.
Africa: Is the smell of jasmine hitting West Africa?
Osabutey argues that West Africa seems likely to be hit by Jasmine’s smell: “As protestors in Egypt continue to push out dictator Hosni Mubarak out of office after three decades in office, anti dictator activists in West Africa are keeping their fingers under lock to see if the dose of...
Botswana: How To Make Morula Jam
Tips on how to make morula jam (and by accident morula sweets): “I searched for a recipe for morula jam but never found one. This year I decided to try my luck and I was so pleased with the result. I thought I'd record my results here for other people.”
Botswana: Meet Thoughts From Botswana blogger
Geoffrey Gyasi, a Ghanaian blogger, interviews Lauri of Thoughts From Botswana blog.
Lebanon: Vocal support for Egyptian protestors
The Lebanese blogosphere has been vociferous in its support for the Egyptian protests that have so far left up to 150 people dead. They have been anything but idle as the Arab world witnesses a momentous event that could change the region forever. Here's their take.
Egypt: International Support Mounts, as Egyptians Begin March
The Million Egyptian March has started, and the world is watching. Meanwhile, the Egyptian regime's attempts to muzzle the voices of its people have fired back, drawing even more support from the international community, which is adamant in its attempts to make such voices heard.
Egypt: A Voice in the Blackout, Thanks to Google and Twitter
This evening, a jointly-made product by Google and Twitter has allowed Egyptians to tweet...using their voices. In light of the Internet blackout, the service allows Egyptians to call an international number from any phone and leave a message for the world.
Thailand: The Yellow Shirt protesters are back
Thailand’s Yellow Shirt protesters are back in the streets! The group which launched massive protest actions and invaded the country’s international airport in 2008 is mobilizing again to condemn the ‘treason’ of government officials who are accused of being unable to protect the country’s borders.
Egypt: Cheering on the Million Man March
With a few more hours to go until the Million Man March, another Day of Rage will dawn upon Egypt as it enters its eighth day of massive protests against the Mubarak regime tomorrow. Spirits are high and Egyptians are all fired up for the day ahead, despite attempts to further muzzle them and prevent the world from hearing their voices. On Twitter, people from all over the world cheer on them to continue with their protests.
USA: Japanese Civil Rights Icon Fred Korematsu Celebrated
Fred Korematsu, a Japanese-American who resisted placement in a World War II-era internment camp, and later fought in courts to have a Supreme Court conviction of "defiance" overturned, was remembered on January 30 in the state of California.
