Latest posts by Vivienne Griffiths
Meet Suzanne Lehn, Co-Editor of Global Voices en Français
Portrait of Suzanne Lehn, co-manager of French language Global Voices, by Marie Bohner. Her vision of today's media and the subjects she is passionate about.
Lessons of Peace from the Central African Republic's Most Disadvantaged
Interview with Michel Besse and the ATD-4th world in Bangui on the CAR Crisis
3 Keys to Understanding Burkina Faso's Anti-President Compaoré Protests
On Saturday January 18th, widespread protests took place against constitutional reforms proposed by president Blaise Camporé. But what do the protests mean?
Madagascar Presidential Elections: The Home Stretch
33 candidats se présentent aux élections présidentielles à Madagascar. Cependant seuls 16 d'entre eux ont eu une vrai présence pendant la campagne dans les médias. Certains se demandent où sont passés les autres.
Benin's President Opens Door to Third Term
President Yayi Boni has proposed an amendment that would twist the law that bans presidents from third terms. Boni won two presidential elections in 2006 and 2011.
Senegal: Casamance Region Hopes for Peace Through Deal in Rome
On October 13 and 14, preliminary talks took place in Rome between representatives of the Senegalese government and of the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (Mfdc). Casamance is a region in the south west of Senegal, which has been the scene of violent conflict between government forces and those fighting for independence since the beginning of the 1980s.
Mali: 100 Sharia Lashes for Unwed Parents in the North
The grip of Islamist group Ansar Dine on northern Mali and their imposition of Sharia has recently been tragically demonstrated in Timbuktu. A couple who had a child out of wedlock, publicly received 100 lashes each and were forced to marry.
Togo: Violent Police Clash With ‘Save Togo’ Protesters
A peaceful march by the 'Save Togo' collective on June 12 degenerated into a stand off with security forces and around 120 injuries were recorded. Amongst other things, the protesters are calling for the implementation of recommendations relating to torture and wide ranging constitutional change. Other demonstrations are scheduled for the coming week.
Switzerland: An Initiative to Establish Basic Income for All
An initiative to establish a new federal law that would give a basic monthly income to all citizens, regardless of employment status was formally introduced in Switzerland in April. Stanislas Jourdan looks into the details of the initiative.
Colombia: Explosions near the US embassy in Bogotá
On the night of April 13, against the backdrop of the Summit of the Americas [es] (a meeting of the continent's heads of State), explosions were heard [es] near the location of the United States Embasy in Bogotá. No one was injured as a result of the incident [es], and...
Panama: Traffic Congestion Sparks Online Reports and Complaints
Transport is one of Panama's biggest problems and traffic jams are an everyday occurrence in the Panamanian capital. Social networking sites, especially Twitter, are seen as a good way of avoiding them or grumbling about them.
Senegal: Reasons Behind the Pre-Election Turbulence
Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade was elected head of state in 2000 and has decided to stand for a third term even though that should not be allowed under the constitution. Many Senegalese are protesting the decision to allow him to stand.
Black Women in European Politics: from Struggle to Success
Nowadays, it is a common to witness African-born women with successful careers in Europe. Despite the evident challenges, many have also distiguished themselves in politics. Still, it was not so long ago that such success would have seemed impossible.
Peru: Blogs from Cajamarca Report on Conga Mine Conflict
Protests against the Conga mining project in Cajamarca continue despite the suspension of activities announced by the mining company. Juan Arellano highlights blogs written from Cajamarca that are reporting on the conflict.
Argentina: New Foreign Exchange Controls
At the end of October 2011 the Argentine government launched a series of regulatory measures designed to control foreign exchange. The country's bloggers comment on and analyse the measures, which aim to slow the inflationary tendency of the US dollar against the peso.
Sahel Region: Slavery still very much a Reality for Some
In an interview carried out by François Mauger with Mme Sophia Lakhdar [fr], Director of the Comité Contre l’Esclavage Moderne (Comittee Against Modern Slavery) published on the mondomix.com blog, she states: “Today human trafficking has taken over as the notion of modern slavery, which is a bit contrived. However it helps...
Madagascar: A Blogger's Wish for Free Elections for Christmas
In a letter to Santa Claus, on his blog tulearenvie.mondoblog.org, @Andriamihaj shares his nostalgia for the atmosphere generated by peaceful elections and points out what he misses: “I would really like to experience new things. I actually want to experience the propaganda (it's been a while). I want to change...
Côte d'Ivoire: When Will the Universities Reopen?
During the post-electoral crisis in Ivory Coast, at the beginning of 2011, the country's three universities were closed and those living in the university halls of residence made to leave. Today many are now questioning the uncertainty surrounding the reopening of the universities.
Syria : The “Free Army” defies the regime
Wearing bullet-proof vests and Kevelar helmets and holding assault rifles, 13 men make their way through an enthusiastic crowd (AR) which is warmly welcoming them with slaps on the back. It is the beginning of September in the Boustan al-Diwan district of Homs. For the towns activists today's "haul" is substantial. They are deserters from the Syrian army. Madjid Zerrouky explains:
France: The Twittosphere Pokes Fun at the Presidential Election Campaign
As can be seen on social networking sites like Twitter, the 2012 presidential campaign is well and truly underway in France. The left wing Primaries have animated the media landscape over the last couple of weeks, and resulted in François Hollande being named the Socialist Party (PS) representative. On Twitter, many Trending topics make reference to the up coming elections and are provoking amused reactions.
Cape Verde: Cesaria Evora Retires
Momar niang posted on their blog: “Following the advice of her Paris doctors to cancel her upcoming tour, Cesaria and her manager and producer José da Silva have agreed that she should retire once and for all. In doing so Cesaria is relinquishing the itinerant life that has taken...
