October 28, 2013
Africa: The Next Frontier for African Literature Is African Publishing
Living in the age of the amorphous Internet as a young writer comes with its obligations, delusions and accusations. These arise from trying to interact in a world in which the… Read more »
Africa: Weekly Newsletter 28 October 2013
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October 25, 2013
Tunisia: Rise of Mysterious Radical Group
An original founder of the banned Salafi organisation reveals its true origins, the extent of its links with al-Nahda, and what lies "behind the curtain." Read more »
Western Sahara: Occupied and Exploited - Taking Western Sahara's Resources
International action is needed if Sahrawis are to benefit from their own minerals, oil and fishing resources. Read more »
October 24, 2013
Guinea: Elections Are About More Than Ethnic Loyalties
Beyond notions of clan rivalries and ethnic bloc voting, a closer look at Guinea suggests its realities are far too complex to be boiled down to just 'us' and 'them'. Read more »
Africa: Hairy Haggling - When Chinese and African Traders Go Off On Different Strands
Never have I been confronted with so much hair. Walking into the International Beauty Market in downtown Guangzhou, one is immediately surrounded by locks from, supposedly, India,… Read more »
October 23, 2013
Congo-Kinshasa: Rebels Engage in Local Politics
While peace talks stretch on in Kampala, the M23 is teaching hundreds of new officials about Che Guevara, Gandhi and how to get ahead in regional governance. Read more »
Mozambique: Renamo Revert to Force, Ageing, Spent and Broke
Renamo's annulment of the 1992 peace deal and return to the bush are merely the latest moves in two decades of questionable political strategy. Read more »
October 22, 2013
Africa: Africans in Guangzhou -Economic Nomads in a City of Flows
Guangzhou is a city constantly moving and adapting, orchestrated by flows of cash and people, many from Africa. No label sticks. 'Chocolate City' does not exist. Read more »
Nigeria: Red Hot + Fela
A covers album celebrating the Nigerian titan and originator of Afrobeat is yet another reason it's a great year for fans of Fela Kuti. Read more »
October 21, 2013
Ethiopia: The Last Jews of Ethiopia?
A page has been turned in the history of Jews in Ethiopia. But despite what Israel may think, the page doesn't mark the end of the book, but merely a new, uncertain chapter. Read more »
South Africa: Why Are Political Killings Increasing?
Research suggests that politically-related assassinations are on the rise. And experts say that at the heart of the trend lie ANC policies. Read more »
Kenya: The Youth Bringing Quality Products to Nairobi's Slums
With a winning smile, a spring in their step and some borrowed high-quality wares, young Nairobi slum-dwellers are helping themselves by helping others. Read more »
October 18, 2013
Cameroon: Opposition Stages Mini-Comeback
The ruling party's parliamentary majority was cut back in Cameroon's latest elections. But with 148 of the 180 seats still in its control, these losses will make no difference. Read more »
Congo-Kinshasa: Blue Helmet Blues - UN Force in the Congo Take Two
The UN's Force Intervention Brigade has been heralded as breaking new peacekeeping territory, but this isn't the first time the UN has taken the fight to Congolese rebels. Read more »
October 17, 2013
Zambia: Copper Storm Brews in North-West
Accusations of corruption, illegality and exploitation are flying in a dispute over development between mining company FQM, NGOs and local communities, while the government watches… Read more »
Egypt: Will America's Aid Freeze Make Any Difference to Egypt's Military?
The US' suspension of military aid will deprive the Egyptian military of its favourite toys, but will do little to weaken its economic grip. Read more »
Malawi: President Banda Grapples With Graft
Following the Cashgate scandal in which several government officials were found with wads of cash stashed in their homes and cars, the spotlight is on President Banda. Read more »
October 15, 2013
Africa: 15 Seconds of Fame - Why Post-2015 Doesn't Need More 'Participation'
The UN's commitment to participation is commendable, but genuine inclusivity is about more than just poll-taking of the poor and a seat at the table for a lucky few NGOs. Read more »
Africa: AU and the ICC - How They Voted
The African Union's demands signal its increasingly frayed relationship with the International Criminal Court. Read more »
October 11, 2013
Africa: One Step At a Time - Following Tunisia's New Roadmap
Tunisia's main political groups have agreed to a timetable for the replacement of the Islamist-led government, a new constitution and elections. Read more »
October 10, 2013
Senegal: Wolof 2.0 - Spoken Languages in a Digital Age
In Senegal, French was traditionally the language of writing, Wolof the language of speaking. But, helped by mobile phones and the web, that is fast changing. Read more »
Africa: Al-Shabaab's Westgate Siege Was All About Somalia
Many are wondering if al-Shabaab's attack in Nairobi is a sign of its new global orientation. The answer is no. Read more »
October 09, 2013
Senegal: Mekfoul District, Toubab All Stars
The best African album you've never heard. Read more »
Africa: Nigerian Monarchs, the Custodians of Peace and Cultural Heritage
A renaissance is currently taking place in the African art world, and its appreciation - across various mediums - is growing. One of the latest examples of this is Nigerian… Read more »