April 15, 2009
Somalia: Pirates are Well-Organized, Resilient
Somali piracy is "a highly structured enterprise" built around well-organized syndicates which regularly extort U.S. $1-million ransoms for shipowners to release ships and their… Read more »
Africa: Soyinka Attacks Political Leaders
Nigerian writer Wole Soyinka has launched a new attack on Africa's political leaders, this time singling out heads of state who retain their grip on power by entering into… Read more »
April 14, 2009
Somalia: Pirates Seize More Ships
Pirates have captured four more ships and taken more than 60 crew members hostage in the Gulf of Aden in the last two days, following the death of three pirates in a standoff with… Read more »
April 13, 2009
Somalia: U.S. Congressman Sees Signs of Hope Despite Mortar Attack
Donald Payne, a veteran Democratic Congressman from New Jersey, has landed safely in Nairobi after his plane drew mortar fire while departing Mogadishu, Somalia. Read more »
April 12, 2009
Somalia: U.S. Mariner Freed as Pirates Move to Seychelles
An American merchant ship captain was freed from Somali pirates by U.S. Navy forces Sunday, as a new warning was issued about pirate activity in East African sea lanes near the… Read more »
April 11, 2009
Somalia: Pirates in New Hijacking In Gulf of Aden
American merchant ship captains have called for harsh action against Somali pirates, even as an American-owned tug was seized Saturday in the Gulf of Aden. Read more »
April 10, 2009
Somalia: Pirates Try to Hijack North Korean Ship
Pirates have made another attempt to hijack a ship, this time north of Somalia in the Gulf of Aden, the Nato Shipping Centre reports. Read more »
Somalia: U.S. Pirate Hostage Drama Continues, Air Patrols Begin
As a hostage drama involving an American merchant ship's captain and a group of pirates continued into Friday, the European Union's anti-piracy force began regular air patrols off… Read more »
April 09, 2009
Somalia: U.S. Navy Intervenes Against Pirates
A United States Navy missile destroyer has arrived to help end an ongoing standoff between four Somali pirates and their American hostage off the east coast of Somalia. Read more »
April 08, 2009
Somalia: U.S. Ship Hijacked, Captain Taken Hostage
The crew of an American-operated ship hijacked by suspected Somali pirates early Wednesday has regained control of the vessel, but the pirates have taken the captain hostage, news… Read more »
Somalia: Pirates Seize U.S. Ship, Crew
BREAKING NEWS: Pentagon sources are telling CNN and news agencies that crewmembers have regained control of the ship and that one pirate is in custody. Read more »
Somalia: U.S. Crew Seized by Pirates in Hijacking
Somali pirates off the coast of East Africa have hijacked a ship with 21 American crew on board. Read more »
April 06, 2009
Somalia: Pirates Seize More Ships
In a new upsurge in piracy off the Somali coast, two more ships have been hijacked in the past two days. Read more »
Kenya: Justice Minister Resigns
Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua resigned Monday, citing frustration with the pace of government reforms. Read more »
April 03, 2009
Sudan: Emmanuel Jal Sheds Light on Struggles in Southern Sudan
Emmanuel Jal has an aura of quiet resolve and patience, qualities that make it easy to forget the years of struggle reflected in his music, in his book, “War Child,”… Read more »
March 31, 2009
Madagascar: Ravalomanana Makes Bid to Return to Power
The deposed president of Madagascar, Marc Ravalomanana, has promised Southern African leaders that if he is returned to power, he will form a "consensus inclusive government" and… Read more »
March 30, 2009
Kenya: Annan Scolds Coalition Government
Kenyans are frustrated by infighting in the country's coalition government and by its failure to bring to justice those responsible for last year's post-election violence, former… Read more »
March 20, 2009
Madagascar: African Union Suspends New Govt Over 'Coup'
The African Union (AU) has taken the first step towards imposing sanctions on the new army-installed government of Madagascar. Read more »
March 19, 2009
Madagascar: Southern Africa Threatens Sanctions Against Govt
The Southern African Development Community (SADC), which represents the governments of the region, has threatened the new rulers of Madagascar with sanctions unless they return the… Read more »
Madagascar: A Greek Tragedy That Will Hurt Investment
Deposed President Marc Ravalomanana brought the house of Madagascar down upon himself. But he has been replaced by a young untested leader who, although he has some public support,… Read more »
March 18, 2009
Sudan: Obama to Appoint Special Envoy
United States President Barack Obama is expected to announce the appointment of a special envoy to Sudan Wednesday, a move that will be welcomed by campaigners concerned that his… Read more »
Madagascar: Africa Condemns Military Handover of Power
As military leaders anointed opposition leader Andry Rajoelina as Madagascar’s new leader, African governments condemned the ousting of President Marc Ravalomanana as the… Read more »
March 17, 2009
Madagascar: Besieged President to Resign
The besieged Malagasy president, Marc Ravalomanana, appeared headed out of office on Tuesday after opposition leader Andry Rajoelina took over a presidential palace which soldiers… Read more »
March 16, 2009
Madagascar: Opposition Calls For Arrest of President
Madagascar’s opposition leader, Andry Rajoelina, is ratcheting up pressure to oust President Marc Ravalomanana, spurning a suggestion that support for the government be… Read more »
March 15, 2009
Madagascar: Ravalomanana Willing to Call Referendum
Madagascar’s President Marc Ravalomanana, facing demands from the opposition that he step down from office, told crowds outside his presidential palace on Sunday that he was… Read more »