December 18, 2009
Nigeria: Media, Civil Society Must Call Govt to Account
For the vast majority of Nigeria's population of more than 140 million, the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) country review report for Nigeria published this week will have… Read more »
December 17, 2009
Western Sahara: Hunger Striker Aminatou Haidar Returns Home
Intense negotiations to save the life of Saharan hunger striker Aminatou Haidar and allow her to return to her home in Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara bore fruit Thursday night,… Read more »
Nigeria: Abuja, Executive Branch Have Too Much Power, Says Peer Review
A major review of Nigeria compiled by its African peers says too much power is concentrated in the central government, inhibiting "true federalism," and that the executive branch… Read more »
December 16, 2009
South Africa: Zuma Outraged at Xenophobic Attacks
President Jacob Zuma has used South Africa's Day of Reconciliation to denounce attacks on migrants from elsewhere in Africa who are living in the country. Read more »
December 15, 2009
Western Sahara: Hunger Striker Intensifies Pressure for Talks
The month-long hunger strike of Western Sahara activist Aminatou Haidar has succeeded in bringing pressure to bear on the international community to step up efforts to find a… Read more »
Guinea: End of Crisis Is Not Imminent
Since the death of the former Guinean leader Lansana Conté and the accession to power of Moussa Dadis Camara in coup a year ago, the political environment in the country has… Read more »
Western Sahara: UN Chief Calls for 'Political Negotiations' on Territory
At a news conference in New York on Monday, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressed the issues raised by the hunger strike of Western Sahara activist Aminatou… Read more »
December 14, 2009
Sudan: North, South Agree on Independence Referendum
Officials from the ruling parties in Khartoum and Southern Sudan have reached an agreement on new legislation governing national elections next April as well as a later referendum… Read more »
West Africa: Region to Intervene Militarily in Guinea?
The international community appears to be laying the ground for a West African military intervention to prevent Guinea from sliding into war and destabilizing surrounding… Read more »
December 11, 2009
Guinea: Nation Faces 'Explosive' Military Infighting, Says Rights Expert
The fate of Guinea hangs in the balance following the shooting of the country's military ruler, Captain Moussa Dadis Camara. There are fears that the fractured security forces… Read more »
Madagascar: U.S. Threatens to Cut Trade Benefits Over Political Deadlock
The United States has stepped up pressure on Madagascar's rulers to agree on a transitional government or face losing trade benefits under American law. Read more »
December 10, 2009
Uganda: Civil Society Condemns Anti-Gay Bill
Ugandan civil society groups marked international Human Rights Day on Thursday by calling for the withdrawal of what they call the “discriminative and oppressive”… Read more »
December 09, 2009
Somalia: Pirates Conduct Low-Key Maritime War Off Coast
Somali pirates and commercial shipping are engaged in a low-key maritime war off the East African coast. Read more »
December 07, 2009
Guinea: Ecowas Calls on Junta to Step Down
In an effort to restore order in Guinea, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has called on the military to step down and hand power to a civilian adminstration. Read more »
Sudan: Govt Arrests Leading Southern Politicians
The Sudanese government arrested leading figures of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) during a protest outside the National Assembly in Khartoum on Monday, news… Read more »
December 04, 2009
Africa: Tough World Cup Draw for Many African Teams
South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana face a difficult first round in the 2010 World Cup soccer finals, while Nigeria will contend with familiar opponents and Cameroon can… Read more »
Guinea: Aide Makes Attempt on Camara's Life
An attempt has been made on the life of the head of the military junta in Guinea, Moussa Dadis Camara. According to newspaper reports, he sustained severe head injuries when… Read more »
South Africa: Aspiring World Cup Hosts Present Their Bids
Although the 2010 World Cup is still six months away, Cape Town has hosted the first formal gathering of the candidates for two World Cups almost a decade away. Read more »
Africa: Tough World Cup Draw for Many African Teams
South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana face a difficult first round in the 2010 World Cup soccer finals, while Nigeria will contend with familiar opponents and Cameroon can… Read more »
December 03, 2009
Africa: High Hopes - For Some - As Soccer Awaits World Cup Draw
Of the six African nations at the 2010 World Cup, by far the most pressure will be on hosts South Africa, with the world watching to see not only if the country can host the… Read more »
Sudan: Many Voters Register for Elections
Sudanese are registering in substantial numbers for their first multi-party elections in 24 years, although opposition is citing irregularities and those displaced from Darfur are… Read more »
December 02, 2009
Africa: Continent Has Central Role to Play Over Climate Change
Over the past year the countries of Africa have intensified their efforts to build a coalition on climate change. Across the continent, governments and communities have been… Read more »
Africa: Soccer Teams Move Closer to World Cup Fate
The African sides moved a step closer to learning their fate at the 2010 World Cup after the four pots were announced ahead of Friday's finals Draw in Cape Town. Read more »
Nigeria: Banking on Agriculture in Kwara
The Nigerian state of Kwara has received international attention for its invitation to dispossessed white farmers in Zimbabwe to come to Nigeria. The oil-producing nation -… Read more »
Africa: Act Now to Improve Infrastructure, Says World Bank Leader
Africa's economic growth and poverty reduction are closely linked with the quality of its infrastructure – its power, transport systems, water supply and sanitation, and its… Read more »