Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Africa in the News!

South Africa Marks Mandela’s Release
Nelson Mandela, the icon of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle, has made a rare public appearance marking the 20th anniversary of his release from prison. He arrived in parliament in Cape Town on Thursday to attend a commemorative speech by Jacob Zuma, the president. Those present in the chamber cheered and sang "Nelson Mandela, there is none like you" as the former president took his seat.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2010/02/2010211171521703967.html

EU Deplores Libya Visa Ban for Europeans
The European Commission has condemned Libya's decision to stop issuing visas to the many Europeans whose countries are in the Schengen border-free zone. The commission says it "deplores the unilateral and disproportionate" Libyan decision and the nations affected will consider an "appropriate reaction". Libya's move came after Switzerland allegedly blacklisted 188 high-ranking Libyans, denying them entry permits.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8517642.stm

Elections to be Held in November?
Abuja, Nigeria — The election to choose the nation's next President is to be held as early as November this year, under proposals separately articulated by the Senate and House of Representatives committees on the review of the constitution.The proposals which were presented to the Constitution Review Committees of the two chambers by a joint technical committee also provide stringent criteria for the participation of independent candidates in all classes of elections.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201002160007.html

Annan Urged to Intervene in Kenyan Dispute
Nairobi, Kenya -- Kenya's prime minister on Monday urged former U.N. chief Kofi Annan to intervene in a dispute with the nation's president over the suspension of two Cabinet members. Raila Odinga and his party called on Annan's "immediate intervention" after a conflict with President Mwai Kibaki. The standoff started when the president revoked the prime minister's suspension of the agriculture and education ministers to allow them to be investigated for corruption.http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/02/16/kenya.politics/index.html

Monday, February 15, 2010

U.S. Policy in Africa : Looking Ahead

The Africa Society of The National Summit on Africa
in partnership with
The Embassy of the Republic of Ghana
requests the pleasure of your company for a reception and lecture at the first Ambassador Andrew Young Lecture Series On Africa of 2010
entitled
“U.S. Policy in Africa : Looking Ahead”
featuring

THE HONORABLE JOHNNIE CARSON
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs

Thursday, February 25, 2010
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
A reception at the Embassy will precede the lecture.
Embassy of the Republic of Ghana
3512 International Drive, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
RSVP:
Email Nharrison@africasummit.org
Or
call Nina Harrison at 202.232.3862

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Africa in the News!

Leaders Join Forces to Help Achieve UN Goal for Malaria Prevention
Dozens of African leaders met today in Ethiopia to tackle the challenges facing the continent in the effort to meet the United Nations target of ensuring universal access to malaria control measures by the end of this year. Some 26 heads of State convened the first working session of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) during the annual African Union summit, in Addis Ababa.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201002020058.html

Somalia Pirates Release Greek Cargo Ship
Pirates in Somalia have released the Greek-owned cargo ship Filitsa and its crew of 22 after a ransom was paid, Greek officials said. The crew of three Greek officers and 19 Filipino sailors are reported to be in good condition. The vessel was seized off the Seychelles on 11 November as it carried chemicals to South Africa. The ransom was paid earlier on Monday but the ship's owner, Order Shipping, refused to say how much was paid. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8492515.stm

Southern Sudan Says Vote on Independence is Off-Limits for United Nations
MALAKAL, SUDAN -- A surprise intervention in Sudan by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has drawn warnings from senior officials here, who say any outside efforts to influence a referendum on independence next year could lead to further conflict.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/01/AR2010020103432.html

Africa Mulls Resettling Haitians
The African Union has agreed to consider a proposal to resettle thousands of Haitians left homeless by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, and possibly create a state for them in Africa. The idea was suggested by Abdoulaye Wade, the Senegalese president, who said that the history of Haitians as descendants of African slaves gave them the right to a new life on the continent.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2010/01/2010131155417123157.html