Salem-News.com Africa articles Page 45

Book Review: Nomad Diaries

Nomad Diaries shows that even in the darkest of obstacles in the end there is light and survival; support from surprising places and the power of forgiveness, friendship and listening.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Sister, I ask myself who am I? Really! Canjeero-eating, hijab-wearing, broken English speaking, and stressed like most American. Am I American? Does that make one American? I never reasoned I would call myself American.

Africa: Faces in Words

New weekly update on the breaking stories in the African nations.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Unseen, unheard; no one should be the bearer of these two words. Unfortunately, Africa is often in the forefront of this association.

Our common humanity should change this; we should never look away because it is too distant. Our commitment to one another, to human rights, and the ability to learn should always keep us connected no matter the severity and complexity of problems.

4000 Ethiopian Refugees Repatriate Home; 700 More Flee

IOM is working closely with the Ministry of Interior and the local authorities of Obok to help manage the situation.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Stranded in the Middle East, Libya, Somaliland, Puntland, Tanzania and Europe; International Office of Migration (IOM) has helped 3,781 Ethiopian refugees voluntarily return home over the last 12 months.

Expectations & Tensions run high as Sudan`s Referendum Approaches

Those living on the demarcation border and internally displaced (IDP) fear the results will harden the border, threatening their livelihood and security.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The National Congress Party (NCP) of the North and the Government of South Sudan (GOSS) must work together on a framework for cross-border arrangements and movement; including repatriation of internally displaced people (IDP) and border demarcation.

The agreement must benefit the people who fear a return to conflict, loss of citizenship and livelihoods. Regardless of the referendum outcome, both should agree on a framework that addresses citizenship, migration, economic activity and security.

Malawian President Threatens Newspaper Closings

The general manager of Blantyre Newspapers Limited, which publishes the Malawi News and two other independent papers, said the company stands by its reporting.

(LILONGWE) - The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemns the threatening comments made by President Bingu wa Mutharika last week against Malawian media outlets.

“I will close down newspapers that lie and tarnish my government’s image,” the president said at an agricultural fair in Blantyre last week. The president told editors to leave “blank pages or else publish pictures of cows, hyenas, or dogs,” if they have nothing positive to report.

Zambia Implementing New Counter Trafficking Law

Officials in Zambia say it is a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking.

(LUSAKA / PORTLAND) - In December 2008, Zambia passed its first anti-trafficking legislation, implementation however has been difficult; without training police have not been able to enforce the law.

Situation Critical for Thousands Displaced Near Mogadishu

The fighting has intensified in recent days, claiming a high number of casualties among Mogadishu's residents.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The outbreak of violence in and around the Somali capital, Mogadishu has caused hundreds of thousands of displaced people living in increasingly harsh conditions.

Since 2007 the fighting has caused large numbers of people to flee, setting up makeshift camps between Mogadishu and Afgoye. With each new outbreak of violence more and more people are forced to leave their homes.

Africa: Faces in Words

New weekly update on the breaking stories in the African nations.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Unseen, unheard; no one should be the bearer of these two words. Unfortunately, Africa is often in the forefront of this association.

Our common humanity should change this; we should never look away because it is too distant. Our commitment to one another, to human rights, and the ability to learn should always keep us connected no matter the severity and complexity of problems.

Burundi Arbitrarily Imprisons Editor on Treason Charge

“We call for his release and the withdrawal of the charges against him” - Reporters Without Borders

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls for the immediate release of Jean-Claude Kavumbagu, editor of the online newspaper Net Press, Kavumbagu has been detained since July 17on the charge of treason.

RSF told Salem-news.com “Kavumbagu has been unjustly held for the past six weeks pending trial on a treason charge that is baseless. Pre-trial detention is supposed to be an exception. He should not be in detention when his trial starts. We urge the judges to reach an equitable decision”.

Vague Laws Keep Political Opposition Imprisoned

The Kagame government is facing heavy criticism from international human rights advocates.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Amnesty International (AI) is calling on Rwanda’s new government to urgently review vague ‘genocide ideology’ and ‘sectarianism’ laws that are being used to suppress political dissent and stifle freedom of speech.

“The ambiguity of the ‘genocide ideology’ and ‘sectarianism’ law means Rwandans live in fear of being punished for saying the wrong thing,” said Erwin van der Borght, Africa Program director at AI. “Most take the safe option of staying silent.”