Ugandan president signs anti-gay bill into law

 

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Monday signed off on a controversial law that will see homosexuals jailed for life, shrugging off warnings from key international allies and donors.

The signing of the law, which also outlaws the promotion of homosexuality and requires people to denounce gays, came despite fierce criticism from US President Barack Obama and a warning that ties between Kampala and Washington would be damaged.

"No study has shown you can be homosexual by nature, that's why I have agreed to sign the bill," Museveni said in a speech after a signing ceremony at the presidential palace near the capital Kampala.

The bill will provide a stiff test for foreign donors, with Museveni warning Eastern nations not to meddle in the central African nation's affairs, and that he was not afraid of aid being cut.

Author: AFP
http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Ugandan-president-signs-anti-gay-bill-into-law/-/2558/2219880/-/8lturb/-/index.html

Al-Shabaab militants attack Somali presidential palace in Mogadishu

By Omar Nor and Laura Smith-Spark

Al-shabaabs militants carried out a deadly attack on Somalia's presidential palace Friday. The attack left 12 people dead , 7 of them where the attackers. Al-Shabaab claimed the attack. 

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/02/21/world/africa/somalia-attack/index.html?hpt=iaf_c2

Algeria's Presiden to Run for Re-Election

Algeria's President, Bouteflika, is to run for his fourth term in April. Abdelaziz Bouteflika, 76, had a stroke last year and some say he is still too ill to govern. "Even if he has not completely recovered physically, I can assure you he is in possession of all his mental and intellectual faculties," says Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal. The president, in power since 1999, is one of the few remaining veterans of the war of independence against France.

Egypt Boosts Police Salaries

Egypt's interim president ordered a pay raise for police on Wednesday, after some of their forces joined factory workers, doctors and pharmacists increasingly on strike over the past month. Police will receive a 30 percent salary increase as hazard pay starting in March. More than 22,000 workers have been on strike for over ten days, demanding the removal of the government-operated Textile Holding Company's president Fouad Abdel Aleem and higher wages. Doctors around the country have also been striking for months now, demanding higher salaries. After a partial strike of all hospitals the Ministry of the Health said in a statement that the total rate of participation was 17 percent, while union leaders said that 45 percent of hospitals had taken part.

Public Transportation Workers Strike in Cairo and Giza

February 26 was the third day in a row that public transportation employees have been on strike. The workers are attempting the voice their demands of being paid six month profits. The workers want to amend the authority's regulations to reduce gaps in salary and incentives through applying the minimum wage.

Tareq al-Beheiry is the vice chief of the independent trade union and claims he has been ignoring the demands and strikes since 2011.

Egypt's Prime Minister Mahlab Asked to Form New Government

Ibrahim Mahlab, Egypt's Prime Minister, has been asked by Egypt's President to form a new government a day after the interim cabinet member, Hazem Beblawi unexpectedly resigned.  Beblawi did not give a reason for his government's resignation. Mahlab has told local media that he plans on finding ways to stop strikes, boost employment and production, and restore calm to the country. "Restoration of security and national unity of the Egyptian people are indispensable to move forward towards improving the living conditions of Egyptian families," says Mahlab.  Before becoming housing minister, Ibrahim Mahlab was chairman of Arab Contractors, a state-owned construction company that is one of the biggest in the Middle East. He was a senior official in ousted President Hosni Mubarak's former ruling National Democratic Party and was appointed to the now-disbanded upper house of parliament, the Shura Council, in 2010.

26 Sentenced to Death over Suez Terrorist Plot

26 people were sentenced to death on February 26 by an Egyptian court. The 26 people were given the death penalty for founding a terrorist group who planned on attacking ships using the Suez Canal. They were also accused of of manufacturing missiles and explosives. The sentence came days following the Prime Minister, Ibrahim Mahlab, announced he plans to rid terrorism in all corners of the world. The Prime Minister has begun appointing new ministers in order to cut down on the corruption among the government. The trial of the terrorist group sentenced to death shows his seriousness in trying to stop terrorism.

Egypt takes steps to replace government

By Schams Elwazers 

 Prime Minister Hazem Beblawi turned in its resignation to Mansour on Monday. The 3 year hold up is now over. There should be talks of a election of a president soon. The country is at a stand still.



http://edition.cnn.com/2014/02/25/world/africa/egypt-politics/index.html?hpt=iaf_c2

900-year-old stone kingdom in Zimbabwe

By Teo Kermeliotis and Stefanie Blendis

This site is of cultural and historical significance, This is just part of this mega strucure it was said that this was a capital of The Great Zimbobway era when they had a population bomb , It was said to be at the the peak of the Gold age for zimbobway this is a great find. "Located some 30 kilometers from the modern Zimbabwean town of Masvingo, the stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe are today one of the continent's most impressive monuments, linking the present with the past. Masvingo, the stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe are today one of the continent's most impressive monuments, linking the present with the past."

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/01/29/travel/900-year-stone-great-zimbabwe/index.html

Husband of late banker charged with murder

Akolade Arowolo was charged with the murder of his wife Titilayo Akolade, and sentenced to death. 
Titilayo Akolade was stabbed to death 2 years ago. The court had to decide on three issues, is the deceased really dead, whether Akolade is guilty, and did he do it intentionally. The Justice found that all three issues were true, and sentenced Akolade to death by hanging. The court used the last seen in doctrine law to charge Akolade. This means the last person seen is responsible for the death, and with no one, but Akolade gaining access to the crime scene Akolade was guilty. 

Nigeria Mandates Polio Vaccine for Travelers to India

The Nigerian Federal Government recently made it mandatory to receive an oral polio vaccination six weeks before traveling to India.  Nigeria is now one of many countries mandating polio vaccines before vacations.  The World Health Organization has advised this mandate to keep polio out of African nations.  "This directive is at the instance of the World Health Organization's advice to polio endemic countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Israel, Ethiopia, Somalia, Afghanistan and Pakistan to have evidence of taking Oral Polio Vaccine at least, six weeks prior to entry to India,"  said Alhaji Isiaka Yusuf, spokesman of the ministry.  

http://allafrica.com/stories/201402241546.html

Ruby Leo

Central African Republic Confronts New Threat of Food Shortages

Looting and violence has caused shopkeepers to flee, and a scarcity of food. Because of the looting prices on goods have increased. Goods one could get everyday has now become scarce and the price has increased. Some shopkeepers still remain, but most have fled the area in fear that their life will be taken by looters. Three weeks ago a shopkeeper was beheaded and his body cut up into tiny pieces by looters. If violence doesn't end in central Africa soon, it could led to the fall of the it.

Source: http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/feb/15/central-african-republic-food-shortages

Gays face life imprisonment in Uganda

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed an new law on Monday. An anti-gay bill that toughens on already strict legislation against homosexuals, ignoring warnings from the United States that relations could be complicated by the new rules. Museveni's signature will please Others who are against  homosexuality, but risks alienating Western aid donors. Museveni signed the bill during a press conference at State House in Entebbe, close to the capital Kampala. This new law will punish people convicted of having gay sex with jail terms up to life, according to drafts of the legislation. The final bill has not been published. It will also make it a crime to promote gay activity and to fail to report someone for breaking the new law (according to draft.). Donors have previously threatened to cut aid if the bill goes into law with  US President Barack Obama calling it "step backward for all Ugandans".

Although it remains to be seen if any action will indeed be taken against Uganda.

Libya's Meftah Daouadi killed in Tunisia plane crash

11 people were killed when a Libyan military plane crashed in Tunisia. Meftah Daouadi was one of the people o the plane that was killed. The reason why Meftah was being taken to Tunisia was for unspecified medical treatment. Meftah was part of the 2011 uprising against Muammar Gaddafi, which looks after the families of former fighters. The reason for the plane to crash was to be said because of engine failure. It came down in a field near Grombalia, about 40km (25 miles) south of the capital, Tunis. There were witnesses of the plane in the air and crashing on ground. "The whole plane was completely burnt out. The emergency services went to the crash site and recovered the charred bodies," said emergency services spokesman Mongi El Kadhi.









BBC News:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26286066

Kenya to Get Road Toll Stations

Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The government is to introduce toll stations on the main highways as a means to subsidize maintenance costs. The targeted highways are The Thika Superhighway and Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.

There are some civic groups that disagree with this in-act though. The biggest downfall is "road maintenance is done using funds from the road maintenance levy which is attached to the retail price of fuel and so subjecting road users to tolling would amount to double taxation," the Consumer Federation of Kenya quickly came out in a statement last week.

Introduction of an electronic toll station system in South Africa's Gauteng Province, (which contains Johannesburg), continues to cause widespread criticism among low income people. Effective from December last year, motorists have to get e-tags. 

http://allafrica.com/stories/201402242040.html

Ugandan president signs anti-gay bill into law

 

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Monday signed off on a controversial law that will see homosexuals jailed for life, shrugging off warnings from key international allies and donors.

The signing of the law, which also outlaws the promotion of homosexuality and requires people to denounce gays, came despite fierce criticism from US President Barack Obama and a warning that ties between Kampala and Washington would be damaged.

"No study has shown you can be homosexual by nature, that's why I have agreed to sign the bill," Museveni said in a speech after a signing ceremony at the presidential palace near the capital Kampala.

The bill will provide a stiff test for foreign donors, with Museveni warning Eastern nations not to meddle in the central African nation's affairs, and that he was not afraid of aid being cut.

Author: AFP
http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Ugandan-president-signs-anti-gay-bill-into-law/-/2558/2219880/-/8lturb/-/index.html

Taliban Condemns Violence in Central Africa

The Taliban are a militia organization that had struck fear into the hearts of many civilians over the course of a few years. Their organization probably would love the violence that is occurring in central Africa right? As it turns out, it is quite the opposite. Apparently according to a representative of the Taliban they "condemn" the "merciless killing of muslims" by "bloodthirsty militias" as the world sits "idly by." Strange word from these people who are known for activities that inspire terror and fear into people. However perhaps this is a sign of what is to come for the militia, who no longer has a backing by much of the world. 

NYDailyNews

Carol Kuravilla

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/taliban-condemns-violence-central-african-republic-article-1.1698630

Nigeria's Boko Haram crisis: Bama attack mars victory claims

There have been massive attacks in Northern Nigeria in the town of Bama. This happened after the presidential spokesman said the army was "winning the war" against Islamist militants. More than 245 people have been killed this year alone by suspected Islamists. Boko Haram has killed thousands, including many Muslims and Christians, since it began its uprising in 2009. A state of emergency was declared in Borno and two neighbouring states last year, with thousands of extra troops sent to the region, but the attacks have continued.

BBC News:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26254480

Life After The Revolution

Today is the 3rd year of celebration for Libya in honor of the day where they managed to overthrow Muamar Gaddaffi and create a new government that offered much more freedom. Some people are not as optimistic about this new government and have many complaints about it ranging from them not doing anything that has improved the quality of life in Libya such as new infrastructure or newer airports that would bring in revenue for the nation. Instead many militias that helped fight to bring down the old government are still vying for power against the new government, this unease has scared many foreign companies away and many have not returned to Libya since the uprising began 3 years ago.

Nigeria Claims State of War with the Boko Haram

Borno governor Kashim Shettima, recently announced that Nigeria is in a state of war against the Boko Haram.  The Nigerian military is searching for suspected terrorist group members.  The governor says that although the military is trying, they just din’t have the technology and drive of the Boko Haram and he doesn’t believe that this will be an easy feat.  Just this weekend, over 100 people were killed in an alleged Boko Haram attack in Kukawa.  The Nigerian government blames themselves for not taking a stand earlier and refuse to let these attacks slide.  Just this year, over 6,000 Western Africans have already been reported as displaced, and the suspect is the Boko Haram. 

http://allafrica.com/stories/201402180559.html

miners rescued from South Africa shaft, while others still holding out

About twenty two miners were pulled from an illegal mine shaft on Monday. They became stuck over the weekend and others are refusing to come out and face arrest. In Benoni near Johannesburg after 48 hours police heard cries from a mine entrance that had been blocked by a large boulder. Police suspect the miners were robbed by a rival group and blocked the mine exit, reported a south african media outlet. There had been two hundred miners trapped, but the ones who emerged would not tell about the others worried about trouble with the law. The ones who have been rescued are behind bars awaiting prosecution. No one knows if the other miners are injured but they are not going to save the miners they made it so they can get out on their own time. Illegal mining is common in South Africa, a major producer of gold and platinum. 

Former president of the National Assembly, Vital Kamerhe is fast becoming a public enemy for the state of the Congo-Kinshasa region. After attempting to hijack a plane that was heading to Goma he was halted by authorities twice and may be facing up to three years in incarceration. Vital Kamerhe was renowned for his disposition against the alliance with Rwanda and when he resigned from that life he effectively retired from the publics eye, not much being seen or heard from him. However he has since proven to be rather tenacious as he stated that he would be president of the UNC and organized conferences to rally support behind him. An interesting development since this recent event has just
occurred.

allAfrica.com
Kris Berwouts
http://allafrica.com/stories/201402180173.html

Woman Chosen to Lead Central African Republic Out of Mayhem

Catherine Samba-Panza, 58, will be the first woman to lead the nation. Ms Samba-Panza was able to defeat seven other candidates, two including the sons of former presidents.  She has the goal of leading it to the national elections. Hopes are high that she can halt the impoverished nation's "free fall." It is believed that man led the country into a spiral of violence, some believe there only hope to get out of it is if a woman is in charge. Ms Samba-Panza acknowledge in an assembly on Monday that "Our country is on the brink of implosion. The situation is catastrophic. More then ever the country needs someone who can bring it together." Hopefully Ms. Samba Panza will be able to turn things around and end the violence in Central Africa.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/21/world/africa/un-body-set-to-appoint-a-monitor-for-central-african-republic.html?ref=centralafricanrepublic

Sinai attacks: Islamist claim tourist bus bomb attack.

Islamist militant group Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis has said it carried out a deadly bomb attack on a tourist bus in Egypt's Sinai peninsula on Sunday. The group warned it was part of its "economic war" against the current Egyptian authorities, which it described as "traitors". The Sinai peninsula has become increasingly lawless since President Hosni Mubarak was overthrown in 2011. Militants further stepped up their attacks after President Mohamed Morsi was ousted by the army last year.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26236858

Plane Crash in Algeria

In Algeria a military transport crashed into the eastern region of the nation on tuesday. 77 died while only one man survived the crash, he did not come out unscathed he is being treated with traumatic head injuries and a broken leg. The plane was 24 years old and had not gone under many safety tests the Algerian government said. The plane broke into 3 parts before it crashed into the eastern part of the country and among the dead were women and children. The defense ministry of Algeria has yet to comment on how the accident occurred and has kept details under wraps.

Tourism in Egypt

Tourism in Egypt has been on a sharp decline since the Egyptian Revolution for fears that people would be stuck there if the government would be protested against. The Tourism industry accounts for at least 20% of the GDP of Egypt, and there are many towns that are reliant on the flow of tourists' alone, The flow of the tourists has dropped so dramatically that many of these towns have had to close there doors because there was so no flow of money coming in from tourism to support everybody's daily needs. The government of Egypt has tried to help these towns by giving them aid packages with food and water so that they could get by until tourism rates were to go back to normal.

High Alert in Africa

Uganda police have placed security officers on high alert after the US embassy in the country warned of a planned terrorist attack in the capital, Kampala, according to Judith Nabakooba, Uganda Police's national spokesperson. The terrorist sent a message on Monday that a group of attackers is possibly in place and ready to strike targets inside Kampala in February or March." It said "There are indications that the Ugandan National Museum is one of the potential targets." The police and U.S. forces have been alerted and is in ready position to rescue or use their attacks to help save men and women.

AIDS deaths falling sharply in southern Africa

AIDS deaths and HIV infections in southern Africa are falling dramatically, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS says. But Canadian AIDS activists say there's still lots of work to be done. Michel Sidibé, executive director of the UNAIDS proram said hard work is "breaking the trajectory of the epidemic" in the region that was previously the "epicentre of the HIV crisis." At a special session at the African Union's international conference on maternal, newborn and child health last week in Johannesburg, South Africa, UNAIDS reported that between 2009 and 2012, new HIV infections declined:

• 50 per cent in seven countries.
• 30-49 per cent decline in seven countries.
• Less than 30 per cent decline in six countries.

But, also in eastern and southern Africa, the annual number of new infections fell 30 per cent from 1.7 million in 2001 to 1.2 million 2011, and children, the rate of new infection fell 50 per cent. There was also a 38 per cent decrease in AIDS-related deaths in the region between 2005 and 2011.

UNAIDS credited better access to antiretroviral medication — which was received by less than a million people in 2005, but by more than 6 million in 2012.

Illegal Fishing in West Africa Kills Stocks

West Africa has the highest rates of illegal and unreported fishing in the world, with up to 50% of fishing in West African waters being illegal. In one 18-month period, over 250 illegal fishing incidences were reported. These illegal fishing trips cost the region over $1.3 million every year. Some of these fish have been sent to the European Union, as reported in 2010.


http://allafrica.com/stories/201402110244.html?page=3
Duncan Copeland

Nelson Mandela: The Global Icon Goes Home

Nelson Mandela was the first multi-racial president of South Africa. He brought many legacies to the people such as religious persuasion, geographical location and ideology. He spent 27 years proving the basic points that he thought people should know. But for 15 years there were people who were trying to settle for limited freedoms. Mandela helped millions of people in South Africa and even a hundreds of millions of people worldwide who were living under the oppression who were trying to break free. Eventually it was Mandela’s legacy of forgiveness and genuine reconciliation that were known as his greatest gifts in the world.

Author: Chinua Akukwe
http://worldpress.org/Africa/3990.cfm

22 people killed in Nigeria

22 people were killed in a nighttime attack in Mavo village in Wase. The village was attacked in the early hours of Thursday. Attackers randomly opened fire on the town and its inhabitants, and burned at least 10 houses down. Administrator of the local government confirmed the attack, but would not reveal any details other than that peace had been restored to the area. Attacks just like this have been a reoccurring problem recently in surrounding villages. http://allafrica.com/stories/201402061597.html

Transit Transport Management in Eastern Africa

In the case of countries such as Burundi and Rwanda, inland transport costs account for over 70% of the total import/export costs. The workshop was attended by stakeholders all over Africa that are  involved in transit transport, including government officials from the ministry of transport and infrastructure,ministry of trade, customs,police, as well as transport operators, insurance companies, and freight forwarders, among others. They are looking to decrease cost of transportation and increase revenue.

Kenya fan stabbed to death after Arsenal-Liverpool game

In Kenya, the police are on a search for a murderer suspect after a Liverpool supporter was stabbed to death. It all started because the Liverpool supporter was bragging to a rival team fan about the 5-1 score win. The rival got mad and pulled out a knife and stabbed the man who died in the hospital. During the matches, fans bet on the outcomes and often heckle each other, leading to fights. This is most likely what had happened between the victims. This is not the first time that rival Kenyan man have stabbed each other.





BBC News
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26118063

Looting a Way of Life for Central Africa's Lost Generation

Bangui is deprived of schooling, because of this kids of Central Africa see raiding and plundering as the only career their country has to offer. It was already one of the worlds poorest nation, but now the Central African Republic is plundering itself into extinction. "Central Africa has given up the future of its youth on the altar of political gamesmanship. The future of our children is getting even darker." Says Jean-Gaberial Alba, a computer scientist.  "What is happening now is that young people are committing massacres, pillaging, raping, and stealing," He also says. When worthless loot is found they destroy everything in the area in rage. For most this is their everyday job now.

Source: http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/looting-a-way-of-life-for-central-africa-s-lost-generation-481325

Kenya: Gay Activists in Kenya Protest Uganda Anti-Gay Bill

Members of the gays and lesbians association today stormed the Ugandan embassy protesting against Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill. The members were led by gay activist John Mathenge and their lawyer Eric Giltari. There argument was they weren't going to condone harassment and stigmatisation from private and state organs and demand that gays and lesbians be given their due respect.

Homosexuality is currently illegal in Kenya. Mathenge had stormed the Ugandan embassy to present a petition to the high commissioner Ms Angelina Chogo Wapakhabulo for the Ugandan President Museveni not to ascend to the Anti- Homosexuality Bill.

According to the association's lawyer Eric Gitari, the bill is discriminatory and full of ill will against the gay community in Uganda. Gitari said that though President Museveni has not ascended to the bill yet, gays in Uganda are already being harassed, a situation which has led them to seek asylum in Kenya.

Museveni has less than 30 days to decide whether or not to ascend to the bill which was passed by ugandan parliament in December last year.
 

http://allafrica.com/stories/201402102179.html

Burundi floods: Many dead in Bujumbura

The Burundi capital, Bujumbura in Africa was hit by floods and landslides. Reports say that there were at least 50 people that died from these floods and landslides. The floods were so high that they said it wasn't quite possible to give accurate figures to how many people died because the bodies my hidden under the mud and debris. So many people got hurt that all of the hospitals are full and patients are getting treated outside. People have also lost their houses because the floods have washed them away. Roads and crops have also been destroyed by the floods and landslides.


BBC News
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26118065

Violence in CAR forcing out muslims

It was only a few days ago that a story broke out of a citizen in the CAR region who was stabbed, shot,  burned, and finally lynched in an act of terrorism by the countries own military police. Now the violence has seemed to spread and take root into the very country and multitudes of people are suffering...considerably the Muslim populace. CAR is made up of a vast number of Christians (50%), with muslims rounding up as the minority (13%). Due to the recent attacks by Seleka members and Anti-Balaka rebels the country is apparently under a siege by its own people. Steadily the countries muslim populace have started to evacuate, 30'000 making it to chad and 10'000 to the neighboring Cameroon. Though this is a dark time for the country apparently there is some light as there are multiple reports of Christians helping some of the muslim families escape into those other countries.

BBC News
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26109987

Home News News Will $2.9b irrigation scheme deliver?

 

Three hundred kilometers east of Mombasa lies Hola, a vast, semi-arid expanse of nearly perfectly flat terrain. As we drive through it, a whirlwind suddenly appears, enveloping everything in a cloud of dust, then vanishes just as quickly.

Temperatures here are over 30 degrees Celsius for most of the year, and the only permanent source of water is Tana River, Kenya’s longest river. Despite the lack of rainfall, the river’s delta is fertile, and has long been the centre of attention for Kenya’s irrigation experts.

Early this month, Kenya sought a new solution to its food insecurity with the launch of a Ksh250 billion ($2.9 billion) million-acre irrigation scheme here in Galana/ Kulalu in Hola.

The scheme could help unlock the potential of the country’s arid and semi-arid lands, bringing 500,000 acres under maize and adding 40 million bags to the annual maize harvest — effectively doubling the country’s maize production.

Author: Christine Mungai, The EastAfrican
http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Will--2-9b-irrigation-scheme-deliver-/-/2558/2199932/-/k7tqgm/-/index.html

Central African Republic soldiers Lynch a rebel

After a ceremony in which interim Central African President Catherine Samba-Panza finished speaking to the army, a man was later beaten and stabbed repeatedly by soldiers. The man was later burned to follow up the terrible assaults. This is but one of the many violent acts that Central African Republic citizens have been experiencing since a coup by Seleka. These are religious attacks that Human Rights activists are calling "Bestial, and barbaric." The victim was accused of being a rebel by the soldiers, dragged along the street, beaten, stabbed, and then subsequently burned in a way to instill terror in the soldiers.

BBC News, Africa
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26055584

Heroin haul worth $5.5m seized in Tanzania

            Tanzanian authorities Tuesday impounded 201 kilograms of heroin worth $5.5 million, proving once more that the war on drugs remains a daunting task. The heroin was found aboard an Iranian vessel.

The arrest came just a few weeks after the Canadian military ship Toronto impounded 265 bags of heroin weighing more than 280kgs aboard a vessel while patrolling the Indian Ocean.  

In the meantime, a special task force dealing with transnational organised crime in Tanzanian waters has arrested 12 suspects.

Eight of the suspects held Iranian passports and four others were found with Pakistan travel documents. The suspects are being interrogated by police, according to the head of the Anti-Drugs Unit (ADU), Mr Godfrey Nzowa.

He told The Citizen that the drug dealers were arrested in the wee hours of Tuesday on board Aldahial, an Iranian dhow. It was sailing between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar at the time.

According to police, preliminary investigations indicate that the ship ferrying the drugs was registered in Kunak, Iran.

 Author:  Katare Mbashiru

http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Heroin-haul-worth--5-5m-seized-in-Tanzania/-/2558/2194054/-/n04y0o/-/index.html

Central African Republic Clashes Kill 75 in Boda Town

Sectarian fighting in Central African Republic has left at least 75 people dead. A man by the name of Father Cassien Kamatari said help was needed to stop violence between Christians and Muslims. The majority of those confirmed dead were Christian. Some believe it is a revenge attack. The violence began when heavily armed muslims erected barricades of the entrance and exits of the town of Bangui and began attacking Christians. Father Kamatari called for help, but no one got back to him. He said that his parish was sheltering 1,500 people trying to flee the violence. The UN last month said that at least 10,000 troops may be required to end the unrest.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26021850

Two Kids Found Dead in Sierra Leone

Two kids that were declared missing on January 27th in Sierra Leone were found dead in an abandoned car. The bodies of the two were found when volunteers did a thorough search of the neighborhood. The two boys were Ishaka Gbla, 3, and Ibrahim Madieu Timbo, 4. Their bodies were found when volunteers notice putrid water running out from under the car. One of the boys eyes had been removed along with his tongue. According to local police they are looking into the case, but currently have made no arrests in the case.
 http://allafrica.com/stories/201401311201.html?aa_source=acrdn-f0

Radio STation reopened after 20 days

The Manano community radio has, happily, been restarted after 20 days of radio silence. Apparently the radio station had been shut down illegally by Mr. Justin Mussa Findi, for those 20 days. According to Katenga's broadcast regulators the radio station was shut down without following appropriate procedures. The radio station officially began to rebroadcast immediately after they received the Katenga decision. The shut down was perpetrated by Justin Findi, allegedly for the radio station calling upon teachers to go into a strike. This however is in direct violation of the DRC's laws of freedom of press.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201402031852.html

Nigeria calls out US for Double Standard

Goodluck Johnathon, Nigeria's president, recently passed a law that criminalizes same-sex marriages, relationships, and conduct.  This law, and Johnathon have received much backlash the United States and the United Kingdom for violating natural rights of the people.  Nigerian government officials have taken these comments as a double standard because the US supports democracies, however they do not support Nigeria's ruling to deny gay relationships.  Archbishops in Nigeria have weighed in saying it's no one's decision but Nigeria's. 

http://allafrica.com/stories/201401260223.html

Eseohe Ebhota