Chad Economy to Grow Over 10 Percent in 2014

The economy in Chad will possibly increase by 10% driven by crude exports and agriculture, its finance minister said. She insisted that a Chinese firm would have to pay up for environmental violations. The landlocked central Africa has been known as one of the poorest countries. However, it has seen strong growth over the decade as it has emerged as an oil producer. Finance minster said that "Chad is creating conditions necessary for becoming an emerging market..... We are getting the economy back on its feet."

Source: http://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFKBN0CL01V20140330

Jailbreak Attempt in Nigeria

The Boko Haram are suspected to be the root of yet another attack.  This time, they attempted to break BH members out of the State Security Service, who were in custody.  These attacks killed 21 SSS guards and has severely injured two, while 3 detainees are dead. The police force has claimed to have shot down four of the alleged attackers.  After a severe uproar from civilians, Reuben Abati, the presidential spokesman tweeted, ""What happened at the SSS HQ this morning was an attempted jail break which has been effectively foiled. There is no cause for alarm." 


http://allafrica.com/stories/201403310289.html

Bayo Oladeji, George Agba, Winifred Ogbebo, and Ejike Ejike

The First Lady and the Refugees

The first lady of Rwanda, Jeanette Kagame, joined around 3000 workers yesterday and around 350 children in the help to restructure homes and roads for the hundreds of survivors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. The refurbished homes after the genocide included the home of a 94 year old woman who survived the genocide itself. The first lady went as far as to share 10 of her cows to needy families, before making a speech on behalf of her husband and her country. This entire thing was for the cause of the 1994 genocide, in which, Jeanette Kagama stated that she hoped would never be seen again. 

allAfrica.com

http://allafrica.com/stories/201403310501.html  

Vavi Should Have Acted Sooner: Lawyer

Seven months have passed since Vavi was suspended."The suspension is an issue still and has been since August 15," said Karel Tipp, SC, for the Congress of SA Trade Unions. "Mr Vavi could have referred the suspension to the CCMA on August 16."  Tipp was arguing that the bid by Vavi to have his suspension set aside was not a matter for the high court but rather for the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) and the Labour Court. In August last year, Cosatu said Vavi had been put on special leave pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing relating to his affair with a junior employee. In July, the employee accused him of rape. He said they had an affair. The woman subsequently withdrew a sexual harassment complaint against him. Following Vavi's suspension, the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa), an ally of his, lodged an application in the High Court in Johannesburg challenging Vavi's suspension. Vavi then lodged papers to be added as an applicant in Numsa's challenge. In these, he asks the court to grant him an interim order interdicting and restraining Cosatu from enforcing any decision taken at its central executive committee (CEC) meeting in August. He wants final relief to review and set aside the decision to suspend him and institute disciplinary proceedings. Tipp questioned Numsa's decision to lodge its application in the high court. He pointed out that Vavi and Numsa were seeking different relief. Vavi wanted his disciplinary hearing to go ahead while Numsa did not. Numsa wanted Vavi's suspension set aside. However, Vavi was not a Numsa member, Tipp said. If Numsa had a problem with the way a Cosatu meeting had been conducted it had every right to address this with the trade union federation. "They are correct to say they are not satisfied that decisions were taken without a vote. What should have happened? Numsa should have written to Cosatu. "There is now a specific prayer for an individual."

Tipp pointed out that disciplinary proceedings had commenced. There was an investigation and a date had been set for the hearing.

Takes one friend out to the real world to see all the cool stuff with him

 

Pretoria and Kigali have agreed to resolve a furious diplomatic row sparked by attacks on Rwandan dissidents exiled in Johannesburg, South African President Jacob Zuma said Wednesday.

Speaking after meeting Tuesday in the Angolan capital Luanda with his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame, Zuma told public broadcaster SABC that the two leaders had "agreed to share some detailed information and deal with the issues".

The presence of many Rwandan dissidents in South Africa has long been a bone of contention between the two countries, but relations turned frosty after Kigali's exiled former intelligence chief Patrick Karegeya was found strangled to death in a luxury Johannesburg hotel on New Year's Day.

The full-blown row was sparked by a botched assassination attempt on March 3 against former Rwandan army chief Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa, an opponent of Kagame, also in Johannesburg.

It was the third attempt on Nyamwasa's life since he was granted asylum in South Africa in 2010.

Source: http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/South-Africa--Rwanda-agree-to-resolve-diplomatic-row/-/2558/2259592/-/ymb87g/-/index.html

Original Author: AFP

Ebola Outbreak Reaches Guinea Capital

The Ebola virus has spread from Southern Guinea to the capital, Conakry. The virus has already killed 59 people and infected many more since last month. Ebola is spread through person to person contact, and its symptoms include, internal and external bleeding, vomiting, and diarrhea. There is no cure or vaccine for Ebola, so officials can only attempt to contain the outbreak. Medical charities plan to fly in drugs and containment equipment from France. 
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26701733 

Sexual Violence is a Constant Threat, UN Envoy Warning

Despite some improvements in much of Central Africa, Civilians are still in danger, especially to sexual violence. Women and children are the ones who are attacked most of the time. Special representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Zainab Hawa Bangura, met with civil society representatives to try and come up with solutions to the problem. The crimes that are committed are punishable by death, says the representatives. Ms Banguras main concern is absence of resources to help people who have been victims of sexual violence. On a more positive note, the World Bank is working with UN Food to ensure that the country has the nutrition it needs.

Source: https://www.un.org/apps/news//story.asp?NewsID=47408&Cr=Central+african+republic&Cr1=

Egyptian Court Sentences 525 Protesters To Death

An Egyptian court sentenced over 500 supporters of the ousted President Mohammad Morsi to death today in what was one of the quickest judicial decisions in the countries history, the offenses included killing 2 police officers and assaulting many more. It only took 2 delegations to come up with wether or not they were guilty or innocent and they ended up being found guilty on all charges. The defense attorneys argued they did not have enough time to review all of the case information for the mass amounts of people they were representing, and during the reading of the verdict they were not allowed access to the courtroom. What is being argued now is wether or not the trial was fair and not biased and wether or not it is legally binding. Witnesses say that the trial was more military then it was civilian, with security forces placed between the judge and the attorneys and when they tried to ask the judge for more time to review the material the judge snapped and told them if they continued they would be removed, the trial has been condemned by many human rights organizations in Egypt and some across the world who say this trial does nothing but weaken the military governments position in Egypt.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/egypt-court-orders-leading-activist-freed-bail-23025836

Egypt court sentences 528 Morsi supporters to death

A court in Egypt has sentenced to death 528 supporters of ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi. They were convicted of charges including murdering a policeman and attacks on people and property. Mr Morsi was removed by the military in July. Hundreds have been killed and thousands arrested. Campaigners say that while death sentences are often handed down in Egypt, few have been carried out in recent years. The attacks took place in August after security forces broke up two camps of pro-Morsi supporters in Cairo, killing hundreds of people. The Brotherhood has been declared a terrorist organisation and authorities have punished any public show of support for it. A second group of 700 Morsi supporters is due to go on trial on Tuesday.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26712124

3,000 NYLF Lost Due to Boko Haram

The Boko Haram have attacked Nigeria again.  3,000 members of Northern Youths Leaders Forum were killed in Boko Haram attacks in Yola this weekend.  Many relocated to avoid harsh transgressions. The NYLF is now blaming the Nigerian government for not doing enough to control these terrorist attacks. 

http://allafrica.com/stories/201403240744.html

KABIRU R. ANWAR

Sudan: School Fees Imposed in Chad Refugee Camps

Eastern Chad — People in the refugee camps in eastern Chad have complained of the fees imposed by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on basic school students.
"The UNHCR imposed school fees of an amount equal to 4SDG ($0.70) in February," Zein Mohamed, an activist of the Djabal refugee camp in eastern Chad told Radio Dabanga. "The director of the GRS organisation working in the field of education told us that this decision came after a meeting between UNHCR and the Chadian government. UNHCR justified the imposition of school fees by pointing to the improved conditions of the refugees, and the transformation from a state of emergency to a state of development. Parents of students are supposed to contribute to the education of their children."
"They also told us that in this way the organisation's expenses on education in the refugee camps will be reduced," Mohamed added.
 

http://allafrica.com/stories/201403240903.html 

Jacob Zuma must repay the 'unlawful' £14m home renovations costs

South Africa's public ombudsman has said that some of the $14 million taxpayer-funded renovations at President Jacob Zuma's luxurious residence were unlawful and ordered him to repay part of the cost.
"Some of these measures can be legitimately classified as unlawful and the acts involved constitute improper conduct and maladministration," Thuli Madonsela said in a much-awaited report released just ahead of the May presidential election.
The critical report, which also involves several ministers, found that Mr.Zuma violated the executive ethics code by failing to protect state resources.
The ombudsman ordered that Mr Zuma "pay a reasonable percentage of the cost of the measures" which are not to doing with security at his home.
However, the exact amount to be reimbursed was not disclosed and Mr.Madonsela said it would be up to the Treasury to determine a figure.  March 19, 2014

Rwanda ranked Africa's most enticing market for retailers

 

Rwanda is Africa's most attractive market for retailers looking to expand in the fast-growing continent, according to a report by consultancy AT Kearney that hails the small east African state's economic reforms and business-friendly agenda.

Under President Paul Kagame, Rwanda has made great leaps in rebuilding after the 1994 genocide by building roads and making it easy to start or register a new business.

Rwanda has an efficient government and strong macroeconomic indicators that reveal many opportunities for international retailers that can offer basic packaged goods," said Marieke Witjes, co-author of AT Kearney's first African Retail Development Index, released on Monday.

The index, which will be compiled annually, ranks the 20 African countries identified as having the best potential for retailers.

Original Article: http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/Rwanda-ranked-Africa-s-most-enticing-market-for-retailers/-/2560/2248844/-/1r9f8ez/-/index.html 

Author: Reuters

Navy SEALs Take Rouge Libyan Oil Tanker

On the orders of President Obama, Navy SEALs took a oil tanker that was hijacked by Libyan militia who were planning on selling the oil onboard to the black market, This was done at the request of the Libyan government as they did not have the resources to pull of the operation themselves. There were no fatalities during the operation and the men who had hijacked the oil tanker were taken into custody, The men had managed to maneuver around a Libyan naval blockade set up by some of the militia and this breach of the naval blockade let to the ousting of the Prime Minister of Libya Abdul-Hamed al-Ruqai by the Libyan National Congress.

Coal, gas or nuclear? Power-hungry South Africa must decide now.

On paper, South Africa's long-term energy plans look solid with coal, nuclear, gas and renewables all viable options. But none are likely to test the theory so there is more to be researched. Because it could be very dangerous,Excessive reduction of coal combustion might lead to a spurt of demand for scarce natural gas, so coal-to-gas projects should be implemented cautiously and rationally, experts warned. Power Plant Closures May Affect Demand, CSX Corporation, a leading freight railroad in the eastern U.S., is optimistic about its domestic coal business for 2014. This follows a long period of declining volumes. 

Nigeria stampede: Minister Abba Moro will not resign

Abba Moro told the BBC that there had been "poor handling" of the event by officials but also said those in the crowd should have been more patient. At least seven people died after tens of thousands turned up to take a test for fewer than 5,000 positions. Mr Moro told the BBC's Newsday programme that people had broken through the fence into the national stadium in the capital, Abuja, where the tests were being held, causing the stampede. The recruitment exercise was for jobs in the immigration department. There is a high level of unemployment in Nigeria especially among young people. In 2011, it stood at 23.9%.

Night Attack Leaves Two Dead Mandera, Kenya

A young women and a police reservist have been reported dead in Mandera due to an suspected attack by the militia men. Mandera police boss Jackson Rotich said the police have been pursuing suspected militia men in Mandera town for the past two days. The women was believed to have been shot in the head while closing her shop.

"The bullets that killed the woman were from the militia since you can clearly see that her shop was in a direct lone from the bush where the militia were shooting from," said Rotich. "You can count up to seven holes on the iron sheet shop but the young woman was hit in the head," says Rotich.

A grenade was then hurled into the Central AP Post killing one KPR officer and injuring another. The police boss said regular, administration police and KPR were on duty at the time.
Speaking from his hospital bed, injured police reservist Abdi Adan Abdullahi said they were only four KPRs at the time of attack. Abdi said they were sitting in a trench when the grenade hit Aliyo Mustapha killing him on the spot.

"We are looking for answers to questions like who are these people and what is their motive?".

http://allafrica.com/stories/201403170125.html

Cannibal Ate Man's Leg to Avenge Deaths of His Family

A cannibal who ate the flesh of another man claims he was looking for revenge for the death of his family members. Ouandja Maglorie told BBC that he wanted to avenge his pregnant wife, sister in law, and her child who were killed by Muslim militiamen. He led a mob that dragged the muslim man out of a bus. They begun to stab the man to death and set him on fire. Ouandja was seen eating the leg of the muslim man, no one stopped him, no one even tried. Ouandja is apparently not the first to eat the flesh of another man for revenge. This has been going on with other people in Central Africa as well.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/centralafricanrepublic/10568356/Cannibal-ate-mans-leg-to-avenge-deaths-of-his-family-in-CAR-violence.html

16 dead in Nigeria Over Government Jobs

The Nigerian government offered testing for 4,500 jobs in the immigration department on Saturday.  Over 125,000 applicants went to various testing centers.  Due to exhaustion and heat, 16 of these applicants are now reported dead, along with various others who fainted during the wait.  One testing center in Akure, experienced tragedy, when more than 12,000 applicants stampeded.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201403170898.html
Victoria Ojeme

Mosquito Nets in Rwanda

One of the most prevalant issues in Central Africa is that of disease. Death by disease is one of the most harrowing experiences for the Rwanda people, and this fact has permeated into their daily life. The diseases, spread by mosquitos, are almost always fatal and the children are the ones that suffer for it. Still, in this time of war and turmoil, an organization has arisen to help fight the ongoing infections. Unicef delivered a mass of 150,000 mosquito nets to the city of Rwanda, to prepare for the mosquito season. The heavy rains that dominate this season bring about mosquitos which increases the chance of malaria. With mosquito nets, the mosquitos can not get close to the people to attempt to bite them, halting the spread of disease. To think of how deadly this disease is, 40% of children under 5 and under are sick with malaria in Rwanda. The mosquito net has helped the society reducing the amount of people infected with malaria down to 20%.

allAfrica.com
http://allafrica.com/stories/201403171132.html

Ghana to Seize and Destroy Cell Phones

The National Communications Authority in Ghana has plans to seize and destroy any communication tools that are not certified by the NCA. This includes mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. The NCA says the main purpose of these measures is to ensure the safety of consumers when using these gadgets. Some of the standards for certification were set by the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. These standards are strict to ensure safety of consumers. Manufactures who meet these standards will secure an advantage over other manufactures. 

Clashes with Police End in 19 Student Injuries

19 students were injured at University of Lomé in Togo, and 12 were arrested for an uprising.  Students were protesting the new scholarship program, calling it the criteria arbitrary. This took place during two separate protests, which are strictly forbidden by the school.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201403040621.html

Congo's Death Rate Unchanged Since War Ended

It's been five years after the war. The death rate has remained unchanged in Congo. There is an estimate that 45,000 people continue to die every month which was the same pace in 2004. Almost all the deaths come from hunger disease, this could be a sign that the country is still struggling with the aftermath from the war. Many children 5 and younger make up the count. These past couple years have not seen improvement in medicine in Congo. Hopefully in the future we will better understand the scale of the problem and come up with solutions.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/23/world/africa/23congo.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&ref=congothedemocraticrepublicof

Uganda: Shoot Poachers On Sight - Museveni

Kaabong,  Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has given the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) the say so to shoot on sight at any poacher found in a National Park. The president gave this directive in Kidepo while the national park was going on 50 years in existence. 

This national park was voted as Africa's third wilderness park. Museveni went on to say "if those Toposas and Turkanas come back to disturb our wildlife shoot them. If you can't do it then I will come and do it myself,"
"Anybody who enters Uganda with a gun must be shot,"

Uganda's Karamoja State Minister  indicated that poaching is still a key problem affecting the national parks including Kidepo. He went on to say "Mr. President I don't know what we can do. The Toposas from South Sudan and the Turkanas from Kenya are still armed, disturbing our people and raiding our wildlife,"
He urged people in Karamoja to build more lodges, hostels and grow more food to tap into the benefits of tourism which is fast growing in the country.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201403032365.html

Five UN troops wounded in DR Congo attack

 
Five UN peacekeeping troops were wounded Monday when two people on a motorcycle threw a grenade at their patrol in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the UN force said Tuesday.

The UN mission for the stabilisation of the country (Monusco) said in a statement the attack occurred in the area of Beni in North Kivu province. It did not say how seriously the troops were hurt.

"This unacceptable attack... does not in any way reduce our support for FARDC (DRC Armed Forces) in the fight against armed groups," Monusco chief Martin Kobler said in the statement.

"Our brief is to neutralise all the illegal armed groups in the east of the DRC, and we are determined to carry it out," he added.

Beni is more than 300 kilometres north of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, a restive resource-rich province that borders Rwanda and Uganda.

On January 16 the FARDC regular army launched an offensive against the Ugandan Muslim rebel group ADF-Nalu and announced in mid-February that it had inflicted severe losses on the rebels.

Author: AFP
http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Five-UN-troops-wounded-in-DR-Congo-attack/-/2558/2230520/-/c519ttz/-/index.html

Amani even in conflict

The region of Goma has become an epicenter of violence and collective terror recently in the news. That has seemingly been all that it has been, but instead of having news that is heavily terrifying and has the public filled with fear, it instead has been filled with the cries of peace and of happiness for the Amani festival. Originally this festival was scheduled for last year but the violence prevented them from doing it. Now, with the suppression of the M23 artists and other entertainers prepared for to perform for peace. The festival ran from Feb. 14 to the 16th and excited the massive crowd that saw it, allowing them to forget the war torn time they were in and focus on the joy and peace that could be had.

allAfrica.com
Christopher Vogel
http://allafrica.com/stories/201403040613.html

Egypt Police Jailed Over 2010 Death of Khaled Said

A court in Egypt has jailed 2 policemen for 10 years for the killing of a man whose death helped galvanise the uprising against Hasni Mubarak in 2011. Twenty-eight-year-old Khaled Said was beaten and tortured while in police custody in 2010. The two officers were initially convicted and sentenced to seven years in jail, but a retrial was ordered. Said's family said the tougher sentences would send out a strong message against police brutality. In the past three years, the force has faced repeated accusations of brutality and mistreatment, and critics say it remains unaccountable.