By Paul Ndiho
December 14, 2010
In Kampala, Uganda, traffic can be bad - and the roads can be worse. The city suffers not only from bad traffic jams, but potholes make the going difficult, even when the traffic is fine.
Residents of Kampala have protested against the state of the roads by going fishing in potholes and others pretended to be fishmongers, selling their "catch" from the water-filled potholes. The protesters say the poor state of roads in the capital causes accidents and traffic jams. Kampala resident David Odele says that politicians are using money meant for roads for personal gain.
“They are not using money on roads, they are not making good use of the roads, they are just making roads in their pockets and as we talk, i cannot fail to mention the president himself. He talks of roads, but the roads he talks of... Since 1996, I was in primary, I was a kid but up to date, those roads are being campaigned each and every year, each and every year.”
Protesters say that the state of the roads in Kampala is so bad that the city has been nicknamed 'Kampothole'. And residents are photographing some of the city's most spectacular road problems, which are on display at an exhibition called ''Kampala's finest potholes."
"We came as members of the private sector after being affected by this problem for a while, and we realized that our leaders were not doing what we expected them to do, I mean promising every other time that they are going to fix this potholes once and for all, but we realize after every other elections they tell us the same story, promises and more promises"
John Nasasira is Uganda's long serving Minster of Works and Transportation, and is arguably one of Uganda’s most powerful politicians and richest men. His critics say he has used tax payer money meant for roads for personal gain. Nasasira denies the allegation, saying that he does not have jurisdiction over Kampala's roads. But he assures the protestors that Uganda National Roads Authority, or UNRA, will take over all the maintenance of roads in Kampala next year.
“We will eventually take over Kampala city as central government and the ministry of works together with UNRA, will take over the roads, we will establish a complete unit that will that will deal with Kampala roads under the Uganda roads development."
Kampala residents question whether the latest move by the government to take over Kampala's road maintenance will produce results. In the meantime, they will keep trying to negotiate the city's numerous potholes and budgeting for the maintenance costs of their vehicles.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Primary Education in Benin
By Paul Ndiho, Washington D.C
December 9, 2010
Children make up approximately 50 percent of the population in Benin, and one-fifth of these children are under five years-old. Without proper safeguards and schooling, it leaves them vulnerable to perils of the streets such as forced labor and child trafficking. But a new program aims to improve education in Benin. Reporter Paul Ndiho has more:
Nearly half of Benin's population lives on less than a dollar a day. A recent United Nations study shows that over 40 percent of children ages five to 14 are working and not in school. For Mamatou Nee Wassgui Orou Yo and her husband, Gnansi, going to school was never an option.
“I’ve never set foot in a school. My parents were farmers and I’m a farmer.”
But today, the Orou Yo’s see an opportunity for their children. UNICEF and the Government of Benin have created community kindergartens in remote areas such as Sinende, so that children such as four-year-old Wahi Wrou Wo have a strong foundation going into primary school.
“Before the commencement of this UNICEF-supported program, the education system in Benin was in a poor state. In addition to low access of schooling for children, three other issues affected the state of Benin’s educational system. First, the enrollment of children into schools was very low. Second, the rate of children completing primary school was low. And thirdly, there was a large gender gap in enrollment. Many more boys than girls were being sent to school.”
Children in the kindergarten program sing, play, and develop their identities in child-friendly spaces.
An extension of this initiative empowers mothers such as Mamatou with income-generating activities such as making shea butter and food items.
“I do feel empowered participating in this program because the profits I get from it help me do some household expenses, give some allowance to my children and help me with financial organization.”
Today there are over 200 community kindergartens in Benin. Sizable results have been achieved, but more work needs for the hardest to reach children, not only to enroll them in school but ensure that they stay in school.
“The educational program is indeed a program aimed to achieve educational equality, gender equality in particular, equality to address the Benin’s education system, where there was and there is still an important gap between boys and girls and to provide them plenty of chances to be able to have access to school.”
In addition to helping mothers, UNICEF is providing more training for teachers and has already built latrines and supplied equipment, furniture, and learning tools for the students and teachers.
“The kindergarten program is very positive for me. It’s helped me find a place to keep my children, do my housework, go to the farm and participate in income generating activities. More importantly, it’s helping prepare my children for primary school.”
The kindergarten program may help Benin to achieve U.N. Millennium Development Goal number two: ensuring that all boys and girls complete primary school by 2015.
Mamatou and Gnansi see their children’s education as a way out of poverty. They are also optimistic that with this kind of education, their child will be the first in their family to graduate from university.
December 9, 2010
Children make up approximately 50 percent of the population in Benin, and one-fifth of these children are under five years-old. Without proper safeguards and schooling, it leaves them vulnerable to perils of the streets such as forced labor and child trafficking. But a new program aims to improve education in Benin. Reporter Paul Ndiho has more:
Nearly half of Benin's population lives on less than a dollar a day. A recent United Nations study shows that over 40 percent of children ages five to 14 are working and not in school. For Mamatou Nee Wassgui Orou Yo and her husband, Gnansi, going to school was never an option.
“I’ve never set foot in a school. My parents were farmers and I’m a farmer.”
But today, the Orou Yo’s see an opportunity for their children. UNICEF and the Government of Benin have created community kindergartens in remote areas such as Sinende, so that children such as four-year-old Wahi Wrou Wo have a strong foundation going into primary school.
“Before the commencement of this UNICEF-supported program, the education system in Benin was in a poor state. In addition to low access of schooling for children, three other issues affected the state of Benin’s educational system. First, the enrollment of children into schools was very low. Second, the rate of children completing primary school was low. And thirdly, there was a large gender gap in enrollment. Many more boys than girls were being sent to school.”
Children in the kindergarten program sing, play, and develop their identities in child-friendly spaces.
An extension of this initiative empowers mothers such as Mamatou with income-generating activities such as making shea butter and food items.
“I do feel empowered participating in this program because the profits I get from it help me do some household expenses, give some allowance to my children and help me with financial organization.”
Today there are over 200 community kindergartens in Benin. Sizable results have been achieved, but more work needs for the hardest to reach children, not only to enroll them in school but ensure that they stay in school.
“The educational program is indeed a program aimed to achieve educational equality, gender equality in particular, equality to address the Benin’s education system, where there was and there is still an important gap between boys and girls and to provide them plenty of chances to be able to have access to school.”
In addition to helping mothers, UNICEF is providing more training for teachers and has already built latrines and supplied equipment, furniture, and learning tools for the students and teachers.
“The kindergarten program is very positive for me. It’s helped me find a place to keep my children, do my housework, go to the farm and participate in income generating activities. More importantly, it’s helping prepare my children for primary school.”
The kindergarten program may help Benin to achieve U.N. Millennium Development Goal number two: ensuring that all boys and girls complete primary school by 2015.
Mamatou and Gnansi see their children’s education as a way out of poverty. They are also optimistic that with this kind of education, their child will be the first in their family to graduate from university.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
African Albinos have long been ignored, mocked, hunted and Killed
By Paul Ndiho, Washington D.C.
December 2, 2010
Since 2008, more than 60 albinos have been killed in Tanzania, forcing hundreds of people with albinism to go into hiding. And even Tanzania’s newly elected Member of Parliament, Salum Khalfan Barany, fears for his life. He’s one of millions of people in Africa with albinism who have come under threat from illegal body parts traders.
In Tanzania and Nigeria there has been an unprecedented rise in witchcraft-related killings of albino people in recent months. In Tanzania, where superstition is deep-seated, albino body parts are thought to bring good luck. Activist Peter Ash says that even Member of Parliament Salum Khalfan Barwany is being pursued by albino hunters.
"Police have reported that there are five men pursuing the life of Mr. Barwany they have been following him around with criminal intentions. We don't know if they want Mr. Barwany because of his body parts or if there is some other motives for their following but he is under security protection of police at this time."
An organization founded by Canadians with albinism is trying to protect albino children. For these children in northern Tanzania, a move to private boarding schools may have saved their lives.
"We have taken children from over-crowded government school, Mitindo where there was at one point one hundred and five children with albinism living in over-crowded conditions and now we have transferred those kids to into high quality private boarding school and at Lake View and Jelly's we saw a tremendous example that children with albinism are intelligent, they are smart, and they're capable and we saw great teachers.”
People with albinism face social challenges commonly have vision problems and need sun protection. Mike McGowan is President of the National Organization for Albinism and Hypo pigmentation, NOAH. He says he was horrified to hear about the reports of killings of African with albinism, but he urges them to stay strong:
"There is a need I think for fellowship because we share this experience of being different and we need to learn how to deal with being different and looking different and NOAH provides that place for people that share the condition to come together and to be understood because a person that shares the condition also shares all the experience. "
Activist Jack Epelle says he is concerned about the plight of albinos in Nigeria. He says Albinos on the continent have long been ignored, mocked and hunted.
"My classmates in trying to create fun would drag me to the sun and then hold my hands and hold my face, and face me to the sun, it was very excruciating for me so, now I know why I have a lot of freckles on my face.”
42 year-old Nigerian Feme Khainde has albino children. She has kept her family intact, but says it has been a struggle.
"Some people even told me when I had the first and then the second child that I should go and hide them so that the remaining people will not be like that. Or that maybe I should give them maybe to my mom. I said, how I hide my own children because of that, let them be."
NOAH President Mike McGowan says his group is committed to making sure that the world knows about the plight of albinos in Africa.
“we’ve mounted a letter writing campaign the United States Congress and we want the congress of the United States to condemn this and we want to bring to bear pressure the governments of Tanzania and other places in Africa where this happening to ensure that the people that who committee these horrific crimes are brought to Justice .”Globally, about one person in 20-thousand has albinism.
December 2, 2010
Since 2008, more than 60 albinos have been killed in Tanzania, forcing hundreds of people with albinism to go into hiding. And even Tanzania’s newly elected Member of Parliament, Salum Khalfan Barany, fears for his life. He’s one of millions of people in Africa with albinism who have come under threat from illegal body parts traders.
In Tanzania and Nigeria there has been an unprecedented rise in witchcraft-related killings of albino people in recent months. In Tanzania, where superstition is deep-seated, albino body parts are thought to bring good luck. Activist Peter Ash says that even Member of Parliament Salum Khalfan Barwany is being pursued by albino hunters.
"Police have reported that there are five men pursuing the life of Mr. Barwany they have been following him around with criminal intentions. We don't know if they want Mr. Barwany because of his body parts or if there is some other motives for their following but he is under security protection of police at this time."
An organization founded by Canadians with albinism is trying to protect albino children. For these children in northern Tanzania, a move to private boarding schools may have saved their lives.
"We have taken children from over-crowded government school, Mitindo where there was at one point one hundred and five children with albinism living in over-crowded conditions and now we have transferred those kids to into high quality private boarding school and at Lake View and Jelly's we saw a tremendous example that children with albinism are intelligent, they are smart, and they're capable and we saw great teachers.”
People with albinism face social challenges commonly have vision problems and need sun protection. Mike McGowan is President of the National Organization for Albinism and Hypo pigmentation, NOAH. He says he was horrified to hear about the reports of killings of African with albinism, but he urges them to stay strong:
"There is a need I think for fellowship because we share this experience of being different and we need to learn how to deal with being different and looking different and NOAH provides that place for people that share the condition to come together and to be understood because a person that shares the condition also shares all the experience. "
Activist Jack Epelle says he is concerned about the plight of albinos in Nigeria. He says Albinos on the continent have long been ignored, mocked and hunted.
"My classmates in trying to create fun would drag me to the sun and then hold my hands and hold my face, and face me to the sun, it was very excruciating for me so, now I know why I have a lot of freckles on my face.”
42 year-old Nigerian Feme Khainde has albino children. She has kept her family intact, but says it has been a struggle.
"Some people even told me when I had the first and then the second child that I should go and hide them so that the remaining people will not be like that. Or that maybe I should give them maybe to my mom. I said, how I hide my own children because of that, let them be."
NOAH President Mike McGowan says his group is committed to making sure that the world knows about the plight of albinos in Africa.
“we’ve mounted a letter writing campaign the United States Congress and we want the congress of the United States to condemn this and we want to bring to bear pressure the governments of Tanzania and other places in Africa where this happening to ensure that the people that who committee these horrific crimes are brought to Justice .”Globally, about one person in 20-thousand has albinism.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
BEBE COOL- UGANDAN REGGAE ARTIST
By Paul Ndiho, Washington DC
November 30, 2010
Top Ugandan reggae artist Moses Ssali, better known as “Bebe Cool,” is literally getting back on his feet after life-threatening encounters that included a shooting and a car accident. He was recently in the U.S., where he was receiving treatment.
Bebe Cool is big in Uganda and East Africa, where his mix of reggae and bongo flava, have made him one of the region’s biggest stars. He recently claimed the coveted 2010 Pearl of Africa Music “Artist of the Year” award, which catapulted his music to the top of the Ugandan music charts. But awards have been the least of Bebe Cool’s concerns after several brushes with death. He almost died a few months ago, after being shot four times in the legs.
“I was shot four times with an AK 47, then two months later I was involved in the worst car accident with my wife, and then two months later I was involved in a bomb blast while I was performing at a concert during the World cup finals and all the people just around me and behind me died but me and my wife survived. These are not things that I would have expected to be part of my life today.”
Bebe Cool says his recovery has been slow, but credits his doctors in the United States.
“My legs are stable, and my bones are right back in shape. My muscles are gaining some energy. Overall, my legs can support all my weight, but I can't run, and I can't jump.”
The close-calls have left the Ugandan artist very reflective about his faith, and even more driven to succeed in life and music.
“Today as I speak so many singers are working world wide and I’m proud to be one of those guys who started it. So the main thing that has really made me who I am is the belief in me. No one can stop me, not even the five bullets when I was shot, and not even the bomb blast that I was involved in. I don't think that anybody can stop me, maybe apart from God.”
Bebe Cool started performing in Nairobi, Kenya in the late 1990s when he was very young. He says he was inspired by reggae icons Bunju Bunton and Wyclef Jean.
But the Ugandan artist has drawn controversy too. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni gave what critics say is taxpayer money for Bebe's treatment in the U.S. The reggae artist plans to campaign for President Museveni's re-election. One of the opposition candidates hoping to unseat Mr. Museveni is Bebe Cool’s own father, Bidandi Ssali. The musician is unapologetic about his political allegiance.
“When it come to who I’m going to work with in Uganda today… it’s obvious and I don't want to lie to you that the people will see me as good person if I don't support the president. He was instrumental in giving me my life back but how do you appreciate somebody who has done you a good thing? Do you want me to stand on stage and tell that people that the president must go? Of course not.”
Bebe Cool says young upcoming artists should stay focused.
“You cannot start a journey when you don't know where you want to end. Look out and say that I want to be big in Africa and then work towards being big in Africa. You will find it very easy if you have a goal then the question will be very simple. Where do I go to become an African artist? Ugandan reggae artist Bebe Cool says young artists should also work to create friendships in music, an industry he says can be very tempting.
November 30, 2010
Top Ugandan reggae artist Moses Ssali, better known as “Bebe Cool,” is literally getting back on his feet after life-threatening encounters that included a shooting and a car accident. He was recently in the U.S., where he was receiving treatment.
Bebe Cool is big in Uganda and East Africa, where his mix of reggae and bongo flava, have made him one of the region’s biggest stars. He recently claimed the coveted 2010 Pearl of Africa Music “Artist of the Year” award, which catapulted his music to the top of the Ugandan music charts. But awards have been the least of Bebe Cool’s concerns after several brushes with death. He almost died a few months ago, after being shot four times in the legs.
“I was shot four times with an AK 47, then two months later I was involved in the worst car accident with my wife, and then two months later I was involved in a bomb blast while I was performing at a concert during the World cup finals and all the people just around me and behind me died but me and my wife survived. These are not things that I would have expected to be part of my life today.”
Bebe Cool says his recovery has been slow, but credits his doctors in the United States.
“My legs are stable, and my bones are right back in shape. My muscles are gaining some energy. Overall, my legs can support all my weight, but I can't run, and I can't jump.”
The close-calls have left the Ugandan artist very reflective about his faith, and even more driven to succeed in life and music.
“Today as I speak so many singers are working world wide and I’m proud to be one of those guys who started it. So the main thing that has really made me who I am is the belief in me. No one can stop me, not even the five bullets when I was shot, and not even the bomb blast that I was involved in. I don't think that anybody can stop me, maybe apart from God.”
Bebe Cool started performing in Nairobi, Kenya in the late 1990s when he was very young. He says he was inspired by reggae icons Bunju Bunton and Wyclef Jean.
But the Ugandan artist has drawn controversy too. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni gave what critics say is taxpayer money for Bebe's treatment in the U.S. The reggae artist plans to campaign for President Museveni's re-election. One of the opposition candidates hoping to unseat Mr. Museveni is Bebe Cool’s own father, Bidandi Ssali. The musician is unapologetic about his political allegiance.
“When it come to who I’m going to work with in Uganda today… it’s obvious and I don't want to lie to you that the people will see me as good person if I don't support the president. He was instrumental in giving me my life back but how do you appreciate somebody who has done you a good thing? Do you want me to stand on stage and tell that people that the president must go? Of course not.”
Bebe Cool says young upcoming artists should stay focused.
“You cannot start a journey when you don't know where you want to end. Look out and say that I want to be big in Africa and then work towards being big in Africa. You will find it very easy if you have a goal then the question will be very simple. Where do I go to become an African artist? Ugandan reggae artist Bebe Cool says young artists should also work to create friendships in music, an industry he says can be very tempting.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
AFRICAN UNION PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION
By Paul Ndiho, Washington D.C
November 27, 2010
Africa has been characterized by many conflict situations that have resulted in the loss of millions of lives, widespread displacement and a wide array of human rights abuses. Today, Africa accounts for about 70 percent of the United Nations' peacekeeping operations. But is the African Union and its sub-regional organizations, doing enough to prevent and resolve conflicts on the continent.
Africa continues to suffer from violent conflicts. In Somalia, in Sudan’s Darfur region, in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo the toll has been devastating. There scarce resources are diverted to buying arm; insecurity, displacement, and destruction follows. Still Ambassador Ruhakana Rugunda, Uganda’s permanent representative to the UN and former president of the Security Council sees hope.
“There has been a lot of turbulence in Africa. About 20 years ago there were about 20 wars going on simultaneously in Africa as I speak now there are only four going on. Although they are still going on, the fact of the matter is it’s a very significant improvement from about 20 to about four. And which are these four that I' m talking about? They are Sudan in Darfur, DRC there is still some insatiability, Somalia definitely requires some attention and the region the Lord’s Resistance Army they were a rebel group unique rebel group with no clear political objectives.”
Ambassador Rugunda says the Africa Union, in response to internal demand and international pressure, has begun to focus their attention on these regions and is trying innovative ways to resolve differences by nonviolent means.
“African Countries have said, we want the continent to be stable, we want to be democratically ruled, we believe in the rule of law and we also want to respect the human rights of people and to ensure that there are no unconstitutional changes of government.”
Commenting on the fragile situation in Somalia, Ambassador Rugunda said there is a difference between the way Africa and the rest of the world sees the situation there.
“In Africa we think the rest of the world has put more attention on piracy than dealing with piracy at its source and its base is main land Somalia. Africa firmly believes that we should deal with the main land piracy by it and his problem will disappear.”
Some analysts say that the Africa Union has adequate mechanisms to deal with its problems, to resolve conflicts and all it needs is reinforcements in terms of resources and capacity building.
November 27, 2010
Africa has been characterized by many conflict situations that have resulted in the loss of millions of lives, widespread displacement and a wide array of human rights abuses. Today, Africa accounts for about 70 percent of the United Nations' peacekeeping operations. But is the African Union and its sub-regional organizations, doing enough to prevent and resolve conflicts on the continent.
Africa continues to suffer from violent conflicts. In Somalia, in Sudan’s Darfur region, in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo the toll has been devastating. There scarce resources are diverted to buying arm; insecurity, displacement, and destruction follows. Still Ambassador Ruhakana Rugunda, Uganda’s permanent representative to the UN and former president of the Security Council sees hope.
“There has been a lot of turbulence in Africa. About 20 years ago there were about 20 wars going on simultaneously in Africa as I speak now there are only four going on. Although they are still going on, the fact of the matter is it’s a very significant improvement from about 20 to about four. And which are these four that I' m talking about? They are Sudan in Darfur, DRC there is still some insatiability, Somalia definitely requires some attention and the region the Lord’s Resistance Army they were a rebel group unique rebel group with no clear political objectives.”
Ambassador Rugunda says the Africa Union, in response to internal demand and international pressure, has begun to focus their attention on these regions and is trying innovative ways to resolve differences by nonviolent means.
“African Countries have said, we want the continent to be stable, we want to be democratically ruled, we believe in the rule of law and we also want to respect the human rights of people and to ensure that there are no unconstitutional changes of government.”
Commenting on the fragile situation in Somalia, Ambassador Rugunda said there is a difference between the way Africa and the rest of the world sees the situation there.
“In Africa we think the rest of the world has put more attention on piracy than dealing with piracy at its source and its base is main land Somalia. Africa firmly believes that we should deal with the main land piracy by it and his problem will disappear.”
Some analysts say that the Africa Union has adequate mechanisms to deal with its problems, to resolve conflicts and all it needs is reinforcements in terms of resources and capacity building.
Friday, November 19, 2010
VIKTOR BOUT RAN A WEAPONS PIPELINE IN AFRICA
My encounter with Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer who helped fuel some of Africa's bloodiest conflicts. Bout was arrested in Thailand in March 2008 on an international arrest warrant following a US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) operation aimed at suppliers of weapons to Farc which the group uses to defend its extensive drug trafficking operation.In the late 90s, Bout ran a weapons pipeline in to the war ravaged east of the Democratic Republic of Congo and shipped out minerals, such as the coltan used in making mobile phones, plundered by rebel groups and foreign armies. He also helped arm the Liberian rebel leader, Charles Taylor, who later became president and is now on trial before the international criminal court for war crimes.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
2010 AFRICA ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
By Paul Ndiho,Washington D.C.
November 2, 2010
The International Monetary fund (IMF) says Sub-Saharan Africa's accelerating economic growth is expected to be broad-based this year and next. Strong domestic demand and resurgent exports are projected to boost growth as high as 5.5 percent.
Economists say sub-Saharan Africa was in a strong economic position going into the global financial slowdown. This allowed fiscal and monetary policies to be put in place to soften the impact of the global downturn. For countries that were hard hit by the crisis, Antoinette Sayeh, IMF regional director for Africa, offers this advice:
"Now that the growth seems to be in hand and returning, the recovery is returning, it's important that the authorities now work to rebuild those savings that they used in the course of the crisis so that when the next crisis hits they're able again to draw on their reserves and their savings to respond. So that's really the challenge ahead to continue good macroeconomic policies to rebuild, as we call them, the policy buffers that have helped so much during this crisis,"
In Africa, domestic demand is expected to remain strong on the basis of rising real incomes and investment. And many African governments have implemented investment-friendly frameworks to attract more foreign capital.
"Sub-Saharan Africa needs investment. A large part of that investment in the social sectors and some infrastructure investments will depend on the public sector. But most investments should come from the private sector. And so the challenge going forward will be for Sub-Saharan African governments to improve the enabling environment for private investments so that they continue to attract capital from abroad and so that investments in infrastructure in other manufacturing and other facilities help to sustain growth,"
Antoinette Sayeh says that there is still work to be done in Africa to enable business and business startups.
"There is still work to be done on the overall enabling environment and regulatory policies and how long it takes to register businesses, how easy it is to import. Despite the fact that there's been tremendous progress in these areas it still takes too long to establish new business in many countries and there's still significant work to be done to make sure that the private sector is able to make the long term investments and commitment that are needed to sustain growth,"
Analysts say that in recent years, international trade has increased exponentially, but Africa's share in world trade has remained low. Africa accounts for only about 3% of world exports, partly due to trade protection outside Africa against African products.
November 2, 2010
The International Monetary fund (IMF) says Sub-Saharan Africa's accelerating economic growth is expected to be broad-based this year and next. Strong domestic demand and resurgent exports are projected to boost growth as high as 5.5 percent.
Economists say sub-Saharan Africa was in a strong economic position going into the global financial slowdown. This allowed fiscal and monetary policies to be put in place to soften the impact of the global downturn. For countries that were hard hit by the crisis, Antoinette Sayeh, IMF regional director for Africa, offers this advice:
"Now that the growth seems to be in hand and returning, the recovery is returning, it's important that the authorities now work to rebuild those savings that they used in the course of the crisis so that when the next crisis hits they're able again to draw on their reserves and their savings to respond. So that's really the challenge ahead to continue good macroeconomic policies to rebuild, as we call them, the policy buffers that have helped so much during this crisis,"
In Africa, domestic demand is expected to remain strong on the basis of rising real incomes and investment. And many African governments have implemented investment-friendly frameworks to attract more foreign capital.
"Sub-Saharan Africa needs investment. A large part of that investment in the social sectors and some infrastructure investments will depend on the public sector. But most investments should come from the private sector. And so the challenge going forward will be for Sub-Saharan African governments to improve the enabling environment for private investments so that they continue to attract capital from abroad and so that investments in infrastructure in other manufacturing and other facilities help to sustain growth,"
Antoinette Sayeh says that there is still work to be done in Africa to enable business and business startups.
"There is still work to be done on the overall enabling environment and regulatory policies and how long it takes to register businesses, how easy it is to import. Despite the fact that there's been tremendous progress in these areas it still takes too long to establish new business in many countries and there's still significant work to be done to make sure that the private sector is able to make the long term investments and commitment that are needed to sustain growth,"
Analysts say that in recent years, international trade has increased exponentially, but Africa's share in world trade has remained low. Africa accounts for only about 3% of world exports, partly due to trade protection outside Africa against African products.
Friday, October 29, 2010
KENYA'S ANTI-CORRUPTION DRIVE
By Paul Ndiho, Washington D.C.
October 29, 2010
A study published earlier this month by the Berlin-based group, Transparency International shows that 97 percent of Kenyans view corruption as a big problem in a country. Kenya is sending an anti-corruption message to the highest levels of government.
Transparency International's 2010 Corruption Index ranks Kenya eight places lower and nearer to countries on the bottom rung of the list of 178 states. Two high profile Kenyan government ministers faced corruption charges; Minister of Foreign Affairs Moses Wetang'ula, and Higher Education Minister, William Ruto. Both of them are off the job and the allegations are under investigation.
“I have made a personal decision to step aside from my responsibilities and my appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya to give room and pleasure to those who have been haunting and tormenting me for the last three, four weeks, to give room to the very able arms of investigation.''
Analysts say Kenya has made strides towards democracy. Executive power has been lessened and the legislature and judiciary have better autonomy. But observers say abuse of power continues. Kenya's president, Mwai Kibaki came to power in 2002 on an anti-graft platform, but his fight against graft has failed to impress critics. Mr. Kibaki credits a new constitution with giving Kenya new muscle to wrestle corruption. During his speech to parliament this year, the president assured Kenyans that the country is on the right track.
"We, as the grand coalition government, have resolved to deal with the matter decisively. I am calling on the august House to work with the government in this endeavor. In order to win this war, we must apply the law in a manner that is impartial and just."
In October alone, four senior officials in Kenya have been named in corruption scandals. No government minister has ever been convicted of graft in Kenya, where corruption is widespread. Dr. Migai Akech, a Kenyan political analyst, says that there is culture of impunity in Kenya.
"It's a culture that laws don't apply and I mean just look at drivers on the streets in Nairobi… Many people don't follow traffic rules. So I believe it has much to do with the mind set, I think the education system has much to do with it in that sense but also rules matter."
Nairobi residents say the new anti-corruption drive is long overdue and has generated optimism.
''I think with the dispensation of the new constitution, I think this is high time that Kenyans should wag the dog and I think this is high time that we should eradicate corruption completely in Kenya. The culture of impunity and corruption are issues that have been hunting us down''.
''There has been some progress, but mainly the big fish are being arrested, but the normal corruption that usually occurs like in the transport sector and local authorities like in the city council, they should take also charges, maybe they should put more people in investigation.''
Kenya's coalition government vows to work together to establish a plan to fight corruption and bring about promised reforms. But surveys show most Kenyans view corruption as endemic, and analysts say corruption has stifled economic growth.
October 29, 2010
A study published earlier this month by the Berlin-based group, Transparency International shows that 97 percent of Kenyans view corruption as a big problem in a country. Kenya is sending an anti-corruption message to the highest levels of government.
Transparency International's 2010 Corruption Index ranks Kenya eight places lower and nearer to countries on the bottom rung of the list of 178 states. Two high profile Kenyan government ministers faced corruption charges; Minister of Foreign Affairs Moses Wetang'ula, and Higher Education Minister, William Ruto. Both of them are off the job and the allegations are under investigation.
“I have made a personal decision to step aside from my responsibilities and my appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya to give room and pleasure to those who have been haunting and tormenting me for the last three, four weeks, to give room to the very able arms of investigation.''
Analysts say Kenya has made strides towards democracy. Executive power has been lessened and the legislature and judiciary have better autonomy. But observers say abuse of power continues. Kenya's president, Mwai Kibaki came to power in 2002 on an anti-graft platform, but his fight against graft has failed to impress critics. Mr. Kibaki credits a new constitution with giving Kenya new muscle to wrestle corruption. During his speech to parliament this year, the president assured Kenyans that the country is on the right track.
"We, as the grand coalition government, have resolved to deal with the matter decisively. I am calling on the august House to work with the government in this endeavor. In order to win this war, we must apply the law in a manner that is impartial and just."
In October alone, four senior officials in Kenya have been named in corruption scandals. No government minister has ever been convicted of graft in Kenya, where corruption is widespread. Dr. Migai Akech, a Kenyan political analyst, says that there is culture of impunity in Kenya.
"It's a culture that laws don't apply and I mean just look at drivers on the streets in Nairobi… Many people don't follow traffic rules. So I believe it has much to do with the mind set, I think the education system has much to do with it in that sense but also rules matter."
Nairobi residents say the new anti-corruption drive is long overdue and has generated optimism.
''I think with the dispensation of the new constitution, I think this is high time that Kenyans should wag the dog and I think this is high time that we should eradicate corruption completely in Kenya. The culture of impunity and corruption are issues that have been hunting us down''.
''There has been some progress, but mainly the big fish are being arrested, but the normal corruption that usually occurs like in the transport sector and local authorities like in the city council, they should take also charges, maybe they should put more people in investigation.''
Kenya's coalition government vows to work together to establish a plan to fight corruption and bring about promised reforms. But surveys show most Kenyans view corruption as endemic, and analysts say corruption has stifled economic growth.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
8 Presidential Candidates Nominated in Uganda
By Paul Ndiho, Washington D.C.
October 27, 2010
Uganda's electoral commission on Monday and Tuesday cleared eight candidates to run in next February's presidential poll, including long-serving leader General Yoweri Museveni. The international community and Uganda's opposition have criticized the Ugandan government for keeping in place an electoral commission that has allegedly failed to organize free and fair elections.
Security is very tight in Uganda's capital, Kampala, as the parties launch their presidential campaigns. The nominations kicked off the official campaign period, a season that can be characterized by excitement, or marred by harassment of the opposition. Uganda's President General Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the East African Nation for over two decades, is running for the fourth time as the candidate of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
"Now that we have got Uganda out of so many problems and we are heading to the dry land having crossed a big ocean of problems, how can it be that any other group can be entrusted with this duty of concluding the emancipation and transformation of Uganda? That is why I told them and they all agreed unanimously that it must be the NRM."
The election, which pits Mr. Museveni against his closest rival, Kizza Besigye, in the third face-off between the two, is seen as a test of democracy in a country about to start producing oil. Dr. Kizza Besigye is the leader of Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC), a coalition of four parties. President Museveni defeated Besigye in elections in 2001 and 2006 that were marred by accusations of widespread fraud. Besigye used the nomination ceremony to criticize Uganda's last two elections, promising to fight corruption and to invest in agriculture.
"We believe that one can win an election even with a biased electoral commission. It's far more difficult but it is not unattainable and it is what we are going to rally the entire population to do and if the unfairness continues and if the violation of our rights continue under their watch, we are going to be prepared to confront it, we do not believe to have our rights by permission, we believe to have them by right."
Eight candidates have been cleared to run against General Museveni, but analysts say only Besigye has an outside chance of beating Museveni. The poll will be closely watched by the West for signs of repression.
Earlier this month, a United Nations report accused Mr. Museveni's troops of committing massive human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 1993 and 2003. Uganda reacted angrily to the report and said the accusations were unfounded and that the report should not be taken seriously.
October 27, 2010
Uganda's electoral commission on Monday and Tuesday cleared eight candidates to run in next February's presidential poll, including long-serving leader General Yoweri Museveni. The international community and Uganda's opposition have criticized the Ugandan government for keeping in place an electoral commission that has allegedly failed to organize free and fair elections.
Security is very tight in Uganda's capital, Kampala, as the parties launch their presidential campaigns. The nominations kicked off the official campaign period, a season that can be characterized by excitement, or marred by harassment of the opposition. Uganda's President General Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the East African Nation for over two decades, is running for the fourth time as the candidate of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
"Now that we have got Uganda out of so many problems and we are heading to the dry land having crossed a big ocean of problems, how can it be that any other group can be entrusted with this duty of concluding the emancipation and transformation of Uganda? That is why I told them and they all agreed unanimously that it must be the NRM."
The election, which pits Mr. Museveni against his closest rival, Kizza Besigye, in the third face-off between the two, is seen as a test of democracy in a country about to start producing oil. Dr. Kizza Besigye is the leader of Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC), a coalition of four parties. President Museveni defeated Besigye in elections in 2001 and 2006 that were marred by accusations of widespread fraud. Besigye used the nomination ceremony to criticize Uganda's last two elections, promising to fight corruption and to invest in agriculture.
"We believe that one can win an election even with a biased electoral commission. It's far more difficult but it is not unattainable and it is what we are going to rally the entire population to do and if the unfairness continues and if the violation of our rights continue under their watch, we are going to be prepared to confront it, we do not believe to have our rights by permission, we believe to have them by right."
Eight candidates have been cleared to run against General Museveni, but analysts say only Besigye has an outside chance of beating Museveni. The poll will be closely watched by the West for signs of repression.
Earlier this month, a United Nations report accused Mr. Museveni's troops of committing massive human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 1993 and 2003. Uganda reacted angrily to the report and said the accusations were unfounded and that the report should not be taken seriously.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Ugandan Comedian Mimicks President M7
Herbert Ssegujja is a Ugandan local comedian who has made a name by perfectly mimicking President Yoweri Museveni.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
AFRICAN ECONOMIES TO DIVERSIFY
By Paul Ndiho, Washington D.C.
October 21, 2010
A United Nations study released recently recommends diversification of African economies, to reduce reliance on natural resources and encourage growth in sectors such as telecommunications, agriculture and tourism.
At a news conference in New York for the U.N.'s report, Eckhard Deutscher, Chair of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) calls on governments and media to help change a negative perception of African economies.
"In the most of the OECD countries the picture on Africa is still that this is a continent disintegrated, lagging behind and that there are not enough private investments coming from those countries, the OECD countries to Africa. And I can only call to the press, to the governments, to change this picture urgently. Africa will become an important player in the future without any doubt."
The U.N. study also calls for recognition of the increasingly
important contribution of Africa to global economic growth.
Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, CEO of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), stresses the importance of south-south cooperation, or, emerging nations bypassing trade with rich northern nations.
"This south-south cooperation - because it can be called south-south cooperation - is both in the interest of - because at the end of the day is a question of interest - in both the interest of the emerging economies and the interest of the African continent. And I can assure you that question of interests are absolutely key and essential."
Under-Secretary-General and UN Special Adviser on Africa Cheick Sidi Diarra, notes that good relations with China and India can spark further investment in Africa.
"The relations between emerging countries like China and India give more room to maneuver to African continent in their negotiation with traditional donors in their policies to attract foreign direct investment in order to ease the conditions and to take more benefit out of this foreign direct investment. Because the competition for natural resources is something that is real and it will be even much stake in the future."
Some countries such as Gabon are diversifying their economy amid declining oil production. Gabon depended on timber and manganese until oil was discovered offshore in the early 1970s. But the country's oil output has been declining for years, and Gabon is attempting to renew itself by developing an economic trade zone to attract investment and spur growth.
October 21, 2010
A United Nations study released recently recommends diversification of African economies, to reduce reliance on natural resources and encourage growth in sectors such as telecommunications, agriculture and tourism.
At a news conference in New York for the U.N.'s report, Eckhard Deutscher, Chair of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) calls on governments and media to help change a negative perception of African economies.
"In the most of the OECD countries the picture on Africa is still that this is a continent disintegrated, lagging behind and that there are not enough private investments coming from those countries, the OECD countries to Africa. And I can only call to the press, to the governments, to change this picture urgently. Africa will become an important player in the future without any doubt."
The U.N. study also calls for recognition of the increasingly
important contribution of Africa to global economic growth.
Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, CEO of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), stresses the importance of south-south cooperation, or, emerging nations bypassing trade with rich northern nations.
"This south-south cooperation - because it can be called south-south cooperation - is both in the interest of - because at the end of the day is a question of interest - in both the interest of the emerging economies and the interest of the African continent. And I can assure you that question of interests are absolutely key and essential."
Under-Secretary-General and UN Special Adviser on Africa Cheick Sidi Diarra, notes that good relations with China and India can spark further investment in Africa.
"The relations between emerging countries like China and India give more room to maneuver to African continent in their negotiation with traditional donors in their policies to attract foreign direct investment in order to ease the conditions and to take more benefit out of this foreign direct investment. Because the competition for natural resources is something that is real and it will be even much stake in the future."
Some countries such as Gabon are diversifying their economy amid declining oil production. Gabon depended on timber and manganese until oil was discovered offshore in the early 1970s. But the country's oil output has been declining for years, and Gabon is attempting to renew itself by developing an economic trade zone to attract investment and spur growth.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
UN CONGO REPORT TELLS ALL
By Paul Ndiho
October 7, 2010
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights last week released a 550-page report listing more than 600 of the most serious violations of human committed by both state and non-state actors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In the late 90s and early 2000s I was a reporter embedded with both Ugandan and Rwandan troops in Eastern Congo and I recorded some of the killings that took place. Please be advised that some video is very graphic and viewer discretion is advised.
After interviewing more than 1200 witnesses, analyzing more than 1500 documents, over the course of two years, the United Nations released a report last Friday, detailing massive human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 1993 and 2003.The report said, tens of thousands of people were killed, and numerous others were raped, mutilated or otherwise victimized during the decade of War.
"The mapping of the events that occurred during that 10 year period are significant because the consequences are still evident today. Because these crimes have never been addressed justice has not been delivered but there has been impunity and lawlessness so very many rebel groups have cropped up who continue to take the law into their own hands and rape and pillage. Most recent example is the rapes that occurred in eastern DRC in August over which my office and the joint Human Rights office issued a report a few days ago."
Seven Africa countries are named in the report but Rwanda and Uganda are singled out for committing mass killings, rapes and possible genocide of Hutus as they pursued them into the Congo. Rwanda reacted angrily to the report and said that they reserve right to review U.N. relations. Rwanda's foreign Affairs minister.
"In fact the eventual pull out of our troops will not be only thing we will do, if Rwanda was ever to find in this report that there are accusations of deliberate killings by our troops who are keeping peace all over the world, we intend to take a serious actions starting by disengagement with UN."
Impetus for the probe came after UN peacekeepers in the DRC discovered three mass graves in the country's Northern Kivu province in 2005. The report also examined in detail various options for truth and reconciliation, as well as for bringing those responsible for serious crimes to justice. Jonathan Elliott, Africa Advocacy director, Human Rights watch says ending a climate of near-total impunity and bringing Justice to the victims is very critical.
"There is great evidence that impunity creates more violence. If you look at sexual violence for example it's a major problem now in eastern Congo and probably worse now than way back in the 1990's…. if the international community prosecutes those responsible for sexual violence perhaps the next generation or next commander might have think twice about committing those crimes."
From 1998 - 2001, I was embedded on and off with the Ugandan and Rwandan forces in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. But nothing prepared me for the violence I witnessed there in 2000 and 2001. One morning I was caught in the middle of the Lendu militia attacks against the Hema in Nyakunde, south of Bunia. A village that is also mentioned in the U.N report where hundreds of people were killed and thousands were driven from their homes.
What started as a land dispute between two normally peaceful groups grew into a larger clash when foreign forces entered the region. Some forces sided with
the Hema, and this favoritism caused a backlash from the Lendu, leading to the widespread killing.
"Crimes against women, children, the elderly or against ethnic groups it's a horrific story in some ways the findings weren't a surprise because there been previous studies on what happened in the 1990s there was a U.N report in 1997 which eluded to some of the crimes we see described now in the report."
A cloud of heavy smoke covered the village. The stench from the burning bodies was unbearable. That same night, the Lendu militia also invaded Nyekunde hospital, where hundreds of people were hiding and cut them into pieces. Scores of other nearby villages were burned to the ground. I saw several mass graves where a hundreds of people were being buried, and the Hema was armed with bow and arrows, ready to defend their village.
It was this kind of carnage against Hutu refugees and other unarmed civilian populations in the Congo for which the UN had tried to investigate notably in 1997 and 1998, but these investigations were repeatedly blocked by the Congolese government, then headed by Laurent-Désiré Kabila, father of the current president. Despite those efforts, information about massacres, rapes, and other abuses against Rwandan refugees and Congolese citizens in the late 1990s was published at the time by the UN and by human rights organizations. However, no action was taken to hold those responsible to account.
October 7, 2010
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights last week released a 550-page report listing more than 600 of the most serious violations of human committed by both state and non-state actors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In the late 90s and early 2000s I was a reporter embedded with both Ugandan and Rwandan troops in Eastern Congo and I recorded some of the killings that took place. Please be advised that some video is very graphic and viewer discretion is advised.
After interviewing more than 1200 witnesses, analyzing more than 1500 documents, over the course of two years, the United Nations released a report last Friday, detailing massive human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 1993 and 2003.The report said, tens of thousands of people were killed, and numerous others were raped, mutilated or otherwise victimized during the decade of War.
"The mapping of the events that occurred during that 10 year period are significant because the consequences are still evident today. Because these crimes have never been addressed justice has not been delivered but there has been impunity and lawlessness so very many rebel groups have cropped up who continue to take the law into their own hands and rape and pillage. Most recent example is the rapes that occurred in eastern DRC in August over which my office and the joint Human Rights office issued a report a few days ago."
Seven Africa countries are named in the report but Rwanda and Uganda are singled out for committing mass killings, rapes and possible genocide of Hutus as they pursued them into the Congo. Rwanda reacted angrily to the report and said that they reserve right to review U.N. relations. Rwanda's foreign Affairs minister.
"In fact the eventual pull out of our troops will not be only thing we will do, if Rwanda was ever to find in this report that there are accusations of deliberate killings by our troops who are keeping peace all over the world, we intend to take a serious actions starting by disengagement with UN."
Impetus for the probe came after UN peacekeepers in the DRC discovered three mass graves in the country's Northern Kivu province in 2005. The report also examined in detail various options for truth and reconciliation, as well as for bringing those responsible for serious crimes to justice. Jonathan Elliott, Africa Advocacy director, Human Rights watch says ending a climate of near-total impunity and bringing Justice to the victims is very critical.
"There is great evidence that impunity creates more violence. If you look at sexual violence for example it's a major problem now in eastern Congo and probably worse now than way back in the 1990's…. if the international community prosecutes those responsible for sexual violence perhaps the next generation or next commander might have think twice about committing those crimes."
From 1998 - 2001, I was embedded on and off with the Ugandan and Rwandan forces in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. But nothing prepared me for the violence I witnessed there in 2000 and 2001. One morning I was caught in the middle of the Lendu militia attacks against the Hema in Nyakunde, south of Bunia. A village that is also mentioned in the U.N report where hundreds of people were killed and thousands were driven from their homes.
What started as a land dispute between two normally peaceful groups grew into a larger clash when foreign forces entered the region. Some forces sided with
the Hema, and this favoritism caused a backlash from the Lendu, leading to the widespread killing.
"Crimes against women, children, the elderly or against ethnic groups it's a horrific story in some ways the findings weren't a surprise because there been previous studies on what happened in the 1990s there was a U.N report in 1997 which eluded to some of the crimes we see described now in the report."
A cloud of heavy smoke covered the village. The stench from the burning bodies was unbearable. That same night, the Lendu militia also invaded Nyekunde hospital, where hundreds of people were hiding and cut them into pieces. Scores of other nearby villages were burned to the ground. I saw several mass graves where a hundreds of people were being buried, and the Hema was armed with bow and arrows, ready to defend their village.
It was this kind of carnage against Hutu refugees and other unarmed civilian populations in the Congo for which the UN had tried to investigate notably in 1997 and 1998, but these investigations were repeatedly blocked by the Congolese government, then headed by Laurent-Désiré Kabila, father of the current president. Despite those efforts, information about massacres, rapes, and other abuses against Rwandan refugees and Congolese citizens in the late 1990s was published at the time by the UN and by human rights organizations. However, no action was taken to hold those responsible to account.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
U.S African International Students
By Paul Ndiho
September 29, 2010
The U.S. has the world's largest international student population, with approximately 660,000 students. Paul Ndiho recently sat down with one African student who has chosen to pursue his higher education and life experiences in Washington D.C.
Max Jordan Nguemeni, is a first year Civil Engineering international student at Howard University in Washington D.C. He arrived here nearly 18 months ago from the West African Nation of Cameroon.
"I picked Civil Engineering as my major. Coming to the United States, you know, we have more opportunities here after college or grad school. If I ever want to go back - to Cameroon I think I have somehow more chances to be successful."
Many colleges and Universities offer international students great opportunities for learning and enrichment. For Jordan choosing Howard University was not an extensive and exhausting process.
"I applied here, because my uncle, who I used to live with … but I live on campus now
Went to Howard for grad school, he did Mechanical Engineering and his wife went here for law school."
Even though there are many cultures in America, there is still an "American culture" that may be quite different from your own. While much of American culture is exported through television, film, and consumer products, but there are some aspects that you do not encounter until you actually live in the US.
"People have this thing called personal space. I had never heard of personal space before… You don't have to stand too close to people… "
In an age of globalization, the presence of foreign students is being perceived by universities around the world as an effective instrument in the diversification of their campuses. With their exposure to international students, domestic students are strengthening their knowledge of global issues and being better prepared to live and work in a global community. The exposure is also helping students to better understand each other and overcome negative attitudes toward other peoples and cultures.
"They make fun of us because of our accents maybe it's a joke maybe it's no not understanding other peoples accents sometimes they speak very fast for me to understand them too."
However, Jordan says he enjoys living on campus life because the students and the professors are nice but jokes that there is no diversity.
"Everybody is black. Or almost everybody is black.
Because of the prohibitive cost of going college in America, there are certain scholarships programs that he cannot afford. He say these extra programs would beneficial to him helping people in his home country.
"To an African Society Civil engineering is very applicable, we need roads, we need bridges, we need buildings, we need better transportation systems, and we need to take care of the environment. And where I'm from the environment isn't taken care of… so those are some areas where I can apply my degree."
When asked about what he thought are about joining politics in Cameroon and playing a role in building his country. Jordan flatly rejects the idea saying politicians in his home country are greedy and don't want to work for the advancement of the community but rather themselves.
"We need organization, we need to manage time, and we need to manage people and to learn how to manage money and improve service delivery for the communities.
Approximately 40 percent of all the international students at Howard University are from Africa. The New York based Institute of International Education says number of foreign students attending American colleges reached an all-time high of 671, 616 during the 2008-2009 academic year, an increase of almost 8 percent from a year earlier. First-time-student enrollments grew even more robustly, by nearly 16 percent.
September 29, 2010
The U.S. has the world's largest international student population, with approximately 660,000 students. Paul Ndiho recently sat down with one African student who has chosen to pursue his higher education and life experiences in Washington D.C.
Max Jordan Nguemeni, is a first year Civil Engineering international student at Howard University in Washington D.C. He arrived here nearly 18 months ago from the West African Nation of Cameroon.
"I picked Civil Engineering as my major. Coming to the United States, you know, we have more opportunities here after college or grad school. If I ever want to go back - to Cameroon I think I have somehow more chances to be successful."
Many colleges and Universities offer international students great opportunities for learning and enrichment. For Jordan choosing Howard University was not an extensive and exhausting process.
"I applied here, because my uncle, who I used to live with … but I live on campus now
Went to Howard for grad school, he did Mechanical Engineering and his wife went here for law school."
Even though there are many cultures in America, there is still an "American culture" that may be quite different from your own. While much of American culture is exported through television, film, and consumer products, but there are some aspects that you do not encounter until you actually live in the US.
"People have this thing called personal space. I had never heard of personal space before… You don't have to stand too close to people… "
In an age of globalization, the presence of foreign students is being perceived by universities around the world as an effective instrument in the diversification of their campuses. With their exposure to international students, domestic students are strengthening their knowledge of global issues and being better prepared to live and work in a global community. The exposure is also helping students to better understand each other and overcome negative attitudes toward other peoples and cultures.
"They make fun of us because of our accents maybe it's a joke maybe it's no not understanding other peoples accents sometimes they speak very fast for me to understand them too."
However, Jordan says he enjoys living on campus life because the students and the professors are nice but jokes that there is no diversity.
"Everybody is black. Or almost everybody is black.
Because of the prohibitive cost of going college in America, there are certain scholarships programs that he cannot afford. He say these extra programs would beneficial to him helping people in his home country.
"To an African Society Civil engineering is very applicable, we need roads, we need bridges, we need buildings, we need better transportation systems, and we need to take care of the environment. And where I'm from the environment isn't taken care of… so those are some areas where I can apply my degree."
When asked about what he thought are about joining politics in Cameroon and playing a role in building his country. Jordan flatly rejects the idea saying politicians in his home country are greedy and don't want to work for the advancement of the community but rather themselves.
"We need organization, we need to manage time, and we need to manage people and to learn how to manage money and improve service delivery for the communities.
Approximately 40 percent of all the international students at Howard University are from Africa. The New York based Institute of International Education says number of foreign students attending American colleges reached an all-time high of 671, 616 during the 2008-2009 academic year, an increase of almost 8 percent from a year earlier. First-time-student enrollments grew even more robustly, by nearly 16 percent.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS
By Paul Ndiho, Washington D.C.
September 22, 2010
World leaders attending the U.N general assembly at the United Nations in New York kicked of the Millennium Development Goals Summit by discussing methods to keep their promise to cut world poverty in half by 2015.
World leaders are meeting this week in New York, to assess the status of the eight millennium development goals they committed to in 2000. Analysts say Africa has made progress in reducing poverty, despite the global economic downturn that has affected many donor programs. Annika Soder, Assistant Director General, U.N Food and Agriculture Organization says, world hunger must be tackled now.
"More than 900 million, almost one billion people suffer from undernourishment. It's possible to do something about it and we want to support the voices of those hungry people to make governments take action in order for them to be able to grow their own food or buy their own food."
In most parts of Africa, food prices continue to soar. Prices of major food commodities in the markets across Africa have increased sharply and many households have poor access to basic food needs. Friday Abechi, a petty trader in Lagos, Nigeria says things are tight and she no longer can afford the luxury of three meals a day.
"Common 'garri' (cassava flour) if you don't have money you can't buy it, when I was growing people would take beans, it was the cheapest thing any poor man could eat, but now, the poor cannot afford it."
Experts say that rising oil prices and increased production are expected to drive Nigerian economic growth higher this year although headline inflation is seen remaining in double digits. Sub-Saharan Africa's second-biggest economy, grew by over 6 percent in 2009, is expected to grow 7.0 percent this year. Grain trader Abudulmalki Jibril says that the price of maize has continued to increase, and there are fewer buyers.
"In January a big of maize cost 5,500 naira (36 US dollars), in March 6,000 (naira) (40 US dollars), March to April to May 6,500 (naira) (43 US dollars), May till now, yellow maize costs 7,500 (naira) (50 US dollars) till now."
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) remains a major challenge for Togo, like most countries in sub Saharan Africa.
Northern Togo is one of the poorest areas of the country, with a poverty level of 90 percent and little access to education and health care. Two years ago, MDG aid projects launched in several villages in northern Togo. But Seidou Kouanta says the project has not helped poor farmers like himself.
"Given that we don't have the means to have good harvests, it is difficult. If you do not have the means to purchase fertilizer, farming becomes difficult. So we suffer a lot here."
In the village of Timbou, Doctor Michel Kodom says the healthcare projects allowed nurses and doctors to access patients who cannot reach the hospital.
"Patients who live in the villages are unable to come to our healthcare facilities, maybe because of lack of roads, villages are landlocked and inaccessible, so patients stay home, and also because they are no healthcare practitioners in the villages."
Analysts say so far, only one Millennium Development Goals - halving global poverty - is on track to be met by the 2015 deadline. The global financial and economic recession has complicated the MDGs, forcing rich nations to cut aid budgets and slowing growth in poor countries.
September 22, 2010
World leaders attending the U.N general assembly at the United Nations in New York kicked of the Millennium Development Goals Summit by discussing methods to keep their promise to cut world poverty in half by 2015.
World leaders are meeting this week in New York, to assess the status of the eight millennium development goals they committed to in 2000. Analysts say Africa has made progress in reducing poverty, despite the global economic downturn that has affected many donor programs. Annika Soder, Assistant Director General, U.N Food and Agriculture Organization says, world hunger must be tackled now.
"More than 900 million, almost one billion people suffer from undernourishment. It's possible to do something about it and we want to support the voices of those hungry people to make governments take action in order for them to be able to grow their own food or buy their own food."
In most parts of Africa, food prices continue to soar. Prices of major food commodities in the markets across Africa have increased sharply and many households have poor access to basic food needs. Friday Abechi, a petty trader in Lagos, Nigeria says things are tight and she no longer can afford the luxury of three meals a day.
"Common 'garri' (cassava flour) if you don't have money you can't buy it, when I was growing people would take beans, it was the cheapest thing any poor man could eat, but now, the poor cannot afford it."
Experts say that rising oil prices and increased production are expected to drive Nigerian economic growth higher this year although headline inflation is seen remaining in double digits. Sub-Saharan Africa's second-biggest economy, grew by over 6 percent in 2009, is expected to grow 7.0 percent this year. Grain trader Abudulmalki Jibril says that the price of maize has continued to increase, and there are fewer buyers.
"In January a big of maize cost 5,500 naira (36 US dollars), in March 6,000 (naira) (40 US dollars), March to April to May 6,500 (naira) (43 US dollars), May till now, yellow maize costs 7,500 (naira) (50 US dollars) till now."
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) remains a major challenge for Togo, like most countries in sub Saharan Africa.
Northern Togo is one of the poorest areas of the country, with a poverty level of 90 percent and little access to education and health care. Two years ago, MDG aid projects launched in several villages in northern Togo. But Seidou Kouanta says the project has not helped poor farmers like himself.
"Given that we don't have the means to have good harvests, it is difficult. If you do not have the means to purchase fertilizer, farming becomes difficult. So we suffer a lot here."
In the village of Timbou, Doctor Michel Kodom says the healthcare projects allowed nurses and doctors to access patients who cannot reach the hospital.
"Patients who live in the villages are unable to come to our healthcare facilities, maybe because of lack of roads, villages are landlocked and inaccessible, so patients stay home, and also because they are no healthcare practitioners in the villages."
Analysts say so far, only one Millennium Development Goals - halving global poverty - is on track to be met by the 2015 deadline. The global financial and economic recession has complicated the MDGs, forcing rich nations to cut aid budgets and slowing growth in poor countries.
Monday, September 20, 2010
DANGERS OF WALKING, TALKING AND TEXTING ON A CELL PHONE
By Paul Ndiho, Washington D.C.
September 20,2010
It is dangerous to drive while talking on a cell phone. Studies indicate it is equivalent to being drunk behind the wheel. But there is another danger: walking and talking or text messaging on a cell phone. Experts say its dangers are even more profound.
It's become the norm for most people to walk and talk on their cell phone, but that doesn't mean its safe, especially for pedestrians crossing a busy street. Talking or texting while walking is leading to increasing numbers of injuries. Ismael Kazedata, is one of many people who are always texting while crossing the street.
“I wasn't paying attention. I was looking down on my phone."
People are tripping, colliding with objects or even running into one another as they chat or type on their mobile devices. Even worse, they can be hit by cars and seriously injured. Randall Pearson constantly sees near-accidents involving distracted pedestrians and drivers. He says people should pay more attention to the road.
"The main thing is, when you're on your cell phone, do it while you're standing there, and pay attention when you're walking across the street.
David Rodriguez, has been injured while talking on his cell phone while walking.
"Yeah I walked into a pole once and I tripped on the sidewalk and fell down because the curb had a bump in it that I didn't see while I was talking on my cell phone. "
The American College of Emergency Physicians warned two years ago about the dangers of text messaging and talking on the phone while walking, and driving. Their information was based on anecdotal evidence from doctors. Eric Isaacs, a physician at San Francisco General Hospital, has seen several cases of pedestrians getting injured while distracted.
"We've seen a young woman who walked right off the curb while talking on her phone and was hit by a car. We saw another person who was texting while walking down the sidewalk and walked straight into a utility pole and were brought here. And then we saw a case of an elderly woman who was hit by a very large college age man who was texting, hit her on the sidewalk, knocked her over and was brought here as a result of her injuries."
Stanford University researchers found that recent emergency room visits resulting from pedestrian cell phone accidents have been doubling each year, with more than 1000 visits in 2009. Injuries included walking into a pole while texting, or falling. And many more are likely to have gone unreported.
"So the use of multiple media technologies as one time - watching TV while reading, while surfing the web, doing multiple chats while watching videos, etc., is really affecting our brains in profound ways, in particular it is leading to a fragmented view of the world."
In at least two American states, New York and Illinois, have considered laws limiting the use of personal electronic devices by pedestrians but no bills have been passed. Technology experts in California have come up with a new state of the art hands-free device that maybe able to help keep eyes and hands free while walking.
"We think people are more and more relying on their mobile devices. And again people have this desire to be connected at all times and we don't see that going away. So we really think about anyone who has that desire to be mobile and out there and connected is who this will apply to because it's about how do you enable them to not be distracted with their eyes and hands focused on this device but still achieve what they're trying to do."
Aliph's Jawbone earpiece incorporates voice-to-text technology which eliminates the need to glance down at the keypad to send an e-mail or text message.
"This is an example of how I can send an email using my voice hands free."
But even in fast-paced societies, there is one easy solution - putting the cell phone away and simply stop talking, talking, talking.
September 20,2010
It is dangerous to drive while talking on a cell phone. Studies indicate it is equivalent to being drunk behind the wheel. But there is another danger: walking and talking or text messaging on a cell phone. Experts say its dangers are even more profound.
It's become the norm for most people to walk and talk on their cell phone, but that doesn't mean its safe, especially for pedestrians crossing a busy street. Talking or texting while walking is leading to increasing numbers of injuries. Ismael Kazedata, is one of many people who are always texting while crossing the street.
“I wasn't paying attention. I was looking down on my phone."
People are tripping, colliding with objects or even running into one another as they chat or type on their mobile devices. Even worse, they can be hit by cars and seriously injured. Randall Pearson constantly sees near-accidents involving distracted pedestrians and drivers. He says people should pay more attention to the road.
"The main thing is, when you're on your cell phone, do it while you're standing there, and pay attention when you're walking across the street.
David Rodriguez, has been injured while talking on his cell phone while walking.
"Yeah I walked into a pole once and I tripped on the sidewalk and fell down because the curb had a bump in it that I didn't see while I was talking on my cell phone. "
The American College of Emergency Physicians warned two years ago about the dangers of text messaging and talking on the phone while walking, and driving. Their information was based on anecdotal evidence from doctors. Eric Isaacs, a physician at San Francisco General Hospital, has seen several cases of pedestrians getting injured while distracted.
"We've seen a young woman who walked right off the curb while talking on her phone and was hit by a car. We saw another person who was texting while walking down the sidewalk and walked straight into a utility pole and were brought here. And then we saw a case of an elderly woman who was hit by a very large college age man who was texting, hit her on the sidewalk, knocked her over and was brought here as a result of her injuries."
Stanford University researchers found that recent emergency room visits resulting from pedestrian cell phone accidents have been doubling each year, with more than 1000 visits in 2009. Injuries included walking into a pole while texting, or falling. And many more are likely to have gone unreported.
"So the use of multiple media technologies as one time - watching TV while reading, while surfing the web, doing multiple chats while watching videos, etc., is really affecting our brains in profound ways, in particular it is leading to a fragmented view of the world."
In at least two American states, New York and Illinois, have considered laws limiting the use of personal electronic devices by pedestrians but no bills have been passed. Technology experts in California have come up with a new state of the art hands-free device that maybe able to help keep eyes and hands free while walking.
"We think people are more and more relying on their mobile devices. And again people have this desire to be connected at all times and we don't see that going away. So we really think about anyone who has that desire to be mobile and out there and connected is who this will apply to because it's about how do you enable them to not be distracted with their eyes and hands focused on this device but still achieve what they're trying to do."
Aliph's Jawbone earpiece incorporates voice-to-text technology which eliminates the need to glance down at the keypad to send an e-mail or text message.
"This is an example of how I can send an email using my voice hands free."
But even in fast-paced societies, there is one easy solution - putting the cell phone away and simply stop talking, talking, talking.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
AFRICA'S STRONGMEN HIDING BEHIND PEACEKEEPING
By Paul Ndiho, Washington D.C.
September 15, 2010
To most Africans, peacekeeping conjures up positive and heroic images of soldiers operating in difficult and often tragic environments. But for Africa's strongmen, say analysts, peacekeeping is about catering to Western interests and deflecting attention on themselves during war.
Rwanda has threatened to pull out all its troops from United Nations peacekeeping missions in Darfur, following a leaked draft U.N. report claiming Rwandan troops may have committed genocide in Congo. The U.N. Human Rights report details some serious crimes committed by various forces in Congo during the 1990s and Early 2000s. Richard Downie, a former professional journalist and now a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, says contributing peacekeepers can help to build a leader's popularity and international prestige.
"Contributing peacekeepers for many of these African leaders is very astute; it's good political business especially where there is a shortage of peacekeepers in Africa. You have some big missions run by the African union and the United Nations in Somalia and the two U.N missions in Sudan spring to mind these are under strength missions any contributions of peace keepers by other African leaders are very welcome."
Some analysts say African peacekeeping missions are helping African leaders build a cover against criticism over human rights abuses. Rwanda has four battalions of troops deployed in Sudan's western Darfur region, where the United Nations says conflict has killed as many as 300,000 people since 2003. Rwanda's Foreign Affairs Minister Louise Mushikiwabo says Rwandan forces did not commit any war crimes in the Democratic Republic of Congo:
"Seeing the seriousness of accusation against our army, we can't continue having our army in peacekeeping operations. We made it very clear to highest authorities within UN and we are saying today the United Nations had leaked the draft of this report it has commented on leaked draft which is what we are commenting on it. Now we are saying that we are seriously considering withdrawing our troops from Darfur and we have instructed our commanders there to make contingency plans for our troops to come home."
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon made an emergency trip to Rwanda and met with Rwanda's president:
"I decided to visit Kigali at this time to speak directly with president Kagame and his government about their concerns regarding the democratic republic of Congo human rights and mapping exercise commissioned by the office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights of the United Nations. Both the president and I are disappointed by (the fact that) the draft of the report had been leaked. The United Nations is interested in establishing all the facts relating to incidents in the DRC and covered by this mapping exercise."
Critics say the meeting between the U.N secretary General and the Rwandan president was damage control - and that the United Nations is trying to protect Mr. Kagame's image, since Rwanda is one of the few countries providing peacekeepers.
"It does show how politically astute it is to contribute peacekeepers where they are in short supply. Therefore, it gives you political leverage on the world stage. So when your domestic conduct is criticized as Rwanda most definitely has been in this draft UN report, then President kagame can turn around and say we will take our troops away if you don't reconsider your findings. This is real politics."
U.N. peacekeepers were widely criticized for failing to prevent the 1994 slaughter of 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus in Rwanda that ended only after Tutsi-led fighters seized power. In the process, Rwandan forces invaded Congo following after Hutu militias, where it is alleged that Rwandan troops committed acts of genocide.
Uganda provides the bulk of troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia. For his efforts to extend his term in office, in 2005 Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni came under stinging attack by western governments, especially from then Ambassador Johnnie Carson, who is the current U.S Assistant Secretary of state for Africa. But with his troops now in Somalia, President Yoweri Museveni enjoys a good working relationship with the U.S government, though critics accuse Mr. Museveni of keeping a tight grip on power and not allowing adequate political space for his opposition.
September 15, 2010
To most Africans, peacekeeping conjures up positive and heroic images of soldiers operating in difficult and often tragic environments. But for Africa's strongmen, say analysts, peacekeeping is about catering to Western interests and deflecting attention on themselves during war.
Rwanda has threatened to pull out all its troops from United Nations peacekeeping missions in Darfur, following a leaked draft U.N. report claiming Rwandan troops may have committed genocide in Congo. The U.N. Human Rights report details some serious crimes committed by various forces in Congo during the 1990s and Early 2000s. Richard Downie, a former professional journalist and now a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, says contributing peacekeepers can help to build a leader's popularity and international prestige.
"Contributing peacekeepers for many of these African leaders is very astute; it's good political business especially where there is a shortage of peacekeepers in Africa. You have some big missions run by the African union and the United Nations in Somalia and the two U.N missions in Sudan spring to mind these are under strength missions any contributions of peace keepers by other African leaders are very welcome."
Some analysts say African peacekeeping missions are helping African leaders build a cover against criticism over human rights abuses. Rwanda has four battalions of troops deployed in Sudan's western Darfur region, where the United Nations says conflict has killed as many as 300,000 people since 2003. Rwanda's Foreign Affairs Minister Louise Mushikiwabo says Rwandan forces did not commit any war crimes in the Democratic Republic of Congo:
"Seeing the seriousness of accusation against our army, we can't continue having our army in peacekeeping operations. We made it very clear to highest authorities within UN and we are saying today the United Nations had leaked the draft of this report it has commented on leaked draft which is what we are commenting on it. Now we are saying that we are seriously considering withdrawing our troops from Darfur and we have instructed our commanders there to make contingency plans for our troops to come home."
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon made an emergency trip to Rwanda and met with Rwanda's president:
"I decided to visit Kigali at this time to speak directly with president Kagame and his government about their concerns regarding the democratic republic of Congo human rights and mapping exercise commissioned by the office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights of the United Nations. Both the president and I are disappointed by (the fact that) the draft of the report had been leaked. The United Nations is interested in establishing all the facts relating to incidents in the DRC and covered by this mapping exercise."
Critics say the meeting between the U.N secretary General and the Rwandan president was damage control - and that the United Nations is trying to protect Mr. Kagame's image, since Rwanda is one of the few countries providing peacekeepers.
"It does show how politically astute it is to contribute peacekeepers where they are in short supply. Therefore, it gives you political leverage on the world stage. So when your domestic conduct is criticized as Rwanda most definitely has been in this draft UN report, then President kagame can turn around and say we will take our troops away if you don't reconsider your findings. This is real politics."
U.N. peacekeepers were widely criticized for failing to prevent the 1994 slaughter of 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus in Rwanda that ended only after Tutsi-led fighters seized power. In the process, Rwandan forces invaded Congo following after Hutu militias, where it is alleged that Rwandan troops committed acts of genocide.
Uganda provides the bulk of troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia. For his efforts to extend his term in office, in 2005 Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni came under stinging attack by western governments, especially from then Ambassador Johnnie Carson, who is the current U.S Assistant Secretary of state for Africa. But with his troops now in Somalia, President Yoweri Museveni enjoys a good working relationship with the U.S government, though critics accuse Mr. Museveni of keeping a tight grip on power and not allowing adequate political space for his opposition.
Monday, September 6, 2010
UNAA CONVENTION 2010
By Paul Ndiho, Washington D.C.
September 6, 2010
Washington came alive this weekend with the Ugandan community Diaspora coming together for their 20th Annual, Uganda North America Association or UNAA. The Convention brings together Ugandans based in the United States and Canada.
The Uganda North America Association convention showcased Uganda arts and culture. Families enjoyed a display of traditional Uganda culture. There were, fashion, arts & crafts, and countless other activities. But the topic on nearly everyone’s mind was politics.
Last week President Yoweri Museveni announced that he will seek another team as president of Uganda. Opposition groups accuse the Uganda North America Association of being a mouthpiece for the ruling party. But Moses Wilson the president of UNAA says these allegations are unfounded.
“We have gone out of our way to come out as neutral. We understand that we are under a lot of scrutiny from the international community. We have invited observers including Americas to show that we are not biased in anyway.”
The leader of the Democratic Party in Uganda Norbert Mao says the Obama administration needs to hold President Museveni accountable as the democratic process moves forward.
“I am calling upon president Obama to call president Museveni to order so that Museveni holds free and fair elections. Because if we don't have free and fair elections, we are going back to the cycle of violence that we thought was now behind us.”
The Opposition accuses the Ugandan government of putting in place an incompetent Electoral commission that has failed to organize free and fair elections. But Daudi Migereko the government Minister and Chief Whip dismissed those claims and said the NRM electoral commission is independent and will hold democratic elections 2011.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that the national electoral commission is independent, autonomous, and is not under the direction of the NRM as a party."
A coalition of Ugandan opposition parties Kizza Besigye, as their joint candidate to run against President Yoweri Museveni in next year's election.
The opposition parties formed the Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC) in July 2008 and agreed to field a joint presidential candidate against Mr. Museveni. Ronnie Mayanja, a US based Ugandan political analyst says that there is a need for change in Uganda.
"I strongly believe that there is a need for change. Surely if you been in power for more than 25 years there must be someone you can hand over power too or take over from you… But whether there is an opposition to take over also remains a challenge because of the divisions that I see within the opposition."
President Museveni defeated Kizza Besigye in the 2001 and 2006 elections that were marred by accusations of widespread vote fraud.
September 6, 2010
Washington came alive this weekend with the Ugandan community Diaspora coming together for their 20th Annual, Uganda North America Association or UNAA. The Convention brings together Ugandans based in the United States and Canada.
The Uganda North America Association convention showcased Uganda arts and culture. Families enjoyed a display of traditional Uganda culture. There were, fashion, arts & crafts, and countless other activities. But the topic on nearly everyone’s mind was politics.
Last week President Yoweri Museveni announced that he will seek another team as president of Uganda. Opposition groups accuse the Uganda North America Association of being a mouthpiece for the ruling party. But Moses Wilson the president of UNAA says these allegations are unfounded.
“We have gone out of our way to come out as neutral. We understand that we are under a lot of scrutiny from the international community. We have invited observers including Americas to show that we are not biased in anyway.”
The leader of the Democratic Party in Uganda Norbert Mao says the Obama administration needs to hold President Museveni accountable as the democratic process moves forward.
“I am calling upon president Obama to call president Museveni to order so that Museveni holds free and fair elections. Because if we don't have free and fair elections, we are going back to the cycle of violence that we thought was now behind us.”
The Opposition accuses the Ugandan government of putting in place an incompetent Electoral commission that has failed to organize free and fair elections. But Daudi Migereko the government Minister and Chief Whip dismissed those claims and said the NRM electoral commission is independent and will hold democratic elections 2011.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that the national electoral commission is independent, autonomous, and is not under the direction of the NRM as a party."
A coalition of Ugandan opposition parties Kizza Besigye, as their joint candidate to run against President Yoweri Museveni in next year's election.
The opposition parties formed the Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC) in July 2008 and agreed to field a joint presidential candidate against Mr. Museveni. Ronnie Mayanja, a US based Ugandan political analyst says that there is a need for change in Uganda.
"I strongly believe that there is a need for change. Surely if you been in power for more than 25 years there must be someone you can hand over power too or take over from you… But whether there is an opposition to take over also remains a challenge because of the divisions that I see within the opposition."
President Museveni defeated Kizza Besigye in the 2001 and 2006 elections that were marred by accusations of widespread vote fraud.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Buganda Kingdom and Ugandan Politics
By Paul Ndiho, Washington D.C.
September 1, 2010
The Kingdom of Buganda is situated in the Central region of Uganda. The Baganda are Uganda's largest ethnic group and were instrumental in President Yoweri Museveni coming to power more than 24 years ago. Mr. Museveni based his five-year military struggle in Luwero triangle the kingdom's heartland with the support of the Baganda. But relations with the government are now strained because Buganda wants "Federal" status or more political autonomy.
Ugandan kingdoms are ancient institutions which trace their establishment long before the colonial era. Before Independence, Buganda kingdom strategically positioned itself during colonization and collaborated with the British to defeat Bunyoro kingdom which covered vast areas in East Africa. When Uganda became independent, Buganda was given semi-federal status and the 36th Kabaka or King, Sir Edward Mutesa II, became Uganda's first president. But in 1966, Prime Minister Milton Obote's army toppled the Kabaka and subsequently abrogated the constitution and abolished all the kingdoms. In 1993, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni restored some Kingdoms as cultural institutions.
Tensions between the kingdom and the Ugandan government continue to be a defining feature of Ugandan politics. In September 2009, some elements alleging to be spokesmen for the Baanyala community, declared that "Bugerere" a small section of Buganda kingdom had seceded from Buganda. His Majesty, the Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II of Buganda wanted to go there and talk to his subjects, but was prohibited by the government to travel, a decision which led to riots and the death of at least 30 innocent people reportedly killed by government security forces. The inspector general of police, Major General Kale Kayihura, said then that the visit would not be allowed.
"As stipulated by article 212 of the constitution, it is decided that it is unwise and a security risk for his Highness the King of Buganda to visit Kayunga district"
Supporters of Buganda's King protested and riots followed in the Ugandan capital Kampala after the police had blocked the Kabaka who was scheduled to visit the flashpoint town of Kayunga.
The kingdom's advocates say the kabaka wants more power and control over resources in his kingdom, such as land and taxes, but the government says he is only a cultural figure and must steer clear of politics. Recently, here in Washington D.C supporters of the king echoed his demands.
"We supported president Museveni for many years. In fact, we even helped to put him in power knowing that he was going to bring back the rule of law and constitutionalism and especially the federal system of Government."
In March 2010, a world heritage site where four Kabakas (kings of Buganda) are buried went up in flames, engulfing the main building housing the mausoleums of the four former Kabakas. The tombs were built in 1860 and their historical and cultural significance is revered by the Baganda.
In 1993, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II assumed his throne as the 37th King of Buganda. In 1999, at his palace in Kampala, the Kabaka treated Guests and well-wishers to the country's first royal wedding in nearly 50 years. The Kabaka, exchanged vows with Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, in a lavish ceremony which was watched by thousands. This week the Queen of Buganda, "Nnabagereka" is the Key Note speaker at the 2010 Uganda North American Association (UNAA) Convention here in Washington D.C. Perhaps quite appropriately, the theme is "Cultural Diversity, Prosperity and Wellness."
September 1, 2010
The Kingdom of Buganda is situated in the Central region of Uganda. The Baganda are Uganda's largest ethnic group and were instrumental in President Yoweri Museveni coming to power more than 24 years ago. Mr. Museveni based his five-year military struggle in Luwero triangle the kingdom's heartland with the support of the Baganda. But relations with the government are now strained because Buganda wants "Federal" status or more political autonomy.
Ugandan kingdoms are ancient institutions which trace their establishment long before the colonial era. Before Independence, Buganda kingdom strategically positioned itself during colonization and collaborated with the British to defeat Bunyoro kingdom which covered vast areas in East Africa. When Uganda became independent, Buganda was given semi-federal status and the 36th Kabaka or King, Sir Edward Mutesa II, became Uganda's first president. But in 1966, Prime Minister Milton Obote's army toppled the Kabaka and subsequently abrogated the constitution and abolished all the kingdoms. In 1993, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni restored some Kingdoms as cultural institutions.
Tensions between the kingdom and the Ugandan government continue to be a defining feature of Ugandan politics. In September 2009, some elements alleging to be spokesmen for the Baanyala community, declared that "Bugerere" a small section of Buganda kingdom had seceded from Buganda. His Majesty, the Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II of Buganda wanted to go there and talk to his subjects, but was prohibited by the government to travel, a decision which led to riots and the death of at least 30 innocent people reportedly killed by government security forces. The inspector general of police, Major General Kale Kayihura, said then that the visit would not be allowed.
"As stipulated by article 212 of the constitution, it is decided that it is unwise and a security risk for his Highness the King of Buganda to visit Kayunga district"
Supporters of Buganda's King protested and riots followed in the Ugandan capital Kampala after the police had blocked the Kabaka who was scheduled to visit the flashpoint town of Kayunga.
The kingdom's advocates say the kabaka wants more power and control over resources in his kingdom, such as land and taxes, but the government says he is only a cultural figure and must steer clear of politics. Recently, here in Washington D.C supporters of the king echoed his demands.
"We supported president Museveni for many years. In fact, we even helped to put him in power knowing that he was going to bring back the rule of law and constitutionalism and especially the federal system of Government."
In March 2010, a world heritage site where four Kabakas (kings of Buganda) are buried went up in flames, engulfing the main building housing the mausoleums of the four former Kabakas. The tombs were built in 1860 and their historical and cultural significance is revered by the Baganda.
In 1993, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II assumed his throne as the 37th King of Buganda. In 1999, at his palace in Kampala, the Kabaka treated Guests and well-wishers to the country's first royal wedding in nearly 50 years. The Kabaka, exchanged vows with Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, in a lavish ceremony which was watched by thousands. This week the Queen of Buganda, "Nnabagereka" is the Key Note speaker at the 2010 Uganda North American Association (UNAA) Convention here in Washington D.C. Perhaps quite appropriately, the theme is "Cultural Diversity, Prosperity and Wellness."
Thursday, August 26, 2010
AFRICAN BISHOPS CONDEMN HOMOSEXUALITY
By Paul Ndiho, Washington D.C.
AUGUST 26, 2010
Earlier this year an anti-homosexuality bill in Uganda's parliament received strong reactions and media attention on both sides of the debate. The bill criminalizes anyone who promotes or engages in homosexuality and issues the death penalty to serial offenders. Now African Bishops are weighing in.
African bishops meeting in Entebbe, Uganda this week condemned homosexuality, saying it is against the "word of God." The Anglican Church has been torn for years by disputes about authority over Church teaching, especially on gay rights. The second All African Bishops' conference brings together more than 400 African bishops to discuss issues on the continent. Luke Orombi, Archbishop of Uganda, says African churches are not going to compromise their stand against homosexuality.
"The orthodox believers like we in Africa, the majority of us have stood clearly to say what my brother Bernard has said. Homosexuality is incompatible with the word of God. In this country we cherish the word of God and if you are proclaiming that word of God, you want to stick to it faithfully."
Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill was introduced by parliament member David Bahati in October 2009. The bill seeks to eradicate homosexuality from Uganda. David Bahati says the legislation promotes strong family values.
"The constitution of Uganda outlaws same-sex marriage. The penal code of this country talks about unnatural behavior and there are gaps. It falls short of explaining what homosexuality is and what penalty there should be. So, on that case of the legal angle, there is a need to bridge the gaps within our legal frame works to make it very clear."
Uganda's gay community says this legislation will only formalize the persecution of gay and lesbian community. Ugandans demonstrated in Kampala recently in support of the bill.
There is already a law on the books in Uganda that criminalizes homosexuality. Pepe Julia Onziema is a gay rights activist in Kampala who asked that her identity be hidden. She and her partner spend most of their time together indoors, and she says the law is archaic.
" I am at risk I can't move on the streets as I used to, I can't go to a shop. The normal or the relaxed kind of life has gone. You know. I can't just go across and buy myself food; I have to go to particular places where I know that I will be safe.
The reason why I move like this is, I have been picked off the streets, detained for some time, ridiculed, intimidated , some money taken away from my wallet and then I am.., you know, they release me, they tell me 'go'."
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has come under pressure from donor countries, including the United States, to drop the proposed law. The spiritual head of the world's 80 million Anglicans, Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams spoke at the conference but did not mention the gay rights. But he prayed for clergy working in areas where it is difficult to speak against injustices.
"In our own times, there have been many who have courageously continued in this tradition and here we may think specially today with celebration of thanksgiving, of our brothers in Sudan, in DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) in Zimbabwe, whose authorities as pastors in the Church of God, rests so deeply on their willingness to take risks alongside their flock, and for them,".
Gay rights in Africa came to the fore this year with the arrest and conviction of a gay couple in Malawi, who married in a traditional ceremony.
AUGUST 26, 2010
Earlier this year an anti-homosexuality bill in Uganda's parliament received strong reactions and media attention on both sides of the debate. The bill criminalizes anyone who promotes or engages in homosexuality and issues the death penalty to serial offenders. Now African Bishops are weighing in.
African bishops meeting in Entebbe, Uganda this week condemned homosexuality, saying it is against the "word of God." The Anglican Church has been torn for years by disputes about authority over Church teaching, especially on gay rights. The second All African Bishops' conference brings together more than 400 African bishops to discuss issues on the continent. Luke Orombi, Archbishop of Uganda, says African churches are not going to compromise their stand against homosexuality.
"The orthodox believers like we in Africa, the majority of us have stood clearly to say what my brother Bernard has said. Homosexuality is incompatible with the word of God. In this country we cherish the word of God and if you are proclaiming that word of God, you want to stick to it faithfully."
Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill was introduced by parliament member David Bahati in October 2009. The bill seeks to eradicate homosexuality from Uganda. David Bahati says the legislation promotes strong family values.
"The constitution of Uganda outlaws same-sex marriage. The penal code of this country talks about unnatural behavior and there are gaps. It falls short of explaining what homosexuality is and what penalty there should be. So, on that case of the legal angle, there is a need to bridge the gaps within our legal frame works to make it very clear."
Uganda's gay community says this legislation will only formalize the persecution of gay and lesbian community. Ugandans demonstrated in Kampala recently in support of the bill.
There is already a law on the books in Uganda that criminalizes homosexuality. Pepe Julia Onziema is a gay rights activist in Kampala who asked that her identity be hidden. She and her partner spend most of their time together indoors, and she says the law is archaic.
" I am at risk I can't move on the streets as I used to, I can't go to a shop. The normal or the relaxed kind of life has gone. You know. I can't just go across and buy myself food; I have to go to particular places where I know that I will be safe.
The reason why I move like this is, I have been picked off the streets, detained for some time, ridiculed, intimidated , some money taken away from my wallet and then I am.., you know, they release me, they tell me 'go'."
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has come under pressure from donor countries, including the United States, to drop the proposed law. The spiritual head of the world's 80 million Anglicans, Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams spoke at the conference but did not mention the gay rights. But he prayed for clergy working in areas where it is difficult to speak against injustices.
"In our own times, there have been many who have courageously continued in this tradition and here we may think specially today with celebration of thanksgiving, of our brothers in Sudan, in DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) in Zimbabwe, whose authorities as pastors in the Church of God, rests so deeply on their willingness to take risks alongside their flock, and for them,".
Gay rights in Africa came to the fore this year with the arrest and conviction of a gay couple in Malawi, who married in a traditional ceremony.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS FOR AFRICA
By Paul Ndiho
August 25, 2010
New fiber optic cables connecting Africa with the rest of the world are making high speed internet access more widely available on the continent. Does that mean cheaper and faster broadband connections will transform the way business is done and how people communicate in Africa?
Streaming video or calling over the internet is something taken for granted in the United States, but in most parts of Africa it has not been possible because of slow and patchy internet services, relying heavily on limited and expensive satellite links. Austin Gara, says that fiber optic transmits at the speed of light.
"Technology is basically using sound through waves and the atmosphere. And that tends to be very slow when you are transmitting voice, video and data. This is what we call latency or the delay in the signals. But now we are moving over to fiber optic cable technology, which transmits at the speed of light."
Now a new undersea fiber optic cable links West Africa to Europe and the rest of the world. Business analysts say the cable paves the way for a transformation in internet access and will enable service providers to offer cheaper and more reliable internet services.
"What we see for our customers is a much better, faster, quicker broadband service to their mobile phones and to their laptops. This market is really crying out for it. There is a tremendous demand for it out there and I think this is the beginning of a new era actually in terms of broadband connectivity to Nigeria.
Participants from Bangalore, London and Johannesburg took part in the launch using teleconferencing facilities -- not previously possible in Nigeria - hosted by U.S. router maker Cisco Systems, which is partnering with Main One to develop applications for the Nigerian market.
In neighboring Togo, wireless internet is becoming more accessible with the introduction of USB modems, providing faster internet connections.
“We welcome every improvement and the spirit because when you visit other countries just like South Africa there internet is very fast."
Since last year, Togo Telecom - the country's public telecoms operator - has been working to dramatically increase the country's internet capabilities.
“When fiber comes, I think the speed will go up and the prices will come down."
“The speed of the internet at the cafes is quite slow that and that make it very expensive."
Mobile phone service provider Moov Togo is also providing wireless internet.
"What motivates us is first of all our commitment to revolutionize the mobile phone market in Togo, but also to make access easier for mobile services. Today, for us, a mobile phone is not a luxury, neither is the internet. People should be able to have easy access to the latest technology, and by launching Moov internet, we put forward the most aggressive tariffs."
Millions of people in rural parts of Africa are not yet covered by any mobile phone network, let alone one that would support Internet access. To do that, many business analysts say countries need to build a viable infrastructure, set up regional exchanges, and provide connectivity to homes and businesses.
August 25, 2010
New fiber optic cables connecting Africa with the rest of the world are making high speed internet access more widely available on the continent. Does that mean cheaper and faster broadband connections will transform the way business is done and how people communicate in Africa?
Streaming video or calling over the internet is something taken for granted in the United States, but in most parts of Africa it has not been possible because of slow and patchy internet services, relying heavily on limited and expensive satellite links. Austin Gara, says that fiber optic transmits at the speed of light.
"Technology is basically using sound through waves and the atmosphere. And that tends to be very slow when you are transmitting voice, video and data. This is what we call latency or the delay in the signals. But now we are moving over to fiber optic cable technology, which transmits at the speed of light."
Now a new undersea fiber optic cable links West Africa to Europe and the rest of the world. Business analysts say the cable paves the way for a transformation in internet access and will enable service providers to offer cheaper and more reliable internet services.
"What we see for our customers is a much better, faster, quicker broadband service to their mobile phones and to their laptops. This market is really crying out for it. There is a tremendous demand for it out there and I think this is the beginning of a new era actually in terms of broadband connectivity to Nigeria.
Participants from Bangalore, London and Johannesburg took part in the launch using teleconferencing facilities -- not previously possible in Nigeria - hosted by U.S. router maker Cisco Systems, which is partnering with Main One to develop applications for the Nigerian market.
In neighboring Togo, wireless internet is becoming more accessible with the introduction of USB modems, providing faster internet connections.
“We welcome every improvement and the spirit because when you visit other countries just like South Africa there internet is very fast."
Since last year, Togo Telecom - the country's public telecoms operator - has been working to dramatically increase the country's internet capabilities.
“When fiber comes, I think the speed will go up and the prices will come down."
“The speed of the internet at the cafes is quite slow that and that make it very expensive."
Mobile phone service provider Moov Togo is also providing wireless internet.
"What motivates us is first of all our commitment to revolutionize the mobile phone market in Togo, but also to make access easier for mobile services. Today, for us, a mobile phone is not a luxury, neither is the internet. People should be able to have easy access to the latest technology, and by launching Moov internet, we put forward the most aggressive tariffs."
Millions of people in rural parts of Africa are not yet covered by any mobile phone network, let alone one that would support Internet access. To do that, many business analysts say countries need to build a viable infrastructure, set up regional exchanges, and provide connectivity to homes and businesses.
GABON TO DIVERSIFY ECONOMY
By Paul Ndiho, Libreville, Gabon
The central African nation of Gabon recently signed significant development deals. Gabon's new president Ali Ben Bongo wants to diversify the country's economy amid declining oil production.
Gabon depended on timber and manganese until oil was discovered offshore in the early 1970s. The oil sector now accounts for more than 50% of Gabon's gross domestic product. But the country's oil output has been declining for years and now President Ali Bongo Ondimba says it's time to move the country in a new direction. Addressing a press conference at his residence President Bongo, said that Gabon needs to diversify its economy.
"We are going to put in place an economic plan that is going to bring us more income so that there is a push that will boost the economy to reach economic growth and then we will be than able to use those revenues to improve the conditions of our people."
Last week the government signed a strategic agreement with Singapore-based Company, OLAM International, to jointly develop a special economic zone 27 kilometers east of Libreville. Under the agreement, OLAM will invest about $12 million in the development project for a 60 percent stake in a joint venture, while the Gabonese government holds the rest. Amandine Ogouebendja, head of marketing for Gabon's special economic zone says this development project will improve Gabon's infrastructure, build social housing projects and create over 50,000 jobs.
"This is part of the president's vision and the expectation is that we have to have this industrial zone ready in the three years, period."
On education, the President acknowledges that Gabon still has one of the highest illiteracy rates in Africa, but defends his policies on education that they are trying to put better teachers in class rooms, reduce number of kids per classroom, and build more schools.
"Our problem is not from kids not going to school, kids are going to school. Our problem is to improve the level of education that these kids are getting."
On paper, Gabon enjoys a per capita income four times that of most sub-Saharan African nations, but because of high income inequality, a large proportion of the population remains poor. A drive through the suburbs of the capital Libreville changes the narrative. People are on the streets trying to make living by selling everything from fresh food stuffs, clothing and house hold items. In Libreville, images of the former president are seen side-by-side with those of the new leader.
Analysts say despite the abundance of natural wealth, poor fiscal management continues to hobble the economy, as does elaborate defense spending. Last week, the military put on a grand parade that attracted thousands of people as Gabon marked its 50th anniversary of independence from France
The central African nation of Gabon recently signed significant development deals. Gabon's new president Ali Ben Bongo wants to diversify the country's economy amid declining oil production.
Gabon depended on timber and manganese until oil was discovered offshore in the early 1970s. The oil sector now accounts for more than 50% of Gabon's gross domestic product. But the country's oil output has been declining for years and now President Ali Bongo Ondimba says it's time to move the country in a new direction. Addressing a press conference at his residence President Bongo, said that Gabon needs to diversify its economy.
"We are going to put in place an economic plan that is going to bring us more income so that there is a push that will boost the economy to reach economic growth and then we will be than able to use those revenues to improve the conditions of our people."
Last week the government signed a strategic agreement with Singapore-based Company, OLAM International, to jointly develop a special economic zone 27 kilometers east of Libreville. Under the agreement, OLAM will invest about $12 million in the development project for a 60 percent stake in a joint venture, while the Gabonese government holds the rest. Amandine Ogouebendja, head of marketing for Gabon's special economic zone says this development project will improve Gabon's infrastructure, build social housing projects and create over 50,000 jobs.
"This is part of the president's vision and the expectation is that we have to have this industrial zone ready in the three years, period."
On education, the President acknowledges that Gabon still has one of the highest illiteracy rates in Africa, but defends his policies on education that they are trying to put better teachers in class rooms, reduce number of kids per classroom, and build more schools.
"Our problem is not from kids not going to school, kids are going to school. Our problem is to improve the level of education that these kids are getting."
On paper, Gabon enjoys a per capita income four times that of most sub-Saharan African nations, but because of high income inequality, a large proportion of the population remains poor. A drive through the suburbs of the capital Libreville changes the narrative. People are on the streets trying to make living by selling everything from fresh food stuffs, clothing and house hold items. In Libreville, images of the former president are seen side-by-side with those of the new leader.
Analysts say despite the abundance of natural wealth, poor fiscal management continues to hobble the economy, as does elaborate defense spending. Last week, the military put on a grand parade that attracted thousands of people as Gabon marked its 50th anniversary of independence from France
Thursday, August 19, 2010
GABON MARKS 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE FROM FRANCE
UN EDITED
By Paul Ndiho, Libreville, Gabon
On Tuesday August 17th Gabon joined the other 17 African Nations celebrating their 50th independence anniversary this year.
The Central African nation marked its 50th anniversary of independence from France by putting on a grand military parade of more than 7,000 women and men that attracted thousands of people.
Foreign Troops including French forces stationed in Gabon and soldiers from Senegal took part in the march-past. Political analysts say relations between France and oil-producing Gabon have always been close. About a dozen heads of state from neighboring countries flew in to join President Ali Bongo on the grandstand. On the eve of the celebrations, the government signed four major agreements worth $U.S. 4.5 billion with multinational companies from India and Singapore.
The deals are expected to improve Gabon’s infrastructure, build social housing projects and create over 50,000 jobs. Addressing a press conference at his residence President Bongo, said that Gabon faces many challenges but he's optimistic about the future.
“We are going to put up an economic plan that brings more income so that it can push and boost the economy to reach economic growth. This ambitious plan will enable us to use those revenues to improve the lives and conditions of our people. “
On Education, the President confessed that Gabon still has one of the highest illiteracy rates in Africa.
“Our problem is not from kids not going to school, Kids are going to school. Our problem is to improve the level of eduction.”
Gabon enjoys a per capita income four times that of most sub-Saharan African nations, but because of high income inequality, a large proportion of the population remains very poor. Gabon depended on timber and manganese until oil was discovered offshore in the early 1970s. The oil sector now accounts for more than 50% of GDP.
By Paul Ndiho, Libreville, Gabon
On Tuesday August 17th Gabon joined the other 17 African Nations celebrating their 50th independence anniversary this year.
The Central African nation marked its 50th anniversary of independence from France by putting on a grand military parade of more than 7,000 women and men that attracted thousands of people.
Foreign Troops including French forces stationed in Gabon and soldiers from Senegal took part in the march-past. Political analysts say relations between France and oil-producing Gabon have always been close. About a dozen heads of state from neighboring countries flew in to join President Ali Bongo on the grandstand. On the eve of the celebrations, the government signed four major agreements worth $U.S. 4.5 billion with multinational companies from India and Singapore.
The deals are expected to improve Gabon’s infrastructure, build social housing projects and create over 50,000 jobs. Addressing a press conference at his residence President Bongo, said that Gabon faces many challenges but he's optimistic about the future.
“We are going to put up an economic plan that brings more income so that it can push and boost the economy to reach economic growth. This ambitious plan will enable us to use those revenues to improve the lives and conditions of our people. “
On Education, the President confessed that Gabon still has one of the highest illiteracy rates in Africa.
“Our problem is not from kids not going to school, Kids are going to school. Our problem is to improve the level of eduction.”
Gabon enjoys a per capita income four times that of most sub-Saharan African nations, but because of high income inequality, a large proportion of the population remains very poor. Gabon depended on timber and manganese until oil was discovered offshore in the early 1970s. The oil sector now accounts for more than 50% of GDP.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
GABON MARKS 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE
By Paul Ndiho, Libreville, Gabon
August 17th is Gabon’s Independence Day. The Gabonese people gained their independence from France in 1960. Since then, the country has had only three presidents.
Security is very tight here in Gabon's Capital Libreville, as the former French colony celebrates a half century of Independence. The celebrations kicked off with the official opening of a multi- million dollar exhibition complex by Gabon's President Ali Ben Bongo and his wife. The exhibition in the new complex is called "Gabon, My Land, My Future," and it demonstrates the cultural diversity of the Gabonese people.
There are other events, like a festival showcasing Gabon's arts and culture. Senior officials and ordinary citizens step out in the heat for a display of traditional Gabonese culture -- fashion, arts & crafts, and a parade/carnival, with waving and dancing to Gabon's Music.
In an effort to promote this unique culture in Gabon, the exhibition complex was turned into a replica of the state of the art complex. Vendors showcased everything from original African clothing, to artifacts and colorful handcrafted jewelry. Analysts say a small population and a wealth of oil and mineral reserves have helped Gabon become one of Africa's wealthier countries, circumstances that have allowed the country to maintain its pristine rain forest and rich biodiversity.
August 17th is Gabon’s Independence Day. The Gabonese people gained their independence from France in 1960. Since then, the country has had only three presidents.
Security is very tight here in Gabon's Capital Libreville, as the former French colony celebrates a half century of Independence. The celebrations kicked off with the official opening of a multi- million dollar exhibition complex by Gabon's President Ali Ben Bongo and his wife. The exhibition in the new complex is called "Gabon, My Land, My Future," and it demonstrates the cultural diversity of the Gabonese people.
There are other events, like a festival showcasing Gabon's arts and culture. Senior officials and ordinary citizens step out in the heat for a display of traditional Gabonese culture -- fashion, arts & crafts, and a parade/carnival, with waving and dancing to Gabon's Music.
In an effort to promote this unique culture in Gabon, the exhibition complex was turned into a replica of the state of the art complex. Vendors showcased everything from original African clothing, to artifacts and colorful handcrafted jewelry. Analysts say a small population and a wealth of oil and mineral reserves have helped Gabon become one of Africa's wealthier countries, circumstances that have allowed the country to maintain its pristine rain forest and rich biodiversity.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
President Obama to Young African Leaders: "50 Years From Now, When You Look Back..."
This afternoon the President held a town hall with 115 young leaders from more than 40 countries across Africa -- it was the kind of White House event under this President that surprises you, catching you off guard with its honesty.
For those interested in Africa and its development, or for that matter this President's engagement with not just heads of state, but with people all over the world, the video is well worth watching.
For those interested in Africa and its development, or for that matter this President's engagement with not just heads of state, but with people all over the world, the video is well worth watching.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
2010 AGOA FORUM IN WASHINGTON D.C
By Paul Ndiho
August 3, 2010
The annual Africa Growth Opportunity Act forum officially opened in Washington, D.C., this week bringing together more than 600 participants, including senior U.S. and African government officials, as well as members of the private sector and civil society.
Washington grants duty-free status to more than 6-thousand product lines from sub-Saharan Africa under the U-S- African Growth and Opportunity Act of 2000, or AGOA. This year, the Agoa forum is focusing on the ties between private investment and growth and ways in which African countries can take advantage of trade. U.S. Trade representative Ron Kirk says that Africa's exports to the U.S have more than doubled.
"Agoa has met our expectations in terms of transforming our relationship with Africa from one that had been traditionally just based on the aid, to one that began to build on commercial and economic ties to the mutual benefit of all the 38 Sub-Saharan countries."
Agoa provides trade preferences to countries that are making economic and political reforms. Agoa reduces barriers to trade, creating jobs. But U.S. exports to Sub-Saharan Africa go primarily to a few countries, and Kenya's Minister of Trade Amos Kimunya says a lot more needs to be done to realize agoa's full potential.
"We have 6400 products eligible for export to the U.S under agoa. But sadly, a very limited number is coming through… different countries have various reasons why they are not exporting to the U.S. The bulk of the trade is 90% oil and energy products and 10% constitutes of the other products. We feel that we need to do more."
In early years, some countries were able to increase substantially textile exports to the United States under agoa. However, African manufacturers have found it increasingly difficult to compete against Indian and Chinese textiles.
African women entrepreneurs are being showcased at this year's agoa forum in Washington. Susan Muhwezi, is special advisor to the President of Uganda.
"When Agoa first started we trained over 200 women in the apparel sector. We've had women in the arts and crafts section, we have created a lot of jobs for the youth especially women and continue to reach out to women."
There are 38 Sub-Saharan African countries taking advantage of agoa's trade benefits. Oil accounts for most of what the U.S. buys from Africa, but the Zambian trade minister, Felix Mutati notes that agoa has resulted in some significant strides in the agricultural sector.
"We have significant challenges in the agricultural sector in terms of entry associated with standards and pest control and we are working with the U.S trade office to address those concerns so that we can take advantage of the opportunities that have been given to us."
Analysts say the U.S. trade with Sub-Saharan Africa decreased 40 percent in 2009 because of the economic downturn. The U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act is due to expire in 2015, and some African countries would like that deadline extended.
August 3, 2010
The annual Africa Growth Opportunity Act forum officially opened in Washington, D.C., this week bringing together more than 600 participants, including senior U.S. and African government officials, as well as members of the private sector and civil society.
Washington grants duty-free status to more than 6-thousand product lines from sub-Saharan Africa under the U-S- African Growth and Opportunity Act of 2000, or AGOA. This year, the Agoa forum is focusing on the ties between private investment and growth and ways in which African countries can take advantage of trade. U.S. Trade representative Ron Kirk says that Africa's exports to the U.S have more than doubled.
"Agoa has met our expectations in terms of transforming our relationship with Africa from one that had been traditionally just based on the aid, to one that began to build on commercial and economic ties to the mutual benefit of all the 38 Sub-Saharan countries."
Agoa provides trade preferences to countries that are making economic and political reforms. Agoa reduces barriers to trade, creating jobs. But U.S. exports to Sub-Saharan Africa go primarily to a few countries, and Kenya's Minister of Trade Amos Kimunya says a lot more needs to be done to realize agoa's full potential.
"We have 6400 products eligible for export to the U.S under agoa. But sadly, a very limited number is coming through… different countries have various reasons why they are not exporting to the U.S. The bulk of the trade is 90% oil and energy products and 10% constitutes of the other products. We feel that we need to do more."
In early years, some countries were able to increase substantially textile exports to the United States under agoa. However, African manufacturers have found it increasingly difficult to compete against Indian and Chinese textiles.
African women entrepreneurs are being showcased at this year's agoa forum in Washington. Susan Muhwezi, is special advisor to the President of Uganda.
"When Agoa first started we trained over 200 women in the apparel sector. We've had women in the arts and crafts section, we have created a lot of jobs for the youth especially women and continue to reach out to women."
There are 38 Sub-Saharan African countries taking advantage of agoa's trade benefits. Oil accounts for most of what the U.S. buys from Africa, but the Zambian trade minister, Felix Mutati notes that agoa has resulted in some significant strides in the agricultural sector.
"We have significant challenges in the agricultural sector in terms of entry associated with standards and pest control and we are working with the U.S trade office to address those concerns so that we can take advantage of the opportunities that have been given to us."
Analysts say the U.S. trade with Sub-Saharan Africa decreased 40 percent in 2009 because of the economic downturn. The U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act is due to expire in 2015, and some African countries would like that deadline extended.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES MOST PROFITABLE
By Paul Ndiho
July 22, 2010
Ethiopian Airlines began its first flight to Cairo in 1946. Almost 65 years later, the airline is still going strong. Foreign pilots are flocking to the carrier, which remains one of the most profitable African airline in a troubled industry.
Ethiopian Airlines is experiencing steady growth, despite the downturn in the global airline industry, flying to 26 African destinations and the United States. Kagnew Asfaw, with Ethiopian Airlines, attributes the government-owned carrier's success to its investment in its employees.
"From our point of view what differentiate one airline from another airline can only be its people because we buy the same aircraft, we fly the same routes. The only thing that differentiates us from others is the skill of our people.
Nearly 50 of Ethiopian Airlines' pilots are foreigners, and it is recruiting pilots from the U.S., Canada and elsewhere.
"The reason why we hiring foreign pilots right now is that our pilots, the ones which we train ourselves, are so skilled they are in demand with airlines of the region, and airlines from the Middle East, from Asia. They take our pilots. So, and we are growing so fast, almost 25% every year."
David Wooten, a former U.S. Navy pilot from the U.S. State of Florida, joined Ethiopian Airlines in late 2009.
"I just turned 60, so I'm at the age that I'm really not a marketable commodity for many airlines, they're looking for younger pilots, and certainly I don't fit that mold. But Ethiopian recognizes experience that comes with age and they were willing to take me on as a Line Captain and I'm very grateful for that."
Shrinking job opportunities in the west, forced the British-born pilot Toby Crew to look elsewhere for work. Now based in Addis Ababa, the 40-year-old says he was surprised when he heard about the job opportunities at Ethiopian Airlines.
"I'd been working for an airline flying the MD-11 before that went out of business in the States and with the economic downturn there were very few opportunities back home. Here in Ethiopia you've got a growing, profitable airline, that was acquiring MD-11 freighters and needed current qualified crew so it was a very good opportunity and here I am."
Ethiopian Airline's net profit more than doubled in 2009, but the company is not without problems. The airline review website Skytrax, gives Ethiopian Airlines only a 3-out-of-5 star overall ranking, and says that many of the carrier's customers are unhappy with the airline's customer service, baggage handling, and unexplained airport delays.
July 22, 2010
Ethiopian Airlines began its first flight to Cairo in 1946. Almost 65 years later, the airline is still going strong. Foreign pilots are flocking to the carrier, which remains one of the most profitable African airline in a troubled industry.
Ethiopian Airlines is experiencing steady growth, despite the downturn in the global airline industry, flying to 26 African destinations and the United States. Kagnew Asfaw, with Ethiopian Airlines, attributes the government-owned carrier's success to its investment in its employees.
"From our point of view what differentiate one airline from another airline can only be its people because we buy the same aircraft, we fly the same routes. The only thing that differentiates us from others is the skill of our people.
Nearly 50 of Ethiopian Airlines' pilots are foreigners, and it is recruiting pilots from the U.S., Canada and elsewhere.
"The reason why we hiring foreign pilots right now is that our pilots, the ones which we train ourselves, are so skilled they are in demand with airlines of the region, and airlines from the Middle East, from Asia. They take our pilots. So, and we are growing so fast, almost 25% every year."
David Wooten, a former U.S. Navy pilot from the U.S. State of Florida, joined Ethiopian Airlines in late 2009.
"I just turned 60, so I'm at the age that I'm really not a marketable commodity for many airlines, they're looking for younger pilots, and certainly I don't fit that mold. But Ethiopian recognizes experience that comes with age and they were willing to take me on as a Line Captain and I'm very grateful for that."
Shrinking job opportunities in the west, forced the British-born pilot Toby Crew to look elsewhere for work. Now based in Addis Ababa, the 40-year-old says he was surprised when he heard about the job opportunities at Ethiopian Airlines.
"I'd been working for an airline flying the MD-11 before that went out of business in the States and with the economic downturn there were very few opportunities back home. Here in Ethiopia you've got a growing, profitable airline, that was acquiring MD-11 freighters and needed current qualified crew so it was a very good opportunity and here I am."
Ethiopian Airline's net profit more than doubled in 2009, but the company is not without problems. The airline review website Skytrax, gives Ethiopian Airlines only a 3-out-of-5 star overall ranking, and says that many of the carrier's customers are unhappy with the airline's customer service, baggage handling, and unexplained airport delays.
Friday, July 16, 2010
First ICC accused - DR Congo's Lubanga - 'to be freed'
The International criminal court in the Hague ordered the accused in its first case - Thomas Lubanga from Democratic Republic of Congo - to be freed. The judges say that his detention is no longer fair. They are giving the prosecution five days to appeal, after which Lubanga could be set free. Lubanga has pleaded not guilty to charges he used child soldiers during the fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo a decade ago. VOA’s Paul Ndiho, who was a reporter in the DRC when Lubanga was a rebel leader, discusses Lubanga with Ndimyake Mwakalyelye.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
2010 Washington DC Africa festival
By Paul Ndiho
July 11, 2010
Washington DC came alive with the sights and sounds of Africa at the first Annual Washington DC African Festival. The festival showcased African arts and culture.
Hundreds of people stepped out in the rain to enjoy a display of traditional African culture. There were cultural dances, fashion, arts & crafts, a taste of African cuisine, and countless other activities.
“This is beautiful. It’s about time that there is an African festival in DC.”
“They’ve had a lot of people turning up and the experience has been wonderful.”
“It’s amazing to see that the Government of DC is trying to bring all African cultures and people together in one place. I hope they continue to do this annually.”
Several Africans from different parts of the United States represented their countries at the fair as they marched around waving flags and dancing to “Waka Waka” and other 2010 World cup songs.
“It’s the first event Africans, as well Americans have come together to celebrate the accomplishments of Africans in the DC area.”
“Great to see so many people come out and experience the different cultures of Africa.”
“Wow the performances have been great, the crowd is wonderful and there are so many people here.”
In an effort to promote African business in Washington, the park was turned into a replica of a small African street. Vendors were selling everything from original African clothing, to artifacts and colorful handcrafted jewelry from West Africa.
After many hours of braving the heat, shopping, sight-seeing and tasting the delicious African delicacies, many visitors capped off the day by sitting down with family and friends to catch the live music.
July 11, 2010
Washington DC came alive with the sights and sounds of Africa at the first Annual Washington DC African Festival. The festival showcased African arts and culture.
Hundreds of people stepped out in the rain to enjoy a display of traditional African culture. There were cultural dances, fashion, arts & crafts, a taste of African cuisine, and countless other activities.
“This is beautiful. It’s about time that there is an African festival in DC.”
“They’ve had a lot of people turning up and the experience has been wonderful.”
“It’s amazing to see that the Government of DC is trying to bring all African cultures and people together in one place. I hope they continue to do this annually.”
Several Africans from different parts of the United States represented their countries at the fair as they marched around waving flags and dancing to “Waka Waka” and other 2010 World cup songs.
“It’s the first event Africans, as well Americans have come together to celebrate the accomplishments of Africans in the DC area.”
“Great to see so many people come out and experience the different cultures of Africa.”
“Wow the performances have been great, the crowd is wonderful and there are so many people here.”
In an effort to promote African business in Washington, the park was turned into a replica of a small African street. Vendors were selling everything from original African clothing, to artifacts and colorful handcrafted jewelry from West Africa.
After many hours of braving the heat, shopping, sight-seeing and tasting the delicious African delicacies, many visitors capped off the day by sitting down with family and friends to catch the live music.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Congo Debt Relief
By Paul Ndiho
July 9, 2010
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank recently approved an estimated $8 billion dollars in debt relief for the Democratic Republic of Congo, the largest such write-off by the two bodies under programs launched in 1996 to ease the debt burdens of the world's poorest countries.
The debt relief for Congo came without the backing from Canada and Switzerland, which both cited governance concerns in the country. Congolese President Joseph Kabila had pushed for the $8 billion debt cancellation before Congo celebrated its 50th anniversary of its independence from Belgium. Mr. Kabila argues that his country has put its painful past behind it following a 1998-2003 war in which some five million people died. Mwangi Kimenyi, Senior Fellow, at the Brookings Institution, says that the timing of this debt relief for Congo could not have come at a better time.
"Countries like Congo have had major problems because of the conflict, as we know--the ongoing conflict, although there has been some improvement. And it's very difficult for those types of countries to actually make major debt progress with what we call a 'debt of hung' problem. So this type of relief is crucial for them to be able to move ahead."
Kimenyi argues that for countries to qualify for debt relief, they must demonstrate improvements in their government and institutions.
"When countries make improvements in institutions there comes a point when they can reverse back. And what you can do is support them so that they do not reverse. So they may not have fully reached where you would like in terms of institutional development, but you also don't want them to revert back to a poorer governance, to conflict, and so on."
The World Bank-IMF deal will save Congo over $12 billion in debt service costs. The mineral-rich, Central African country is still plagued by a violent conflict with rebels in the east, despite a 2003 peace deal and the general elections of 2006. Canada and Switzerland's last-ditch efforts to slow the debt relief process did not sway other World Bank member countries, which felt that Kinshasa had met all of the key benchmarks required under the debt relief program.
"DRC met all the criteria and the reforms needed to reach this completion point. The debt of DRC was about 13.7 billion dollars at end 2009 and after this completion point and debt cancellation that will be 2.9 billion."
News of the debt relief came at a high point in celebrations marking Congo's 50th anniversary of independence from Belgium. Last week, the World Bank also approved $50 million dollars in grants to help Congo improve governance in its mining sector. Analysts say Congo's growth in Gross Domestic Product is expected to reach 5 percent this year.
July 9, 2010
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank recently approved an estimated $8 billion dollars in debt relief for the Democratic Republic of Congo, the largest such write-off by the two bodies under programs launched in 1996 to ease the debt burdens of the world's poorest countries.
The debt relief for Congo came without the backing from Canada and Switzerland, which both cited governance concerns in the country. Congolese President Joseph Kabila had pushed for the $8 billion debt cancellation before Congo celebrated its 50th anniversary of its independence from Belgium. Mr. Kabila argues that his country has put its painful past behind it following a 1998-2003 war in which some five million people died. Mwangi Kimenyi, Senior Fellow, at the Brookings Institution, says that the timing of this debt relief for Congo could not have come at a better time.
"Countries like Congo have had major problems because of the conflict, as we know--the ongoing conflict, although there has been some improvement. And it's very difficult for those types of countries to actually make major debt progress with what we call a 'debt of hung' problem. So this type of relief is crucial for them to be able to move ahead."
Kimenyi argues that for countries to qualify for debt relief, they must demonstrate improvements in their government and institutions.
"When countries make improvements in institutions there comes a point when they can reverse back. And what you can do is support them so that they do not reverse. So they may not have fully reached where you would like in terms of institutional development, but you also don't want them to revert back to a poorer governance, to conflict, and so on."
The World Bank-IMF deal will save Congo over $12 billion in debt service costs. The mineral-rich, Central African country is still plagued by a violent conflict with rebels in the east, despite a 2003 peace deal and the general elections of 2006. Canada and Switzerland's last-ditch efforts to slow the debt relief process did not sway other World Bank member countries, which felt that Kinshasa had met all of the key benchmarks required under the debt relief program.
"DRC met all the criteria and the reforms needed to reach this completion point. The debt of DRC was about 13.7 billion dollars at end 2009 and after this completion point and debt cancellation that will be 2.9 billion."
News of the debt relief came at a high point in celebrations marking Congo's 50th anniversary of independence from Belgium. Last week, the World Bank also approved $50 million dollars in grants to help Congo improve governance in its mining sector. Analysts say Congo's growth in Gross Domestic Product is expected to reach 5 percent this year.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Former Child Soldiers Making a difference
By Paul Ndiho
July 2, 2010
Two former child soldiers from Africa are using their experiences to counsel other child soldiers and to bring justice to those affected by decades of war. Here are their stories.
Child soldiers have been documented in several African nations, countries with a history of unstable governments and long civil wars. In Chad, barefoot children in torn t-shirts play with a deflated soccer ball. Nearby, men in uniform walk through the area - a common site in the capital city where soldiers are everywhere. Ishmael Beah is a former child soldier in Sierra Leone's civil war and UNICEF's advocate for children.
"There's always a bit of sadness. I feel like I can bring some assurance to some of the young kids there."
Beah is author of "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier," a bestselling book. He is one of 16-hundred Sierra Leoneans who immigrated to the United States to escape the war there. The United Nations says children are still being recruited and used in combat in Chad. Orphaned by war, child soldiers find a new kind of family in the military. Robert, a 17 year-old former child soldier, says he was given literacy and language classes, three meals a day and medical care.
"I joined the national army when I was 12 and fought for them for four years and then I joined the rebels, I was a soldier, a soldier of war."
In Tanzania, another former child soldier - now a prosecutor at the International Tribunal for Rwanda - finds motivation for his work in his past. Alfred Orono is pressing his case against a Catholic priest accused of bulldozing a church and murdering the 15-hundred people sheltered inside. He was outraged by the priest's original sentence of only 15 years.
"He was moving events, and the events happened and that makes him a direct perpetrator. He committed genocide."
Orono says he is committed to prosecuting these crimes because his own childhood ended cruelly 30 years ago. He was not yet a teenager when Tanzanian forces invaded his native Uganda to oust Idi Amin. Amid the chaos, he encountered Tanzanian soldiers who persuaded him to join their ranks. As an interpreter, he was given an AK47. When Alfred was 18, President Milton Obote was overthrown, and Alfred again feared for his life.
"I knew I was going to die. I was thinking I was going to die - but then something in me said no."
Alfred Orono escaped death and turned his life around, eventually winning a scholarship to study law in Canada. He was later recruited by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Today, the boy who once held a Kalashnikov helps prosecute criminals from the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
July 2, 2010
Two former child soldiers from Africa are using their experiences to counsel other child soldiers and to bring justice to those affected by decades of war. Here are their stories.
Child soldiers have been documented in several African nations, countries with a history of unstable governments and long civil wars. In Chad, barefoot children in torn t-shirts play with a deflated soccer ball. Nearby, men in uniform walk through the area - a common site in the capital city where soldiers are everywhere. Ishmael Beah is a former child soldier in Sierra Leone's civil war and UNICEF's advocate for children.
"There's always a bit of sadness. I feel like I can bring some assurance to some of the young kids there."
Beah is author of "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier," a bestselling book. He is one of 16-hundred Sierra Leoneans who immigrated to the United States to escape the war there. The United Nations says children are still being recruited and used in combat in Chad. Orphaned by war, child soldiers find a new kind of family in the military. Robert, a 17 year-old former child soldier, says he was given literacy and language classes, three meals a day and medical care.
"I joined the national army when I was 12 and fought for them for four years and then I joined the rebels, I was a soldier, a soldier of war."
In Tanzania, another former child soldier - now a prosecutor at the International Tribunal for Rwanda - finds motivation for his work in his past. Alfred Orono is pressing his case against a Catholic priest accused of bulldozing a church and murdering the 15-hundred people sheltered inside. He was outraged by the priest's original sentence of only 15 years.
"He was moving events, and the events happened and that makes him a direct perpetrator. He committed genocide."
Orono says he is committed to prosecuting these crimes because his own childhood ended cruelly 30 years ago. He was not yet a teenager when Tanzanian forces invaded his native Uganda to oust Idi Amin. Amid the chaos, he encountered Tanzanian soldiers who persuaded him to join their ranks. As an interpreter, he was given an AK47. When Alfred was 18, President Milton Obote was overthrown, and Alfred again feared for his life.
"I knew I was going to die. I was thinking I was going to die - but then something in me said no."
Alfred Orono escaped death and turned his life around, eventually winning a scholarship to study law in Canada. He was later recruited by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Today, the boy who once held a Kalashnikov helps prosecute criminals from the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
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