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Sub-Saharan African Affairs

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Smoke-Free Laws in Africa
Fearing an epidemic of tobacco-related cancers, African governments are starting to crack down on smoking. South Africa's experience shows that smoke-free laws can work.
Tobacco Industry Targets Africa
As North America and Europe crack down on smoking, Big Tobacco is trolling the global south for new customers -- and finding millions in Africa.
Africa's Technology Boom
While many people associate Africa with poverty, some African nations are experiencing growth. Increased information technology occurs in some of these countries.
South Africa, the Dynamic Country
South Africa is located on the southern tip of the African Continent. Its history is as diverse as its multitude of languages, races of people, and political views.
Kenyan Cabinet Heads For Retreat
The Kenyan cabinet has come under criticism after it was revealed that the bonding session in the city of Mombasa would cost tax payers approximately 10 million shillings
GuluWalk 2009 Helps Push Bill for African Peace
Globally-conscious citizens rallied in the U.S. and around the world to support the cessation of LRA activity in Uganda, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Constitutional Reforms in Kenya
Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki promised that the country will have a new constitution come next year during the Kenyatta Day celebrations.
A New Push for Public Health Care Reform
As the world pays rapt attention to the health care debates in the United States of America, South Africa is on the precipice of monumental health care reform.
Gulu Walk 2009 Brings Aid to War-Torn Uganda
Gulu Walk is a world-wide event aimed to raise awareness about the war in Uganda and to collect funds to help rebuild the region. The event takes place October 24, 2009.
West African Floods Kill Over 30
Over 30 people in Ghana and Burkina Faso have been killed and thousands more are homeless because of floods caused by more than a week of the heaviest rains in decades.
Kenya: A Country in Darkness
The Kenya Power and Lighting Company announced a power rationing programme that will see residents go without power for three days a week.
Regime Change Failure in Zimbabwe
Morgan Tsvangirai set out to remove and replace Robert Mugabe as Zimbabwean leader. After 10 years of trying he became prime minister to his nemesis. How did that happen?
Rebel Leader Killed in Nigeria
Human rights groups are condemning Nigerian authorities over the death of Mohammed Yusuf, which they call an extrajudicial execution.
Obama Chooses Ghana over Kenya
President Obama's first visit to sub-Saharan Africa was to Ghana not his native Kenya. What was the reason for this choice and what did Kenya make of this?
Grand Mariage Customs Can Empower Comoros Women
Women on the Indian Ocean islands of Grande Comore, Mayotte, Anjouan and Mohèli have ensured that their ancient rights and customs have been retained to empower them.
Public Transport in Nigeria
Traffic congestion has long been synonymous with Lagos travel. The recent introduction of the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) has sought to improve transportation in the
Public Transport in South Africa
In less than twenty four hours the Confederations Cup is scheduled to be held in South Africa; however the country is still struggling to with its public transport system
Nigeria's First Re-branding Exercise
Nigeria has been often linked to corruption and drug dealing. In 2009, the Nigeria government decided to repackage the country's image.
Nigeria's Re-branding Project
Nigeria has been often linked to corruption and drug dealing. In 2009, the Nigeria government decided to repackage the country's image.
Tabara Africa – Single Parent Network in Rwanda
Single parents everywhere in the world have a hard time of it and usually rate high amongst low-income families. But imagine being a single parent without social welfare.
World Cup 2010 in South Africa
The 2010 World Cup is creating jobs, infrastructure, transportation systems, and a place on the international stage that Africa desperately needs.
The Cold War and Zimbabwe's Liberation Struggle
The outcome of Zimbabwe's liberation struggle was shaped by the forces of the Cold War. It involved the US, Britain, China, Russia, UN, OAU, and Commenwealth.
The Plight of Child Soldiers
Abducted, brutalized, and forced into military service some children experience horrors that most can't even imagine.
Zimbabwe after the Lancaster Constitution
The Lancaster Constitution and its "willing-seller, willing-buyer" clause was the starting point for Zimbabwe after independence. It turned out to be a source of friction
Jacob Zuma Sworn in as President
Despite past controversies, President Zuma is immensely popular in the country and has the power to create real change.
Africa's Leadership Dilemma
Leadership in Africa is determined by a combination of forces. These include history, tradition and great power influence. These forces continue to shape African politics
Small Businesses in Africa
The entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen of Africans is not well known. In Nigeria, innovative individuals have found ways to make a living out of necessity.
The Kenyan Refugee Crisis
Somali refugees escape peril at home, however, it appears that many of them still face further danger in neighbouring Kenya at the Dadaab refugee camp.
State Sanctioned Witch Hunts
The embattled Gambian government recently shocked the world by sanctioning mass kidnappings disguised as witch hunting.
Ensuring Access to Safe Drinking Water
Ensuring access to safe drinking water is one the greatest challenges facing the world. Inventions such as the Life Straw could be life saving solution for millions.
West Africa the New Hub of Drug Trafficking
Several countries in the poorest continent of Africa and particularly in West-Africa, have now become major drug trafficking points for Europe-bound drugs.
Zimbabwe's Diamond Fields
Little is known about Zimbabwe's diamond fields. It has the capacity to either solve the current humanitarian crisis or make the situation worse.
Ministerial Appointments in Ghana
Tthe destiny of Ghana is now placed in the hands of Professor John Evans Atta Mills, current president of the resource-rich country.
Wife of Zimbabwean Prime Minister Dies
Susan Tsvangirai, the beloved and highly respected wife of Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, was killed in a car accident on March 6, 2009.
Kidnappings in the Nigerian Oil Sector
Kidnappings in the Niger Delta have become commonplace. Ordinary Nigerians and expatriates are becoming increasingly unhappy about the situation and are demanding change.
The Practice of Witch-Hunting
An insidious practice has taken root in Akwa Ibom state in Nigeria. The horrific custom of branding children as witches has resulted in the abuse of numerous children.
A Human Rights Failure in Nigeria
One of the worst human rights abuses is the abuse of a child. However, the practice of child witch-branding is one of the most malicious human rights abuses.
South Africa's Land Reform Programme
South Africa's thriving farming industry runs the risk of failing because of an ineffective land reform programme.
Dangers Faced By Girls at School
In the 21st Century, girls still encounters violence and harassment in the place they should be the safest- at school.
A Look at the Global Economic Crisis
The effect of the current global economic crisis could have very harmful effects on the continuing development of the global South.
Ken Saro-Wiwa Resource Centre in Cape Town
Through starting the Ken Saro-Wiwa Resource Centre in Cape Town, the Ogoni Solidarity Forum (OSF) combines computer and writing training with fighting xenophobia.
Violence Against Women in Africa
Despite 98 years of celebrating International Women's Day, and appropriate legislation being passed around the world, violence against women continues unabated.
Elections in Ghana and South Africa, 2009
On January 4 Ghana held a peaceful, democratic election. In April, 2009 South Africa is due to go to the polls, but circumstances will probably be very different.
Apparent Growing Anti-Semitism in South Africa
In the 21st Century, anti-Semitism is emerging in South Africa. Spurred on by the recent unrest in Gaza, some protest actions are thinly veiled anti-Jewish prejudice.
Zimbabwe Chops Twelve Zeros off Bank Notes
Gideon Gono, hapless governor of Zimbabwe's Reserve Bank, has a cunning plan. He is set to excise the endless noughts from the country's bank notes.
Reactions to DRC's Lubanga at Maiden ICC Trial
Reactions to ex-warlord Lubanga's ICC trial over alleged use of child soldiers, though far from the "Heart of Darkness" itself, range from celebratory to apathetic.
A Malawian Dies in Fresh SA Xenophobic Attacks
Unidentified Malawian has been killed while two other nationals have been seriously injured in Durban South Africa after fresh wave of Xenophobic attacks on Sunday.
Xenophobic Violence in South Africa
In 2009 South Africa expects thousands of foreign visitors for the FIFA confederations cup. Yet, at the dawn of the New Year, apparent Xenophobia has reared its head.
Mugabe Regime Bankrolled By British Companies
The U.S Treasury has blacklisted businessmen it believes are Mugabe supporters. A move that has embarrassed Britain. The news comes as cholera claims its 1000th victim.
Nigerian Oil Security
Nigeria's economy is being hard hit by the global financial crisis and dropping oil prices. The only way to improve corporate confidence is to improve security.