Africa - Voice of America

http://www.voanews.com/archive/africa/latest/594/612.html africa /img_ver2/VOA/rssLogo_VOA.gif http://www.voanews.com/archive/africa/latest/594/612.html en-US 2012 - VOA 60 Thu, 05 Jul 2012 09:02:21 -0400 Pangea CMS – VOA A new study estimates fewer than half of developing countries are likely to reach the Millennium Development Goal to reduce child hunger. It says about 110 million children worldwide are moderately or severely underweight, while nearly 150 million others are mildly underweight. The study is based on an analysis of many national surveys and other research going back decades. “We are aware that children’s nutritional status is quite important for their overall health and mortality. In some ... http://www.voanews.com/content/child-hunger-5jul12/1363692.html http://www.voanews.com/content/child-hunger-5jul12/1363692.html Thu, 05 Jul 2012 06:29:52 -0400 Africa Joe DeCapua A leading member of Kenya’s Inter-Religious Council has welcomed as an unprecedented gesture an offer by Muslim leaders to protect Christians following last Sunday attacks. Mustafa Ali said the recent church attacks were aimed at creating deep rifts between Muslims and Christians in Kenya. “The Muslim leaderships in the country, particularly in northeastern Kenya, are saying that they are offering Muslims themselves to guard the churches, particularly on Sundays, as Christians go to the ... http://www.voanews.com/content/kenyan_muslims_offer_christians_protection_from_attacks/1363638.html http://www.voanews.com/content/kenyan_muslims_offer_christians_protection_from_attacks/1363638.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 20:42:49 -0400 Africa Peter Clottey http://www.voanews.com/content/kenyan_muslims_offer_christians_protection_from_attacks/1363638.html#relatedInfoContainer LUSAKA — Former President George W. Bush has kept a relatively low profile in the United States since leaving office.  But in Africa this week he is publicly promoting his institute's initiative to prevent and treat cervical cancer. While Bush is following a familiar post-presidential path in supporting humanitarian causes, he would prefer to focus on quiet service, to lead through example and hard work. He worked alongside other volunteers in Kabwe - Zambia's second-largest city ... http://www.voanews.com/content/george-bush-africa-cervical-cancer/1363615.html http://www.voanews.com/content/george-bush-africa-cervical-cancer/1363615.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 19:33:21 -0400 USA Brian Padden NAIROBI, Kenya - Last Friday, U.S. ambassador to Kenya Scott Gration announced his resignation, citing “differences with Washington.”  He spoke again Wednesday, during an American Independence Day celebration at his official residence - the event also seeming to serve as his farewell party.  His comments suggest that more details are yet to be revealed about his departure.  Ambassador Scott Gration spoke at an American 4th of July celebration in Nairobi. He was expected to ... http://www.voanews.com/content/us_ambassador_to-kenya_truth_about_resignation_yet_to_come/1363451.html http://www.voanews.com/content/us_ambassador_to-kenya_truth_about_resignation_yet_to_come/1363451.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 13:48:36 -0400 Africa Jill Craig A region in Central Africa with some of the last great populations of forest elephants, gorillas and chimpanzees has been declared a U.N. World Heritage Site. It consists of about 25 thousand square kilometers spanning the Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Central African Republic. It’s called the Sangha Tri-National Protected Area complex, also known by the French acronym TNS. It’s formed by three contiguous national parks that are linked by the Sangha River. Wild Heart James Deutsch, ... http://www.voanews.com/content/unesco-central-africa-4jul12/1363373.html http://www.voanews.com/content/unesco-central-africa-4jul12/1363373.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 12:02:05 -0400 Africa Joe DeCapua BALAD, Somalia — Balad area in central Somalia is returning to normalcy after the farming town was liberated more than a week ago by African Union forces and Somali government soldiers. Now, residents in the town of Balad are ready to reclaim their livelihoods. For nearly five years al-Qaida linked group al-Shabab controlled Balad, 30 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu. ​​​​An area known for its agriculture, al-Shabab routinely extorted money from farmers in the Shabelle region to finance ... http://www.voanews.com/content/somali-farmers-call-help-improve-production/1363330.html http://www.voanews.com/content/somali-farmers-call-help-improve-production/1363330.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 11:16:51 -0400 Africa Mohammed Yusuf http://www.voanews.com/content/somali-farmers-call-help-improve-production/1363330.html#relatedInfoContainer FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — Up until two years ago, the maternal death rate in Sierra Leone was the highest in the world with 1 in 8 women dying during pregnancy or giving birth. That is when the Ministry of Health and Sanitation introduced free health care for lactating and pregnant women and children under the age of five. Despite successes, women are still having trouble accessing care in Sierra Leone.   Nurses tend to patients in the general hospital in the town of Makeni, in the ... http://www.voanews.com/content/maternal_care_in_sierra_leaone_is_free_but_still_elusive/1363352.html http://www.voanews.com/content/maternal_care_in_sierra_leaone_is_free_but_still_elusive/1363352.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 11:15:45 -0400 Africa Nina DeVries (Freetown, Sierra Leone) http://www.voanews.com/content/maternal_care_in_sierra_leaone_is_free_but_still_elusive/1363352.html#relatedInfoContainer Three Kenyan musicians have been charged with hate speech under laws adopted following the country's post-election violence in 2008. Kamande wa Kioi, Muigai Wa Njoroge and John DeMathew appeared in a Nairobi court Wednesday to answer charges that their songs were intended to cause hatred and hostility between Kenya's Kikuyu and Luo ethnic groups. The three men, all Kikuyus, denied the charges and were released on bail. Last week, Kenya's National Cohesion and Integration ... http://www.voanews.com/content/kenya_musicians_charged_with_hate_speech/1363327.html http://www.voanews.com/content/kenya_musicians_charged_with_hate_speech/1363327.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 11:12:02 -0400 Africa VOA News http://www.voanews.com/content/kenya_musicians_charged_with_hate_speech/1363327.html#relatedInfoContainer South African runner Oscar Pistorius is set to become the first amputee to compete in the Olympics. The South African Olympic committee said Wednesday that it had selected Pistorius, 25, a double amputee, to run in the individual 400 meters and the 4 X 400 relay. Pistorius is nicknamed "the Blade Runner" because he runs on carbon fiber blades. Pistorius expressed gratitude on the social networking site Twitter.  He tweeted, "Thank you to everyone that has made me the ... http://www.voanews.com/content/south-african-double-amputee-to-compete-in-olympics/1363297.html http://www.voanews.com/content/south-african-double-amputee-to-compete-in-olympics/1363297.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 10:19:23 -0400 Africa VOA News http://www.voanews.com/content/south-african-double-amputee-to-compete-in-olympics/1363297.html#relatedInfoContainer KAMPALA, Uganda — Without basic ultrasound machines, many of Uganda’s health centers cannot anticipate when a pregnant woman will face complications giving birth, contributing to the country's high maternal and child mortality rates.  According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, for every 1,000 live births, at least 63 infants die before their first birthday in Uganda. Many of those deaths come from complications that could have been predicted by ultrasound technology. The ... http://www.voanews.com/content/ultrasound-project-a-lifesaver-for-mothers-newborns-in-uganda/1363214.html http://www.voanews.com/content/ultrasound-project-a-lifesaver-for-mothers-newborns-in-uganda/1363214.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 08:17:11 -0400 Africa Andrew Green http://www.voanews.com/content/ultrasound-project-a-lifesaver-for-mothers-newborns-in-uganda/1363214.html#relatedInfoContainer NAIROBI — Next Monday, South Sudan will celebrate its first year of independence.  Many challenges face the young nation, including an ill-defined and violent border with Sudan, internal conflicts in the Greater Upper Nile region, and a looming economic crisis.  A year ago today, hopes were high for Africa’s newest nation.  After more than two decades of war, South Sudan officially seceded from Sudan. Giell Deng, a South Sudanese musician, is looking forward to Monday, the ... http://www.voanews.com/content/south-sudan-first-year-of-independence-mired-in-conflict/1363197.html http://www.voanews.com/content/south-sudan-first-year-of-independence-mired-in-conflict/1363197.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 07:07:07 -0400 Africa Roopa Gogineni http://www.voanews.com/content/south-sudan-first-year-of-independence-mired-in-conflict/1363197.html#relatedInfoContainer Malawi Parliamentary Defections Come Under Fire http://www.voanews.com/content/a-malawian-law-professor-says-defection-by-mps-is-anti-democratic/1363155.html http://www.voanews.com/content/a-malawian-law-professor-says-defection-by-mps-is-anti-democratic/1363155.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 01:08:04 -0400 Africa James Butty http://www.voanews.com/content/a-malawian-law-professor-says-defection-by-mps-is-anti-democratic/1363155.html#relatedInfoContainer The leader of Uganda’s opposition group For God and My Country (4GC) will hold a news conference Wednesday to underscore what he calls the government’s “failed promises.” Mathias Mpuga said his group will also soon begin protest marches, which the government has in the past condemned as aimed at creating chaos and instability. “I will brief the country about our activities that we intend to undertake, including a series of outreach campaigns around the country to awaken Ugandans who are ... http://www.voanews.com/content/uganda_opposition_denounces_governmente_policies/1363119.html http://www.voanews.com/content/uganda_opposition_denounces_governmente_policies/1363119.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 21:03:43 -0400 Africa http://www.voanews.com/content/uganda_opposition_denounces_governmente_policies/1363119.html#relatedInfoContainer LUSAKA — Former President George W. Bush is in Africa this week to promote cervical cancer detection and treatment programs for women, many of whom are living with HIV.  While Bush’s tenure in office was marked by unpopular wars and what critics say were failed economic policies, since leaving office he has been quietly building upon his success as president in fighting AIDS in Africa. In Kabwe, Zambia's second largest city, former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura opened ... http://www.voanews.com/content/in-zambia-bush-joins-fight-against-cervical-cancer/1363111.html http://www.voanews.com/content/in-zambia-bush-joins-fight-against-cervical-cancer/1363111.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:49:14 -0400 Africa Brian Padden Nigerian officials announced a $4.5 billion deal that will see the country partner with US company Vulcan Petroleum Resources to build six oil refineries in Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil producer. Vulcan said its goal is to build the first two facilities within one year and complete all six within the next 30 months.  It said the various refineries will be located at different sites throughout the country. Umaru Dembo, a former Nigerian energy minister, said the announcement was a ... http://www.voanews.com/content/nigeria-looks-to-build-six-oil-refineries/1363082.html http://www.voanews.com/content/nigeria-looks-to-build-six-oil-refineries/1363082.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:32:41 -0400 Africa Ricci Shryock The international organization Committee to Protect Journalists says the Ethiopian government is stepping up efforts to control the Internet, both by preventing access to certain websites and by blocking users from software used to circumvent the censors. CPJ spokesman Danny O'Brien says the government of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has been blocking major news sites and key blog hosts since 2005. O'Brien says the government intensified its blocking efforts earlier this year. He says ... http://www.voanews.com/content/cpj-rips-ethiopian-cracdown-on-journalists/1363070.html http://www.voanews.com/content/cpj-rips-ethiopian-cracdown-on-journalists/1363070.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:20:50 -0400 Africa VOA News As Egypt struggles to get back on its feet after 16 rocky months of revolution and military rule, the country's young Olympians are hoping to do the seemingly impossible under the circumstances, medal at the 2012 Olympics in London.  That's even tougher for pentathlete Aya Medany, 24.  As if training for one event were not hard enough, Egypt's Medany competes in swimming, horseback riding, fencing, and combined shooting and running. "When I say that I play five ... http://www.voanews.com/content/medany-hopes-to-be-1st-egyptian-woman-to-medal-at-olympics/1363057.html http://www.voanews.com/content/medany-hopes-to-be-1st-egyptian-woman-to-medal-at-olympics/1363057.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:41:03 -0400 Africa Elizabeth Arrott & Japhet Weeks GENEVA — The World Food Program says it is scaling up its humanitarian operation in West Africa’s Sahel region to assist 10 million people critically short of food. WFP says among the beneficiaries will be 1.3 million people in Mali, including 300,000 internally displaced within the country. In April, the government of Mali estimated that almost three million people living in drought-affected areas were food insecure. More recently, the WFP estimated that 1.6 million people in the regions of ... http://www.voanews.com/content/world_food_program_sahel_mali_famine_drought/1360874.html http://www.voanews.com/content/world_food_program_sahel_mali_famine_drought/1360874.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 13:07:58 -0400 Africa Lisa Schlein http://www.voanews.com/content/world_food_program_sahel_mali_famine_drought/1360874.html#relatedInfoContainer DAKAR — The armed group Ansar Dine is destroying shrines to Muslim saints in the ancient city of Timbuktu, saying the sites are idolatrous and un-Islamic. Residents of the northern Malian city say this is baseless and a false pretext. Some worry that condemnation by the international community only provokes Ansar Dine to expand the destruction. In Mali and in other parts of the world where extremist groups have destroyed shrines, the groups say the sites amount to idol worship and are ... http://www.voanews.com/content/un-moves-to-protect-historic-sites-attacked-in-mali/1360844.html http://www.voanews.com/content/un-moves-to-protect-historic-sites-attacked-in-mali/1360844.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 12:26:13 -0400 Africa Nancy Palus http://www.voanews.com/content/un-moves-to-protect-historic-sites-attacked-in-mali/1360844.html#relatedInfoContainer LAGOS, Nigeria — With its 18 million people and booming growth, Lagos faces numerous challenges. One of them is waste management. Once tagged one of the dirtiest cities in Africa, Lagos is making big progress, thanks to a new initiative which recycles waste and turns it into a natural fertilizer.   Waste traders Bustling, crowded and busy. Today is just another day at the Mile Twelve market in Lagos - one of the biggest markets in West Africa. Thousands of traders sell vegetables and ... http://www.voanews.com/content/lagos_recycles_waste_into_wealth/1360805.html http://www.voanews.com/content/lagos_recycles_waste_into_wealth/1360805.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 11:22:50 -0400 Africa Emilie Iob PARIS — As Algeria marks its 50th anniversary of independence from France, two exhibits in Paris explore a painful chapter in their shared history through very different lenses.  Algeria's war of independence from France has been retold many times - in movies and in history books on both sides of the Mediterranean. Today, the French Army Museum in Paris offers the latest narrative - casting a sometimes brutal look at 132 years of French colonial rule.  Exhibit curator, ... http://www.voanews.com/content/france-algeria-two-lenses-on-the-past/1360759.html http://www.voanews.com/content/france-algeria-two-lenses-on-the-past/1360759.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 10:51:41 -0400 Europe Lisa Bryant http://www.voanews.com/content/france-algeria-two-lenses-on-the-past/1360759.html#relatedInfoContainer BAYELSA STATE, Nigeria — Officials in Nigeria say new laws are expected to pass this year banning dangerous gas flares that are damaging the country's environment and health and wasting natural resources.  People in the oil-and gas-producing Niger Delta say the flares have been making people sick for decades, but past bans on the practice have largely been ineffective.   By day, gas flares in the Niger Delta—constantly burning flames atop large metal pipes—are an eerie reminder ... http://www.voanews.com/content/nigeria-mulls-gas-flare-crackdown/1360704.html http://www.voanews.com/content/nigeria-mulls-gas-flare-crackdown/1360704.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:10:23 -0400 Africa Heather Murdock http://www.voanews.com/content/nigeria-mulls-gas-flare-crackdown/1360704.html#relatedInfoContainer A pilot project is being launched in Malawi and Bangladesh to teach kids that math is fun and that it matters. Save the Children calls it the Numeracy Boost program. Former U.S. public school teacher Shirin Lutfeali helped plan Numeracy Boost, which she said is aimed at young children having difficulty even with simple math, like those in Malawi. “We found that the basic math skills were just not where we thought they would be. It really surprised us that in the 4th grade group that we were ... http://www.voanews.com/content/decapua-math-africa-2jul12/1353043.html http://www.voanews.com/content/decapua-math-africa-2jul12/1353043.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 06:29:22 -0400 Africa Joe DeCapua http://www.voanews.com/content/decapua-math-africa-2jul12/1353043.html#relatedInfoContainer Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf told members of her ruling Unity Party not to be used by those within the party who, she said, wish to advance their own political interests.  Some party members have called on Sirleaf to resign from the party because she has not done enough to provide jobs to party members. They reportedly want her to provide 2,000 scholarships and 300 jobs to members of the ruling party.  Jerolinmek Piah, Sirleaf press secretary, said, when it comes to ... http://www.voanews.com/content/liberias-ruling-unity-party-members-demand-jobs-and-scholarships/1353006.html http://www.voanews.com/content/liberias-ruling-unity-party-members-demand-jobs-and-scholarships/1353006.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 01:09:06 -0400 Africa James Butty http://www.voanews.com/content/liberias-ruling-unity-party-members-demand-jobs-and-scholarships/1353006.html#relatedInfoContainer Bruce Nishimwe, a licensed pilot who works as a restaurant manager has a dream to become the first African-born black flyer to circle the globe. But, that’s not all. He also wants to give something back to his home country, Burundi. So, Nishimwe has partnered with Burundi Orphan Relief to help raise money that will sponsor his flight, as well as raise money for the non-profit in order to build a facility in Burundi. When he completes the journey the aircraft will be named Burundi ... http://www.voanews.com/content/burundi-pilot-plots-voyage/1352894.html http://www.voanews.com/content/burundi-pilot-plots-voyage/1352894.html Mon, 02 Jul 2012 16:24:57 -0400 Africa Ricci Shryock Nigeria's military says nine construction workers have been killed in the country's northeast, where militants from the Islamist group Boko Haram are active.  Military officials say the victims were working on a mosque in the city of Maiduguri. A military spokesman told the Associated Press that the victims' throats were slashed in the attack early Monday. Officials did not say who attacked the men. Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, has repeatedly suffered attacks ... http://www.voanews.com/content/construction-workers-killed-in-nigeria-northeast/1352875.html http://www.voanews.com/content/construction-workers-killed-in-nigeria-northeast/1352875.html Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:53:40 -0400 Africa VOA News Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has condemned Sunday's deadly attacks on two churches in the eastern town of Garissa. Odinga visited Garissa Monday along with Kenyan Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and other officials. Speaking to reporters, he said the attacks were designed to spark conflict between Muslims and Christians. "Churches are being attacked and the inference here is that Muslims are attacking so that Christians can begin to fight Muslims," he said. "We are ... http://www.voanews.com/content/kenyan-pm-condemns-church-attacks/1352764.html http://www.voanews.com/content/kenyan-pm-condemns-church-attacks/1352764.html Mon, 02 Jul 2012 13:07:50 -0400 Africa VOA News http://www.voanews.com/content/kenyan-pm-condemns-church-attacks/1352764.html#relatedInfoContainer ABUJA — Nigeria’s new National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki says he is optimistic that a cease-fire between the government and the militant group known as Boko Haram could offer some relief to the embattled northern Nigerian city Maiduguri within the next few weeks.  Some residents and local leaders say the fighting has crushed the city’s economy and forced many people to flee their homes.  Ibrahim used to live in a neighborhood next door to the mosque that was the home of the ... http://www.voanews.com/content/boko_haram_battles_crush_northern_nigerian_city/1352673.html http://www.voanews.com/content/boko_haram_battles_crush_northern_nigerian_city/1352673.html Mon, 02 Jul 2012 11:30:55 -0400 Africa Heather Murdock http://www.voanews.com/content/boko_haram_battles_crush_northern_nigerian_city/1352673.html#relatedInfoContainer Four international aid workers kidnapped in Kenya are now free and headed home, following a dramatic rescue by security forces inside Somalia. The hostages were rescued on Monday during a joint operation by Kenyan and Somali military forces, three days after being captured. A Somali police official said the four were discovered after a gunfight between the captors and security officials about 80 kilometers from the Kenya border. Major Adam Bahdoon Ibraahim said officials got a tip late Sunday ... http://www.voanews.com/content/kidnapped-foreign-aid-workers-rescued-in-somalia/1352600.html http://www.voanews.com/content/kidnapped-foreign-aid-workers-rescued-in-somalia/1352600.html Mon, 02 Jul 2012 09:52:11 -0400 Africa VOA News http://www.voanews.com/content/kidnapped-foreign-aid-workers-rescued-in-somalia/1352600.html#relatedInfoContainer The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has warned Islamist rebels in northern Mali that their systematic destruction of revered Muslim tombs in Timbuktu is a war crime, which her office has authority to investigate.  In an interview with the French news agency (AFP) Sunday, Fatou Bensouda called on Islamist rebels to stop the desecration of Mali’s religious sites.  The hardline Islamists, who seized control of Timbuktu along with the rest of northern Mali ... http://www.voanews.com/content/mali-to-soon-ask-icc-for-war-crimes-charges-against-northern-islamists/1352516.html http://www.voanews.com/content/mali-to-soon-ask-icc-for-war-crimes-charges-against-northern-islamists/1352516.html Mon, 02 Jul 2012 01:14:50 -0400 Africa James Butty http://www.voanews.com/content/mali-to-soon-ask-icc-for-war-crimes-charges-against-northern-islamists/1352516.html#relatedInfoContainer A spokesman for the UN Peacekeeping Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) said peacekeepers have begun a sensitization program aimed at reassuring the public they will continue to protect them from attacks by armed groups. Alexander Essome, MONUSCO’s regional spokesman, called on humanitarian agencies to keep up efforts to provide relief assistance to citizens internally displaced by conflict between the rebel group M23 and the Congolese national army (FARDC). He said ... http://www.voanews.com/content/peacekeepers_begin_sensitization_outreach_in_drc/1352495.html http://www.voanews.com/content/peacekeepers_begin_sensitization_outreach_in_drc/1352495.html Sun, 01 Jul 2012 21:05:52 -0400 Africa Peter Clottey http://www.voanews.com/content/peacekeepers_begin_sensitization_outreach_in_drc/1352495.html#relatedInfoContainer The vice president of the East Africa Law Society has called on Kenya’s government to be more proactive in gathering intelligence to protect its citizens following two church attacks Sunday. Gunmen attacked two churches in Garissa, a northeastern Kenyan city, that left at least 17 people dead and more than 40 wounded. Two police are among those killed.  James Mwamu said the government appears to be ill-prepared to protect Kenyans. “We are concerned about the security situation ... http://www.voanews.com/content/law_expert_better_protection_needed_following_kenya_church_attacks/1352492.html http://www.voanews.com/content/law_expert_better_protection_needed_following_kenya_church_attacks/1352492.html Sun, 01 Jul 2012 20:50:26 -0400 Africa Peter Clottey http://www.voanews.com/content/law_expert_better_protection_needed_following_kenya_church_attacks/1352492.html#relatedInfoContainer Senegalese voters will soon find out who their lawmakers will be under new President Macky Sall’s government after results are announced from Sunday’s legislative polls.  Turnout was low. Sall supporter and election official Adji Mergane Kanoute said Sall’s party is seeking a majority of the 150 parliamentary seats. “Without the control of parliament, Macky Sall cannot pass acts and advance his agenda,” she said. “That agenda is an ambitious one,”  added Kanoute. “He wants ... http://www.voanews.com/content/senegals-new-president-vies-for-majority/1352471.html http://www.voanews.com/content/senegals-new-president-vies-for-majority/1352471.html Sun, 01 Jul 2012 17:38:18 -0400 Africa Ricci Shryock MOGADISHU, Somalia — For more than two decades, Mogadishu residents have marked Somalia's independence day under the threat of chaos and violence; but this year is different. Due to security gains and the return of relative stability to the Somali capital, citizens finally have something to celebrate. For twenty-one years anarchy and humanitarian disasters have over-shadowed Somalia’s Independence Day. The July 1 holiday commemorates the day Somalia declared independence from Italian ... http://www.voanews.com/content/somalia_national_day_celebrated_in_mogadishu_free-of_al_shabab/1352421.html http://www.voanews.com/content/somalia_national_day_celebrated_in_mogadishu_free-of_al_shabab/1352421.html Sun, 01 Jul 2012 14:01:37 -0400 Africa Mohammed Yusuf NAIROBI, Kenya — On Sunday, gunmen attacked two churches in Garissa, a city in northeastern Kenya. At least 17 people were killed, and more than 40 wounded. The Somali militant group al-Shabab and its supporters have been blamed for other attacks in Kenya.   Four gunmen attacked the African Inland Church in Garissa on Sunday morning. The shooters were masked in balaclavas, regional police chief Philip Ndolo told Reuters.  They entered the church after throwing two grenades inside. ... http://www.voanews.com/content/gunmen_attack_churches_in_northeast_kenya/1352399.html http://www.voanews.com/content/gunmen_attack_churches_in_northeast_kenya/1352399.html Sun, 01 Jul 2012 12:16:18 -0400 Africa Roopa Gogineni http://www.voanews.com/content/gunmen_attack_churches_in_northeast_kenya/1352399.html#relatedInfoContainer Kenya police say gunmen attacked two churches in the eastern town of Garissa on Sunday, killing 17 people and wounding at least 40. Authorities say in both cases the attackers hurled grenades and opened fire on worshipers. The deadliest attack took place at the African Inland Church, where at least 10 people were killed, including two police officers.  The second attack took place at a Catholic church. Police did not immediately say who was behind the violence.  They have blamed ... http://www.voanews.com/content/ten_killed_in_kenyan_church_attacks/1352309.html http://www.voanews.com/content/ten_killed_in_kenyan_church_attacks/1352309.html Sun, 01 Jul 2012 07:11:33 -0400 Africa VOA News http://www.voanews.com/content/ten_killed_in_kenyan_church_attacks/1352309.html#relatedInfoContainer LUSAKA – Former U.S. President George W. Bush arrived in Lusaka Saturday. Bush is traveling to Zambia and Botswana this week to promote his foundation's health initiative to improve cervical cancer prevention and treatment programs in Africa. Zambia has one of the highest incidences of cervical cancer in the world, in part because many of the people infected with the disease are also living with HIV and have weakened immune systems. The former president is traveling with his wife ... http://www.voanews.com/content/article/1352262.html http://www.voanews.com/content/article/1352262.html Sat, 30 Jun 2012 16:26:39 -0400 Africa Brian Padden NAIROBI — Brave or reckless, South Sudan's decision to shut down its oil production to protest the north has had disastrous consequences for its citizens.  The country's economy came to a jarring halt in January, when it shut down oil production due to a trade dispute with Sudan. To make up for its own lost revenues from the split with South Sudan, Khartoum had been demanding exorbitant transit fees for the use of its pipelines and port, the only available route for South Sudan ... http://www.voanews.com/content/south-sudan-oil-shutdown-chokes-economy/1352237.html http://www.voanews.com/content/south-sudan-oil-shutdown-chokes-economy/1352237.html Sat, 30 Jun 2012 14:55:50 -0400 Africa Gabe Joselow DAKAR -- In northern Mali, members of the Islamic militant group Ansar Dine are systematically destroying mausoleums and revered Muslim tombs in Timbuktu. UNESCO has listed the historic city as a World Heritage site for its ancient mosques and shrines.  Residents of Timbuktu told VOA that armed men from Ansar Dine began leveling the tombs early Saturday morning. The sites, including the tomb of 15th-century Muslim scholar Sidi Mahmoud, are considered sacred by the local population. ... http://www.voanews.com/content/armed-islamists-ansar-dine-timbuktu/1352092.html http://www.voanews.com/content/armed-islamists-ansar-dine-timbuktu/1352092.html Sat, 30 Jun 2012 08:39:48 -0400 Africa Nancy Palus The U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) says Angolans and Liberian refugees who live abroad are no longer regarded as refugees. The UNHCR says their refugee status came to an end Saturday because both countries have "enjoyed many years of peace and stability after bitter civil wars." Adrian Edwards, a UNHCR spokesman, said the agency is working with the governments of origin and of asylum to find solutions for refugees who wish either to return home or to remain in their host countries. ... http://www.voanews.com/content/unhcr-refugee-status-ends-for-angolans-liberians/1352077.html http://www.voanews.com/content/unhcr-refugee-status-ends-for-angolans-liberians/1352077.html Sat, 30 Jun 2012 08:06:07 -0400 Africa VOA News CAIRO – Mohamed Morsi was sworn in as Egypt's fifth president Saturday, in a low-key ceremony before the country's Supreme Constitutional Court. Later, he addressed supporters and top officials at Cairo University.   Speaking at Cairo University, Morsi took a symbolic oath of office for a third time in 24 hours. He vowed to defend the security of the nation and to uphold the independence of the judiciary.   Morsi also showered praise on Egypt's armed forces, but urged ... http://www.voanews.com/content/egypt-morsi-constitution/1352072.html http://www.voanews.com/content/egypt-morsi-constitution/1352072.html Sat, 30 Jun 2012 07:25:50 -0400 Middle East Edward Yeranian http://www.voanews.com/content/egypt-morsi-constitution/1352072.html#relatedInfoContainer Egyptian president-elect Mohamed Morsi has been sworn in Saturday, marking a new chapter in the history of a country that elected its first civilian president. He took the oath of office in an inauguration ceremony at the Supreme Consitituional Court (SCC). Morsi vowed to respect the constitution. He also promised to respect the rule of law, and to protect the interestes of the Egyptian people, the country's independence and its territorial integrity. "Today, the Egyptian people ... http://www.voanews.com/content/egypt-morsi-inauguration/1352066.html http://www.voanews.com/content/egypt-morsi-inauguration/1352066.html Sat, 30 Jun 2012 06:03:02 -0400 Africa Diaa Bekheet Former U.S. president George W. Bush is well remembered in Africa for his plan to help people suffering from AIDS. In 2003, President Bush launched PEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS, to combat the AIDS pandemic in developing countries. "With the approval of Congress, we'll devote $15 billion to fight AIDS abroad over the next five years, beginning with $2 billion in the year 2004," Bush said. Much of the money went to relieve the suffering of AIDS victims ... http://www.voanews.com/content/study-aids-program-pepfar-africa/1352042.html http://www.voanews.com/content/study-aids-program-pepfar-africa/1352042.html Fri, 29 Jun 2012 21:05:03 -0400 Health Carol Pearson http://www.voanews.com/content/study-aids-program-pepfar-africa/1352042.html#relatedInfoContainer GOMA -- The Democratic Republic of Congo’s government has promised to abolish fertilizer taxes, which are among the highest in the region. Farmer’s groups have welcomed the pledge, saying that fertilizer helps to reduce poverty and resolve conflicts, and even improve domestic relations. But regional fertilizer use is a controversial subject among some development experts. One agricultural project manager working for the Belgian government said that, in parts of the Congo where land is ... http://www.voanews.com/content/drc_agriculture_fertilizer_farming_development_crops/1351955.html http://www.voanews.com/content/drc_agriculture_fertilizer_farming_development_crops/1351955.html Fri, 29 Jun 2012 16:25:08 -0400 Africa Nick Long CAPITOL HILL — A U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs subcommittee held a hearing on the threat of Islamist terrorists in northern Mali.  Senior U.S. government officials and research institute experts appeared in front of a congressional panel to discuss the situation in northern Mali, where Tuareg nomads launched a rebellion in January against the Bamako government in the south.  Several of the witnesses told the panel that the Tuaregs' struggle for an independent ... http://www.voanews.com/content/experts-warn-congress-of-terrorist-influx-into-mali/1351894.html http://www.voanews.com/content/experts-warn-congress-of-terrorist-influx-into-mali/1351894.html Fri, 29 Jun 2012 14:49:00 -0400 Africa Cindy Saine UNITED NATIONS — The African Union's special envoy on the Lord's Resistance Army says despite some progress in weakening the roving rebel group's operations, it remains extremely dangerous.  Speaking Friday, Francisco Madeira urged the U.N. Security Council to designate the LRA as a terrorist organization. AU Envoy Madeira told the 15-nation Security Council that successive military operations have largely disabled the LRA's command and control, but the capability of the ... http://www.voanews.com/content/un-au-lra-terrorist-orgazation/1351888.html http://www.voanews.com/content/un-au-lra-terrorist-orgazation/1351888.html Fri, 29 Jun 2012 14:33:10 -0400 Africa Margaret Besheer HARARE — In Zimbabwe, Western diplomats have finished a tour of the controversial Marange diamond fields, arranged by Zimbabwe's unity government.  Officials hoped the tour would alleviate concerns that security forces are abusing miners and stealing revenues, and would help persuade Western countries to lift travel and financial sanctions against President Robert Mugabe and allies with his ZANU-PF party. The three-day tour by 11 western ambassadors that ended Thursday was at the ... http://www.voanews.com/content/diplomats-tour-controversial-zimbabwe-diamond-fields/1351887.html http://www.voanews.com/content/diplomats-tour-controversial-zimbabwe-diamond-fields/1351887.html Fri, 29 Jun 2012 14:30:26 -0400 Africa Sebastian Mhofu CAIRO — Egypt's President-elect Mohamed Morsi addressed a crowd of thousands of supporters gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square Friday, insisting that he intended to be the president of all Egyptians and that he intended to govern with all the traditional powers of the presidency. Those declarations set the stage for an ongoing tug-of-war with the country's ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF). Morsi took a symbolic oath of office in front of the crowd in Cairo's ... http://www.voanews.com/content/egypt-morsi-speech-tahrir/1351817.html http://www.voanews.com/content/egypt-morsi-speech-tahrir/1351817.html Fri, 29 Jun 2012 13:00:05 -0400 Africa Edward Yeranian Nancy Palus http://www.voanews.com/content/fallout-of-gambia-media-repression-far-reaching/1351819.html http://www.voanews.com/content/fallout-of-gambia-media-repression-far-reaching/1351819.html Fri, 29 Jun 2012 12:48:46 -0400 Africa Nancy Palus NAIROBI, KENYA — The U.S. ambassador to Kenya, Scott Gration, has announced his resignation, citing differences with Washington. The sudden decision leaves many questions unanswered. In a statement Friday, Ambassador Scott Gration said he will resign from his post on July 28, after just over 14 months in office. Gration said differences with Washington regarding his “leadership style and certain priorities” lead him to believe that it is the time to leave. He said he submitted his ... http://www.voanews.com/content/us-ambassador-kenya-resigns/1351790.html http://www.voanews.com/content/us-ambassador-kenya-resigns/1351790.html Fri, 29 Jun 2012 12:19:14 -0400 USA Gabe Joselow

http://www.voanews.com/archive/africa/latest/594/612.html africa /img_ver2/VOA/rssLogo_VOA.gif http://www.voanews.com/archive/africa/latest/594/612.html en-US 2012 - VOA 60 Thu, 05 Jul 2012 09:02:21 -0400 Pangea CMS – VOA A new study estimates fewer than half of developing countries are likely to reach the Millennium Development Goal to reduce child hunger. It says about 110 million children worldwide are moderately or severely underweight, while nearly 150 million others are mildly underweight. The study is based on an analysis of many national surveys and other research going back decades. “We are aware that children’s nutritional status is quite important for their overall health and mortality. In some ... http://www.voanews.com/content/child-hunger-5jul12/1363692.html http://www.voanews.com/content/child-hunger-5jul12/1363692.html Thu, 05 Jul 2012 06:29:52 -0400 Africa Joe DeCapua A leading member of Kenya’s Inter-Religious Council has welcomed as an unprecedented gesture an offer by Muslim leaders to protect Christians following last Sunday attacks. Mustafa Ali said the recent church attacks were aimed at creating deep rifts between Muslims and Christians in Kenya. “The Muslim leaderships in the country, particularly in northeastern Kenya, are saying that they are offering Muslims themselves to guard the churches, particularly on Sundays, as Christians go to the ... http://www.voanews.com/content/kenyan_muslims_offer_christians_protection_from_attacks/1363638.html http://www.voanews.com/content/kenyan_muslims_offer_christians_protection_from_attacks/1363638.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 20:42:49 -0400 Africa Peter Clottey http://www.voanews.com/content/kenyan_muslims_offer_christians_protection_from_attacks/1363638.html#relatedInfoContainer LUSAKA — Former President George W. Bush has kept a relatively low profile in the United States since leaving office.  But in Africa this week he is publicly promoting his institute's initiative to prevent and treat cervical cancer. While Bush is following a familiar post-presidential path in supporting humanitarian causes, he would prefer to focus on quiet service, to lead through example and hard work. He worked alongside other volunteers in Kabwe - Zambia's second-largest city ... http://www.voanews.com/content/george-bush-africa-cervical-cancer/1363615.html http://www.voanews.com/content/george-bush-africa-cervical-cancer/1363615.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 19:33:21 -0400 USA Brian Padden NAIROBI, Kenya - Last Friday, U.S. ambassador to Kenya Scott Gration announced his resignation, citing “differences with Washington.”  He spoke again Wednesday, during an American Independence Day celebration at his official residence - the event also seeming to serve as his farewell party.  His comments suggest that more details are yet to be revealed about his departure.  Ambassador Scott Gration spoke at an American 4th of July celebration in Nairobi. He was expected to ... http://www.voanews.com/content/us_ambassador_to-kenya_truth_about_resignation_yet_to_come/1363451.html http://www.voanews.com/content/us_ambassador_to-kenya_truth_about_resignation_yet_to_come/1363451.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 13:48:36 -0400 Africa Jill Craig A region in Central Africa with some of the last great populations of forest elephants, gorillas and chimpanzees has been declared a U.N. World Heritage Site. It consists of about 25 thousand square kilometers spanning the Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Central African Republic. It’s called the Sangha Tri-National Protected Area complex, also known by the French acronym TNS. It’s formed by three contiguous national parks that are linked by the Sangha River. Wild Heart James Deutsch, ... http://www.voanews.com/content/unesco-central-africa-4jul12/1363373.html http://www.voanews.com/content/unesco-central-africa-4jul12/1363373.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 12:02:05 -0400 Africa Joe DeCapua BALAD, Somalia — Balad area in central Somalia is returning to normalcy after the farming town was liberated more than a week ago by African Union forces and Somali government soldiers. Now, residents in the town of Balad are ready to reclaim their livelihoods. For nearly five years al-Qaida linked group al-Shabab controlled Balad, 30 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu. ​​​​An area known for its agriculture, al-Shabab routinely extorted money from farmers in the Shabelle region to finance ... http://www.voanews.com/content/somali-farmers-call-help-improve-production/1363330.html http://www.voanews.com/content/somali-farmers-call-help-improve-production/1363330.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 11:16:51 -0400 Africa Mohammed Yusuf http://www.voanews.com/content/somali-farmers-call-help-improve-production/1363330.html#relatedInfoContainer FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — Up until two years ago, the maternal death rate in Sierra Leone was the highest in the world with 1 in 8 women dying during pregnancy or giving birth. That is when the Ministry of Health and Sanitation introduced free health care for lactating and pregnant women and children under the age of five. Despite successes, women are still having trouble accessing care in Sierra Leone.   Nurses tend to patients in the general hospital in the town of Makeni, in the ... http://www.voanews.com/content/maternal_care_in_sierra_leaone_is_free_but_still_elusive/1363352.html http://www.voanews.com/content/maternal_care_in_sierra_leaone_is_free_but_still_elusive/1363352.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 11:15:45 -0400 Africa Nina DeVries (Freetown, Sierra Leone) http://www.voanews.com/content/maternal_care_in_sierra_leaone_is_free_but_still_elusive/1363352.html#relatedInfoContainer Three Kenyan musicians have been charged with hate speech under laws adopted following the country's post-election violence in 2008. Kamande wa Kioi, Muigai Wa Njoroge and John DeMathew appeared in a Nairobi court Wednesday to answer charges that their songs were intended to cause hatred and hostility between Kenya's Kikuyu and Luo ethnic groups. The three men, all Kikuyus, denied the charges and were released on bail. Last week, Kenya's National Cohesion and Integration ... http://www.voanews.com/content/kenya_musicians_charged_with_hate_speech/1363327.html http://www.voanews.com/content/kenya_musicians_charged_with_hate_speech/1363327.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 11:12:02 -0400 Africa VOA News http://www.voanews.com/content/kenya_musicians_charged_with_hate_speech/1363327.html#relatedInfoContainer South African runner Oscar Pistorius is set to become the first amputee to compete in the Olympics. The South African Olympic committee said Wednesday that it had selected Pistorius, 25, a double amputee, to run in the individual 400 meters and the 4 X 400 relay. Pistorius is nicknamed "the Blade Runner" because he runs on carbon fiber blades. Pistorius expressed gratitude on the social networking site Twitter.  He tweeted, "Thank you to everyone that has made me the ... http://www.voanews.com/content/south-african-double-amputee-to-compete-in-olympics/1363297.html http://www.voanews.com/content/south-african-double-amputee-to-compete-in-olympics/1363297.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 10:19:23 -0400 Africa VOA News http://www.voanews.com/content/south-african-double-amputee-to-compete-in-olympics/1363297.html#relatedInfoContainer KAMPALA, Uganda — Without basic ultrasound machines, many of Uganda’s health centers cannot anticipate when a pregnant woman will face complications giving birth, contributing to the country's high maternal and child mortality rates.  According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, for every 1,000 live births, at least 63 infants die before their first birthday in Uganda. Many of those deaths come from complications that could have been predicted by ultrasound technology. The ... http://www.voanews.com/content/ultrasound-project-a-lifesaver-for-mothers-newborns-in-uganda/1363214.html http://www.voanews.com/content/ultrasound-project-a-lifesaver-for-mothers-newborns-in-uganda/1363214.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 08:17:11 -0400 Africa Andrew Green http://www.voanews.com/content/ultrasound-project-a-lifesaver-for-mothers-newborns-in-uganda/1363214.html#relatedInfoContainer NAIROBI — Next Monday, South Sudan will celebrate its first year of independence.  Many challenges face the young nation, including an ill-defined and violent border with Sudan, internal conflicts in the Greater Upper Nile region, and a looming economic crisis.  A year ago today, hopes were high for Africa’s newest nation.  After more than two decades of war, South Sudan officially seceded from Sudan. Giell Deng, a South Sudanese musician, is looking forward to Monday, the ... http://www.voanews.com/content/south-sudan-first-year-of-independence-mired-in-conflict/1363197.html http://www.voanews.com/content/south-sudan-first-year-of-independence-mired-in-conflict/1363197.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 07:07:07 -0400 Africa Roopa Gogineni http://www.voanews.com/content/south-sudan-first-year-of-independence-mired-in-conflict/1363197.html#relatedInfoContainer Malawi Parliamentary Defections Come Under Fire http://www.voanews.com/content/a-malawian-law-professor-says-defection-by-mps-is-anti-democratic/1363155.html http://www.voanews.com/content/a-malawian-law-professor-says-defection-by-mps-is-anti-democratic/1363155.html Wed, 04 Jul 2012 01:08:04 -0400 Africa James Butty http://www.voanews.com/content/a-malawian-law-professor-says-defection-by-mps-is-anti-democratic/1363155.html#relatedInfoContainer The leader of Uganda’s opposition group For God and My Country (4GC) will hold a news conference Wednesday to underscore what he calls the government’s “failed promises.” Mathias Mpuga said his group will also soon begin protest marches, which the government has in the past condemned as aimed at creating chaos and instability. “I will brief the country about our activities that we intend to undertake, including a series of outreach campaigns around the country to awaken Ugandans who are ... http://www.voanews.com/content/uganda_opposition_denounces_governmente_policies/1363119.html http://www.voanews.com/content/uganda_opposition_denounces_governmente_policies/1363119.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 21:03:43 -0400 Africa http://www.voanews.com/content/uganda_opposition_denounces_governmente_policies/1363119.html#relatedInfoContainer LUSAKA — Former President George W. Bush is in Africa this week to promote cervical cancer detection and treatment programs for women, many of whom are living with HIV.  While Bush’s tenure in office was marked by unpopular wars and what critics say were failed economic policies, since leaving office he has been quietly building upon his success as president in fighting AIDS in Africa. In Kabwe, Zambia's second largest city, former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura opened ... http://www.voanews.com/content/in-zambia-bush-joins-fight-against-cervical-cancer/1363111.html http://www.voanews.com/content/in-zambia-bush-joins-fight-against-cervical-cancer/1363111.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:49:14 -0400 Africa Brian Padden Nigerian officials announced a $4.5 billion deal that will see the country partner with US company Vulcan Petroleum Resources to build six oil refineries in Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil producer. Vulcan said its goal is to build the first two facilities within one year and complete all six within the next 30 months.  It said the various refineries will be located at different sites throughout the country. Umaru Dembo, a former Nigerian energy minister, said the announcement was a ... http://www.voanews.com/content/nigeria-looks-to-build-six-oil-refineries/1363082.html http://www.voanews.com/content/nigeria-looks-to-build-six-oil-refineries/1363082.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:32:41 -0400 Africa Ricci Shryock The international organization Committee to Protect Journalists says the Ethiopian government is stepping up efforts to control the Internet, both by preventing access to certain websites and by blocking users from software used to circumvent the censors. CPJ spokesman Danny O'Brien says the government of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has been blocking major news sites and key blog hosts since 2005. O'Brien says the government intensified its blocking efforts earlier this year. He says ... http://www.voanews.com/content/cpj-rips-ethiopian-cracdown-on-journalists/1363070.html http://www.voanews.com/content/cpj-rips-ethiopian-cracdown-on-journalists/1363070.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:20:50 -0400 Africa VOA News As Egypt struggles to get back on its feet after 16 rocky months of revolution and military rule, the country's young Olympians are hoping to do the seemingly impossible under the circumstances, medal at the 2012 Olympics in London.  That's even tougher for pentathlete Aya Medany, 24.  As if training for one event were not hard enough, Egypt's Medany competes in swimming, horseback riding, fencing, and combined shooting and running. "When I say that I play five ... http://www.voanews.com/content/medany-hopes-to-be-1st-egyptian-woman-to-medal-at-olympics/1363057.html http://www.voanews.com/content/medany-hopes-to-be-1st-egyptian-woman-to-medal-at-olympics/1363057.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:41:03 -0400 Africa Elizabeth Arrott & Japhet Weeks GENEVA — The World Food Program says it is scaling up its humanitarian operation in West Africa’s Sahel region to assist 10 million people critically short of food. WFP says among the beneficiaries will be 1.3 million people in Mali, including 300,000 internally displaced within the country. In April, the government of Mali estimated that almost three million people living in drought-affected areas were food insecure. More recently, the WFP estimated that 1.6 million people in the regions of ... http://www.voanews.com/content/world_food_program_sahel_mali_famine_drought/1360874.html http://www.voanews.com/content/world_food_program_sahel_mali_famine_drought/1360874.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 13:07:58 -0400 Africa Lisa Schlein http://www.voanews.com/content/world_food_program_sahel_mali_famine_drought/1360874.html#relatedInfoContainer DAKAR — The armed group Ansar Dine is destroying shrines to Muslim saints in the ancient city of Timbuktu, saying the sites are idolatrous and un-Islamic. Residents of the northern Malian city say this is baseless and a false pretext. Some worry that condemnation by the international community only provokes Ansar Dine to expand the destruction. In Mali and in other parts of the world where extremist groups have destroyed shrines, the groups say the sites amount to idol worship and are ... http://www.voanews.com/content/un-moves-to-protect-historic-sites-attacked-in-mali/1360844.html http://www.voanews.com/content/un-moves-to-protect-historic-sites-attacked-in-mali/1360844.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 12:26:13 -0400 Africa Nancy Palus http://www.voanews.com/content/un-moves-to-protect-historic-sites-attacked-in-mali/1360844.html#relatedInfoContainer LAGOS, Nigeria — With its 18 million people and booming growth, Lagos faces numerous challenges. One of them is waste management. Once tagged one of the dirtiest cities in Africa, Lagos is making big progress, thanks to a new initiative which recycles waste and turns it into a natural fertilizer.   Waste traders Bustling, crowded and busy. Today is just another day at the Mile Twelve market in Lagos - one of the biggest markets in West Africa. Thousands of traders sell vegetables and ... http://www.voanews.com/content/lagos_recycles_waste_into_wealth/1360805.html http://www.voanews.com/content/lagos_recycles_waste_into_wealth/1360805.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 11:22:50 -0400 Africa Emilie Iob PARIS — As Algeria marks its 50th anniversary of independence from France, two exhibits in Paris explore a painful chapter in their shared history through very different lenses.  Algeria's war of independence from France has been retold many times - in movies and in history books on both sides of the Mediterranean. Today, the French Army Museum in Paris offers the latest narrative - casting a sometimes brutal look at 132 years of French colonial rule.  Exhibit curator, ... http://www.voanews.com/content/france-algeria-two-lenses-on-the-past/1360759.html http://www.voanews.com/content/france-algeria-two-lenses-on-the-past/1360759.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 10:51:41 -0400 Europe Lisa Bryant http://www.voanews.com/content/france-algeria-two-lenses-on-the-past/1360759.html#relatedInfoContainer BAYELSA STATE, Nigeria — Officials in Nigeria say new laws are expected to pass this year banning dangerous gas flares that are damaging the country's environment and health and wasting natural resources.  People in the oil-and gas-producing Niger Delta say the flares have been making people sick for decades, but past bans on the practice have largely been ineffective.   By day, gas flares in the Niger Delta—constantly burning flames atop large metal pipes—are an eerie reminder ... http://www.voanews.com/content/nigeria-mulls-gas-flare-crackdown/1360704.html http://www.voanews.com/content/nigeria-mulls-gas-flare-crackdown/1360704.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:10:23 -0400 Africa Heather Murdock http://www.voanews.com/content/nigeria-mulls-gas-flare-crackdown/1360704.html#relatedInfoContainer A pilot project is being launched in Malawi and Bangladesh to teach kids that math is fun and that it matters. Save the Children calls it the Numeracy Boost program. Former U.S. public school teacher Shirin Lutfeali helped plan Numeracy Boost, which she said is aimed at young children having difficulty even with simple math, like those in Malawi. “We found that the basic math skills were just not where we thought they would be. It really surprised us that in the 4th grade group that we were ... http://www.voanews.com/content/decapua-math-africa-2jul12/1353043.html http://www.voanews.com/content/decapua-math-africa-2jul12/1353043.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 06:29:22 -0400 Africa Joe DeCapua http://www.voanews.com/content/decapua-math-africa-2jul12/1353043.html#relatedInfoContainer Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf told members of her ruling Unity Party not to be used by those within the party who, she said, wish to advance their own political interests.  Some party members have called on Sirleaf to resign from the party because she has not done enough to provide jobs to party members. They reportedly want her to provide 2,000 scholarships and 300 jobs to members of the ruling party.  Jerolinmek Piah, Sirleaf press secretary, said, when it comes to ... http://www.voanews.com/content/liberias-ruling-unity-party-members-demand-jobs-and-scholarships/1353006.html http://www.voanews.com/content/liberias-ruling-unity-party-members-demand-jobs-and-scholarships/1353006.html Tue, 03 Jul 2012 01:09:06 -0400 Africa James Butty http://www.voanews.com/content/liberias-ruling-unity-party-members-demand-jobs-and-scholarships/1353006.html#relatedInfoContainer Bruce Nishimwe, a licensed pilot who works as a restaurant manager has a dream to become the first African-born black flyer to circle the globe. But, that’s not all. He also wants to give something back to his home country, Burundi. So, Nishimwe has partnered with Burundi Orphan Relief to help raise money that will sponsor his flight, as well as raise money for the non-profit in order to build a facility in Burundi. When he completes the journey the aircraft will be named Burundi ... http://www.voanews.com/content/burundi-pilot-plots-voyage/1352894.html http://www.voanews.com/content/burundi-pilot-plots-voyage/1352894.html Mon, 02 Jul 2012 16:24:57 -0400 Africa Ricci Shryock Nigeria's military says nine construction workers have been killed in the country's northeast, where militants from the Islamist group Boko Haram are active.  Military officials say the victims were working on a mosque in the city of Maiduguri. A military spokesman told the Associated Press that the victims' throats were slashed in the attack early Monday. Officials did not say who attacked the men. Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, has repeatedly suffered attacks ... http://www.voanews.com/content/construction-workers-killed-in-ni