By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – In its first formal response to a class-action suit filed by the Herero and Nama people of Namibia, Germany has asked a New York judge to throw out the suit as “inadmissible” because of “the principle of state immunity.” Representatives of the communities directly affected […]
Decision to Deport African Immigrants Sparks a Debate in Israel
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – Under a so-called “infiltrator’s law”, more than 1,000 African asylum seekers in Israel face deportation from Israeli detention centres starting in March. Speaking at a recent Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the harsh enforcement policy. “We are not acting against refugees,” he said. […]
Bookshops and Race: Nigerian Writer Speaks Out
By SWAN PARIS (IDN | SWAN) – “Are there bookshops in Nigeria?”, asked a French journalist of famous Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, igniting a firestorm on social media following an event in Paris on January 25. Many outraged observers accused the journalist of racism and ignorance, while lauding Adichie’s response “I think it reflects very poorly […]
Renewed Efforts to Develop Renewable Age Grip East Africa
By Justus Wanzala NAIROBI (IDN) – Heightened demand for energy, a shift in policy and the emergence of viable entrepreneurial innovations are propelling transition to sustainable energy in the East African region. This emerged during a two-day conference organised by Kenya’s Strathmore University‘s Energy Research Centre (SERC) in partnership with Renewable Energy Solutions for Africa […]
In the Shadow of Lumumba, Congolese Defy Protest Ban
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – Amid reports that pro-democracy activism in the Democratic Republic of Congo is feeling the lash from the unpopular government of Joseph Kabila who is under pressure to hand over power as the Constitution requires, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Congolese security forces “to exercise […]
Mounting Political Tensions Around Eritrea
By Klara Smits BRUSSELS (IDN) – The political situation around Eritrea is evolving rapidly, in both the Horn of Africa and Europe. Sudan has closed the border with Eritrea and deployed troops amid rising tensions while in the Netherlands, Eritrea’s top diplomat has been declared ‘persona non grata’ over the country’s practice of enforcing a […]
Her Legacy in Tatters, Celebrated Liberian Leader Faces Fury
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, one of the most celebrated African leaders in recent memory, will soon pass the baton to her successor, sports hero George Manneh Weah, amidst an outpouring of anger and claims of betrayal by members of her Unity Party whose candidate was trounced […]
Tanzania Pushing Gender Empowerment Despite Hurdles
By Kizito Makoye DAR ES SALAAM (IDN) – Despite efforts to promote gender equality, women and girls in Tanzania are still marginalised and largely under-utilised citizens – often suffering from discrimination and violence from their male counterparts due to a biased male-dominated system which often pushes women to the brink of survival. However, in line […]
Cameroon’s Catholic Bishops Fail to See Eye to Eye on ‘Anglophone Problem’
By Ngala Killian Chimtom YAOUNDE (IDN) – “It was like I was watching a horror movie” is how the bishop of Mamfe diocese in Cameroon’s South West Region described the scene he saw in the village of Kembong village. Mgr Andrew Nkea had visited the village in the wake of the deaths of four soldiers […]
Jailed U.S.-Cameroonian Professor and Writer Wins Release
By Lisa Vives, Global Information Network NEW YORK (IDN) – A New York-based university professor jailed for his writings critical of President Paul Biya of Cameroon has been released from prison after an outpouring of support from free speech activists, students and academics around the world. Stony Brook professor Patrice Nganang, who has dual citizenship […]