Attack on a Car with School Exam Papers

Today, 4 people were killed and multiple injured in an attack on a car carrying government officials They were transporting school examination papers in Kenya. The event occurred 68 miles from Mandera which is a border town of with Somalia. It is still unknown of who actually carry out with attack on the car, the Kenyan police have been giving different accounts of what actually happened.The Red Cross stated that the four that were killed in heavy machine-gun fire from a small car. In Kenya they suffer with insecurity and lots of incursions. This week already Kenya was shaken with a grenade attack in Nairobi the capital. Also a man pleaded guilty to being a part of the Islamic militant group Al-Shabaab Wednesday. This could possibly be in connection with the car incident says Kenyan Government officials. 

Metro System Finally Opens in Algeria's Capital

By: Alex Nunez

Twenty-eight years ago construction began on a metro system for Algiers, Algeria, and today it was finally opened. There was a ceremony where the President of Algeria, President Abdelaziz, used the brand new metro for the first time along with many eager residents. The metro runs on 6.5 km of track and has 10 stops that connect Algiers' Central Post Office with the suburb of Kouba. The building cost of the metro was about 1.2 billion USD. The cost of a single ride is $ 0.67, which most Algerians say is too high. Originally, construction began in the early 1980's but was halted when oil and gas demand collapsed and the Algeria economy went with it. Then in the 1990's the country descended into violence which further thwarted the completion of the construction of the metro. This was certainly an exciting Halloween treat for many of the residents of Algiers.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15532117

Death and Destruction? Stats show it's getting better.

Violence is everywhere. Drug wars in Mexico, war in the middle east, war in Africa, shootings in the USA, riots in Europe. Yet stats are showing this to be one of the most peaceful times in the history of mankind. This theory is the basis of three books, one of which is Harvard Psychologist Steven Pinker. He figures that, with evolution, we get smarter. With intelligence, violence declines. Over the centuries, the human race have developed a higher value on human life. Murder rates have fallen, racism has fallen, genocide has fallen, and discrimination has fallen, just as examples. Pinky says that even when you add terrorism, the world is far more peaceful."Terrorism doesn't account for many deaths. Sept. 11 was just off the scale. There was never a terrorist attack before or after that had as many deaths. What it does is generate fear," he said.

Despite it being a hard concept to understand, the numbers are still standing. Times now, although they don't seem like it, are the most peaceful in history

Paul Ford, News from Africa

Pa

Warning of a Terror Attack in Kenya?

Recently, the U.S. Embassy in Kenya have hinted that they have credible information of a terror attack, just a few days after the Nation announced it is sending troops to the country of Somalia to go against the Islamist militants. They state that the attack will most likely target more popular places that foreigners congregate in Kenya such as malls, night clubs, or libraries. Details have still not been release by the U.S. Embassy on who might carry out on such an attack. However, they are still taking precautions by limiting the U.S. government visits. They have been urging its citizens to consider to travel an alternative route than Kenya. This could be in connection with the recent alleged abductions of tourist and aid workers in Kenya, which has heighten the tensions of people. On September 11, bandits broke into cottage where Britons Judith and David Tebbutt were staying, David however, was shot dead and his wife was then grabbed and was taken away on a speedboat and reportedly taken to Somalia. Lastly, a French elderly woman who was in bad health died due to the fact that pirate kidnappers refuse to gave her medicine. Multiple things have been going on that has been in connection with Kenya in some way they need to be concerned.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/22/world/africa/kenya-us-warning/index.html

Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Changes Opinion on Gay Rights

By: Alex Nunez

Last year, Zimbabwe's Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, joined Zimbabwe's President in opposing gay rights. Now says that gay rights are human rights and that all Zimbabweans should respect them, including the conservative section of the population. Currently, homosexual acts are illegal in most African countries, including Zimbabwe because many people view is as un-Christian and un-African. The Prime Minister says that even though there is a strong feeling against homosexuality in Zimbabwe, he hopes to change that if he becomes president of the country. Both the President and Prime Minister have promised new political reform and there is even a draft of a new constitution being processed. The Prime Minister hopes that the new constitution will allow freedom of sexual orientation but there still might be doubts about the President's opinion. He once said that gays are "worse than pigs and dogs" and the Prime Minister once agreed with him. A possible reason for the Prime Minister's change of mind is that he would like Zimbabwe to be more like neighboring South Africa and have more of a liberal policy.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15431142

Vaccine reduces malaria in African children

A study finds that a vaccine has reduced malaria in African children. They would give children a shot that would lower their risk of getting malaria. The final results of the testing were released n Tuesday. The developers call this a milestone for the vaccine. But the vaccine wont be available for at least another 3 years. But the vaccine can still save thousands of lives. There must be further testing to see how properly the vaccine works. Tests show that the vaccine is 50% effective. Malaria kills about 1,000,000 people a year. GlaxoSmithKline developed the vaccine. Only 1500 cases of malaria are reported in the US a year. But millions of people die by malaria in Africa yearly. The testing started in 2009 and had 15,000 children involved. Right now they are waiting to see how the vaccine worked on younger children infants-6 year olds. We hope this vaccine helps and saves children lives.

Kenyan Troops push Attacks into Somolia

A mix of Kenyan troops and tanks travel 80 Km into the country of Somalia, while Kenyan aircraft bomb suspected terrorist locations. This is believed to be the first move in a plan to destroy the Islamist insurgent group al Shabab. al Shabab spokesperson threatened to attack the Kenyan capitol if the attacks did not cease. Kenya claims the attack to be in self defense, due to the many kidnappings, including the kidnapping of several european tourists. al Shabab denied all accusations, and claimed that the Kenyan Government was coming up with an excuse to invade the country. Neither side is backing down, and this conflict could lead to a lot of blood unless resolved soon.

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/kenyan-troops-press-assault-on-somalia-20111018-1ltrq.html

~Paul Ford, Your corresponder for news from the glorious continent of Africa

Wooden Train Powered by Humans?

Recently, in Liberia they have constructed a human-powered train. It is called the Liberian Express however, the locals like to call it the "Make-A-Rail". The train nothing really special however, it does what the people need it to do. It is far from large with its frame made out of wood running on ball-bearings. Being pushed by the operators of the Liberian Express and also the passengers as well to make its way down the tracks to arrive at their destination. The express has helped a lot of people get to where they need to cheaper and easier. "A lot of people, especially those with heavy commodities like charcoal, use these to take them to the market", explained one passenger, Fahnlon Gbakoyah. "It's cheap to transport and it's faster". The "Make-A-Rail can take up to 36 hours to the end of the railway line to Monrovia, Liberia's capital. By road it takes 3 hours but can cost roughly half the price. The Make-A-Rail goes through villages that do not have access to the roads which really helps them get to where they need to get too. Helps people who are villages that are sick get to a hospital safer and a lot quicker. The "Make-A-Rail" started in 1990 during the 14 year Liberia civil war. The only problem is that people get tired easily pushing the train so, stopping to take a 5 min is not out of the ordinary. This is a step in the right direction for the Liberian people.

Botswana Plane Crash Kills 7

By: Alex Nunez

On October 17, a plane crashed in the Okavango Delta region of Botswana. There were 11 passengers and a pilot. Three Swedish, five French, a British, two Botswana passengers. The pilot was also British. Of the seven that died, three were Swedish, both the British passenger and pilot died, and three of the five French tourists.  The other two French tourists and the Botswana passengers lived. The plane was headed to a popular destination for safari enthusiasts. The cause of the crash has yet to be determined but it is said that the pilot was one of the airline's most experienced.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15343061

South Africa against Walmart within the country

The company of Walmart in one fell swoop took
over South Africa by making a deal with "Massmart. Massmart is a leading brand in supermarkets in Africa.  Walmart now owns 51% of the South African based brand.

With the deal, Massmart hopes to to open 40 new outlets a year, and not just within the border of South Africa, but also in Nigeria, Malawi, and Zambia, where they already have some known presence.

People fear that the invading Empire will cause pay to be decreased, as well as destroying up to 4,000 jobs. These jobs would be in clothing, footwear, and other such stores due to Walmart's tendency to sell everything anybody could ever want.

The economics minister Ebrahim Patel said that the government must "Make a trade-off between consumption and jobs to protect the economy"

Walmart is an extremely powerful company, but to succeed on the continent, it must first make enough demand to supply before it can become any kind of real power in South Africa

~Paul Ford, Corresponding News from the glorious continent of Africa

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/oct/10/walmart-massmart-south-africa-merger?newsfeed=true

The Presidents of Sudan Want to Change?

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir went on his first visit to Khartoum since the nation declared independence. He has come to an agreement with Sudanese to have talks and to reach a final solution to the continuing problems between the two countries. Kiir states that him and his government is ready to discuss a final agreement for all of the outstanding problems they have. Kiri says most of the problems are about the borders, security and mostly the economy. They would like to sign a final clean agreement as soon as possible. This is the first time they have agreed to work together in a while. Many years of violence and with there being a referendum in January, South Sudan separated from Sudan July. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir want to have brotherly love between him and his new neighbor. The two countries are still at odd however, with the host issues when it comes to the borders, and sharing the oil revenues and the disputed oil-rich border district of Abyei. They have both agree upon committees to set a timetable to reach a final agreement.There have been five committees each focusing on a different topic. However tension has been rising between the two countries due to the conflicts the border Providences. Kiir states that "War is not a solution to our problems we have. The solution is sitting together and solving our problems."


CB:Kyle Gainey

T.V Station Attacked for Showing Animated Film "Persepolis"

By Alex Nunez

A scene from Persepolis

About 50 Islamists were arrested in Tunisia because they attempted to attack a telivision station. 300 people originally attacked the building and tried to burn it down. There were casualties but it has not been released how many. The reason that the television station was attacked was because it aired a French-Iranian animated film named "Persepolis" on it's network. The animated film is based on the autobiographical book by Marjane Satrapi. The film is considered blasphemous by some Islamists activists. Some scenes that really angered the activists were when the main character as a little girl is shown talking to god. It is also said by activists that the film insults Islam.

Sources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15233442

Politics are Heating Up.

Things are getting ugly in the political aspect in Cameroon. The current president Paul Biya has stated that supports and non supports are not pleased with his tactics and attitude in the presidential campaign thus far. Biya has almost been the president of Cameroon for 30 years. The electron day is October 9th and he is trying to take as many voters as possible to get re-elected for another term as president.It has also been reported that Paul has been planning to win through the rigging of the election and fraud. It is strange because there are 22 total candidates across the nation campaigning and Paul has not been seen anywhere across the field campaigning. Christopher Ambe stated that he is worried that his candidate is sitting in his air conditioned office and sending us to the field as if we are slaves. A very harsh statement from one of Paul's own supporters. He then continued on to say that young people are even being paid to by Biya's movement to support Paul and take the streets in support of the leader. Democratic front, John Fru Ndi whats the one who accused Biya of him attempting to rig the election. Ndi is now noted as the only candidate going to all 10 regions of the west African nation and looks like the top runner as of late. Uneven government distribution of money to campaign with has also taken in effect. Biya has 20 billion central African francs (40 million US) while the rest of the 22 candidates have less than 1 billion francs to split between themselves. It appears that not just Biya himself is rigging the race but the government by providing Biya with 40 times the amount of money then the average candidate.


-By Kyle Gainey 


CB:Kyle Gainey




http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/03/world/africa/cameroon-election-campaign/index.html

Maid Turns Celebrity Chef

Ghalia Mahmoud took only months for her to rise from a simple cook to a celebrity chef in post-revolution Egypt. She has given hope to the poorer class, and has become somewhat of a hero for them. "this is the new Egypt, a new era, a new Television, a new people-to-people talk, instead of authoritarian to people." Said TV executive Mohamed Gohar, adding "A lot of poor people see themselves in her"

On her show she makes simple foods with easy to get, cheap ingredients. Food such as "kack" which is a type of sugar cookie made with flour, eggs, yeast, and everyday spices. People from all over the country will call in to share recipes, and just to talk to the now famous chef. Her easy to make recipes and her laid back attitude make her more appealing to her viewers.

Her advice on cooking and success has made her a star

~Paul Ford- Your News Correspondent for corresponding news from the glorious continent of Africa

Floods in Algeria

By: Alex Nunez

On October 2nd, near a small village called el-Bayadh, there was a flood. This village is located near Algeria's capital, Algiers. 10 people died in this flood including three children who were swept away by an overflowing river. Also a mother and her baby are missing, they [also] could have been pulled down river. Hundreds of homes were also destroyed because of the flood, which obviously leaves many people homeless. Also many bridges and roads recived severe damage from the flood. During [the month of] October, Algeria usually experiences heavy rain fall which is most likey the cause of the flood.

CB: Paul Ford

Sources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15146194