Africa News Headlines for 30 June 2014

Oscar Pistorius murder trial: live
Source: The Telegraph

Trade volumes strengthening Zambia-Japan ties
Source: Zambia Daily Mail

Yahsat Targets 600m Africans With Satellite Broadband
Source: Leadership Newspapers

Buying Into Paradise – Mauritius Woos Foreign Investors
Source: Ventures Africa

South Africa to commemorate Mandela Day
Source: Korea Times

The case for capital market integration in West Africa
Source: Business Day

African successes clouded by lack of economic data
Source: Ecns.cn

Tunisia should look to sub-Saharan Africa to expand growth
Source: Al-Monitor

Yale musicians study West Africa's drumbeats, a village at a time
Source: Christian Science Monitor

Rise of Africa opens up new opportunities
Source: East African Business Week

Back to the future? Battling Jihadis in Africa
Source: Journal-Pioneer

Stunning Pictures: Inside Africa's Last Wetland Wilderness
Source: National Geographic

UN determined to help Africa fight terrorism
Source: New Vision

Growth in Africa outperforms SWIFT’s global growth
Source: Business Day

Rothschild fund raises US$530mil to invest in Africa
Source: The Star Online

Electrify Africa and Save Hundreds of Millions of Lives
Source: Forbes

West Africa can’t manage the Ebola outbreak
Source: Washington Post

Oscar Pistorius murder trial to resume after psychiatric evaluation
Source: CNN

This Week's Africa Holidays - Mozambique, Madagascar & Djibouti

This week three African countries celebrate their independence days -- Mozambique yesterday (June 25), Madagascar today (June 26) and Djibouti tomorrow (June 27).

Mozambique
Located in southeastern Africa (where it borders several countries:  Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, with Madagascar across the Mozambique Channel to its southeast.)

Mozambique gained its independence from Portugal in 1975, only to descend into civil war two years later, a conflict that was not ended until 1992. With the advent of a multiparty system, the country became a democracy and has been politically stable for the past two decades. The country's population (as of 2011) is about 24 million.

In his holiday message to the people of Mozambique, U.S. Secretary of State noted his personal ties to the country. (His wife, Teresa, was born and raised in the country.) Said Kerry:

Mozambique is a longstanding partner of the United States. Together, our countries are working to ensure peace, progress, and shared prosperity for all. We are especially proud of our joint efforts to strengthen democracy, promote economic growth, and combat the scourge of wildlife trafficking and other transnational crimes.

Madagascar

The Republic of Madagascar (formerly known as the Malagasy Republic) is located on the fourth-largest island in the world, off the east coast of the African continent in the Indian Ocean. It gained independence from France in 1960 and its 2012 population was about 22 million.

The Malagasy people first arrived from Borneo sometime between 350 BCE and 500 CE. Anthropologists believe this makes Madagascar one of the last land masses to be settled by humans.

Secretary of State Kerry said in a congratulatory independence day message to the people of Madagascar:

This year’s anniversary carries special significance as the first since Madagascar’s return to democratic rule.

We encourage the newly elected government to show its commitment to the Malagasy people by governing with transparency and respect for human rights and the rule of law. In times of crisis, we worked with you to advance the health and well-being of all your citizens. Now, in times of hope and opportunity, we look forward to deepening our partnership for peace and shared prosperity.

Djibouti
The smallest country by land area in Africa, Djibouti occupies a total area of just 8,958 square miles (23,200 square kilometers). It borders Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia and is the home of the only U.S. military base in sub-Saharan Africa, Camp Lemonnier.

First known during the colonial era as French Somaliland, it became the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas in 1967, ten years before Djibouti became independent of France in 1977. Its current population is about 811,000.

To celebrate independence day, shopkeepers decorate their premises with the national colors (blue, green, and white) and the red star of the Djiboutian flag. The people also mark the day with parades, fireworks, concerts, and dances.

This year, at least one foreign dignitary is visiting Djibouti to commemorate the holiday:

Somalia’s Parliament Speaker Mohamed Osman Jawari has started a three-day official visit to Djibouti where he will meet members of the government and Members of the Parliament.

Speaker Jawari accompanied by MPs from Somalia Federal Parliament has received a cordial welcome at Djibouti’s International Airport on Tuesday afternoon where he spoke to the local media.

Today's Africa Holiday: Seychelles National Day - 18 June 2014

Today the people of the Republic of Seychelles celebrate their national day.

The holiday commemorates the country's return to a multiparty, democratic constitution in 1993. (Independence Day in the Seychelles takes place on June 29, marking the date the country became independent of Great Britain and joined the Commonwealth.)

National day celebrations in the Seychelles include military parades, a state of the nation address by the president, flower shows, and music concerts.

This year's national day celebrations coincide with a state visit by Dr. Jorge Carlos de Almeida Fonseca, the president of another African island nation, Cape Verde.

In a statement released June 17, U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry wrote in part:

The lengthy and cordial history of U.S.-Seychellois relations illustrates the affinity between our nations, both of which prize diversity and economic opportunity.

The United States appreciates Seychelles’ continuing efforts in support of regional security. Your work to prosecute and incarcerate suspected pirates has made the world’s ocean a safer place. We share your hopes for growth as a tolerant, vibrant society with an active role promoting stability throughout the Indian Ocean region.

We also look forward to working together to sustainably manage our shared ocean resources. No one knows better than Seychelles that our ocean is a precious resource under the threat of pollution, overfishing, and other human impacts. The ocean’s future is our future, and it deserves our attention.

For a relatively recent history of the Seychelles, see Deryck Scarr's 2000 book, Seychelles Since 1770: History of a Slave and Post-Slavery Society. The country's first president, James Mancham, published a memoir in 2009 called Seychelles Global Citizen: The Autobiography of the Founding President.

Africa News Headlines for 27 April 2014

Desmond Tutu: I'm glad Nelson Mandela is dead
Source: The New Zealand Herald

Ernest Bai Koroma led Govt. receives $25M grant from World Bank
Source: Sierra Express Media

Arusha prepares for presidents
Source: East African Business Week

Zimbabwe opposition in disarray
Source: Financial Times

South Africa celebrates 20 years since apartheid
Source: Oman Daily Observer

Election violence flares in South Africa's platinum mining belt
Source: Buenos Aires Herald

Delivering for the born-free generation
Source: Financial Times

Scottish charity donates to Tanzania floating hospital
Source: East African Business Week

Survivors of Ebola face second 'disease': stigma
Source: Hutchinson News

Manhunt! Kenya Poaching Patrol Seeks Killers of Six Elephants
Source: TakePart

Tanzania marks 50th anniversary of Union Day
Source: ENCA

Indian exports to W Africa post 22% growth
Source: Gulf Times

Young African Entrepreneurs Share Their Secrets to Success
Source: Atlanta Black Star

Economists Fear Impact Of China’s Slow Growth For Africa
Source: Investing.com

East Africa To Access Facebook On Tigo Free Of Charge
Source: SpyGhana

John XXIII, John Paul II, and the Quest for Peace in Africa
Source: The Catholic World Report

Somalia-bound airlines complain of undercutting by rivals
Source: Mareeg Media

Today's African Holidays - 27 April 2014

Today three African countries celebrate national holidays. It is Independence Day in Sierra Leone and Togo. It is Freedom Day in South Africa.

As the BBC reported on April 27, 1961:

Sierra Leone has become the latest West African state to win independence, after more than 150 years of British colonial rule.

The new nation was born at the stroke of midnight, when its green, white and blue flag was unfurled. A huge crowd, gathered at Brookfields Playground in Freetown to watch the historic moment, broke into tumultuous cheering.

Independence Day formally began as the Duke of Kent handed over royal instruments recognising Sierra Leone as an independent nation.

In a press statement dated April 25, 2014, U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry said, in part:

We are all profoundly aware that Sierra Leone is becoming one of Africa’s greatest success stories. When I was Senator from Massachusetts, the suffering of Sierra Leone was not just an issue on the Foreign Relations Committee; it became personal because my state became a haven to so many Sierra Leoneans fleeing violence and grievous wounds. I came to know children who had lost parents and parents who had carried on after losing their children. They dreamed of a day when their home would be peaceful again.

Today, that is much more than a dream. Sierra Leone is a model post-conflict country. Although so many lost so much during the civil war, we have proudly witnessed how Sierra Leoneans summoned the will to pick themselves up and rebuild their country.

Togo was one of 17 African countries that gained independence in 1960. Most of those countries had been French colonies, and Togo was one of those.

Secretary also sent wishes to Togo on April 25, saying:

On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Togo as you celebrate your independence on April 27.

Our two countries enjoy a strong partnership. The United States appreciates Togo’s efforts to promote regional peace, expand economic opportunity, and fight transnational crime.

We look forward to continuing to work together in the years to come

Freedom Day in South Africa commemorates the first fully democratic elections held in the country in 1994, after the end of apartheid. It was that year that Nelson Mandela was elected president.

Secretary Kerry's message of congratulations (dated April 25) makes special mention of Mandela's legacy:

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I extend warmest wishes to the people of the Republic of South Africa on your Freedom Day on April 27.

This year’s celebration is especially poignant: it marks the 20th anniversary of your nation’s first democratic elections and follows the recent passing of the Rainbow Nation’s beloved son, Nelson Mandela.

Madiba was a stranger to hate. He rejected recrimination in favor of reconciliation. On this 20th anniversary, we reflect on South Africa’s transformation in these two decades as a testament to the power of reconciliation, forgiveness, and hope.

This year also marks an important milestone for the United States as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, which expanded voting rights to racial minorities. Our own commemoration is yet another reminder of the work ahead in our shared struggle for democracy and human rights.

As you prepare to hold general elections next month – your fifth in the post-apartheid era – we remember the spirit of that historic election in 1994, one filled with tremendous hope, goodwill, and promise for a better future.

For further reference, David Harris's Sierra Leone: A Political History is scheduled to be published May 1. Samuel Decalo has compiled a Historical Dictionary of Togo (1996), which may be due for an update. Books about South Africa are numerous; one recent publication is The South Africa Reader: History, Culture, Politics edited by Clifton Crais and Thomas V. McClendon (2013).

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Today's African Holidays - 26 April 2014

Today the people of Tanzania celebrate Union Day.

This holiday marks the day in 1964 when Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form what was eventually called (six months later) the United Republic of Tanzania.

Last year, the Tanzania Daily News in Dar es Salaam reported with regard to the holiday:

World leaders including US President Barack Obama and Pope Francis have saluted Tanzanians for maintaining the 49-year-old Union between the then Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

In their separate congratulatory messages to President Jakaya Kikwete, the leaders wished Tanzania a prosperous Union and vowed to cement current co-operation with the country in all spheres of life.

President Obama said that the US would continue with the existing friendly relations with Tanzania, as the two countries have common vision on various issues such as democracy, economic prosperity and peace among nations.

"As your country continues to forge a more perfect Union to preserve and strengthen achievements of a modern and peaceful Tanzania, you will continue to have a steadfast friend and partner in the United States," President Obama was quoted as saying in the statement.

In his message sent through the Holy See in Dar es Salaam, Pope Francis said: "I send cordial greetings to you (President Kikwete) and your fellow citizens on the happy occasion of the Union Day.

"At the beginning of my pontificate, I gladly commend the Republic to the Providence of Almighty God and pray that its citizens may enjoy peace and well-being."

This year's Union Day falls on the fiftieth anniversary of the uniting of Zanzibar and Tanganyika.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry issued this statement of congratulations on Friday, April 25, 2014:

On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the citizens of Tanzania as you commemorate 50 years since the unification of Tanganyika and Zanzibar into the United Republic of Tanzania.

The United States remains committed to working with the people of Tanzania and building on the strong history of friendship between our nations.

We continue to work together in the fight against malaria and HIV/AIDS, and we celebrate our shared achievements in agriculture, education, and the environment. These accomplishments lay the foundation for a more secure and prosperous future.

As you celebrate in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Zanzibar, the American people wish you a joyous and peaceful Union Day.

Hongera na Kila la kheri!

For more information about the country, check out Tanzania: A Peace Corps Publication and the State Department's "country notes."