Africa News Headlines for 14 December 2014

S. Sudan couple say inter-marriage a way to restore tribal unity
Source: Sudan Tribune

Bill Gates Says Africa Should Copy Asian Giants’ Economic Development, But Will It Work?
Source: Ventures Africa

Idris Elba backs Mirror fundraiser to save Sierra Leone's Ebola orphans
Source: Sunday Mirror

Robert B. Oakley, Envoy Deft at Tackling Crises, Dies at 83
Source: The New York Times

Khoisan people of South Africa were once the most populous humans on Earth
Source: Ancient Origins

Museveni exits Kenya using a voter’s card
Source: Capital FM

ICC prosecutor halts Darfur war-crimes probe
Source: Aljazeera

Togo internet uptake lags
Source: Biztech Africa

Zuma: Electricity problems apartheid's fault
Source: Mail & Guardian

US, South Africa in a flap over chicken trade
Source: Moneyweb

Mobile phones aid healthcare innovations in Africa
Source: CNBC Africa

Angola Cables and Akamai Join Efforts in West Africa
Source: Productivity Applications @ IT Business Net

Israel’s Fight Against Poverty in Africa; Embassy Inaugurates Farm in Senegal
Source: The Jewish Press

After Barren Years in Somalia, Signs of Growth by the Bunch
Source: The New York Times

Solving Hunger in Ethiopia by Turning to Native Crops
Source: Newsweek

Uganda tops Africa in organic products export
Source: New Vision

Egypt's new regime is cracking down on the gay community
Source: Foreign Policy

DRC makes move to lure S.African private sector
Source: CNBC Africa

Ghana, Kenya bolster historic ties with new pacts
Source: GhanaWeb

Economics dominates Zambian politics
Source: SAPA

Mnangagwa cements his position as Mugabe’s successor
Source: CNBC Africa

Jonathan not afraid of Buhari –FCT minister
Source: The Sun

Ebola And Conflict Threatens Food Security In 38 Countries
Source: Newsroom America

Sudan Government To Invest $213 Million In Wind Energy Project
Source: Clean Technica

Somalia: Tribalism and Extremism Hinder Security
Source: Geeska Afrika

Renewable Energy: The Untold Story of an African Revolution
Source: Independent European Daily Express

Kenya's 'Maasai Olympics' fights dwindling lion numbers
Source: Daily Mail/AFP

In Nebraska, Sudanese immigrants are natural models, dedicated soldiers
Source: Omaha World-Herald

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African Leaders Speak at 2014 UN General Assembly - Part III

Nearly every sitting African head of state has spoken during the opening debate of the 69th United Nations General Assembly, or is scheduled to do so.

Here are brief excerpts from the speeches delivered on Friday, September 26, with links to the full reported remarks, in chronological order.

For the speeches by African leaders that were delivered on  Wednesday, September 24, see this previous post. For those from Thursday, September 25, see this post.


His Excellency Hifikepunye Pohamba
President, Republic of Namibia

"Namibia supports the participation of women in peace-keeping and peace-building efforts around the world. In this context, we call for the full implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. Presently, Namibia has deployed one of the largest female police contingents to the African Union/United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur."

His Excellency Alassane Ouattara
President, Republic of Côte d'Ivoire

[UN summary] "Africa could not become 'the forgotten continent' in the struggle against terror, he said. Thanking bilateral and multilateral partners that had assisted his Government, he conveyed special thanks to the people of the United States for 'bold and outstanding' measures taken to assist West Africa in conquering Ebola. On the issue of climate change, he noted that final efforts were needed to achieve an agreement in 2015. Today his country was a nation at peace and work. Côte d’Ivoire had regained the confidence of its partners, and thanks to the cohesion of its citizens, economic growth was strong."

His Excellency Alpha Condé
President, Republic of Guinea

[UN summary] "Ebola was a serious epidemic, but it was not necessarily a death sentence. Guinea welcomed the nomination of a United Nations system coordinator in the ongoing struggle against Ebola, and thanked the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins sans Frontières, the Red Cross and political figures for their support. There was an urgent need to move forward in fighting the disease. On development challenges, the international community had to put an end to poverty which was continuing to hold nearly 2 billion people hostage. That was a question of dignity, justice and equality. While progress had been achieved on the Millennium Development Goals, the digital divide remained, and progress was needed on tackling malaria and HIV/AIDS-related issues."

His Excellency Denis Sassou Nguesso
President, Republic of the Congo

[UN summary] "Africa needed increased support from the international community, he said. That assistance was needed so that Somalia could escape the abyss, Mali could recover its unity, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo would not plunge again into violence. The continent also required help to halt maritime piracy, developing dangerously in the Gulf of Guinea, and reduce the spread of terrorism from the Sahel to the south of Africa. In Central Africa, insecurity was often not only the result of wars and armed violence, but of poverty and diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and Ebola. He was pleased by the solidarity shown by the international community in helping those African countries affected by the Ebola outbreak."

His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
President, Federal Republic of Somalia

"For many, I fear that their experience of Somalia is confined to films like the recent 'Captain Phillips' or re-runs of 'Black Hawk Down'. It is confined to the YouTube scenes of the horrific Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya. It is narrowed down to yet another title on a library bookshelf including the words, 'failed state'. It is limited to reference of a 'long war'.

"But if we were to shrink our gaze to just this small glimpse we would miss the beauty of a very different picture that we are painting right now in Somalia."

His Excellency Ali Ahmed Karti
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Sudan

[UN summary] "ALI AHMED KARTI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sudan, described his country's political transition, noting that President Omer al-Bashir had established national dialogue on such topics as rights, foreign relations, and the economy. The Government and opposition were aiming to agree on a way forward for Sudan. Sanctions against the country should be lifted and its debt forgiven, he stressed, describing the positive role Sudan was playing in the peace and security of its neighbours. There had been no interference when conflict broke out in South Sudan, he noted. Instead, Sudan had provided humanitarian aid and accepted 100,000 internally displaced persons. Efforts were also made to help resolve conflicts in the Central African Republic and Libya, while cooperation with Ethiopia and Egypt continued to ensure universal benefits from the Blue Nile. On Palestine, he urged support for Palestinian demands, saying that failure to protect them fuelled global extremism."

His Excellency Harry Kalaba
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Republic of Zambia

"Zambia is also concerned about the insecurity currently being experienced as a result of the instability in Ukraine. We have followed the counter accusations which point to the deep seated divisions and suspicions of a bygone era. Sadly, the human loss has been heavy, as the ordinary Ukrainian is caught in the middle of a crisis that is strongly influenced by foreign factors.

"Innocent civilians from other nations have also been drawn in, through the loss of lives on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. We share in the sorrow of the families and the nations that lost their loved ones in this human inflicted catastrophe. Zambia believes that the ordinary Ukrainian citizens are of the same view and desire nothing but peace, harmony and prosperity for their country. They should be allowed to enjoy these basic human conditions."

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Africa News Headlines for 19 August 2014

Plan early, Uganda sports federations urged
Source: Kawowo

Gender Commission criticises Uhuru’s Envoys list
Source: Kenya Satellite Network

United Nations warns Nigeria on dangers of open defecation
Source: The Guardian

UN predicts rapid urbanization in Uganda
Source: New Vision

African elephant numbers collapsing
Source: Nature

Legalising prostitution could 'boost' SA's economy
Source: Eyewitness News

Biggest porn watchers in SA revealed
Source: mybroadband

Museveni to water down anti-gay law
Source: Legalbrief Today

Africa needs ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ projects
Source; Business Day

Uganda criminalises HIV transmission
Source: GayNZ.com

The President of Gabon meets with Eni’s CEO
Source: Energy Global

Africa' top business school goes on show in Johannesburg
Source: Bizcommunity

Nigeria-South Africa forum to discuss intra-African trade
Source: SouthAfrica.info

Ugandan President Says Humanities Are Useless; Here’s Why He’s Wrong
Source: Ventures Africa

Partnership with Lagos is for skill acquisition, capacity building – Nigerite
Source: Business Day

UPDF Somalia troops not paid for six months
Source: The Observer

Ugandan archbishop acknowledges gays are “human beings”
Source: Metro Weekly

Arusha college launches degree in good governance
Source: Daily News

African Writers Rip U.S. Summit, Asking ‘For Whose Benefit?’
Source: Black Press USA

Middle Class in Nigeria, Others to Balloon, Says Standard Bank
Source: This Day Live

Crude Oil from Africa Surging to Decrease Dependency on Middle East
Source: Business Korea

Can South Africa's Tourism Boom Survive Its Own Government's Regulations?
Source: Travel Pulse

In Rural Kenya, Pressure Builds Against Female Circumcision
Source: Big News Network/VOA

Uganda’s Anti-Gay Law Masks The Real Scandal – 
A Growing Western Child Sex Trade In Africa
Source: The Daily Caller

Post US-Africa Summit Analysis: Kenya Won The Beauty Pageant
Source: AFK Insider

Ten Books for Approaching Religious Conflict in Nigeria
Source: Africa in Transition

Angola’s Benguela rail project is complete, says construction firm
Source: Out-Law.com

Diplomatic appointments unconstitutional, Uhuru told
Source: News24

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Africa News Headlines for 14 August 2014

Morocco Positioning Casablanca As Africa’s Financial Hub
Source: AFK Insider

National Intelligence Service director Michael Gichangi resigns
Source: Standard Digital

Prayers to stop porn TV in SA
Source: Bizcommunity

All Eyes on Africa
Source: Yale Global Online

Account for US trip, UPC tells Museveni
Source: New Vision

Gabon: pangolins killed for their bodyparts
Source: First Coast News

International Finance: “Somalia is Different”
Source: Africa in Transition

Kenya downplays security risks as it courts U.S. investment
Source: Reuters

How Morocco Could Take Over Western Africa
Source: Ozymandias

Aliko Dangote to Address Global Leaders at the 2nd Africa Global Business Forum in Dubai
Source: Premium Times

Kenya’s ‘Stone The Gays’ bill reportedly found unconstitutional
Source: Gay Star News

Botswana adopts combination prevention approach against HIV
Source: Star Africa

Lenku: Major security strides at US-Africa talks
Source: Capital FM

The Weakest Link of HIV Prevention in Africa – Contraception
Source: Inter Press Service

Bass holds town hall meeting on homophobic laws in Africa
Source: Los Angeles Wave

KQ will not suspend flights to West Africa over Ebola, 
Uhuru says world should not shun West Africa
Source: The Star

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New Africa Book of the Day - 30 July 2014

Somalia in Transition since 2006, by Shaul Shay

Release Date: July 31, 2014
Publisher: Transaction Publishers

This book picks up where its predecessor, Somalia between Jihad and Restoration, left off, examining international efforts to stabilize war-torn Somalia. It analyzes major political events in Somalia in the years since 2006, examining opportunities for restoration of the country based on the United Nations-backed plan known as the "Roadmap for the End of the Transition," improved security conditions, and international economics and financial support.

The author notes that the time of transition may be over, according to the timetable of the United Nations, but it is clear that the work of transformation is just beginning. In considering whether political and social chaos in Somalia is ending, Shay sees two possible futures. One possibility is the establishment of a reform government that unifies Somali society; another is continued strife that accelerates Somalia’s descent into the endless violence of a failed state.

Shay believes the international approach to Somalia requires a thorough reassessment. He argues it has been limited to two Western priorities—terrorism and piracy—while largely ignoring domestic issues of critical concern to Somalis. As a result, many Somalis have come to view those participating in the international effort as a foreign occupation.

Shaul Shay is author of Islamic Terror and the Balkans (2006), The Shahids: Islam and Suicide Attacks (2004), The Red Sea Terror Triangle: Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and Islamic Terror (2006), and Somalia between Jihad and Restoration (2010), among others. He is a senior research fellow of the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies and the International Policy Institute for Counter Terrorism (ICT) at the Interdisciplinary Center Herzeliya (IDC).

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Africa News Headlines for 30 July 2014

Remarks at the Presidential Summit of the Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
Source: U.S. Department of State

Obama announces creation of leadership centre in Kenya
Source: Capital FM

Oil outlook optimistic offshore Senegal
Source: UPI

Ethnic hate speech reveals roots of Kenya violence
Source: The News

Mobile money grows in Africa but hurdles remain
Source: Reuters

Somalia Growth is Encouraging
Source: The African Executive

US seeks to train African leaders
Source: Independent Online

Where Is Nigeria’s Boko Haram Going?
Source: Africa in Transition

Amama 'quitting' Kanungu
Source: The Observer

President Barack Obama meets young African leaders
Source: Standard Digital

Nigeria Can Become Major Regional Economic Force - McKinsey Report
Source: The African Executive

Bad times ahead for Kenya due to insecurity, experts warn
Source: Standard Digital

Kidnapping, Ransoms, and the Sahel
Source: Africa in Transition

New Air Force Chief named in major military changes
Source: Capital FM

How Anonymous and other hacktivists are waging war on Kenya
Source: The Washington Post

Stage set for US summit to be attended by 40 African leaders
Source: Standard Digital

Gabonese Health Workers On Strike Over Allowances
Source: Cameroon Tribune

Sushma Swaraj meets Ugandan foreign minister Sam Kutesa
Source: The Economic Times

Granada studying football development project in Gabon
Source: Inside Spanish Football

Uganda's anti-homosexuality law could be overturned in the courts
Source: PRI's The World

The Literature Police: Apartheid Censorship and Its Cultural Consequences
Source: Fair Observer

We Still Don’t Know How Deadly the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa Will Be
Source: FiveThirtyEight

Tullow realigns Africa exploration strategy in Q2 report
Source: Oil & Gas Technology

Activists want gay rights on Africa summit agenda
Source: Federal News Radio/AP

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Africa News Headlines for 20 June 2014

Local South Sudanese Plan Protest for President’s Arrival in U.S.
Source: KCRG-TV9

U.S-Africa Summit: Obama Rules Out Meeting With Jonathan, Others
Source: Daily Times

Africa suffers major brain drain
Source: eNCA

The most innovative country in Africa
Source: Business Tech

Rwandan farmers gain from EAX
Source: East African Business Week

Terrorism Insurance In Nigeria?
Source: Ventures Africa

Ebola myths help spread deadly disease
Source: The Independent

How big is Uganda’s drugs problem?
Source: The Independent

Teen Collects Baseball Gear for Children in Africa
Source: WBAY-TV

An American Radio Station That's Saying 'Jambo' To Kenyans
Source: NPR/All Things Considered

Shelter Afrique extends $9m loan to Uganda
Source: KBC

Nigeria Loses $15m To International Airlines Annually
Source: Ventures Africa

'The Other Man' - South Africa: film profiles last apartheid leader
Source: Sentinel & Enterprise/AP

Ford Drives Ahead With African Expansion Plans
Source: AFK Insider

Kenya woos Japanese investors
Source: East African Business Week

Africa ready to get money moving
Source: Financial News

Africa As Biggest Contributor Towards Boosting Global Food Production
Source: Ventures Africa

Africa’s under-development due to un-exploited women potential – ILO
Source: Lusaka Times

We promote Nigerian talents across Africa–John Ugbe, CEO, Multichoice Nigeria
Source: The Sun

How Chinese Urbanism Is Transforming African Cities
Source: Metropolis/ArchDaily

Somalia's al Shabaab claim responsibility for Kenya bus attack
Source: SABC

Pakistan for fulfilling development aid promises made to Africa
Source: Daily Times

Sierra Leone Fashion Company Brings Bitcoin to West Africa
Source: CoinDesk

Africa's Green Wall To Block Terrorism
Source: Forbes

Nigeria loses $3 billion annually to consumption of cattle skin-Expert
Source: StarAfrica

MSMGF: Injustice for Africa’s HIV positive people
Source: Gay News Network

Uganda: African leaders to establish rapid standby force with technical capability
Source: Geeska Africa

ENI signs deal to expand oil, gas exploration in Congo
Source: Reuters

KCA Deutag wins $170 million Sonangol jack-up contract
Source: Petro Global News

Meeting Tororo’s ‘Maggie Thatcher’
Source: The Observer

Nigerians in Uganda told to respect Ugandan laws
Source: New Vision

Uganda applauded for fighting hunger
Source: East African Business Week

African nations: Pakistan stresses need for fulfilling development aid promises
Source: Business Recorder

Ethiopia Determined To Intensify Campaign Against Terrorism, Says PM
Source: Bernama

Djibouti: Ambassador Tom Kelly, the first ambassadorial posting for the career civil servant
Source: Geeska Africa

Dangote: Africa’s Top Donor Raises New Bar in Philanthropy, Donates N30bn in Two Years
Source: This Day Live

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Africa News Headlines for 12 July 2014

Tobacco giant 'tried blackmail' to block Ugandan anti-smoking law
Source: The Guardian

GMO Bananas Must Pass Their First Test
Source: NPR/Here & Now

Oil hopes high for Sierra Leone
Source: UPI

Mbabane: Africa’s cheapest city
Source: Swazi Observer

Big Brother Africa contestants warned
Source: Nehanda Radio

Governments commit to fight malaria
Source: KBC

African Cities Ranked World’s Most Expensive
Source: Ventures Africa

Spread Of Palm Oil Production Into Africa Threatens Great Apes
Source: NPR

South Sudanese rebel leader in Djibouti on diplomatic tour
Source: Sudan Tribune

The Evolution of Foreign Aid Research: Measuring the Strengths and Weaknesses of Donors
Source: Brookings Now

Abingdon man claims African land to make good on promise to daughter
Source: Bristol Herald-Courier

Kenya issues terror alert over travel to UK airports
Source: The Independent

Equatorial Guinea: One man's fight for rights in Africa’s most repressive dictatorship
Source: Daily Maverick

US Foreign Aid: Washington Gives Billions, But Is It Money Well Spent?
Source: International Business Times

No one-on-one meeting for Obama, Uhuru
Source: The Star

Quakers have ‘underground railroad’ to help gay Ugandans escape the country
Source: Pink News

UD program nurtures civics skills for young African leaders
Source: Delaware Public Media

Uganda anti-gay ruling criticized as 'flawed'
Source: Billings Gazette

Misogyny not limited to ‘backward’ Africa
Source: Cape Argus

The Extinction of Bananas? Global Banana Industry at Risk Due to Deadly Pathogen
Source: Latin Post

Democratic Congressional Candidate Offers $100K For Nude Pics Of Teen Hunter
Source: Daily Caller

Texas teen hunter Kendall Jones: Without hunting, 'no infrastructure for wildlife management'
Source: Politifact

Somali delegation completes course on election management
Source: Mareeg

Africa News Headlines for 7 July 2014

Pistorius: Last witness testifies for defense
Source: Seacoast Online

Swimming S. Africa Disciplines 2 Athletes For Sex In Front of Minor; Punishment Deemed Lenient.
Source; Swimming World

Bill Gates’ new milk can helps organize Africa’s milk supply
Source: Dairy Herd Management

Zimbabwe: Tsvangirai scoffs at Mugabe’s “failed ideas”
Source: StarAfrica

US Startup Recycling Smartphones To Combat Poaching In Africa
Source: AFK Insider

Beyond the Rhetoric: U.S. Late in Courting African Leaders
Source: Black Press USA/NNPA

Why Saving Africa’s Elephants Matters More Than You Ever Imagined
Source: One Green Planet

World Pension Summit Africa Commits To Shaping The Future
Source: Channels

Risk And Opportunity Analysis for African Countries
Source: Ventures Africa

New thinking needed on food aid for refugees in Africa
Source: IRIN

Africa Rising: Prospects for the Hopeful Continent
Source: Diplomatic Courier

Young philanthropists raise thousands for clean water in Africa
Source: KCTV

Out of Africa: mobile phone banking surges in EM
Source: Financial Times

NBA legend Mutombo, Israelis team up to help Africa
Source: Times of Israel

Big Agriculture Looks to Africa
Source: Triple Pundit

Jill Biden talks women's issues on Africa tour
Source: Politico

US travel warnings, 'Out of Africa' is more a strategy than a summer read
Source: PRI

Nairobi rally criticises Kenyatta government
Source: Aljazeera

Moroccan exports to Sub-Saharan Africa increase
Source: Fresh Plaza

Uganda, Gabon added to MobileRecharge.com’s top up list
Source: IT Web Africa

Marines, sailors partner with task force in Gabon
Source: DVIDS

'40 percent' of Madagascar budget lost to corruption: PM
Source: Yahoo! News/AFP

LRA Defectors Say No One Has Seen Joseph Kony In Years
Source: Huffington Post/AP

Ethiopia’s Juba deployment alters regional dynamics
Source: The East African

Amisom, Somalia army using child soldiers
Source: The East African

Politics and terrorism: Kenya's ticking time bombs
Source: Institute for Security Studies

Can Africa learn from China?
Source: New Vision

Uganda's Anti-Gay Bill 'Misinterpreted' By International Donors, Officials Claim
Source: Huffington Post/Reuters

East African Presidents Support Launch of Regional Exchange
Source: Wall Street Journal

How NRM has failed to kill 'Mbabazi 2016'
Source: The Observer

Morocco urged to stop jailing gays
Source: News24

New Africa Book of the Day - 26 June 2014

Education in East and Central Africa, by Charl Wolhuter

Release Date: June 26, 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic [Kindle Edition]

Education in East and Central Africa is a comprehensive critical reference guide to education in the region. With chapters written by an international team of leading regional education experts, the book explores the education systems of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome, Gabon, the Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The book critically examines the regional development of education provision in each country as well as recent reforms and global contexts. Including a comparative introduction to the issues facing education in the region as a whole and guides to available online datasets, this handbook will be an essential reference for researchers, scholars, international agencies and policy-makers at all levels.

Charl C. Wolhuter is co-editor (with Alexander W. Wiseman) of The Development of Higher Education in Africa: Prospects and Challenges (2013) and (with K.G. Karras) of the two-volume International Handbook on Teachers Education Worldwide (2010). He also edited South Africa in Focus: Economic, Political and Social Issues (2013). Wolhuter teaches in the School of Education of North-West University, South Africa.

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.

Africa News Headlines for 26 June 2014

Gabon Bound Airplane Disappears in Camerounian Airspace
Source: This Day Live

Zuma is Africa's third most followed leader on Twitter
Source: TimesLIVE

Nigeria promises to meet EU's long term gas supply needs
Source: Platts

Russia offers to train Kenya police on anti-terrorism
Source: KBC

Security Hazards of Being a FIFA World Cup Spectator
Source: Africa in Transition

ISS: Kenya's dilemma in Somalia - to withdraw or not to withdraw?
Source: defenceWeb

China-Africa Relations: More Room for Improvement
Source; The African Executive

Cuban Vice-president Heads Delegation to African Summit
Source: ACN

The world is aTwitter as more world leaders connect
Source: Miami Herald

US Congratulates Madagascar on Democratic Milestone
Source: Voice of America

The Gorilla vet teams who treat infants orphaned by poachers and combat disease to help numbers regrow
Source: Daily Mail

AU Says It's Progressing to Military Force by End of 2015
Source: Voice of America

Does Nigeria have an image problem?
Source: BBC News

WHO Issues Update on Polio in Central Africa
Source: Infection Control Today

Nigeria aims for investment hub as appetite for South Africa wanes
Source: Business Day

Africa News Headlines for 9 June 2014

Gabonese Swimming Federation Holds First National Championship Meet
Source: Swim Swam

The 10 Hottest Travel Destinations Of The Future
Source: Business Insider

Doing business with Africa: Potential and challenge
Source: Dynamic Business

Oscar winner Nyong'o named MTV Africa 2014 personality
Source: Ahram Online/AFP

The legacy of an African web pioneer
Source: Financial Times

Airtel targets Africa’s ‘unphoned’ market
Source: IT Web Africa

Africa: Frontier of the ‘Golden Age of Gas’?
Source:  Energy Global

Public-Private Partnerships: Way to go for Africa
Source: The Southern Times

Boko Haram may expand reach: expert
Source: SAPA

Mobile internet usage on the increase in sub-Saharan Africa—Report
Source: Nigerian Tribune

Africa’s sports bars, TV shacks step up security for World Cup
Source: First Post

Nature Is Talking And Africa’s Legislators Are Listening
Source: Inter Press Service

Man Sentenced For Shipping Stolen Cars To Africa At Port Of Baltimore
Source: WJZ13/AP

Africa’s betrayal by African leaders
Source: San Francisco Bay View

Lawyers Discuss Illicit Flow of Money from Africa
Source: Voice of America

Supporting Women Farmers Is The Key To Africa's Continued Progress
Source: Forbes

Report: Nigeria Has Largest Displaced Population in Africa
Source: Voice of America

2014 World Cup Moment of Truth for Africa
Source: The Southern Times

Obama's High-Risk Africa Summit
Source: U.S. News & World Report

Somalia: UN Special Envoy commended Regional Anti-Piracy Authorities
Source: Geeska Africa

Cameroon and Chad to study 700km rail link
Source: International Railway Journal

China adopts a more hands-on approach to the conflict in South Sudan
Source: South China Morning Post

Regional Heads of State to Meet in Ethiopia
Source: Voice of America

Lamido Sanusi named as new emir of Kano in Nigeria
Source: BBC News

Kenya upbeat on ocean deal with Somalia
Source: Midnimo

Why Are Africa's Militaries So Disappointingly Bad?
Source: Foreign Policy

Africa News Headlines for 2 June 2014

A Frozen Conflict in the Sahara Still Enflames Morocco, Polisario
Source: The Washington Diplomat

How Africa is out-innovating Silicon Valley
Source: Boston Globe

Models of Development and Experiential Learning in the Niger Delta
Source: Brookings/Africa in Focus

Investors keen on Kenya
Source: East African Business Week

Bombings threaten Kenya growth goals, open new strains with wary West
Source: Reuters

Bright future – the key factors driving economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa
Source: Legal Week

Ugandan troops to remain in Somalia
Source: The Africa Report

Why Africa’s economic growth is not reducing poverty
Source: How We Made It in Africa

Africa's climate policies burned by firewood dependence
Source: Thomson Reuters Foundation

Is Africa the emerging market of the decade?
Source: Bizcommunity.com

As it plans its own future, Africa engages with the world
Source: Sierra Express Media

Obama called for more SDF involvement in Africa
Source: Japan Times

IOC president indicates hope to stage Olympics in Africa
Source: The National

Spain doing its bit for Africa’s renewal
Source: BD Live

Malawi's president looks to China and Russia
Source: Aljazeera

Turnover In Gabon Mobile Telephony Sector Growing Steadily
Source: SpyGhana

On Morocco, Its Western Allies, and Africa Policy
Source: Huffington Post

South African Making Bid to Lead African Development Bank
Source: Wall Street Journal

New China-Africa Development Fund Could Add Accountability, Transparency to Chinese Investments in Africa
Source: Huffington Post

Publisher Crusades Against Female Genital Mutilation in Africa
Source: Voice of America

The need for speed: Why Africa's datacenters are still trailing behind
Source: ZDNet

The consequences of the U.S. war on terrorism in Africa
Source: Aljazeera America

Nigeria: Addressing Boko Haram’s Roots
Source: Africa in Transition

Africa News Headlines for 25 May 2014

INTERVIEW-Oil-dependent Gabon seeks to diversify economy -president
Source: Thomson Reuters Foundation

Anura Perera yet to sue Kenya for new demands on Anglo Leasing
Source: Standard Digital

Millennium Villages Project in Africa remains a trend-setter
Source: Gulf Times

Zambia, Uganda, Nigeria, SAPP top winners at African Utility Week Awards
Source: Biztech Africa

Nigeria’s Ventures Magazine Lists 55 Billionaires in Africa
Source: Eurweb

South African Prince wants Brecon Museum to hand over spoils of Anglo-Zulu war
Source: Wales Online

Valid dreams- Lupita Nyong’o, an inspiration for Africa's youth
Source: Seychelles News Agency

Mining industry continues to threaten East Africa’s flamingos
Source: Birdwatch

'The Race to Save Africa's Fastest Cats'
Source: Keene Sentinel

Africa’s First Openly Gay Member of Parliament
Source: O-blog-dee-o-blog-da

There is need today to reflect on why African countries remain underdeveloped-Constitution Grand Coalition
Source: Lusaka Times

Jonathan was not booed in South Africa – Presidency
Source: Daily Post

Obama not seeking plans for US troops to rescue Nigerian girls
Source: Stars and Stripes

Let Africa’s activists attend gay rights conference: Editorial
Source: Toronto Star

Somali minister quits over al-Shabab attack
Source: Aljazeera

Innocent People Die as Crime Soars Across South Africa
Source: Liberty Voice

On Africa Day, Ban urges leveraging continent's potential for the good of all people
Source: UN News Centre

Mbabazi booed as Museveni skips Kanungu event
Source: The Observer

The real financiers of Boko Haram — an alternative viewpoint - PUNCH
Source: Nigerian Bulletin

Etisalat Expands To 11 African Countries
Source: Leadership

Africa News Headlines for 8 May 2014

Snip Decision: Africa's Campaign To Circumcise Its Men
Source: NPR All Things Considered

Michelle Obama's hashtag help sign for Nigerian girls irks Twitter critics
Source: Washington Times

How Africa Can Capitalize on Its Progress
Source: Wall Street Journal

South Africans disappointed by growing inequality
Source: Marketplace

Examining the state of media freedom in Southern Africa
Source: Bizcommunity

36 million arrivals and counting: Sub-Saharan Africa keeps growing
Source: TTG Digital

We Must Break Money Transfer Monopolies in Africa, Says WorldRemit
Source: MarketWatch

Cost of Somali piracy falls, but West Africa piracy increasing: Report
Source: Business Insurance

Civil War Invades An Elephant Sanctuary: One Researcher's Escape
Source: NPR Morning Edition

Report says Africa loses 50 bln USD in illicit cash flows
Source: Shanghai Daily

Nigeria, South Africa partner to push intra-African economic integration
Source: Business Day

Security Worries Cloud African Economic Picture
Source: Wall Street Journal

Global cost of Somali piracy 'halved' in 2013
Source: Aljazeera

Let’s reduce trade barriers, Uhuru tells Abuja panel
Source: Daily Nation

Peacekeeping Missions Lack Trust In Central African Republic
Source: NPR Morning Edition

Hell Is an Understatement: A report from the bloody, crumbling Central African Republic
Source: The New Republic

LRA leader within S. Sudan’s disputed region, says UN
Source: Sudan Tribune

An Hour With Africa’s Richest Man
Source: TIME

ANC losing parliamentary seats in South Africa's elections
Source: The Africa Report

France to Keep Troops in Africa Against Extremists
Source: ABC News/AP

China Proposes China-Africa Regional Aviation Plan
Source: Channels

Africa Features High On Emirates Airline Priority List
Source: Wall Street Journal

Fast growing retail and e-commerce in Africa offers Huge potential – DHL
Source: PC Tech

Content nodes to accelerate Africa’s Internet
Source: Biztech Africa

U.S. Team To Assist Nigeria In Locating Kidnapped School Girls
Source: NPR Morning Edition

Kenya: Uhuru Kenyatta Helped Launch a “Visa free travel in Africa”
Source: Geeska Afrika

Africa Should Not Follow China's Model, Beijing's Ambassador Says
Source: Forbes

What’s Wrong With the Electrify Africa Act
Source: The Nation

Africa News Headlines for 29 April 2014

Differences over future of Tanzania's union government cloud jubilee anniversary
Source: Sabahi

DRC is Afreximbank’s newest member
Source: Star Africa

Dos Santos on European charm offensive
Source: SAPA

Rwanda: RwandAir Express starts flight to Cameroon
Source: African Manager

Erykah Badu under fire for singing to Swazi King
Source: Mail & Guardian

Cameroon Signs Deal To Build First Tramway
Source: Ventures Africa

South Africa: The ANC monolith cracks
Source: Socialist Worker

Hydro-rich Guinea seeks firms to operate state-owned utility
Source: HydroWorld

Africa cheated of billions annually
Source: New Vision

SOMALIA: Defense Minister tours Sudanese military facilities, asks military support
Source: RBC Radio

UW Lab School Plans Africa Event Thursday
Source: UW News

Why the dangerous new turn for piracy matters
Source: CNN

Electrification in Africa, a question of credit to pay for it
Source: Oman Daily Observer

Climate change to intensify important African weather systems, Stanford scientists say
Source: Stanford News

Uganda says planning tougher law limiting gay sex, foreign NGOs
Source: Reuters

Giant South African 3D printer prints another printer
Source: htxt.africa

Editorial: Is Africa’s Luxury Market As Promising As it Seems?
Source: AFK Insider

President Uhuru Kenyatta signs Kenya polygamy law
Source: BBC News

South Sudan’s Kiir warns against imported solutions for African problems
Source: Sudan Tribune