Tunisia in arrested development over human rights, says Amnesty

This article grabbed my attention because after everything the Tunisian people underwent last year in the Arab spring revolution, they're still facing political problems in the country. "Protesters, who have continued to take to the streets in different parts of Tunisia to express their dissatisfaction with the slow pace of reform, have been met with unnecessary and excessive force." The international human rights violation agency is pointing out that the problem seems to originate from the new governing body and radical religious groups. They are suppressing the media and political activists, who are beaten, repressed, face injustices, and even torture and death. 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/23/tunisa-human-rights-amnesty

Cameroon journalist fights deportation

It sound like Charles Atangana of Cameroon is going through a deep personal crisis that he needs to resolve soon and luck is not on his side. He is facing deportation from England and possibly more torture and even death if he goes back to his country. Freedom of the press is not respected in Cameroon and this man is going to be just another victim of the state if he goes back, "Arbitrary arrests and criminal prosecution of journalists, as well as torture, have become routine forms of abuse against press freedom, inflicting huge damage to any confidence in the rule of law and democracy." This country is "one of the worst jailers of journalists in Africa". With a record like this, chances of a fair trial and survive in his native country are minimal.  

Unfortunately, the article does not go into more detail and does not specify the reason why he was tortured in Cameroon. Charles Atangana will need lots of luck to hopefully be able to stay in England and not go back to his country to face corrupted laws.

Sources: The Herald/NUJ/IFJhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/media/greenslade/2010/aug/02/immigration-cameroon

Gabon's French rejection hits us where it hurts

This is a perfect example of corruption in Africa. The first family of Gabon is being investigated on corruption charges by French authorities. So far the investigation has yielded "a portfolio of 33 luxury properties alongside 70 different bank accounts...and a fleet of luxury cars... " The acquisition of material goods by the first family in a country where the majority of the population is poor, appears to be a case of egoistical behavior and greed. In response the president of Gabon has responded by switching the official language from French to English.

There is one important issue this article is pointing out. It is indirectly emphasizing to the fact that France still has power over its old colonies. The French can do and undo as they wish: they confiscated many of the luxury items. Incidents like this perhaps are also bringing back colonial memories to the people of Gabon. The exception to this case is that the president of Gabon can strike back to the actions of Paris. Article writer Poirier states, "Here is another African country using language as a political weapon, a declaration of war even, albeit a pacific one." Indeed, Gabon changed their official language.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gabon

Eritrean refugees trapped by security fence at Israeli-Egyptian border

This article is about Eritrean refugees (including women and children) trying to enter Israeli territory. They are trapped between Egyptian and Israeli land in between a wall without food, and water just enough to survive. Unfortunately, for the refugees who are also Sudanese, Israel has very tough laws regarding the entry of foreigners to their country, because according to prime minister, Netanyahu, the flow of migrants "threatens our existence as a Jewish and democratic state". Even though a woman was pregnant and had a miscarriage while trapped in the border wall, Israeli soldiers did not let the refugees enter the country. Now human rights advocates have been criticizing Israel for refusing to let the foreigners in. 
I think this a severe case of human suffering at the fate of people who can help them. The laws in Israel appear to be simultaneously strict and inhumane. My understudying from reading the article is that these people prefer to beg for help in front of Israeli walls, rather than go back to Egypt and face trafficking extortion, or to their country to face persecution. Either way the refugees are in disadvantage. 

Kenya MP Ferdinand Waititu accused of 'hate speech'

This article really got my attention!! The deputy minister of Kenya has been order to be arrested for inciting racial violence towards the Maasai ethnic group. This call came following a speech DM Ferdinand Waititu gave that was posted on youtube. The reason for inciting violence was because a Maasai guard killed a child for stealing a chicken. Keriako Tobiko, director of public prosecutions in Kenya said that Mr. Waititu had incited violence and "feelings of hatred and hostility against the Maasai community," according to the paper. Now many of the country's Maasai leaders want him prosecuted. 

I find it horrific that in this country a person can be killed for taking a chicken. With articles like this one, I'm understanding more some of the conflicts created in Africa by people with different ethnicities. I'm sure situations like this happen in other places in the world as well. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19713466

Morgan Tsvangirai could face bigamy charges after second wedding

It seems that laws have changed in some parts of Africa. Contrary to what we have been discussing in class, having more than one wife is a crime in Zimbabwe. The prime minister of this country may just be in for trouble. A judge warned prime minister, Tsvangirai of possible charges if he decided to go ahead with his planned marriage last Saturday. His ex-wife claims the prime minister is still married to her under Zimbawe's tribal laws and is accusing him of bigamy, (A crime of marriage while one has a wife or husband still living, and from whom no divorce has been attained.)



http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/16/morgan-tsvangirai-face-bigamy-charge

Nigeria's shoppers rival Russia and the Middle East for West End spending

A positive aspect I found about Africa today--this continent is not all about genocide, starvation and deserts! Some countries like Nigeria are also making good progress.

I found this article interesting that many Nigerians are opting to travel to London and do their shopping there. Many of these shoppers in a country that is expected to be the biggest economy in Africa next year are "ringing up an average of 500 pounds in each shop where they make purchases-four times what the average UK shopper spends." Nigerians back home are facing high retail prices and abundant counterfeit merchandise, which causes them to do their shopping abroad.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/nigeria