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Vol 11 Issue 10
October 2019
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Maryland Governor’s Commission on African Affairs Hosts Business Forum
Afrikan Post
From the Editor
O u r G r ea tes t G lor y is n o t in n ever f allin g b u t in r is in g ever y time we f a ll . We ar e co mmittted to br in g in g th e commu n ity th e bes t in N ews f r o m Af r ica a n d th e D ia s por a . Yo u ju n e a ls o vis it o u r web s ite a t www.af r ikan po s t.com f o r d aily n ews u p d ates o n Af r ica . D is claimer : Th e o p in ion s ex pr es s ed in ar ticles a n d s tor ies in th is N ews pap er ar e th o s e o f th e a u th o r s an d do n o t n eces s ar ily r ef lect th e views o f Af r ika n Pos t . All commen ts a n d s u gges tion s ar e welco me.
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George Kwasi Bright Publisher and Editor
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CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Rwandan actress Oceanne Iradukunda to star in Hollywood TV series
Pg.35
African Union gives three best teachers $10,000 each at its first Continental Teacher Prize ceremony
Pg. 33 Russia ready to help Africa without conditions’ – Says Putin as he hosts 47 African leaders
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HER PAGE
You Have No Idea Pg. 11
Nigeria, South Africa Sign 10-Year Visa Agreement For Businessmen, Academics In New Deal After Attacks
Pg. 6
UPDATE Africa’s Richest Man Aliko Dangote Donates $20m To The African Centre In Ny To Change The Continent’s Narrative
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Mr. Reda Rami, Chairman & Founder of WINVESTNET (left) and H.E. Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, AU Permanent Representative to the U.S. (right), presenting the Africa Investment Award to AU Commissioner for Trade and Industry H.E. Albert Muchanga
NEWS FROM: GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
For immediate release: October 24, 2019 Contact: Soo Koo soo.koo@maryland.gov Prosper Africa & Maryland
Leveraging State, Federal Resources for Export of Maryland Businesses to Africa
College Park, MD – The Governor’sCommission on African Affairs and the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives hosted the 3rd annual Maryland Business Forum: Prosper Africa and Maryland, in partnership with the Prosper Africa initiative supported by multiple federal agencies and the African diplomatic community in Washington D.C. The forum discussed strategies on how to leverage U.S. government trade and investment support services, programs, and resources for businesses in Maryland for export and to connect Maryland’s goods and services with buyers, suppliers, and investment opportunities in Africa.
“Governor Hogan directed that we look beyond our borders for opportunities to forge effective international partnerships around the world and to support our ethnic communities here in Maryland,” said Steven McAdams, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives. “My office plans for
this forum to be a facilitation of sustained Africa trade and investment partnerships among the Prosper Africa initiative, African countries, and our great state of Maryland.”
In 2018, Maryland exported $12.1 billion of goods and services to the world and $310 million of them to subSaharan African countries. The state also maintains a network of many foreign trade offices overseas, including Africa.
Africa has been a significant trade partner for Maryland regarding the African Continental Free Trade Area has more than a billion consumers and a $3.4 trillion economic bloc. African business leaders from more than 200,000 African-born living in Maryland have played a key role to connect Maryland to Africa with their linguistic and cultural ties to African nations. Maryland is one of the top five states in the U.S. with the largest numbers of African immigrants.
The Governor’s Commission on African Affairs mission is to respond effectively to the needs and concerns of Maryland citizens who have immigrated from African countries through expanded outreach and engagement with individuals and organizations in the community.
Nigeria, South Africa Sign 10-Year Visa Agreement For Businessmen, Academics In New Deal After Attacks home over safety concerns.
During his visit to South Africa, Buhari and Ramaphosa both agreed that the recent spate of attacks is unacceptable and should never happen again.
“Our two countries have also agreed to address the challenges in our relations including …challenges that saw attacks against foreign nationals, including Nigerians, and their properties which we strongly condemn,” said Buhari.
“We have decided to work and take concrete measures together to prevent the reoccurrence of such unacceptable incidents in the future.”
Weeks after the deadly xenophobic attacks in South Africa that targeted Nigerians, both countries have reached an agreement on issuing 10-year visas to businessmen, academics and frequent travellers, the Punch reports.
The move was announced at the end of the 9th Bi-National Commission of South Africa and Nigeria meeting in Pretoria, South Africa, which had in attendance leaders of both countries.
Nigeria and South Africa signed the agreement during a meeting cochaired by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa. “The decision was taken to encourage more people-to-people contacts among citizens of both countries and further strengthen socio-cultural, economic and political relations,” a statement issued on Friday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity), Garba Shehu, said.
“At the meeting held at the Union Buildings, Presidential Palace of South Africa, the two presidents agreed on early warning signals to nip violence in the bud before it escalates, while taking into consideration the need to share more intelligence and promote stronger partnership in security. “Both countries also agreed to re-establish the consular forum, which is a structured arrangement where both governments meet regularly, at least twice in a year, to discuss the welfare of citizens. “The Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, and the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, signed the minutes of the 9th session of the Bi-National Commission,” the statement added.
Buhari was in South Africa for talks with Ramaphosa after recent xenophobic attacks.
In these waves of attacks, immigrants normally targeted are from Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe and other neighbouring countries who are accused of taking all the jobs and engaging in criminal activities, such as drug trafficking and theft.
Many of the shops and properties that were recently targeted in the attacks are said to be owned by foreign nationals, including Nigerians. Scores of these foreign nationals have, so far, taken up offers to return
The two leaders further agreed that competition for business in communities is the major cause of such attacks. “It’s a question of competition at a very low level where [local people] who have small shops feel [they must] belong exclusively to the indigenous people of that locality when it’s open to people from all over the world… “I think Nigerians know the stand of the leadership that when you are in Rome, you do what the Romans do,” Buhari said.
“The competition was as a growth of population… so it means our respective police forces and security agencies must be very alert.
“[They must] infiltrate the communities, know their thinking and make sure they don’t allow violence to escalate,” he said. Some South Africans, including high-profile members of the government, have, in the past, justified taking measures against the growing number of foreigners who they believe would soon take over the country if nothing is done.
However, immigrants in South Africa are actively contributing to the growth of the South African economy by engaging in and creating businesses while paying value-added tax which is generating revenue for the country.
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Kenyans To Use Mobile Phone Numbers As Post Office Boxes
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Kenyans will now be able to rent outpost office boxes using their mobile phone numbers and consequently receive letters and parcels through a service provided by the country’s biggest telecoms operator Safaricom.
The company, which is part-owned by South Africa’s Vodacom, targets 5 million new users of the service as it ramps up an infrastructure for its fledgling electronic commerce business.
Dubbed MPost, the service will be offered jointly with the Postal Corporation of Kenya, which will rent out physical post office boxes to Safaricom customers using their mobile phone numbers, at a quarter of the going rate for conventional boxes.
Customers who opt to have their parcels delivered to their doors will have to pay extra, Safaricom said on Friday.
“At the touch of a button, MPost provides anyone in the country with a virtual post office box and can easily receive parcels and letters,” Joe Mucheru, the minister for information and communication, said at the launch of the service.
Safaricom’s digital ambitions Safaricom, which also counts Britain’s Vodafone and the Kenyan government as key shareholders, has evolved into a platform company, offering mobile financial services via M-Pesa as well other services.
Its attempt to break into the growing e-commerce business, which is dominated by companies such as Jumia Technologies , has, however, been more slow than expected.
Its e-commerce platform, Masoko, which was launched in 2017 needed further investments and a potential relaunch, Safaricom said earlier this year, without elaborating.
“Kenya’s economy is increasingly digitising, leading to the growth of online delivery of goods and services,” said Safaricom acting CEO Michael Joseph during the launch of MPost.
Safaricom’s more than 30 million users will access services from 625 postal outlets across the country, said Post Master General Dan Kagwe, adding that the postal service was adapting to meet customer demand in the digital world.
Users will be notified through a short message that their mail has arrived, allowing them go pick it up from the counter, Safaricom and the Postal Corporation said.
Meet the New U.S. Ambassador to Malawi
Government of Malawi New United States of America Ambassador to #Malawi, Robert Scott, Tuesday, presented his letters of credence to President Prof. @APMutharika at Sanjika Palace. About Robert Scott (courtesy U.S. Embassy, Malawi)
Robert Scott, a member of the Foreign Service, is currently the Ambassador of the United States to the Republic of Malawi. Prior to this, Ambassador Scott was the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs covering West African Affairs and Economic and Regional Affairs. Previously he served as the Director for Economic and Regional Affairs in the Department of State’s Africa Bureau, the Deputy Chief of Mission in Zimbabwe and Tanzania, and as the Deputy Office Director for West African Affairs. Other overseas tours include Ukraine, Germany, France, Ghana, and domestic assignments working on climate change and European security issues.
Mr. Scott joined the Foreign Service in 1994. He received a B.A. from Lawrence University, and has an M.A. in International Relations from American
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Meet the New U.S. Ambassador to Libya
U.S. Embassy Libya U.S. Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland presented a copy of his credentials to Libyan Foreign Minister Mohamed Taher Siala at the Libyan Embassy in Tunisia. In their meeting, Ambassador Norland reiterated his commitment to intensify diplomatic engagement with all parties with the goal of bringing an early end to the conflict in Libya. He also expressed continued U.S. support of UN-led efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire and negotiated political solution that promotes prosperity, security and stability for all Libyans. About Richard Norland (from Wikipedia)
Ambassador Richard Norland previously served as the Foreign Policy Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford. Prior to that he served as U.S. Ambassador to Georgia (2012-2015), Deputy Commandant/International Affairs Advisor at the National War College (2010-2012), U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan (2007-2010), and Deputy Chief of Mission at the American Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan (20052007) and Riga, Latvia (2003-2005).
From October 2002 through January 2003, Richard Norland served in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan as a diplomat with the U.S. Army Civil Affairs team promoting political and economic reconstruction.
Richard Norland was Director for European Affairs at the National Security Council for two years during the Clinton and Bush administrations, focusing in particular on the Northern Ireland peace process, as well as on the Baltic States, OSCE, and a number of key European partners. He served as Political Counselor at the American Embassy in Dublin, Ireland from 1995 through the negotiation of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.[3]
Richard Norland served from 1988-1990 as Political Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, USSR during President Gorbachev’s tenure and the period of glasnost
and perestroika. He was subsequently detailed to the Pentagon’s Office of the Secretary of Defense, where he worked on policy issues following the break-up of the Soviet Union. He served in 1993 as the U.S. representative and acting mission head on the CSCE Mission to Georgia, addressing conflicts in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and later visited Chechnya in a similar capacity.[3]
Earlier in his career, Richard Norland served in the United States’ northernmost diplomatic office, 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle, as Chief of the U.S. Information Office in Tromsø, Norway. He later served as Senior Arctic Official coordinating the U.S. chairmanship of the Arctic Council. He was also a Special Assistant (for African affairs) to the Under Secretary for Political Affairs. He served as Norway-Denmark desk officer, and as assistant desk officer for South Africa. His first tour was in Manama, Bahrain.
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Author Chimamanda Adichie faces backlash after claiming skin colour isn’t a big issue in Nigeria
Nigerian author and celebrated feminist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has become the subject of criticisms following her claims that in Nigeria “skin colour didn’t have meaning.”
Adichie was a panelist at the 2019 social and political forum, Open Future 2019 in Manchester.
In the interview, Adichie spoke about the meaning of identity, indicating the ways identities are construed from place to place.
“I think identity is something one always negotiates. But it is also often something that is external,” opined the Americanah author.
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She continued: “I identify happily now as black but I didn’t always because I became black in America. When I went to the US to go to the university, I realised I am something else called black.”
Adichie said she juxtaposed this realisation against the experience in her native Nigeria where “really, skin colour didn’t have meaning.”
But the author’s tendency to describe her racial self-awareness as something that came from living in a place like America, did not go down well with many.
British-Nigerian actress Kelechi Okafor tweeted: “I really respect Chimamanda for who she is and all that she has achieved and I’d really like to be in conversation with her one day to address some of the things she says. Colour absolutely has meaning in Nigeria otherwise why are people bleaching their skin?”
Another, journalist Tobi Oderein, tweeted: “Love Chimamanda but she knows lighter skin carries meaning in Nigeria – one attached to wealth and class. So to say skin colour don’t have meaning in Nigeria is to turn a blind eye to colourism.” https://face2faceafrica.com/
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Rwanda again! It becomes first Sub-Saharan African country to unveil VW’s electric cars intelligent, adaptive infrastructure, while addressing skills challenges in this sector, Siemens is helping to build a more sustainable future for the people of Rwanda.” The pilot e-Golfs will be added into the Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda fleet to provide customized mobility service.
The drivers and technicians who will be working with the electric cars have received specialized training in preparation for the launch of the pilot project.
The electric mobility project was developed within the Moving Rwanda initiative, a cooperation between Volkswagen, Siemens, SAP, and Inros Lackner and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. GIZ supported the e-mobility project by bringing together relevant partners from the private and public sectors and by advising on the development benefits of the project.
The Moving Rwanda Initiative was established as the result of Volkswagen’s initial investment in Rwanda, which saw the launch of Africa’s first Integrated German carmaker Volkswagen (VW) has unveiled its first electric cars in Sub-Saharan Mobility Solutions business in June 2018. Africa in Rwanda. Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda offers mobility solutions services such The launch of the e-Golf Tuesday was in partnership with German technology giant as ride-hailing and corporate car sharing. The services are offered on the Move Siemens, making Rwanda the first Sub-Saharan African country where Volkswagen is App, an innovative IT mobility solution that was developed by a local IT starttesting electric cars. up company, Awesomity Lab. The launch was the introduction of four e-Golf on the Rwandan market with one charging station at the Volkswagen facility at the Special Economic Zone.
More cars will join on the market in the coming months to bring the number to about 20 and 15 charging stations across Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, reports The New Times. The e-Golf will be manufactured and imported from Germany even though Volkswagen has a plant in Rwanda that assembles three models.
“We’ve been investing more than $30 billion into new electric vehicles and platforms and the entire world is moving in that direction,” VW’s Africa boss Thomas Schaefer said. “The plan for Africa is that ultimately, we replace the whole fleet into electric.”
“The integrated mobility solutions business in Rwanda is our lighthouse project. In the past year, our operations in Kigali have provided us with valuable lessons and business intelligence which we plan to utilize in our growth strategy into other African markets like Ghana and Ethiopia,” Schäfer said.
Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO for Siemens Southern and Eastern Africa said: “Our partnership with Volkswagen on this project solidifies our commitment not only to Rwanda but to the East Africa region. By contributing towards shaping the African market for intelligent, adaptive infrastructure, while addressing skills challenges in this sector, Siemens is helping to build a more sustainable future for the people of Rwanda.” The pilot e-Golfs will be added into the Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda fleet to provide customized mobility service.
The drivers and technicians who will be working with the electric cars have The Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen’s operations in Rwanda, Michaella received specialized training in preparation for the launch of the pilot project. Rugwizangoga, said the pilot project was part of the Volkwagen’s global ambitions of phasing out the combustion engines in the next decade as the firm seeks greener ambi- The electric mobility project was developed within the Moving Rwanda initiations. tive, a cooperation between Volkswagen, Siemens, SAP, and Inros Lackner and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. “The success of our innovative and pioneering mobility solutions business has shown GIZ supported the e-mobility project by bringing together relevant partners us that Rwanda has the potential to leapfrog the internal combustion engines into elec- from the private and public sectors and by advising on the development benetric cars. Rwanda has a young and progressive population that appreciates individual fits of the project. and modern mobility. The Moving Rwanda Initiative was established as the result of Volkswagen’s “Together with our development partner Siemens and with the support from the initial investment in Rwanda, which saw the launch of Africa’s first Integrated Government of Rwanda, Volkswagen wants to make the e-Golf pilot project in Mobility Solutions business in June 2018. Rwanda a blueprint for electric mobility in Africa,” Schäfer said.
Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO for Siemens Southern and Eastern Africa said: “Our partnership with Volkswagen on this project solidifies our commitment not only to Rwanda but to the East Africa region. By contributing towards shaping the African market for
Source: https://www.face2faceafrica.com
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The world’s most fertile woman is in Uganda, and she has 44 children ent women and these all came in quintuplets, quadruples, twins and triplets,” she said. Taking over her father very possible
Dr. Charles Kiggundu, a gynecologist, told Daily Monitor the possibility of Mariam taking over her father was high.
“Her case is a genetic predisposition to hyper-ovulate (releasing multiple eggs in one cycle), which significantly increases the chance of having multiples; it is always genetic,” he explained. Mariam had had enough by her sixth delivery; she approached a doctor, but he told her she couldn’t stop giving birth because she had high ovary count.
The doctor warned that trying to stop her from having a child would eventually lead to her early death.
Nabatanzi (middle) with her children. Photo credit: Daily Monitor
A 40-year-old Ugandan woman is being hailed as the East African country’s most fertile woman.
Mariam was married off at age 12 to a 40-yearold man in 1993 after escaping an attempt on her life by her stepmother.
Mariam Nabatanzi from Uganda’s Mukono District is “I did not know I was being married off,” she said to have given birth to 44 children. recollected in an interview. “People came home Married at age 12, Mariam spent 18 years of her life and brought things for my father. When the time came for them to leave, I thought I was escortupholding to the Bible Verse Genesis 9:7, which reads—”As for you, be fruitful and multiply; Populate ing my aunt but when I got there, she gave me away to the man.” the earth abundantly and multiply in it.”
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Speaking to Daily Monitor, Mariam recounted being beaten almost every day by her husband. Married into a polygamous family, she would have to always take care of her co-wives’ children whenever they weren’t there.
“My husband was polygamous with many chilNicknamed ‘Nalongo Muzaala Bana’ to wit, “the twin dren from his past relationships who I had to mother that produces quadruplets”, Mariam is reported take care of because their mothers were scattered all over. He was also violent and would to have given birth to six sets of twins, four sets of triplets, three sets of quadruplets, including a few sin- beat me at any opportunity he got even when I suggested an idea that he didn’t like,” she said. gle births.
Thirty-eight children are said to be alive out of the 44. Most of them are living with her at their family house, In 1994, Mariam began the journey to mothersde.co.ke reported. Ten are girls and the rest, boys. The hood with a set of twins. She followed up with triplets two years later, then a set of quadruplets oldest is said to be around 25 years old while the a year and seven months later. Surprisingly, she youngest is around two years. didn’t find the rate at which she was procreating strange because it’s genetic. Early marriage and the journey to motherhood
“My father gave birth to 45 children with differ-
“I was advised to keep producing since putting this on hold would mean death. I tried using the Inter Uterine Device (IUD) but I got sick and vomited a lot, to the point of neardeath. I went into a coma for a month,” she said.
At age 23, she was with 25 children but she was still advised to continue “producing since the ovary count was still high.”
“She must have been super ovulating, releasing many eggs in a cycle,” Kiggundu said. Mariam underwent tubal litigation at the birth of her twoyear-old child, who was delivered by C-section, ending her woes.
“With tubal ligation, the tubes are blocked, a permanent method of contraception in women, but they would continue having their menses,” Kiggundu explained.
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Why the Bat flies at Night By Traditional
Once upon a time, in the distant past, there was a great war between the animals who live in the sky and those that live on the ground. Nobody now remembers how the war started or what it was about, but it was a terrible time. Many animals on both sides were wounded or killed, and eventually somebody said that if they carried on like this, there would be no animals left on the earth. So some of the sky animals and some of the ground animals had a meeting, and as nobody could recall what they were fighting each other for, it was agreed that a truce should be called, and peace declared.
For the sky dwellers, the heron was appointed to make the announcements, and for the ground animals, the hare would do this job, as he was able to get around the area very quickly. This was done the next morning, but as all animals settled down, realising they could now live in peace and rebuild their lives, some body found the body of Mr Bat. He was the last victim of the war, and must have been killed late the previous day. All the flying animals were very upset, and the decided to organise a big burial for their friend. But as they were preparing his body for the funeral, one of the birds noticed that Mr Bat had teeth in his mouth.
African Fairy Tales Why Spider Has A Bald Head
By Traditional
Mr Spider, who is popularly known as Ananse, is renowned to be a man of tricks. Have you ever asked yourself why he is bald? This is the story of how this came about.
One afternoon, after Mr spider had enjoyed his lunch, he sat down in his yard to relax. His lunch had been particularly nice, so soon enough he snoozed off into a slumber, and sat there snoring: nrrrroorrroogh! nrrrroorrrroogh! nrrroorrrooogh!
excuse him and went into the kitchen, where he found a large pot of beans on the fire. Mr Spider removed his hat, and dished a large quantity of the beans into the hat, which he then put back on his head, even though the hot beans made him squint. When he came back to his seat, he and his friend Mr Dog were offered food. Mr Dog ate all the food given him, but Mr Spider refused to eat. He explained: “I can never eat, since I am so bereaved because my great father-in-law is no longer alive.” Mr Spider insisted that he would not touch any of the food. The people tried and tried and tried several times over to convince him, but all their efforts came to nothing and he steadfastly refused.
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The hunter and the lion By Frans Timmermans
Once upon a time there was a chief in a village near the bush. This man had many sons, and one of them was the best hunter in the whole land. Whenever he went out hunting, he always managed to bring back much more meat than any of the other hunters in the village. But this hunter did not just like to provide meat for the villagers, he enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, stalking his prey and outsmarting it, and killing animals for fun. The chief often reprimanded his son, because he knew that the spirits of the forest and the ancestors did not approve of killing for fun or sport. But all his exhortations fell on deaf ears. His son’s behaviour never changed.
As for the animals, they were both afraid of and angry with this hunter, and they called a meeting of all the bush animals to discuss if there was not some way to could stop this man. Some suggested setting traps to catch him, but everybody agreed that this hunter was too clever to fall into a trap, he would surely spot it from afar. Then the lion suggested that one of them After some few hours Mr Spider said to the should change into the shape of a young woman, in order to people that he would have to leave, as there seduce the hunter. Then he could be lured into the bush and was another ceremony going on in the killed. It was decided that the lion’s wife should be the one to house of his own father where he also had do this job.
Suddenly there was the sound of someone knocking on the door, and this woke him up. Mr Spider opened the door, and there he saw Nana Petra. Spider said: “Eeh, Nana Petra, you are welcome! It’s a long time since you called to see me.” He took his visitor inside the house, and offered him everything he needed as a visitor. Mr Spider asked Nana to attend. The people once again tried to Petra: “My brother, may I know your intention persuade him to eat something before of coming here at this crucial hour?” departing, but again he steadfastly refused.
The next morning, the chief’s son was getting ready to set out for the bush, he was gathering his weapons, his spear, his bow and arrows, and a machete, when his father approached him. “Son”, said the chief, “Please stay home today. I had a dream While Mr Spider had been talking to the last night that you went into the bush and got killed by a wild people, he had been nodding his head. He didn’t want to nod his head, but he couldn’t lion! Stay home today, please!”
Nana Petra paused for some time, then spoke solemnly: “HmHmHm, it is sad news I bring you, brother spider.” Hearing this Mr Spider was confused and asked: “What is this sad help it, the movement was forced on him news that you bring Nana Petra?” by the heat of the beans inside his hat. Some of the people noticed that he was Nana Petra continued: “Your majesty, Mr nodding his head rather a lot, and one of Spider, I am very sorry to announce to you the them asked: “Dear Mr Spider, Sir, why are death of my father, Eja Mimou.” Now as Nana you nodding your head so much?” He Petra was Ananse’s brother-in-law, this made answered in a loud voice: “When it’s hot Eja Mimou his father-in-law. When Ananse like this, don’t you all shake your head?” heard the news, he could hardly believe it. So he asked his brother again: “Nana Petra, are After that Mr Spider and his friend Mr Dog you joking or are you serious?” Nana Petra departed from the funeral ground. On their assured him that he was not joking, and even- way home Ananse could not sustain the tually Ananse understood that his dear father- suffering the hot beans were causing to his in-law was no more. poor head. The heat was just getting too too
How was that possible? Flying animals don’t have teeth. They called a meeting, and they agreed that Bat can’t be one of them, as no other bird has teeth in his mouth. So they took bat’s body to the ground animals, and told them that as Mr Bat was not a bird, it was their responsi- Before Nana Petra left again, he told Ananse that the funeral and the rites would be held bility to give him a decent burial. three days later in the residence of his late The ground animals agreed to accept the father-in-law. After Nana Petra left, Ananse went to see his close friend, Mr Dog, and told body, but then, as they were preparing him he would very much like him to accomfor the burial, one of them shouted: pany him to the funeral and last rites of his “Wait a minute, this bat may have teeth, departed father-in-law. Mr Dog agreed. When but he definitely also has wings! How it was time to go to the funeral Mr Spider told can he be one of us if he has wings?” his friend Mr Dog he should carry along his So now the ground animals had a meet- guitar, so they could play some mournful tunes at the funeral ground. They slowly made ing to consider the problem, and they their way to the house where the funeral was decided that no ground animal can have taking place. Mr Spider had dressed himself in wings, so therefore, Mr Bat can’t be some very expensive cloth and put on a large regarded as one of them. So they too, dark hat to show his respect for the deceased. refused to bury Mr Bat.
But the son brushed aside his father’s concerns, “Pah! Pah! Don’t worry, old man, I can take care of myself. Any beast that tries to kill me will get off the worst, I promise you”. And with that he set off, chuckling to himself. He had a good day in the bush, and had already killed as much meat as he could carry, so he decided to call it a day and make his way back home. Then to his surprise he saw a beautiful young girl approach him. Beautiful young girls do not usually come this far into the bush, so he called out to her: “Sister, what are you doing here in the bush? I can see you are not from our village”. She smiled at him, “I heard about you”, she said, “I heard that there is a hunter who is smarter and stronger than anyone. So I decided to look for you, and here you are!”
“I am just on my way home”, said the hunter, “why don’t you come with me to my village, and we will eat and drink something together”. She agreed, so h took her back to the village and his father’s compound. The chief thought it a bit odd that this young woman had been walking around the bush all by herself, but he was so happy that his son had returned home, and had not been killed by a lion as his dream predicted, that he did not question her at all. The son, in the meantime, was falling head over heels in love with this strange young woman, and before the night was out, he asked her to be his wife. She Another said: “He is not normal! What nor- laughed, and told him that she would be very happy to be his mal person would carry beans inside his hat wife, but she would have to ask her father’s permission first. So and cover his head with it?” they agreed that the next morning, they would set off early and visit her father.
much! He finally had no choice: with a great scream he removed his large black hat and the beans spilled out all over the street. Some people who had been walking along stopped to gaze at him, and others came out of their houses, attracted by the commotion. One said: “This man, he is a foolish man!”
Then Mr Dog said to his friend: “My dear Spider, whatever happened to your beautiful hair?” Mr Spider touched his head, and noticed that all his hair had disappeared. The beans had been so hot that they burned Poor Mr Bat, the flying animals refused When the friends arrived everybody was very off all his hair, and from that moment to accept him because he has teeth, and excited, in spite of the fact that there had been onwards Mr Spider and all his offspring the ground animals refused to accept him a bereavement, because Mr Spider was such a went around with a bald head. well known and great personality. They were because he has wings. And that is why the bat is still flying around every night. very happy to see him there, and he was offered one of the best seats in the house. Shortly after, Mr Spider asked the people to Found among the papers of John Fumey,
So the next morning, after eating some fruit and porridge, they were read to set off. The hunter was gathering his weapons, but the girl asked him to leave them behind, as she explained it would be rude to turn up at her father’s house so heavily armed. The hunter agreed to this, so they set off walking through the bush. When they had gone some distance from the village, the girl changed herself back into her natural lion shape, and attacked the hunter, who, having no weapons, was unable to defend himself. That evening, while the chief sat outside his hut waiting in vain for his son’s return, the animals celebrated. Found among the papers of John Fumey
Dorian Hunter Is The First Black Woman To Win ‘MasterChef’
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Russia ready to help Africa without conditions’ – Says Putin as he hosts 47 African leaders
For the first time in MasterChef history, a Black woman has won the competition. According to Atlanta Black Star, Dorian Hunter edged out her competitors during the final cook-off of the show’s 10th season and took home the title. Hunter—who plans on releasing a cookbook in the near future—won $250,000 and the opportunity to be mentored by the show’s judges Joe Bastianich, Aaron Sanchez, and Gordon Ramsay who also serves as MasterChef’s executive producer. Her winning menu featured seared sea scallops with cornmeal tuille, sweet corn puree and pickled swiss chard. She served applewood smoked short ribs for her entrée and topped the meal off with a lemon blueberry tart.
Hunter says competing on the show and coming out victorious has been life-changing and that she’s ready to continue her journey in the realm of culinary arts with her cookbook that will include soul food recipes with a twist. She also wants to use some of her prize money to open up a restaurant. “It is enough for me to at least feed the idea. I don’t have to go to the table with nothing, so I am definitely going to have to get investors or some sort of a loan, or find the rest of the money somewhere else, but it is going to be a nice start,” she told Parade. “I always say that having the title is more than the money. I am hoping to be able to work the title to, ultimately, open up that restaurant.”
She added that she’s looking forward to being trained by the judges and says that their tutelage is more valuable than the money.
https://newsone.com/
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa (L) Photo: AFP Russia president Vladimir Putin says his country is ready to help Africa without “political or other conditions” unlike other Western countries.
ers with an emphasis on finding ways to accelerate and develop the entire range of Russian-African cooperation in a systematic way, says the Summit’s website.
As the Eastern European country plans to host 47 Russian country has military cooperation agreements African leaders between October 23 and 24 at a summit, with over 30 African countries. Recently, Rwanda deepPutin said he is ready to embrace African solutions for ened its relations with Russia by signing a pact to African problems. advance the use of nuclear energy for “peaceful purposes”, The East African newspaper reports. According to “We see how an array of Western countries are resorting the BBC, the technology will be used in the agriculture, to pressure, intimidation and blackmail of sovereign energy production and environment protection. African governments,” Putin told TASS news agency, ahead of a summit with African leaders. Russia’s interests in Africa are manifold, says Eugene Steinberg, an assistant editor at the Council on Foreign Relations. In a blog post, he said: “As economic sancHe noted: “They are using such methods to try to return tions constrict its trade with the West, Africa is becoming lost influence and dominance in their former colonies in an increasingly attractive investment opportunity. At the a new guise and rushing to pump out maximum profits same time, Africa’s fifty-four countries represent a politiand to exploit the continent.” cal opportunity to relieve Russia’s isolation and build support for its actions in the UN. Finally, Russia’s promiThe Summit, according to The Kremlin, will take place nence in Africa lends credibility to its reassertion of at the Black Sea city of Sochi. It will be Moscow’s first world power status. The effectiveness of Russia’s reRussia-Africa summit and part of an ambitious push for engagement policy is still in question, but its progress is influence and business in Africa. It will be co-chaired becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.” by Egyptian President and African Union Chairman Abdelfattah Alsisi.
The Summit will focus particular attention on actual and potential relations between Russia and the nations of Africa, the development of interaction in the political, economic, humanitarian, and cultural fields among oth-
https://face2faceafrica.com/
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Political Dynasties: 6 African Presidents Whose Fathers Were Also Presidents
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On more than one occasion in Africa, political power in a republic has been transferred directly from father to son. There have also been a number of occasions where the leader or president of an African country is the son of a past president with only a few years or decades separating the father’s regime from the son’s time in office.
Political dynasties are not unique to Africa; history is replete with multiple instances from around the world where sons have gone on to be presidents, following the path of their fathers. America, which prides itself as a model for democracy for the rest of the world, has two examples of father-son Presidents: John Adams and his son John Q. Adams during the nation’s early years, and more recently, George Walker Bush and his father George H.W. Bush.
Here, Face2Face Africa takes a look at six instances in Africa where a son went on to ascend to political power after his father in a system of government that was not a monarchy.
Ali Bongo became president of Gabon in 2009 after the death of his father. Time for Africa. Omar Bongo Ondimba was President of Gabon from 1967 until his death in 2009. That same year, his son Ali Bongo Odimba contested for the presidential seat under the Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), winning the election with a total of 42 percent of all the votes. Before he was elected president, Ali Bongo had held several key political positions during his father’s regime, including the Gabonese Minister for Defence.
Sworn into office in 2013, Uhuru Kenyatta, is regarded as Kenya’s youngest president. He is the fourth president of Kenya and the son of the first president, the legendary Jomo Kenyatta. The younger Kenyatta was first elected president in 2013 on the platform of The National Alliance Party (TNA). The election results were initially disputed, but a Supreme Court decision later held that Uhuru’s election was valid.
There is a 34-year gap between Jomo Kenyatta’s time in office and that of his son Uhuru. Many consider it an example of a healthy father-son “political dynasty” in Africa. The younger Kenyatta has been in politics for the most of his adult life, having variously served as finance minister and deputy Prime Minister.
Faure Gnassingbé immediately assumed office as President of Togo after the death of his father until an international backlash forced him to stand down and contest elections. Bella Naija. In April 2015, Faure was elected to a third consecutive 5-year term in office, defeating his main challenger with 59 percent of the vote according to official poll figures. Faure had served earlier as the Togolese minister of equipment, mines, and posts under the government of his late father. Together, father and son Gnassinbgé have led Togo for 49 years out of its 56 years postindependence history.
Ian Khama has continued the good legacies of his father, and Botswana today is one of the most developed countries in Africa. Alchetron
President of Botswana, Ian Khama Botswana is widely regarded as an African success story, enjoying representative democracy, a stable socio-political climate, respect for the rule of law, and a thriving economy. Seretse Khama became the first President of Botswana after its independence from British rule. Many consider him as the founder of the country because he largely established the groundwork for the economic and social progress the country enjoys today.
Joseph Kabila became the president of DR Congo 10 days after the assassination of his father Laurent Kabila in 2001. Mondiaal Nieuws
Kabila was barely 30 years old when he took office as President of the DRC a mere ten days after the assassination of his father, Laurent-Désiré Kabila in 2001. Early on, many political observers dismissed the young Kabila as naive and inexperienced. However, he subsequently went on to prove himself as a capable negotiator and administrator.
Navin Ramgoolam has served two terms as Prime Minister of Mauritius. His father was the first Prime Minister of Mauritius after independence. Mauriceinfo.mu Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam
Navin Ramgoolam is the son of Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the first Prime Minister of Mauritius. He was the foremost independence activist and played a crucial role in shaping the government of modern Mauritius, introducing social services like universal education, free health care, and old-age pensions https://face2faceafrica.com/
MARK BABATUNDE
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10 African Presidents Who Have Died in Office in the Last 10 Years
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In the years following independence from colonial rule, Africa has been blessed with some outstanding leaders, such as Nelson Mandela and Seretse Khama, who have become global icons of exemplary and selfless leadership. Sadly however, Africa has also had a surplus of sit-tight leaders who choose to remain in office despite poor health or becoming unpopular with their fellow countrymen.
Some, like Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe, have ignored corruption charges and ill health to cling on to power, while others like Gambian President Yayha Jammeh have declared, “If I have to rule this country for one billion years, I will, if Allah says so.”
As the January 19th Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) deadline requiring Jammeh to step down approaches, Face2Face Africa makes a rundown of 10 African presidents who have died in office in the last 10 years.
Omar Bongo Ondimba of ruled Gabon for 42 years. From 1967 until his death while still in office in 2009. Photo Credit: amba-maroc
Lansana Conte, Guinea Photo Credit: Ladepeche
https://face2faceafrica.com/
João Bernardo Vieira, GuineaBissau
Umaru Musa Yar’adua of Nigeria had a well-documented history of In 2008, President Lansana Conte João Bernardo Vieira became prime health-related complications, but that Guinea died in office aged 74 after did not stop the political pendulum minister of the former Portuguese years of battling complications from colony of Guinea-Bissau in 1978, a from swinging in his direction ahead diabetes and heart-related position he held for a brief two-year of the 2007 Nigerian presidential conditions.Conte assumed office as elections.He died aged at the age of period. In 1980, Vieira seized Guinea’s head of state and military ruler power and went on to rule Guinea- 58 on May 5th, 2011, at the Aso after leading a 1984 coup that toppled Rock Presidential Villa Abuja, barely Bissau for 19 years. the government. In 1993, Conte three years into his four-year tenure. resigned from his military position in order run in the 1993 Guinean presidential polls.
Bingu wa Mutharika, Malawi Photo Credit: Al Jazeera
re-elected in 2009 after achieving broad success in his food and agricultural policies. However, Mutharika’s administration was marred by widespread public protests over his purchase of a $14 million presidential jet.The 78-year old Mutharika suffered a heart attack on the morning of April 5th, 2012, and was flown to a south African hospital where he was confirmed dead two days later.
Muammar Gaddafi became Libya’s leader in 1969 after he seized power from the Libyan monarchy following a bloodless military coup. He ruled Libya for 42 years with classic strongman tactics, however his time came to an end in the aftermath of the Arab Spring revolution that toppled many governments across north Africa and the Middle East in 2011.
Malam Bacai Sanhá was named the president of Guinea Bissau after winning the 2009 presidential polls. He was a career politician who had previously served as head of parliament and acting president after the fall of João Bernardo Vieira.He died at 64 years of age in a Paris hospital in January 2012. He was only president for four years.
John Atta Mills, Ghana Photo Credit: Pulse
Meles Zenawi, Ethiopia Photo Credit: Awramba
Michael Sata, Zambia
President John Atta Mills of Ghana was barely three years into his fouryear presidential term when he died of a cardiac-related condition in 2012. Mills became president after winning the 2008 presidential election where he defeated his main challenger, Nana Akufo-Addo, by a slim margin following two rounds of elections.
Meles Zenawi was president of Ethiopia from 1991 to 1995 and then prime minister from 1995 to 2012, for a total of 21 years in power. Zenawi died at a Belgian hospital in August of 2012 at 57 years old. His official cause of death was the result of sudden infection.
Michael Sata of Zambia, who died in 2014, is the most recent African president to have died in office. Sata, a long time opposition politician, was elected president in 2011. Before his victory, he had been a leading trade unionist and a member of parliament.
Morocco Builds First Solar-Powered Village Nigerian-American teen In Africa For Over 50 People In 20 Homes becomes first black valedictorian in Alvin High School’s 125 years history after earning 6.9 GP
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tional center has been equipped with two classrooms, a sports field, and a playground.
Through the creation of the solar village housing the solar-powered educational complex, the project aims to provide water for the village’s young girls, contribute to the population’s education and awareness of solar energy, whilst ensuring the village independence in electricity. It also aims to train and development of local Moroccan skills in the photovoltaic installations sector.
Face2Face Africa by Theodora Aidoo
Morocco has inaugurated the first village, which is fully powered by solar energy in Africa.
Id Mjahdi – the village – is located near Essaouira, around 190km to the west of Marrakech.
The village is not connected to the power grid of the National Office for Electricity. It is completely energy selfsufficient with all of the village’s power derived from 32 photovoltaic solar panels, generating 8.32Kw of electricity.
The village houses more than 50 people and the power station powers around 20 homes with water heaters, ovens and street lights. The electricity network has a battery, storing electricity for use outside daylight hours, according to reports.
“Projects like these reduce social disparities, and introduce comfort and modernity to small villages,” a former minister of education, Rachid Belmokhtar said.
He noted that as part of the Kingdom’s aims to invest more in sustainable development and renewable energy, the project which is a pilot could be replicated in various regions of the country.
Earlier in the year, Morocco’s National Library in Rabat also inaugurated a solar power plant which will provide the library with up to 40 per cent of its energy needs and reinforce its commitment to clean energy.
However, the 100% solar–powered village project was made possible by the Moroccan ministry of energy and partners like the Essaouira’s local authorities, the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN), Moroccan NGO Cluster Solaire, and French businesses Intermarche and Le Petit Olivier.
Demand for electricity in the north African nation has constantly increased, by an average of 6-7% per year over the last 25 years with Morocco making astonishThe town facilities include an educational center, a water tower, a public hammam – a steam room where people go to ing progress to electrify the whole country. clean themselves and an argan workshop which offers jobs http://www.moroccotomorrow.org/ for the locals.
Providing education for children aged between four and six, as well as basic literacy for adults in the village, the educa-
A Nigerian teenager, Tobechukwu Phillips, has made history as the first African-American valedictorian in Alvin High School’s 125 years history.
The Nigerian achieved this sterling recognition after placing top of her class, earning a staggering 6.9 cumulative GPA on a 4.0n scale.
Established in 1894, Alvin High School located in the city of Alvin, Texas integrated with African-American students in 1965. There are currently 86 African-American students in the school out of approximately 2,800 students.
Philips who took only AP courses aside her electives bagged As in every one of them throughout her four years program.
She is also a decorated volleyball and track athlete, as well as, a Sunday school teacher, a member of the Rho Kappa Honor Society, president of the National Honor Society and an AP ambassador.
Commenting on her feat, Phillips admitted maintaining the highest GPA in her class was a “difficult task.”
“It truly takes time management but more importantly acknowledging what you do it for. I know that I am no longer just representing myself,” she said.
Phillips’ amazing academic performance would earn her the Full-Ride Forty Acre Scholarship to attend the University of Texas at Austin. Out of 4,000 students, only 16 were chosen.
“My biggest advice to other scholars of color is to truly adopt the mindset of Rosa Parks — ‘No.’ Do not conform to the stereotypes that have held us under thumbs for so long. “Do not be discouraged when someone speaks out against you, simply allow what they say to fuel your fire. But more than anything, do not remain tight-lipped. Stand up for what you believe in and take it upon yourself to be the change you’ve always wanted. Say ‘No’ to the ways of the world and stick out,” Philips advised.
“She is an excellent student from a loving family,” track coach Jennipher McGraw said of Phillips, who’ll be attending Nursing School at UT in the fall. She plans to one day own her clinic as a pediatric nurse practitioner. https://face2faceafrica.com/
October 2019
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Ship 4 Waredrope Sizes and Get a 5th one free
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AU Faces Backlash After Terminating Ambassador's Appointment By Bukola Adebayo, CNN
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Sacking Of Vocal African Union Ambassador To Us Raises Suspicions Of Long History Of Western Influence On Africa
The decision of the African Union (AU) to end a working relationship with its Permanent Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, has been met with confusion and disdain, especially from Africans outside the country. A letter sighted by Face2faceAfrica.com dated October 7 and signed by AU chairperson Musa Faki Mahamat, speaks of termination of the contract with the ambassador with effect from November 1. No reasons were given for this termination, and according to Ewn.co.za, none has been offered to Dr. Chihombori-Quao.
Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao. Photo Credit: Al-Jazeera
The African Union is facing a backlash after terminating the appointment of Arikana Chihombori-Quao, its ambassador to the United States. In a letter addressed to Chihombori-Quao on October 7, AU Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat said the diplomat was relieved of her position in line with the commission's rules. Chihombori-Quao, a US-trained doctor, took up the position in 2017 and had strong views on France's occupation and hold over its former African colonies, which she shared publicly.
The Ghanaian national, who served in various capacities for the African Union before her appointment, has also voiced her disapproval of Western powers, who she says have continued to foster their policies on African governments. But the African Diaspora Congress, in an online petition demanding her reinstatement, said the diplomat was fired because of "influence and pressure exerted on African leaders and people by the former colonial powers of Europe." Some were not happy with Chihombori-Quao's "bold but honest" stance on Pan African issues, Apollos Nwauwa, the group's secretary, said in the petition, which had garnered nearly 37,000 signatures by Wednesday night. "Why was she dismissed, or better, who benefits from her removal? Were African heads of states and governments consulted? Who called the shot? Or is Africa, and peoples of African descent, still facing the debilitating effects of modern colonialism or neocolonialism?" the petition reads.
United States since 2017.
Before becoming a permanent ambassador, Dr. Chihombori-Quao had worked in various capacities for the AU on AfricanDiasporan relations. Through this, she had built an image of speaking truth to power, especially on neocolonialism.
The spokeswoman for the AU chairman's office, Ebba Kalondo, told CNN that Chihombori-Quao has come to the end of her political appointment after spending three years in the position, and to It comes as very little surprise that many Africans in the diaspora imply she was being punished for her views is not feel her sacking is as a result of stepping on powerful toes. true. Dr. Chihombori-Quao has for instance called out France, a country that still benefits from neocolonial exploitation of African "This is normal diplomatic practice for political countries even decades after these countries became independent. appointees everywhere," Kalondo said in a statement. "To state that Ambassador Chihombori's It may seem those who suspect that the AU is succumbing to termination of service is due to any pronounceneocolonial powers may not be without justified cause. Western ments she has made, or opinions she may have governments have historically depended on Africans to undo held during her three-year tenure, is patently themselves. untrue."
Chihombori-Quao successfully galvanized diaspora support for the African Union during her tenure, and the African bloc has never sanctioned or received any complaints about her views from any of its member states, Kalondo added.
Ghana's former President Jerry John Rawlings was among those who have condemned the African Union's decision. Rawlings said in a tweet the diplomat shared her views on the detrimental impact of France's influence in Africa, and termination of her appointment was coming from "French-controlled colonized minds." https://www.cnn.com/
The first president of Cote D’Ivoire, Félix Houphouët-Boigny, aided the US to plan and destabilise Ghana, leading to the overthrow of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah.
In fairness, the examples of Africans conniving with or succumbing to Western interests are all too many. Meanwhile, a petition has been launched on Change.org calling for the reinstatement of Dr. Chimhobori-Quao. At the time of filing this report, over 13,000 of an expected 15,000 have signed the petition.
Among other things, the petition noted that “not everyone is embracing her bold but honest discourses for effecting change for the betterment of Africa”. In a query that would surely resonate with millions, the petitioners asked “Who called the shot? Or is Africa, and peoples of African descent, still facing the debilitating effects of modern colonialism or neocolonialism?”.
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Kenyan Wife Of Popular Dutch Billionaire Accused Of Murdering Husband Amid Bitter Divorce Battle
October 2019
Sarah Wairimu Cohen is believed to have killed her husband, Tob Cohen, who is a former CEO of Philips Electronics East Africa.
on this court. I will, therefore, defer, taking of the plea for the accused person until Tuesday the first of October (2019).”
The Citizen TV reports that this became the case after it seemed that the defence lawyer for Sarah Wairimu is a state prosecutor and may not be eligible to take on a case of such merit.
Cohen was last seen alive at his home in July, In the meantime, Sarah will continue to be reports the Associated Press. held in custody at the Lang’ata Women’s Prison. According to Citizen TV, Cohen’s body was
discovered in a septic tank on September 13, days after he first went missing.
So far, a plea by Sarah has been heard by a court in Nairobi, postponing the case till October 1.
[IMG]
Source: www.lipstickalley.com Stella Mutuku, the High Court Judge, said: “First, I want to take time to make a ruling on the issues you conversed before me (referring to the lawyers). Those are issues I can’t do it
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Sexually potent at 101 years old, this Nigerian war veteran reveals the secret to his strength
Who thinks of sex or erection or even the ability to sustain an erection at such an age as 101? Well, it might not be a regular thing for all men but for this Nigerian war veteran, the unusual ability to still stay sexually active is a thing that he claims abides potently in his family.
A Kenyan woman, who is married to a Dutch business tycoon, has appeared in court on charges of murder of her husband after he mysteriously went missing for days.
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Pa Adama Aduku, Nigeria’s oldest living veteran says that even at his age, he still has the energy and stamina to make love to any woman, claiming that there are many young women in his community who have continually made passes at him.
He indeed joined the military a few years after with the blessings of his father but the allure of being respected and feared by his kinsmen sparked his interest even more, amidst strong objections from some of his community members. Aduku went on to fight for the British Army in the Second World War.
“In the course of that journey, we ran out of drinking water, so we had to rely on the water from the sea to drink despite it being salty,” he “I may be 101 years old, but inside me, especially revealed of one of his journeys to Burma (now when it comes to making a woman happy in bed, Myanmar) to fight in a war. I am still strong and fresh,” boasted Aduku who was honoured by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo He retired from the military a few years after, settling down to farm in his village, Abejukoloand the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army in Lagos for being the country’s oldest living World Ife, under the Omaha Local Government Area War II veteran. make love to any woman.” of Kogi State. He made enough wealth through farming, as he recalled. Aduku joined the military in 1942 at the age of 24 after what was an interesting inspiration to The centenarian has two wives and 10 children want to be a soldier. and is a great lover of tea – a drink he attributes his longevity and unusual strength to at 101. Speaking to Punch Nigeria, he described how as a He told Saturday PUNCH that one of his greatyoung man, on his return from the farm one est regrets in life is that none of his children evening, he saw a man younger than he was at agreed to follow in his footsteps by joining the the time beating his village head. army – a job he says if he had the chance to choose a career in life again, he would surely choose again. Aduku recalled with nostalgia how the man named Salikawa, a soldier, beat up his chief for refusing to carry his (soldier) bag and seeing him http://longevity.science/en/ off to his house which was 10 miles away.
“When the matter was reported to the District Officer, the chief was advised to obey the soldier in his own interest or face whatever consequences that resulted from that.”
Angered by this, Aduku decided that he would also aim to become a soldier one day so that “I could go back to the village and also beat up Salikawa for humiliating our chief.”
Swiss Police Seize Cars Belonging to President of Equatorial Guinea’s Son
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Mark Babatunde
Law enforcement officials in Switzerland have seized 11 luxury cars belonging to Teodorin Obiang Nguema, the son of Equatorial Guinea’s President. According to Reuters, the seized vehicles include four Ferraris, a Lamborghini Veneno, a Maybach, a Koenigsegg, an Aston Martin, a McLaren P1, a Bugatti Veyron, and a Porsche 918 Spyder.
The 47-year-old Nguema is well know for his playboy lifestyle. He is facing money laundering charges, which he denies, maintaining that the cars do not belong to him. He told investigators in France that his wealth, which has enabled him to buy luxury real estate in Paris, a Gulfstream private jet, and Michael Jackson memorabilia, was amassed legitimately. In June, Nguema was made the vice-president of Equatorial Guinea following a decree by his 74-year-old father and President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who is the world’s longest serving head of state. Political analysts say the younger Nguema is clearly being groomed as a successor to his father.
Equatorial Guinea has vast oil deposits, which President
Mbasogo and his circle have exploited to help fund a life of luxury, engage in international image laundering campaigns, and largely insulate themselves from the effects of their corruption.
Human rights groups say the government is one of the most repressive regimes on earth and Transparency International ranks it as one of the 12 most corrupt countries in the world.
Nguema’s lawyers have told judges at a United Nation’s court to order France to squash all charges against him on the grounds of diplomatic immunity, however, French prosecutors contend that the charges are related to his private life in France and not to his official functions. Earlier in 2014, U.S. authorities confiscated more than $30 million in assets belonging to Nguema in Malibu, California. The assets included a Ferrari, a mansion, and an impressive collection of Michael Jackson memorabilia. https://face2faceafrica.com/
Ugandans Refuse To Use Public Toilets Because They Are Fitted With Cctv Cameras October 2019
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A matter of inconvenience has arisen in the eastern Ugandan town of Tororo where a World Bank-funded public restroom at a bus park has been fitted with surveillance cameras.
As a result, the townspeople have refused to utilise the facility owing to the lack of privacy they feel over being watched.
But the BBC reports that the clerk of Tororo, Paul Omoko, has moved to quash fears, saying the cameras are only outside at the entrance of the facility.
Omoko added that there was the need to do so because “terrorists like planting their bombs in public toilets”.
Furthering the clerk’s point, District Commissioner Nickson Owole believes that the opponents of the surveillance cameras have a “hidden agenda”.
The restroom was built as part of the World Bank’s Uganda Municipal Support Infrastructure Development Project.
In 2016, the Ugandan Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) released a report stating that about two million Ugandans do not have access to toilets. That represents 8% of the country’s population. https://face2faceafrica.com/
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Ethiopia's Abiy wins Nobel Peace Prize for ending Eritrea standoff
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Abiy's landmark achievement to date is securing peace with neighboring Eritrea.
What remains to be seen is whether Abiy — who joined the Ethiopian army in his teens and rose through the ruling EPRDF coalition over the past two decades — can reshape Ethiopia and open it up to the world from within the current system.
He faces resistance to change from vested interests within his coalition and the possibility that violence, including in June when a rogue state militia leader killed the region's state president and other top level officials, could escalate. Abiy also faces high expectations from young Ethiopians who want jobs, development, and opportunities.
"As an Ethiopian actually I am very happy that the prime minister won the Nobel peace prize," said Desalegn Chane, president of the new National Movement of Amhara (NAMA) party told Reuters by phone.
OSLO — Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for his peacemaking efforts which ended two decades of hostility with longtime enemy Eritrea.
Though Africa's youngest leader still faces big challenges, he has in under two years in power begun political and economic reforms that promise a better life for many in impoverished Ethiopia and restored ties with Eritrea that had been frozen since a 1998-2000 border war.
"We are proud as a nation," the prime minister's office said in a statement, hailing a "collective win for all Ethiopians, and a call to strengthen our resolve in making Ethiopia — the new horizon of hope — a prosperous nation for all."
"The prime minister also has to work on to improve the economy and drive down the cost of living," he told Reuters. The Nobel Committee's decision appeared designed to encourage the peace process, echoing the 1994 peace prize shared by Israeli and Palestinian leaders and the 1993 award for moves towards reconciliation in South Africa, said Dan Smith, head of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
"It is a case of wanting a constructive intervention in the peace process ... to give leverage and encouragement," he told Reuters. "The challenge now is internal for Abiy Ahmed, with Ethiopia needing to deal with the consequences of longterm violence, including three million displaced people and the need for continuing the political process."
The Nobel Committee said Abiy had won the prestigious prize for "efforts to achieve peace and internaAbiy had been bookmakers' second favorite to win, tional cooperation, and in particular for his decisive ini- behind the teenage Swedish climate change campaigner tiative to resolve the border conflict with neighboring Greta Thunberg. Eritrea."
It said the prize was meant to recognize "all the stakeholders working for peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia and in the East and Northeast African regions."
News of the award trickled slowly down to the streets of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. Bisrat Hadte, a 45-year-old businessman, said he was glad but the government still had much to do to improve daily life in the country of about 100 million.
Abiy, now 43, took office in April 2018 after the resignation of Hailemariam Desalegn following three years of street unrest. From partial liberalization of the state-controlled economy to overhauling the security forces that had helped the ruling coalition maintain a tight grip on power since 1991, the promises have raised hopes in the country and abroad.
"However, we still have legitimate concerns and grievances that Abiy needs to address. The political repression our people the Amhara have been suffering from has continued under Abiy."
"Three of our party leaders are still in jail suspected of being the plotters of the June coup attempt but still haven’t been formally charged," he said. The Nobel Peace Prize will be presented in Oslo on Dec. 10, the anniversary of the death of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, who founded the awards in his 1895 will. — Reuters
Saudigazette.com
October 2019
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Ethiopian 18th Century crown to return home from Netherlands
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After asking for help on internet forums - which yielded no useful answers - he decided the best course of action was to hold onto the crown until he knew it would be safe.
"You end up in such a suffocating situation, not knowing who to tell or what to do, or to hand over," he said. "And of course afraid that the Dutch government might confiscate it."
"I had fire alarms all over my house, eight or something like that. Really scared!"
Ethiopia 'breaks' tree-planting record Bold reforms expose Ethiopia's ethnic divides The women smashing Ethiopia's glass ceiling But with the end of the former regime and the election of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed last year, Mr Sirak felt the time was right to have a piece of Ethiopia's history return to Addis Ababa.
He contacted Arthur Brand, known as the "Indiana Jones of the art world", for help returning it home.
By Toby Luckhurst BBC News Sirak Asfaw, left, and Arthur Brand say they are waiting for the Ethiopian government to get in touch An 18th Century Ethiopian crown will finally be returned home after being hidden in a Dutch flat for 21 years.
Ethiopian Sirak Asfaw, who fled to the Netherlands in the late 1970s, discovered the crown in the suitcase of a visitor and realised it was stolen.
The management consultant has protected it until he felt safe to send it back.
"Finally it is the right time to bring back the crown to its owners - and the owners of the crown are all Ethiopians," he told the BBC.
A guide to Africa's 'looted treasures' Abiy Ahmed: The man changing Ethiopia Ethiopia country profile The crown is thought to be one of just 20 in existence. It has depictions of Jesus Christ, God and the Holy Spirit, as well as Jesus' disciples, and was likely gifted to a church by the powerful warlord Welde Sellase hundreds of years ago.
It is currently being stored at a high security facility until it can be safely returned.
What's the story of the crown? Mr Sirak left his home country in 1978 to escape the political repression of the Communist government, or Derg, which had come to power in 1974. The regime unleashed a wave of violence known as the Red Terror, which killed hundreds of thousands and forced many to leave. The former refugee used to host Ethiopians who had left the country in his Rotterdam flat throughout the 1980s and 1990s. "Friends, refugees, whoever," he said. It was one of these visitors staying at his home in 1998 who was carrying the crown in his bag.
"Most people don't really care about this cultural heritage," he said. "I'm loyal to Ethiopia."
Mr Sirak confronted the man and insisted the crown was not leaving unless it could be returned to its home.
"I explained to him, look, either the crown will disappear or you [will], if you continue like this," Mr Brand told the BBC.
"I said if the people who were involved at the time got knowledge of it, the risk was that they would come back and would take the crown from him."
With the consent of the Dutch police, the art hunter placed the artefact in a secure facility. An expert confirmed it was genuine, and Mr Brand decided the best course of action was to announce it publicly.
"It's an a amazing piece. It's very big, I feel pity for the people who had to wear it on their heads because when you wear this for a couple of hours your neck hurts," he said.
Both men are waiting for the Ethiopian government to get in touch with the Dutch authorities to plan the return of the crown.
"I want this crown to be a symbol of unity and togetherness," Mr Sirak said. "The crown will be celebrated by all of us Ethiopians, even Africans."
https://www.bbc.com/news
The crown is currently being stored in a high-security facility in the Netherlands
October 2019
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Africa’s Richest Man Aliko Dangote Donates $20m To The African Centre In NY To Change The Continent’s Narrative
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Mohammed Awal
“The connections The Africa Center will make between Africa, the United States, and the rest of the world, including members of the Diaspora, are needed more now than ever before,” he said in a media release distributed by APO Group on behalf of Dangote Group. The Chief Executive Officer of the Center Dr. Uzodinma Iweala said the Center was proud of the donation made to it by Dangote to push the African narrative.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation also announced a new $5 million grant at the Future Africa Forum. The Gates Foundation grant is directed to the Center’s capital campaign and for the development of its policy initiatives.
“We are profoundly grateful to the Aliko Dangote Foundation, the Mo Ibrahim family, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and all those whose generosity is enabling us to realize our plans to create a vibrant and essential center of ideas and action focused on the 54 nations and people of Africa and its Diaspora,” Iweala said.
For years the African narrative was left in the hands of the West to tell.
Remarking on the donation, Dangote noted it was to support The Africa Center’s work in altering the global understanding It was mainly skewed to satisfy their perceived nefarious agenda of the continent and promoting partnership and collaboration against the development of Africa and people of African descent between Africa and the rest of the world. in the diaspora. “The Africa Center is showcasing Africa in a contemporary, multifaceted manner as a center of innovation, growth, and limThey told the stories of a continent in shambles inhabited by brutes without future. So, it was no surprise, President Donald itless potential, which makes this project extremely important Trump during a meeting with lawmakers on the protection of and worthy of support through my foundation. immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador, and African countries last year in the Oval Office said: “Why are we having all these peo- “There is an opportunity to establish new narratives about ple from shithole countries come here?” Africa today, with its unrivaled mix of people, ideas, and resources, which are both its greatest strength and the basis for The President of the most powerful nation in the world likened its tremendous, untapped promise. Africa to a “shithole” because of the one-sided narrative. One watches the major international broadcasters’ reports about “The connections The Africa Center will make between Africa, Africa and wonders are there no success stories on the contithe United States, and the rest of the world, including members nent? of the Diaspora, are needed more now than ever before,” he said in a media release distributed by APO Group on behalf of Those broadcasters deliberately and unabatedly churn out nega- Dangote Group. tive stories about Africa. Why, because bad news sells. The Chief Executive Officer of the Center Dr. Uzodinma Enough is enough! The time has come for Africa and Africans in Iweala said the Center was proud of the donation made to it by the Diaspora who are constantly marginalized and discriminated Dangote to push the African narrative. against to take charge and change the African narrative. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation also announced a new This is where Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote comes in, tired $5 million grant at the Future Africa Forum. The Gates of the negative narrative that fuels the perception that Africa is a Foundation grant is directed to the Center’s capital campaign continent of savages, made a charitable donation of $20 million and for the development of its policy initiatives. to The Africa Center in New York aimed at reversing the trend. “The Africa Center is showcasing Africa in a contemporary, multifaceted manner as a center of innovation, growth, and limThe donation was made at the Future Africa Forum held on itless potential, which makes this project extremely important September 23 in New York organized by the Africa Center in and worthy of support through my foundation. partnership with the Aliko Dangote Foundation.
The Future Africa Forum was a platform for sharing new ideas and strategies that challenge the structures and systems that support one-dimensional narratives of the continent, and that inform policies and ultimately affect the lives of African people, those of African descent, and the future of Africa.
“There is an opportunity to establish new narratives about Africa today, with its unrivaled mix of people, ideas, and resources, which are both its greatest strength and the basis for its tremendous, untapped promise.
He said the Capital Campaign had received remarkable leadership support from institutions and individuals that recognize the role “it has to play in building bridges between cultures in a globalized world village.”
“That support has enabled us to complete the first two public spaces and activate them with programming that has already proven to be compelling and popular among our local community.
“We are building on this momentum by reaching out to additional business leaders and global philanthropists and asking them to invest in the Africa Center’s mission,” said Iweala.
New York’s Cultural Affairs Commissioner, Tom Finkelpearl said: “The City is pleased to have contributed over $4 million in public capital support for the Center, which is already offering vibrant programming that solidifies NYC’s connections with contemporary Africa and provides a new anchor for Museum Mile at the northern end of Central Park.”
Africa Center is a leading non-profit institution focused on challenging historical stereotypes around the African continent. It is also a hub for creating an intersection of African policy, business, and culture and recreating narratives about Africa’s economic and cultural significance today and into the future.
This mission is guided by a leadership team that includes Board President Halima Aliko Dangote, Board Co-Chairs Hadeel Ibrahim and Chelsea Clinton, and CEO Dr. Uzodinma Iweala.
The Center has its physical presence on Fifth Avenue at the intersection of Harlem and the Museum Mile, a location that embodies the dynamism and diversity of Africa and its Diaspora in the heart of New York City. https://face2faceafrica.com/
October 2019
Why the Crab has no Head
By Traditional
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A very long time ago, before man came along to upset the natural balance, all animals lived together peacefully. But in those days, none of the animals had heads of their own, except the elephant, who was the King of the animals. He had a large collection of heads in all shapes and sizes, which he kept stored in a large cave. Every time an animal wished to leave the village compound to go out into the field or the bush, he would go to the elephant first and ask to borrow a head. On his return to the animal village the head would be returned to the king’s store. This worked very well for a time. The only problem was that there were not quite enough heads for all the animals. There always seemed to be one short, so at least one of the animals always had to stay behind in the village.
Eventually some of the animals became dissatisfied that every time they wanted to go out, they had to waste time to collect a head and then return it again. The King agreed to have a meeting and it was decided that each animal should be given its own head to keep for all time. The King started making all the arrangements, assisted by his secretary, the crab, and when all was ready and all the heads were lined up in the village square, he sent out the cockerel, who had been given a head for this purpose, to announce that all animals should come to the square so that the King could give them a head.
The cockerel went round the whole of the village and every body who heard the message rushed to the square. When he thought e had informed every body, and was just making his way back to the square, the cockerel spotted the crab, without his head, meandering down a track on his way to the river bank. The cockerel advised him to make his way back to the square quickly, but crab just shrugged. “I am the secretary of the King”, he said, “the King will keep a head for me, I am sure of it. I need to have a quick bath. I will see you bye and bye”. And he sauntered on his way. At the village square where all the other animals had gathered, the elephant started giving out heads. He tried to make sure that each animal received a head that suited it. So the hippopotamus got a very large, fat head; the rhinocerus got a head with fierce looking eyes; the giraffe got a long head to go with his long neck. Nobody liked the hyena very much, so he got the ugliest head there was, but the antelope, who all thought was the most graceful of the animals, got the most beautiful head. This went on all morning until all the animals had their own head. Just as the King thanked the cockerel for his work, and was about to return to his palace, the crab came sauntering back. “Where have you been hiding out”, asked the King. “I’m afraid all the heads have been given out, and there is not a single one left for you!” However much the crab protested, there was nothing to be done, and that is the reason why to this day the crab goes through life without a head.
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Congresswoman Ilhan Omar files for divorce blaming it on “irretrievable breakdown” and politics
Democratic congresswoman, Ilhan Omar, has filed for divorce from her husband Ahmed Hirsi, citing an “irretrievable breakdown” of her marriage.
The divorce filing comes after a Washington DC female resident, Beth Mynett, claimed in court that the politician had an affair with her husband, The Daily Mail reported.
The couple with three children have been together for many years but not without complications. It was in 2018 that they became legally married.
October 2019
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Immigrant detainee suffers brain hemorrhage and dies in ICE custody in San Diego
SAN DIEGO — A 37-year-old man from Cameroon died Tuesday in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, after undergoing treatment for a brain hemorrhage since Sept. 26 at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. Nebane Abienwi was being detained at the Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego, according to an ICE news release. He was rushed to the emergency room a week ago after experiencing a hypertensive event in the middle of the night, according to the news release.
The Hill reported that Omar and Ahmed Nur Said Elmi married in 2009 and later obtained a divorce in 2011 in their Muslim faith tradition — although not a legal one. The man applied for admission into the United States They came back together and had their third in early September at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Mynett said her husband told her he was in love child in 2012. Omar officially filed to with the Democrat and that he was ending his divorce Elmi in 2017, and legally married marriage for Ms Omar, according to the divorce Hirsi in 2018. According to Department of Homeland Security papers filed in August 2019. records, he did not have proper entry documents It was reported earlier this year that a when he crossed on Sept. 5 through the port of entry. When the alleged affair with Tim Mynett and Minnesota campaign finance board’s inves- He was transferred to ICE custody on Sept. 19, Omar made headlines earlier, the Congresswoman tigation found that the 38-year-old freshman according to ICE. denied it. congresswoman and Hirsi filed joint tax returns in 2014 and 2015, while she was Physicians at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center proMeanwhile, Mr. Mynett had been working with still legally married to Elmi. vided treatment to Abienwi, who was nonresponsive Omar in the lead up to the 2018 mid-term electo questions. He appeared paralyzed on his left side tions. Mynett reportedly worked with Omar Omar is one of the first two Muslim women and remained in the hospital until he passed away through his business, E Street Group, even after elected to Congress and a member of the Tuesday, according to ICE. Omar became one of the first Muslim women “Squad,” reported to be a subject of critielected to Congress. cism from President Trump. Medical staff at the hospital pronounced Abienwi dead. His next of kin and the Consulate General of Barely two months after the Democratic political Omar, 38, rose to become the first SomaliCameroon were notified of his death. consultant whose wife alleged in a divorce filing American lawmaker based in Minneapolis, last month that he was leaving her for the and later became the subject of a new docu- Physicians identified the cause of Abienwi’s death as Minnesota congresswoman, Omar has also filed mentary titled “Time for Ilhan.” brain death secondary to basal ganglia hemorrhage, for divorce from Hirsi. ICE said. From being a Somali refugee, she took the According to Ms Omar’s lawyer Jaime Driggs, seat by more than 20,000 votes, out of The agency said Abienwi received comprehensive “For years, Ilhan and Ahmed have been the object 135,318 votes cast leading her on track to medical care while he was in custody. of speculation and innuendo from political oppobe one of two Muslim women in Congress nents and the media. This has taken a significant today. “ICE is firmly committed to the health and welfare toll on Ilhan, Ahmed, and their three children.” of all those in its custody and is undertaking a comEnter email address to receive updates from prehensive agency-wide review of this incident, as it “As with all marriages, this is intensely personal Face2face Africa does in all such cases,” a statement from ICE said. and a difficult time for their family,” Driggs said, “Fatalities in ICE custody, statistically, are exceedstating that the Minnesota congresswoman wished ingly rare and occur at a small fraction of the rate of for privacy and would have no further comment. Source: https://face2faceafrica.com/
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the U.S. detained population as a whole.”
Abienwi’s death is the first in ICE custody in the new fiscal year, which began Tuesday, as BuzzFeed News reported Wednesday morning.
Eight inmates died in ICE custody in fiscal year 2019, according to a review of news releases on the agency’s website.
The last person to die in ICE custody was a 37-year-old Mexican national who had been in custody at the McHenry County Adult Correctional Facility in Woodstock, Ill. Roberto Rodriguez-Espinoza died Sept. 10 at a hospital, after being placed into ICE custody on Sept. 3.
Rodriguez-Espinoza died from a subdural hematoma, or a brain bleed typically associated with a traumatic brain injury.
According to an ICE news release about Rodriguez-Espinoza’s death, facility staff at MCACF noticed Rodriguez-Espinoza acting confused on Sept. 7 and a doctor ordered him to be taken to the hospital.
ICE is required to post a news release about each in-custody death, a spokeswoman said. The news release is typically posted on ICE’s website after the deceased’s next of kin and other required governmental agencies are notified.
A February 2016 report from the American Civil Liberties Union, Detention Watch Network, and the National Immigrant Justice Center asserted that “egregious violations of ICE medical care standards played a prominent role in eight deaths in immigration detention facilities from 2010 to 2012.”
https://www.latimes.com/
October 2019
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African Union gives three best teachers 17-Year-Old Cameroonian $10,000 each at its first Continental Teacher Displaced By Regional Prize Ceremony Conflict Builds RemoteControlled Toys
The African Union has for the first time given three outstanding teachers on the continent $10,000 (£8,000) each.
The teachers are Augusta Lartey-Young (Ghana), Erick Ademba (Kenya) and Uganda’s Gladys K.
“It is a key instrument in our efforts to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in Africa,” Beatrice Njenga, the head of the AU’s education division, said. Mr Ademba noted the award will spur teachers on to be innovative as well as promote the image of teaching in Africa.
The Continental Teacher Prize was established as a means to demonstrate respect for teachers and the teaching profession, by encouraging and celebrating the committed teachers in Africa.
According to the AU, “the Prize raises the status of teaching, facilitates sharing of best practices in teacher excellence, and inspires the best possible candidates to join the teaching profession. Furthermore, the AU Teacher Prize is meant to serve as a catalyst for similar programmes at regional and national levels.”
The three outstanding teachers were selected for demonstrating the following qualities:
“Engaging in quality teaching which results in high standards of student achievement;
• Demonstrated knowledge of the subject matter, while keeping up with recent developments;
• Encouraging desirable behaviour among students through positive feedback and other methods;
Managing classes to enhance the quality of learning processes, while ensuring accommodation of students with varied learning needs and abilities;
• Engaging in activities and networks that enhance the social and cultural value of learning;
• Helping students to achieve their long term career goals by organizing engagement with relevant agencies and information;
• Demonstrating multi-valency in facilitating acquisition of knowledge and skills, as well as values for peace building and responsible citizenship
• Positive engagement with fellow teachers encouraging mutual learning;
Positive reputation from stakeholders and community members;
• Highly commended by students and staff members.”
A 2018 UNICEF report on Teacher Performance in Africa, pointed out that: “There is a tacit and longstanding assumption that if we want better teachers all we need to do is give them more training and/or onthe-job support: the more the better. However, even a few moments reflection on one’s own experience should be enough to convince most readers that this is not true. Yes, we might come back from (good) training invigorated and with new ideas, but it is not too long before what we have learnt begins to fade, unless we have other drivers to make us continue to apply such learning. Professional development is necessary both at the beginning of a teacher’s career and throughout that career, but it is not sufficient to ensure high (or better) levels of performance. Performance needs to be actively managed. In any job, not just teaching, the other things that drive us to do better are: how motivated we are; whether we feel valued; how high our morale is; what roles we fulfil; whether our performance is aligned to the incentives we receive; and whether we are held to account for our performance.”
A Cameroonian teen, Awa Chi Blaise, has distinguished himself as a selftaught engineer by constructing toys that can be controlled with a remote.
Blaise, who is 17, hails from Cameroon’s northwest region where the populace predominantly speaks English. The area has been faced with conflicts and Blaise now has to live in southwest Douala.
Africanews.com reports that Blaise usually takes about two months to finish a build. But that even depends on the availability of materials.
The young prodigy uses materials disposed off by others that include batteries, raffia palm, plywood, paper among others.
“I get some of the material in dust bins, in scraps, radio, and deck (DVD player) because I don’t have money to get the right ones so I decided to work for some dust bin and get the scrap deck, scrap radio and I pick cartons and some plywoods to combine them in my own way to have what I want like to have the caterpillar machine,” Blaise said in an interview.
He explained his creative process where he employs bits of crude knowledge from electronics.
Despite being undoubtedly talented, Blaise has had to drop out of school because of the conflicts in his hometown of Bamenda.
Currently, Blaise says he builds his toys under the “business name” Chi Style. However, he hopes Cameroon’s Ministry of Scientific Innovation and Technological Development can come to his aid.
The audience on the streets to whom Blaise shows his toys are left impressed but wonder what the future might hold for the young man.
https://face2faceafrica.com/
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DECISIONS, DECISIONS DECISIONS“Should I Buy or Continue to Rent”
matic for younger children. They won't have to make new friends, and a sense of place becomes very real to them. Disadvantages of Renting • When you rent, you do not have the flexibility to make aesthetic or cosmetic changes to the place as you please. You may be able to paint a room, but need to repaint back to the original color scheme when you move. • You cannot make major structural changes or ground changes such as adding flower beds or even rock gardens and waterfalls to reflect your taste. • You put up with an obstinate landlord that refuses to repair things in the apartment, or Most people are torn with this imminent just "doesn't have time." This can build frustradecision to either buy a house or to continue tion and stress. the pilgrim of renting from someone. When • You help the Landlord build equity on you rent from someone, it means you are their property and gain tax write off while you throwing your money away—more as if you are left with nothing at the end of your lease are in constant chain of helping someone term increase their wealth. Ask yourself then; I hope you enjoyed reading this article and it has what do you gain for helping someone provided helpful information in making your increase their wealth? Nothing! You are los- decision to home ownership a smooth one. ing out-period. For more information about your real estate It is a known fact that the best single invest- needs (buying, selling, leasing/renting a house) ment one can make is owning your own call me at 571-229-6694 or email borderlesshome. Homeownership promotes a sense of realestate@gmail.com and I will help you get achievement, positive self esteem and pride. started. Thank you. It creates a sense of accomplishment and freedom! Let’s read down and dig deeper as to why owning a home is vital. The Biggest Benefit of Homeownership Homeownership makes good sense because there are tax privileges when tax time rolls Anita A. Bediako- REALTOR® around: Samson Properties • You get the benefit of deducting the Licensed Real Estate Agent in Virginia and interest paid on the mortgage throughout the Maryland year. Licensed Life and Health Insurance • You deduct any points paid, either CONTACT 571-229-6694 discount or origination fees paid on loan. Email: borderlessrealestate@gmail.com • You can deduct a room in your home Website: borderlessrealestate.com if it is solely dedicated for home business use. • The biggest advantage, though, is the fact that the principle you pay on the mortgage is like putting money in the bank, in the form of equity. Other Advantages of Homeownship • Owning your home gives you an individualized approach concerning landscaping, decorating, and curb appeal, which in the process can add value to the home. You do what you please when you please to your home which renting does not provide. • If you have children, they will find stability in knowing that they aren't going to have to change schools, which can be trau-
October 2019
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Tanzania's Magufuli praises official who caned students
Tanzanian President John Magufuli has praised a senior government official for caning a group of secondary school students who were accused of setting fire to their dormitories.
A widely-shared video shows regional commissioner Albert Chalamila administering beatings to a group of students who were lying face down.
Earlier, a government minister had criticised Mr Chalamila as only headteachers are allowed to carry out corporal punishment.
But President Magufuli, who has become known for his no-nonsense attitude, has also called for the law on corporal punishment to be changed so that it can be meted out by all teachers.
The president also wants to relax the rules on when caning a student might be appropriate.
Currently, even headteachers are discouraged from resorting to corporal punishment, they have to have a strong reason to do so, and are limited to four strokes. Source:https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news
Afrikan
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October 2019
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Rwandan Actress Oceanne Iradukunda to star in Hollywood TV series Unfortunately, it didn’t ring a bell that it is Tyler Perry since he had only told me only one name, Perry. It’s after him leaving that I noticed that I was talking to the one and only Tyler Perry.
The short conversation I had with him somehow enabled me to go for his auditions.
What did you talk about with him?
We had a chat and he asked me what I did, and I responded that I was an actress. He asked me whether I encountered any challenges as an actress and I said it is tough because I have an accent that I have been trying to mimic but it wasn’t working out.
Twenty-two-year-old Belle Oceanne Iradukunda will be cast in a new Hollywood comedy series called ‘Sistas’ that will air on US Television BET on October 23.
Sistas is an upcoming American television comedy-drama series created, written and produced by Tyler Perry, one of the leading Hollywood producers.
Iradukunda has previously acted in several films like; Living with the dead, Till death do us part, Shifty business, among others.
In an interview with Sunday Magazine’s Joan Mbabazi, She talked about her rising career, challenges, and much more. How did you end up working with Tyler Perry?
Well, I must say it was a blessing in disguise. It’s funny how I met him. I had attended an event in the USA, hosted by Tina Knowles, Beyonce’s mother.
After the event, there I was relaxing after a long day, so Perry came close to where I was and greeted me. He kindly introduced himself to me.
Meanwhile, I became emotional, and broke down in tears, recalling how tough it has been to get roles in films. I have been rejected, God knows how many times. I told him I was staying focused regardless of the huddles.
Perry encouraged me and told me not to worry because I was yet to taste the positive side of acting and he urged me not to stop pursuing my dreams.
He took my mobile phone number and surprisingly after a few days, I received a call from his casting Director at Tyler Perry Studios and the rest is history. Which role do you play in the Sistas?
I play as a friendly waitress to the four main casts who are, KJ Smith, Mignon Von, Ebony Obsidian and Novi Brown. Acting with them was a whole new experience of learning. How will acting in this series boost your career?
This is a breakthrough for my acting career, the series is not yet out but I have already been contacted by different producers to work on other projects. I must say, I have been exposed to the world, and I will never be the same again because I believe, doors to greater opportunities are yet to open. What is it like for you to act with big actors and actresses?
He shot both series in three months. Once you are on set, you have to know your lines and what you are supposed to do because we don’t practice on set, we shoot. We rehearse before coming on set and be ready once in front of the camera. We can be on set for eight to 12 hours a day. Hard work but it pays off. What challenges do you face as an actress?
Rejection mostly. Whenever I do something to my best and I don’t get a yes, it crashes me. Often, I have been told that I am not good enough or won’t be able to act a certain part, yet I am sure that I can. If I wasn’t strong, I could have given up a long time ago. I also have issues with my accent as it doesn’t allow me to be able to accentuate the character in a way I feel comfortable. Did you love acting since childhood or it is something you picked interest in along the way?
I have always been multi-talented since childhood, I loved acting, fashion and music, and everyone near me saw the special talents in me. Being the only child home, I occupied myself through my abilities. Which person do you look up to?
President Paul Kagame inspires me a lot. The fact that he brought peace and encourages us the youth to work hard and start-up our own companies motivates me. I am endowed to use my talent to employ Rwandans. Should we expect you to act in local movies too?
Yes, I am planning to come back as soon as I accomplish the projects that I am working on. I have my movies that I will be shooting in Rwanda and would love to be part of any projects structured by the Rwandan movie industry.
It’s a great experience as I get to learn how they act so natural and pull off perfectly any role given to them. editor@newtimesrwanda.com Take us through the acting, how often does the team act and for how long?
Tyler Perry takes a selfie with the cast of Sistas. / Courtesy
Oh, you would be surprised but it’s very fast, Tyler Perry works hard. It’s crazy that he shoots a movie in five days. When we were shooting Sistas, he was at the same time shooting another series called the “Oval”, so in a week we would do three days for Sistas, and another three days for the Oval.
Rwanda scraps over 1,000 colonial-era laws passed by Germany and Belgium Mohammed Awal
Rwanda Justice Minister Johnston Busingye was in full support of doing away with the thousands of colonial-era statutes. (Photo by Justin Tallis/AFP PHOTO/Getty Images)
Rwanda has passed a law repealing over 1,000 colonial-era laws from its statutes.
This comes after Rwanda’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs State Minister, Evode Uwizeyimana advocated for the scrapping of the colonial laws.
Germany ruled Rwanda from 1900 to 1916. It was later occupied by Belgian forces until gaining independence in July 1962.
After three months of discussions and review of the laws by the Standing Committee on Political Affairs and Gender of the Rwandan Parliament, a law was passed to do away with the colonial laws.
For Uwizeyimana, it is embarrassingly shameful for laws enacted by colonial masters to still be valid in the Rwandan legal system.
“Today, a stubborn lawyer would easily invoke a colonial law that we are yet to abolish and there wouldn’t be ways to challenge them because these laws were never officially repealed,” he said earlier this year when he asked the Members of Parliament to adopt his proposal to scrap the colonial-era laws.
https://face2faceafrica.com/
October 2019
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Rwanda Deports American Pastor Whose Radio Station Aired Sermon Describing Women As ‘Evil
An American pastor in Rwanda whose radio station was closed after airing a sermon that described women as ‘evil’ has been deported.
Gregg Schoof was removed from the country after holding what Rwandan authorities say was an illegal meeting with journalists.
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After authorities shut down his radio station, Schoof appealed the decision but lost it in May. He has since been criticizing the government over its stance.
“I did not come here to fight the government. I came to preach the gospel. I care nothing about politics. Nor do I care who is president or what party is in power,” he said in a statement on Monday.
According to The New Times, the preacher’s meeting with the media was to enable him to communicate his grievances after his radio station and church was shut “But this government has taken a stand against God with its heathen practices. I hope Christians will do their lawful down last year for reportedly preaching hate against part in all this and simply do what is right and help fix women. these problems.” Rwandan Directorate General for Immigration and Schoof’s church was also shut down this February, alongEmigration Regis Gatarayiha said the pastor was a side several others, over safety issues and noisemaking. “prohibited immigrant” and was “involved in activities that cause public disorder”. Numbering over 700, these churches were forced to suspend operations following a government crackdown on “His [work] permit had expired since 6 July 2019. their activities. His extended stay had been accorded to him on his request to prepare to leave but his involvement in The churches, mostly Pentecostal did not meet minimum activities that cause public disorder were not among standards as they were found to have failed with building the allowed preparations to leave the country.” regulations in terms of legal status and safety. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Schoof and his In terms of legal issues, Rwandan authorities have family have been in Rwanda since 2003. explained that before establishing a church, one must have a temporary certificate which expires after twelve months. His Amazing Grace radio station, established more than 10 years ago as part of his missionary work in One must, therefore, make an application for formalising the country, faced backlash last year after broadcasttheir operations within nine months of opening before the ing a sermon by local pastor Nicolas Niyibikora, who expiry of the temporary certificate. allegedly said: “Who can say anything good about women? There is nothing. The news of the shutdown of the churches has since drawn divided opinions among residents in Kigali. “Women we have now in our midst are prostitutes. Women brought sin into the world and when the While some believe the move will protect the general world goes into extinction, it is because of women.” public, others feel that the churches involved should have been given ample time to fulfil those requirements or reloWomen rights groups and other bodies immediately cate to other areas. criticized the broadcast, but Schoof has since maintained that the sermon didn’t preach against women but rather used women as a metaphor for “bad MILDRED EUROPA TAYLOR | churches.”
Sir Sam Jonah Recognized for his Contribution to Mining Industry in Africa
Afrikan
October 2019
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The United States National Academy of Engineering, having elected Sir Sam Jonah as a foreign member early this year officially inducted him as a member of the National Academy of Engineering during their annual meeting in Washington DC. on Sunday, October 6, 2019
Sir. Samuel Jonah’s induction into the Academy is in honor of his distinguished leadership and technical contributions in advancing the mineral industry in Africa.
Sir. Sam Esson Jonah one of Africa’s leading businessmen is currently the Executive Chairman of Jonah Capital (Pty) Limited, an investment holding company in South Africa, and the former President of AngloGold Ashanti Limited. Born and raised at Obuasi he had his high-school education at Adisadel College in Cape Coast, Ghana, then earned an Associateship in Mining Engineering at the Camborne School of Mines, Cornwall, England, and subsequently a MSc in Mine Management at the Imperial College of Science and Technology, London., following which he worked in various capacities at the Ashanti Goldfields Corporation, including underground operations. At the age of 36 he became the Chief Executive Officer and supervised the transformation of Ashanti Goldfields into a mining multinational.
An Honorary Knighthood was conferred on him by Her Majesty the Queen in 2003 and in 2006 he was awarded Ghana’s highest national award, the Companion of the Order of the Star of the Volta. Mr. Jonah serves on the boards of various public and private companies, including Vodafone Group Plc and a member of the Global Advisory Council of the Bank of America. Formerly a Director of the Standard Bank Group, Lonmin and AngloAmerican Group (South Africa). His wife Lady Giselle Jonah and daughter Tamara Jonah, Nana Prah Agyensaim VI, the Paramount Chief of Assin Owirenkyi Traditional Area, (Assin Kushea) of the Central Region of Ghana, the queen mother of Assin Kushea and other notable personalities from the Ghanaian Community including Nana Adu Gyamfi Kumanin, Sompahene of Asante Nsuta, Dr. Georgina Owusu Asiedu joined Sir Sam Jonah to receive the special recognition.
Other honorees were Cato Thomas Laurencin who received The Simon Ramo Founders Award for his research contribu-
tions and leadership in engineering. The Arthur M. Bueche Award was given to Roderic Ivan Pettigrew for his contributions to technology research, policy, and national and international cooperation. At the 2019 annual meeting members reflected on the inspiring trajectory of ingenuity, achievements, and lessons, starting from the Apollo mission—why it still resonates and remains relevant and meaningful for current exploration and discovery. In addition to reviewing technical accomplishments and social implications, the speakers deliberated the nature of modern global cooperation and competition as well as implications for future exploration, workforce development, and public engagement. The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) is a private, independent, nonprofit institution that provides engineering leadership in service to the nation. The mission of the National Academy of Engineering is to advance the well-being of the nation by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and by marshaling the expertise and insights of eminent engineers to provide independent advice to the federal government on matters involving engineering and technology.
NAE President John Anderson presided over the various sessions which were held at the National Academy of Sciences Building at 2101 Constitution Avenue NW. Washington DC George Kwasi Bright
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Zimbabwe Allegedly Flies 30 Elephants To Prince Harry Helps Save 500 China In The Wake Of Devastating Endangered Elephants in Drought Africa
Afrikan
October 2019
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CAROLINE THEURI face2faceafrica.com
Zimbabwe is believed to have sold at least 30 young elephants to China in the last few days as drought hits the country.
Park officials are reported to have said proceeds will be used to dig more wells to save other wildlife.
At least 55 elephants died in September this year, the BBC reports. Animal welfare groups have lashed out at the government over the sale of the animals, arguing it will traumatise the wildlife family.
“We have been campaigning against the capture and sale of wild elephants and the way they are taken to places outside of their traditional areas. Usually they are taken to zoos and there they are broken down in a very cruel manner,” Lenin Chisaira, director of the Advocates4Earth environmental group, told the BBC.
However, Zimbabwe’s National Parks service says the best option is to sell the animals to earn more to save the rest in the wake of a devastating drought.
Spokesperson Tenashi Farawo said the animal rights campaigners are only stirring up emotions.
Reports say as a result of indiscriminate mining around the national park, sources of water have been affected.
According to the Convention on International Trade in Endangerd Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES), if the development is found out to be true Zimbabwe risks sanctions. In August, a near total ban on live elephant exports from Zimbabwe and Botswana was agreed, however, the decision takes effect from November 26.
According to the CITES trade database, Zimbabwe has previously exported 108 young elephants to zoos in China since 2012.
Elephant-rich nations like Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia are seeking a lift in the ban in ivory trade placed by CITES, the global organization that regulates the trade in endangered species.
Zimbabwe currently has about 85,000 elephants, but the country can only cater for 55,000, according to officials.
To ease overpopulation and raise funds, the government, in 2017, sold 35 elephants to China, amid criticism from animal welfare activists that such sales are unethical.
An IOL report said that this practice dates back to the era of former Zimbabwe president, Robert Mugabe, where wildlife was often sold to Asian and Middle East countries to settle debts. Zimbabwe’s repeated capture and export of infant elephants to countries like China has been condemned over concerns that Chinese zoos and safari parks do not have any legallymandated animal welfare standards. https://face2faceafrica.com/
Prince Harry is doing his part to save Africa’s endangered elephants by personally helping in their translocation to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve (NRW) in Malawi where they’re more likely to thrive. According to tweets from the official Kensington Palace account, the Prince actively participated in the translocation exercise, dubbed “500 Elephants Initiative,” to get first hand experience on one of the largest wildlife conservation efforts on the continent.
African Parks, which manages all Malawian parks in partnership with the government, has spear headed the “500 Elephants Initiative,”which aims to translocate elephant herds from Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park more than 350 kilometers to the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve in an effort to reduce human-wildlife conflict, ease the pressure on natural habitats, and halt poaching. According to a 2009 report, humanwildlife conflict in Malawi has ripple effects that lead to injury, property loss, and the destruction of crops and livestock.
A two-minute documentary titled “Journey of Giants” and produced by African Parks looks at the process of relocating the elephants. The elephants are first tranquilized to make them stationary, allowing workers to lift them up by their limbs using a crane. They are then delivered to a waiting truck that translocates them to the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve.
Prince Harry participated in the translocation of 261 elephants to the reserve during his three weeks in Malawi. The remaining 232 elephants will be relocated in the summer of 2017, notes a press release published by African Parks. The organization hopes that the “500 Elephants Initiative” will result in saving their species from extinction.
Though photos only document Prince Harry moving the elephants, African Parks notes that he also helped in translocating a male rhino and a host of game species including antelope, buffalo, and zebra. More than 1,500 animals have been relocated to date. The Prince also assisted in re-collaring three lions in Majete with GPS collars to better monitor and protect them.
CEO of African Parks, Peter Fearnhead, praised the Prince for his hands-on approach in the project.
“We are thrilled to have Prince Harry serve as an integral part of our translocation team. He has extensive field experience and was extremely comfortable with the animals, whether helping an anesthetized elephant to the ground and monitoring its breathing to affixing radio collars. He played a vital role in many aspects of this giant operation which requires not only all hands on deck, but a vigilance he exudes, and a commitment to the cause he embodies,” he wrote in a press release.
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Malawian Teen Taught Himself How To Build A Windmill From Junk, Brought Power To His Village, ALL Learned From Library Books!
Afrikan
Post
October 2019
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Since receiving their sun and wind-themed uniforms, the team has been on a winning streak that has brought the village together with pride.
The windmill project drew many visitors from kilometers around, including Dr. Hartford Mchazime, Ph.D., the deputy director of the MTTA, the Malawian NGO responsible for the community library. Mchazime brought press, including The Malawi Daily Times, who wrote a long story. Soyapi Mumba and Mike McKay, engineers at Baobab Health Partnership in Malawi blogged about the article, and news of William’s inventions reached Emeka Okafor, program director for TEDGlobal, a prestigious gathering of thinkers and innovators. Okafor searched quite diligently to find William and invite him to the conference as a fellow. William’s presentation led to additional mentors, donors, and companies supporting his education and further projects.
William graduated from Dartmouth College in 2014 and started his tenure at Ideo.org as a Global Fellow. William’s time at Ideo focused on Human-Centered Design and sent him around the world working on projects ranging from sanitation in India to gender-based violence prevention in Kenya. He is now working with WiderNet to develop appropriate technology curriculum that will allow people to bridge the gap between “knowing” and “doing”. WiderNet will distribute the content through eGranaries around Malawi and across the continent. https://urbanintellectuals.com/
Get this boy in a prominent position, make him famous, let him inspire!
We are joining a call from Anonymous who posted a very simple message, they say the media is blacking out the importance of Malawian Teen William Kamkwamba. He taught himself how to build a windmill from junk, brought power to his village, learned from books he read in the library!
He was a simple farmer, he hadn’t seen a computer and certainly not many white people in his life. But his mind prevailed and his inventions made lives better. TED Wrote of him “At age 14, in poverty and famine, a Malawian boy built a windmill to power his family’s home. Now at 22, William Kamkwamba, who speaks at TED, here, for the second time, shares in his own words the moving tale of invention that changed his life.” Here is what his site says about him…
William Kamkwamba was born August 5, 1987, in Dowa, Malawi, and grew up on his family farm in Masitala Village, Wimbe, two and half hours northeast of Malawi’s capital city. The second eldest of Trywell and Agnes Kamkwamba’s seven children, William has six sisters, Annie, Dorris, Rose, Aisha, Mayless, and Tiyamike.
William was educated at Wimbe Primary School, completing 8th grade and was then accepted to Kachokolo secondary school. Due to severe famine in 2001, his family lacked the funds to pay the $80 in annual school fees and William was forced to drop out of school a few months into his freshman year. For five years he was unable to go to school.
Starting at 14, rather than accept his fate, William started borrowing books from a small community lending library located at his former primary school. He borrowed an 8th-grade American textbook, Using Energy, which depicted wind turbines on its cover. He decided to build a windmill to power his family’s home and obviate the need for kerosene, which provided only smoky, flickering, distant and expensive light after dark. First, he built a prototype using a radio motor, then his initial 5-meter windmill out of a broken bicycle, tractor fan blade, old shock absorber, and blue gum trees. After hooking the windmill to a car battery for storage, William was able to power four light bulbs and charge neighbors’ mobile phones. This system was even equipped with homemade light switches and a circuit breaker made from nails, wire, and magnets. The windmill was later extended to 12 meters to better catch the wind above the trees. A third windmill pumped greywater for irrigation. Subsequent projects have included clean water, malaria prevention, solar power and lighting for the six homes in his family compound; a deep water well with a solar-powered pump for clean water, a drip irrigation system, and the outfitting of the village team Wimbe United with their first-ever uniforms and shoes.
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