Reforms needed in Ivory Coast, says UN Expert
United Nations Independent Expert Doudou Diène has called on the Government of Côte d’Ivoire to adopt urgent reforms before presidential elections scheduled for October 2015. Mr. Diène’s appeal came at the end of his latest visit to the country, from 11-23 February, during which he organised an “International Conference on the situation of victims of […]
Uganda bans miniskirts, pornography
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has signed a law which criminalizes indecency and promotion of pornography. Henceforth, women have been forbidden from wearing clothes like miniskirts and cleavage-revealing blouses (‘tops’) that excite sexual cravings in public, unless for educational and medical purposes or during sports or cultural events. Addressing the press at the Media Centre in […]
Sweden positive about Africa
Sweden has a positive view of the prospects of Africa, foreign minister Carl Bildt said on Wednesday. “…we are seeing economic growth, democratic development and global engagement.”, he said. Presenting Sweden’s Statement of Foreign Policy in a parliamentary debate, Bildt said his country “looks positively on Africa’s prospects, while being conscious of the fact that considerable […]
Liberians discuss flag, other national symbols
Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf recently launched the National Symbols Review Project to lead a national discourse on official symbols like the flag, seal, among others. The president urged that more consultations be held to ensure broad-based participation, including with the leadership of the three branches of government and the entire citizenry. “There still needs […]
Sweden Prosecutes Seven After Neo-Nazi Attack
At least seven people will be prosecuted following the attack by neo-Nazi groups on an anti-racist demonstration in the Stockholm suburb of Kärrtorp in December, tabloid Expressen reports. It started off as a demonstration in a Stockholm suburb against racist graffiti on a local school. On the small square in Kärrtorp were a group of […]
Swedish Foreign Minister Visits Mali
Sweden’s Foreign Minister Carl Bildt is expected to visit Mali on 14-16 February. This will be the first-ever visit by a Swedish foreign minister to the country. The visit aims to emphasise Sweden’s continued and enhanced support to Mali’s development and its long-term peace efforts, and to efforts by the EU, the UN, the African Union and the […]
BUILD Africa Forum Opens In Congo
BUILD Africa , the continent’s premier international business and investment infrastructure forum opened today in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. For two days, the first edition of the forum will seek to provide a comprehensive response to the continent’s infrastructure deficit. BUILD Africa was inaugurated by Denis Sassou N’Guesso, President of the Republic of Congo. The […]
Tough Choices Face President Sirleaf In 2014
According to a recent World Bank report, Liberia is nation of over 3 million people without electricity with 0.58% of those living in the country having access to it, far below the regional average of 28.5% and possibly the lowest rate of access to public electricity in the world. In Monrovia, the country’s capital, electricity […]
Kenya To Host African Institute for Remittances
The African Union (AU) Executive Council has selected the Republic of Kenya to host the African Institute for Remittances (AIR). The Council asked the African Union Commission to conclude the Host Agreement with the Republic of Kenya so as to ensure the formal take-off of the Institute this year. It also asked the World Bank […]
Finland, Tanzania agree on form of future cooperation
Finland and Tanzania agreed on the form of their future cooperation on 30 January, in connection with the visit of Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen and Minister for International Development Pekka Haavisto. According to Minister Haavisto, Tanzania has progressed a considerable way. “Due to its extensive natural resources, excellent geographic position and favourable climate, the country […]
