Just Africa

Controversial Media Bill In Bostwana Up For Vote

Botswana is generally considered a flourishing democracy with free and fair elections, a growing economy, and a good human rights record. Though there have been a few rough patches for governance since the constitution was formed in 1966, in recent years, the government has been praised for respecting civil liberties, including press freedom.

Media in Botswana has thrived during these years, and journalists have grown accustomed to having their independence, which could be the reason they were irate about the introduction of the Media Practitioners Bill in late June. Reporters across the country, along with international press advocacy organizations, continue to voice disapproval of the proposed law that would give the government more control of the media.

Profile: Kenyan Pundit

Lawyer and political analyst Ory Okolloh’s blog, Kenyan Pundit, serves as place for the Kenya native to offer passionate and critical observations of news and politics in her homeland.

Ory , who is currently working in Johannesburg, South Africa, started the blog when she was attending Harvard Law School in 2003. She is the co-founder of both Mzalendo, a website that watches the performance of Kenyan Members of Parliament, and Ushahidi, a website that formed during the political crisis in Kenya. On top of blogging, Ory works as a legal consultant for NGOs and participates in activist efforts. She often speaks on issues concerning citizen journalism, the usage of technology in Africa and the role of young people reshaping the future of the continent, according to her blog. She graduated with a B.A. degree in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh and holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Kenyan Pundit is an “outlet for opinions, commentary, and “isn’t this cool” links.” Kenyan Pundit’s categories range from HIV/AIDS, to development and corruption – the most recent post discusses violence in Kenya’s high schools.

By offering thoughtful and honest opinion from her experience in the country, Ory’s blog gives a much-needed look into the day-to-day issues surrounding Kenya’s social and political struggles. Check out Kenyan Pundit here.

Profile: Kubatana.net

Kubatana.net is an online community bringing together Zimbabwean activists and strengthening civil society. As well as facilitating communications between 250 organizations across the country, Kubatana keeps thousands of local and international subscribers updated on human rights and activist initiatives.

Kubatana also maintains a blog that provides much-needed insight into the thoughts of ordinary Zimbabweans in this time of economic crisis and post-election violence. In a recent campaign, for example, Kubatana sent a mass text message to SMS subscribers with the news of that Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangari have agreed to talk about a power-sharing agreement. Recipients were then invited to text in their responses. Blogger Amanda Atwood writes that as many Zimbabweans are “starved… for news about our own country,” cell phone and Internet initiatives are crucial to keep people informed both in-country and internationally.

Check out Kubatana’s blog and keep your finger on the pulse of Zimbabwean society!

Climate Change, Food Crisis and Cultural Initiatives

As food crises and climate change threaten the African continent, local people are tackling these issues through facets of their own cultures. In Kenya, scientists have decided to not take the predictions of traditional rainmakers lightly. Since rainfall is integral to farming in local communities, scientists want to integrate the knowledge of the rainmakers of the Nganyi community with scientific methods of climate forecasting to help local people adapt to climate change. Through observation of changes in air currents, flowering of leaves, changes in animal behaviors, and the songs of birds, rainmakers are able to predict future weather patterns. Scientists hope that working with rainmakers will allow them to preserve this tradition and tap into the successful methods employed by rainmakers.

On a Kenyan soap opera, the local troublemaker spots a farmhand, Maspeedy, placing maize seeds and liquid into a barrel. The troublemaker spreads rumors that Maspeedy is making illegal alcohol, but in the end the community discovers that Maspeedy is instead practicing a farming technique called “seed priming.” Seed priming is a method where seeds are soaked in water before planting, thus creating plants that grow quicker and produce 20 to 30 percent more grain. By using stories that incorporate humor and local practices, the radio show is able to educate its listeners about effective and easy ways to improve their production and yields.

These stories are, of course, only a sampling of the innovative ways people are coping with the food crisis on the continent. If you would like to learn more about the food crisis and African agriculture, please check out africanagriculture.blogspot.com for news updates on these issues.

Bashir and the ICC - Amid Reactions, Where are the Voices of Darfur?

After 3 years of gathering evidence, last Monday, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced his intention to prosecute Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir for "10 counts of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide" for the violence against civilians he has helped orchestrate in Darfur. See Africa Action's press release on the case from last week. Many Arab and African governments have criticized the move for complicating the peace process and violating Sudan’s sovereignty. Predictably, the voices of the people of Darfur have been ignored.

The Sudanese government has indicated that it will ignore the indictment of its president. Government ministers swiftly staged a protest against the actions of the ICC and chief prosecuter Luis Moreno-Ocampo, painting the ICC as a Western tool. The African Union’s response has been only slightly less damning. Kenyan Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka told reporters "the move by ICC would threaten the on-going implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in Sudan and possibly worsen the fragile situation in Darfur." In response to Bashir’s plight, the Arab League convened an emergency meeting to show support for his government. Hours before the meeting, Yemen released a head-in-the-sand dismissal of the ICC charges as a “complete falsehood and an infringement on Sudan’s internal affairs.” Many Western analysts, including the former U.S. envoy for Sudan, have sided against the ICC, arguing that an attempt to try Bashir needlessly complicates the political situation in Darfur.Despite criticism, Ocampo has promised to continue his quest to bring Bashir to justice. “I am the prosecutor and I have to do my judicial part of the work for the court,” he told the Washington Post. “I cannot be a political factor.”

The people of Darfur are hailing the ICC's bold move with excitement. Predictably, rebel groups have lauded the move, but so have Darfuri refugees and others in the diaspora and leaders in displaced persons camps in Sudan. Sudanese refugee and teacher Halima Bashir recently told an audience in London, “I can't explain how happy I am for the ICC case. It is now more than five years this has been going on and very little has been done. It's as if we've been talking to deaf people. For me this is a step for justice.” Representing Sudanese refugees across the U.S. and the world, the Darfuri Leaders Network submitted a letter to the U.N. Security Council pledging “unequivocal support” for the ICC trial and asking the Security Council to ensure the trial proceeds regardless of its doubters.

From the Sudan Tribune: Hussein Abu-Sharati, the spokesperson of Darfur displaced and refugees at the Kalma camp in South Darfur, with some 90,000 residents, said that "there is not a single dissenting voice among displaced when it comes to supporting bringing Sudanese officials before the ICC."

African Digital Voices: Part 2

Kwani? Trust,  an East African based organization, is “dedicated to nurturing and developing Kenya’s and Africa’s intellectual, creative and imagination resources through strategic literary interventions.” They produce an annual journal, Kwani?, featuring writing from Kenya and have published over 30 new writers since its creation in 2003. The website also displays authors across the continent in the Kwani? Series section. In addition to print materials, Kwani? hosts Poetry Open Mic monthly performances, monthly prose reading series, writing forums, open debate forums, and a literary festival every August in Kenya.

The writers at Kwani? differ in their creative talent, ranging from award-wining short story writers such as the founder, Binyavanga Wainaina, to journalists to scholarly experts in post colonial theory to filmmakers and poets. With such a diverse gathering of minds, Kwani? generates commentary on identity and violence in Kenya, the recent elections in Kenya and Zimbabwe, and the state of the media in Africa. They frequently feature writings by their staff on their website and are currently promoting two projects, 24 Nairobi, a program to showcase images and narratives from Nairobi, and Generation Kenya, a celebration of those who have contributed to a better Kenya since independence.

Whether you are an aspiring Kenyan poet looking for a venue to express your gift or an African literature enthusiast, Kwani?’s blog provides readers with insight into the creative talent and potential of East African writers.

Strategies to Cope with the Food Crisis : Small-Scale Farming

To soften the blow of the food crisis and climate change on those in the global south, there has been a move to support small-scale farmers in Africa; arguably a move that can reap positive benefits, considering more than 60 percent of the population on the continent is engaged in agriculture. Today African farmers are adapting strategies to cope with climate change and the food crisis. Whether it is through simple changes in production styles or miniature gardens, those who farm for a living are doing whatever it takes to survive agricultural crises.

In regards to climate change, small-scale farmers across Africa have taken steps to ensure that their crops are able to adapt to changes in the environment. Studies show that in Benin, Kenya and Malawi, farmers have adopted a number of approaches to the issue of climate change: diversifying or changing their crops, using resources more efficiently and raising their capacity to cope with future changes in climate. Often farmers band together to form savings clubs or to build “rain-harvesting tanks” to create a regular supply of water in times of drought. They also switch to faster growing crops, plant a variety of crops to ensure harvest, and engage in non-farming activities, such as charcoal production, to supplement incomes.

When large-scale production fails due to drought, erosion, and increased commodity prices, local people find the means to deal with a shortage in food. In Lesotho, individuals have begun to construct “keyhole” gardens that produce enough to feed their families. A keyhole garden is a round garden, two meters wide and about waist-height. Stone encircles the garden, protecting it from erosion. Because of their size, they retain moisture and are more productive. With three of these gardens, a family is able to feed ten individuals and have enough vegetables left to sell. The gardens also serve as a means for families to diversify their diets, allowing them to grow beetroot, spinach, onions, tomatoes, and carrots. Afrigadget, one of our featured blogs, has a great article with video and pictures about key-hole gardens.

CNN MultiChoice Award Finalists Named

Twenty-three African journalists will journey to Accra, Ghana next week for the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Award ceremony, where the recently announced 2008 finalists will be recognized for practicing objective, insightful and often daring journalism in order to promote peace and advancement in Africa. This year’s finalists were selected from the largest and most diverse applicant pool the program has seen since its debut in 1995.

The awards and competition “aim to reinforce the importance of the journalists’ role in Africa’s development and to recognize journalistic talent across all disciplines,” according to CNN.com. In 13 years of existence, awards have been given to a diverse group of journalists from countries such as Zimbabwe, Uganda, South Africa, and Mozambique.

Africa and the G8 Summit: Conclusion

After two days of negotiations, the G8 Summit drew to a close last week. Isolated in a lakeside resort hotel, secure from the thousands of protesters that convened on Hokkaido, the G8 has shown itself to be out of touch with the problems it seeks to fix. Before discussing the soaring costs of food, for example, the leaders enjoyed a sumptuous banquet featuring white asparagus and truffle soup, sea urchin, and imported champagne. The final communiqué basically recycles old promises repeated in every summit since the landmark Gleneagles meeting of 2005.

Max Lawson of Oxfam and Oliver Buston of Debt Aid Africa headed a coalition of non-governmental organizations that presented to the G8 leaders on Monday. They demanded the G8 live up to its commitments on aid and health in Africa: “Bureaucratic sleight of hand is not an appropriate response to these important development assistance and AIDS treatment targets.” A related press release from HEALTH-GAP breaks down each G8 promise about global health and details what still needs to be done.

Ballots vs. Bullets in Kenya and Zimbabwe

This post, written by Africa Action's Briggs Bomba and edited by Africa Action board chair and Foreign Policy in Focus (FPIF) co-director Emira Woods, was originally published by FPIF here.

The world’s attention has been riveted in 2008 by election crises in Africa, first Kenya, and now Zimbabwe. In both cases, challenges remain in converting electoral victory to political power. Can a victorious opposition come to power in the face of an obstinate incumbent? This question is particularly relevant when the incumbent regime controls the coercive apparatus of the state and the opposition only has the ballot in its corner. In the battle of the ballot vs. the bullet, can there ever be a fair match?

Historically the answer has been no. But new developments on the democratic front in Africa in the last decade have strengthened election support and monitoring by key regional bodies, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU). In 2004, SADC adopted “Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections” aimed at “enhancing the transparency and credibility of elections and democratic governance as well as ensuring the acceptance of election results by contesting parties.”