Tag: Africa

Africa

Madagascar: coup d’etat or revolution?

The African Union, after initially calling it an “attempted coup,” issued a new statement accepting the military’s installation of opposition leader Andry Rajoelina as president of Madagascar. ExxonMobil, the French Total and Rio Tinto Group have oil and mineral interests in Madagascar, which has rich deposits of iron ore and bauxite. Investors have hailed Ravalomanana’s free-market reforms, while Rajoelina accused him of running Madagascar like a dictator, while letting his people starve. Most of the island’s population lives on less than $2 a day.

Photo: IRIN

Africa

International lines drawn in Sudan war crimes warrant

While the Arab League is solidly rejecting the war crimes indictment against Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir, divisions are emerging within the African Union, UN and even Sudan’s Islamist movement.

Africa

Somalia president announces support for sharia

Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said he would support the imposition of a “moderate” form of sharia law as part of a cease-fire agreement with the country’s insurgents.

Africa

Riots rock Madagascar

Security forces in Madagascar’s capital fired teargas to disperse looters after an anti-government protest. Civil unrest has left 125 dead since the protest campaign began in January.

Africa

Sudan peace accords breaking down?

Bloody clashes between the Sudan Armed Forces and Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in Upper Nile state has renewed fears that the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement is breaking down.