Although I have been following many different stories from the African continent this week, none has been more exciting and compelling than Egypt's radical transformation. We ought to remind ourselves that freedom and liberty are not reserved for certain individuals and societies. I'm also closely following events in Iran (you should too!).
Some other news from around Africa I'm following in addition to protests in the Middle East and North Africa:
Ugandans go to the polls shortly amidst unrest to the north. The Independent (UG) has a helpful article on the politics involved.
Within the aid and development blogging community, there has been a small firestorm over World Vision's partnership with the NFL to ship shirts to developing countries, including Zambia. The whole concept underpinning the move by World Vision is stupid, wasteful, and ineffective.
Opposition leaders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo do not seem ready to unite under one candidate. This means President Kabila's recent electoral "reforms" could pay off.
Rwanda has established a new authority titled The Rwanda Geology and Mines Authority (OGMR) whose purpose is to reduce trade in illegal (i.e. "conflict") minerals originating from the DRC (and exported as Rwandan?). President Kabila's imposed ban on trade in Congolese minerals has also had adverse effects on the market. Still, I doubt tracing initiatives will do anything to staunch violence, instability, and poverty in the DRC. See here and here for some helpful articulation. UN guidelines can be found here.
Maggie has a brief collection of links about the Southern Sudanese referendum conclusion. Some accounts cite 99% approval for secession.
Meanwhile, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir proves he's got gumption. He ought to -- he's a head of state and an indicted war criminal.
African leaders, including South African President Jacob Zuma, are heading to Cote d'Ivoire for talks on the continuing political deadlock there. The South African government has taken a neutral stance on the situation.
Lastly, now former Rwandan Minister of Culture and Sports Joseph Habineza resigned this week citing personal reasons. Apparently inappropriate snaps were circulated on the internet, prompting his resignation. I have not seen the pictures, nor do I care to. Keep those flies zipped and trousers on.
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