Africa

All Africa

Hostage rescue: Will US intervene more in Somalia?

The US military has largely left East African nations to bring peace to Somalia. But hostage rescue, such as the SEAL operation Tuesday, is a tool the US military is using more often.
American, Dane rescued by US commandos inside Somalia

Members of Navy SEAL Team 6, the unit that killed Osama bin Laden, rescued the hostages from pirates inside Somalia.
Victims of Kenya violence shrug at ICC effort

Putting four senior leaders on trial at the Hague is not enough, say victims of the 2007-2008 wave of murder and arson in Kenya. The machete-swinging thugs who carried out the murders still walk free.
Africa Monitor
The UN standard to prevent genocide, 10 years later

Ten years after the UN created the 'Responsibility to Protect,' standard still stymied by politics and competing interests.
The International Criminal Court's docket in Africa

With the confirmation of charges against four senior Kenyan leaders, there are now seven different countries where the International Criminal Court has filed charges of crimes against humanity. All of those cases emanate from Africa.
ICC charges Kenyan leaders for post-election violence

The International Criminal Court at The Hague confirms charges against senior Kenyan politicians and a radio journalist for crimes against humanity.
Africa Monitor
New Apple report shows efforts to avoid conflict minerals in supply chain

Apple traced four conflict minerals, but could become industry leader by creating a conflict-free certification process, reports guest blogger Sasha Lezhnev.
ICC treads carefully ahead of ruling Monday on Kenyan violence suspects

The International Criminal Court will announce Monday who among six prominent Kenyans will face trial for crimes of humanity in post-election violence in 2008. Will Kenyans support decision?
Porters are unheralded heroes of Africa's Mt. Kilimanjaro

For every foreigner who climbs Africa's Mt. Kilimanjaro, at least three Tanzanians swarm up the volcanic slope as porters, carrying 50-pound bags on their heads. Their one complaint: low pay.
Africa Monitor
Africa's single currency, the CFA Franc, in a Post-euro Future

The single-currency zone, stretching from Senegal to the Central African Republic, links eight countries and 123 million people. Will it survive if the Euro crashes?
Attack on foreign tourists widens rift between Ethiopia, Eritrea

Five European tourists, touring the spectacular volcanic moonscape of the Danakil Depression, were killed by unknown gunmen. Ethiopia blamed Eritrea, promises tough action.
Denied visas to US, Ugandan Little League team finally gets a game

Uganda's dream of becoming the first African team to play in the Little League World Series was shattered last year over visa problems. But now a little bit of the World Series has come to them.
Africa Monitor
President backs down on fuel price increases, but it is still winter in Nigeria

Nigeria's government reimposed fuel subsidies after massive protests. But initial decision raises questions about government's moral or political credibility over calls for austerity.
In South Sudan, tribal militias exact revenge (+video)

Some 2,000 people may have been killed and tens of thousands displaced by tribal conflict since Christmas, in what may be new South Sudan's greatest existential challenge.
Africa Monitor
Fear of military subversion in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Former military leaders and a failed presidential candidate all pose threats to unity of Democratic Republic of Congo military, says guest blogger Fidel Bafilemba.
Liberia's Sirleaf takes oath for second term, promises reconciliation

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf stressed national reconciliation at her second inauguration ceremony today in Liberia, a nation still emerging from years of war.
Africa Monitor
Kenya’s foray into Somalia sows seeds of backlash at home

As Kenya attempts to pacify the Islamist Al Shabab movement in Somalia, issues of poverty and security may go unaddressed back home, says guest blogger Alex Thurston.
Occupy Nigeria victory: president to cut fuel prices

The initial removal of an estimated $7 billion annual fuel subsidy impacted an entire population and crippled the Nigerian economy.
Africa Monitor
Joint UN-African mission seeks to end LRA violence

A United Nations and African Union joint mission traveled to the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda last week seeking regional cooperation from countries affected by the Lord's Resistance Army.
Africa Monitor
Why mobile money is popular in Africa, but not in the US

African countries like Kenya have leapfrogged traditional banking systems by using mobile phones to store and spend money. Do Africans have the better deal?