Topic: Africa

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5 best books by Nelson Mandela

Let us take a moment to appreciate – through his books – Nelson Mandela, and everything he has stood for and achieved.
Editor's Blog Feeling for freedom's limits

Free speech and freedom of religion are widely recognized as inalienable human rights. But there are other freedoms as well -- from want and fear, for instance. Determining the extent and limits of these freedoms is a never-ending job in a democracy.
Cover Story AIDS: How South Africa is beating the epidemic

AIDS turning point: South Africa is the worst-hit country in the worst-hit region of the epidemic. But the disease is no longer an acute emergency. The spread of infection has slowed sharply and those infected are living close-to-normal lives. Still, an exhausted nation deals with the aftereffects.
First day of summer 2013: where our solstice traditions come from (+video)

Summer Solstice 2013: our solstice traditions have been inherited from ancient traditions practiced around the globe.
Energy Voices Developing nations: First, find your 'green' energy, then develop it

Many developing countries have immense wind and solar resources, but lack the data and infrastructure to harness them. A new project from The World Bank aims to change that, partnering with nine countries to develop more sustainable energy strategies.
Energy Voices The future of natural gas is the car?

Rising use of natural gas in the transportation sector will offset a slowdown in other areas, says the International Energy Agency in a new report. But don't expect natural gas vehicles to dominate roadways anytime soon.
6 international organizations that support jobs and businesses

Many organizations, both in the United States and abroad, seek to help entrepreneurial individuals and small businesses through microfinance and other means. Here are six organizations that support job creation and new businesses around the world.
10 biggest US foundations and what they do

What are the 10 biggest foundations in the United States? Here they are in ascending order, based on their assets, along with a little bit about what social problems each addresses.
Energy Voices G8 leaders tackle inequities of global oil, coal extraction

G8 leaders aim to level the global resource playing field this week, discussing a consequential, if obscure, energy issue at the G8 summit. Are developing nations getting a fair share of their oil, coal, and mineral wealth?
Zimbabwe election date tussle gets serious (+video)

Opposition politicians say President Robert Mugabe is using a constitutional court's call for an early date to achieve an unconstitutional outcome.
Is West now looking past Darfur genocide to engage Sudan?

President Omar al-Bashir is charged with mass deaths, but he may not last forever. Are Barack Obama and John Kerry starting to count on that?
McDonald's sales buoyed by Dollar Menu, breakfast

McDonald's global sales at stores open at least a year rose 2.6 percent in May, a welcome result after struggling a year ago. McDonald's sales were helped by cheap eats and new menu items, including egg white breakfast sandwiches.
Change Agent Solar pumps could boost farm yields in poor countries

Foot-powered irrigation pumps are useful but limited. Diesel pumps are expensive. Solar-powered pumps could be an answer.
Change Agent Cereal banks empower women and fight famine in Africa's Sahel region

Groups such as the World Food Program and Care are joining forces to create all-women-managed cereal banks in villages throughout the drought-prone Sahel region of Africa. They help protect against famine, but also empower women.
After sour years, is French influence on the rise in West Africa?

From the French intervention in Mali, to French special forces in Niger, to commercial interests and military bases in the region – Paris is flexing its muscles. Ivory Coast is the top relationship.
Focus East Africans told to resettle: Are these 'land grabs' or progress?

In Ethiopia, a plan known as 'villagization' has freed up vast tracts for foreign corporations and brought a storm over methods of development at the World Bank.
US bounties changes strategy on West African jihadis

The US is offering up to $23 million for information leading to the location of Nigeria's Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau and Al Qaeda operative Mokhtar Belmokhtar.
Difference Maker War survivor Mariatu Kamara speaks for children at risk in conflict

Her story shows 'the devastation conflict has on children's lives but also the power of the human spirit.'
Kenya attacks raise worries Somalia's Al Shabab are reorganizing

Some analysts view recent Al Shabab attacks inside Kenya as a sign that the Somalia-based militant group is adapting to an African Union campaign against them.
Decoder Wire Michelle Obama vacation: Will critics slam this trip too? (+video)

Michelle Obama's vacation plans this summer reportedly may include a lengthy stay with Sasha and Malia on tony Martha's Vineyard. That's in addition to accompanying her husband overseas.
A mysterious disappearance sends shudders through Timbuktu

Reporter John Thorne met Ali Ould Mohamed Ould Kalbali weeks before he disappeared, allegedly at the hands of Malian soldiers. Are ethnic reprisals underway?
What kind of an eater are you?

From locavores to femivores, to fast food junkies and punk domestics, here are 11 labels for every kind of person at the dinner table.
Nigerian president declares state of emergency in country's northeast region

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has declared war on Islamic militants in the northeast portion of the African nation.
The Monitor's View Ethical consumers and the Bangladesh building collapse

More consumers act out of empathy after tragedies like the collapse of the Bangladesh garment factory building, forcing global companies to shape up their suppliers in other lands.
Energy Voices Nigeria oil production slides amid unrest

Nigeria relies almost exclusively on its energy sector for export earnings and 75 percent of federal government revenue, Graeber writes, but a long record of corruption, militancy and banditry has clouded Nigeria's oil prospects.