A post template

No image available
/ 16 November 2006

Where the corruption lies

The misattribution of the phrase "a generally corrupt relationship" is neither a storm in a teacup nor a constitutional crisis. But it should not, under any circumstances, be used as a reason to build popular momentum for resistance against the possible laying of corruption charges against the African National Congress deputy president, Jacob Zuma.

No image available
/ 16 November 2006

Show of unity #1

After Hurricane Hilary pointed out that he Hadn’t Said It, the ANC Youth League screamed that it was too little too late from a man who had ”served Rhodesia … and apartheid with distinction”. But quicker than you can say ”spineless”, the new version by the big ANC is out: it stands by the Prez, and supports his decision to fire Zuma. Evidence of a generally confused relationship?

No image available
/ 16 November 2006

Uganda’s laws favour death sentences

In 2003, Corporal James Omedio and Private Abdullah Muhammad stood before a public firing squad in Uganda for killing Irish Catholic priest Declan O’Toole; his driver, Patrick Longoli; and his cook, Fidel Longole. They were executed after they were found guilty by a field court martial, following a trial that lasted two hours and 36 minutes.

No image available
/ 15 November 2006

DRC: Provisional results point to Kabila

Provisional results published on Wednesday from Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) historic presidential election gave President Joseph Kabila 58% of votes, against 42% for his rival Jean-Pierre Bemba, with all votes counted. DRC’s Independent Electoral Commission has said it must deal with challenges to the figures before declaring a winner.

No image available
/ 15 November 2006

Bush, Putin agree to sign Russia WTO deal

United States President George Bush and Russia’s Vladimir Putin confirmed at an airport meeting on Wednesday they plan to sign a bilateral deal next week for Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the presidents confirmed that they would sign a protocol paving the way for Russia to join the WTO. Bush and Putin also discussed Iran and its nuclear programme.

No image available
/ 15 November 2006

Africans cheer, condemn SA same-sex marriage Bill

Africans reacted with a mix of horror and delight at news South Africa had passed a Bill to legalise gay marriage, making it the first to do so on a continent where homosexuality is still largely taboo. Gay rights groups applauded the decision as a step forward for Africa. But some in deeply religious Africa lambasted the decision as ”un-African” and immoral.