Daily News on Issues Affecting Africa for July 9th

Continue reading for a summary of recent news stories relating to some of the most pressing issues on the continent. We draw on a wide range of respected news sources, both from Africa itself and around the world. The themes of today's In the News post are: South Sudan's 3rd year of independence, energy and education in Africa, Al-Shabaab's attack on the presidential palace, possible negotiations with Boko Haram, and metalworkers in South Africa may end strike.

South Sudan Celebrates Anniversary Amid Chaos

South Sudan Wednesday is commemorating the third anniversary of its separation from Sudan. But, some say there's very little to celebrate in the midst of a civil war that has displaced much of the country's population, famine on the horizon, and corruption. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon Tuesday urged President Salva Kiir and rebel leader and former Vice President Riek Machar to live up to the expectations of their people by laying down their arms and returning to the negotiating table.

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Education, Energy, and the Digital Divide in Africa

It's widely accepted that technology has improved education in many ways: more efficient communication, better story telling, more accurate assessment, comprehensive access to information and research, just to name a few. Unfortunately, technology has also widened the education gap between affluent and impoverished schools. Education technology (EdTech) tools are often expensive, energy thirsty, and (more recently) require high-speed internet connectivity. It is time for a new round of innovation in education-related technology that can level the playing field and bring high-quality education to where the gap is at its widest

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Somali troops retake presidential palace

Somali troops have retaken the presidential palace in the capital Mogadishu after al-Shabab fighters forced their way in and exchanged heavy gunfire with soldiers and guards. Al Jazeera's correspondent said loud explosions and gunfire could be heard as troops tried to repel the intruders on Tuesday evening. After more than two hours of fighting, Somalia's presidency said on Twitter that "the shameful attack" had been foiled by Somalia's armed forces fighting alongside African Union peacekeepers. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.

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Northern leaders can negotiate with Boko Haram – Ekanem

Sunday Ekanem is a member of Lagos PDP caucus and chairman of Lagos PDP South-South forum. In this interview with CORRESPONDENT, AUGUSTINE ADAH, he discusses the efforts made by the party to reconcile its aggrieved members ahead of the 2015 elections, the insecurity situation in the country and other issues. Excerpts…

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South African Metalworkers Consider Offer to End Strike

The South African union leading a walkout by 220,000 metalworkers will take a new wage proposal from employers to its members, the Labor Ministry said. "There is a new offer," Mokgadi Pela, a spokesman for the Labor Ministry, said in a phone interview today. "We are encouraged by the attitude of both parties." The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa's executive committee will meet later today following ministry mediation, said Castro Ngobese, a spokesman for Numsa. In the meantime, the strike continues, he said.

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