December 12, 2012 News

December 12, 2012

Recent stories including an assessment of African leaders in 2012, coalitions formed in Kenya, troubles for the DRC peace negotiations, new prime minister appointed in Mali, the need for support of small farmers in Africa, Museveni placed to take a pan-African leadership role, and investment in Somaliland.

African leaders in 2012
"It has been a turbulent year in African politics. Three presidents and a prime minister died, an interim president was seized in a coup, Angola's president secured his fifth consecutive term, and 10 other leaders assumed office. Here's a quick recap…"
To read the full article, visit the Mail and Guardian site here

Why East Africa can now smile as Kenya leaders seal political deals
"There was a dramatic rush in Nairobi last Tuesday to beat the deadline for registering coalitions for the March 4, 2013 General Election.
When the dust settled, the rest of East Africa, which had been worrying itself to death about Kenya having another violent election as it did in 2007/2008, thus throwing the region over an economic cliff, had reason to breathe easier…"
To read the full article, visit the East African site here

Congo-Kinshasa: DRC, M23 Talks Hit Snag Again
"Negotiations between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and M23 rebels stalled again yesterday after the M23 delegation refused to turn up to listen to the DRC government rebuttal on allegations made against it.
Uganda's Defence Minister Crispus Kiyonga and ICGLR facilitator opened the meeting that was only attended by the DRC delegation and a few religious leaders…"
To read the full article, visit the AllAfrica site here

Diango Cissoko named as Mali's prime minister
"Cissoko – a veteran public servant who latterly served as ombudsman – will be tasked with forming a new government, according to a presidential decree read on public television.

Mali's new Prime Minister Diango Cissoko said late on Tuesday that his priorities are to regain control of the north from rebels and organise a general election in the troubled West African nation…"
To read the full article, visit the Mail and Guardian site here

Africa: Small Farmers Merit Support - Gates Foundation
"Africa's population – in contrast to other regions – is growing significantly younger. How to employ, educate and feed that youth bulge is the topic of a report presented in Dakar, Senegal this weekend at the Mo Ibrahim Foundation annual forum. South African Minister of Planning Trevor Manuel told the gathering that the three challenges need integrated solutions. Children can't learn, he said, without nutrition. And if they don't learn, they can't get jobs… AllAfrica's Samantha Nkirote McKenzie discussed these issues with Agref participant Sam Dryden, director of agricultural development for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Development Program since 2010. Dryden agrees that policymakers, governments and NGOs can't craft a farmer-focused agenda without listening to the farmers themselves. But he's optimistic that African agriculture is on the verge of something great, and says policy makers and development officials must "seize the moment"…"
To read the full article, visit the AllAfrica site here

Museveni now well placed to be first pan-African leader?
"Is President Yoweri Museveni itching to take over the leadership of the African continent?
This was the unspoken question as the Ugandan leader assumed the chair of the East African Community on November 30, becoming the head of three influential regional groupings…"
To read the full article, visit the East African site here

Investors ready to pump billions of dollars into calm Somaliland
"As Somalia starts to emerge from instability and chaos, 20 years of relative peace and stability are starting to pay dividends for its close neighbour Somaliland.

This November, it struck its first major oil deal since seceding from Somalia in 1991. Anglo-Turkish company Genel Energy received its licence from the Somaliland government in early November to explore and develop oil and gas reserves after pledging almost $40 million for exploration activities…"
To read the full article, visit the East African site here