February 8, 2013 News

8 February 2013

Continue reading for news including France asking UN Peacekeepers to takeover in Mali, the push for a stronger development agenda by Dlamini-Zuma, crowdsourcing increasing development in Africa, Kenya seeking clarification on relationship with the U.S. after their elections, ancient manuscripts saved in Timbuktu, Kenya set to withdraw troops in Somalia, progress being made in the issue of water for Africa, and Uganda returning misappropriated aid to Norway.

France seeks Mali exit, UN peace troops takeover
"Nearly a month after launching an offensive in Mali to drive out Islamist extremists, France mulled the withdrawal of its troops today after asking the UN to prepare a peacekeeping force to take the baton..."
To read the full article, visit the Nation site here

Development vies with conflict resolution in Addis
"Pushing a more vigorous development agenda and efficient administration, Dlamini-Zuma has won plaudits since taking over as AU chief.."
To read the full article, visit the Africa Confidential site here

The Power Of Collective Wisdom
"An increasing number of tech-savvy Africans are no longer prepared to wait for governments to provide solutions to everyday problems – they are using technology to connect with thousands of others and working out their own solutions. The phenomenon, known as crowdsourcing, has been remarkably successful where it has been applied. Richard Seymour explains how this approach to business is accelerating Africa's development..."
To read the full article, visit the African Business site here

Kenya to seek assurance on relations with US after polls
"Kenya will seek clarification from the US government on relations between the two countries after the March 4 General Elections. Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia said the Kenyan government welcomes President Obama's declaration that he will work with whoever Kenyans elect as President.

He however said the government is compelled to seek clarification on the true US stand after Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Ambassador Johnnie Carson's Thursday warning that the choice Kenyans make in the elections will have consequences..."
To read the full article, visit the Nation site here

How the people of Timbuktu saved the treasured manuscripts
"For eight days after the Islamists set fire to one of the world's most precious collections of ancient manuscripts, the alarm inside the building blared. It was an eerie, repetitive beeping, a cry from the innards of the injured library that echoed around the world.

The al-Qaeda-linked extremists who ransacked the institute wanted to deal a final blow to Mali, whosenorthern half they had held for 10 months before retreating in the face of a French-led military advance. They also wanted to deal a blow to the world, especially France, whose capital houses the headquarters of Unesco, the organisation which recognised and elevated Timbuktu's monuments to its list of World Heritage sites..."
To read the full article, visit the Mail and Guardian site here

Kenya set to withdraw Somalia battalion
"Kenya will reduce its troop presence in Somalia by about 20 per cent in the coming weeks, according to a report to the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

A battalion of 850 Sierra Leone troops is scheduled to be added to the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) in February and March, with Kenya reducing its deployment by one battalion, the report says..."
To read the full article, visit the East African site here

Zim: Chinese 'not exempt from indigenisation'
"Zimbabwe's indigenisation policy requires that all foreign-owned companies cede 51% of their shareholding to local Zimbabweans.

Kasukuwere, Zimbabwe's indigenisation and empowerment minister, said China was a friend of Zimbabwe and had assisted Zimbabwe "since the liberation war days"..."
To read the full article, visit the Mail and Guardian site here

Uganda returns 'stolen' aid to Norway
"Uganda has returned three million euros in aid to Norway after it was misappropriated, the Norwegian minister for development aid said Wednesday.

"Corruption is (the same as) stealing from poor people, and for that we have zero tolerance," Heikki Holmaas said on Twitter.

"Uganda has repaid us 23 million 'corruption kroner' (3.1 million euros or $4.2 million)," he added..."
To read the full article, visit the East African site here