Africa Up Close

Continue reading for news including stories on the Malian army’s targeting of certain ethnic groups, Obama’s claims that Kenya was too dangerous for foreign reporters during elections, voter fraud in Zimbabwe, other methods of conflict intervention in Mali, and Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory in the presidential election and the resulting legal battle.

L’armée malienne dans le viseur de l’ONU pour des crimes à “motifs ethniques”
The High Commissioner for Human Rights carried out an observation mission in Mali. His findings were presented on Tuesday, March 12, and report details the Malian army reprisals against several ethnic groups since the beginning of the French intervention.
To read the full article, visit “Jeune Afrique” here

Media experts fault Obama claim on safety of reporters
“Media experts have down played assertions made by U.S. President Barack Obama that Kenya was a dangerous destination for foreign reporters and have termed the claims unfounded.”
To read the full article, visit “The Standard” here

MDC: Two thirds of voters on Zim voter’s roll are dead
“The party of Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is concerned about the ‘hygiene’ and integrity of crucial elections expected later this year.”
To read the full article, visit “Mail and Guardian” here

Mali: Listening Without Drones
“Recent and still unconfirmed reports of the killings of top leaders of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb underscore tangible advances made by French and African forces in rolling back the violent jihadist onslaught that began in Mali over a year ago. Yet the hardest task lies ahead: setting up a viable political system that all Malians can live with. From vital partners like the US, which has just deployed drones to neighboring Niger, this task will require not high-tech solutions, but low-tech listening to the Malian people.”
To read the full article, visit “AllAfrica News” here

Uhuru wins count, battle shifts to court
“The two weeks between the declaration of Uhuru Kenyatta as winner of the Kenyan presidential election and the swearing in ceremony, set for March 26, are likely to prove an anxious time for the country and the region as they await court rulings on cases challenging the result.”
To read the full article, visit “The East African” here