Growing up, I have three distinct memories of Christian clergy- one is of Bishop Tutu winning the Nobel Peace Prize for his work against apartheid. Another of President Moi, then dictator of Kenya, being prayed over by richly robed clergy in a magnificent Nairobi church, and the last of clergymen like Reverend Njoya speaking out against Moi's excesses.
Guest Blogger's blog
Human Rights Impact Assessment of Uganda's Anti-homosexuality Bill By Sylvia Tamale
The Anti-Homosexuality Bill (the bill) published on 25 September 2009[1] would, if enacted into law, prima facie violate international human rights law and lead to further human rights violations. This memorandum presents Amnesty International's analysis of the bill and highlights specific serious concerns the bill raises. The bill which has already been tabled before the Ugandan Parliament is currently being considered and pending for consideration by two committees of the Parliament before being submitted for parliamentary debate.[2]
The Poverty of Ideas By William Gumede and Leslie Dikeni
Active and engaged public intellectuals play a crucial role in the ongoing life of democratic societies', perhaps even more so in new democracies like South Africa, William Gumede and Leslie Dikeni. In an extract from their new book, ‘The Poverty of Ideas', Gumede and Dikeni make the case for opening up the ‘space for debate, dissent and public dialogue' and reversing a culture of intolerance that flourished in South Africa under the Mbeki administration. read more »
Obama Moves Ahead With Africom By Daniel Volman
In his 11 July 2009 speech in Accra, Ghana, US President Barack Obama declared, 'America has a responsibility to advance this vision, not just with words, but with support that strengthens African capacity. When there is genocide in Darfur or terrorists in Somalia, these are not simply African problems - they are global security challenges, and they demand a global response. That is why we stand ready to partner through diplomacy, technical assistance, and logistical support, and will stand behind efforts to hold war criminals accountable. read more »
Carbon Trading: Colonizing the Atmospheric Commons By Khadija Sharife
Whether it is used to described rolling blackouts or civil wars, the catchphrase ‘Africa wins again' remains a favourite amongst naysayers naturalising the continent as a place where tragedies symbolise the realisation of Africa's innate ‘destiny' - to self-destruct.
ARMS AND ENERGY
