The New Dark Age

6 November 2014 — Pambazuka News

 

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Pambazuka News (English edition): ISSN 1753-6839

 

CONTENTS: 1. Features, 2. Announcements, 3. Comment & analysis, 4. Advocacy & campaigns, 5. Books & arts, 6. Letters & Opinions, 7. Jobs

 

//////////////////////////////////// 1 Features BURKINABE MASSES RISE UP AGAINST NEO-COLONIAL RULE Thousands hold signs and wear T-shirts honoring the revolutionary legacy of Thomas Sankara Abayomi Azikiwe

 

The popular uprising that toppled the Compaore regime last week echoed the revolution by Sankara on August 4, 1983. In the 27 years since Sankara’s assassination, the country’s mineral wealth and other resources have benefited only a small elite and transnational corporations based in the imperialist states of the West. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/93312

 

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BURKINA FASO: THE WEST’S ARMED PUPPETS BROKEN BY THE MASSES Explo Nani-Kofi

 

The uprising of the masses in Burkina Faso proves Western arms and support doesn’t guranatee unrestrained tyrannical control http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/93313

 

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MARIAM SANKARA: THE ANGER OF THE PEOPLE IS JUSTIFIED Message for the anniversary of her husband’s assassination Mariam Sankara

 

In this short but bold message to mark 27 years since the assassination of revolutionary President Thomas Sankara on October 15, his widow outlines some of the challenges facing Burkinabes under the failed Compaore regime and urges continued resistance. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/93308

 

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BURKINABES SAY: ‘ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!’ Andy Wynne

 

President Blaise Compaore’s ouster last week by popular revolt was the culmination of the people’s opposition to his regime, starting in 2011. The regime contrasted sharply with the short-lived government of Thomas Sankara. But Compaore’s exit does not necessarily mean restoration of Sankara’s revolution. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/93307

 

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SATA NEVER FULFILLED PROMISE OF GREATER TRANSPARENCY Sue Valentine

 

Zambia’s president Michael Sata who died last week was unremarkable in leadership credentials in the short period of his rule. His attitude towards media freedom and freedom of expression exposed his authoritarian streak. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/93309

 

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VICTORY TO THE LOSERS: MOZAMBIQUE’S 2014 ELECTIONS Fredson Guilengue

 

Mozambique’s elections on 15 October were once again won by FRELIMO. When the results are put under scrutiny, however, they reveal the longstanding opposition party RENAMO to have been the real winners, bouncing back as Mozambiques strongest opposition party – a position which was seen by many to be under threat from the newer MDM. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/93331

 

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WHY NIGERIA DEFEATED INVISIBLE EBOLA BUT FAILS AGAINST VISIBLE BOKO HARAM Akong Charles Ndika

 

The Nigerian government’s successful handling of Ebola contrasts sharply with its blunders in tackling Boko Haram. One factor in that disparity is whose interests were at stake in each case: Ebola had the potential to kill indiscriminately across classes, while Boko Haram has so far directly affected mostly lower classes. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/93323

 

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MEDIA-MELTDOWN EMAILS DISCLOSE WHO REALLY RUNS THE SOUTH AFRICAN SHOW Patrick Bond

 

Last week SA’s leading alternative to state broadcasting saw its integrity self-destruct. Personality battles are getting most attention but problems caused by structural conflicts of interests must be raised, investigated and resolved, as a leading example of malevolent state-corporate cronyism. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/93314

 

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IS ETHIOPIA’S SOVEREIGN DEBT SUSTAINABLE? Seid Hassan, Minga Negash, Tesfaye T. Lemma and Abu Girma Moges

 

Ethiopia’s sovereign debt has grown in recent years to unsustainable levels likely to create problems for the economy. The external debt especially has not been matched by a vibrant and diversified export sector. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/93310

 

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THE DANGER OF TWO-TIERED JUSTICE: LESSONS FROM THE HAITI CHOLERA CASE Brenda K. Kombo

 

As the country grapples with colonial legacies, neo-colonial infringements, corruption, socio-economic hurdles and democratization challenges, the struggle of its citizens for UN accountability may carry lessons for the Africa. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/93316

 

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THE KISSINGER-CUBA-ANGOLA-JAMAICA CONNECTION David Cupples

 

Jamaica was in serious need of money, but PM Manley resisted Kissinger’s pressure to denounce Fidel Castro for sending troops to Angola, in exchange for US dollars. It was a principled stand in support of Angola’s liberation, which had wide ramifications for Southern Africa. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/93317

 

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//////////////////////////////////// 2 Announcements REFUGEE LEGAL AID NEWSLETTER

 

The November issue of the International Refugee Rights Initiative’s Refugee Legal Aid Newsletter (formerly the Fahamu Refugee Legal Aid Newsletter) is out. Find the full newsletter here ( http://rightsinexile.tumblr.com/post/101488040402/news-on-countries-of-origin ) . http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/announce/93337

 

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//////////////////////////////////// 3 Comment & analysis ALI A. MAZRUI: CLASSIFYING THE MASTER-CLASSIFIER Seifudein Adem

 

Mazrui’s scholarship is vast thematically and theoretically, but above all, challenges positivist conceptions of hegemonic, universal and objective truths. His early work revealed the political, social and cultural function and limitations in established knowledge; later, Mazrui actively challenged and undermined constructed truths. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/93315

 

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THE EBOLA CRISIS AND CAPITALISM Shaheed Mahomed

 

The worsening Ebola crisis in West Africa exposes the extent of capitalist plunder of the continent. The natural wealth of the affected countries has over the years been looted by foreign corporations, with puppet governments investing little in health care. The people ought to organise and severe links with the imperialist centres http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/93319

 

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EBOLA SCOURGE: WAKE UP CALL FOR AFRICA Brian Sedze

 

Africa’s handling of the Ebola crisis reveals its collapsed institutions and failed leadership. What is more, the epidemic underlines the need to work harder for a really united Africa. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/93320

 

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SIERRA LEONE: HOW TO UNPATRIOTICALLY RULE A COUNTRY Sankara Kamara

 

Sierra Leone under President Ernest Bai Koroma is a country in disarray. The country is chaotic because it is controlled by a political class that is opposed to the strengthening of democratic institutions. Ignorant and ultimately short-sighted, Ernest Koroma sees the presidency as a business enterprise that can break the law without fear of prosecution. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/93324

 

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SOUTH SUDAN’S NATIONAL SECURITY SERVICE UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT Flora McCrone

 

The proposed law, an almost exact replica of Sudan’s security laws, would grant the already dreaded agency entirely unfettered power to spy on private communications, to search and seize property without a warrant, to arrest and detain innocent people without explanation, and to use physical force – in other words torture. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/93321

 

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WHY LIMITING NGO FUNDING IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE ICC CASES Patrick Gathara

 

There are renewed efforts by the Jubilee Coalition government in Kenya to silence all critical voices. The latest initiative targets the country’s vocal civil society. This must be resisted.

 

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EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY IS THE RIGHT OF THE CITIZENS Tom Odhiambo

 

The revived regional integration process is on course. But it is largely a project of politicians and bureaucrats. There is scant involvement of the people. For the community to integrate meaningfully, the process needs to be grounded in the aspirations, needs and futures of the citizens. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/93318

 

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OF THE CLASS STRUGGLE AND THE THINGS WE EAT Esther Vivas

 

Why would anyone want to make profit from something as basic to human life as food? The capitalist system transforms human needs into commodities, rights into privileges. The present agricultural model must be fought in favour of an alternative that places at its core people’s needs and respect for the land http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/93325

 

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//////////////////////////////////// 4 Advocacy & campaigns CDD CALLS ON THE MILITARY IN BURKINA FASO TO HAND OVER POWER TO CIVILIANS IMMEDIATELY

 

The Burkinabe uprising against the Compaore dictatorship was apeople-driven and led by civil society and opposition political parties. The military cannot and should not be allowed to seize power in a context in which they played no role. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/93330

 

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DECLARATION ON THE UPRISING OF THE PEOPLE IN BURKINA FASO

 

The Pan-Africanism Working Group in Germany expresses solidarity with the people of Burkina Faso following the successful revolt against Blaise Compaore. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/93329

 

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ETHIOPIA: CRACKDOWN ON DISSENT INTENSIFIES AS JOURNALISTS CONVICTED

 

Ethiopia’s already limited space for civil society and human rights defenders is undergoing further contraction, warn CIVICUS, The East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, and the Ethiopia Human Rights Project (EHRP). http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/93336

 

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KENYA: CONDEMNING DEFILEMENT AND MURDER OF 4-YEAR-OLD ANITA IN KISII

 

The right to life is a basic human right. Anita, a 4-year-old girl, was robbed of this extremely important right. She will never grow up to fulfill her dreams and actualize her full potential. She is no more! http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/93335

 

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RAILROADING AFRICAN GOVERNMENTS INTO ADOPTING ARIPO PVP PROTOCOL BASED ON UPOV 1991 Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa

 

AFSA appeals to ARIPO member states for postponement of diplomatic conference and for urgent consultations with small-holder farmers http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/93333

 

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SHACK DWELLERS AND CONGOLESE REFUGEES TO MARCH AGAINST GENOCIDE ON SATURDAY Abahlali baseMjondolo

 

Abahlali have vowed to stand in solidarity with the Congolese refugees in South Africa and the Congolese citizens who face unending abuse and butchering in their country. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/93326

 

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THE DARKER SIDE OF GREEN

 

Groundbreaking research uncovers the ‘darker side’ of the global green economy. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/93334

 

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UK’S DFI ROUTES TWO-THIRDS OF INVESTMENTS FOR PROJECTS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES THROUGH TAX HAVENS

 

The UK’s public institution responsible for financing projects in developing countries has been channelling millions of pounds through companies that use tax havens. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/93332

 

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//////////////////////////////////// 5 Books & arts CULTURE AND REVOLUTION: THE PAN-AFRICAN FESTIVAL OF ALGIERS 1969 Hamza Hamouchene

 

The documentary is about the first Pan-African Cultural Festival in the continent that took place in Algiers, seven years after Algeria’s independence. The radical gathering was a genuine meeting of African cultures united in their denunciations of colonialism and fights for freedom. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/books/93327

 

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HOW CONTEMPORARY IS TANZANIAN ART? Rehema Chachage

 

How much are Tanzania’s artists giving voice to the varied and changing cultural landscape of identity, values and beliefs in this globally influenced but locally anchored, culturally diverse, and technologically advancing world? http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/books/93328

 

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//////////////////////////////////// 6 Letters & Opinions ZAMBIA: GUY SCOTT IS THE RIGHT PERSON TO ACT AS PRESIDENT Henry Kyambalesa

 

The constitution is clear on who should be Acting President when the head of state dies. So, Zambians should stay calm during this period of mourning and wait to chose their next president when the time comes. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/letters/93311

 

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//////////////////////////////////// 7 Jobs FINANCE AND OFFICE MANAGER Directorate: Global Operations Permanent Contract Location: Nairobi A I Amnesty International

 

For over 50 years, we’ve been campaigning for human rights wherever justice, freedom and truth are denied. We’ve reshaped policies, challenged governments and taken corporations to task. In doing so, we’ve changed thousands of lives for the better. Join Amnesty at our new regional office in Kenya and you will too. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/jobs/93306

 

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End of Pambazuka-news Digest, Vol 334, Issue 1

 

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