Cactus Flower

Win the war, lose the peace!

Cactus Flower — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 16:10:23 +0000

It was war! And after a week of engagement, the tough talking IUC flee and Mogadishu falls to the Ethiopian troops with the blessing of the Transitinal Federal Government (TFG). Some are cheering. Others predict anarchy since some looters are back! The question on everyone’s mind is NOW WHAT? Will the TFG govern with Ethiopian forces in tow? How would the Somali population in Mogadishu feel about a government that governs its people with the help of foreign troops?

First drought, then floods and now WAR!

Cactus Flower — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 21:37:10 +0000

As flood afflicted Ethiopia and Somalia recover from natural disasters, they have become mired in an unnecessary war. The Ethiopian government has unconvincingly tried to sell the threat of the Somali Islamic Courts to is people. The Islamic Courts however had no difficulty rallying up Somalis from various tribes in a patriotic message to rid the country of “Ethiopian invaders” and wage a holy war on them.

Day 3 of the war. Highest death toll reported so far 50. Injured 200.

“Land of myth and miracles”

Cactus Flower — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 18:42:49 +0000

Or as the Chinese would say ” 神话与奇迹国” is what the new Chinese Propoganda Posters call Africa. I think I like it – the posters not the propoganda, of course. Click here to see more posters.

War or mere clashes?

Cactus Flower — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 16:06:14 +0000

I have been glued to my computer for a couple of hours this morning trying to figure out from various sources what is happening in Somalia. There still seems to be a sliver of hope that it may not be an all-out war just yet. Here is what the news sources are saying.

NY Times article saying no war yet:
But much of the information was conflicting, with both sides claiming victory — and blaming the other for firing the first shot. Playing down the episode, Sheik Hassan Dahir Aweys, the leader of the Islamist forces, called the combat “a small incident.” He told reporters in Mogadishu, “The war has not started.” In fact, Sheik Aweys said, his group has agreed to return to peace talks with the transitional government.

BBC article says it is war:
The leader of the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC), which controls much of southern Somalia, says they are in a state of war with Ethiopia.

Local Somali News Source says some clashes:
The Islamic Courts defense chief, Sheik Yusuf Mohammed Indhoadde, threatened they would continue the war until all Ethiopian troops fade away from Somalia.

Creative advertising or an insult?

Cactus Flower — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 19:32:23 +0000

A new media campaign to curb the spread of HIV named “Makhwapheni” (which stands for “illicit lovers” in SiSwati) has caused an aproar in Swaziland.

Nigerian Boy abandoned in Bangladesh

Cactus Flower — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 15:51:54 +0000

Aloysius Abacha was found alone on Sunday at the Dhaka airport in Bangladesh. He said he arrived in the country with his aunt and that they were in transit to London. Read the BBC article …

Protect Children in War

Cactus Flower — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 15:25:45 +0000

United Nations Security Council has been urged to step up its efforts to protect children in war.

Liberia’s Presidential Palace catches fire

Cactus Flower — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 13:56:58 +0000

Liberia’s executive residence caught fire as the country celebrated its first Anniversary after the war. On Wednesday, electricity and water were turned on in Monrovia after 15 years. No one was hurt but the fire is under investigation.

Happy Anniversary, Liberia!!!

Cactus Flower — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:01:31 +0000

Africa’s oldest independent republic, the Republic of Liberia celebrates 159 years of independence on July 28. The Liberian Embassy in Washington, DC will have events throughtout the week of July 21 – 29 to commemorate this occassion.

In Liberia, lights will be turned on as part of this celebration.

On the Elections Front

Cactus Flower — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 15:44:26 +0000

On Sunday, Democratic Republic of Congo will be holding its the first multiparty polls in the country since 1960. In spite of the anti-polling demonstrators and rising tensions, authorities said that the elections will proceed as planned on Sunday.

Kenya held its parliamentary elections Monday night resulting in a few surprises. There was good voter turn-out but voters in Saku were shot at by bandits and a woman was arrested for bribery voters in Moyale.

In Gambia tension are rising before the September’s polls in which President Yahya Jammeh is seeking to extend his 12 years in power. Last week the head of the independent electoral commission was sacked.

Meanwhile, in the Ivory Coast, authorities have been issuing IDs to ascertain Ivorians who will be eligible to vote in the October elections.