Highway Across the Serengeti

Here's a short article loaded with useful information about Tanzania. Basically it's about the politics behind the road and concerns about the environmental impact of it, but there's a lot more. Tanzania is one of the few countries in Africa that hasn't suffered civil war and violence, but people are beginning to get fed up with corruption and fear that there may be violence ahead.

As our own election day approaches, you may be wondering if your vote matters. Think about this: "The government is also delaying opening universities until after the election, which means many students will not be able to vote and will be scattered across the country, not concentrated on campuses, should there be any trouble." Go cause some trouble!

Tribalism and Elections--Good News

Here's an article/video from the BBC about the Tanzanian elections not being marred by tribalism and violence. With over 100 tribes, how have they done it?

Please post a comment reminding me what it was I said I would post about--I can't remember :)

Congo Rape

Here is a short article about rape as a weapon of war in Congo. And here's another related article about the victims marching in protest. These are very brave people.

A Cattle Disease Completely Eradicated

This is amazing news! They've been able to completely eliminate a very deadly disease in cattle by organizing people all over Africa--even in war zones--to test their animals and administer the vaccine. This is a disease that when introduced to Africa in the late 1800's wiped out up to 90% of the cattle.

What to Do with Vuvuzelas

You could win about $1,500 if you come up with the best idea for re-purposing all those vuvuzelas hanging around after the World Cup. Here's an article with the details.

Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria

There's an exhibit of astonishingly beautiful ancient (9th-15th centuries) Nigerian art coming to the US from Africa, but alas, not the Bay Area. You can read a short review of it and take a look at some of the images.

Can you relate this art? Can you place the people who made it in context (location and history)? Here's a link to the wiki on the Ife that includes their origin myths.

Uganda Troops Going to Somalia?

Here's an article that reports that Uganda will provide 20,000 soldiers for the African Union's efforts in Somalia. After seeing "Invisible Children," don't you wonder if those 20,000 troops might have something to do closer to home?

Get some background here on the Lord's Resistance Army. How big is it? Who is supporting it (food, weapons, ammunition)? What are its goals?

Get some background here on the Acholi people's history for some ideas on how this all could have happened.