Africa News from Afro News 20 November 2014 afronewsmail@gmail The status of Zanzibar: Imperfect union In April Tanzanians celebrated the 50th anniversary of the union between mainland Tanganyika and the islands of Zanzibar. In honour of the occasion, the East African nation came together to rewrite its 1977 constitution. But instead of strengthening the union, the process may be tearing it apart. A draft based on public consultations was rewritten by a constitutional assembly dominated by members of the ruling Party of the Revolution (CCM). Opposition parties abandoned the process amid allegations of intimidation and abuse. Their protest was dealt with harshly: opposition members have been arrested and the leader of the main opposition party, Chadema, was summoned for questioning by police. The Economist Egypt prosecutor asks for death sentence for Morsi Egypts state news agency says prosecutors have asked for the death sentence for ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi and other Muslim Brotherhood leaders on trial on espionage charges. Prosecutor Emad el-Sharawy said in closing remarks Wednesday that Morsi and his aides leaked state security documents to foreign intelligence agencies, namely Iran, while in office for one year. The military removed Morsi from office in July 2013 following mass protests against him accusing him and the Brotherhood of monopolizing power. El-Sharawy said the defendants, who include Brotherhood leader Mohammed Badie and 34 others, cooperated with militant groups, including Gazas Hamas, to destabilize Egypt. AP Terror threats push Algeria, Egypt closer The outlines of an Algerian-Egyptian alliance are starting to take shape against the backdrop of closer political and security relations between the two countries. This emerging partnership was strengthened last week when the two sides signed 17 co-operation agreements during the latest High Joint Commission meeting, held in Cairo. The November 13th conference was co-chaired by Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal and his Egyptian counterpart Ibrahim Mahlab. The two premiers discussed political relations, the fight against terrorism, and the economy through the establishment of a joint venture in gas exploration. Magharebia A year on - Mandela: Myth and Reality On the anniversary of the death of Nelson Mandela, the Institute of Commonwealth Studies is convening a conference to examine the complexities of Mandela as a nationalist leader: his relationship with the South African Communist Party, his management of the transition from apartheid and his record as president. While in prison he had become the focus of ANC and international anti-apartheid campaigns against apartheid. His face became the symbol of a peoples oppression and the inspiration of their liberation. The iconography escalated on his release: his name become synonymous with the ANC and the hopes of black South Africans. The Rainbow Nation that was used to frame the early years of ANC government was founded on Mandelas image and his oft-repeated messages of reconciliation and unity. It seemed almost sacrilege to question his policies or criticise any perceived failings during and after his period in office. African Arguments Al-Nur Reaffirms His Refusal for Talks With Sudans Sudanese government and rebel groups in Darfur region are set to meet on 23 November in line with a roadmap endorsed by the African Union Peace and Security Council. Accordingly, the warring parties will discuss a cessation of hostilities and security arrangement, humanitarian access, before to join a national process to discuss a comprehensive peace agreement and democratic reforms.Speaking to Sudan Tribune on Thursday, al-Nur said the current process would not lead to any positive change in Sudan, pointing that the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) in its recent general convention refused reforms even in its structures and leadership.So we couldnt expect anything from them (the NCP) at this process, he said, emphasising there is no future under the regime of the National Congress Party. The popular uprising is the only solution for change in Sudan. Allafrica. Ethiopia: Five U.S.-Ethiopian Universities Partnerships to Receive U.S. Embassy Seed Money Grants To mark the conclusion of International Education Week, the Embassy of the United States of America today announced the results of a small grant competition to provide seed money for innovative partnerships between U.S. and Ethiopian universities. Five grants of $15,000 each will be awarded to new research, academic exchange and curriculum development partnerships between: 1. Jimma and Mettu Universities/ University of North Texas Libraries - Enhancing Institutional and Digital Responsibility of Jimma and Mettu Universities 2. Mettu University/Bowling Green State University - Teaching and Research Collaboration between Mettu and Bowling Green State University 3. Addis Abeba Science and Technology University/Brown University - Training on digitalizing libraries for research networks and technical education, and research proposal writing and laboratory skills 4. Wollo University/ Ball State University - Higher Education Administration and English Language Development at Wollo University 5. Debre Birhan/University of Maryland- Community outreach through women in agriculture program The U.S. Embassy says it is delighted to provide initial funding to support new and innovative collaborations and partnerships between higher education institutions in Ethiopia and in the U.S. The objectives of the grant competition were to a) grow mutually beneficial and sustainable partnerships between U.S. and Ethiopian universities and colleges, b) introduce new higher education institutions to U.S. and Ethiopian partnerships, and c) strengthen the skills and experience of faculty and administrators in both countries in developing and implementing partnerships.International Education Week this year is November 17-21, and is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 15:15:54 +0000
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