Rebel Death Might Slow Down Peace Talks

The death of rebel Vincent Otti could possibly slow down peace talks to end a 20-year conflict. Vincent Otti was second in command of the Lord's Resistance Army rebels. He was suspected to be killed by LRA commanders last year, but not until last week was it officially confirmed by the LRA. "Now that he is dead it leaves a huge gap on the LRA's side," the minister for international affairs said ahead of the talks that are to resume on Monday. This conflict has made millions of people angry, and has also killed tens of thousands. Before the LRA confirmed Otti's death, they told officials that he was under house arrest-accused of being a government spy. Officials say Otti played a key role in initiating the talks which began in July 2006. Otti was one of four other LRA commanders wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes.
Now, with Otti dead, I believe it will cause much conflict hence the fact that Otti seemed to be a key contributer to peace talks. Also supporters of Otti could possibly become outraged at the fact that the LRA lied about his death for so long. All in all, I hope some kind of peace agreement will come out of this so this 20-year conflict can be put to rest.

South African Gold Mines Shut Down By Power Cuts

Yesterday, South Africa's biggest gold and platinum mine companies have paused due to recent power cuts in the area. "They took the drastic measure after state power company Eskom said it could not guarantee supplies, raising fears of miners being trapped underground" (BBC news). South Africa is one of the largest producers of platinum and gold. The world's biggest platinum miner, Anglo Platinum, and the three largest gold mining companies, Anglo Gold Ashanti, Gold Fields and Harmony have all suspended production.
This is in no means good for the South African economy. Public Enterprises Minister Alec Erwin, says the next two years will become very critical for South Africa. Because of this crisis, the prices of precious metals around the world have greatly increased, while shares on the four suspended companies have dwindled.

Kenya To Boycott Over Rally

Kenya now says that they will use boycotts instead of rallies, ever since last months poll created mayhem. "The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) says it will boycott companies run by senior allies of President Mwai Kibaki" (BBC News). Since last month, 600 people have died because of violence. Police have taken force in Mombasa by releasing tear gas and unloading fire on unruly protesters.
At a news conference in Nairobi, sponsors of Kenya released a list of irregular tallying and announcement of results. 360,000 votes could not be verified, and about 230,000 votes separated the two candidates. Supporters of ODM candidate, Raila Odinga have become outraged with the recent happenings; apparently so has Odinga, who has demanded a re-run. Today will be the last day of a three day straight nationwide protest. "ODM spokesman Salim Lone told the BBC that from next week, the opposition would switch to other forms of action, such as boycotts of companies run by what he called the government hardliners" (BBC News). Boycotts could very well be seen at companies such as Brookside Dairies, Equity Bank, and City Hopper bus services.

first blog

Hi everyone! My name is Brittany and I am 18. I am currently taking a class called Contemporary World Issues at my school, and as an assignment my teacher has asked us to open up a google email account and post blogs on a specific continent. I chose Africa, so I am going to be following the news about any interesting things happening in the country, and posting blogs about their current events.  So yep.....thats what I'm gonna do. :)