Archive for July, 2011
Danse Macabre
Posted by jimheck in "Modern" Africa, Economy on July 29, 2011
Africa waits on pins and needles as America plays with the world. It’s not true that a default will in any way help Africa, not even gold-producing South Africa. It’s hard to imagine what a default will be, and I don’t mean that in any apocalyptic way. America is the standard for world economy. It [...]
Calling the South Sudan Corrupt
Posted by jimheck in Corruption, Sudan on July 28, 2011
I am sick of westerners criticizing corruption in Africa, and recent reports from Africa’s 54th country, the new South Sudan, reveal how hypocritical, racist and just plain unfair corruption charges against Africa often are. The new South Sudan is suddenly rich by most African standards, because of its ownership – yet to be fully defined [...]
Famine by Man not Drought
Posted by jimheck in Economy, Environment, Somalia, War on July 26, 2011
Famine is spreading across the Horn of Africa and threatens a world crisis. It’s not principally the result of drought. It’s due to political and social circumstances that if left unaddressed will begin one terrible unending famine capable of wiping out entire populations and massively stressing global resources. News junkies crave disasters and power the [...]
Tick off Malawi
Posted by jimheck in Economy, Twevolution, War on July 25, 2011
Historically peaceful, extremely little, almost hidden Malawi is blowing up from the inside, rattling and perhaps destroying one of Africa’s last dictators. I’m amazed he doesn’t seem to understand. Twevolution’s inevitable creep over Africa now covers much of the continent like a jar of syrup spilled over an old flat stone. It stopped and moved [...]
The Dead Elephant in the Pyre
Posted by jimheck in Economy, Wildlife Management on July 22, 2011
Protecting wildlife in Africa is a contentious issue, but Wednesday the Kenyan government publicly and forcibly illustrated its commitment to do so. There was no equivocation left in the pile of burned elephant tusks in Tsavo National Park. It wasn’t just that 5 tonnes of confiscated ivory, worth close to $1 million on the black [...]
War on Kids
Somalia has been in war for two decades, but it really looks like the pressures on al-Shabaab (al-Qaeda in The Horn) are forcing the game towards an explosive situation, one that the international community will not be able to ignore. Unless we develop new policies for international involvement, right now, the west is doomed to [...]
Stuck in the Blah Days in Tanzania
Posted by jimheck in Economy, Environment, Politics, Weather on July 19, 2011
Northern Tanzania seems the epitome of everything that’s wrong with East Africa right now: economic recession, bad weather, a disgruntled population, and all in the context of a government that refuses to reform itself. Ho-hum. There really is good news in East Africa, now, but at a little distance it just seems like silver linings [...]
No Drought News is Not
It’s raining in the Mara; it should be: That’s not news. It’s not raining in northern Kenya; it shouldn’t be: That’s news. Go figure. In between truly cataclysmic reports of America’s political constipation last week, many news sources were reporting on the “calamitous” drought in “East Africa.” One concerned consumer emailed me: “My husband and [...]
Hip-Hop Halisi by UKOO FLANI
We’re taking a long deserved vacation. You know, that thing which gives rise to the travel industry? So enjoy this African music, a new one each day, until Jim returns on July 18!
Sunshine by Nameless & Habida
We’re taking a long deserved vacation. You know, that thing which gives rise to the travel industry? So enjoy this African music, a new one each day, until Jim returns on July 18!
Queen Darleen ft Alikiba – Wajua
We’re taking a long deserved vacation. You know, that thing which gives rise to the travel industry? So enjoy this African music, a new one each day, until Jim returns on July 18!
The Late mcFaza Nelly of Tanzania
We’re taking a long deserved vacation. You know, that thing which gives rise to the travel industry? So enjoy this African music, a new one each day, until Jim returns on July 18!
Tanzanian Love Song
We’re taking a long deserved vacation. You know, that thing which gives rise to the travel industry? So enjoy this African music, a new one each day, until Jim returns on July 18!
Kenya Rap about Obama
We’re taking a long deserved vacation. You know, that thing which gives rise to the travel industry? So enjoy this African music, a new one each day, until Jim returns on July 18!
New Kenyan Travelogue
We’re taking a long deserved vacation. You know, that thing which gives rise to the travel industry? So enjoy this African music, a new one each day, until Jim returns on July 18!