Haiti flood death toll rises to 2,400
More than a week after devastating floods hit northern Haiti, aid workers are still struggling to feed thousands of people and the death toll continues to rise as reports come in from outlying areas. The estimated toll from the floods triggered by tropical storm Jeanne rose to about 2,400 after a parish priest reported a “total disaster” in small towns in Poteau, a region outside Gonaives....
September 30th, 2004 by Haiti
Liberalized trade benefiting few in Africa
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Many African countries have haphazardly liberalized their economies and failed to earn the expected benefits of more open trade, a U.N. report said today. In a statement, the Economic Report on Africa 2004 commission said Africa will need better managed governments, a better educated and healthier work force and better infrastructure for it to successfully be part of the...
September 30th, 2004 by Africa
Africa’s debt burden can only be tackled by write-off: UN
GENEVA : Africa is handing over more money to its creditors than it is receiving from their loans, the UN’s trade and development think-tank said in a report advocating a debt write-off for the continent. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said Africa had received about 540 billion dollars (438 billion euros) in loans between 1970 and 2002, and paid back some 550...
September 30th, 2004 by Africa
Multiple Blasts in Baghdad Kill at least 33
Iraqi police say multiple explosions rocked a western Baghdad district Thursday, killing at least 33 people and wounding more than 50 others. The explosions occurred as a U.S. military convoy was passing by. Full Article : politinfo.com
September 30th, 2004 by Iraq
World Bank provides $12.5m to fight locusts
DAKAR, 27 Sep 2004 (IRIN) – The World Bank has offered US$12.5 million of fast disbursing funds to help fight the locust invasion of West Africa and has accused both governments in the region and donors of being slow to realise the full scale of the crisis. Full Article : irinnews.org
September 30th, 2004 by Africa
Bones of contention for traditional healers
For 14 years, the sangoma has been providing traditional treatment to countless people seeking help for various ailments, ranging from the common cold to more serious and life-threatening diseases such as cancer and HIV/Aids. For years he has done this “only with the guidance of his ancestors” – but not anymore. Manzi is one of about 200 000 traditional health practitioners, working...
September 30th, 2004 by Africa
US and UN troops stand by while the poor suffer
by Andy Taylor, Haiti Support Group OVER 1,000 people have died in Haiti as a result of floods and landslides in the wake of Hurricane Jeanne. Tens of thousands more are now at risk as epidemics threaten the country. But this so called natural disaster is anything but. The storms that lashed Haiti also hit the Dominican Republic, its neighbour in the Caribbean. Yet the deaths in the Dominican Republic...
September 29th, 2004 by Haiti
The pride of the San is fierce
Only the tourists in Lone Tree, south-eastern Botswana, laugh. The residents of this hamlet are featureless, a people to be perhaps explored and expended once curiosity has been satisfied. Women and children will dance, and even sing, giving visitors a brief glimpse into the fables that cement their fragile culture and tentatively bond them to the land. Men may be tempted to part with a treasured bow...
September 29th, 2004 by Tyehimba
Nigeria threat pushes oil over US$50
LONDON: Oil prices raced to new record highs above US $50 yesterday as rebel threats against Nigerian oil facilities threatened to inflict more strain on global supplies. US light crude touched a high of US$50.47 a barrel before easing to US$49.80, up 16 cents on the day. London’s Brent crude set a new peak at US$46.80 a barrel, and was trading at US$46.23, up 30 cents. Oil has grabbed the financial...
September 29th, 2004 by Africa
Africa’s ‘Big 3′ jostle for UN seat
Johannesburg – A race between Africa’s three regional pillars – Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt – for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, is gathering pace, though the top body has yet to formally invite Africa to its table. Full Article : news24.com
September 29th, 2004 by Africa
Straw under pressure for greeting President
BRITISH Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has come under pressure from the opposition and media in that country for greeting President Mugabe in New York last week. Mr Straw shook hands with President Mugabe soon after the President had fired a broadside at British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his ally President George W. Bush of the United States while addressing the 59th Session of United Nations General...
September 29th, 2004 by Africa
Bush is History’s Top Terrorist
As the fourth global-warmed hurricane in two months rips through Florida, we are reminded that George W. Bush is history’s top terrorist. We know, of course, that Bush has slaughtered thousands of Iraqis, imprisoned hundreds without trial or charges, and presided over the torture and sexual abuse of many of them. He is the world’s leading recruiter for hate-America terrorists the world...
September 29th, 2004 by USA