By Nangayi Guyson – Lagos -BBC- Nigeria’s government plans over mass evictions in the oil-rich Niger Delta has been criticized by the rights group Amnesty International warning that continued development may leave as many as 200,000 people homeless. In 2009, the Rivers State government began plans to rebuild parts of the city. They are demolishing slums on the waterfront as part of the “Greater Port Harcourt master plan”. But Amnesty says Plans for urban development and slum demolition have been a violently contested issue in Port Harcourt. Forced evictions regularly spark demonstrations there and police have even fired live rounds... Continue Reading
By Nangayi Guyson – Conakry – BBC-The new head of Guinea’s electoral commission has proposed 7 November, according to a presidential decree read out on state TV as the date for the country’s much-delayed presidential run-off. The vote was initially due to be held in July, but street violence and political infighting have forced it to be postponed three times. Gen Siaka Toumani Sangare told the country’s transitional government on Tuesday that he believes the vote could go on but It was not immediately clear if both presidential candidates had agreed to the new date. Last weekend, the two rival... Continue Reading
By Own Correspondent – Alieu Jabang, president of Gunjur Youth Committee, who was banned by the sports governing body in Gunjur from attending football matches and other Gunjur Youth Sport Development Association (GYSDA) activities, has reacted by clarifying what he described as mere allegations levied against him by GYSDA. He said the allegations are meant to silent him from talking about the bad leadership and hardship to which they have subjected youths and football teams in Gunjur. He added that he as the youth president cannot sit and watch them do things that are not in the interest of sports... Continue Reading
By Nangayi Guyson – Egyptian opposition Wafd party on Monday reported that state TV has refused to air advertisements from the opposition and the print shops working for the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) had been asked not to print Wafd campaign literature, signaling a squeeze on opposition campaigning before a November election. “We were informed the day before yesterday that Egyptian television has refused to air our advertising although it is paid for,” said Wafd spokesperson Mohamed Sherdy in a Reuters report. “Print shops are scared now to print anything for us,” he said. “Why should I go to... Continue Reading
By Nangayi Guyson – At least eight assailants have been killed after the rebels carried out a rare attack on a UN peacekeepers’ base in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo over the weekend, said an emailed statement from the UN mission Monusco. About 50 men armed with AK47 rifles and locally made weapons… deliberately opened fire on the peacekeepers and attempted to force their way into the base at several sites. “In reaction to this hostile attitude and in accordance with their rules of engagement, the blue helmets in turn opened fire on the attackers,” said the statement. Separately, a... Continue Reading
