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  • South Africa report clears Jacob Zuma over Nkandla

    South Africa report clears Jacob Zuma over Nkandla

    {An inquiry by the South African government has cleared President Jacob Zuma of abusing state money to upgrade his private residence. }

    The improvements were needed for security reasons, said Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi.

    A provisional report by South Africa’s ombudsman is said to have urged Mr Zuma to repay some of the $20m (£12m) cost.

    The refurbishment of his Nkandla home has turned into a major political controversy in South Africa.

    It was one of the reasons why Mr Zuma was booed at the memorial service of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president, in Johannesburg last week, correspondents say.

    Many people accuse their leaders of leading lavish lifestyles, while they continue to live in poverty nearly 20 years after white minority rule ended.
    ‘Amphitheatre’

    Mr Zuma is expected to lead the governing African National Congress (ANC) into elections next year, but some influential members of the party have been been lobbying for him to be replaced, correspondents say.

    “No state funds were used to build the president’s private residence,” said Mr Nxesi as he released the findings of a government investigation into the upgrade.

    Mr Nxesi said the government had spent money on the house, in the rural district of Nkandla in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, for security reasons.

    “The violent history of this area of KwaZulu-Natal, the fact that the Zuma homestead and family members had previously been attacked on three occasions, and the fact that the president has to conduct government functions, such as receiving official delegations, necessitated major security upgrades,” he added.

    Last month, South Africa’s ombudsman – or public protector, Thuli Madonsela – condemned the local Mail and Guardian newspaper for publishing her provisional report into the upgrade.

    Ms Madonsela found Mr Zuma had derived “substantial benefits” from the upgrade, the Mail and Guardian said.

    The upgrades included a visitors’ lounge, amphitheatre, cattle enclosure, swimming pool and houses for the president’s relatives, it added.

    Mr Zuma has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

    Ms Madonsela said it was “unethical and unlawful” for the media to publish a leaked provisional report.

    It is not clear when exactly she plans to release the report.

    The government has gone to court, seeking to block its release.

    BBC

  • Astronauts prepare for first spacewalk since helmet leak problem

    Astronauts prepare for first spacewalk since helmet leak problem

    {Astronauts aboard the International Space Station prepared for an unexpected series of spacewalks by fabricating spacesuit snorkels they can use for breathing in case of another helmet water leak, NASA officials said on Wednesday.}

    The spacewalks, the first of which is slated to begin at 7:10 a.m. EST (1210 GMT) on Saturday, are needed to replace one of two cooling pumps outside the $100 billion complex, which flies about 250 miles above Earth.

    U.S. spacewalks have been suspended since July after a spacesuit helmet worn by Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano filled with water, causing him to nearly drown.

    The underlying cause of the leak remains under investigation but engineers have learned enough to make modifications so the problem will not happen again, NASA managers told reporters during a conference call.

    “I would be surprised if we have a problem with the suits,” said space station program manager Mike Suffredini.

    As a contingency, the spacewalkers’ helmets will be outfitted with absorbent pads and home-made snorkels to funnel air from the body of the water-cooled suits into an astronaut’s mouth, if needed.

    The snorkels, which were fabricated by the crew on Sunday, are made from plastic water line vent tubes used in the spacesuits.

    “This is your last resort,” said Allison Bolinger, lead spacewalk officer. “If water is encroaching your face, similar to what happened to Luca, the crewmember can lean down and use this (the snorkel) to breathe.”

    First-time spacewalker Michael Hopkins will wear Parmitano’s spacesuit, but it has been outfitted with a new fan pump separator, a device that circulates water and air and removes moisture from air.

    The fan pump separator from Parmitano’s suit was flown back to Earth for analysis and engineers found tiny holes in the water-separator portion of the device were clogged.

    That allowed water to back up into the fan portion, get into a vent loop and enter the helmet, said space station flight director Dina Contella.

    Still unknown is how the water was contaminated.

    “Unfortunately, it’s a pretty complicated water chemistry problem,” Contella said.

    Suffredini said: “We believe the lines we’re using today are clean. We’ve put in new filters and we think the filter system works.”

    A new fan pump separator is among the cargo aboard Orbital Sciences Corp’s first supply ship to the station which had been slated to launch this week. But it is being delayed until mid-January so NASA can tackle the higher-priority work of getting the station’s cooling system back in operation.

    One of two ammonia cooling systems shut down on December 11, forcing astronauts to turn off unnecessary equipment and suspend some science experiments.

    The U.S. side of the station has a second cooling system, but it cannot accommodate all the gear.

    Hopkins will be joined by six-time spacewalker Rick Mastracchio for three spacewalks to replace the faulty cooling system with a spare that is in storage outside the station.

    In addition to Saturday’s 6.5-hour outing, spacewalks are planned for Monday and Wednesday.

    Reuters

  • China confirms near miss with U.S. ship in South China Sea

    China confirms near miss with U.S. ship in South China Sea

    China on Wednesday confirmed an incident between a Chinese naval vessel and a U.S. warship in the South China Sea, after Washington said a U.S. guided missile cruiser had avoided a collision with a Chinese warship maneuvering nearby.

    Experts have said the near-miss between the USS Cowpens and a Chinese warship operating near China’s only aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, was the most significant U.S.-China maritime incident in the disputed South China Sea since 2009.

    China’s Defense Ministry said the Chinese naval vessel was conducting “normal patrols” when the two vessels “met”.

    “During the encounter, the Chinese naval vessel properly handled it in accordance with strict protocol,” the ministry said on its website (www.mod.gov.cn).

    “The two Defense departments were kept informed of the relevant situation through normal working channels and carried out effective communication.”

    But China’s official news agency Xinhua, in an English language commentary, accused the U.S. ship of deliberately provocative behavior.

    “On December 5, U.S. missile cruiser Cowpens, despite warnings from China’s aircraft carrier task group, broke into the Chinese navy’s drilling waters in the South China Sea, and almost collided with a Chinese warship nearby,” it said.

    “Even before the navy training, Chinese maritime authorities have posted a navigation notice on their website, and the U.S. warship, which should have had knowledge of what the Chinese were doing there, intentionally carried on with its surveillance of China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier and triggered the confrontation.”

    Washington said last week its ship was forced to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

    The incident came at a time of heightened tension in the region following Beijing’s declaration of an air Defense identification zone further north in the East China Sea, which prompted protests from Washington, Tokyo and Seoul.

    U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday said maritime disputes between countries should be resolved peacefully through arbitration though the United States would speak out when a country, such as China, took unilateral action that raised the potential for conflict.

    Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Kerry and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has been equally critical of the air Defense zone, should stop harping on the issue.

    “The show the relevant parties have put on is enough. They should give it a rest. If they really care about this region’s peace, they should … stop fomenting trouble,” she told a daily news briefing.

    China’s Defense Ministry said, however, there were “good opportunities” for developing Sino-U.S. military ties.

    “Both sides are willing to strengthen communication, maintain close coordination and make efforts to maintain regional peace and stability,” the ministry said.

    The Liaoning aircraft carrier, which has yet to be fully armed and is being used as a training vessel, was flanked by escort ships, including two destroyers and two frigates, during its first deployment into the South China Sea.

    Friction over the South China Sea has surged as China uses its growing naval might to assert a vast claim over the oil-and-gas-rich area, raising fears of a clash between it and other countries in the region, including the Philippines and Vietnam.

    The United States had raised the incident at a “high level” with China, according to a State Department official quoted by the U.S. military’s Stars and Stripes newspaper.

    Beijing routinely objects to U.S. military surveillance operations within its exclusive economic zone, while Washington insists the United States and other nations have the right to conduct routine operations in international waters.

    China deployed the Liaoning to the South China Sea just days after announcing its air Defense zone, which covers air space over a group of tiny uninhabited islands in the East China Sea that are administered by Japan but claimed by Beijing as well.

    Reuters

  • Airtel awarded 2013 African operator of the year

    Airtel awarded 2013 African operator of the year

    {{Kigali, Rwanda. December 19, 2013}}.{ Airtel, a leading telecommunications service provider has been recognised as the African Operator of the Year at the CommsMEA Awards 2013. }

    The annual event organised by CommsMEA attracts executives including telecoms CEOs, ministers, regulators and vendors. They all gathered for the eighth edition of the event held at Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai, where over 300 guests attended. The award recognises excellence within the telecoms sector across the Middle East and Africa.

    Airtel emerged the best beating stiff competition on the shortlist like the MTN Group, Vodacom and Nedjma poising as the best telecom African Operator.

    The winners were decided from a record number of nominations by a judging panel consisting of Akshay Lamba, chief architect and head of IT strategy at MTS; Milan Sallaba, managing director at Accenture Middle East; Erik Almqvist, partner and global head of operational consulting, Analysys Mason; Mark Kremers, partner, Oliver Wyman; Riad Hartani, partner at Xona, and Alan Horne, CEO Broadband Pioneer and Special Advisor to Global eHealth Foundation.

    Commenting on the award, Manoj Kohli, MD and CEO (International) at Bharti Airtel said, “We are humbled by this recognition and the trust that the international industry panel, consumers and other stakeholders have placed on Airtel since our entry into Africa in 2010.

    During the past three years, we have managed to serve more communities within the countries that we operate in and hopefully change their lives through not only the voice but also the data and mobile commerce services that we provide. The latter are increasingly becoming essential in Africa.”

    In addition, Marcellin Paluku, the Airtel Rwanda Country director said, “We are very excited to win this prestigious award in the Telecom Sector and we applaud the international community for recognising increased investment and innovation by Airtel across all the African markets in an effort to bring services closer to our customers.”
    Airtel has the largest 3G and mobile commerce footprint in Rwanda and sub Saharan Africa providing 3G services in 14 African countries.

    With Airtel Money services in 17 countries across the continent, the mobile commerce platform is positioned to become Africa’s widest financial services provider serving more diverse communities than any other financial institution in Africa.
    Currently leveraging a network of over 100,000 agent locations, Airtel Money facilitates access to financial services for the unbanked population.

    A recent survey conducted by the African Business magazine indicates that despite only a 3 year presence in Africa, Airtel is one of Africa’s top ten most admired global brands.

  • Uganda asked to mediate South Sudan

    Uganda asked to mediate South Sudan

    {The United Nations has requested that Uganda’s president help mediate in a conflict in neighbouring South Sudan that erupted five days ago, a spokesman for the government said.}

    “President [Yoweri] Museveni has been requested by the UN to mediate in that conflict,” spokesman Ofwono Opondo said, adding that a Ugandan minister would join an east African mediation effort to South Sudan announced by the African Union.

    Meanwhile, top ministers from four regional nations flew to troubled South Sudan on Thursday to kick start efforts to end days of fighting that has raised fears of a return to civil war in the young country.

    Kenya’s Foreign Minister Amina Mohammad, who said she was “en route to South Sudan to offer first hand assistance”, told AFP she was with teams from Djibouti, Ethiopia and Uganda.

    “It’s a regional issue and the government of Kenya must be part of the solution process,” she said.

    All are members of the regional body, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, whose members played key roles in pushing forward the 2005 deal that ended Sudan’s two-decades long civil war with the south.

    Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo offered her support.

    “We pray our brothers and sisters find room to talk and agree a way forward,” she said.

    Agencies

  • Nyaruge Court Once again postpones Nzirasanaho Trial

    Nyaruge Court Once again postpones Nzirasanaho Trial

    {Yesterday, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013, Nyarugenge Intermediate Court has once again postponed the session trial of former Senator Anastase Nzirasanaho
    }

    The postponement was motivated by the fact that currently all judges are undergoing a two day retreat which is taking place in Gabiro Military Camp, East of the country from December 18th to December 19th 2013.

    During Wednesday’s trial the court was expected to listen to a recorded sound certifying a conspiracy against Nzirasanaho of his assumed role during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis.

    Earlier on November 21, the trial was postponed again under the pretext that the voice of the document was defective.

    It was requested that the document be reworked so that the voice comes out well. This postponement is the fourth of its kind since the hearings began. The appointment set by the court is that of 24 December 2013.

  • Montreal: Heritage-Umurage presents to you “Inkera Iwacu” this Saturday

    Montreal: Heritage-Umurage presents to you “Inkera Iwacu” this Saturday

    {Heritage – Umurage is a non-profit organization created in October 2012 by young montrealers originated from Rwanda. Full of passion for their culture and traditions, they aim to promote values such as peace, solidarity and love through dance, music and poems.}

    For the 2nd consecutive time, the group is organizing its annual cultural show themed “Inkera Iwacu”

    “Inkera Iwacu” comes from Kinyarwanda language and refers to old traditional gatherings where families, friends, neighbors used to meet in a festive spirit and the highlights would be dancing, singing and Rwandese fairytales.

    The show on December 28th will take you to the country of a thousand hills and thousands smiles.

    For this 2nd edition, the voice of the talented Rwandan artist Vang’Inanga will warm this unique show with different traditional musical instruments. Other artists will also perform.

    Come discover dances from all corners of the country accompanied by vibrating music and drums.

    Tickets are available at the counter of Le Gesu on 1200 de Bleury, Montreal or at www.admission.com.

  • Kenya joins South Sudan neighbours in peace effort

    Kenya joins South Sudan neighbours in peace effort

    NAIROBI, Dec 19 – {Top ministers from four regional nations flew to troubled South Sudan on Thursday to kick start efforts to end days of fighting that has raised fears of a return to civil war in the young country.}

    Kenya’s Foreign Minister Amina Mohamed, who said she was “en-route to South Sudan to offer first hand assistance”, told AFP she was with teams from Djibouti, Ethiopia and Uganda.

    “It’s a regional issue and the government of Kenya must be part of the solution process,” she said.

    All are members of the regional body, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development(IGAD), whose members played key roles in pushing forward the 2005 deal that ended Sudan’s two-decades long civil war with the south.

    Rwandan foreign minister Louise Mushikiwabo offered her support.

    CapitalNews

  • Ambassador Power’s Travel to the Central African Republic, Nigeria, and Chad

    Ambassador Power’s Travel to the Central African Republic, Nigeria, and Chad

    {U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power is leading a delegation of U.S. officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield, to Bangui, Central African Republic; Abuja, Nigeria; and N’djamena, Chad; from December 17-20.}

    In the Central African Republic, Ambassador Power is meeting with senior transitional government officials, as well as UN, French and other officials, to assess and support recent efforts of African Union and French forces to protect civilians, stabilize the country and restore humanitarian access.

    During stops in Nigeria and Chad, the Ambassador is meeting senior government officials and civil society leaders to discuss cooperation on a range of issues from promoting human rights and good governance to coordinating on regional security. Both Nigeria and Chad join the UN Security Council as non-permanent members in 2014.

    This is the Ambassador’s first solo international trip since becoming the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations. In October, the Ambassador traveled with the UN Security Council to the Great Lakes region and Ethiopia.

  • Egyptians fear return to authoritarianism

    Egyptians fear return to authoritarianism

    {There is growing concern about a return to authoritarianism in Egypt, where the military-installed authorities have cracked down on freedom of speech, stifled protests, and arrested activists. Almost three years after the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak, the BBC’s Orla Guerin looks at what has become of the revolution.}

    Ahmad Harara is seldom seen without his Ray-Ban sunglasses. But for the 33-year old former dentist, they are not a style statement.

    When he lifts them up, it is to reveal two unseeing eyes – the left one a prosthetic. It bears an inscription – “hurriya”, the Arabic word for freedom.

    It was the fight for freedom that cost him his sight, one eye at a time.

    Mr Harara was shot in the face twice in 2011, both times by police he says.

    Shot-gun pellets destroyed his right eye on 28 January, a few days after the mass protests against Mr Mubarak began.

    He lost his left eye to a sniper that November

    {{Start Quote}}

    [The army] has ruled here since 1952 and doesn’t see the need to change because some young people took to the streets”Ahmad Harara

    “I am not the person who has paid the highest price,” he says over Turkish coffee and cigarette at Cairo’s Cafe Riche, where coffee and dissent have brewed for more than a century.

    “There are others who had much more serious injuries,” he adds, “and they are carrying on.”

    Military untouched

    In spite of his injuries, he too is carrying on.

    He is still fighting the regime that plunged him into darkness, which he says has not been overthrown yet.

    “The system remains the same,” he explains. “The army is maintaining its position. No-one holds it to account. No-one monitors it. On the contrary, it has taken more privileges.”

    More on BBC