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  • South Sudanese Rebel Leader Arrives in Nairobi

    South Sudanese Rebel Leader Arrives in Nairobi

    {{South Sudan’s former vice president turned rebel leader, Riek Machar, on Tuesday arrived in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi to meet with the leaders of the neighbouring countries on the peace process with president Salva Kiir’s government.}}

    Upon his arrival in the Kenyan capital, Machar held a meeting with the Kenyan envoy to the Addis Ababa peace talks, Gen Lazarus Symboyo.

    “Upon his arrival in Nairobi Dr. Machar met with the Kenyan envoy to the IGAD-sponsored peace talks, Gen Lazarus Symboyo, in which they discussed the agenda for the expected meeting between him and president Uhuru Kenyatta,” Machar’s spokesperson, James Gatdet Dak, told media on Tuesday.

    Dak said the visit which may last for a few days came in response to the invitation extended to the rebel leader Machar by the Kenyan president.

    He said Machar also met with his officials based in Nairobi and briefed them on the roadmap agreement he signed with president Kiir and the purpose of his Kenyan visit.

    The rebel leader’s spokesperson added that Machar’s meeting with the Kenyan top leaders “may take place any time soon.”

    After his visit to Nairobi, Machar is expected to fly to Khartoum for talks with Sudanese officials on the stalled peace process in Addis Ababa.

    sudantribune

  • EAC Meeting on Cybercrime Underway

    EAC Meeting on Cybercrime Underway

    {{A regional planning meeting of stakeholders in the East African Community (EAC) to chart a way forward in the fight against cybercrime is underway at the Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.}}

    Hodar Addou, the acting UN resident coordinator in Uganda drew the attention of the participants to the threat posed to vulnerable groups like children and women as internet connectivity improves in the region.

    “ICTs will only become more widely embedded in the lives of the children in the region, whether through use of computers in schools, in the home or through personal devices. While the internet can enrich the lives of children in many ways, including as a vehicle for education and civic engagement, it can assist perpetrators of child abuse to make contact with children either to obtain or create abusive materials or to arrange real world meetings,” she said.

    Addou added: “Children may also be bullied, threatened or blackmailed in online environments, or exposed to age inappropriate material.”

    She also weighed in on the insecurities faced by women online.

    “Similarly, while women benefit from using new digital and internet technologies for business, self-expression, and networking, cyber victimisation remains an underexplored barrier to their participation,” she said.

    “Numerous studies have shown that women often outnumber men in surveys on cyber victimisation and that cybercrime perpetrators are overwhelmingly male.”

    John Nasasira, the ICT minister, who opened the meeting, reiterated Uganda’s commitment to fighting cybercrimes.

    The aim of this meeting is to develop initiatives that will be used effectively across the East African Community and further build the countries’ capacity to prevent and combat cybercrime and thereby strengthen the ICT legal and regulatory environment through the exchange of knowledge and expertise

    The two day meeting, organised by the National Information Technology Authority of Uganda (NITA-U) in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Commonwealth Cybercrime Initiative (CCI) will end on Wednesday May 28.

  • Angolan Police Detain, Beat Protesters

    Angolan Police Detain, Beat Protesters

    {{Angolan police have beaten and detained 20 people protesting against the killing of three activists by security forces, demonstrators said on Wednesday.}}

    Neither police and nor Interior Ministry officials responded to several requests for comment about Tuesday’s incident. Security forces have in the past denied using violence on protesters, saying detentions are made to maintain public order.

    The youth-driven Angolan Revolutionary Movement has staged several protests since 2011, accusing security forces of murder and President Jose Eduardo dos Santos of restricting political freedom during his 34 years at the helm of Africa’s No. 2 oil producer.

    “Police detained 20 of us as soon as we arrived at Independence Square for the protest,” activist Manuel Nito Alves told Reuters. “Inside the police van they beat us with sticks, drove us to Catete, 60 km away from Luanda, and released us there several hours later.”

    The demonstration was organized through social media to demand justice for the killings of three opposition activists by security forces in the last two years.

    Two activists involved in protests to demand payment of state wage arrears were killed by security forces in May 2012, prosecutors said in November. At least four security officials have been investigated but no trial date has been set.

    An opposition party protester was shot dead by presidential guards after putting up protest posters in November last year. Police say he was shot while fleeing detention.

    Youth activists are demanding the accused be put on trial and a commission be set-up to investigate the deaths.

    Dos Santos secured a new five-year term with a big election win in 2012 and has been credited for Angola’s rapid economic growth after a 27-year civil war ended in 2002.

    But he has also long been accused by opponents and international rights groups of doing too little to fight widespread police violence, graft and poverty.

    reuters

  • Colossal Peat Bog Discovered in Congo

    Colossal Peat Bog Discovered in Congo

    {{A vast peatland has been discovered in a remote part of Congo-Brazzaville.

    The bog covers an area the size of England and is thought to contain billions of tonnes of peat.}}

    Scientists say investigating the carbon-rich material could shed light on 10,000 years of environmental change in this little-studied region.

    Dr Simon Lewis, from the University of Leeds, said: “It’s remarkable that there are parts of the planet that are still uncharted territory.”

    He added: “Few people venture into these swamps as they are quite difficult places to move around in and work in.”

    Satellite images initially hinted at the presence of the enormous tropical peatland, but an expedition, starting from Itanga village in April, confirmed it was there.

    The discovery team, from the University of Leeds, the Wildlife Conservation Society-Congo and Congo-Brazzaville’s Marien Ngouabi University, had to contend with dwarf crocodiles, gorillas and elephants as they explored the area. But they said the biggest challenge was soggy feet.

    Dr Lewis, who was working with PhD student Greta Dargie, added: “You can only walk on these areas for a couple of months a year, right at the end of the dry season, so you have to time it right. Even then it is still wet every day.

    “We were inside the swamp for three weeks, and the only time we had dry feet was when we were asleep in our tents. To place the tent, you have to build a platform because the ground is permanently water-logged.”

    The team estimates that the bog covers between 100,000 and 200,000 square kilometres (40,000 to 80,000 sq miles), with the peat-layer reaching up to 7m (23ft) beneath the ground. It spreads into the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    The researchers believe it holds billions of tonnes of partially decayed vegetation.

    “Peatlands are formed because the plant matter going into the soil is not fully decomposed,” Dr Lewis explained.

    “It requires slow conditions for the decomposition, so you naturally find most peatlands are in the cold zones. It’s rare to find them in the wet and warm tropics, so that makes this an unusual discovery.”

    agencies

  • Minister Binagwaho launches DHIS 2 Academy East Africa

    Minister Binagwaho launches DHIS 2 Academy East Africa

    {{The Minister of Health, Dr. Agnes Binagwaho has launched a two week Academy dubbed DHIS2.

    The academy aims at strengthening national and regional capacity to successfully set up, design, and maintain the DHIS 2 Software; an open-source, web-enabled tool that will allow users to efficiently manage health information for better programming.}}

    The high level training has attracted over 80 participants from 18 countries including; Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Uganda, Ethiopia, Namibia, Nigeria, Mozambique, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Africa and Rwanda. Others have come from as far the USA, Norway, Switzerland, Spain, Mexico and Guatemala.

    Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Honorable Minister said that health information systems are the backbone of all health planning urging participants that the academy must serve as a platform for acquiring skills that will enable timely tracking of health progress.

    “It is not right that people from far countries should come and help us to track our own progress on various indicators yet we can do this. We should be able to analyse health data and respond immediately according to need,” she said.

    Dr. Binagwaho added that community health workers must also acquire health information skills because they play a key role in the system.

    “In Rwanda, ICT is a major piece of our development so we must strive to improve health care delivery using ICT,” the Honorable Minister emphasised.

    Rwanda has been selected by the University of Oslo to host this Academy because of the outstanding accomplishments of Rwanda’s HMIS team.

    “Rwanda is one of our best practice countries because they have been so sophisticated in being able to implement all health programs and integrate the data,” Kristin Braa, Professor of Informatics at the University of Oslo echoed.

    Caritas Spes Ndayishimiye, a participant from Burundi noted that the DHIS2 training will help ease e-sharing of data across their health sector and facilitate planning for the health of Burundians.

    The two week program was organised by the University of Oslo, the Health Information System Program(HISP) Rwanda and the USAID integrated Health Systems Strengthening Project(IHSSP) managed by MSH.

    According to officials, Rwanda has been an early adopter of the DHIS-2 platform having completed a successful national implementation of the Rwanda Health Management information System (R-HMIS) in each of the country’s over 500 health facilities in the past two years.

    Data are pulled from various routine data collection systems into the national warehouse which is to become a “one stop shop” for key health sector indicator data.

    Since the roll out of the initial system, many modules have been added and these include, death audit reporting for all maternal, Neonatal, and child deaths, Community Health Information System, eTB-a patient level system for tracking MDR(multi-drug resistant) TB patients as well as the HIV reporting and our Disease surveillance system which is currently being transitioned.

    Participants will also engage with health workers, data managers and M & E staff at health centres and at district level who use the Rwanda Health Information Management System routinely.

  • Airtel Rwanda Launches ‘Switch-On Campaign’

    Airtel Rwanda Launches ‘Switch-On Campaign’

    {{Airtel Rwanda has today launched the ‘Switch-On Campaign’ aimed at creating a conducive digital environment for Rwandans to thrive.

    The service targets internet users in Rwanda, allowing them a hassle free rich experience with non-stop internet supply at the most affordable price}}.

    The campaign which has been launched on the heels of revamped data rates effectively summarizes the brands promise to enrich consumer digital experience.

    Speaking at the launch of the new campaign, Managing Director of Airtel Rwanda, Mr. Teddy Bhullar said, “The internet is an essential commodity. Every user wants constant, reliable and affordable supply of internet.

    Most of our customers are faced with the challenge of choosing the right MB-GB package for their device and lifestyle. Airtel felt the need to fill this gap providing a unique solution for her esteemed customers.”

    The’ Switch On’ campaign allows users in Rwanda to enjoy reasonably priced internet bundles. The service presents a rich new culture in Rwanda that allows non-stop data experience to all internet users.

    Airtel Rwanda commits to provide the most innovative, affordable and reliable services in the communication and internet space.

    The Switch- On campaign aims to extend Airtel’s internet knowledge to all Rwandans and empower them to achieve their full potential in an enabling digital environment which is powered by Airtel internet.

  • Kenya Impounds Illegal Hong Kong-Bound Cargo

    Kenya Impounds Illegal Hong Kong-Bound Cargo

    {{Kenya has impounded illegally logged rosewood worth about $6.6m (£4m), officials have said, in one of the largest seizures of its kind.}}

    The rosewood was being shipped from Madagascar to Hong Kong when it was seized at Kenya’s Mombasa port, the officials added.

    Illegal logging in Madagascar’s rainforests has worsened since a coup in 2009, conservationists say.

    There is huge demand for rosewood in Asia to make luxury furniture.

    Kenya Wildlife Service official Arthur Tuda said 34 containers of rosewood had been confiscated after it was offloaded in Mombasa, the busiest port in East Africa.

    {{‘Wreaking havoc’}}

    “The vessel carrying the wood docked, offloaded the consignment and then left,” he is quoted by Kenya’s Standard newspaper as saying.

    “According to the cargo manifest, the load was declared as ordinary wood from Kenya which is not banned in the international market. This was a ploy to hoodwink us but it did not work,” he added.

    The rosewood was grown in Madagascar, and was worth about $6.6m, Mr Tuda said.

    The campaign group Environment Investigation Agency (EIA) said the 34 containers held 640 tonnes of rosewood.

    “The ongoing crisis of illegal logging in Madagascar is wreaking havoc on the country’s extraordinary biodiversity, and its hopes for sustainable development,” it said.

    Madagascar, one of the poorest countries in Africa, is known for its rich biodiversity but this is being increasingly threatened by smugglers.

    A civilian government was elected in December to end the political and economic crisis that the Indian Ocean island since a coup in 2009.

    {agencies}

  • New SA Visa Rules: 6 Major Changes

    New SA Visa Rules: 6 Major Changes

    {{The newly gazetted immigration rules have been called unconstitutional with considerable legal upheaval expected. }}

    While government believes it has drawn a clear distinction between short-stay and long-stay permanent residency visas, Robbie Ragless, CEO at New World Immigration believes these changes have been implemented too hastily.

    According to Ragless, a clear outline of the costs for each visa has not been made available and the involvement of the Department of Labour and the Department of Trade and Industry in certain application processes means it has become extremely cumbersome and riddled with delay opportunities – already an issue for the industry.

    The Department of Home Affairs has contracted VFS to receive all applications but was reportedly still accepting applications until the official handover has taken place.

    Following is an outline of the key issues surrounding the major rule changes:

    {{1. Life Partner and Spouse Visas}}

    Initially, government wanted proof that spouses or life partners have been together for at least 5 years before an application for a permanent or temporary residency could be made.

    This has since been changed to 2 years. Life Partners will however need to attend an interview “on the same date and time to determine the authenticity of the existence of their relationship”.

    Issues arise when changes or extensions have to be applied for – with certain applications only eligible if done from the person’s original country of residence.

    {{2. Changing Visa status while in South Africa}}

    The application period has been changed from 30 days prior to the expiry of the current visa to 60 days. According to New World Immigration, Home Affairs is already plagued with visa application backlogs and this new period would negatively impact the approval process.

    The new regulations also state that a person cannot change from a visitor’s visa into another type of visa and these applications for change of conditions must be made at a mission abroad – ie an embassy or consulate.

    Under the “old legislation”, it was possible to apply for a temporary residence permit whilst using a visitor’s visa but the “new legislation” now prohibits any foreigner from applying for a temporary residence permit using a visitor’s visa.

    Those who are using a visitor’s visa in South Africa would now need to leave and apply in their own country of residence.

    If a person’s visitor visa has expired, they would need to seek legal advice about exiting South Africa as immigration officials have been advised to ban any foreigners for overstaying – by making them an undesirable person for 1 year, 2 years or 5 years.

    {{3. Business Visas}}

    This visa sees a more forensic approach in the new application process. Businesses will now need to get a recommendation letter from the Department of Trade and Industry and business visas will only be granted for 3 years at a time.

    {{4. Critical Skills Visa}}

    The Quota and Exceptional skills work permits have been replaced by the Critical Skills permit but the list of Critical Skills has not been published.

    {{5. Intra-Company Visas}}

    The employee will need to be employed with the foreign office for no less than 6 months before being eligible for transfer to South Africa. The visa will now be available for 4 years.

    {{6. Fines}}

    There has also been a massive increase in the administrative fines to be issued to those who overstay and any other persons who are in contravention of the act.

    Also, if a visa has expired foreigners face a ban labelling them an undesirable person for 1 year, 2 years or 5 years.

  • S.Africa’s Impala Opencast Project Completed

    S.Africa’s Impala Opencast Project Completed

    Concor Opencast Mining has completed the Impala Opencast Project in Rustenburg, South Africa, 13 years after the project began

    The project was awarded to the company in 2002, and mining commenced in the UG2 core body in 2005. Since 2002, the contract was renewed every year, until all opencast resources were depleted.

    Between November 2009 and December 2013, Concor Opencast Mining mined 49.3mn bm3 of blasted overburden, 6.6mn bm3 of topsoil and 8.9mn tons of reef, the company stated.

    According to Concor, 240 people worked on the project site, which spanned an area of 15km.

    Equipment comprised five bulk excavators for overburden removal; six smaller excavators for cleaning the ore body and extraction of the ore body; five dozers for moving overburden and top soil; 25 trucks on site; and three water carts and various ancillary support plants.

    A static jaw crusher serviced the southern pits during the project, while a mobile jaw crusher serviced the northern pits.

    Roger Hearne, acting general manager of Concor Opencast Mining, said, “This project was tightly controlled throughout its duration to mitigate the associated challenges.

    Mining took place in close proximity to both mine infrastructure and housing occupied by members of the local community.

    “Great care had to be taken not to impact these structures and we achieved this by keeping the vibration from blasting to a minimum. In addition, blasting was only carried out twice a week out of consideration for the local communities.”

    Hearne added that care was taken not to drill holes all the way underground, and to ensure this, the team worked with mine surveyors.

    At the end of the project, the team had achieved more than five million fatality-free hour.

  • US Citizens Urged to Leave Restless Libya

    US Citizens Urged to Leave Restless Libya

    {{The US state department has warned any American citizens in Libya to leave the country immediately.}}

    It said the situation in the country remained unpredictable and unstable.

    On Tuesday, the US said it was sending a warship carrying around 1,000 marines to the region for any possible evacuation of American officials.

    Concern over the situation in Libya has increased after a renegade general launched an assault against Islamist militias in Benghazi.

    Gen Khalifa Haftar last week urged the judiciary to appoint a crisis government to oversee new elections after accusing Libya’s leaders of “fostering terrorism”.

    Dozens of state bodies have pledged their support for Gen Haftar.

    But the government called his assault an “attempted coup” and ordered the arrest of those taking part.

    The unstable situation has led the US to call for its citizens to leave the troubled country as soon as possible.

    “US citizens currently in Libya should exercise extreme caution and depart immediately,” the state department said on Tuesday.

    It warned against all but essential travel to Tripoli and against any travel outside the Libyan capital.