Monthly Archives: April 2012

Tanzania and the BAE scandal – A statement beyond satire

Posted on April 22, 2012 by

By Sarah Hermitage A recent statement from Tanzania’s most senior anti-corruption officer Edward Hosea that no Tanzanian was involved in the BAE scandal was remarkable. What is even more remarkable is the fact that the statement has attracted no comment from the British government or international media. Britain’s Department for International Development and the Commons’ International Development Committee, who worked tirelessly on behalf of the Tanzanian people to organize the payment directly to the Tanzanian government amidst staunch opposition, have also failed to respond to this extraordinary comment by the head of Tanzania’s Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB). The extent of rising corruption in Tanzania under the Kikwete … Continue reading →

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Understanding the source of Sudan’s problems

Posted on April 11, 2012 by

By Robert Asketill If we are to see how the so-called super powers have and are destroying the efforts made by Africans to improve their countries after shaking off colonisation, in itself a courageous decision often with considerable loss of life, we can usefully today watch the struggles this month in both north and south Sudan as they have to stand up to an expected foreign media attack. It might be useful for any discussion on foreign power interference by readers to have a sketch look at the Sudan.  Although colonised by the British, the Sudan as we knew it governed from Khartoum, clearly was ready for its independence long … Continue reading →

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Sutherland-Addy’s importance to the enlightment movement

Posted on April 11, 2012 by

By Kofi Akosah-Sarpong Prof. Esi Sutherland-Addy, of the University of Ghana’s Institute of African Studies, floating of a Ghana Cultural Forum to some sort of differentiate and integrate the Ghanaian culture for progress, once again, enhances the on-going enlightenment movement. For now, as the Ugandans say, deeds speak louder and make words nothing, as Ghanaians realize their culture in relation to the progress game. Sutherland-Addy gives remarkable sense to the enlightenment undertaking, not necessarily because of her statues as a university don and her vast global reach, but, really, because of her advanced age. The importance of Sutherland-Addy’s age in the enlightenment crusade is that she has the settled mind … Continue reading →

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Why the sabre-rattling of both Sudans is causing unease in region

Posted on April 10, 2012 by

By Robert Asketill A committee of British members of parliament are on their way to the Sudan with an object to see that the newly created South Sudan and the North seek peace between each other.  We know that the two parties may well be determined to avoid a full-scale war, yet clashes between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA — South Sudan’s army) and the subsequent bombing around the oil-rich town of Heglig in Unity State are a clear indication that both sides are resorting to military action in lieu of effectively laying down their weapons and resolving outstanding post-independence issues, mainly on the … Continue reading →

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Tough road ahead for Juba

Posted on April 5, 2012 by

By Robert Asketill US President Barack Obama spoke this week with South Sudan’s  President Kiir to urge him to build on the recent achievements of the nationality and citizenship agreements initialed by South Sudan and Sudan, and to express hope that the two countries’ heads of state would meet soon at a summit, as they had previously agreed.  President Obama also expressed concern about the growing tensions between South Sudan and Sudan, especially the violent clashes along their shared border and renewed fighting in Southern Kordofan State.  Mr Obama underscored the importance of avoiding unilateral actions, and asked President Kiir to ensure that South Sudan’s military exercises maximum restraint and … Continue reading →

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