Monthly Archives: June 2009

In celebration of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Independence Day today, there is a Laurent Nkunda look-alike contest being held in the Kivus. While its difficult to beat a guy who had a pet goat and one rockin wardrobe, apparently … Continue reading →

Africa is mourning Michael Jackson’s passing. He never had time to adopt an African baby, build a theme park in Africa, or even really use his powers as an anointed Sani King in the Ivory Coast for good.  He did … Continue reading →

Researchers at the Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE) are seeking a field-based Research Assistant (RA) to coordinate and manage a criminal justice sector evaluation in Sierra Leone. The RA will manage a large quantitative survey of the … Continue reading →

Apparently, bullets used for necklaces are the hip new fashion thing in the Eastern Congo. And pretty awesome blue hats. Check out those trends and others in Michael Kavanagh’s excellent photo essay on insecurity in the DRC:

The winner for creative aid initiative of the day: toilet twinning. When you or your cherished family members buy a new toilet for your home, you can match your purchase and buy a toilet for some poor, toilet-less soul in … Continue reading →

Because getting down with PhD drop outs who liked Benga music more than research makes for excellent hybrid of Kenyan-American music. Check out Extra Golden:

1. Strategic consulting firm recommends Rwanda develop silk industry; Rwandans farmers respond, ‘what’s silk?” 2. Oxfam reports 250,000 new displaced Congolese in the Kivus and enough food for 12. 3. Human Rights Watch asks that Burundian refugees in Tanzania not … Continue reading →

The Government of Tanzania has finally set a repatriation deadline for Burundian refugees who have been residing in Tanzania for over thirty years. And now, they’ve got to gome home. Fast. According to Eric Pitois of the European Commission for … Continue reading →

Today, French President Nicolas Sarkozy will attend the funeral of Omar Bongo of Gabon, the world’s longest serving and shortest dictator. France and Sarko have a lost a dear friend. When Bongo came to power in 1967 at the ripe … Continue reading →

Because Ouagadougou puts out some funky electronica bands like Burkina Electric: