Ethiopia Celebrates the New Millenium

I thought it was bad enough in Sudan but somehow, Ethiopia beat them to it. Really backwards. Why? So, how do you expect them to think forward when their timing is out all the way. One of my colleague even quoted this "do they actually have a calender?".

Ethiopia is only celebrating the new millenium, Year 2000, today in their country. Main reason stated - owing to the use of the Coptic Orthodox Church calender. As they didn't celebrate the millenium 7 years ago, they are going to do it in great style today. The calculation in that calender is very confusing. Try reading it yourself here.

Out of respect, African leaders are attending the function. I wonder how will they greet/wish the Ethiopian leaders. Will you say "Happy Millenium" knowingly it's absurd?

As always the case, there will be some opposition to the government's plans. Some claimed that the money being used for the celebration should have been used wisely in developing better facilities or eradicate poverty. Can they beat Malaysia's estimated expenses of RM100.0 million (US$28.6 million) for the recent 50th Independence Day's celebration?
Tags: Ethiopia, Africa, New Millenium, Coptic Orthodox Church

Ninjas Caused Chaos in Congo

Just when the issue of a Ninja causing chaos at a Shaolin Temple has calmed down, another group of Ninjas has caused chaos in Brazzaville, capital city of Congo.

This group of Ninjas has even formed a political party in Congo.

But the leader, Pasteur Ntumi, was not a former Ninja martial arts exponent but a Congo rebel instead. They somehow chose the word "Ninja" to represent their group.

Pasteur Ntumi was supposed to take up the position of a Junior Minister responsible for Peace and Disarmament in the Congo government but unforeseen circumstances caused a detour for his trip. Pasteur Ntumi wanted to ride into the city with 300 of his bodyguards where initially only 30 of them were allowed. The citizens are now worried that Pasteur Ntumi may force himself into he city.
Tags: Congo, Brazzaville, Africa, Ninjas, Pasteur Ntumi, Rebel

Kenyan Bloggers

African nations have lots of issues at times that may not be known by the general public. Earlier, I have blogged about a few well-known Nigerian bloggers, where Nigerians have also taken the stance to blog about happenings within their country. In order for the general public to get their hands onto such blog news, Africans may just have to go online to obtain the news. This contributed to the growth of blogs and particularly in Kenya, number of bloggers have grown tremendously.

Daudi Were, Mentalacrobatics.com - stated that Kenyan youth are reading more from the internet. Another socio-political blogger on the way up.

Ory Okolloh, Mzalendo.com - stated that most area in Kenya were not well equipped to access the internet. Ory's blog is like those socio-political blogs where it provides wider discussion on existing/new goverment rulings.

An anonymous blogger based in Nairobi, Kenya, bankelele.blogspot.com - is looking at the way the members of parliament are giving themselves a huge bonus with the country's economy in much doubt.
Tags: Kenya, Kenyan Bloggers, Africa, Bloggers

How High Can Inflation Hit Us? 100%? 100,000%?

I have seen a bad inflation hitting Malaysia's economy way back in 1997/1998 where bank's interest rates were riding above 12%/13%. Lots of people with high mortgages or taken lots of loans were badly hit. Shares were down to its lowest in years during that period. Margin calls on shares' trading accounts were badly hit. Foreign funds were heard pulling out. Country's foreign exchange and the local Ringgit Malaysia were in adverse situation.

Should the shopkeepers / stalls /businesses continue to increase their prices in order to maintain their profit margins or just to barely survive?

Daily food consumption's pricing increased due to other factors which caused their cost to increase. These were the signs.

Unfortunately, Zimbabwe, located in Africa, is experiencing the same kind of economic situation if not, worse than Malaysia. My previous postings on Zimbabwe did mention that their inflation rates were around 2000% early this year and then shot up to the region of 3,700% in May/June later.

Today, it could have reached an unprecedented scenario where common folks like you and me wouldn't be able to survive in the land of Zimbabwe. Only the filthy rich people will live through it. The inflaton rate of today? 7,638%

What figure was that? Means to say that a loaf of bread that cost RM2.00 (US$0.57) in August 2006 would have cost RM152.76 (US$43.65) this morning. Will you buy that loaf of bread? You have to as other type of food would be beyond your financial capabilities. That's how bad it is in Zimbabwe now.

According to economists and International Monetary Fund, if the Zimbabwean government still ding dong on the economics situation and slow to respond, an inflation rate of 100,000% has been predicted. The country will be doomed by then.

Current steps taken by the government to arrest the inflation:-
* ordered shopkeepers to slash their prices and arrested anyone who has failed to obey
* a new 200,000 Zimbabwe dollar note was launched
* created a commission to find a way to control soaring living costs

Effects of the inflation:-
* estimated three million people fleeing the country for South Africa
* unemployment rate stands at about 80%
* are mass shortages of fuel and foodstuffs
* some producers, fearing making a loss, cut production, meaning the move exacerbated shortages, leaving shop shelves empty
Tags: Zimbabwe, Inflation, International Monetary Fund, Mass Shortage, Unemployment Rate, Economics, Economy, Africa, Zimbabwe Dollar

Women Not Allowed to Wear Trousers

Umlazi, a township near Durban city in South Africa, has issued a weird ruling for their women citizen.

It seems that ladies there were not allowed to wear trousers AT ALL! Yeah, no trousers, jeans, slacks, pants but only skirts or dresses are allowed. Weird isnt it?

Discrimination again? After racial discrimination during the apartheid and now discrimination against women. What gave those guys the right to impose such a ridiculous ruling? Can the ladies there gather and impose new laws for the men there?

A lady was stripped naked, leaving her with the underwear only, because she was wearing pants. Her clothings were burnt on the spot. Not only her clothings but the shack that she was leaving in. Too much, isn't it?

Meantime, South Africa's Gender and Equality Commission and local politicians have condemned the actions.

That's why at times, when a law is being implemented, there will be some overzealous people who will try to enforce it but would over do it.
Reading: Women: Don't dare wear trousers in Umlazi - IOL

Tags: Trousers, Jeans, Slacks, Pants, Umlazi, Durban, South Africa, Gender and Equality Commission, Discrimination

Killing of 10 Lions

Animal lovers, where are you? The world is already faced with many endangered species that are disappearing due to poachings, environment, destroyed habitats and climate change. And yet, 10 lions would be killed soon. Hopefully the International Organisation for Animal Protection can do something about it. Already the world is filled with weird animal, we don't need the originals to be extinct.

Reason was these 10 lions mauled a 10 year old boy to death..... but why kill those 10 lions when it was negligence caused by the farm workers. Congress of South African Trade Unions is looking forward to press charges against the farm owner actually as the farm owner should have taken precaution steps. The authorities are going for the wrong source then.....kill the lions???? Not looking at the root of the problem. Am I right to say that?

The unfortunate incident happened at the North West Province, South Africa.
Tags: Lion, Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU, North West Province, South Africa

Un-United Africa at African Union Summit?

Looks like the United States of Africa won't unite after all. As Muammar Gaddafi brought the matter up at the African Union Summit, held at Accra of Ghana, to be discussed or even hope for it to be voted upon, he can continue to dream about it till the cow comes home. Gaddafi has called for the immediate establishment of a single government, foreign policy and army. That's too much to ask for, isn't it?

Some of the feedback on the integrated idea:-
Uganda - backed economic integration but said Africa was too diverse for one government.

Senegal - backed the plans and said a breakaway group could be formed.

Kenya - expressed doubts.

Lesotho - expressed doubts.

Zimbabwe - unity was vital to make the continent truly independent of the West.

Ghana - the question of unifying Africa was not in doubt, but the key issue was how to attain it.

AU Commission - Africans needed to "take the bull by the horns and move towards a new country - Africa".

Reading: 'One everything for Africa?' - BBC News/Africa
Tags: Muammar Gaddafi, Gaddafi, African Union, AU Commission, United States of Africa, Africa, Accra, Ghana

United States of Africa????

What is United States of Africa????

People who are envy of United States of America now wants to form another state of such kind? It's also USA (in short) ...... hehehe and maybe they are trying to confuse people in the future. I doubt it could work.

Libya's President - Muammar Gaddafi has called for all African nations to come together to form a United States of Africa. Something beyond everyone's capabilities. The dictators in some of the African nations are enjoying their reap of harvest, bountifully. Why give up on their power and pass to whom?

The backgrounds on the heads of the African nations - some are muslims, some are christians, some are warlords, some are corrupted, some are with full of scandals - it's a total mess. C'mon Gaddafi, be realistic with your dreams. Though I encourage people to have big big dreams but there are some dreams which are really beyond all humans, only God can do it.

Gaddafi has decided to bring the matter up in next month's African Summit to be held in Ghana.

Or maybe, Gaddafi's meaning is just to come together economically, just like the European Union. For a start, a particular union has been created to cater for such - Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) - with 19 member African countries participating.

Tags: Africa, United States of Africa, Libya, Gaddafi, African Summit, Ghana, COMESA

What's Happening to Zimbabwe?

The nation of Zimbabwe seems to be going from bad to worse under the leadership of President Robert Mugabe.

Life in Zimbabwe has taken a 180 degree turn from the yesteryears. Its economy has reduced by 50% as compared to 10 years ago. During those days, the country was a net food exporter. The government has an unsustainable budget deficit of 50 percent of gross domestic product. Inflation rate has shot up to 3,700% now. The worrying part is 4 out of 5 Zimbabweans are unemployed.

Well, if you knows Robert Mugabe, then your life won't be as bad. It's the same old story in Malaysia also. It's the connection! In International Herald Tribune's article - How Mugabe Co. Prosper - it stated that "This system requires political connections and ensures loyalty. It demands economic schizophrenia, operating simultaneously inside and outside the market economy. Few legitimate businesses can turn a profit in Zimbabwe."

Situations as follow have happened in Zimbabwe:-
* University of Zimbabwe's students found it hard to pay their tuition fees or for notebooks. Worse still, sometimes you need to buy it at the black market.
* Official exchange rate for US$1 is 250 Zimbabwean dollars but on the black market US$1 can net you more than 40,000 Zimbabwe dollars.
* Price of cooking oil @ 90,000 Zimbabwean dollars.
* 1 in every 5 of its people has been afflicted with HIV/AIDS. Goodness me, works out to 20% of their population???
* Life expectancy has dropped all the way down to 36 years old only.

According to economists, Zimbabwe's economy could last for another 6 months if the same situation continues. Robert Mugabe still say that the economy could sustain by outside forces were trying to bring it down.

Sadly, even when they celebrates the 27th independence day, the public in general was trying to figure out how to purchase a loaf of bread @ 8,000 Zimbabwean dollars. And if you thought you were early to the petrol station, think again as hundreds were lining to purchase petrol which has ran into shortage.
Tags: Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, Economy, Inflation, Africa

No Rights in Egypt?

It seems that Egypt will arrest anyone they deemed posing a threat to the country. Could be worse than Malaysia's ISA law.

Lately, Egyptian police ordered the arrest of 75 members of the opposition Islamist movement, the Muslim Brotherhood. With the upper house of parliament's election being next week, such arrest came at the right timing for the government in power. True? Although the group is outlawed, the suspected members do stand for election as independents (you can't stop them from doing so). And the Islamist party did receive a significant result in the last parliamentary election in 2005. Maybe the present government felt their 'presence'.

With that arrest, it drove about 100 lawyers to the military court trying to bail those 75 guys out. Can you imagine the mayhem at the court with 100 lawyers jostling to get their clients out as fast as possible. Egyptian Organisation for Human Rights has objected on the mass arrest. Not a good public relation for Egypt.

Not only opposition members are arrested, even bloggers were not spared. Abdel Kareem Nabil Soliman, who blogs under the name of Kareem Amer, was arrested last November which drawn wide protest from blogging community locally and internationally.

Together with him, another blogger by the name of Abdul-Moneim Mahmud was also arrested where he blogs under Ana Ikhwan. Their arrests has triggered protest from Reporters Without Borders which has added Egypt into their list of 13 countries that censor and harass people who publish online news. Another piece of human rights issue that doesn't put Egypt in a good standing.

Tags: Egypt, Muslim Brotherhood, Islamist, Human Rights, Egyptian Organisation for Human Rights, Kareem Amer, Abdel Kareem Nabil Soliman, Ana Ikhwan, Abdul-Moneim Mahmud, Reporters Without Borders, Bloggers, Military Court

Nigerian Bloggers

Umaru Yar'Adua, the newly elected Nigerian President has begun his work in Nigeria amidst protests that the election was rigged. Nigerian bloggers, based in Nigeria or overseas have been blogging about the Nigerian situation.

* Nigerian Curiosity - the blogger wanted Nigerians to make the goverment accountable while administering the country and she drafted the Nigerian Proclamation reflecting disappointment in the recent polls and the expectancy from the new government.

* Omodudu - requested Nigerians to "Let us speak with one voice. Let us make demands"

* Silent Storms in an Ocean of One - the blogger urged not to sit still or just complain quietly, as it would not pressure the government in getting things done accordingly.

Following 3 bloggers doubted that the proclamation could affect the new government even if the government didn't stick to its election promises:-
* Nigerian Blogger in Cyprus - doubted the campaign under Nigerian Proclamation could work.

* Lagos blog! - blogger said that the Nigerian Proclamation would not cause the new President to pack his bags even if he failed on those issues under the proclamation.

* Chxta's World - thought that the Nigerian Proclamation was a bit too late.

* Vera Ikeji - this blogger was excited that a new president came into office and maybe could change some things.

* Thy Glory O Nigeria! - this blogger was not happy with the cost incurred in the new President's inauguration ceremony.

Socio-political bloggers are everywhere.

Tags: Nigeria, Umaru Yar'Adua, Nigerian Bloggers, Africa, Nigerian Proclamation

Late Christmas Celebration

Normally some events were postponed due to unforeseen circumstances but to go against the world's calender to celebrate a worldwide event was too much.

In Democratic Republic of Congo, a particular sect celebrates Christmas Day itself on 25 May, yeah just 5 days back only. Weird????? Why is that so?

Main Reason: Members of the Kimbanguist Church believe Jesus Christ was born on 25 May and not 25 December. I'm not confused by them but I'm confused by the World Council of Churches ("WCC")

Kimbanguist Church is a member of WCC and I wasn't able to verify their membership status as todate as WCC has questioned Kimbanguist Church's teachings (under Membership paragraph in the linked website) in one of their Executive Committee meeting held in Aug 2004.

The church has around 3 million believers, mainly concentrated in central Africa. It was founded in 1921 by Simon Kimbangu, a self-styled healer and prophet, who was educated by Baptist church missionaries in the west of what was then the Congo Free State. In 1999 the leaders of the Kimbanguist church decided that after several prophetic "revelations", Christmas should be celebrated on 25 May instead of in December. (source: BBC News/Africa)
Tags: Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo, Sect, Christmas Day, Kimbanguist Church, World Council of Churches, Simon Kimbangu, Christianity

Somalia Soldiers Burn Face Veils

In the last few days, Somalia's soldiers took it in their own hands to remove face veils worn by ladies and burn it in public. This latest move was due to the recent upheaval caused by the ousted Islamists force. By removing the veils, the soldiers would be able to identify any Islamists forces, mainly guys, hiding behind those veils. (source: BBC News). Unfortunately, the soldiers caused more retaliation from unknown parties where grenades have been thrown into the capital city's busy market injuring innocent bystanders.

Tunisia and Morocco have implemented similar rulings on headscarves.

With those recent disturbances caused by so called Islamists parties, it has somehow created fears amongst the soldiers too.
Tags: Somalia, Veil, Islamist, Africa

Zimbabwe Inflation Reaches 2,200%

What's inflation? Inflation is:-
1 the action of inflating or the condition of being inflated.
2 Economics a general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money.

In Zimbabwe, a nation at the southern African continent, it's inflation rate has reached a record 2,200% in March due to economic destability coupled with political crisis. That's what could happen to a country when it's not stable. Malaysia's political people tend to play with fire, trying to ignite various issues and blamed it on racial. Or setting up terms and conditions on racial terms. Imagine your plate of 'nasi lemak' could rise up to RM44.00 from RM2.00. But your salary MAINTAINS!!!!!!!

Zimbabwe's banks' secured interest rates would rise to 600%, up from the current rate of 500%. Malaysia's current banking rates at the moment is around 6% to 7%. Imagine if it jumps up by 100%, current monthly repayment of RM1,000 will be come RM2,000 in no time. A 600% jump???? (source: BBC News/Africa)

As what the Malaysia's new king said yesterday "Stay united / We must maintain this precious unity to the best of our ability".
Tags: Zimbabwe, Inflation, Economics, Purchasing Value

HIV Cure Available

The cure's claim was there but widely condemned. Why?

The President of Gambia (located at West Africa), Yahya Jammeh, has claimed that he could heal people from the Aids disease within 3 days. The Gambian Health Minister has mentioned that the secret medicine is taken orally and cannot be revealed at the moment. Something like the OSA cases in Malaysia for the Toll and Water Tariff Agreements.

Even the World Health Organisation has no comment on this claim. (source: BBC News/Africa)

If you have watched the Blood Diamond movie then you should understand this - T I A.

Tags: HIV, Aids, Gambia, Disease, Africa

No Liberty To Choose

Imagine a lady suddenly came up to you and put a plate of ready-to-eat fish in front of you. Whether you like that fish or not, that's not the issue. The moment that plate of fish was placed in front of you, you have beeen chosen as her spouse/husband. You have no right to decline that offer but just to accept. To signify the acceptance (without any choice), a bite is taken from that fish. Whether you knew that lady it doesn't matter also. Age is not a factor too.

Where in the world is this happening? Well, it's still being practised in the archipelago of 50 islands off the western rim of Africa, called Guinea-Bissau.

But the elders in the country are worried on a certain trend now. As the guys are getting exposed to the world as time passes by, the guys are actually going after the girls now. The elders viewed it as dangerous and divorce rate has gone up due to this also. Crazy world! (source: Associated Press via Yahoo! News)
Tags: Guinea-Bissau, Africa, West Africa, Marriage

Ethiopia - Somalia War

New have been coming on the Ethiopia - Somalia conflict where Ethiopia has launched strategic airstrikes against Somalia. It's sad to see that news has to link the conflict to religions. Terrible news agencies as such news sells. It mentioned that Ethiopia, a predominant Christian majority country, is waging war against Somalia's Islamic force under the Union of Islamic Courts ("UIC"), an Islamic party. The UIC does not want to work with the interim government and has seized major cities in order to take control of the country where there is still no government since 2004. What a mess!

The next thing that came to my mind is that the conflict is exactly at the south-east of Sudan only. Not far away.

Tags: Ethiopia, Somalia, Conflict, Dispute, War, Union of Islamic Courts, Africa

Trip Down South IV

When we see this 4 hills, the project site is about 15 mins away.

The cows just crossed the road before us. Generally, the locals here will rare cows, goats & lambs coupled with some simple plantation to be sold.

Arrival at the site.

My room and toilet. Comparison to my room in Khartoum. This are just basic amenities to survive.

Along the corridor of custom made containers turned into containers.

Met our colleague, Muzaffar (with cap), who has been at site since beginning of the project.


This is the office cabin. Practically empty as it's nearing the end of the project and those who are still around would be at the project site during office hours.

To be continued

Tags: Journal, Diary, Life, Sudan, Travel

Trip Down South III

You must be wondering whether this is the longest road above the sea by now..... there should be some rainfall over the last few days here and there's water ponding now. The weird thing is that seepage of water into the land over here takes quite some time. Tough land. One lonely tree.....must be the toughest of all trees
Out of nowhere along the main road down south, this mosque sprang up. Right after this mosque is a major town called Rabak (I think this is how they spelt it).
Can't take a closer picture than this on the Nile River at the far end of the land. Yeah, the Nile River runs paralel to this main road right down to the project site.
Main mode of transport, kids can 'drive' over here.
It's not an army camp, it's a village itself.

To be continued

Tags: Journal, Life, Diary, Travel, Sudan, Desert, Nile River

Trip Down South II

Desert land strewn across the large portion of Sudanese land. Villages do exist along the main road going down south. Some of those village houses are made of clay bricks only or covered with thick straws/haystack. When I mentioned clay, it's like made from water plus those muddy ground stuffed together into a square container made of wood.At the roads here, not only you have to watch out for the cows but also the donkeys, goats, lambs, camels. This lonely donkey walking taking its own sweet time, strolling on the main road. Twin Peaks??? It's actually the place of worship for the muslim community.
To be continued
Tags: Journal, Life, Diary, Travel, Sudan, Clay Brick, Straw, Haystack