Definition of Famine: The word famine is a term that is not used lightly by humanitarian organizations. The United Nations describes a crisis as a famine only when the following conditions are met: – Malnutrition rates exceed 30 percent – More than two people per 10,000 people are dying each day – Severe lack of […]
UN Declares Famine in Parts of Somalia
Posted July 20th, 2011 at 10:00 am (UTC-5)
The United Nations has declared a famine in two parts of southern Somalia, as the Horn of Africa suffers its worst drought in decades. Speaking in Nairobi Wednesday, U.N. official Mark Bowden said famine exists in Somalia’s Bakool and Lower Shabelle regions and warned it could spread if action is not taken to address the […]
Nigerian Workers Suspend Nationwide Strike
Posted July 20th, 2011 at 7:50 am (UTC-5)
Nigeria’s main labor unions have suspended a planned nationwide strike after reaching a deal with the government on the new national minimum wage. A leader of the Nigerian Labor Congress, Owei Lakemfa, said the federal government has agreed to implement the minimum wage, which President Goodluck Jonathan signed into law months ago. Some of Nigeria’s […]
UN Declares Famine in Two Somalia Regions
Posted July 20th, 2011 at 7:00 am (UTC-5)
The United Nations has declared a famine in two areas of southern Somalia, amid the worst drought to hit the country in more than 50 years. Speaking in Nairobi, U.N. spokesman Mark Bowden said famine exists in the Bakool and Lower Shabelle regions. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released a statement expressing deep concern […]
UN Declares Famine, US To Supply Additional Aid
Posted July 20th, 2011 at 4:15 am (UTC-5)
The United Nations has declared a famine in two areas of southern Somalia, amid the worst drought to hit the country in more than 50 years. Speaking in Nairobi, U.N. spokesman Mark Bowden said famine exists in the Nakool and Lower Shabelle regions. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released a statement expressing deep concern […]
Nigerian Workers Suspend Strike After Pay Talks
Posted July 20th, 2011 at 3:40 am (UTC-5)
Nigeria’s main labor union called off a nationwide pay strike early Wednesday, after it said a last minute deal was reached with the government. The acting general secretary of the Nigerian Labor Congress, Owei Lakemfa, said the agreement will implement a new national minimum wage. The new minimum wage is to go into effect August […]
Nigerian Police Plead Not Guilty to Killing Islamic Leader
Posted July 19th, 2011 at 5:55 pm (UTC-5)
Five Nigerian police officers have pleaded not guilty to charges that they killed the leader of a radical Islamic sect two years ago. The officers were charged Tuesday at a court in the capital, Abuja, with “unlawfully killing” Mallam Mohammed Yusuf and some of his followers, and with committing a “terrorist act.” Yusuf was the […]
Guinean President Survives 2 Attacks
Posted July 19th, 2011 at 5:20 pm (UTC-5)
Guinea’s President Alpha Conde survived two attacks Tuesday on his home in the capital, Conakry, including an assassination attempt in the early morning hours. Mr. Conde said in a nationwide broadcast that gunmen targeted his bedroom with gunfire and a bazooka in the pre-dawn attack. He said he survived because he was not sleeping in […]
Guinean President Survives 2 Attacks
Posted July 19th, 2011 at 4:30 pm (UTC-5)
Guinea’s President Alpha Conde survived two attacks Tuesday on his home in the capital, Conakry, including an assassination attempt in the early morning hours. Mr. Conde said in a nationwide broadcast that gunmen targeted his bedroom with gunfire and a bazooka in the pre-dawn attack. He said he survived because he was not sleeping in […]
Somali President Declares Famine
Posted July 19th, 2011 at 4:10 pm (UTC-5)
Somalia’s president has declared a famine in his drought-stricken country and called for more international help to deal with the crisis. While touring a displaced-persons camp in the capital, Mogadishu, on Tuesday, President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said food has become so scarce that there is “in fact a famine” in his country. The president […]
