The United Nations refugee agency says it needs security guarantees from insurgents in Somalia before it can provide the level of aid needed in the drought-stricken country. Spokesman Adrian Edwards told VOA Tuesday that the agency must have a “reasonable degree of safety” before increasing its efforts in Somalia. Edwards said that currently, the agency […]
UN Seeks Security Assurances to Help Starving Somalis
Posted July 19th, 2011 at 9:55 am (UTC-5)
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Apartheid-Era Defense Minister Malan Dies in South Africa
Posted July 18th, 2011 at 10:45 am (UTC-5)
A South African defense minister who led military efforts against the anti-apartheid movement has died. A statement released by the family of General Magnus Malan says he “died peacefully” early Monday at his home in Cape Town. He was 81. Malan served as South Africa’s defense minister from 1980 to 1991 and before that as […]
Studies: Daily HIV Pills Can Prevent Infection
Posted July 13th, 2011 at 3:45 pm (UTC-5)
Two new studies show that drugs designed to treat HIV can also help prevent people from contracting the virus, which causes AIDS. The U.S.-led studies, released Wednesday, found that taking daily doses of HIV medication reduced the risk of infection in heterosexuals. Both of the studies were conducted in Africa, home to most of the […]
World Food Program Calls for Urgent Aid in East Africa
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 5:20 am (UTC-5)
The head of the World Food Program has asked for urgent funding to help fight hunger in the Horn of Africa, as the worst drought in decades continues to devastate the region. In a statement Tuesday, Josette Sheeran called on donors to help cover a nearly $190 million budget gap for operations that include providing […]
UN: Millions in East Africa Need Food Aid
Posted July 11th, 2011 at 6:45 pm (UTC-5)
The World Food Program says it expects 10 million people will be in need of food aid, as the worst drought in decades continues to devastate the Horn of Africa. The drought is centered in the triangle where the nations of Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia meet. It has produced a mass migration of starving citizens […]
South Africa Arrests Alleged Rhino Horn Dealer
Posted July 11th, 2011 at 11:10 am (UTC-5)
South African police say they have arrested a Thai man who organized rhinoceros hunts as part of a scheme to sell their horns on the black market. Suspect Chumlong Lemtongthai was due to appear in court early this week. He was arrested at his Johannesburg-area home on Saturday, after a year-long investigation by the South […]
S. Africa Deputy President Denies Challenge to Zuma
Posted July 5th, 2011 at 7:50 am (UTC-5)
South Africa’s deputy president has denied that he is campaigning to replace Jacob Zuma as head of the ruling party when it elects new leaders next year. Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, who is also deputy leader of the ruling African National Congress, said that he is “not involved in any campaigning or lobbying for the […]
Severe Malnutrition Spiking in Horn of Africa
Posted July 1st, 2011 at 12:20 pm (UTC-5)
The number of children stricken by severe malnutrition is rising in the Horn of Africa at an alarming rate. The United Nations Children’s Fund estimated Friday that 480,000 children in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia will suffer from an acute lack of food and water this year, a 50 percent increase over 2010. UNICEF says the […]
South Africa Denies Approving Billion Dollar Loan for Swaziland
Posted June 28th, 2011 at 8:50 am (UTC-5)
South Africa has denied a report that it approved a $1.2 billion loan for its neighbor, cash-strapped Swaziland. The South African Finance Ministry, in a statement Tuesday, confirmed that Swaziland has requested a loan, but said “no loan has been agreed to or granted.” The ministry said the two countries are holding “technical discussions” about […]
Greenpeace Dumps Coal Outside South African Utility
Posted June 27th, 2011 at 9:00 am (UTC-5)
The activist group Greenpeace has dumped five tons of coal outside the headquarters of South Africa’s power utility to protest construction of a new power station. Three trucks dropped off the coal outside an entrance to Eskom’s Megawatt Park in Johannesburg Monday. The environmental activists are demanding the state-owned company stop building the coal-fired Kusile […]
