Manic Monday Links

Let’s begin the new week with a roundup of stories from across Africa, with commentary as apropos:

Mozambique’s voters went to the polls last week and it appears that, as with every national election since independence in 1975, they have returned FRELIMO to power. One voter seems to have captured the consensus opinion: “I voted for Frelimo. Why? That’s what I’m used to.”

Tunisians went to the polls recently as well. They too returned their current rulers, though most observers believe that the overwhelming victory of President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali’s and of his ruling party in parliament, the Constitutional Democratic Rally (RCD), was not free of coercion.

The deadly violence aimed at protesters in Guinea last month? Apparently it was premeditated.

Is Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan the new Trevor Manuel? By this, I mean, is Gordhan going to overcome ideology and politics to become a respected leader in the ANC hierarchy? (Trevor Manuel, of course, is in a stronger position than ever, so technically, he is the new Trevor Manuel, but still.) Gordhan is receiving rave reviews for the budget he put forward last week. Even the cranky opposition (from left and right) seems impressed.

In looking at tourism in South Africa, David Smith is convinced that Johannesburg’s biggest selling point is the Apartheid past. Over the years I have come to really love Joburg, but Cape Town it is not, especially on first blush. Still, if people go for the grim history, maybe they will stay and explore before moving on to the Western Cape, Durban, Kruger, or wherever else they intended to go after arriving at OR Tambo Airport. As a historian, I’ll just say that there are worse things than to use history as a drawing card.

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has declared an indefinite ceasefire. However tenuous, the ceasefire represents good news in a conflict that many have seen as being virtually intractable.

Should the United States consider intervention in Somalia? The Washington Post’s editors pose that question. Their answer, basically: Maybe. Mine: Tread lightly.

Not news: The political situation in Zimbabwe continues to be unstable. News: It might be getting worse, as ZANU-PF violence against supporters of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has escalated in recent days.

Do you want to ask South African President Jacob Zuma a question? Of course you do! Here is your opportunity.

Finally: It’s a sporting bonanza! 2010 and the World Cup is just around the corner. The Proteas are preparing to host England (and to restore some pride after their less-than-robust performance as the host team in the recent Champions Trophy tournament). The Springboks are gearing up for a European tour that will take them to France, Italy, and Ireland and will hopefully provide an exclamation point to an epochal 2009 season.