Stories that crossed my desk today with brief commentary as appropriate:
At Pambazuka News Lansana Gberie is perplexed by the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s purpose, by its intent, and by the entire outcome of its recent report. It might be worth pointing out at this stage that TRC’s are a useful tool for very particular societies, but even in those societies where a TRC or its equivalent makes sense, they are no panacea.
The migration-wary message from South Africa for those visitors to next year’s World Cup: Please come, but then please go!
It must be uber-populist Jacob Zuma’s worst nightmare as South African president: Townships across South Africa have erupted in protests over lousy service delivery and unacceptable housing conditions. And let there be no mistake — these are not inchoate riots. The target of the protesters’ scorn is the government that they see as failing them.
Finally, and most sadly, Katine, in northeast Uganda, is facing food shortages, famine, and tragedy.