HWC 14-15

This article discusses the challenges that the DRC faces and offers solutions to these major problems. The author states that problems like rape and child soldiers are a global issue, since the rich minerals and rainforests in the Congo affect industries all over the world. The only way to unite Africa is to fix the Congo. This article discusses how strong, just government where its people have a say can end this conflict and fix the broken country. This relates to Part F because it discusses some of the continuing conflict in the region, including rape and corruptness, and offers solutions to these problems.

Russians have started a new 3 billion dollar platinum mine in Zimbabwe. This just happened right after 45 million dollars worth of diamonds were seized by a South African company and sent to Paris. This relates to the article discussing the many mining opportunities in Zimbabwe.

This article describes Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe's opinion on sanctions against Russia. Mugabe says that the sanctions that have been placed are illegal and he does not like that "lawless" countries are having such a large impact on the world. This relates to our studies, because President Mugabe is the president of Zimbabwe and this article gives insight to the President's international policy and how he views the laws of the world.

This article discusses how Zimbabweans that have taken advantage of land reform have had some of their land taken away. This article uses this example to demonstrate that the land reform system is not as corrupt and rigged as many believe it to be. However, more still needs to be done. Only about 10% of households received new land, sometimes hundreds or thousands of hectares. Some land needs to be taken away from these households and distributed among the other 90%. This relates to the packet because it discusses how land reform is improving and what still needs to improve.

Recently, under police custody, people have mysteriously died and assault charges have been of concern. As a result, the police system has been trying to improve, such as an increased number of circumstances in which the officers recite to the accused, their legal rights. However, the holding cells are not kept properly, resulting in filthy and poor quality cells for inmates. Some lawyers have been found to participate in corrupt activities. If found guilty of these crimes, they would be punished through de-registration.

This December, Zimbabwe will elect two vice-presidents through a secret ballot. The fear of a blown ballot or rigging is very high. Joyce Mujuru, the current vice president, is running, as well as a late entry of Grace Mugabe,the wife of current president, Robert Mugabe. The entry of Grace Mugabe has sparked fighting amongst members of the Zimbabwe government, Zanu-PF.

This article is describes a message from the White House that pledges to continue to fight against the Al-Shabaab. This message is in honor of the one year anniversary of the Al-Shabab attack on a Kenyan mall where 67 people were killed and hundreds were injured. This relates to our study, because it describes an action of the Al-Shabab in Kenya, and the Al-Shabab was an important part in our studies of part D.

French intelligence agencies assisted the United States in striking al-Shabab. The United States ended up killing the commander, Ahmed Godane. France claims that Godane had captured two intelligence agents, one killed and the other unknown. Al- Shabab vows revenge against the killers behind the assassination of their leader.

This article describes and provides photos of the film festival in the DRC that encourages youth expression through the arts and not through violence. This represents the effort being made to overcome past conflicts and current difficulties, to make the youth more able to lead the country in the future. This relates to the articles we read because it shows the positive development that has occurred since the civil war. Furthermore, it provides perspective into the culture of the DRC.

This article describes the inspiring story of a group of people in DRC that overcame poverty, violence, racial discrimination, and noisy environments to become the first all-black symphony orchestra. The hardships that the group overcame relate to our discussion by demonstrating the struggles that people must go through to live in the war-torn environment of DRC.

This article discusses how Al Shabaab has named a new leader, Ahmed Omar Abu Ubaidah, after Ahmed Godane was killed in a US airstrike. The article mentions the group's acts of terror in Somalia and beyond, but says that the group suffered a huge loss with the death of its leader. This relates to the packet since it discusses Al Shabaab and some of its acts of terror in and outside of Somalia.

After the death of the Al-Shabaab leader, Ahmed Godane, the terror group has announced its new leader. The group states that even without Godane, the actions of Al-Shabaab will continue as usual. This relates to our studies, because the Al-Shabaab is a terror group that is active in Kenya and other nations in Africa that we are studying.

The man behind the famous mall shooting that occurred last year has been assassinated by United States drones. Ahmed Godane and ten of his militants were killed during the airstrike. President Obama states how it demonstrates the country's push against terrorism. The removal of Godane is a major loss to the Al Qaeda affiliate in Africa, symbolically and for operations.

The leader of Al-Shabaab had been killed in a US airstrike. This was the leader of on of the main terrorist groups in Somalia. Ahmed Abdi Godane had also allied with the Al-Qaeda, which is another Somali terrorist group. This refers to the first article in Part D because these groups used terror to get what they wanted.

This article tells how the Somali pirates are now almost out of business and are being replaced by South Asian pirates. This refers to the first article because groups in Somalia used terror as a way to earn money and create business.

A suicide car bomber killed twelve people in an attempt to eliminate members of the African Union. The bomber packed the car with explosives and rammed into the African Union convoy travelling southwest of Mogadishu. The attack is believed to be the responsibility of al-Shabab in an attempt to avenge the death of its leader, Godane. Civilians in a neighboring minibus held twelve deaths and twenty seven wounded.

Protests against DRC's government have grown and are attempted at being stopped. This shows the large amount of violence taking place.

A leader of Shabab was killed by an American airstrike. Since then, they have named a new leader and still have access to a lot of money and weapons, which means they are still a threat.

12 people were killed when a suicide bomber crashed into an AU convoy in Somalia. al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.

Somaliland wants independence from Somalia, and it is very clear. They have wanted independence since 1991 and they wonder why they are not given it after seeing South Sudan gain independence, and Scotland hold a referendum on whether or not to become an independent country. It is mainly believed that if Somaliland gained independence it would cause other African countries to want to be free. Also, it is believed that Somaliland independence could disrupt the peace that exists between Somaliland and Somalia.

This article describes a Muslim man's controversial efforts to open a mosque that grants gender equality and admits anyone, regardless of religion or sexual orientation. This philosophy is a literal interpretation of the Quran (Muslim holy text), and he chose to do this because it goes against the problematic radical interpretations that lead to stereotypes and ethnic conflicts. The mosque has not yet opened, but the founder has already received numerous death threats because of the institution's non-standard philosophy. This relates to our study because it is an example of someone who is today trying to end stereotypes in South Africa, just as the ANC tried to end apartheid stereotypes.

There is a mosque opening in South Africa that will allow anyone to worship. This has created criticism as many believe that gay people should not be allowed to worship and women should not be allowed to lead prayers. This does not directly relate to apartheid but is similar in that there is discrimination happening.