Somali blog, Ayaan Hirsi Ali - (http://ayaanhirsiali.web-log.nl/log/4184803) which is dedicated to the work of Dutch Somali MP Ayaan Hirsi Ali reports that the “once tolerant Dutch society has been transformed by the action of Islamist murders and threats”. Film director Theo Van Gogh was murdered last year by an Islamic extremist because of the film he made with Hirsi Ali which exposed domestic violence in Islam. Since then Hirsi Ali has been under 24 hour protection. She is now in the process of making another film about homosexuality in Islam which no doubt will put her in even more danger.

The Big Pharaoh – The Big Pharaoh (http://bigpharaoh.blogspot.com/2005/11/islamist-gains-in-egypt-give.html) reports that the recent gains by Islamists in the Egyptian elections will give George Bush “pause for thought”. He believes this to be good news as it may slow down the democratic process which will put more pressure on the present Egyptian regime.

“That's good news. I have always argued for a slow transition to democracy in Egypt. In other words, pressures to be added on the regime so it opens up a bit by bit. Abrupt democracy and sudden elections are not necessary the best way forward.”

Coalition for Darfur - Coalition for Darfur (http://coalitionfordarfur.blogspot.com/2005/11/uganda-un-to-step-up-supp...) reports that the UN is planning to increase its activities in Northern Uganda where the Lord’s Resistance army rebels are based in order to provide support to some 2 million refugees displaced by this conflict.

“Nearly 2 million people have been displaced by the 19 year-old conflict, 1.7 million of whom live in over 200 squalid and overcrowded camps, relying largely on international assistance to survive. Estimates indicate that more than 1,000 people a week die from disease or violence, according to a July 2005 Ministry of Health/UN World Health Organization (WHO) mortality survey.”

Kenyan blogger Mshairi - Mshairi (http://mshairi.com/index/index.php) posted a roundup of Kenyan blogs on the Kenyan Constitutional Referendum held on Monday 21st November –
Kenya and the Constitutional Referendum (http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/globalvoices/2005/11/21/kenya-and-the-const...)

“In brief, the draft constitution proposes investing the presidency with greater powers, the main area of contention for the Orange campaign, which favours a constitution where a prime minister shares executive powers with the president. While both the Yes and No campaign have concentrated campaigning around this issue, attention has shifted from other proposals such as the call for radical land reform, the outlawing of gender and other discrimination and the inclusion of clauses providing for affirmative action.”

Mzansi Afrika - Mzansi Afrika (http://mzansiafrika.typepad.com/mzansi_afrika/2005/11/apartheid_era_m.html) reports on the mass graves uncovered in Namibia which date back to the Apartheid era when South Africa occupied Namibia.

“The graves were found near Eenhana 850km north-east of Windhoek. This was a military base for the South African army's 54 Battalion. Over 300 people are said to have died as a result of the fighting. According to Peter Tseehama, the Namibian Minister Safety and Security, "some of the bones were children's, possibly siblings of former freedom fighters". He said other items found were guns, bullets and parts of what might have been explosives. "The bodies appeared to have been burnt before being thrown into the graves.”

The bodies are believed to have been SWAPO soldiers blind folded and executed then dumped in the graves.

Black Looks - Black Looks (http://okrasoup.typepad.com/black_looks/2005/11/i_would_rather_.html)has a report on the Ugandan lesbian and gay activist who has been in hiding in Kampala for the past 4 months. Ms Mukussa went into hiding following a raid on her home by security forces and the arrest of her Kenyan house guest. She has now decided to sue the Ugandan security official responsible for the raid in order to highlight the human rights violations faced by the Ugandan Lesbian and Gay community.

“By taking the matter to court JM hopes to use the case as a tool in the advancement of gay rights in Uganda and elsewhere in East Africa. By declaring the violation of her rights she is making a larger statement about the rights of LGBT and human rights advocates to be able to carry out their work and live their lives without treat of invasion.”

* Sokari Ekine produces the blog Black Looks, http://okrasoup.typepad.com/black_looks

* Please send comments to [email protected]