The Northern Mali Peace and Reconciliation Project, supported by a small grant, has helped to promote peace through radio programming in Northern Mali and is positive proof that small projects can bring large results. The six-month activity has contributed to the significant conflict reduction in the Timbuktu Region of Mali and left participating stations with mechanisms and a mission to promote peace and reconciliation.

Nigeria and Sao Tome have pledged to publish the financial results of their next licensing round for a $270m oilfield. The decision is a breakthrough for the UK-led campaign to reduce corruption in oil and mineral-rich developing countries by pushing governments to disclose the amount of money international companies pay to develop their resources.

Poor urban communities will from 1 July be without clean and safe drinking water, unless they reach to the bottom of their already dry purses to pay for the right to drink, cook and bathe from clean and safe water. The Water and Sewage Authority will hand over or close public standpipes to communities and implement new water charges starting July, disclosed WASA Chief Executive Officer, Sechoba Makhoalibe.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has called on African Union Heads of State to release all jailed journalists and repeal all anti freedom of expression legislation. The IFJ is supporting a petition launched on June 5th by CREDO for Freedom of Expression and Associated Rights and Fahamu to be presented at the African Union meeting of Heads of State in Maputo in July and addressed to President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, the current Chair of the AU.