Despite widespread condemnation of the abduction, tremendous support and assistance by the international community; despite renewed efforts by the Nigerian Army to root out Boko haram from Nigeria; despite the relentless efforts by advocacy groups, media, concerned individuals and celebrities around the world; the Chibok Girls still remain in captivity.

Millions of people around the world are burning with outrage under imperialist oppression. Islamic fundamentalism tragically channels this explosive discontent into mindless violence that offers nothing positive. This nightmare will only get worse, unless people fight to take their societies on a radically different path.

They point out that organizations located in the communities they serve have the trust, networks, and cultural understanding to accomplish what international organizations cannot.

The conference aims to examine the past and current approaches to peace, security and development in Africa in light of confronting the new challenges and the opportunities offered. Key themes focus on the emerging security challenges, technology and innovative approaches to peace and security and celebrating African successes and development.

There is serious concern about the protection of migrants in South Africa, especially African migrants. It seems that people from other parts of the continent can be killed with impunity.

By Dhiru Soni, Ahmed Shaikh, Anis Karodia and Joseph David
2015-03-16, Issue 718

A petition has been launched demanding that French universities not succumb to pressure to ban anti-apartheid activist and scholar Prof Farid Esack.

A third woman has reported Standard Group journalist and PEN Kenya Secretary General Tony Mochama to Nairobi's Central Police Station for alleged sexual assault. The alleged assault occurred on September 21st 2014, at the National Museum, during the Westgate Memorial Service of Storymoja Hay Festival. The OB Number is 74/17/3/2015.

This week the government of Joseph Kabila has been arresting young people in sustained efforts to frustrate their organizing for change.