Senegal: The people rise up against land grabbing
The inside story of a 20,000-hectare deal
On October 26, the people of Fanaye, a rural community in northern Senegal rose up against the allocation of 20 000 hectares of land to an Italian company to produce biofuel. Two people died in the unrest. The Defence Collective sent a memorandum to the authorities explaining the fraudulent manner in which the land was expropriated and why it ‘is unacceptable to allow the production of bio...read more
Senegal: The people rise up against land grabbing
The inside story of a 20,000-hectare deal
On October 26, the people of Fanaye, a rural community in northern Senegal rose up against the allocation of 20 000 hectares of land to an Italian company to produce biofuel. Two people died in the unrest. The Defence Collective sent a memorandum to the authorities explaining the fraudulent manner in which the land was expropriated and why it ‘is unacceptable to allow the production of biofuel and exports in an area of chronic malnourishment.’
Land grabbing: Farmers of the world say stop
Millions of hectares of arable land have been expropriated and given to multinational companies and investment banks for the purpose of industrial agriculture, mining, production of biofuel, carbon trading, tourism, big dams, etc. Farmers’ groups from around the world gathered recently in Mali to denounce the massive land grabbing taking place.
China, Africa’s best strategic ally
Jean-Paul Pougala (2011-11-28)
China is giving the West the jitters as it strengthens its strategic ties with Africa. Against this backdrop reminiscent of Cold War rivalry, Jean-Paul Pougala looks at the divisions beginning to emerge between countries favouring closer ties with China and those who seek to remain with their old alliances. He applauds the changes in Cameroon and deplores the Ivorian status quo.
Gabon: Historic moments when the opposition should speak with one voice!
Mengue M'Eyaà
With upcoming elections in Gabon, the death of historic opposition figure Pierre Mamboundou on October 16 couldn’t have come at a worse moment and seems to have scuppered the chances of a united front which could have put an end to the Bongo regime. Mengue M’Eyaa calls on the opposition to come together and liberate Gabon from an illegitimate predator.