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UN passes LGBT rights resolution

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 02:00:03 GMT

Saturday, June 18, 2011

LGBT

Sources[edit]

Frank Jordans (Associated Press). "In first at UN, human rights body passes resolution against gay discrimination" — Toronto Star, June 17, 2011
"UN Human Rights Council passes gay rights resolution" — Deutsche Welle, June 17, 2011

Sister links[edit]

LGBT rights by country or territory on Wikipedia.

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Algerian driver released by hostage takers in Niger

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:01:07 GMT

Friday, April 30, 2010

Niger

Sources[edit]

"Kidnapped Algerian driver in Niger is released" — BBC News Online, April 29, 2010
"Algerian freed, Frenchman held" — News 24, April 29, 2010

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Kidnapped Spanish aid worker is released

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:33:50 GMT

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Al-Qaeda

Sources[edit]

"Spanish hostage in Africa freed" — BBC News Online, March 10, 2010
"Spain: Aid worker in Africa released by militants" — The Associated Press, March 10, 2010
"Spain: Aid worker snatched by al Qaeda freed" — CNN, March 10, 2010

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Polio vaccination campaign targets 85 million African children

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:02:17 GMT

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Health

Sources[edit]

"Africa united in fight against polio outbreak" — The Botswana Gazette, 5 March 2010
"85 Million Children To Be Immunized Against Polio In West And Central Africa" — Voice of America, 5 March 2010

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Mauritania cuts ties with Israel, expels Israeli diplomats

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 23:21:06 GMT

Friday, March 6, 2009

Mauritania

Sources[edit]

"Foreign Ministry source confirms Israel evacuating embassy in Mauritania" — Ynetnews, March 6, 2009
"Staff reportedly leave Israeli Embassy in Mauritania" — Jerusalem Post, March 6, 2009
"Staff leave Israeli embassy in Mauritania" — Reuters, March 6, 2009
Hachem Sidi Salem and Vincent Fertey. "Mauritania tells Israel embassy to leave" — International Herald Tribune, March 6, 2009

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Deposed Mauritanian president Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi is released

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 17:16:19 GMT

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi.

Mauritania

Sources[edit]

Learn more about Mauritania on Wikipedia.

"Mauritania frees deposed leader" — BBC, December 21, 2008
"Ousted Mauritania president freed: security source" — Agence France-Presse, December 21, 2008
Hachem Sidi Salem. "Mauritania junta frees president from house arrest" — Reuters, December 21, 2008
Vincent Fertey. "Coup ousts Mauritania's first democratic president" — Reuters, August 6, 2008

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Mauritania president Abdallahi arrested in coup

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:01:06 GMT

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Mauritania

Sources[edit]

"Coup in Mauritania as president, PM arrested" — AFP, August 6, 2008
"Mauritania coup leaders seize President, PM" — ABC, August 6, 2008
"Troops stage coup in Mauritania" — BBC, August 6, 2008
Vincent Fertey and Ibrahima Sylla. "Mauritania forces stage coup after officers sacked" — Reuters, August 6, 2008

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2008 Dakar Rally cancelled over terrorist threat

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 00:05:47 GMT

Saturday, January 5, 2008

A file photo of a Hummer H3 competing in the 2006 event

The threat of terrorism has caused the cancellation yesterday of the 2008 Dakar Rally, due to start today. The race, which was to be the 30th consecutive rally, was to start in Lisbon, Portugal and end on January 20 in Dakar, Senegal having crossed the Sahara Desert.

The endurance event is the world’s biggest off-road rally and Paris-based organisers Amaury Sport Organisation had said as late as Thursday that more than 500 cars, trucks, motorcycles and quads from fifty different countries were ready to go as scheduled. However, the organisation changed its mind under pressure from the French government.

Al-Qaida-linked groups are believed to have planned to attack the rally, and it is reported that specific threats were made against it by al-Qaida in the Islamic Magreb, a regional African offshoot. The day before Christmas a French family on holiday in Mauritania was murdered and al-Qaida are believed to be responsible; the rally was scheduled to spend eight days in Mauritania.

Al-Qaida in the Islamic Magreb have recently seen a crackdown by authorities, but are continuing their operations and are now seeking to strike international targets. Last month they bombed the United Nations headquarters in Algiers; that attack killed 37.

The Mauritanian government had promised a 3,000-strong security force to protect the competitors but the remote location of the desert and scrubland involved would make effective security arrangements almost impossible. French security consultant Louis Caprioli, former anti-terrorism head at the Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire, said “You would need really incredible security precautions, and I don’t think it’s possible with the new techniques of attack, such as suicide bombings.”

A Kamaz truck at the rally in 2004.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said yesterday that Amuary had been warned by government officials that it would be too dangerous to go ahead with the plan. After last-minute meetings with ministry officials. “No other decision but the cancellation of the sporting event could be taken,” said a statement on Amuary’s website.

Caprioli said the terrorists intended to prove “They can chase out the infidels. The cancellation was wise. But it gives the impression that the terrorists have won.”

Patrice Clerc, head of Amuary, stated “When you are told of direct threats against the event and when the sinister name of al-Qaeda is mentioned, you don’t ask for details. It was enough for me to hear my government say the danger is at a maximum.”

Security has caused many concerns for the race over the years. Extremists tend to view the race as a prime target, as it is highly covered by the media, and is a rare concentration of Westerners. As a result, major security measures have had to be undertaken by French and African authorities. Almost 50 people have been killed, several of whom at the hands of African fighters. Although there are fears for the future of the race, Amuary said that the event would continue in the future. “The Dakar is a symbol, and nothing can destroy symbols,” they said. “The cancellation of the 2008 edition does not endanger the future of the Dakar.” However, they have confirmed that it is unlikely Mauritania will be a destination in future events. Competitors in the event, however, are less optimistic, with many saying that they feel the race will not go ahead next year. Newspapers in Senegal have described the cancellation as a death sentence. Meanwhile, the town of Portimao in Portugal, intended to be the rally’s first scheduled stop, are considering filing for damages against Amuary.

Victor Anderes, vice-president of a New York firm specialising in high-profile event security, called the cancellation an unprecedented one in sporting history, saying “Smaller cultural events have been cancelled , but this hasn’t happened with such a major international event.” However, he did accept that “The threat is significant. It would be almost impossible to secure the entire course.”

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Sources[edit]

"Future of Dakar Rally now in doubt" — The Times, January 6, 2007
"Cancellation threatens future Dakar Rallies" — Radio Netherlands, January 5, 2008
Geraldine Baum and Sebastian Rotella. "Dakar rally is canceled because of terrorist threat" — Kansas City Star, January 4, 2008

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Four French tourists killed in Mauritania

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 16:34:58 GMT

Monday, December 24, 2007

Location of Mauritania

Gunmen have killed four French tourists in Mauritania, Africa. The police chief of Aleg, Mohamed Ould Lemine, told Associated Press that the tourists were robbed at gunpoint before being gunned down with automatic weapons.

A fifth French tourist is reported to have survived, but is seriously injured. The gunmen reportedly sped away after the attack which took place East of the capital, Nouakchott.

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that four French citizens died in Mauritania, but not any of the details surrounding the case.

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Sources[edit]

"Gunmen kill four French tourists in Mauritania: TV" — Reuters, December 24, 2007
Ahmed Mohamed, AP. "4 French Tourists Killed in Mauritania" — Fox News, December 24, 2007

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Air Mauritania Boeing 737 hijacked

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 20:09:23 GMT

Thursday, February 15, 2007

A hijacked Air Mauritania Boeing 737 passenger plane has landed on Spain's Canary Islands after making a fuel stop in Western Sahara, officials in Mauritania said today. It was hijacked after the takeoff from the Nouakchott airport.

While on the plane, the man demanded it to be flown to France to seek asylum.

The 71 passengers and eight person crew were let out when the hijacker landed the plane in Las Palmas. Several people were wounded by a gun and the suspect was arrested.

Reports say that it is unconfirmed as to what the man's motive was. Mauritanian police are still investigating.

Sources[edit]

"Mauritanian hijack 'ends safely'" — BBC News Online, February 15, 2007
"Hijacked Mauritania plane lands in Canaries: officials" — Reuters, February 15, 2007
"Hijacking ends on Spanish island" — CNN, February 15, 2007

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Mauritanians vote for new constitution

Tue, 27 Jun 2006 18:11:56 GMT

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania is located in northwest Africa

Mauritanians voted in favour of a new Constitution by an overwhelming majority in a referendum held on June 26, according to results announced by Interior Ministry officials today. The new Constitution sets limits on the number of presidential terms a leader can serve, in contrast to several sub-Saharan countries, where several leaders have amended their Constitutions to retain power.

The Interior Minister, Mohamed Ahmed Ould Mohamed Lemine said that over 96 percent votes cast were in favour of the new Constitution. The turnout was over 76 percent of the close to One million registered voters, who constitute about a third of the country's population.

The referendum is being held as part of a transition from the country's present military government to a civilian one. The present government was formed in August 2005 in a bloodless military coup led by Col. Ely Ould Mohamed Vall, which ended then President Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya's 21 years of strong-arm rule. The reforms voted upon must now be approved by the country's constitutional council. The new Constitution is to replace the 1991 one.

The referendum will now lead to municipal and legislative elections to be held in November, followed by elections to the parliamentary upper house and the President's post in 2007.

President Ely Ould Mohamed Vall promises to restore democratic rule in 2007

The new Constitution provides for a presidential form of government, with the President commanding significant powers, including the appointment of the prime minister. The Parliament though, can vote for no confidence in the government or censure it. The Constitution disallows members of the present junta from running for the President's post and requires future leaders to swear on the Qur'an that they will not amend the Constitution to stay in power.

International observers from the African Union and the Arab League said that the referendum appeared to have gone smoothly, but have yet to make their final reports.

President Ely Ould Mohamed Vall, who also voted in the referendum said, "This is a great day and a rebirth for Mauritania ... I am sure that all Mauritanians feel the same way and that for this reason the Constitution will receive massive support." and reiterated that "whatever the result I shall respect my promise" to return power to civilians in 2007.

The Constitution has the backing of most civic and political groups, though two small parties called for a boycott of the referendum, saying the proposed Constitution ignores slavery, which is officially banned but still persists according to activists; and issues of "cohabitation between the different national communities" (such as Blacks and Arabs).

Sources [edit]

"Mauritania gives thumbs up for new Constitution" — Agence France-Presse, June 26, 2006
Nick Tattersall. "Constitutional changes get nod in Mauritania" — Independent Online, June 27, 2006
"Mauritania poll shows 97 pct vote for change" — Reuters, Jun 26, 2006

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West African cholera claims more than 500 lives, more deaths feared

Fri, 02 Sep 2005 01:27:11 GMT

Thursday, September 1, 2005

Mural in West Africa depicting the effects of cholera.

An outbreak of cholera in West Africa has resulted in the deaths of more than 500 people, and United Nations (UN) health officials are concerned that inadequate health services in the region could result in many more deaths.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday that over 31,250 cases of cholera have been reported so far this year in nine West African countries. It has claimed 488 lives at this point. "If we look at this year's trends, the figures are still going up in many countries," said John Mulangu, a senior regional advisor for the WHO. "If cholera is not brought under control in certain regions, we will soon be talking of... 100,000 cases," he said. "And hospitals and health centres will be overwhelmed. Last year we were not on this scale. The problem is getting worse," Mulangu said.

The UN says that the increase could also be related to the fact that due to poverty, many West Africans move around, sometimes out of the country, in order to receive higher wages for their work, and the region has been hit with heavy rains. This helps spread the disease, according to the UN.

"We are about to enter the harvest season where people will be moving around," said Herve Ludovic de Lys, the head of OCHA's West Africa office. "The main goal is to halt the transmission of this disease," he said. "It's not business as usual. This crisis needs a rapid response."

The following West African nations have all been hit by cholera epidemics: Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and Senegal. The WHO issued a statement on Thursday that more countries were at risk. "Outbreaks are likely to spread to Central Africa - Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad - in the next weeks," it said.

Sources[edit]

"Cholera epidemic 'needs attention'" — Associated Press, September 2, 2005
"WEST AFRICA: Cholera kills nearly 500 people, more deaths feared" — IRIN, September 1, 2005

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Neighbours of Niger also facing food crisis

Tue, 26 Jul 2005 22:14:16 GMT

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Nigerian child starving due to nationwide food shortage.

A food crisis is threatening three other countries in the region of Niger — a country facing severe food shortages after drought and plagues of locusts — the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned.

The three — Burkina Faso, Mali and Mauritania — have been affected by drought and plagues of locusts that engulfed the Sahel region of West Africa last August.

About 6 million are short of food and require food aid: 3.5 million from Niger; 1.1 million from Mali; 750,000 from Mauritania; and 500,000 from Burkina Faso.

The United Nations — which has a Consolidated Appeal for West Africa of just under £196 million US dollars in aid for the region this year — is expecting to feed 250,000 people shortly. In May, OCHA made an additional flash appeal for $16,191,000 US dollars.

Over the past few weeks, the media has shown graphic images of the situation in Niger. Jan Egelend, OCHA Under-Secerary General and Emergency Relief Coordinator, claims that the situation in the region prior to this was largely ignored by the international community, saying that: "Over the last few days, the world has finally woken up, but it took graphic images of dying children for this to happen."

Sources [edit]

"NIGER: Fighting for life as a poor harvest makes a difficult situation critical" — IRIN, July 26, 2005
"Niger neighbours also face hunger" — BBC News Online, July 26, 2005
"Emergency response in West Africa" — UN News Centre, July 25, 2005
"Consolidated Appeal for West Africa 2005" — Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, June 29, 2005
"Emergency response in West Africa" — British Red Cross, 2005

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	The resolution before us today ... seeks to initiate a dialogue which will contribute to us ending discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
—South African delegate Jerry Matthews Matjila

	The Human Rights Council has taken a first bold step into territory previously considered off-limits.
—Human Rights Watch

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UN passes LGBT rights resolution

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Algerian driver released by hostage takers in Niger

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Kidnapped Spanish aid worker is released

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Polio vaccination campaign targets 85 million African children

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Mauritania cuts ties with Israel, expels Israeli diplomats

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Deposed Mauritanian president Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi is released

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Mauritanians vote for new constitution

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West African cholera claims more than 500 lives, more deaths feared

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Neighbours of Niger also facing food crisis

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