UNITED STATESAFRICA African roadshow rolls 20th March 1998 At last there are signs of Washington's new thinking on Africa as President Clinton sets off on a six-stop tour Above all, President Bill Clinton’s 23 March - 2 April trip to Africa is an attempt to change the American perception of Africa: that the world’s poorest continent - albeit the home of Nelson Mandela, and some of the best musicians and soccer players in the world - should be accorded the same respect as Asia and Latin America. Domestically (and that’s what counts in Washington’s foreign policy) the trip will be counted a success if media interest goes beyond war and famine issues, and if US business, currently wrong-footed by the Asian meltdown, starts looking more seriously at productive investment in Africa.
ZAMBIA Moses in the wilderness 20th March 1998 Image courtesy of Panos Pictures View site Kaunda's detention has sharpened Chiluba's battle with oppositionists and donors Africa’s only constitutional ‘Christian Nation’ was shaken by the events of 25 December, when ex-President Kenneth Kaunda, once called the nation’s saviour, was arrested and detained. The shock...
KENYA The untouchables 20th March 1998 Image courtesy of Panos Pictures View site Scepticism abounds as President Moi promises to crack down on corruption The tactical war between President Daniel arap Moi's government and the National Convention Executive Council is on again. This time it is driven by popular anger at the...
ZIMBABWE Union is strength 20th March 1998 As President Mugabe's credibility fades, a union leader looks like the coming man The lifts at Chester House on Speke Avenue in Harare no longer run up to the tenth floor, where the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions has its head...
SOUTH AFRICA A budget for believers 20th March 1998 Surprisingly, Trevor Manuel's budget wins plaudits from capitalists and communists For presentation, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel’s 11 March budget announcement got full marks. Focusing on the country’s critical demand for education and jobs, Manuel won praise from unlikely...
CÔTE D'IVOIRE Carpet crossing 20th March 1998 Talk of ouverture or power-sharing in Abidjan has been scuppered by the defection of leading oppositionist Adama Coulibally to the ruling Parti Démocratique de la Côte d’Ivoire ....
AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK Who's in charge? 20th March 1998 A new confrontation is brewing over control of the African Development Bank. On 23 March in Abidjan, the governors from 12 leading member countries will make their plans...
MOZAMBIQUE Talking gas 20th March 1998 The prospect of gas, and of customers for it, has sparked a wave of exploration in Mozambique and helped boost two planned industrial corridors - from Beira along...