SUDAN Without Garang 5th August 2005 The sudden death of Southern leader John Garang has brought riots and new fears for the future The death of the man who led Southern Sudan in its war with the Khartoum government for 22 years has stunned the country. Three weeks previously as part of January's peace accord, John Garang de Mabior had been sworn in as Sudan's first Southern, non-Muslim First Vice-President amid jubilation from Southerners and many Northerners (AC Vol 46 No 15). On the news of his death in a helicopter crash on 30 July, many people were convinced that the Islamist regime had assassinated the leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army.
SUDAN Garang's last journey 5th August 2005 Image courtesy of Panos Pictures View site A little girl runs along a path, pulling a monkey on a length of twine, a gift from one of her uncles. The girl is Atong, aged eight,...
EGYPT Half a cheer for democracy 5th August 2005 Image courtesy of Panos Pictures View site Promises of reform mix uneasily with baton charges on opposition parties 'I am certain of my choice,' President Hosni Mubarak told the audience in his old school on 27 July, announcing his candidacy for a fifth term. 'I choose...
WEST AFRICA Oil, dollars and votes 5th August 2005 Elections and energy security are focusing more attention on the region's flashpoints An economic revolution is brewing along Africa's western seaboard. So far, its regional organisations - the Economic Community of West African States and the Southern African Development Community...
KENYA Dancing partners 5th August 2005 President Kibaki praises the dissident Odinga and is embarrassed by his friend Murungaru The bizarre pas de deux between President Mwai Kibaki and cabinet dissident Raila Odinga raises doubts as to whether the President can win the national referendum on the...
Reining in the military 5th August 2005 Another coup tests the region's resolve to outlaw military rule and resolve its cross-border conflicts The ousting of President Maaouia Ould Sid Ahmed Taya on 3 August by army officers in Mauritania and popular support for it in Nouakchott follows several coup attempts...
ETHIOPIA Trying talks 5th August 2005 After the disputed elections, government and opposition edge warily towards an accommodation Many opposition members of parliament are likely to take their seats after signs of progress from the first round of talks between government and opposition parties to discuss...
CONGO-KINSHASA Full circle 5th August 2005 The troubled Sengamines diamond operation is back where it started six years ago when a group of Gulf Arab businessmen and Zimbabwean generals carved out a chunk of...
UGANDA Prizes for all 5th August 2005 Everyone claimed victory in the referendum of 28 July (AC Vol 46 No 15). The National Resistance Movement has been strengthened because it won the 'Yes' vote it...
RWANDA Inside track 5th August 2005 Concern is mounting about the fate of army Spokesman and former Director of External Intelligence Colonel Patrick Karegeya, embroiled in a power struggle within the ruling Front Patriotique...
GUINEA BISSAU On edge 5th August 2005 Recounts in three regions are possible after losing candidate Malam Bacai Sanhá disputed provisional election results giving former military ruler João Bernardo 'Nino' Vieira victory in the 24...