Kenyans are mourning, close to more as close to a hundred people have died in tribal clashes in the Rift Valley Province of the country. They are victims of the so called tribal clshes. Kenyas, who upto a few years ago prided themselves of being in many ways one of the most "advanced" African countries, now feel caught in a steady economic decline and in a social disintegration. The country is in a sombre mood. Very pessimistic articles have appeared in the press. Our writer Renato Kizito Sesana refuses to give in to such mood, and insists that we should find in our common humanity the conviction and the dteramination to resist against the forces of violence, disintegration, and division.
Corruption is a world-wide problem, but African governments have been always identified as some of the worst cases. Our correspondent Samuel Sarpong tells of a report where Ghana has been ranked as the sixth most corrupt country in the world that the Ghanian government has rejected this report and wants more details on how it was compiled. Meanwhile, Zambia's local authorities is said to be in shambles. Newton Sibanda reports the worrying situation. The authorities continue to incurre huge amounts of debts and arrears of workers salaries. The central government, on the other hand is not doing anything.
African women are among the most down-trodden in the world. Dominic Gathuru writes from Zambia that widows are losing their families' property to relatives, making them unable to survive in a society wallowing in poverty. Our writer blames this on culture, as according to the Tonga tribe of Zambia women do not own anything. When a man dies his property is shared among his relatives.
Human Rights continue to be a major focus in AFRICANEWS. In Malawi, a country which experienced the real power of dictatorship, is in a hot debate; death penalty is the issue. Religious institutions and Himan Rights Organisations backed by Amnesty International are up against the government determined to have the death penalty abolished.
This being the time we announce the winner of the 200 dollar prize for the best article on Peace, Justice and Reconciliation, the editorial board is about to reach a decision on this subject. Apart from the 300 dollars in honour of our former editor this is an annual prize aimed at promoting the values mentioned above.
We remind our old and new correspondents that articles should addressed to the edito at Box 8034, Nairobi, Kenya, by fax: +254.2.576175 or better by e-mail to [email protected].
While we appreciate the support of our current correspondents, we would also like to encourage new contributors.
Africanews staff
