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Vol 9 Issue 12

African Community News

December 2017

Miss South Africa crowned Miss Universe on Las Vegas Strip Pg. 9

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Miss South Africa crowned Miss Universe on Las Vegas Strip

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See the stunning African beauty queens who made the cut for the Miss Universe 2017 pageant. See below and tell us who you think is the most beautiful… Name: Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters Age: 22-South Africa Bio: Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters recently earned her degree in Business Management at North-West University after making history at her high school for holding two leadership positions. Demi-Leigh’s biggest motivation comes from her half-sister who has a disability, that lives in Potchefstroom with her stepmother and father. In her spare time, Demi-Leigh is passionate about a program she helped develop to train women in selfdefence in various situations. She plans to share these workshops and help as many women as she can.

Stephanie Agbasi Nigeria

Angie-Callychurn Mauritius

Name: Stephanie Agbasi Age: 22 Bio: Stephanie Agbasi is in her final year studying Law at the University of Nigeria. Stephanie has always been fond of volunteering with her church. Stephanie loves spending time with family and visiting tourist centers around Nigeria. Stephanie is an advocate against gender-based violence in Nigeria and is very passionate about women empowerment and the fight against gender-based violence. She hopes to use the title of Miss Universe to empower women, boost their self-confidence and fight against sexual violence through seminars and campaigns. When she has time to relax, Stephanie loves watching movies and playing basketball. Name: Angie Callychurn Age: 28 Bio: Angie Callychurn studied Mass Communications and is a qualified Colour Consultant. She wishes to follow up with an Image Consulting course in the hope of launching her career as a certified Image Consultant. She also aspires to boost the career and personal achievements of others by promoting self-confidence. In her spare time, Angie enjoys exploring the beautiful island of Mauritius has to offer. To keep her adrenaline going, she enjoys hiking, swimming, diving and mountain climbing. To relax, she practices yoga, meditation, reading, cooking, singing and walking on the renowned sandy beaches of Mauritius. Her family and close friends play an important part of her life and she enjoys spending quality time with them. Name: Ruth Quashie-Ghana Age: 23 Bio: Ruth Quashie graduated from the University of Ghana Business School while continuing her role as a top model. Active in runway, fashion and lingerie for over seven years, she has been featured by many major brands. Ruth is fluent in English, Fante & Twi, and is always up to travel and explore. She is passionate about the use of the creative expression, particularly through singing and sculpting. Ruth believes in the importance of instilling young girls with good values and high self-esteem through social action projects. She hopes to continue to educate young girls and provide them with the tools to succeed in this millennium.

Name: Isabel Chikoti-Zambia Age: 26 Bio: Isabel Chikoti was born and raised in Chingola. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Management from Sumy State University and specialized in Management at the Faculty of Economics. She hopes to use her education and drive to give back to her beautiful home country. Isabel hopes to refurbish and provide resources such as uniforms, shoes and stationary to schools and raise education standards in rural areas. Her hobbies include singing, dancing and watching old films. Isabel believes that we are all in this competition because we have a common interest to be ambassadors and advocates. She is excited to meet the intelligent women from around the world and hopes to win the crown for her home country. Name: Lauriela Martins-Angola Age: 19 Bio: Lauriela Martins is a first-year Architecture major who is currently working on a project where she brings orphans on trips to visit historical landmarks and sites. Lauriela enjoys swimming and other active sports, especially if she can combine them with her love of going to the beach. In 5 years, Lauriela hopes to have finished her studies and have built a name for herself in the architect industry. This will be Lauriela’s 3rd pageant, and she hopes it will be the one that will bring her the Miss Universe crown.

Name: Lilian Ericaah Maruale-Tanzania Age: 22 Bio: Lilian Ericaah Maraule is a radio personality and producer for a program dedicated to African culture and lifestyle. Lilian dreams to use her career as a source of hope for young girls, especially those who come from difficult backgrounds like her. Lilian has defied her odds and propelled herself into an education and career with the pure desire to succeed. This is her first pageant and she is so excited to inspire young girls to get an education and to follow their wildest dreams because if she hadn’t done the same, she would never be where she is now. Name: Suné January-Namibia Age: 23 Bio: Suné January was born in a small town and raised by her grandparents. She was grateful to have studied in India as it has always been a dream of hers to study abroad. Her modeling career started by being noticed and recruited by a woman in a restaurant and Suné began her career by wearing Indian garments for catalogs. Later, she auditioned for Bangalore Fashion Week and quickly fell in love with the runway. Suné created a charity project to combat poverty in her country. If Suné takes home the Miss Universe crown, she hopes to advocate and play a larger role in solving the rhino and elephant poaching issue in her country. www.howafrica.com

Business Traveler Magazine Names Chinese envoy assures Mnangagwa of China support South African Airways The Best In Africa for Zimbabwe December

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President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa (right) pictured with Chinese envoy Chen Xiaodong. A delegation from China paid an official visit to the new President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa in the capital, Harare.

The envoy was composed of high dignitaries from the Chinese government, led by the Assistant Foreign Minister, Chen Xiaodong. Chen conveyed a congratulatory message from Chinese President Xi Jinping to President Mnangagwa.

Xi in his message said that relations between China and Zimbabwe are of great importance.

[Click to read other Africa politics news]

He promised that his country will continue to focus on practical results and bilateral relations in its friendship with the African nation.

President Xi also noted that all agreements will be mutually beneficial to both countries, and will promote development in various fields.

President Mnangagwa on his part pledged to continue enhancing the relations between the two countries.

“There have always been very warm relations between the Republic of Zimbabwe and People’s Republic of China. My duty is to continue to consolidate and cement that relationship. I believe that also the People’s Republic of China is anxious that we continue to develop and consolidate this warm relationship that’s existing between us”, he said.

Mnangagwa was sworn in as Zimbabwe’s President on Friday, November 24, 2017, becoming the country’s only second head of state after Robert Mugabe.

His ascension to the presidency came on the back of a military takeover, which forced Robert Mugabe to resign, ending his 37-year rule.

Source: Jerry Owilli / CGTN Africa

SAA recognized as “Best Airline in Africa” and “Best Business Class to Africa” Fort Lauderdale, FL (December 5, 2017) – South African Airways (SAA), the national flag carrier of South Africa and Africa’s most awarded airline is proud to be the recipient of two of Business Traveler Magazine’s prestigious Best in Business Travel Awards for 2017. Being honored for the 9th consecutive year as “Best Airline in Africa” and the 8th consecutive year as “Best Business Class to Africa” by the readers of Business Traveler is a continued affirmation of SAA’s long-standing position as the preferred carrier for business travel to the continent. “We are thrilled to have earned these two awards from Business Traveler, a publication whose readers know the very best in travel,” said Todd Neuman, Executive Vice President for South African Airways in North America. “It is a tremendous honor to be named their favorite airline to the African continent for so many years. All of us at SAA will continue to work hard to earn their support and accolades by offering the most convenient schedules and unsurpassed service on our flights to Africa.” “The business traveller has absolutely taken center stage,” noted Dan Booth, editorial director of Business Traveler Magazine. “Today’s business travel community – empowered by technology – is an ever-expanding platform for new products, new ideas, and new opportunities. For our readers to pick your company as the Best in Business Travel means you have connected with them in a meaningful and innovative way. And your most sophisticated and demanding customers are recognizing you for it.”

As the leading carrier from the U.S. to Africa, South African Airways offers the most flights with non-stop service from New York–JFK Airport to Johannesburg and daily non-stop service from Washington, DC-Dulles to Dakar, Senegal, or Accra, Ghana, with continued service to Johannesburg. From its hub in Johannesburg, SAA together with its regional partners SA Express, Airlink and Mango offers easy, convenient connections to more than 75 destinations throughout Africa. SAA’s awarding – winning Premium Business Class offers 180 fully lie-flat seating with duvet and full-size pillows, gourmet cuisine designed by renowned South African celebrity chefs, a wine cellar featuring some of South Africa’s finest vintages and extensive programming of on-demand audio and visual entertainment. For further information on South African Airways product and services, please visit

www.flysaa.com or for reservations call 1-(800) 722-9675.

About South African Airways South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s national flag carrier and the continent’s most awarded airline, serves over 75 destinations worldwide in partnership with SA Express, Airlink and its low cost carrier Mango. In North America, SAA operates daily nonstop flights from New York-JFK and direct flights from Washington D.C.-IAD (via Accra, Ghana and Dakar, Senegal) to Johannesburg. SAA has partnerships with United Airlines, Air Canada and JetBlue Airways, American Airlines and Virgin America, which offer convenient connections from more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada to SAA’s flights. SAA is a Star Alliance member and the recipient of the Skytrax 4-Star rating for 15 consecutive years.

I/O Spaces Launches An Education Platform Engineered By Culture December

From the Editor

O u r G r ea tes t G lor y is n o t in n ever f a llin g b u t in r is in g ever y time we f a ll . We ar e committted to b r in gin g th e commu n ity th e bes t in N ews f r om Af r ica a n d th e D ia s p or a . Yo u may als o vis it o u r web s ite a t www. af r ik an pos t. co m f o r d aily n ews u p da tes o n Af r ica. D is cla imer : Th e o p in ion s ex pr es s ed in ar ticles a n d s to r ies in th is N ews p aper ar e th o s e o f th e a u th o r s a n d do n ot n eces s a r ily r ef lect th e views o f Af r ikan Pos t . All commen ts a n d s u g g es tio n s a r e welco me.

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George Bright-Abu Publisher and Editor

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D E PA R T M E N T S Vol 9 Issue 12

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: The royal love affair with Africa

Pg. 10

Mugabe Pg. 27

The World Cup 2018 Lineup In Full Page 9

Search Yourself Pg. 11 Uber taking over Accra The capital city of Ghana? Pg. 29

UPDATE

Embassy Of Botswana USA Prescreens 'Into The Okavango by National Geographic' Pg. 12

SILVER SPRING, November 28, 2017 — I/O Spaces launches I/O Learn an in-person workforce development experience. We focus on developing an innovative community of professionals and founders, looking to acquire a new skillset, transition into a new career, or turn an idea into a funded venture.

Our approach is to research talent gap opportunities unique to our diverse community and design original learning experiences in collaboration with instructors in our community with experience in the areas of cyber security, artificial intelligence, project management, data science, design thinking, funding and business, via in-person study at our award-winning innovative space located in downtown Silver Spring, MD.

classes :

Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Startup funding Cryptocurrency. About I/O Spaces

I/O Spaces (www.iospaces.com) is a creative and collaborative innovative space. We foster the growth of local start-ups and small businesses through specially curated events and workshops through our unique programming. I/O Spaces is home to over 130 Startups, with notable female-led companies like Kweli TV, Reciprocare and Upwardly Global.

I/O Spaces has been featured in CNN United With this announcement I/O Spaces Cofounder Shades of America, Forbes Afrique, BuzzFeed, CityLab, Blavity, Huffington Post, DC Inno and Rebecca Enonchong said “At I/O Spaces, our mission from day one was to create an innova- Technically DC. I/O Spaces has also been recognized by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and tive and inclusive startup ecosystem in Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett for Maryland. With I/O Learn we are taking forward thinking approach to serving a communi- the work they do within African Diaspora Communities. ty of learners, bootcamps and coworking spaces have not prioritized.“ Contact: Esi Kasasa Office: 1-301-850-4664 With the announcement of I/O Learn, the E-mail: esi@iospaces.com Maryland community will be at the forefront of innovative learning, career and workforce development. Students will learn from instructors who work at TEDCO, Amazon, Cisco, Google, the World Bank and other top of the line institutions.We will provide access to ondemand skills with a focus on cultural inclusion. I/O Learn will kick off the new year with

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Apple Sells Mekamons Robots Built By NigerianBritish Engineer

Adekunle company, Reach Robotics agree special deal with Apple, wey go make di shops di only place dem go sell dia MekaMons robot. Reach Robotics na video game company wey dey make robots for play-play and education. Di robot wey dey sell for $299.95 enter Apple shop and online from 16 November. Adekunle na engineer wey study robotics technology and finish with first class from di University of di West of England for Bristol, United Kingdom. Na for Nigeria dem born Adekunle but im move go live for UK when im reach 11 years old. ''We don create new type of video game,'' Adekunle talk. MekaMons na robots wey get four leg wey players go control with app for dia smart phones. Players fit use dia robots fight one on one. Adekunle begin im company for 2013 and dem get up to 29 staff. Dis small company don get up to $9.5m capital from other companies wey invest for di business. Adekunle add say: "Dis na very good time for our company because after we don spend plenty time dey work on di robot, we don finally bring Mekamon to customers for UK and US and we get plan to spread all over di world.''

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2018 World Cup Draw

Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters is crowned Miss Universe 2017 December

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African representatives Nigeria, Senegal, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco find themselves in tricky groups for next year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Egypt, Africa’s most successful team got pitted in Group A which had the likes of host Russia, Saudi Arabia and South American giants Uruguay.

Another North African side Morocco were drawn in what could go down as the group of death as they see themselves in the same group with current European Champions Portugal, former World Champions Spain and Iran in Group B. Nigeria, the only African team with an unbeaten run in the qualifiers faces familiar foes Argentina in Group D. Debutants Iceland and Croatia completes the group. Tunisia on the other hand will battle it out in Group G with Belgium, Panama and England with Senegal also having a fairly group as they draw Poland Colombia and Japan in Group H.

BELOW ARE THE GROUPS FOR THE 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP

Group A: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran

Group C: France, Australia, Peru, Denmark

Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria

Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia

Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea

Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England

Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan

(Photo: PAUL BUCK, EPA-EFE) Miss South Africa Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters has been crowned Miss Universe 2017.

Nel-Peters was honored on-stage along with first runner-up Miss Colombia Laura González and second runner-up Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett Sunday night in Las Vegas. Nel-Peters, 22, recently earned her degree in business management at North-West University.

During a pre-taped interview, the Western Cape native talked about how her experience being held at gunpoint made her passionate about training women in self-defense. She plans to bring that passion, along with a self-defense program she helped develop, to the Miss Universe platform.

During the competition's Q&A portion, the newly crowned Miss Universe was asked about the most important issue she thought was facing women in the workplace.

"In some places, women get paid 75% of what men earn for doing the same job, working the same hours — and I do not believe that this is right," she said. "I think we should have equal work for equal pay for women all over the world.”

Miss Colombia and Miss Jamaica also impressed the judges during the Q&A segment, answering questions on how to talk to children about terrorism and sexual harassment, respectively.

“Sexual harassment is a form of abuse and no abuse should be tolerated whether in the workplace or in society,” Bennett said. “I believe that men and women should come together and be professional.”

The competition's top 13 finalists were Thailand, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Spain, Ireland, Croatia, Great Britain, USA, Brazil, Canada, Philippines, Venezuela and China. Sara M Moniuszko, USA TODAY

https://www.usatoday.com

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: The royal love affair with Africa Botswana has played a central role in Prince Harry's fairytale romance with the American actress Meghan Markle. It was after just two dates the already-smitten royal decided to whisk his future bride off to the country to enjoy five nights camping under the African stars. He would later tell the BBC he felt the "stars were aligned" when he met Miss Markle. The couple returned again the next summer, and the southern African state was still very much in his mind when the prince began designing the engagement ring: at its centre is a diamond from Botswana. Harry: Stars were aligned when I met Meghan Full interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle But then it should almost come as no surprise that an African country is the place where Prince Harry chose to escape to after meeting Miss Markle. He has previously admitted the continent is the place "where I feel more like myself than anywhere else in the world". And he is not the only member of the British Royal Family for whom it has played a pivotal role. It begins with personal tragedy: Africa would be the place where a young Princess Elizabeth - Prince Harry's grandmother - would discover she was now Queen. She and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, were in Kenya on a tour of the Commonwealth when the news came through that her father, King George VI, had died in London. They had been enjoying a few days respite, game-watching at the now famous Treetops Hotel, a little over 100 miles from the capital, Nairobi. The prince and the actress Who is Meghan Markle? Profile: Prince Harry Kenya would hold happier memories for one of her grandsons, however. The Duke of Cambridge proposed to the then-Kate Middleton while on holiday in the East African country - admitting later to having carried his mother's engagement ring around in a backpack for about three weeks before choosing the perfect time to pop the question. Prince William later revealed Kenya was the place where he fell in love with Africa, but it is certainly not the only country to which he feels a special connection. In 2013, he told CNN's Max Foster it was the place where, like his brother, he can truly be himself. "Its escaping to a kind of different world where I am just who I normally am anyway, and I can let that side, that sort of slightly immature, silly person come out a bit more than I normally do," he explained. Both Prince William and Prince Harry have thrown themselves into charitable projects in Africa. Animal conservation is an issue they are both passionate about. The Duke is a patron of the elephant charity Tusk, while Prince Harry is a patron of Rhino Conservation Botswana. Prince Harry also spent three weeks in Malawi during summer 2016, helping move elephants more than 200 miles to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve where they would be safe from conflict with humans.

However, the charity which seems closest to the Prince's heart is Sentebale, which is dedicated to working with young people affected by HIV/Aids. It was set up by Prince Harry and Lesotho's Prince Seeiso in memory of their late mothers, who both died when they were young, and who both worked with those affected by the virus, in 2006. Since then, he has made numerous trips to check on the work it is doing, as well as arranging fundraising events back at home. The prince's love for the charity is clearly returned by the charity itself, which shared its own congratulatory messages as soon as news of his engagement broke. However, it seems likely it will be a few months before he makes it back to visit them, with a wedding to plan for May. But Miss Markle's shared passion for humanitarian causes - she travelled to Rwanda with World Vision Canada in 2016 to see a clean water project - would suggest they won't be away for long.

And as for the future, Prince Harry has already hinted at his hopes during an interview about his work with Sentebale on ITV last year. "I have this love of Africa that will never disappear - and I hope it carries on with my children as well."

Miss Markle is already a keen supporter of charities, and went to see World Vision's work in Rwanda in 2016

Search Yourself

Dr. Miriam C. Gyimah

ometimes when things go awry in our lives and we experience hardships, we should not always accept them as just the ups and downs of life. When we do that, we might be unconsciously granting permission for an ill to permeate our lives, allowing it to secure a stronghold for months or years to come. Additionally, when we casually accept such things, we are in fact normalizing them as part of the expectations for our lives. On the contrary, the word of God intends for us that above all things, we should prosper and be in good health even as our souls do well (3 John 1:2). With this godly wish for us, we should infer that when we face certain adversities, something must be amiss and as a result, we not only have to wonder but quietly ponder to determine what precipitated the hardship. At times, we are very clear about its roots, but when we are not, we have to look not only around us, but inward as well to investigate when and where we might have gone wrong and unknowingly or carelessly brought hardship unto ourselves. When we are able to take time out to question ourselves and reflect on the matter and seek God’s face about it, we are likely to get to the truth of it and then be in the position to do something about it. But if we don’t pause to reflect and honestly engage in some introspection and even pray about it, then we are in actuality accepting our condition, failing to see that we don’t have to tolerate it when we can eradicate it. Over and over again, the Bible presents us with instances from which to learn and apply to our lives. We have numerous examples of individuals causing themselves harm by their actions or attitudes. These actual stories are there to warn us of what could happen to us when we disobey God. The faults of these persons are by omission or commission, but they are faults nevertheless caused by them. There are however times that perhaps the fault might not rest with us. Sometimes the Lord Himself is testing us by using trials and tribulations to prove our faithfulness and to cause us to grow. However, even with such instances, we will have to question ourselves and honestly determine if the trials and tribulations we are experiencing are a test from God and not trouble we have brought upon ourselves. We have to search ourselves. In the book of Job, we have a great example of the righteous Job suffering, not because he had deliberately or unintentionally erred in his relationship with God, but that God uses the tribulation to test Job’s faithfulness to Him. What is wonderful about the story of Job is that God Himself testifies of and defends Job against an accusing devil that Job is a righteous man. And because Job is righteous and in good standing with God, God had built a protective hedge around him and his family that nothing may harm them. However, the devil challenges God that Job is only self-serving and is faithful to him simply because of the blessings and protection that God had provided. Furthermore, he challenges God that should He take away those things, Job would surely reject God, and curse Him. A confident God loosens his protection of Job and allows the enemy to do what he will, but despite the loss of all his property, his children and then even his health, Job remains faithful and God further honors him. The Bible tells us that the Lord rewarded him so much that Job was blessed even more in his latter days than he had been formerly. The point here is that there are times when we will undergo

tribulations, not because we have brought them upon ourselves, but that God wants to test us and move us to a higher level. Another point is that both God and Job knew Job had been perfect and upright and that he did nothing to warrant the tribulations. Because Job was confident in his relationship with God, in his frustration and anguish about his severe suffering, he could boldly question God as to why He had allowed such terrible things to happen to him. Can you boldly question God when you are facing tribulation? Can you confidently assert that you are righteous and have not committed a sin where God would be displeased and where the enemy, who is roaming about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, may have a charge against you that warrants his mayhem? Search yourself. Unlike Job, we have a character such as Jonah who, deliberately disobeying God, found himself a prisoner in a whale. A prophet no less, Jonah committed the sin of omission by refusing an assignment from God to prophesy to the people of Nineveh, and boarded a ship in an attempt to run away from God. God responds to Jonah with a severe storm while on the ship and subsequently assigns a whale to swallow him after he had been tossed into the sea, leaving him in the whale for three days and three nights. Jonah had to be honest with himself and admit that his defiance to God’s instructions led him to his predicament. He also realized that his only means of escaping the belly of the whale was acknowledging his sin and praying to God for forgiveness and deliverance. Jonah prays, “ For You had cast me into the deep, Into the heart of the seas, And the current engulfed me. All Your breakers and billows passed over me. So I said, I have been expelled from Your sight. Nevertheless I will look again toward your holy temple….I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay. Salvation is from the Lord” (Jonah 2: 3, 4 & 9). After remaining in the whale for three days and uttering his prayer, Jonah was delivered. The Bible states, “Then the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah up onto the dry land” (Jonah 2:10). Let’s be real like Jonah and cut to the chase. Jonah was not in denial of his sin. He did not have to wonder and ponder about the root of his calamity. He was keenly aware that it was due to his disobedience. What about you? Are you aware of your relationship with God and your adherence to his commandments and instructions? Are you in tune with Him and them or have you erred like Jonah? Sometimes our sin of omission comes from our stubbornness and pride, very common sins. These two characteristics of our sinful nature cannot only hinder our blessings, but can also bring a truck load of problems in our lives. We can sit in church week after week and hear the word of God even on a daily basis, and yet because of our stubbornness and pride, we refuse to honor God’s word. Then we go about our lives as if we are well with God, while we are in fact bringing all sorts of problems in our lives and yet remain in denial about their roots because we would prefer to hold on to our pride and will than to humble ourselves to God. Take a lesson from the page of Jonah and let go of your will and pride. Humbly go to God and see if He will not answer you as he did Jonah. Like Jonah, I have been there and done that and so trust me when I say, it is far liberating to humble yourself to God’s will than to deal with that truck load of issues. We have another example in Samson. Samson, a child of promise of whom it was foretold would be a Nazirite, is a special man of God with great strength. His great strength, as the Bible tells us, lies in his long hair. Samson was to keep certain commandments, among them not allowing a razor to touch his hair and not involving himself with women of a different nation. However, as most of us know the story, Samson takes up with Delilah and eventually, she is able to persuade and seduce him into telling her the secret to his strength. She betrays him to his enemies, the Philistines, and is captured. With his hair cut off, Samson loses his strength and his eyes are also gauged out (Judges 16). Like Jonah, Samson acknowledged that he had sinned and therefore opened the door of his life to be afflicted and tormented by his enemies. Thus, Samson prayed to God for redemption saying, “O Lord God please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once be avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes” (Judges 16:29). And because God is a merciful father who answers the prayers of his children when they are repentant, He hears Samson and grants him his request. What I have learned from the word of God with such examples and from my own life experiences is that the Lord loves His children and is always ready to forgive them when they are repentant.

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What sin have you committed or are engaged in that is causing you judgment? Are you aware of it? Do you realize that perhaps you have erred in a way that you should not have? Consider your current circumstance of perhaps job loss, sickness, marital woes, disobedient and wayward children, family troubles and so on. Have you considered them all? Have you honestly searched yourself and found that like Job you are innocent and that God is only putting you through a test, from which He will undoubtedly reward you after your successful completion or have you discovered that you have indeed opened the door to your own difficulties and curses either from the hand of God as Jonah suffered or at the hand of the enemy as we witness with the Samson scenario? Finally, let us look at another example which did not end well as it resulted not only in the death of the culprit, but also that of his own child. The truth is that the sins we commit do not only affect us, but our children and loved ones as well, for the Bible tells us that our sins can affect our children and our children’s children unto the third and to the fourth generation ( Exodus 34:7). So it is critical that we are careful with our attitudes and actions so that we do not invite damnation to ourselves and our family. The tragic story of King Saul, the first king of Israel, is one that we should always keep in mind as a cautionary tale. King Saul, a man selected by God Himself and appointed King sinned against God by performing a burnt offering that the Prophet Samuel was to perform. What Saul did by offering the burnt offering was stepping beyond his authority and usurping the authority of the prophet. It was also contrary to God’s will. Seeing the grievous sin that Saul had committed, Samuel said to him, “You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the Lord the God, which He commanded you, for now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not endure. The Lord has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you” (I Samuel 13:13-14). Yet again, Saul sins when after the Lord led him to conquer the Amalekites, he disobeys Him by sparing Agag their king, when God had stipulated that none should be spared. To make matters worse, Saul also spared some of their live stock. Finally, Samuel admonishes Saul saying, “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king….The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor, who is better than you” (I Samuel 15:22,23,28). From there on, Saul is grievously unhappy, chronically jealous of David, God’s chosen king to replace him, and tormented by demonic spirits. Saul is unrepentant and becomes more evil. In the end, not only does he lose his life but his good son Jonathan also dies. Saul’s sin shames his family and causes him and his heir to lose the throne. The words of the great prophet Samuel speak volumes and are recorded to warn and caution us about how to relate to God and His will. It is not our sacrifices and our offerings that God prefers, but our obedience and humility. Our stubbornness and rebellion to His word are like witchcraft unto God and our sins like that of idol worshiping. I think if we would bear in our minds and hearts that ignoring and refusing to honor God’s word is tantamount to witchcraft and wizardry, we would be more careful to order our steps and search ourselves to be in right standing with God. So let us be wise to search ourselves often, determining where we stand and how we are progressing in our Christian walk. Let us be honest with ourselves and our God, for He is ready to forgive and restore even if we err.

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Embassy Of Botswana USA Prescreens 'Into The Okavango by National Geographic'

Embassy Of Botswana USA prescreens 'Into The Okavango by National Geographic' On Tuesday November 14, 2017, His Excellency David John Newman, the Ambassador of the Republic of Botswana to the USA and his wife Mrs. Changu Newman hosted a reception to honor Tumeletso “Water” Setlabosha who is lead character in National Geographic’s documentary titled “Okavango Wilderness Project: protecting Sub-Saharan Africa’s last Pristine Westlands.” The event which happened at the Embassy of Botswana in Washington DC also honored Charles Tlhalefang, a Photojournalist, and Author acclaimed for his publication titled “Botswana’s Top 50 Ultimate Experiences”. There was also a prescreening of the documentary movie titled 'Into The Okavango' which features "Water" and Scientist Dr. Steve Boyes among other respected scientist and nature experts. The Okavango Delta is one of the most important sites for biodiversity, hosting the largest population of African elephants in addition to lions, cheetahs, wild dogs and hundreds of species of birds. Yet the future of this oasis is directly linked to its source - over 800 miles to the north in the central highlands of Angola.

This water tower, which flows through Angola, Namibia, and Botswana, is the main source of water for over a million people, providing the lifeline for the region. While the Delta itself has been declared a World Heritage Site, the rivers and wilderness areas it depends on remain unprotected.

According to National Geographic CEO Gary E. Knell who was present at the event, National Geographic collaborated with Angola, Namibia and Botswana to secure the success of the Okavango Project. To find out more about it visit www.intotheokavango.org Source: TheAfricanDream.net

His Excellency David John Newman, the Ambassador of the Republic of Botswana to the USA

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Odomankoma Nana

Tune in to Highlife Radio Every Saturday at 4pm for a Special Program by Odomankoma Nana . Veteran Radio Presenter and Master of Ceremonies. To Book the Eloquent Odomankoma to be your MC at any event call 703 725 6968

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Historical Context: Facts about the Slave Trade and Slavery

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HEALTH AND MORTALITY

Slaves suffered a variety of miserable and often fatal maladies due to the Atlantic Slave Trade, and to inhumane living and working conditions.

Common symptoms among enslaved populations included: blindness; abdominal swelling; bowed legs; skin lesions; and convulsions. Common conditions among enslaved populations included: beriberi (caused by a deficiency of thiamine); pellagra (caused by a niacin deficiency); tetany (caused by deficiencies of calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D); rickets (also caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D); and kwashiorkor (caused by severe protein deficiency).

Diarrhea, dysentery, whooping cough, and respiratory diseases as well as worms pushed the infant and early childhood death rate of slaves to twice that experienced by white infants and children.

TRANS-ATLANTIC SLAVE VOYAGES

Indies. In the Caribbean, slaves were held on much larger units, with many plantations holding 150 slaves or more. In Over the period of the Atlantic Slave Trade, from approx- the American South, in contrast, only one slaveholder held as imately 1526 to 1867, some 12.5 million slaves had been many as a thousand slaves, and just 125 had over 250 slaves. shipped from Africa, and 10.7 million had arrived in the Americas. The Atlantic Slave Trade was likely the most In the Caribbean, Dutch Guiana, and Brazil, the slave death costly in human life of all of long-distance global migra- rate was so high and the birth rate so low that they could not tions. sustain their population without importations from Africa.

The first Africans forced to work in the New World left from Europe at the beginning of the sixteenth century, not from Africa. The first slave voyage direct from Africa to the Americas probably sailed in 1526.

The volume of slaves carried off from Africa reached thirty thousand per year in the 1690s and eighty-five thousand per year a century later. More than eight out of ten Africans forced into the slave trade made their journeys in the century and a half after 1700.

By 1820, nearly four Africans for every one European had crossed the Atlantic. About four out of every five females that traversed the Atlantic were from Africa.

The majority of enslaved Africans were brought to British North America between 1720 and 1780. The decade 1821 to 1830 still saw over 80,000 people a year leaving Africa in slave ships. Well over a million more – one tenth of the volume carried off in the slave trade era – followed within the next twenty years.

Africans carried to Brazil came overwhelmingly from Angola. Africans carried to North America, including the Caribbean, left from mainly West Africa.

Well over 90 percent of enslaved Africans were imported into the Caribbean and South America. Only about 6 percent of African captives were sent directly to British North America. Yet by 1825, the US had a quarter of blacks in the New World.

The Middle Passage was dangerous and miserable for African slaves. The sexes were separated, kept naked, packed close together, and the men were chained for long periods. About twelve percent of those who embarked did not survive the voyage.

US SLAVERY COMPARED TO SLAVERY IN THE AMERICAS

American plantations were dwarfed by those in the West

Rates of natural decrease ran as high as 5 percent a year. While the death rate of US slaves was about the same as that of Jamaican slaves, the fertility rate was more than 80 percent higher in the United States.

US slaves were more generations removed from Africa than those in the Caribbean. In the nineteenth century, the majority of slaves in the British Caribbean and Brazil were born in Africa. In contrast, by 1850, most US slaves were third-, fourth-, or fifth generation Americans.

Slavery in the US was distinctive in the near balance of the sexes and the ability of the slave population to increase its numbers by natural reproduction. Unlike any other slave society, the US had a high and sustained natural increase in the slave population for a more than a century and a half.

DOMESTIC SLAVE TRADE

The domestic slave trade in the US distributed the African American population throughout the South in a migration that greatly surpassed in volume the Atlantic Slave Trade to North America.

Though Congress outlawed the African slave trade in 1808, domestic slave trade flourished, and the slave population in the US nearly tripled over the next 50 years.

The domestic trade continued into the 1860s and displaced approximately 1.2 million men, women, and children, the vast majority of whom were born in America.

To be "sold down the river" was one of the most dreaded prospects of the enslaved population. Some destinations, particularly the Louisiana sugar plantations, had especially grim reputations. But it was the destruction of family that made the domestic slave trade so terrifying.

PROFITABILITY

Prices of slaves varied widely over time, due to factors including supply, and changes in prices of commodities such as cotton. Even considering the relative expense of owning and keeping a slave, slavery was profitable.

In order to ensure the profitability of slaves, and to produce maximum "return on investment," slave owners generally supplied only There were few instances in which slave women were released the minimum food and shelter needed for survival, and forced their slaves to work from sunrise to sunset. from field work for extended periods during slavery. Even during the last week before childbirth, pregnant women on Although young adult men had the highest expected levels of outaverage picked three-quarters or more of the amount normal put, young adult women had value over and above their ability to for women. work in the fields; they were able to have children who by law were also slaves of the owner of the mother. Therefore, the average price Infant and child mortality rates were twice as high among of female slaves was higher than their male counterparts up to slave children as among southern white children. Half of all slave infants died in their first year of life. A major contributor puberty age. Men around the age of 25-years-old were the most to the high infant and child death rate was chronic undernour- "valuable." ishment. Slaveholding became more concentrated over time, particularly as slavery was abolished in the northern states. The fraction of houseThe average birth weight of slave infants was less than 5.5 pounds, considered severely underweight by today’s standards. holds owning slaves fell from 36 percent in 1830 to 25 percent in 1860. Most infants of enslaved mothers were weaned within three or four months. Even in the eighteenth century, the earliest wean- During the Civil War, roughly 180,000 black men served in the Union Army, and another 29,000 served in the Navy. Three-fifths of ing age advised by doctors was eight months. all black troops were former slaves. After weaning, slave infants were fed a starch-based diet, consisting of foods such as gruel, which lacked sufficient nutriSource: https://www.gilderlehrman.org ents for health and growth. CHILDREN

Liberian-American Garretson Al Smith gets prestigious MLK award at World Mayors’ Conference in Michigan US

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Nigerian Governor's sister made 'Commissioner of Happiness'

A Nigerian governor has created a new role for his sister - as commissioner for happiness. Rochas Okorocha unveiled the post during the swearing-in of 27 other new commissioners for Imo State. But his sister Ogechi Ololo later rubbished initial reports stating she would also be in charge of "couples' fulfilment" - saying it was actually "purpose fulfilment". Either way, the announcement has been met with derision on social media.

Detroit, MICHIGAN — A Liberian born and American trained security specialist and special investigator in the Washington D.C. Metro Area, Garretson Al Smith, has received the Martin Luther King Jr Humanitarian and Leadership Award during the 2017 World Conference of Mayors (WCM) held in Detroit, Michigan, United States (US).

The award was presented to Smith by the founding president of the Mayors’ conference, former Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford, and the current president of the WCM, Ed Jones, who is also the current Mayor of Grambling, Louisiana.

Garretson Al Smith Garretson Al Smith In attendance at the global mayors’ conference were more than four hundred mayors from the world, including countries like the US, Canada, Africa and Asia. Others in attendance included the Canadian Consul General Sebastian Roy, the Africa Union ambassador accredited to Washington DC, Her Excellency Dr. Arikana Chihbori Qauo and other members of the Diplomatic Community as well as global business executives.

The World Conference of Mayors took place at the Grand MGM Hotel in Detroit, Michigan from October 23 – 29, 2017.

Investigator Garretson Al Smith was invited to the conference by Detroit City Mayor Mike Duggan to do a presentation on human rights and related issues, including investigations into war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Speaking on the theme “We are ahead of perpetrators in the international legal system,” during what is described as the ‘Law Enforcement

Night’ at the Conference, Smith addressed the challenges and possibilities in ensuring international justice to a gathering of several state attorney-generals from across the United States.

[Click to read more Africa Diaspora stories]

Smith, who is a former member of the K-For Kosovo Forces and the Multi-National Battle Group East NATO International Security Mission in the Balkans under the auspices of the United States Department of Defense, informed the audience at the conference about the need for peace and reconciliation around the world within the context of international justice.

Smith is a respected security specialist and an international special investigator. He has served as a former Contractor Staffer at the US Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, The White House Visitors Center, and the International Monetary Funds respectively.

Smith is believed to be the first Liberian and one of few Africans to receive the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian and Leadership Award at the Mayors’ conference.

Source: Filed reports from WCM Story: Oral Ofori / Photos: www.TheAfricanDream.net

Many questioned the need for such a role, and wondered what it would entail. It also comes hot on the heels of other unusual decisions made by the governor in recent times. Mr Okorocha raised eyebrows across the continent in October after he unveiled a statue dedicated to South African President Jacob Zuma - a man who has no apparent links to the southeastern state.

http://www.bbc.com/ Imo is one of the 36 states of Nigeria and lies in the South East of Nigeria. Owerri is its capital and largest city. Its other major cities are Orlu and Okigwe. Located in the south-eastern region of Nigeria, it occupies the area between the lower River Niger and the upper and middle Imo River. The Imo State Government has defended the decision of the state Governor, Rochas Okorocha in creating a Ministry of Happiness.

Commissioner for Information, Mr Nnamdi Obiareri said the action was in line with Sections 1 and 92 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Okorocha had on Tuesday swore in his biological sister, Mrs Ogechi Ololo (nee Okorocha). She is now the state’s Commissioner for Happiness and Purpose Fulfillment.

The action, however, has received widespread criticism by eminent Nigerians over the controversial decision.

But defending his principal, Obiareri said the governor did not violate any section of the decision. Rather, his aim was to serve the people of his state better.

“The responsibility of the governor to create more ministry is clearly captured in Section (1) and (92) subsection (2). So, it is the prerogative of the governor of a state, out of overriding public interest to create as many ministries as possible to serve the public interest,” he said on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

“What the Governor of Imo State has done in creating the Ministry of Happiness and Purpose Fulfilment is to be able to assist Imo people to realise happiness which is the very primary essence of government.”

The state’s mouthpiece further explained that the essence of the newly carved out ministry was to ensure that lives and destinies were being fulfilled in the eastern heartland.

He added, “Imo people must be happy. Imo people must be made to fulfil their purpose in life. The young school leavers who are out there in the street must be made to be mentored.

“The young apprentices that we have all over the place, the 305 youth millionaires that have been created by this government, the women that have been empowered must be made to realise their purpose in life.”

www.channelstv.com

South African Farmers Who Forced A Labourer Into A Coffin ‘Jailed

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Libya Slave Trade: Samuel Eto’o Denies Buying Flight Tickets For Cameroonian Migrants, Says ‘Rumor Unfounded’ December 2017

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The two white South African farmers who forced a black labourer into a coffin last year, have been sentenced to periods of 11 and 14 years in prison respectively.

The offenders, Willem Oosthuizen and Theo Martins Jackson assaulted the black boy named Victor Rethabile Mlotshwa, before putting him in a coffin. They also took a video and put it up on social media for amusement after humiliating the poor boy.

The attack which went viral, sparked national outrage when it hit social media.

Former Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o has refuted claims that he paid for tickets for Cameroonian immigrants back to Libya. Samuel Eto’o who was also an attacker for Chelsea, Inter Milan and Barcelona denied the claims saying the ‘rumor is profoundly unfounded’.

They were later arrested and found guilty of attempted murder, kidnapping, intimidation and two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in August. Eto’o said, “Several sites have circulated a rumor that I would have given money to every migrant returnee, in relation to a topical issue. This rumor is absolutely unfounded! Oosthuizen and Jackson had maintained they had done nothing wrong and defended the assault by accusing Mlotshwa of stealing copper cables. “I would therefore take advantage of this opportunity, dear brothers and sisters, to emphasize that love prevents more evils than money can solve. However‚ Mlotshwa said they had suddenly attacked him as he waited to hitchhike to town. He claimed to have been beaten with a knobkerrie as his assailants threatened to burn him alive. “So let’s not waste our precious time looking for thrills at the expense of grieving people, but let us use this time to prevent other brothers from being deprived of their dignity. At the High Court sitting in Middelburg‚ Willem Oosthuizen was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment, five of which are suspended for eight years on condition that he’s not found guilty of “Let us not just react when we can prevent, because among these victims are certainly people who any other offense. His co-accused Theo Jackson was handed a 19-year jail term, with five years have been our neighbours at some point, but to whom we have not daigné to look kindly. suspended on similar terms. “Let us build our Africa by having a positive impact on each other! Judge Segopotje Mphahlele who handed them the sentence described the crimes as appalling‚ disgusting and dehumanising. The current captain of Antalyaspor in Turkey had strongly criticized the inhuman treatment inflicted on Africans in Libya. She also accused the pair of showing no remorse for what they did throughout the trial.

Source:howafrica.com

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Ship 3 Barrels and get a 4th one Free Ship 4 Wardropes and get a 5th One free

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4A f r i k a n

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Most Indebted African Countries

Being in debt is such an uncomfortable position to be as a person, company or a country. Debt is nearly inevitable, and despite Africa’s fast-growing economy rate, there are countries which owe billions or even trillions of dollars, making them the most Indebted African Countries.

Below are the top 10 indebted countries in Africa, according to World Bank and CIA World Factbook with information regarding the external debt of each country. External debt is the total public and private debt owed to nonresidents, repayable in internationally accepted currencies goods or services. The number one country will shock many people. Most Indebted African Countries

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million since 2014.The amount of debt in 2015 reached 55.71% of Tunisia GDP. A 4.15 percentage point rise from 2014 when it was 51.56% of GDP.Since 2005, the debt has been growing and is the fourth most indebted African countries. Tunisia per capita debt in 2015 was 2,157 dollars per inhabitant. In 2014 it was 2,232 dollars, after that increasing by 75 dollars, and in 2005, the debt per person was 1,687 dollars. The position of Tunisia, as compared with the rest of the world, has improved in 2015 regarding GDP percentage. 6.Angola – 19,650,000,000

The External Debt in Angola rose from 35933.10 USD Million in 2014 to 36278.70 USD Million in 2015. However, from 2002 to 2015, it averaged 17463.91 USD Million reaching a high of 36278.70 USD Million and a low of 7594.83 USD Million in 2006.

South Africa – 137,500,000,000 Egypt – 48,760,000,000 Sudan – 39,700,000,000 Morocco – 29,420,000,000 Tunisia – 24,490,000,000 Angola – 19,650,000,000 Ghana – 11.230.000.000 Tanzania – 11,180,000,000 Nigeria – 10,100,000,000 Ethiopia – 9, 956.000,000 1.South Africa – 137,500,000,000

Ghana’s public debt was 26,686 million dollars, in 2015 and still rank as one of African indebted countries. It has risen by 1,168 million since 2014.In 2015, the debt was 70.82% of Ghana GDP, a 1.33% point drop from 2014, when it was 72.15% of GDP.Ghana’s global debt has been rising since 2005 when it amounted to 8,368 million dollars and also regarding GDP percentage when it was 47.99%.The country’s per capita debt in 2015 was 974 dollars per inhabitant. In 2014 it was 1,040 dollars, and later went up by 66 dollars, and in 2005, the debt per resident was 392 dollars. Regarding GDP percentage, Ghana’s position improved in 2015.

The country recorded a government debt equivalent to 50.10%t of the country’s GDP in 2015. The debt of the Government to GDP in South Africa was an average of 37.89 percent from 2000 until 2015. The highest was 50.10 percent in 2015, and the lowest was 27.80 percent in 2008.

In Tanzania, the External Debt increased to 17440.90 USD Million in January from 16986.20 USD Million in December 2016. The External Debt in Tanzania maintained an average of 12805.61 USD Million from 2011 until 2017, recording an all-time high of 17440.90 USD Million in January of 2017. In December of 2011, it recorded a low of 2469.70 USD Million.

Debited African Countries.

Entrepreneurs use the Government’s debt as a percent of GDP to gauge the country’s capability to offset its debt in the future, thus affecting the country borrowing costs and government bond yields. 2.Egypt – 48,760,000,000

In the fourth quarter of 2016, Egypt’s External Debt rose to 67322.60 USD Million from 60152.60 USD Million at the end of the third quarter of the same year. External Debt in Egypt was an average 33433.40 USD Million from 1997 until 2016. The debt recorded a low of 26132.50 USD Million in the first quarter of 2001. In the country, external debt is a part of the total debt that it owes to creditors outside the country. 3.Sudan – 39,700,000,000

In 2015 Sudan public debt was 59,372 million dollars, has increased 4,469 million since 2014.It implies that the borrowing in 2015 reached 72.91% of Sudan’s GDP, a 4.35 percentage point falls from 2014 when it was 77.26% of GDP. Sudan’s debt has been on the rise since 2005 in global debt terms when it was 25,152 million dollars although it had fallen as a percentage of GDP when it amounted to 94.95%.In 2005, was 713 dollars per person. However, the position of Sudan as one of the most indebted African countries has significantly improved in 2015 regarding GDP percentage.

4.Morocco – 29,420,000,000

External Debt in Morocco increased to 46499.84 USD Million dollars in the third quarter of 2016 from 45300.64 Million dollars in the second quarter of 2016. External Debt in Morocco averaged at 27165.24 USD Million between 2006 and 2016, reaching a high of 46552.41 USD Million in the third quarter of 2016 and a record low of 15070.91 USD Million in the first quarter of 2007.

5.Tunisia – 24,490,000,000 In 2015 Tunisia public debt was 24,275 USD million dollars, has increased 264

7.Ghana – 11.230.000.000

8.Tanzania – 11,180,000,000

9.Nigeria – 10,100,000,000

Nigeria’s Internal Debt rose to 11406.28 USD Million in the fourth quarter of 2016. In the third quarter of 2016, it was 1,1261.89 USD Million. It averaged 6920.43 USD Million between 2008 and 2016, in the fourth quarter of the same year it was the highest at 11406.28 USD Million and a recorded a decrease to 3627.50 USD Million in the first months of 2009.

10.Ethiopia – 9, 956.000,000

Resemblance of the African indebted countries

Ethiopia’s public debt in 2015 amounted to 34,539 million dollars, has been on the increase since 2014with a rise of 8,843 million.The debt in 2015 reached 56.05% of the country’s GDP, a 9.75 percentage point increase when it was 46.3% of GDP in 2014.

It has risen since 2005 in global debt when it amounted to 9,695 million dollars although it dropped as a percentage of GDP when it was 78.24%.Ethiopia per capita debt in 2015 was 348 dollars per inhabitant. In 2014 it was 265 dollars, afterward rising by 83 dollars.The debt per person was 129 dollars in 2005. Ethiopia’s situation has worsened in 2015 concerning GDP percentage, making it the tenth of the most indebted countries in Africa. Conclusion

Africa’s debt can be minimalized through tax collection, transparency and tapping into local currency debt markets. These are avenues that the continent’s large borrowers should not ignore. Source : http://www.africaranking.com

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Revealed: These Are Some Of The Richest And Most Powerful Families In The Whole Of Africa

Every year, Forbes magazine publishes list of people who are believed to be the richest or most influential business people in Africa. Some of these individuals, or their families, are not new to this billionaires list. But others may simply surprise you.

Some of the people mentioned are presidents, kings and queens in their respective countries. Others are simply good businessmen and women who do not hold any powerful office in government. A number of them inherited their father’s companies and transformed them into empires.

All these people, however, have certain traits in common: They are extremely ambitious, hard-working and smart.

Revealed! These are some of the richest and most powerful families in the whole of Africa Now, meet some of the richest and most powerful dynasties in Africa. The list is not organized in any order.

Revealed! These are some of the richest and most powerful families in the whole of Africa The dos Santos family.Photo:Pulse.ng

The dos Santos family have invested heavily in real estate, banking, petroleum, cement, media, retail and a few other areas. The businesses are mostly owned by José Eduardo dos Santos, the 75year-old Angolan president, who has been in power for 37 years.

Isabel dos Santos, who is commonly recognized as the richest woman in Africa, comes from this family. Other powerful and rich family members include José Paulino dos Santos, José Filomeno de Sousa dos Santos, media magnet, and Welwitschia José dos Santos Pego.

3. The Sawiris Family (Egypt)

1. The Dangote family (Nigeria)

Rvealed! These are some of the richest and most powerful families in the whole of Africa Clockwise from left, Onsi Sawiris and his sons Naguib, Nassef and Samih.Photo: Courtesy.

Onsi Sawiris and his sons Naguib, Nassef and Samih have become some of the richest and most powerful people in Africa today.

The family owns Orascom conglomerate that spans telecommunications, construction, tourism, industries and technology.

Revealed! These are some of the richest and most powerful families in the whole of Africa Aliko Dangote and family.Photo: Pulse.ng.

Aliko Dangote is no new comer in this list. He has been featured several by Forbes magazine as the richest man in Africa.

Onsi Sawiris’ net worth is estimated by Forbes at US$1.2 billion. His sons Nassef Sawiris and Naguib Sawiris are ranked as the top two richest people in Egypt with net worth estimated at US$5.6 and US$3.9 respectively. 4. The Mohammed VI family (Morocco)

Dangote owns the Dangote Group, a multi-billion dollar conglomerate that specializes in commodities and has presence in Nigeria and other African countries including Ethiopia, Senegal, Cameroon, Ghana, South Africa, Togo, Zambia and Tanzania.

As at February 2017, Forbes estimated his net worth at US$12.5 billion.

2. The Dos Santos family (Angola)

Revealed! These are some of the richest and most powerful families in the whole of Africa Mohammed VI.Photo:Pulse.ng

Mohammed VI is the King of Morocco and the richest man in the country. Together with his family, they own majority stakes in the Société Nationale d’Investissement (SNI).

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Revealed: These Are Some Of The Richest And Most Powerful Families In The Whole Of Africa Mohammed VI was estimated by Forbes to be worth US$5.7 billion in 2015. Also, the Moroccan Royal family is believed to have the largest fortunes in the world.

5. The Rupert family (South Africa)

Revealed! These are some of the richest and most powerful families in the whole of Africa Mohammed Mansour and hos brothers Youssef and Yasseen Mansour: Photo:Pulse.ng

Mohammed Mansour owns the Mansour Group conglomerate, the sole distributer of Caterpillar equipment, GM vehicles and McDonald’s franchises in Egypt.The family also owns business outside the country.

Mansour is estimated by Forbes to be worth US$ 2.7 billion and is ranked as the third richest person in Egypt. His brothers Youssef and Yasseen Mansour are also among the richest people in the country with estimated net worth of US$1.8 billion and US$1.1 billion respectively.

8. The Kenyatta family (Kenya)

Revealed! These are some of the richest and most powerful families in the whole of Africa The Rupert Family:Photo:Pulse.ng

The Rupert family is considered to be one of the wealthiest and most influencial families in the world today. They are the owners of luxury brands like the Cartier, Mont Blanc, and Dunhill.

The family has also invested heavily in the beverages industry and reportedly controls a fifth of South Africa’s wine market.

6. The Tinubu family (Nigeria)

Revealed! These are some of the richest and most powerful families in the whole of Africa Uhuru Kenyatta and his family.Photo: Courtesy.

The Kenyatta family has made significant investments in dairy, hospitality, media and banking industries both in Kenya and abroad.

Some of the companies owned by the powerful family include Brookside Dairy, Heritage Hotels, and Mediamax Group. They also reportedly hold shares in Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA). The family’s net-worth as of today is unknown.

9. The Chandaria family (Kenya)

Revealed! These are some of the richest and most powerful families in the whole of Africa Bola Ahmed Tinubu.Photo:Pulse.ng

Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the patriarchal head of the Tinubu family. He owns a long list of properties in Lagos and Abuja including one on the Banana Island.

Tinubu is also a powerful Nigerian politician and former Lagos State Governor. His net worth staggers at US$2.7 billion according to Forbes.

7. The Mansour family (Egypt)

Revealed! These are some of the richest and most powerful families in the whole of Africa Manu Chandaria.Photo:Pulse.ng

Manu Chandaria is among the wealthiest men in Africa. His family owns the Comcraft Group, a conglomerate with presence in more than 40 countries. Forbes magazine estimated Comcraft to be worth US$2.5 billion as at year 2011.

Also, there is the Chandarian Group, which is reportedly the largest producer of hygiene products in east Africa. The Chandarian Group is run by Chandaria and his sons Neer and Darshan. The family has also invested in mining, real estate and vehicle manufacturing. http://howafrica.com/

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Meet Nima Elbagir: The Brave Journalist Behind CNN’s Investigation Of Slavery In Libya

Nima Elbagir was born in Sudan in 1978 and moved to London as a senior international correspondent for CNN. Return to the portrait of the one who led the CNN survey on slavery in Libya. .Specialist in difficult investigations

Prior to CNN, Nima started her career at Reuters by covering Darfur conflicts. Nima Elbagir is now recognized as a specialist in difficult investigations. Indeed, her work has brought her “to some of the darkest and most difficult places to report in the last 12 months”.

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Zimbabwe: Mugabe Gets U.S.$10m Exit Package

By Elias Mambo Former president Robert Mugabe resigned on Tuesday after being granted full immunity and a U.S.$10 million lump sum payment, full monthly salary, medical cover, security as well as protection of his private properties, the Zimbabwe Independent has heard. His resignation came on the backdrop of negotiations between the generals and his team of mediators following a week of high political and military drama as well as a parliamentary impeachment motion that was halted midway.

In 2016, she was honored by the Royal Television Society for a six-month survey of migrants from the Nile Delta to Rome. Added to this is the fact that she brought the proof of life of the girls abducted in 2014 by the Boko Haram sect and interviewed two excisers.

Investigations by the Independent reveal that Mugabe's negotiators managed to strike a deal with the generals to enable the 93-year-old former president not to go into exile but rather enjoy his retirement in Zimbabwe with all his benefits.

Committed journalist

"Government will give him US$5 million lump-sum and then the remainder to be paid out in instalments," a source said. "Mugabe will also enjoy full medical cover as well as his full monthly salary. In the event of his death, his wife will be given half salary per month."

According to Jury President Stewart Purvis, she is the winner who has driven her the most to question and reflect. Simon Albury, Chair of the Equal Publication Campaign, wondered why CNN had hired him and not an English media outlet!

A strong point for this woman is that she is black, Muslim, cultured and has many other qualities. Indeed, she told the Observer newspaper: “My color has never hindered me. I have the ability to blend into so many communities. I do not look like the expected image of a CNN correspondent. I do not look like a Sudanese woman. Sometimes I feel that my modern values are confusing. But at the same time we can not pretend that representation makes no difference, “added the journalist. Indeed, Sunni Muslim, she explained that his command of the Arabic language had allowed him to tear statements to Moroccans chilly and Arabs living in Belgium after the attacks in Paris.

Mugabe negotiated a safe exit through a team of mediators which included a Catholic priest, Fidelis Mukonori and former RBZ governor Gideon Gono. Mukonori said in an interview his role was just to mediate between the generals and Mugabe. Sources said soon after Mugabe tendered his resignation, commander of the Presidential Guard, Brigadier-General Anselem Sanyatwe, called for an emergency Joint Operations Command meeting with uniformed officers.

"We were told that the president had resigned, but that he was granted full immunity. Sanyatwe informed us that Mugabe will continue to enjoy protection as a former head of state," the source said. http://allafrica.com/

Uber taking over Accra — The capital city of Ghana?

Four years ago, before my romance with Uber, I took a cab to church, while getting down I inadvertently left my phone in the car; as soon I got into the church building, I sadly noticed I did not have my Motorola Droid on me.

I used someone's phone to call my line but to no avail; no one picked the call, later that night the phone was switched off and that was the last time I heard of my Droid!

Two years ago on my way from church home, a cab driver conveniently stopped at a very unsecured place and sat down as I wrestled for my bag with someone in the dark area of Awudome Cemetery in Accra. There have been more unfortunate experiences I've had to endure in the hands of cab drivers in Accra; not to mention how I caught a driver trying to pick my bag as I tried to shut my eyes for few seconds just because I was tired and attempted a power nap.

I started developing a phobia for cabbies in general based on these misfortunes, I naturally developed the habit of sitting down and hold on tightly to my handbag like as though my very life depended on it. I dreaded starting a price bargaining war about a cab ride, it was traumatic at times for me...

Then, one day, a colleague of mine told me about an app which could be downloaded from the Google Play store (am still using a droid but the app is also available for you iPhone lovers too) that could eliminate the hassle of looking for cabs and enable me to get competitive pricing.

Curiosity got the best of me!

Oh, boy am I glad I did get curious because that led me to download UBER unto my phone.

The moment I took my first Uber ride it was love at first sight, or should I say love at first ride. For someone with not very good stories to tell about my wild experiences with cab rides in Ghana, you can imagine how relieved I was to successfully complete a ride via Uber and walk away with an ease on my conscience.

My first Uber encounter: the car was neat, the A/C was blowing full swing; no foul smell from anywhere in the car, the driver was well-kempt (yes I did pay attention) and the price quoted on the drop off was affordable to my purse and fair to my mind.

Uber is basically an app based-on-demand-service that provides transportation from one location to another. The company is rapidly gaining grounds in the African market. Countries like South Africa and most recently Nigeria are experiencing the perks of having Uber operating within them. Uber was launched on June 8th, 2016 in Accra, Ghana with the promise of free rides between Thursday, June 9 and Sunday, June 12, 2016.

There were few technical glitches and few still do exist but I bet you that Uber has taken transportation services to a whole new level for us in Accra. Oh, and I am cured of my taxi-phobia which normally peaked at nights in pre-Uber Ghana.

But let me talk more about Uber: they have a range of cars that suit every need and purpose. You get young and old courteous men or women drivers that put in the extra effort to make your trip to whatever destination an enjoyable, memorable one yes safe experience.

Am not saying Uber is perfect, oh well, OK am saying Uber is perfect for me!

Uber has its perks, like promotions that give you free trips and the possibility to complain and get compensated when something goes wrong during your trip. Now you can say there is a voice for the riders in Accra! No outrageous charges and scandalous attitudes from those unscrupulous drivers that used to monopolize our transport system.

My son left our standing-fan in an Uber car one day. We alerted the system managers and we were patched through to the driver in a jiffy who in turn returned our property in a space of an hour or so after we taught we had lost it. An acquaintance left her purse and phone after a wild night in town; all were returned to her intact.

There have been agitations from the private owners association of cabbie drivers who feel aggrieved for obvious reasons. They are complaining Uber is taking their bread away. They have even gone ahead to say that Uber drivers do not pay taxes (but they do, as a matter of fact) and they are being cheated by the latter.

In my personal opinion, I think these aggrieved drivers are finding it hard to adapt to this revolutionary change and thing called Uber. Some cabbie drivers and their customers actually abhor the competition.

The few times I get to take a taxi when Uber has a system glitch I always advise the cabbie driver after their usual rantings: “if you can’t beat them, join them”. I heard good reviews from drivers who are working for Uber; how they get a nice chunk of revenue even after Uber takes their 30%; how there is always trips to be dispatched at all times of the day and night and all that juicy stuff.

But do not get me wrong now, there are some cabbie drivers that are honest and good out there. I encourage them to continue in their individual efforts to revamp their businesses and create healthy competition. I have been called Madam Uber because I am seeing using the services of Uber a lot, well it works well for me and for most of the people I know that use it.

It's not perfect, but it has so far held its own pretty well I must say.

To those unaware out there, you do not need to be rich to ride Uber as they have prices fit for every pocket and every destination. And I know Uber has its own technical glitches that could make you pull some few hair strands off of your head, considering the recent unfortunate occurrence that involved the stealing of credit card info by hackers from Uber.

December 2017

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Ghana sends thirdhighest number of students from Africa to USA - Report There are currently 3,111 Ghanaian students enrolled at more than 630 tertiary institutions across the United States of America.

“Ghana is the third-largest sender of students from Africa, after only Nigeria (11,710 students) and Kenya (3,189 students)’’, a statement issued by the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy of the United States in Ghana said.

The statement said the latest Open Doors report on international education has revealed that the United States hosted 1.08 million international students during the 2016/2017 academic year.

The statement said this marks a three per cent increase over the prior year. The number of African students hit a record high, at 37,735, marking a 7 per cent increase over the previous year.

It said undergraduates make up 38 per cent of those at U.S. Universities and Colleges, Graduate students make up 45 per cent, out of which 42 per cent are enrolled in doctoral programmes, adding that, the remainders were in student status, whilst in optional practical training or are enrolled in non-degree programmes.

There are currently 3,111 Ghanaian students enrolled at more than 630 tertiary institutions across the United States of America.

The statement said the latest Open Doors report on international education has revealed that the United States hosted 1.08 million international students during the 2016/2017 academic year.

The statement said this marks a three per cent increase over the prior year. The number of African students hit a record high, at 37,735, marking a 7 per cent increase over the previous year.

Yet the mere fact that there is a transport company that gives impeccable service, great and affordable prices with courteous customer service is just awesome, and I'm all for it. And to those who are grumbling about Uber, well step up your game, who knows, maybe you can out-Uber them, else if you can’t beat them, join them!

Source: Ithel Edzi-Babanawo

Source: Starrfmonline.com

African Quotes on Wisdom

Trivia

Wisdom is wealth. ~ Swahili Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it. ~ Akan proverb The fool speaks, the wise man listens. ~ Ethiopian proverb Wisdom does not come overnight. ~ Somali proverb The heart of the wise man lies quiet like limpid water. ~ Cameroon proverb Wisdom is like fire. People take it from others. ~ Hema (DRC) proverb Only a wise person can solve a difficult problem. ~ Akan proverb Knowledge without wisdom is like water in the sand. ~ Guinean proverb In the moment of crisis, the wise build bridges and the foolish build dams. ~ Nigerian proverb If you are filled with pride, then you will have no room for wisdom. ~ African proverb A wise person will always find a way. ~ Tanzanian proverb Nobody is born wise. ~ African proverb A man who uses force is afraid of reasoning. ~Kenyan proverb Wisdom is not like money to be tied up and hidden. ~ Akan proverb

African Quotes on Learning

Learning expands great souls. ~ Namibian proverb To get lost is to learn the way. ~ African proverb By crawling a child learns to stand. ~ African proverb If you close your eyes to facts, you will learn through accidents. ~ African proverb He who learns, teaches. ~ Ethiopian proverb Wealth, if you use it, comes to an end; learning, if you use it, increases. ~ Swahili proverb By trying often, the monkey learns to jump from the tree. ~ Buganda proverb You always learn a lot more when you lose than when you win. ~ African proverb You learn how to cut down trees by cutting them down. ~ Bateke proverb The wise create proverbs for fools to learn, not to repeat. ~ African proverb What you help a child to love can be more important than what you help him to learn. ~African proverb By the time the fool has learned the game, the players have dispersed. ~Ashanti proverb One who causes others misfortune also teaches them wisdom. ~ African proverb You do not teach the paths of the forest to an old gorilla. ~Congolese proverb What you learn is what you die with. ~ African proverb Instruction in youth is like engraving in stone. ~Moroccan Proverb When you follow in the path of your father, you learn to walk like him. ~Ashanti Proverb Ears that do not listen to advice, accompany the head when it is chopped off. ~African Proverb Advice is a stranger; if he’s welcome he stays for the night; if not, he leaves the same day. ~Malagasy Proverb Traveling is learning. ~Kenyan Proverb Where there are experts there will be no lack of learners. ~Swahili Proverb

African Quotes on Learning

December 2017

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African proverbs on Peace and Leadership

Peace is costly but it is worth the expense. ~Kenyan proverb War has no eyes ~ Swahili saying When a king has good counselors, his reign is peaceful. ~Ashanti proverb Peace does not make a good ruler. ~Botswana proverb A fight between grasshoppers is a joy to the crow. ~ Lesotho proverb There can be no peace without understanding. ~Senegalese proverb Milk and honey have different colors, but they share the same house peacefully. ~ African proverb If you can’t resolve your problems in peace, you can’t solve war. ~ Somalian proverb When there is peace in the country, the chief does not carry a shield. ~Ugandan proverb When two elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled. ~ Swahili saying Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far. ~ West African proverb He who thinks he is leading and has no one following him is only taking a walk. ~ Malawian proverb An army of sheep led by a lion can defeat an army of lions led by a sheep. ~ Ghanaian proverb He who is destined for power does not have to fight for it. ~ Ugandan proverb Do not forget what is to be a sailor because of being a captain yourself. ~ Tanzanian proverb Without a leader, black ants are confused. ~Ugandan proverb He who refuses to obey cannot command. ~ Kenyan proverb He who fears the sun will not become chief. ~Ugandan proverb A large chair does not make a king. ~ Sudanese proverb Because he lost his reputation, he lost a kingdom. ~ Ethiopian proverb Where a woman rules, streams run uphill. ~ Ethiopian proverb A leader who does not take advice is not a leader. ~ Kenyan proverb If the cockroach wants to rule over the chicken, then it must hire the fox as a body-guard. ~ Sierra Leone proverb

African Quotes on Unity and Community

Unity is strength, division is weakness. ~ Swahili proverb Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. ~ Bondei proverb It takes a village to raise a child. ~ African proverb Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile won’t eat you. ~ African proverb Many hands make light work. ~ Haya (Tanzania) proverb Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. ~ Swahili proverb Two ants do not fail to pull one grasshopper. ~ Tanzanian proverb A single bracelet does not jingle. ~ Congolese proverb A single stick may smoke, but it will not burn. ~ African proverb If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. ~ African proverb

African Quotes on Family

A family is like a forest, when you are outside it is dense, when you are inside you see that each tree has its place. ~ African Proverb A united family eats from the same plate. ~ Baganda proverb A family tie is like a tree, it can bend but it cannot break. ~ African proverb If I am in harmony with my family, that’s success. ~ Ute proverb Brothers love each other when they are equally rich. ~ African proverb Dine with a stranger but save your love for your family. ~ Ethiopian proverb There is no fool who is disowned by his family. ~ African proverb Home affairs are not talked about on the public square. ~ African proverb If relatives help each other, what evil can hurt them? ~ African proverb He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. ~ African proverb Dine with a stranger but save your love for your family. ~ Ethiopian proverb The old woman looks after the child to grow its teeth and the young one in turn looks after the old woman when she loses her teeth. ~ Akan (Ghana, Ivory Coast) proverb When brothers fight to the death, a stranger inherits their father’s estate. ~ Ibo proverb Children are the reward of life. ~ African proverb

African Proverbs on Friendship

To be without a friend is to be poor indeed. ~ Tanzanian proverb Hold a true friend with both hands. ~ African proverb The friends of our friends are our friends. ~ Congolese proverb A friend is someone you share the path with. ~ African proverb Show me your friend and I will show you your character. ~ African proverb Return to old watering holes for more than water; friends and dreams are there to meet you. ~ African proverb Between true friends even water drunk together is sweet enough. ~ African proverb A small house will hold a hundred friends. ~ African proverb A close friend can become a close enemy.~ African proverb Bad friends will prevent you from having good friends. ~ Gabon proverb

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AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki invites the African Diaspora to invest and be part of the continental development Agenda

Washington, USA 15 November 2017 – As part of his official visit to Washington DC, H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), on 15 November 2017, met with Rep. Karen Bass and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in Washington DC before addressing the representatives of the African Diaspora and African American community. The discussions during both meetings focused on the need to strengthen partnership between Africa and America particularly narrowing the gap and bringing the African Americans / Diaspora closer to Africa to better contribute to the development of the Continent in their capacity as Africa’s sixth region. The AU considers the Diaspora to as the sixth Region of the Continent with the current five regions of southern, eastern, western, central, and northern Africa.

The session took place in the conference room of the AU Mission to the USA also referred to as “Africa House,” and was facilitated by Mr, Melvin P. Foote, President of the Constituency for Africa (CFA). The lively interactive exchange of views between the representatives of the Diaspora, the AU Commission Chairperson and some AU Commissioners, took place in the presence of Mr. Al Ba, President and CEO of One Africa Group Diaspora Leaders, Detroit, Michigan; Amb. Arikana Chihombori Quao, Permenent Representative of the AU Mission to the USA; Mr. Mamadou Samba, Director of the Mayor’s Office of African Affairs (MOAA); Mr, Kenny Oreagba, Chairman of the Maryland Governor’s Commission on African Affairs; and several other high profile US-based African leaders.

In his welcoming remarks, the president of the CFA expressed his gratitude to the AUC Chairperson for accepting to meet Diaspora leaders and pointed out that the Diaspora in the USA and worldwide, has much to offer to Africa. “In the United States alone there are over 50 million who are Diaspora including African-Americans, whose ancestors were brought to these shores 400 years ago as slaves, to provide the free-labor that enabled this country to develop into the power that it is today as well as the remarkable presence of Afro-Latinos and those from the Caribbean.” Mr Foote also “According to the World Bank, the African immigrant community remit more than $35 billion dollars to the continent each year, a larger amount than all of the Foreign Direct Investment that the continent receives”.

The discussion between the Diaspora and Chairperson Faki touched on various areas of cooperation and partnership including direct and indirect investment in Africa to boost economic grown through trade and business development, agriculture, education, infrastructure development, ICT and innovation, among others.

For his part, the AUC Chairperson called on the

Diaspora to better organize itself and engage the AU Commission in a more efficient manner to ensure “The Africa We Want” and improve the lives of the African population in the continent and the Diaspora. Chairperson Faki was confident that this key partnership would be reinforced through the AU Mission to the USA and close the gap between the continent and its Diaspora.

Note to Editors: The African Union Representational Mission to the United States of America is the first bilateral mission of the African Union in the World. The main Mission of the AU diplomatic representation in the US is to build, sustain, and nurture a strategic partnership with the United Sates government, develop, maintain productive institutional relationships between the African Union and key U.S stakeholders including the Congress, think- tanks, institutions of higher learning, civil society, the private sector and the in the Diaspora.

On the ongoing basis, and in accordance with the mandate of the AU Mission to the USA the AUCU.S. strategic partnership has been reinforced in the areas of mutual interest such as peace and security, democracy and governance, economic development, investment and trade, and promotion of opportunity and development.

Engaging the U.S. Congress. Africa has always enjoyed a strong bipartisan and bicameral support within both Houses of the U.S Congress. The focus has been on Peace and Security, Agriculture and Food Security, Trade and Investment with a focus on The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Power Africa, Electrify Africa and Capacity Building.

The AU Mission is playing a key role in coordinating the African Ambassadors Group (AAG) to advance the common African interest. The AU Mission serves as Secretariat for the Group and the presence of the AU Mission to the USA has been instrumental in enhancing African Union Commission / World Bank Group/IMF partnership.

Media Queries : Ebba Kalondo, Spokesperson of the Chairperson, African Union Commission; E-mail: KalondoE@africa-union.org

Esther Azaa Tankou, Head of Information Division, Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC; E-mail: yamboue@africaunion.org

Christiane Matondo, Principal Communication Officer, Bureau of the AUC Chairperson, E-mail: yanrouc@africa-union.org

https://au.int/

Mr. Mamadou Samba, Director of the Mayor’s Office of African Affairs (MOAA); Mr. Al Ba, President and CEO of One Africa Group Diaspora Leaders, Detroit, Michigan; H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Amb. Arikana Chihombori Quao, Permenent Representative of the AU Mission to the USA;

Mr, Melvin P. Foote, President of the Constituency for Africa (CFA).

Howard University Biologist’s Participation In Study Leads To Genetic Discovery Challenging Skin Color As Characteristic Of “Race”

Afrikan

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African populations, which is considered high for a human variable trait.

“Because alleles in or near the genes identified in our study account for a large proportion of the differences in skin pigmentation, we argue that there are fewer genes of strong effect that influence this trait, whereas for a trait like human height, for example, there are likely a larger number of alleles that contribute to observable differences,” said Campbell.

Howard University Department of Biology Assistant Professor Michael C. Campbell and an international team of scientists led by members of Professor Sarah Tishkoff’s lab at the University of Pennsylvania have identified new variants in or near the SLC24A5, MFSD12, DDB1, TMEM138, OCA2 and HERC2 genes that are responsible for skin color in modern humans. Howard University Department of Biology Assistant Professor Michael C. Campbell and an international team of scientists led by members of Professor Sarah Tishkoff’s lab at the University of Pennsylvania have identified new variants in or near the SLC24A5, MFSD12, DDB1, TMEM138, OCA2 and HERC2 genes that are responsible for skin color in modern humans.

Unlike prior skin-color-research studies, which have focused on European subjects, the present study analyzed genetic data from a large set of 1,570 people from populations in very remote regions in Ethiopia, Tanzania and Botswana located in eastern and southern Africa, making it the first of its kind. The individuals included in this study practice different modes of subsistence and possess a broad spectrum of skin pigmentation present in Africa.

Among the partnering local academic institutions were the University of Botswana, University of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in Tanzania. As part of the process of data collection, public meetings with local authorities, community members, translators and the researchers from the University of Pennsylvania were held to ensure that participants were fully and properly informed about the nature of the study.

“In Botswana we collected genetic and phenotype data from San hunter-gatherers who have lighter pigmentation compared to their Bantu-speaking neighbors,” said Campbell. “In Tanzania and Ethiopia, genetic and phenotype data were collected from NiloSaharan and Bantu-speaking populations that have darker pigmentation.”

The study also collected a range of phenotypic information, including skin melanin index which is a measure of melanin content, from over 2,000 ethnically and genetically diverse subjects. According to Campbell, by analyzing both genetic and phenotypic information, researchers identified novel alleles—or variants—that explain approximately 30 percent of the skin pigmentation differences in

Campbell also noted a particular strength of the study is the functional follow-up across animal models, such as the zebrafish and mouse, which provided very strong evidence that the alleles, identified through the researchers’ genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach, in fact played a role in skin color determination and were not false positive association hits. Zebrafish are a particularly relevant organism since they were instrumental in the identification of the human SLC24A5 gene, which was found to contribute to light skin in populations of European and some south Asian populations in previous studies. “One of the other striking findings of our research is that many of the alleles associated with darker pigmentation are derived, as opposed to ancestral as previously believed,” said Campbell. “Furthermore, alleles for lighter and darker skin pigmentation are both present in Africa—alleles associated with lighter skin pigmentation are found at higher frequency in the San huntergatherers from southern Africa, while allele associated with darker skin pigmentation are found at higher frequency in NiloSaharan and other sub-Saharan Africans except the San. Most of these alleles for light and dark pigmentation are also very old (up to hundreds of thousands of years old in Africa), predating the origin of modern humans. One implication of this finding is that it indicates lighter pigmentation did not evolve recently outside of Africa but was already present within Africa for a long period of time.”

“In addition, the same genetic variants (or alleles) correlated with darker skin pigmentation in Africans are the same as the variants correlated with dark skin pigmentation in South Asian and Australo-Melanesian populations,” said Campbell. These finding indicate that the alleles contributing to dark pigmentation in South Asians and Australo-Melanesians were inherited from Africans, and did not evolve independently. One of the strongest implications of this finding is that it challenges notions of race which has historically been defined by skin color and establishes clear genetic relationships between different human populations.

“Sociologically and historically, value has been placed on skin pigmentation differences and these differences have been at the root of injustices committed against individuals over an extended period of time,” said Campbell. “However, our study highlights the fact that this biological trait, like a host of others in our species—[such as] lactase persistence or bitter taste perception—is a normal variable trait that arose in response to environmental factors during human evolutionary history.”

Most notably, both light and dark skin pigmentations have conferred benefits to humans. In particular, darker skin is believed to help protect against the negative impacts of ultraviolet light exposure, while lighter skin helps to promote synthesis of vitamin D, which requires sunlight to penetrate the skin, in regions of the world with low ultraviolet light exposure.

For Campbell, the only researcher from an HBCU represented amongst the 47 who contributed to the study, this research is of particular interest, because of its insights into understanding the

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genetic basis and evolutionary history of skin pigmentation—particularly darker pigmentation—and its ability to reveal the history of people who are highly underrepresented in human genomic and evolutionary studies.

According to Campbell, given that existing African samples included in the study, while comprehensive, are not exhaustive, one future direction of this research could involve sampling individuals in other regions in Africa, such as West and West Central Africa, for a more complete geographic representation of diverse Africans in the overall dataset.

“One other possible future study could be to examine genomic variation in African Americans to better understand the extent to which the novel alleles identified in our study contribute to skin pigmentation in this recently admixed population,” said Campbell. “Additionally, it would be very interesting to test for an association between the genomic regions identified in our study and skin diseases in Africans, such as vitiligo, or congenital conditions, such as albinism.”

“Indeed, [this] study provides a great starting point for investigating whether or not individuals with certain genetic variants are more or less susceptible to DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation or respond to cellular stress differently.”

For the full findings of the study in the journal Science, please visit http://science.sciencemag.org/content/358/6365/eaan8433.

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*Head-shot by: Howard University

**Gene structure of SLC24A5 by: Basu Mallick C, Iliescu FM, Möls M, Hill S, Tamang R, Chaubey G, et al. (2013) The Light Skin Allele of SLC24A5 in South Asians and Europeans Shares Identity by Descent. PLoS Genet9(11): e1003912 ***Collage by: Alessia Ranciaro and Simon Thompson

The 7th Annual 3G Awards in New York

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Bronx, NY - On Saturday, November 11th, 2017, the 7th Annual 3G Awards Gala which happened in New York was very successful and inspiring. It featured high powered personalities, community leaders and celebrities.

Present were; Apostle Dr. Isaac Owusu Bempah, Prophet Agyemang Prempeh, Professor Emeritus Samuel Amoako, The Consul Gneral, Hon. Ben.Quantson, Former Consul General, Counsellor George Lutterodt and Irene Logan.

The Founder and CEO of the Annual 3G Awards; Charles N. Ntiamoah-Mensah aka Mr. CNN extended his heartfelt gratitude to sponsors and everyone present for their immense support.

Opening prayer by Rev. Dr. Nana Owusu Prempeh. There were subsequent remarks by; Kwabena Manu, Editor in Chief; 3G Magazine who represented the Board of Directors. The Chairperson was; Fred Ansong Dwamena, Executive Secretary General, NCOGA.

Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah who is the founder and leader of Glorious Word Power Ministry International Mr. CNN, Media Personality and CEO of of 3G Media

Music was provided by DJ Prekese, Live Performance by The Majestic Band. irene Logan shook New York with her dynamic voice. C Burn and Clem Biney also Performed.

MCs; Bernard Aduse Poku and Kwaku Owiredu Sarpong aka Ageorgia.

Red Carpet By Lucy Asare aka Queen and Catherine Cudjoe aka Keymama

Producers; Nana NYC, Minnel Essien and Grace Imo Banquet Hall Decor and Red Carpet by Heavenly JIC Magazine Designed by Henry Ayensu, Cr8ive House and Published by 3G Media

Some of the Award Recipients Popular radio and television relationship counsellor Reverend George Lutterodt

Major Sponsors; First Family Home Care, Investigroup; May Jay Property Management and Samuel Obeng.

Honorees Present were;

Lifetime Achievement Award; Apostle Dr. Isaac Owusu Bempah Vivienne Achor

Community Excellence Award Ike Donkor Mary Edusei Francis Akrofi

IKe Donkor of PAK Banquet Hall

3G Publisher's Choice Award Emmanuel Kusi Mensah Kwame Jesse Counsellor George Lutterdt

Prophet Akwasi Agyeman Prempeh

Global Humanitarian Award Prophet Akwasi Agyemang Prempeh Rev. Beatrice Aboagye Irene Logan

Honorees Not Present; Willie & Mike; Humanitarian, Pat Thomas; Lifetime Achievement; Dr. Thomas Mensah; Lifetime Achievement.

www.3gmedia.com

Irene Logan, singer-songwriter

Eddie Somuah of Prestige Travel and Tours

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WHY PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT MUST INVEST IN REAL ESTATE

I am a 2nd generation of an African descent living overseas and over the years I have realized that the first generation of African descent has a myopic way of thinking and doing things. As a Realtor, I have come across a number of scenarios that I feel burdened and overwhelmed to address. One of the attributes I have encountered is “IGNORANCE”. Of course scripture does say that “for lack of knowledge my people perish” and indeed most Africans are perishing because of the symptom of ignorance. What I have been trying to wrap my mind around is when you lay the foundation and educate one about the benefits of buying a real estate property in America, they are quick to say “I am concentrating on my project back home where I will spend my golden years!” Over and over I keep hearing this statement. Yet, I have seen people go back home and come back to America in a twinkle of an eye. When I asked the reason for their sudden return back to America, the laundry list of things that drove them back to America goes on and on. Most go back home to find their project in shamble, or the monies that were sent home have been used by their relative (s) for other things; or sadly they go home and tragically die and not even enjoy the fruits of their labor. You know the stories. It puzzles me that we have not learned anything from these atrocious stories. We continue to perpetuate this cycle. Imagine if you had invested in real estate here in America, you would have greatly reaped the benefits. Here are a few things to consider. You would have gone back home and come back to your real estate property in whole to enjoy, or you could have enjoyed rental income from the real estate property in America while living overseas or you could have sell and cashed out the equity on your real estate in America as you venture off to motherland. You see real estate investment in America is a win-win coin for you. The other side of the issue that troubles me is that our parents have failed to recognize that their decision for not investing has impacted the younger generation. We find it difficult to keep par with our peers who are non-Africans. Most of our peers graduate with minimum or no student loans because their parents were able to use their home equity to support their college education. Furthermore,

our peers tend to get ahead of us because they have the luxury of living with their parents after college and as a result they are able to purchase their own first home and other things that give them an edge over us. Most importantly, our parents have failed to recognize that "us” the 2nd, 3rd etc…generations, the chances of us going back to motherland to acquire or posse your properties are slim. We ask that you keep the investment(s) here so we (your children, grand children, great grand children) can enjoy your labor. Mommy, Daddy, Uncle, Aunt; the younger generation is crying out loud that you wake up and begin to realize that America is the land of opportunities and investment through home ownership is part of the deal that drove you from motherland to this great country you live in and now call “home”. When we see you investing or owning a property, it gives us something to look up to and the will to achieve greater things. It is no longer about you and going back to motherland; it’s about investing in our future so we can also enjoy all that America has to offer. I will leave you with this to ponder; scripture says “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children.” So as you start thinking of this, I urge you to start planning and start dreaming. The American dream is achievable and attainable. Imagine that! Stay tuned for the next article which will provide a step by step guide on how to achieve the American dream through home ownership. Blessings in full portion! For more information about your real estate needs (buying, selling, leasing/renting a house) call me at 571-229-6694 and I will help you get started. Thank you.

Anita A. Bediako- REALTOR® –Licensed in the Common Wealth of Virginia Prince William CountyLocal Expert CONTACT 571-229-6694 Email: borderlessrealestate@gmail.com Borderlessrealestate.com

Secure Your Future Get Life Insurance Call Today 571-778-1917 December 2017

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Outstanding Benefits

Investments opportunities

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Tax Season is Here Again.

December 2017

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All too soon, the tax season is here with us again and you need someone who will prepare your taxes and get you your FULL refund.

You will need someone who will do a detailed analysis of your W2s and efficiently prepare your taxes where you will have no problems with the IRS. Call Dr. Lawrence Appiah on 703-400-1621 and let him prepare your taxes for you this year. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to receive any letters from the IRS after you have spent all your money, call the tax expert and have your peace of mind with the IRS.

Call Dr. Lawrence Appiah (703-400-1621) For Your Full Tax Refund Within 5 Days Guaranteed. No Appointments Necessary.

RoyalHouse Chapel International -Maryland Grand Opening & Dedication of Church Building

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The Maryland branch of Royalhouse Chapel International, an offspring of Rev Sam Korankye-Ankrah’s Royalhouse Chapel International on November 26 celebrated the grand opening and dedication of their new church Building in Laurel Maryland . Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah was assisted by African Union Ambassador to United States Arikana Chihombori-Quao to cut the sod for the Historic opening of the Grace to Grace Center which occupies about 91,000 square feet of space on 6 acres of land in Laurel Maryland. According to Rev. Agomeda “We have been waiting for this over the years. It was important for us to have a facility like this and I am super excited” From its modest development and it’s challenging times the Royalhouse Chapel a bible based family church has become the home of fellowship for about 500 people. Under the able leadership of Rev. Emmanuel T Agormeda, a Motivational Speaker, Revivalist, Pastor and a champion with a passion for the kingdoms work the ministry has been abound with testimonies and the acquisition of the huge property is a visible manifestation of Rev. Agomeda and his team’s untiring efforts.

Many eminent personalities joined the celebration of the grand opening including Sierra Leone Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Bockari Stevens, Mr. Eric Boateng of the Ghana Embassy in Washington DC, and Pastors of the various branches of Royalhouse , USA Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah, an Apostle, Prophet, Pacifist, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, Educationist, Author and a Motivational speaker is the founder of Royalhouse Chapel International. His ministry has significantly made a difference in the lives of street children, the homeless in society, drug addicts, commercial sex workers, single parents, widows and widowers as well as the aged with philanthropic initiatives like ''Outreach for Comfort '', ''Rescue to the needy'' ''Ministry to the Aged'', ''Hospital and Prisons Outreaches'' and ''Scholarship Schemes for Bright but Needy Students''. The countless testimonies of people whose lives have been transformed by his ministry bear abundant witness and proof of his calling. MD. Grace2Grace Center Royalhouse Grace 2 Grace center is located at 7911 Bray green Road in Laurel, Maryland For more information visit www.royalhousemd.org or send email to Info@royalhousemd.org

December 2017

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RoyalHouse Chapel International -Maryland Grand Opening & Dedication of Church Building

December 2017

Grand Opening

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Rev. and Mrs. Agomeda

Choir In Ministration

Apostle and Mrs. Sam Korankye Ankrah

Ohemaa Mercy Ministering

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December 2017

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6th Winternational Brings Washington Dc Diplomatic Community Together In 2017

Afrikan

December 2017

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6th Winternational brings Washington DC diplomatic community together in 2017Winternational is an international festival that prioritizes the celebration of showcasing cultural and culinary traditions of the diplomatic community in Washington, District of Columbia (DC).The 2017 festival which was held on Wednesday, December 6 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center was also the 6th edition of the annual embassy showcase event which is freely accessible to the general public.Winternational embodies an environment of a global marketplace within which respective embassies get to promote their countries with a colorful array of food, art, handcrafts, music and travel, and tourism displays.

African Union Mission

Morocco

Kenya

Ghana

Bostwana

Malawi