Africa
Mali's last master calligrapher escapes violence in Timbuktu with ancient manuscripts in tow
Before the French came in and pushed the Islamic militants out of the towns in northern Mali, many of the country's historic artifacts and cultural history were threatened. But because of the forethought of some Malians, including calligrapher Boubacar Sadek, the country's manuscripts were saved. For now.
Militants in Mali take hostages in Algeria
The ongoing unrest in northern Mali is raising concerns that the militants could move into neighboring countries. And with the latest jihadist retaliation and taking of hostages, some say it's time for an increased focus on the Maghreb region and the militants who rule it....Increase of French forces in Mali, hopes to end ongoing crisis
The ongoing conflict in northern Mali has forced France to increase their troops in the former French colony. But as France increases their force and the UN prepares African troops, immediacy of the troop increase has become a concern....Tourist trade dries up as Mali struggles with Islamist insurgency
Mali's tourism industry was long its third-most important, fueling local economies and keeping people employed. But after terrorists and separatists seized control of the country's northern region, that tourism has all but disappeared....In Africa, Malians forced to flee, frustrated by lack of progress
Mali's split in two, the north controlled by a coalition of separatists and Islamic terrorists, the south governed by a weak, coalition government. Thousands have fled the sharia law implemented in the north, but there's no sign of an imminent resolution to the situation, despite months of talk....Chips Funga: Kenyans transform term for French fries into slang for one-night stand
The term Chips Funga is taking Kenya by storm. It's the name for the popular French fries that club-goers might eat after a night out on the town. But it's also become a slang term for when a man meets a women and takes her home for a one-night stand. There's a related term for when the shoe is on the other foot, too....After Libyan revolution, multi-cultural community torn apart
Ghadames, the "Pearl of the Desert," in Libya has been the crossroads of cultures for centuries. Through that time, different cultures lived in relative harmony. But when Libya's revolution exposed divisions, it drove a wedge through this once peaceful community....Women in Sierra Leone face high barriers to participation in politics
Women in Sierra Leone are trying to get more involved in the country's politics but they're being stymied by a political system and a culture that advantages men. And while a major party candidate has selected a woman as his running mate, his party has still put just 10 women on their ballot. Some 38 women in total are running, compared to 548 men....South Africa introduces new currency design, honoring Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela led South Africa out of the apartheid era and on Tuesday, South Africa honored him by putting his face on the face of the country's money. The new, advanced security bills feature Africa's indigenous animals on the reverse side....Next generation of Mali musicians face a country that won't let them perform
Mali is in the throes of an uprising between the country's Islamic fundamentalists and its nomadic, indigenous Tuareg people. The Islamists are on top and have banned all "non-devotional" music. And that's totally upended what was once a vibrant music scene....-
(21 May, 2013 08:58:54)Stop moaning everyone - unbelievable and endless queue of worlds biggest collection of all minded moaning Minnie's -
PUdden N Tane (20 May, 2013 09:40:50)Take her crayons away then put her in the corner. How could anyone even 'think' they are doing right by the picture when they make ... -
Womprat (20 May, 2013 02:50:44)There were no swamp rats. There were Womprats, though. -
Jonathan (20 May, 2013 11:59:28)You're quite right. Sorry about that! Jonathan Kealing PRI.org -
My Other Car's the Tardis (20 May, 2013 11:37:03)I think you dropped a letter in the album's title: "Ela" is "she"--not "he"--in Portuguese.



