- A satirical play [Phantom Crescent] written by a renowned rights activist, Shehu Sani, was banned by an Islamic court in northern Kaduna state. The ban automatically halted the performance of the play on 23 October.
The play captured the lives of corrupt politicians in the country’s Sharia-controlled states. Phantom Crescent exposed how politicians, especially state governors, hide behind Sharia laws to empty state coffers with impunity.
The court’s order followed a motion filed by a pro-Sharia group. But the author of the satirical play expressed his determination to fight what he called “this infringement on my fundamental right to freedom of expression.” He said he had contacted his lawyers.
After a famous Nigerian actress, Maryam Hiyana, was seen on a video clip having sex with a married man, officials in Kano state placed a six month suspension on all filming.
Kano officials have vowed to tighten film acting and production. As such, actors and directors have to obtain film licence as well as meet certain criteria before they are allowed to operate in the state.
At least 12 states in the Muslim-dominated states in Nigeria’s northern region have introduced Sharia since 1999, when the country returned to civilian rule.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.