- Niger talks have hit yet another hard rock after the opposition accused government of refusing to adhere to suggestions by mediator and former Nigerian President General Abdusalami Abubaka.
A leading member of Niger’s opposition coalition, Bazoum Mohammed,said President Mamadou Tandja’s government is to blame for the breakdown of negotiations to resolve an ongoing political crisis.
The dialogue, which began last year on 21 December and has been interrupted several times, failed again after two conflicting sides could not reach an understanding on the new draft agreement submitted by Abdulsalami Abubakar, the mediator of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The draft accord proposes that President Mamadou Tandja remains in office during the period of transition. It also envisages an opposition prime minister, a new constitution and fresh general elections.
President Tandja dissolved parliament in May last year and extended his term by way of a referendum on 4 August, which was boycotted by the opposition.
Political observers have suggested that the West African regional bloc might consider stiffer sanctions against President Tandja’s government over the breakdown of negotiations.
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.
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