Politics & Diplomacy
Hashimoto to retract sex suggestion for U.S. military
Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto aims to retract his remark that U.S. servicemen in Okinawa should use its adult entertainment industry to avoid committing sex offenses.
World Apr 4, 2013
MI6 played key role in Lumumba plot: ex-spy
A former U.K. intelligence officer told a friend that Britain played a role in the assassination of Congolese independence hero Patrice Lumumba, British media has reported. Before she died three years ago, Daphne Park — who was sent as an MI6 officer to the ...
National Apr 3, 2013
War photographer feels compelled to cover Africa strife Japan ignores
War photographer Ryo Kameyama, 37, is no stranger to danger, having lost the sight in his left eye due to a stray bullet in 2000 while covering the Palestinian conflict. But he feels drawn to Africa, where he has witnessed rampant violence and where ...
Business Mar 26, 2013
China makes peanuts new 'gold' in Senegal
High walls protect a Chinese peanut warehouse in central Senegal, where the product is becoming the new “gold” for farmers bypassing local traders to sell to Asia at inflated prices. Beneath an asphalt road leading into the village of Dinguiraye in the West African ...
World Mar 26, 2013
President flees as Central African rebels take capital
Rebels in the Central African Republic seized control of the capital, Bangui, as the president fled on Sunday, but they promised to respect a January peace deal that provides for elections within three years. Looters and armed gangs roamed the streets of the city ...
World Mar 25, 2013
Central African Republic rebels push into capital
Rebels in the Central African Republic said they had advanced into the capital, Bangui, ignoring a call by the country’s prime minister for talks in order to avoid a “bloodbath.” “We call on the population to stay at home, on the FACA (Central African ...
World Mar 24, 2013
Congo warlord surrenders to ICC
Congolese war crimes suspect Bosco Ntaganda, dubbed “The Terminator,” was behind bars at the International Criminal Court on Saturday after turning himself in to face charges ranging from murder and rape to the use of child soldiers. The first suspect ever to hand himself ...
National Mar 18, 2013
Africa to receive $550 million in aid
Japan will provide $550 million in new aid to African nations to help foster peace and stability on the continent, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida announced at a preparatory aid meeting in Ethiopia, government officials said. The ¥52.4 billion package disclosed Saturday is part of ...
Science & Health Mar 14, 2013
Scientists use iPhone to detect intestinal worms in Tanzania
Scientists used an iPhone and a camera lens to diagnose intestinal worms in Tanzania, a breakthrough that could help doctors treat patients infected with the parasites, a study said Tuesday. Research published by the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene showed that it ...
Politics & Diplomacy | ANALYSIS Mar 13, 2013
Kenyatta turned ICC indictment to his advantage in poll
Far from having been a handicap, Uhuru Kenyatta’s indictment for crimes against humanity galvanized his supporters, giving the already formidable machinery of his coalition the edge, analysts said. Kenyatta, 51, was proclaimed president Saturday after an outright win in the first round with 50.07% ...
National Mar 7, 2013
Japan to host May summit on Africa resources
Japan will invite ministers from about a dozen African nations for a May 18 meeting in Tokyo to discuss cooperation in the area of natural resources, trade minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Tuesday. “We hope it will be an opportunity to create new ties with ...
Social Issues Feb 25, 2013
'All white' ads spur backlash in Senegal
Outraged by ads urging women to bleach their skin, a spontaneous movement has emerged in Senegal arguing that black is beautiful — and to act otherwise is to risk one’s health. The campaign sprang up in response to advertisements that appeared in the capital, ...
World Feb 23, 2013
As Africa rises, Europe loses grip on Catholic power base
by Afua Hirsch
The muted light of an African sunset filters into the high, pointed roof of Christ The King church in Accra, a wide, understated building just metres away from the seat of government in Ghana's capital city.