This Saturday, May 9, 2009, a group of people gathered at Goma Primary
School in Chikwawa. The bicycle parade to Mgabu Trading Centre, as one
way of sensitizing people about the beauty of taking part in national
elections, was taking too long to start. But everybody kept quiet, no
murmuring, complaints, whatsoever- just some inner, psychological
pain. It was as if everybody, more or less, blamed themselves for
their delinquency, lack of power to make things happen their way or
merely pushed it over to bad luck.
Among this group were Chikwawa group village heads- Goma, Senjere,
Changa, Makande, Linga, Singano, Konzere, Jombo, Mpheza, and Mgabu. At
Mgabu Trading Centre waited Traditional Authority (T/A) Mgabu himself,
and a host of other T/As; Ngowe and Sub-TA Masache, among others. The
meeting at Mgabu Trading Centre was initially slated for 10:00am, but
arrival delays for a Two-toner vehicle carrying the Public Address
System meant 12:00 noon would be the most probable time for departure
to the Trading Centre.
Then, around 11:00am, something happened- unrelated to the event that
was to be, but in the end (it) related, all the same. Made to relate
by the sharp democratically-tuned eye of Maynard Nyirenda, Programmes
Officer for the Sustainable Rural Growth and Development Initiative
(SRGDI), an organisation behind this great gathering of traditional
leaders and other villagers; for most of these, the relatively long
distance they had traveled registered on their bicycles. The village
‘motor vehicles’ had added some dusty colour to their, mostly, black
colour.
Distance speaks. It speaks through dust that clings to such mobile
property as bicycles, vehicles, ferries, even wheelbarrows.
Back to 11:00am, and what happened:
A man in his late 30s was chasing a little dog in, somewhat, lucid
manner from the Southern end of Goma Primary School. He caught up with
it just some two metres from Nyirenda and me, behind the primary
school. The ‘master’ then started whipping the little dog, fiercely,
without mercy, to the extent of even throwing six stones at it (poor
dog!). To Nyirenda’s amazement, the dog did not come anywhere near us
to seek refuge but lied down before him, licking his hands in an
attempt to mollify him.
That is typical of dogs; they often remain close to their master, even
when the master is away. They wait at home for his return, for in the
dog’s mind the master will always return, and then follows him
whenever it is permitted once he returns. The man, who later said his
name was Simeon Makaza, was a good man, according to some of the
villagers who sat patiently under Acacias trees, waiting for the
bicycle parade to Mgabu. He was only infuriated at his dog’s
discourtesy in eating his two mice. He had laboured and toiled really
had to get those two (mice) because, he claimed, eight more had eluded
his seemingly clever hands.
“I wanted to teach it (the dog) a lesson because it is still young,
only nine months old. As they say, Kuongola mtengo ndiukadali waungono
(the best time to straighten a tree is when it is still tender and
young),” said Makaza, seemingly satisfied with the ‘job’ he had done.
We did not leave Makaza at Goma Primary School, he and his dog. He
went home, some 100 metres away, took his bicycle and joined the
bicycle parade for Mgabu when 12:00 noon came and it was time to go.
Every one on the parade wore t-shirts written ‘Ndife Amodzi’ (We are
One). Except some four people because they had come alittle late when
the t-shirts had run out, but they still cycled, fully aware of the
importance of the day.
Any lessons from the ‘master’-little dog scenario at Goma (Primary
School)? I asked Nyirenda.
“Yes,” said Nyirenda. “It is like democracy”.
Here is a master and his little dog, and you talk about democracy. Has
that scenario gone that far?
“It’s not going far (linking the two to democracy); I am just applying
the things we come across in everyday life, like what we saw at Goma,
and relating them to democracy. The symbols we come across in life may
represent so many things, including the relationship between leaders
and their subjects, which I may link to democracy. There must always
be a process through which leaders are made accountable………….”
(Interruption)
I say, how does that relate to democracy?
“It relates. The dog had eaten its master’s two mice, isn’t it?”
He claimed so.
“Right. That applies in democratic systems of government, like ours
here in Malawi, too. The national leaders ‘eat’ our votes because we
cast them (votes) for them (leaders). The votes are not for free. It
is like investing power in them and we expect something back.
“Something in terms of development initiatives, favourable laws and
accountability. By beating up the dog, the owner- I wouldn’t love to
call him master, which does not apply in democracy because the master
is the voter, the purported subject- Makaza was just trying to make it
accountable for the two mice. Everything we see could have lessons to
the systems of our every day life,” said Nyirenda.
That was the reason national leaders have to play to ‘little dog’ once
every five years, he said. Just what happened on May19, 2009.
So, the delays in departing for Mgabu were a blessing in disguise; one
more lesson about democracy. Nyirenda said, for Malawi’s democracy to
grow and attain maturity to the level of the United States of America,
for instance, there was need to gauge the pay we have traveled, and
suggest some of the things we may put in place to make our leaders
accountable, other than instilling in them the spirit that they were
‘masters’.
Malawians needed to find out the impact of the four times (1994, 1999,
2004 and 2009) our national leaders were made to lie down and account
for their political actions. They then got re-elected (positive
sanction) or got the boot (negative sanction). That happens when
little dogs lie down.
Rafiq Hajat, Executive Director for the Institute for Policy
Interaction (IPI) and his counterpart at the Active Youth Initiative
for Social Enhancement, Marcel Chisi, agree with Nyirenda that there
is need to draw some lessons from the 15 years of Malawi’s democracy.
The boat is not half empty because even chairperson for the Public
Affairs Committee (Pac) Fr. Boniface Tamani, Human Rights Consultative
Committee’s (HRCC) chairperson, Undule Mwakasungula and Gender Support
Programme’s Cecilia Mussa agree- a common voice echoed by political
analysts and scientists.
Some of these lessons came out clearly during public lectures
organized by SRGDI with funding from the German institution GTZ. It
came under the ‘Demokalase Yathu’ (Our Democracy) Project, which was
conceived to help Malawians design democratic principles that make
local sense, and tallies with our hopes, wishes and aspirations.
Hajat, Mzuzu University political analyst Noel Mbowela, Chancellor
College lecture in the Department of Political and Administrative
Studies Joseph Chunga, among others, guided Malawians through this
process. Each step towards the whole 15-years process a lesson.
Some of these lessons also came from various other analysts and observers.
Malawi has no parliament, just a national assembly
One of the things that came out clearly was the revelation by Chisi
that Malawi has no parliament, only a national assembly. This took
students from the Catholic University by surprise. There was some
sort of understandable disgust provoked by that revelation, though it
is clear that constructive thinking, ironically, is almost taking the
place in Malawian politics of the politics of patronage as the void-
once filled by the zeal to appease, regionalism and nepotism- is being
filled with pour ideologies.
Having done away with the one party system of government, and thus
one-sidedness in thinking, people can now focus on a myriad of other
issues- truths, half truths, untruths, abuse, ignorance, or prejudice.
Chisi has picked prejudice, saying the events of 1997 in parliament,
when members of parliament (MPs) repelled the Senate, hinged on
prejudice for the people of Malawi because, as the behaviour of MPs
during the 2004 to 2009 House manifested, there was need for checks
and balances.
“Who could check that bunch of MPs? Not the constituents, because
those people were clearly following their party leaders’ bid, but the
senate. That is to say chiefs, minority groups, among others. It is
sad, but true, that Malawi has no parliament because of that action in
1997. Parliament comprises both the senate and the national assembly.
No one way about it,” says Chisi.
Hajat, however, says, as far as he was concerned, the Senate was still
there- at least in his mind- because the 1997 MPs did not call for a
referendum when undertaking such an “enormous task” as to discard off
chiefs and other minority groups in that one mad sweep.
That sounds very much like in 1993. In that year, Malawi’s political
curtain was apparently in tatters and appeared ripe for revolution.
Then came May17, 1994, when came the abrupt, but highly anticipated,
change- a new untried political demand made for a nation of learners.
It was a curious state of limbo buried by a collective barrage of
hope.
“That revolution is not over. We need that spirit to reverse the
damage imposed by a handful people over a nation state. We need the
Senate,” says Hajat.
He may be infuriated because, as it turned out, the hopeful image of
politics of perfection proved merely an illusion. The specter of a
smooth ride and fairness was apparently remote from a country still
dozing from a dictatorship, weakened by a new slanderous, castigating
multiparty regime still nursing the pangs of a shattered economy, an
overtaxed population and rife with traits of regionalism.
We may be lucky now, though, as political analysts and experts have
started replacing the lack of serious dissent, based on the view that
democracy would be perfect and the constitution hole-free. The likes
of Edge Kanyongolo, Boniface Dulani, among others, have contributed a
willingness to do voluntary research that unearths our shortfalls,
which they have presented at various platforms. No longer do members
of the academia, civil society organisations (CSOs), private sector
and the media view the political situation through the same prism.
This pleases Nyirenda, who chips in: “This situation will accord the
curious, progressive citizen a candid view of where our democracy has
come from while, for political scholars, it will supply some footnotes
to the relevance of citizens’ participation and, of course, give more
ammunition to the ‘dyed-in-the-wool’ critic of the Republican
constitution.”
Nobody is willing to relinquish grip over public media
One Bruce Sterling never set foot on Malawi. True. Yet, the practical
machinations of his words render credence in Malawi. If that sounds
unfamiliar, hear him (Sterling): “Knowledge is power. Do you suppose
that (that) fragile little form of yours, your primitive legs, your
ridiculous arms and hands, your tiny, scarcely wrinkled brain can
contain all that power? Certainly not! Already, your race is flying to
pieces under the impact of your own expertise. The original human form
is becoming obsolete.”
Nyirenda agrees that knowledge is power. There are so many ways of
getting this knowledge- through school class rooms, conferences,
meetings, seminars, every day experience. But none, he says, surpasses
the power of radio in Malawi, and to some extent television. And no
radio station surpasses the reach of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation’s
(MBC) Radio One (though Zodiac Broadcasting Station is going that
distance).
“People are being denied balanced knowledge here in Malawi; those
entrusted with the mandate to rule are not loosening their grip over
MBC, and that has an impact on democracy. What it means when we say
‘Knowledge is power’ is that it can change perspectives, it can tilt
results, it can misinform. Our people are being shown one side of the
coin and that is a serious anomaly,” says Nyirenda, an observation
once shared by many.
Dulani, Kanyongolo, Hajat, Mwakasungula, Hajat, international
electoral observers, parliament, former president Bakili Muluzi
(himself an abuser of the same) have all spoken about it. Even the
Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority and Electoral Commission’s
(EC) media monitoring units have pointed it out. No change.
Students who also patronized the Demokalase Yathu Public lectures felt
the same- the need to open up the airwaves to dissenting views.
“Let the people get the power. Whether they have the capacity to
contain that power (knowledge) is irrelevant in democracy. Democracy
means power to the people and knowledge is one way of imparting that
knowledge, power,” says Mwakasungula.
EC Chairperson, Justice Anastasia Msosa, bemoaned it too (patronage of
the public media) in her assessment of the official campaign period.
“The public media has performed miserably in leveling the playing
field for other political parties,” she said.
Democratic governance makes it necessary to provide a time frame,
which in Malawi’s case comes every five years after any other national
election, where it is necessary to unmask, through a secret ballot,
the mass of repressed political wishes lying within the unconscious so
that a new possibility founded on informed knowledge and choices may
be launched to inspire people towards the next course of development.
Two months before this all-important unmasking process, the EC pays
for airtime on public broadcasters so that other political players
should have a platform to share their plans, aspirations, wishes
compressed in manifestos.
It never happened in Malawi this time (2009), though it happened in
1994 when the winds of change drew cracks across the hither to single
wall. This is despite the fact that, with the 2004 general elections
approaching and Muluzi ineligible to succeed himself- having served
the two constitutional terms- people thought things would change.
There is hope, however, as most analysts agree. Chisi and Mwakasungula
agree that 2009 may not be fatefully late a beginning to start the
process of change. We are still learning, says Chisi, as evidenced by
the fact, for example, that it may take Malawi over 228 years to reach
the level of democracy of the United States (if maturity in democracy
was measured by the number of years in it, which is, fortunately, not
the case. Democracy lies in the head- the willingness to learn and
change).
While it may be hard to know the real intents behind people who would
want to abuse their political mandate by monopolizing public airwaves,
Mwakasungula says it becomes less hard to isolate their intents from
the will of the people. It all boils down to intolerance and
selfishness, which is often fortified by their propaganda apparatus
including the use of public broadcasters.
Our liberalized markets need democracy, too
The idea behind democratic systems of government is to avoid monopoly
of power by politicians. Those who opted for democracy over all other
forms must have learnt it the hard way from corporations that
monopolized markets in the past. The corporations originally had power
over every dimension of people’s lives: they produced what they (not
people) wanted; produced whatever quantity or quality they determined;
they fixed prices and costs; they decided on the future of each of
their employees and, sometimes, on the future of entire communities.
They could even determine where people lived; what work, if any, would
do for them (people); what they had to eat, drink and wear; what sort
of knowledge, schools and universities needed to encourage; and what
kind of society children had to inherit. Not only that, they also
affected everybody in their treatment of natural resources and how
they decided to deal with their own factory garbage and residues.
Some of these ills, chips in Hajat, continue to be practiced with our
market players.
“Take our tobacco buyers, for instance; they form cartels and connive
on prices; they refuse to share, let alone disclose, part of their
huge profits with the tobacco farmer in Rumphi, Kasungu, Dedza. The
case is the same with the tea grower in Mulanje, Thyolo; and cotton
growers in Salima, Chikwawa, Nsanje. This shows the clear need for
democracy in our market economy,” says Hajat.
He adds that the British government, for instance, makes more money
from taxes imposed on tobacco products than the ‘real’ man who toils
on the ground in Malawi can ever imagine in his basket. They make
billions, he says, when it remains the same old poverty story for the
African farmer.
His sentiments may emanate from the reality that, while our economic
system is sold to us under the banner of a liberalized, free
enterprise economy, experience shows that free enterprise no longer
exists, if, in deed, it ever did. This because free enterprise, as the
name implies, would have been a system in which buyers and sellers had
equal powers, met at a neutral market in the real village, possess
equal information and make their trade without leaving traces of
poverty behind.
Our markets may not be that neutral, in the words of Hajat, because
tobacco buyers dictate the stakes and government still passes
legislation that rigs the market by giving certain groups investment
tax credits, incentives, depletion and depreciation allowances,
subsidies, rebates and price supports.
Assertions best understood by long time Kasungu farmer, Andrew Bauti:
“We need democracy on the tobacco market, and powers enabling farmers
to vote out players who practice unfair trade. In our system,
currently, neither small and big businesses nor buyers and sellers are
equal in any way. It is very unfair on us because we toil and get
nothing in return.”
That may be true because power is contagious. It can only be fought
with equal, or more, power. Buyers are more powerful than the rural
farmer. That is where democracy comes in when, for once, common
citizens retain their power to fight possible excessive use of power
by those in elected positions. This upon the realization that every
human group that exercises power does so, not in such a way as to
bring total happiness to those who are subject to it, but in such a
way as to increase that power.
That happens when we all pretend to own up to the moral values of
democracy none of us really possesses. And Hajat is against it.
From personal to ideology-based politics
Then comes the question of presidential and parliamentary elections.
Sterling wrote that elections were a means by which people delegated
and extended their mandate to national leaders so that, after a
specific period of time, the people (electorate) get their mandate
back and extend it through the election, or re-election, of new
leaders.
Every thing in life is an extension, he argued: as the wheel is an
extension of the foot; clothing an extension of the skin; the roof an
extension of the sky; synthetic hair an extension of tree leaves;
democracy an extension of choice, to the effect that it is no longer
meaningful to see democracy as a subject. It has even moved from an
object of desire to that of designing.
People have designed elections not as an end, but a means to an end.
And the way Malawians are achieving their means to this end (electing
leaders) has pleased Fr. Boniface Tamani, chairperson for the Public
Affairs Committee (PAC) so much.
“People have moved from the politics of personalities to politics
based on principles and ideologies, something we have been advocating
for all these years. It is pleasing to note that we have started
moving towards that direction,” said Tamani.
It is only natural to appreciate, as he does, because every election
is a complex process. The complexity is compounded by the reality that
it involves a multi-purposed society of ever-evolving egos, a
development that means voting on personal, regional, or ideological
lines may not be out of the complete question. To expect that every
one will vote on the basis of principles is tantamount to thinking
that every citizen thinks alike, says Nyirenda.
“Elections and democracy in other words, counters the myth that we
live as autonomous individuals, as islands unto ourselves, without
rights balanced by duties. Our ‘Demokalase Yathu Project’, for
instance, is premised on the realization that every decision each and
every Malawian makes-whether it be to sell yourself into slavery or to
sell yourself into prostitution- adds to and creates the telos of
communities you are part of. You do not exist as an island, in
democracy, you live in the context of majority wishes,” said Nyirenda.
Not that the majority should take everything for themselves, he adds,
but must employ selflessness, compromise, servility and understanding
to improvise the minority population (voters), the social-economically
disenfranchised, the socially and politically marginalized and the
psychologically weak. When people vote on ideology lines, it feeds
into their nature that they must consider the wishes of others without
being tainted by partisanship, nepotism, regionalism, or whatever,”
according to Nyirenda.
Many analysts have hailed Malawians for voting along ideological lines
this time around, though sentiments by Malawi Congress Party leader,
John Tembo, seemed to suggest he wanted people to maintain the status
quo.
What does the sentence, “Those who know the politics of this country
will understand that the way (Bingu wa) Mutharika has amassed the
number of votes he has is very, extra-ordinary”, mean? (That is an
issue for next time).
People get the government they deserve
This is Rafiq Hajat’s tirade against none-voters. During the 2004
parliamentary and presidential elections, only one in every two
registered voters trekked to the polling station, while the rest
stayed home, some remained on the wheel (track and bus drivers). It is
called voter apathy, a term referred to a scenario where eligible
voters decide to stay out for various reasons. There has, however,
never been a comprehensive study on the reasons voters opted to stay
out of the polling station even before voting (when you vote, you are
not supposed to linger around the polling station. Before you vote,
you are most welcome).
“Some of these people were then heard murmuring and complaining about
all sorts of things. If you don’t vote, the government and
administration that comes in is the one you deserve. The solution lies
in voting,” he said.
He may be backed by fact. In 2004, people gave Mutharika, then
standing on United Democratic Front ticket, 36 per cent of the
presidential vote. The policies, ideologies and principles he brought
into office were the things that the people deserved, those who voted,
but more importantly, those who did not.
Come May19, 2009. There was a huge turn out, which Muluzi has equated
to the situation and enthusiasm of 1994. It can not be ruled out that
most of the voters that shunned voting in 2004 came out this time
around, and voted for Mutharika.
Mutharika has chalked 2, 946, 103 votes, translating into 50.7 per
cent of the total votes. Tembo, his staggeringly insignificant runner
up, got 24 per cent of the vote when he got 1, 370, 044 votes. EC
statistics indicate that 5.8 million people registered to be in that
lonely house, polling booth, for some 10 seconds or more.
Why do we say that? “Because Mutharika has amassed an overwhelming
number of votes than anyone else in multiparty democracy since 1994.
The people who stayed out have understandably contributed to this,
after discovering that, may be, Mutharika’s style of leadership could
be something they have wanted all along and deserve,” says Gender
Support Programme’s Cecilia Mussa.
The youth have a great role to play in Malawi’s democracy
It came out clearly, from the minds of Chancellor College’s Chunga and
Mbowela of Mzuni, that Malawian youths form a political bloc that can
be dismissed at one’s own peril. The youths, especially those pursuing
higher education, are taken as role models in rural areas, are
flexible to new ideas, have more access to communication channels, and
have the energy to pursue their dreams, said Chunga, and could
therefore influence political change.
Mbowela cited last year’s election in the United States of America,
where he said the youth, as a bloc, influenced the election of Barack
Obama, as the first African American president. This influence lies
not in voter apathy, but in the ways their goals and aspirations are
employed and the common end to which they are directed. In the USA,
this common end came in their hope for change, and voting for it.
It lies in action, youths’ power, according to Mbowela and Chunga.
Action Chunga said was evident during the nationalist period when
university youths formed a universities’ revolution group that
influenced political change across the width and breadth of the
continent.
A power still evident in current development initiatives. The youth
contribute towards farming in Malawi, they have helped in Malawi
Social Action Fund work, as well as the income generating public works
programme, adds Chunga.
But their main power and influence lies in their numbers. If only they
redirect their energies (from violence) to leadership participation,
their influence could work well for the country’s development agenda,
in the reckoning of Chunga.
Gender equality, too, is a great issue
A long, long battle that represents, in a way, the short of human
rights advocacy. The United Nations has mechanisms that ensure that
minority groups are not suppressed by the majority- some form of
guarantee that the majority will not take everything to themselves but
employ selflessness, compromise, servility and understanding on the
needs of the minority.
Nowhere do they talk about the suppressed majority, like women, and
how the powerful, influential minority should handle them
(selflessness, compassion, compromise, servility, understanding), a
magnanimous sort of international oversight because women comprise a
whooping 52 per cent of the Malawian population.
The suppression of women arose originally on grounds of economics,
which held that cultural and moral change derive from changes in
economic structure. This perceived suppression got perpetuated with
the concept of private property; mainly because women could reproduce,
they, like animals, were defined as property.
Mussa feels that this practice is continuing in Malawi, looking at the
nature of positions our women hold in society. It is evident in the
continued second class status most women are subjected to, especially
in rural areas where the husband is very much the patriarch to be
feared and worshipped in equal measure.
“It is also clear in the difficulties women continue to face in so
many areas- their continued difficulty in regulating such matters as
sex, marriage, procreation and divorce,” she says, one of the reasons
gender activists may have almost turned gender equality advocacy into
women empowerment campaigns.
Mussa is convinced this practice is also rampant in employment because
it allows employers to get two workers for the price of one as there
are huge disparities between salaries men and women get at the
workplace. The man is paid wages but his wife, who performs the
services necessary for him to live a decent life during the many hours
he spends at work, is not paid (by the husband).
Women also provide a cheap reserve of labour, which helps keep wages
down and profits up.
Will this change?
Emma Kaliya, NGO Gender Coordinating Network’s chairperson sees no
reason why it should not. She says, through advocacy work, things were
now improving- raising the hopes even higher for women is the fact
that the black clouds may ascend even further and live room for light.
This light comes when women are elected, or appointed, into decision
making decisions.
“That is why we have applauded President Mutharika for choosing Joyce
Banda, a reputable woman, as his running mate and, consequently, vice
president of this country. We are really happy. Now we want a female
speaker,” said Kaliya.
Some 40 seats have gone to women in parliament, following the May19
elections. This goes against the target for the 50-50 campaign for
women meant to catapult more women into decision making positions.
Only that the secret ballot may not be the best of catapults.
Gender activists are not worried, though. They say ensuring that women
get to the same level as men, in terms of numbers and influence, is a
process. But it is not a one-day process.
As Malawi moves more and more towards the island of democratic
maturity, women shall finally make it, according to Kaliya, who sums
up:
“We know for sure it will happen, and society will be an improved lot
because women are known for their caring nature, their unsurpassed
love.”
The battle for women empowerment, a majority that suffers suppression,
is a battle of love, and care.
Democracy is Malawian
Chisi further dispelled suggestion democracy was foreign. He said it
was both local and foreign, but more local than foreign.
“Our chiefs practiced it over a long period of time, even before
colonialism. In fact, colonialists found democracy here (in Malawi)
because our chiefs used to delegate cases to their counselors (Nduna
zamfumu). Isn’t that democracy?”
Local government elections are an integral part of democracy
Hajat says the absence of councilors has been felt for the past four
years, one that shows that their presence fills some void in the
democratic open space. He says failure to hold local government
elections violates people’s development and political rights, as the
duty of MPs was not to initiate development activities in their areas
but make laws.
Nyirenda and the others agree. How can we help the common Malawian
understand the tenets and principles of democracy when there is no
democracy near him (meaning councilors). He says councilors were
“democracy brought to the people”,- a form of living democracy that
sits and chats with the people and sleep with the people.
“Unlike most MPs, councilors live with the people they represent; they
know them personality. Isn’t that not democracy near the people?”
This has been one of the shorts so far; democracy that stays with the
people. The distance from Salima to Capital Hill is too huge to be
‘walked’ on foot. The distance to the councilor’s house is not, says
Nyirenda.
The journey to explore the lessons from our fifteen-year old
democracy, too, is too huge to walk on foot. It is like walking from
Salima to Capital Hill.
We may be forgiven for being at Mvela in Dowa, and not Capital Hill yet.
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Zimbabwe fails to settle US$20m bill for Malawi maize
The Malawi government will have to pay K2.8 billion to the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) following failure by the Zimbabwe government to pay back money RBM paid on its behalf to local maize suppliers to export maize to Harare in 2007.
RBM records indicate that the loan should have been repaid by December 21, 2008, a date that was revisited following Harare’s failure to settle the bill. The date was extended to December 3, 2009, after which date Lilongwe will bear the legal responsibilities for repayment of the loan.
RBM General Manager, Wilson Banda, confirmed the development. He said the central bank chalked an agreement with the Malawi government, authorizing the bank to make available a US$100 million (K14 billion) facility to Zimbabwe from which funds were withdrawn to pay Malawian maize suppliers for the export of the staple food to Zimbabwe.
Under the Lilongwe-guaranteed facility, the Zimbabwe government was supposed to repay the money after every US$20 million (K2.8 billion) paid to maize suppliers.
“Things only worked well during the first year because the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe was honouring the agreement. However, we were forced to suspend the facility in 2008 after Zimbabwe lapsed on payments,” said Banda.
Banda said, currently, Zimbabwe still owes Malawi K2.8 billion (US$20 million) and the government of Malawi is under obligation to pay back the money to RBM once the agreed period of payment lapses.
RBM is, meanwhile, exploring other means of forcing the Zimbabwe government pay, according to RBM officials.
RBM’s 2008 Annual Report indicates, however, that the central bank does not have any significant credit risk exposure on the facility with Zimbabwe since, in the event of default, the loss will be transferred to Malawi government by December 31, 2009.
The loan facility attracts interest at the three months rate of the London Interbank Offerage (LIBOR) plus 2 per cent and is repayable within ninety days of each advance.
The report further indicates that the loan was in arrears as at December 31, 2008 because it should have been repaid by December 21, 2008.
Officials at the Zimbabwean embassy in Malawi refused to comment on the issue, saying the central bank of Zimbabwe was best placed to shed more light on the issue.
RBM records indicate that the loan should have been repaid by December 21, 2008, a date that was revisited following Harare’s failure to settle the bill. The date was extended to December 3, 2009, after which date Lilongwe will bear the legal responsibilities for repayment of the loan.
RBM General Manager, Wilson Banda, confirmed the development. He said the central bank chalked an agreement with the Malawi government, authorizing the bank to make available a US$100 million (K14 billion) facility to Zimbabwe from which funds were withdrawn to pay Malawian maize suppliers for the export of the staple food to Zimbabwe.
Under the Lilongwe-guaranteed facility, the Zimbabwe government was supposed to repay the money after every US$20 million (K2.8 billion) paid to maize suppliers.
“Things only worked well during the first year because the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe was honouring the agreement. However, we were forced to suspend the facility in 2008 after Zimbabwe lapsed on payments,” said Banda.
Banda said, currently, Zimbabwe still owes Malawi K2.8 billion (US$20 million) and the government of Malawi is under obligation to pay back the money to RBM once the agreed period of payment lapses.
RBM is, meanwhile, exploring other means of forcing the Zimbabwe government pay, according to RBM officials.
RBM’s 2008 Annual Report indicates, however, that the central bank does not have any significant credit risk exposure on the facility with Zimbabwe since, in the event of default, the loss will be transferred to Malawi government by December 31, 2009.
The loan facility attracts interest at the three months rate of the London Interbank Offerage (LIBOR) plus 2 per cent and is repayable within ninety days of each advance.
The report further indicates that the loan was in arrears as at December 31, 2008 because it should have been repaid by December 21, 2008.
Officials at the Zimbabwean embassy in Malawi refused to comment on the issue, saying the central bank of Zimbabwe was best placed to shed more light on the issue.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
CPJ News on Africa
Africa
CPJ to honor five international journalists
SIMBA
SIMBA
CPJ will honor journalists from Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Azerbaijan, and the United States with its 2009 International Press Freedom Awards at a ceremony in New York this November. At right, Mustafa Haji Abdinur in Somalia.
Awardee Bios:
• Mustafa Haji Abdinur, Somalia
• Naziha Réjiba, Tunisia
• Eynulla Fatullayev, Azerbaijan
• J.S. Tissainayagam, Sri Lanka
• Anthony Lewis, United States
Blog | Democratic Republic of the Congo
Didace Namujimbo, the brother I lost in Bukavu
By Déo Namujimbo
Didace Namujimbo, right, with colleague Serge Maheshe at Radio Okapi offices in 2006. Both were later murdered. (Déo Namujimbo)
Didace Namujimbo, right, with colleague Serge Maheshe at Radio Okapi offices in 2006. Both were later murdered. (Déo Namujimbo)
I shall never forgive myself for having initiated and encouraged my younger brother, Didace Namujimbo, to take up journalism. Working for 21 years in Bukavu, a city nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Kivu, led me to cover every aspect of the brutal conflict and humanitarian catastrophe in this part of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, but a year ago nothing prepared me to deal with the news that my brother had been killed.
Continue reading »
November 20, 2009 5:14 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Alerts | Azerbaijan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia
Honored for their work, threatened at home
CPJ introduces 2009 International Press Freedom Awardees
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Washington, November 19, 2009—Naziha Réjiba, editor of the Tunisian online news journal Kalima, said she knows what to expect when she returns home—surveillance, harassment, and threats conducted by one the world’s most repressive governments.
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 12:18 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Eynulla Fatullayev, IPFA, JS Tissainayagam, Mustafa Abdinur, Naziha Réjiba
Alerts | Somalia
Two Somali journalists injured in separate shootings
New York, November 18, 2009—Two Somali correspondents for international media outlets were injured in separate shootings, one in the northeast semi-autonomous region of Puntland, and the other in the capital, Mogadishu, according to local journalists and news reports.
Continue reading »
November 18, 2009 3:37 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Attacked, Puntland
Blog | Zambia
Zambian editor acquitted in hospital 'obscenity' case
By Mohamed Keita/Africa Research Associate
Chansa Kabwela speaks to reporters. (Thomas Nsama)
Chansa Kabwela speaks to reporters. (Thomas Nsama)
As the news editor of Zambia’s largest circulation newspaper and a mother to two young children, Chansa Kabwela already has her hands full. For the last four months, however, this 29-year-old journalist was mired in a court case with a peculiarity that made international headlines and sparked a debate on press freedom in this landlocked nation in southern Africa. The case was finally resolved on Monday.
Continue reading »
November 17, 2009 5:10 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: Chansa Kabwela, Legal Action
Blog | Malawi
The Malawian who harnessed the airwaves
By Mohamed Hassim Keita and Caitlin Clarke/CPJ Africa Staff
Villagers gather at Kondesi's radio station. (Zodiak Broadcasting)
After The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, the autobiography of ingenious 22-year-old William Kamkwamba’s homemade electric windmill in Malawi, comes “the boy who harnessed the airwaves” by building a radio station with rudimentary materials. The tale of 21-year-old Malawian Gabriel Kondesi also showcases the inventiveness spawned by life in this impoverished, landlocked nation in southeastern Africa. Unlike the story of Kamkwamba, though, Kondesi’s tale is still unfolding.
Continue reading »
November 16, 2009 2:28 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (18)
Tags: Harassed
Blog | Zambia
CPJ pleased by Kabwela acquittal in Zambia
We issued the following statement after the Lusaka Magistrate Court acquitted Zambian journalist Chansa Kabwela today on pornography charges. The independent daily Post editor was charged with pornography for disseminating photos to several government officials of a woman giving birth in a hospital car park during a nurses strike in June...
Continue reading »
November 16, 2009 1:25 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: Chansa Kabwela
Alerts | Gabon
CPJ condemns suspension of six newspapers in Gabon
New York, November 12, 2009—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the suspension of six private newspapers by the government-controlled media-monitoring body, the National Communications Council, in Gabon. The council announced the suspensions, which range from one to three months, on Tuesday evening on state-run TV. The papers have been suspended for “violating the ethics of journalism” and “inciting ethnic divisions” according to local reports.
Continue reading »
November 12, 2009 4:59 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Censored
Blog | Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone's criminal libel law sparks barber boycott
By Umaru Fofana
My looks have completely changed in recent months. Long hair now colonizes my chin and my head. Never in my adult life have I waited longer than a week without a shave or a haircut, let alone for four months. One ends up doing the strangest things for press freedom in Sierra Leone.
Continue reading »
November 10, 2009 2:24 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (10)
Tags: Defamation, Legal Action
Blog | Burma, Canada, China, Cuba, Ethiopia, Iran, Pakistan, Syria, UAE, USA
Toronto’s Citizen Lab uses forensics to fight online censors
By Robert Mahoney/Deputy Director
A basement in the gray, Gothic heart of the University of Toronto is home to the CSI of cyberspace. “We are doing free expression forensics,” says Ronald Deibert, director of the Citizen Lab, based at the Munk Centre for International Studies. Deibert and his team of academics and students investigate in real time governments and companies that restrict what we see and hear on the Internet. They are also trying to help online journalists and bloggers slip the shackles of censorship and surveillance. Deibert is a co-founder of the OpenNet Initiative (ONI), a project of the Citizen Lab in collaboration with the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School. ONI tracks the blocking and filtering of the Internet around the globe.
Continue reading »
November 2, 2009 3:29 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Tags: Blogger, Censored, Internet
Alerts | Rwanda
In Rwanda, defamation case is politicized
New York, October 26, 2009—The Committee to Protect Journalists is concerned that the prosecution of Jean Bosco Gasasira, editor-in-chief of the Rwandan bimonthly Umuvugizi, on criminal defamation charges has been politicized and the outcome predetermined.
Continue reading »
October 26, 2009 11:03 AM ET | Permalink
Tags: Defamation, Harassed
More documents on Africa »
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Africa
Program Coordinator:
Tom Rhodes
Research Associate:
Mohamed Keita
trhodes@cpj.org
mkeita@cpj.org
Tel: 212-465-1004
ext. 112, 117
Fax: 212-465-9568
330 7th Avenue, 11th Floor
New York, NY, 10001 USA
Subscribe
Africa Atom Feed
Special Reports on Africa
* Video Report: Portraits of the Fallen
* Special Report: Journalists in Exile 2009
* 10 Worst Countries to be a Blogger
* Republic of Congo Special Report: From a Fatal Fire, Many Questions
* Republic of Congo Audio Report: From a Fatal Fire, Many Questions
* More »
Attacks on the Press 2008
* In Text-Message Reporting, Opportunity and Risk
* Cameroon
* D.R.C.
* Ethiopia
* Kenya
* Niger
* Rwanda
* Senegal
* Somalia
* Uganda
* Zimbabwe
* Developments elsewhere in the region
Video: Lara Logan
Why CPJ matters Join Us
International Press
Freedom Awards
Save the date: Tuesday, November 24. CPJ will honor top global journalists at its 19th annual benefit. Christiane Amanpour hosts.
Anatomy of Injustice
Unsolved murders in Russia
Anatomy of Injustice
Pakistani reporters
face grave risks
CPJ’s Bob Dietz
examines the challenges on the CPJ Blog
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Tel 212-465-1004
Fax 212-465-9568
Web site content © CPJ. All rights reserved.
Articles may be reproduced only with permission.
CPJ to honor five international journalists
SIMBA
SIMBA
CPJ will honor journalists from Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Azerbaijan, and the United States with its 2009 International Press Freedom Awards at a ceremony in New York this November. At right, Mustafa Haji Abdinur in Somalia.
Awardee Bios:
• Mustafa Haji Abdinur, Somalia
• Naziha Réjiba, Tunisia
• Eynulla Fatullayev, Azerbaijan
• J.S. Tissainayagam, Sri Lanka
• Anthony Lewis, United States
Blog | Democratic Republic of the Congo
Didace Namujimbo, the brother I lost in Bukavu
By Déo Namujimbo
Didace Namujimbo, right, with colleague Serge Maheshe at Radio Okapi offices in 2006. Both were later murdered. (Déo Namujimbo)
Didace Namujimbo, right, with colleague Serge Maheshe at Radio Okapi offices in 2006. Both were later murdered. (Déo Namujimbo)
I shall never forgive myself for having initiated and encouraged my younger brother, Didace Namujimbo, to take up journalism. Working for 21 years in Bukavu, a city nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Kivu, led me to cover every aspect of the brutal conflict and humanitarian catastrophe in this part of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, but a year ago nothing prepared me to deal with the news that my brother had been killed.
Continue reading »
November 20, 2009 5:14 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Alerts | Azerbaijan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia
Honored for their work, threatened at home
CPJ introduces 2009 International Press Freedom Awardees
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Washington, November 19, 2009—Naziha Réjiba, editor of the Tunisian online news journal Kalima, said she knows what to expect when she returns home—surveillance, harassment, and threats conducted by one the world’s most repressive governments.
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 12:18 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Eynulla Fatullayev, IPFA, JS Tissainayagam, Mustafa Abdinur, Naziha Réjiba
Alerts | Somalia
Two Somali journalists injured in separate shootings
New York, November 18, 2009—Two Somali correspondents for international media outlets were injured in separate shootings, one in the northeast semi-autonomous region of Puntland, and the other in the capital, Mogadishu, according to local journalists and news reports.
Continue reading »
November 18, 2009 3:37 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Attacked, Puntland
Blog | Zambia
Zambian editor acquitted in hospital 'obscenity' case
By Mohamed Keita/Africa Research Associate
Chansa Kabwela speaks to reporters. (Thomas Nsama)
Chansa Kabwela speaks to reporters. (Thomas Nsama)
As the news editor of Zambia’s largest circulation newspaper and a mother to two young children, Chansa Kabwela already has her hands full. For the last four months, however, this 29-year-old journalist was mired in a court case with a peculiarity that made international headlines and sparked a debate on press freedom in this landlocked nation in southern Africa. The case was finally resolved on Monday.
Continue reading »
November 17, 2009 5:10 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: Chansa Kabwela, Legal Action
Blog | Malawi
The Malawian who harnessed the airwaves
By Mohamed Hassim Keita and Caitlin Clarke/CPJ Africa Staff
Villagers gather at Kondesi's radio station. (Zodiak Broadcasting)
After The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, the autobiography of ingenious 22-year-old William Kamkwamba’s homemade electric windmill in Malawi, comes “the boy who harnessed the airwaves” by building a radio station with rudimentary materials. The tale of 21-year-old Malawian Gabriel Kondesi also showcases the inventiveness spawned by life in this impoverished, landlocked nation in southeastern Africa. Unlike the story of Kamkwamba, though, Kondesi’s tale is still unfolding.
Continue reading »
November 16, 2009 2:28 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (18)
Tags: Harassed
Blog | Zambia
CPJ pleased by Kabwela acquittal in Zambia
We issued the following statement after the Lusaka Magistrate Court acquitted Zambian journalist Chansa Kabwela today on pornography charges. The independent daily Post editor was charged with pornography for disseminating photos to several government officials of a woman giving birth in a hospital car park during a nurses strike in June...
Continue reading »
November 16, 2009 1:25 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: Chansa Kabwela
Alerts | Gabon
CPJ condemns suspension of six newspapers in Gabon
New York, November 12, 2009—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the suspension of six private newspapers by the government-controlled media-monitoring body, the National Communications Council, in Gabon. The council announced the suspensions, which range from one to three months, on Tuesday evening on state-run TV. The papers have been suspended for “violating the ethics of journalism” and “inciting ethnic divisions” according to local reports.
Continue reading »
November 12, 2009 4:59 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Censored
Blog | Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone's criminal libel law sparks barber boycott
By Umaru Fofana
My looks have completely changed in recent months. Long hair now colonizes my chin and my head. Never in my adult life have I waited longer than a week without a shave or a haircut, let alone for four months. One ends up doing the strangest things for press freedom in Sierra Leone.
Continue reading »
November 10, 2009 2:24 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (10)
Tags: Defamation, Legal Action
Blog | Burma, Canada, China, Cuba, Ethiopia, Iran, Pakistan, Syria, UAE, USA
Toronto’s Citizen Lab uses forensics to fight online censors
By Robert Mahoney/Deputy Director
A basement in the gray, Gothic heart of the University of Toronto is home to the CSI of cyberspace. “We are doing free expression forensics,” says Ronald Deibert, director of the Citizen Lab, based at the Munk Centre for International Studies. Deibert and his team of academics and students investigate in real time governments and companies that restrict what we see and hear on the Internet. They are also trying to help online journalists and bloggers slip the shackles of censorship and surveillance. Deibert is a co-founder of the OpenNet Initiative (ONI), a project of the Citizen Lab in collaboration with the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School. ONI tracks the blocking and filtering of the Internet around the globe.
Continue reading »
November 2, 2009 3:29 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Tags: Blogger, Censored, Internet
Alerts | Rwanda
In Rwanda, defamation case is politicized
New York, October 26, 2009—The Committee to Protect Journalists is concerned that the prosecution of Jean Bosco Gasasira, editor-in-chief of the Rwandan bimonthly Umuvugizi, on criminal defamation charges has been politicized and the outcome predetermined.
Continue reading »
October 26, 2009 11:03 AM ET | Permalink
Tags: Defamation, Harassed
More documents on Africa »
Go »
Text Size
A A A
Contact
Africa
Program Coordinator:
Tom Rhodes
Research Associate:
Mohamed Keita
trhodes@cpj.org
mkeita@cpj.org
Tel: 212-465-1004
ext. 112, 117
Fax: 212-465-9568
330 7th Avenue, 11th Floor
New York, NY, 10001 USA
Subscribe
Africa Atom Feed
Special Reports on Africa
* Video Report: Portraits of the Fallen
* Special Report: Journalists in Exile 2009
* 10 Worst Countries to be a Blogger
* Republic of Congo Special Report: From a Fatal Fire, Many Questions
* Republic of Congo Audio Report: From a Fatal Fire, Many Questions
* More »
Attacks on the Press 2008
* In Text-Message Reporting, Opportunity and Risk
* Cameroon
* D.R.C.
* Ethiopia
* Kenya
* Niger
* Rwanda
* Senegal
* Somalia
* Uganda
* Zimbabwe
* Developments elsewhere in the region
Video: Lara Logan
Why CPJ matters Join Us
International Press
Freedom Awards
Save the date: Tuesday, November 24. CPJ will honor top global journalists at its 19th annual benefit. Christiane Amanpour hosts.
Anatomy of Injustice
Unsolved murders in Russia
Anatomy of Injustice
Pakistani reporters
face grave risks
CPJ’s Bob Dietz
examines the challenges on the CPJ Blog
CPJ Home
Back to Top ^
Research
News Alerts
Protest Letters
CPJ Blog
Reports & Publications
Multimedia
Regions
Africa
Americas
Asia
Europe & Central Asia
Middle East & North Africa
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Killed in 2009
Imprisoned
Missing
Killed Since 1992
About Us
Frequently Asked Questions
CPJ in the News
CPJ Impact
Write to CPJ
Become a Supporter
Journalist Assistance
Campaign on Impunity
Press Freedom Awards
Jobs at CPJ
Donate Now
Subscribe
RSS Feeds
Email Lists
Contact Us
Committee to Protect Journalists
330 7th Avenue, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10001
info@cpj.org
Tel 212-465-1004
Fax 212-465-9568
Web site content © CPJ. All rights reserved.
Articles may be reproduced only with permission.
Facts about journalists in 2009
1. 34 journalists killed in 2009, so far
2. 761 journalists killed since 1992
3. 483 journalists murdered with impunity since 1992
4. Now, 30 journalists missing worldwide
5. CPJ honours top international journalists
CPJ will honor journalists from Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Azerbaijan, and the United States at its International Press Freedom Awards on November 24. Awardee Eynulla Fatullayev, left, is jailed in Azerbaijan after exposing a flawed murder probe. Other awardees:
• Mustafa Haji Abdinur, Somalia
• Naziha Réjiba, Tunisia
• J.S. Tissainayagam, Sri Lanka
• Anthony Lewis, United States
6. New York, November 20, 2009—A Mexican reporter who had recently covered corruption and organized crime was reported missing this week in the western state of Michoacán, according to local news reports. María Esther Aguilar Cansimbe, at left, was last seen on November 11 near her home in Zamora. The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on state and federal authorities to do everything in their power to immediately bring her to safety.
7.
2. 761 journalists killed since 1992
3. 483 journalists murdered with impunity since 1992
4. Now, 30 journalists missing worldwide
5. CPJ honours top international journalists
CPJ will honor journalists from Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Azerbaijan, and the United States at its International Press Freedom Awards on November 24. Awardee Eynulla Fatullayev, left, is jailed in Azerbaijan after exposing a flawed murder probe. Other awardees:
• Mustafa Haji Abdinur, Somalia
• Naziha Réjiba, Tunisia
• J.S. Tissainayagam, Sri Lanka
• Anthony Lewis, United States
6. New York, November 20, 2009—A Mexican reporter who had recently covered corruption and organized crime was reported missing this week in the western state of Michoacán, according to local news reports. María Esther Aguilar Cansimbe, at left, was last seen on November 11 near her home in Zamora. The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on state and federal authorities to do everything in their power to immediately bring her to safety.
7.
Geraldine: your day has come
Before going off line, let me convey my condolences to the family of Nigeria's Geraldine- their representative in the on going Big Brother Revolution House. You girl is gone and forgotten for sure!
By the way, what has Geraldine done worth praising in the house? Just biting her lower lip every time she speaks? Is she embarrassed with her lips? Why not go for plastic surgery!
As for my Mzamose Chibambo, I say keep up the good work. On a lighter note, Mzamo, will you marry me?
By the way, what has Geraldine done worth praising in the house? Just biting her lower lip every time she speaks? Is she embarrassed with her lips? Why not go for plastic surgery!
As for my Mzamose Chibambo, I say keep up the good work. On a lighter note, Mzamo, will you marry me?
http://www.cpj.org: News from the Committee to Protect Journalists
CPJ honors top international journalists
IRFS
IRFS
CPJ will honor journalists from Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Azerbaijan, and the United States at its International Press Freedom Awards on November 24. Awardee Eynulla Fatullayev, left, is jailed in Azerbaijan after exposing a flawed murder probe. Other awardees:
• Mustafa Haji Abdinur, Somalia
• Naziha Réjiba, Tunisia
• J.S. Tissainayagam, Sri Lanka
• Anthony Lewis, United States
• Amanpour hosts • To attend
British probe sought in Munadi death
AP
AP
CPJ urges British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to undertake a full investigation into the death of Afghan journalist Sultan Munadi, left. A reporter for The New York Times, Munadi was killed September 9 during a British military operation that rescued reporter Stephen Farrell from Taliban captors. Had troops been instructed to save Munadi?
• CPJ's letter to Brown
• Full coverage of Munadi case
Special Report: Anatomy of Injustice
AP
AP
Secrecy, corruption, lack of accountability, and conflicts of interest routinely thwart justice in the murders of journalists in Russia, CPJ says in a new investigative report. Killers are convicted in just one in 17 slayings since 2000. Victims include acclaimed reporter Anna Politkovskaya, left.
• Русский • Video Report
• Рreface by Kati Marton
• CPJ Blog: Russia says it will act
Remembering the fallen, seeking justice
More than 550 journalists have been murdered since 1992, with hundreds more killed in combat or on dangerous assignment. Building on years of CPJ research, we're launching a new database to memorialize those who have died and analyze the circumstances of their deaths. By focusing on unsolved murders, we intend to hold governments to account.
• CPJ Blog: Call to action
• CPJ's Campaign Against Impunity
Reuters
Reuters
In Middle East,
bloggers face attack
Blogging is the crucial front in the struggle for freedom of expression in the region, CPJ says in a new report. From Iran to Tunisia, authorities rewrite laws and deploy technology to block online reporting. Egyptian blogger Karim Amer, left, is among those jailed.
• Française • العربية • فارسى
On the CPJ Blog, posts from:
• Egypt • Tunisia • Iran
34 journalists killed in 2009
761 journalists killed since 1992
483 journalists murdered with impunity since 1992
30 journalists missing worldwide
All Recent Africa Americas Asia Europe &
Central Asia Middle East & North Africa
Blog | Democratic Republic of the Congo
Didace Namujimbo, the brother I lost in Bukavu
By Déo Namujimbo
Didace Namujimbo, right, with colleague Serge Maheshe at Radio Okapi offices in 2006. Both were later murdered. (Déo Namujimbo)
Didace Namujimbo, right, with colleague Serge Maheshe at Radio Okapi offices in 2006. Both were later murdered. (Déo Namujimbo)
I shall never forgive myself for having initiated and encouraged my younger brother, Didace Namujimbo, to take up journalism. Working for 21 years in Bukavu, a city nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Kivu, led me to cover every aspect of the brutal conflict and humanitarian catastrophe in this part of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, but a year ago nothing prepared me to deal with the news that my brother had been killed.
Continue reading »
November 20, 2009 5:14 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Alerts | Mexico
Mexican crime reporter vanishes in western Michoacán
El Cambio de Michoacán
El Cambio de Michoacán
New York, November 20, 2009—A Mexican reporter who had recently covered corruption and organized crime was reported missing this week in the western state of Michoacán, according to local news reports. María Esther Aguilar Cansimbe, at left, was last seen on November 11 near her home in Zamora. The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on state and federal authorities to do everything in their power to immediately bring her to safety.
Continue reading »
November 20, 2009 2:20 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Abducted, Missing
Alerts | Ukraine
Independent broadcasters harassed, taken off air in Ukraine
New York, November 20, 2009—Authorities in Odessa, Ukraine, should immediately cease harassment of independent and pro-opposition broadcasters, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Officials from the Odessa Public Utility Service and mayor’s office have been physically obstructing the work of several local television and radio stations on the grounds of alleged building renovation, according to local news reports.
Continue reading »
November 20, 2009 11:27 AM ET | Permalink
Tags: Censored, Harassed
Blog | Cuba, USA
Obama responses stun Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez
By Carlos Lauría/Americas Senior Program Coordinator
Yoani Sánchez at home in Cuba. (Reuters)
Yoani Sánchez at home in Cuba. (Reuters)
Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez was astounded this week by President Barack Obama’s decision to respond a written questionnaire Sánchez submitted to the White House. Still recovering from bruises left by a recent vicious attack by state security agents, she told CPJ from her home in Havana: “This is the best way to get better.”
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 5:01 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: Blogger, Internet, Yoani Sanchez
Singapore refuses to renew foreign journalist’s visa
Honored for their work, threatened at home
Previous headlines »
Complete Africa information »
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Blog | Democratic Republic of the Congo
Didace Namujimbo, the brother I lost in Bukavu
By Déo Namujimbo
Didace Namujimbo, right, with colleague Serge Maheshe at Radio Okapi offices in 2006. Both were later murdered. (Déo Namujimbo)
Didace Namujimbo, right, with colleague Serge Maheshe at Radio Okapi offices in 2006. Both were later murdered. (Déo Namujimbo)
I shall never forgive myself for having initiated and encouraged my younger brother, Didace Namujimbo, to take up journalism. Working for 21 years in Bukavu, a city nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Kivu, led me to cover every aspect of the brutal conflict and humanitarian catastrophe in this part of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, but a year ago nothing prepared me to deal with the news that my brother had been killed.
Continue reading »
November 20, 2009 5:14 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Alerts | Azerbaijan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia
Honored for their work, threatened at home
CPJ introduces 2009 International Press Freedom Awardees
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Washington, November 19, 2009—Naziha Réjiba, editor of the Tunisian online news journal Kalima, said she knows what to expect when she returns home—surveillance, harassment, and threats conducted by one the world’s most repressive governments.
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 12:18 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Eynulla Fatullayev, IPFA, JS Tissainayagam, Mustafa Abdinur, Naziha Réjiba
Alerts | Somalia
Two Somali journalists injured in separate shootings
New York, November 18, 2009—Two Somali correspondents for international media outlets were injured in separate shootings, one in the northeast semi-autonomous region of Puntland, and the other in the capital, Mogadishu, according to local journalists and news reports.
Continue reading »
November 18, 2009 3:37 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Attacked, Puntland
Blog | Zambia
Zambian editor acquitted in hospital 'obscenity' case
By Mohamed Keita/Africa Research Associate
Chansa Kabwela speaks to reporters. (Thomas Nsama)
Chansa Kabwela speaks to reporters. (Thomas Nsama)
As the news editor of Zambia’s largest circulation newspaper and a mother to two young children, Chansa Kabwela already has her hands full. For the last four months, however, this 29-year-old journalist was mired in a court case with a peculiarity that made international headlines and sparked a debate on press freedom in this landlocked nation in southern Africa. The case was finally resolved on Monday.
Continue reading »
November 17, 2009 5:10 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: Chansa Kabwela, Legal Action
The Malawian who harnessed the airwaves
CPJ condemns suspension of six newspapers in Gabon
Complete Africa information »
Complete Americas information »
Go »
Alerts | Mexico
Mexican crime reporter vanishes in western Michoacán
El Cambio de Michoacán
El Cambio de Michoacán
New York, November 20, 2009—A Mexican reporter who had recently covered corruption and organized crime was reported missing this week in the western state of Michoacán, according to local news reports. María Esther Aguilar Cansimbe, at left, was last seen on November 11 near her home in Zamora. The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on state and federal authorities to do everything in their power to immediately bring her to safety.
Continue reading »
November 20, 2009 2:20 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Abducted, Missing
Blog | Cuba, USA
Obama responses stun Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez
By Carlos Lauría/Americas Senior Program Coordinator
Yoani Sánchez at home in Cuba. (Reuters)
Yoani Sánchez at home in Cuba. (Reuters)
Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez was astounded this week by President Barack Obama’s decision to respond a written questionnaire Sánchez submitted to the White House. Still recovering from bruises left by a recent vicious attack by state security agents, she told CPJ from her home in Havana: “This is the best way to get better.”
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 5:01 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: Blogger, Internet, Yoani Sanchez
Blog | Argentina
Criminal defamation eliminated in Argentina
We issued the following statement today in response to Wednesday’s approval by the Argentine Senate of a government-sponsored bill that repeals criminal defamation provisions from the penal code...
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 12:03 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Blog | Pakistan, USA
International press decries attack on Rosenberg
By Bob Dietz/Asia Program Coordinator
Twenty-one international news editors have signed on to a letter to the Pakistan government today. It was addressed to Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira and was drafted by Islamabad’s foreign correspondent community. They were concerned about an article that appeared in Pakistan’s The Nation daily on November 5 accusing Wall Street Journal reporter Matthew Rosenberg of working for the CIA, Israeli intelligence, and the U.S. military contractor Blackwater (now known as Xe).
Continue reading »
November 16, 2009 5:14 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: Matthew Rosenberg, Threatened
A letter to the American hikers being held in Iran
Free Speech Protection Act could slow 'libel tourism'
Complete Americas information »
Complete Asia information »
Go »
Alerts | Singapore, UK
Singapore refuses to renew foreign journalist’s visa
New York, November 19, 2009—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the Singapore government’s refusal to renew British freelance journalist Benjamin Bland’s work visa and its rejection of his application to cover the recently concluded Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit meeting. Bland had planned to report on the summit for the U.K.’s Daily Telegraph newspaper.
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 12:30 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Censored, Harassed
Alerts | Azerbaijan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia
Honored for their work, threatened at home
CPJ introduces 2009 International Press Freedom Awardees
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Washington, November 19, 2009—Naziha Réjiba, editor of the Tunisian online news journal Kalima, said she knows what to expect when she returns home—surveillance, harassment, and threats conducted by one the world’s most repressive governments.
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 12:18 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Eynulla Fatullayev, IPFA, JS Tissainayagam, Mustafa Abdinur, Naziha Réjiba
Alerts | Indonesia
Indonesia deports two foreign journalists
New York, November 18, 2009—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the Indonesian government’s decision to deport Raimondo Bultrini, a reporter with Italy’s weekly L’Espresso, and Kumkum Dasgupta, an assistant editor with India’s Hindustan Times, for lacking accreditation.
Continue reading »
November 18, 2009 1:16 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Expelled
Blog | Pakistan, USA
International press decries attack on Rosenberg
By Bob Dietz/Asia Program Coordinator
Twenty-one international news editors have signed on to a letter to the Pakistan government today. It was addressed to Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira and was drafted by Islamabad’s foreign correspondent community. They were concerned about an article that appeared in Pakistan’s The Nation daily on November 5 accusing Wall Street Journal reporter Matthew Rosenberg of working for the CIA, Israeli intelligence, and the U.S. military contractor Blackwater (now known as Xe).
Continue reading »
November 16, 2009 5:14 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: Matthew Rosenberg, Threatened
Journalist and translator freed in Afghanistan
Shakeup at China’s leading investigative magazine
Complete Asia information »
Complete Europe & Central Asia information »
Go »
Alerts | Ukraine
Independent broadcasters harassed, taken off air in Ukraine
New York, November 20, 2009—Authorities in Odessa, Ukraine, should immediately cease harassment of independent and pro-opposition broadcasters, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Officials from the Odessa Public Utility Service and mayor’s office have been physically obstructing the work of several local television and radio stations on the grounds of alleged building renovation, according to local news reports.
Continue reading »
November 20, 2009 11:27 AM ET | Permalink
Tags: Censored, Harassed
Alerts | Singapore, UK
Singapore refuses to renew foreign journalist’s visa
New York, November 19, 2009—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the Singapore government’s refusal to renew British freelance journalist Benjamin Bland’s work visa and its rejection of his application to cover the recently concluded Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit meeting. Bland had planned to report on the summit for the U.K.’s Daily Telegraph newspaper.
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 12:30 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Censored, Harassed
Alerts | Azerbaijan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia
Honored for their work, threatened at home
CPJ introduces 2009 International Press Freedom Awardees
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Washington, November 19, 2009—Naziha Réjiba, editor of the Tunisian online news journal Kalima, said she knows what to expect when she returns home—surveillance, harassment, and threats conducted by one the world’s most repressive governments.
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 12:18 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Eynulla Fatullayev, IPFA, JS Tissainayagam, Mustafa Abdinur, Naziha Réjiba
Blog | Saudi Arabia, UK, USA
Free Speech Protection Act could slow 'libel tourism'
By Robert Mahoney/Deputy Director
Free press advocates in Britain are looking to a bill stuck in the U.S. Congress for moral support in the fight to reform England’s draconian defamation laws. The U.S. bill, the Free Speech Protection Act 2009, is itself the product of those laws, which have made London the capital of “libel tourism.”
Continue reading »
November 16, 2009 10:57 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: Defamation, US Congress
Russia must effectively investigate Beketov case
Journalist and translator freed in Afghanistan
Complete Europe & Central Asia information »
Complete Middle East & North Africa information »
Go »
Alerts | Azerbaijan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia
Honored for their work, threatened at home
CPJ introduces 2009 International Press Freedom Awardees
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Washington, November 19, 2009—Naziha Réjiba, editor of the Tunisian online news journal Kalima, said she knows what to expect when she returns home—surveillance, harassment, and threats conducted by one the world’s most repressive governments.
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 12:18 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Eynulla Fatullayev, IPFA, JS Tissainayagam, Mustafa Abdinur, Naziha Réjiba
Blog | Iran, USA
A letter to the American hikers being held in Iran
By Joel Simon/Executive Director
The families of Shane Bauer, Josh Fattal, and Sarah Shourd, the three hikers detained in Iran, said today they are concerned about their children’s emotional well-being after nearly four months in prison. They asked supporters to send letters, which they will seek to deliver to them in Evin Prison in Tehran, where the three are being held.
Continue reading »
November 16, 2009 5:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: Imprisoned, Josh Fattal, Sarah Shourd, Shane Bauer
Blog | Saudi Arabia, UK, USA
Free Speech Protection Act could slow 'libel tourism'
By Robert Mahoney/Deputy Director
Free press advocates in Britain are looking to a bill stuck in the U.S. Congress for moral support in the fight to reform England’s draconian defamation laws. The U.S. bill, the Free Speech Protection Act 2009, is itself the product of those laws, which have made London the capital of “libel tourism.”
Continue reading »
November 16, 2009 10:57 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: Defamation, US Congress
Alerts | Iraq
Iraqi court fines Guardian for defaming al-Maliki
AP
AP
New York, November 11, 2009—The Committee to Protect Journalists denounces a Baghdad court’s ruling that the London-based Guardian newspaper defamed Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, left, in an April 2009 article depicting increasing authoritarianism in his government. CPJ calls on an appeals court to overturn the decision.
Continue reading »
November 11, 2009 2:48 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Defamation
CPJ: End campaign against independent media in Morocco
CPJ rejects Iran espionage charges against American hikers
Complete Middle East & North Africa information »
How to Get Help Emergency Assistance for Journalists
Journalist Safety Guide
Guide for reporting in hazardous situations.
English | Español | العربية
The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1981. We promote press freedom worldwide by defending the rights of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal.
More about CPJ »
Video introduction »
Facebook Share on Facebook
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Video: Lara Logan
Why CPJ matters Join Us
International Press
Freedom Awards
Save the date: Tuesday, November 24. CPJ will honor top global journalists at its 19th annual benefit. Christiane Amanpour hosts.
Anatomy of Injustice
Unsolved murders in Russia
Anatomy of Injustice
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face grave risks
CPJ’s Bob Dietz
examines the challenges on the CPJ Blog
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IRFS
IRFS
CPJ will honor journalists from Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Azerbaijan, and the United States at its International Press Freedom Awards on November 24. Awardee Eynulla Fatullayev, left, is jailed in Azerbaijan after exposing a flawed murder probe. Other awardees:
• Mustafa Haji Abdinur, Somalia
• Naziha Réjiba, Tunisia
• J.S. Tissainayagam, Sri Lanka
• Anthony Lewis, United States
• Amanpour hosts • To attend
British probe sought in Munadi death
AP
AP
CPJ urges British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to undertake a full investigation into the death of Afghan journalist Sultan Munadi, left. A reporter for The New York Times, Munadi was killed September 9 during a British military operation that rescued reporter Stephen Farrell from Taliban captors. Had troops been instructed to save Munadi?
• CPJ's letter to Brown
• Full coverage of Munadi case
Special Report: Anatomy of Injustice
AP
AP
Secrecy, corruption, lack of accountability, and conflicts of interest routinely thwart justice in the murders of journalists in Russia, CPJ says in a new investigative report. Killers are convicted in just one in 17 slayings since 2000. Victims include acclaimed reporter Anna Politkovskaya, left.
• Русский • Video Report
• Рreface by Kati Marton
• CPJ Blog: Russia says it will act
Remembering the fallen, seeking justice
More than 550 journalists have been murdered since 1992, with hundreds more killed in combat or on dangerous assignment. Building on years of CPJ research, we're launching a new database to memorialize those who have died and analyze the circumstances of their deaths. By focusing on unsolved murders, we intend to hold governments to account.
• CPJ Blog: Call to action
• CPJ's Campaign Against Impunity
Reuters
Reuters
In Middle East,
bloggers face attack
Blogging is the crucial front in the struggle for freedom of expression in the region, CPJ says in a new report. From Iran to Tunisia, authorities rewrite laws and deploy technology to block online reporting. Egyptian blogger Karim Amer, left, is among those jailed.
• Française • العربية • فارسى
On the CPJ Blog, posts from:
• Egypt • Tunisia • Iran
34 journalists killed in 2009
761 journalists killed since 1992
483 journalists murdered with impunity since 1992
30 journalists missing worldwide
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Central Asia Middle East & North Africa
Blog | Democratic Republic of the Congo
Didace Namujimbo, the brother I lost in Bukavu
By Déo Namujimbo
Didace Namujimbo, right, with colleague Serge Maheshe at Radio Okapi offices in 2006. Both were later murdered. (Déo Namujimbo)
Didace Namujimbo, right, with colleague Serge Maheshe at Radio Okapi offices in 2006. Both were later murdered. (Déo Namujimbo)
I shall never forgive myself for having initiated and encouraged my younger brother, Didace Namujimbo, to take up journalism. Working for 21 years in Bukavu, a city nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Kivu, led me to cover every aspect of the brutal conflict and humanitarian catastrophe in this part of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, but a year ago nothing prepared me to deal with the news that my brother had been killed.
Continue reading »
November 20, 2009 5:14 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Alerts | Mexico
Mexican crime reporter vanishes in western Michoacán
El Cambio de Michoacán
El Cambio de Michoacán
New York, November 20, 2009—A Mexican reporter who had recently covered corruption and organized crime was reported missing this week in the western state of Michoacán, according to local news reports. María Esther Aguilar Cansimbe, at left, was last seen on November 11 near her home in Zamora. The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on state and federal authorities to do everything in their power to immediately bring her to safety.
Continue reading »
November 20, 2009 2:20 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Abducted, Missing
Alerts | Ukraine
Independent broadcasters harassed, taken off air in Ukraine
New York, November 20, 2009—Authorities in Odessa, Ukraine, should immediately cease harassment of independent and pro-opposition broadcasters, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Officials from the Odessa Public Utility Service and mayor’s office have been physically obstructing the work of several local television and radio stations on the grounds of alleged building renovation, according to local news reports.
Continue reading »
November 20, 2009 11:27 AM ET | Permalink
Tags: Censored, Harassed
Blog | Cuba, USA
Obama responses stun Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez
By Carlos Lauría/Americas Senior Program Coordinator
Yoani Sánchez at home in Cuba. (Reuters)
Yoani Sánchez at home in Cuba. (Reuters)
Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez was astounded this week by President Barack Obama’s decision to respond a written questionnaire Sánchez submitted to the White House. Still recovering from bruises left by a recent vicious attack by state security agents, she told CPJ from her home in Havana: “This is the best way to get better.”
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 5:01 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: Blogger, Internet, Yoani Sanchez
Singapore refuses to renew foreign journalist’s visa
Honored for their work, threatened at home
Previous headlines »
Complete Africa information »
Go »
Blog | Democratic Republic of the Congo
Didace Namujimbo, the brother I lost in Bukavu
By Déo Namujimbo
Didace Namujimbo, right, with colleague Serge Maheshe at Radio Okapi offices in 2006. Both were later murdered. (Déo Namujimbo)
Didace Namujimbo, right, with colleague Serge Maheshe at Radio Okapi offices in 2006. Both were later murdered. (Déo Namujimbo)
I shall never forgive myself for having initiated and encouraged my younger brother, Didace Namujimbo, to take up journalism. Working for 21 years in Bukavu, a city nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Kivu, led me to cover every aspect of the brutal conflict and humanitarian catastrophe in this part of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, but a year ago nothing prepared me to deal with the news that my brother had been killed.
Continue reading »
November 20, 2009 5:14 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Alerts | Azerbaijan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia
Honored for their work, threatened at home
CPJ introduces 2009 International Press Freedom Awardees
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Washington, November 19, 2009—Naziha Réjiba, editor of the Tunisian online news journal Kalima, said she knows what to expect when she returns home—surveillance, harassment, and threats conducted by one the world’s most repressive governments.
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 12:18 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Eynulla Fatullayev, IPFA, JS Tissainayagam, Mustafa Abdinur, Naziha Réjiba
Alerts | Somalia
Two Somali journalists injured in separate shootings
New York, November 18, 2009—Two Somali correspondents for international media outlets were injured in separate shootings, one in the northeast semi-autonomous region of Puntland, and the other in the capital, Mogadishu, according to local journalists and news reports.
Continue reading »
November 18, 2009 3:37 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Attacked, Puntland
Blog | Zambia
Zambian editor acquitted in hospital 'obscenity' case
By Mohamed Keita/Africa Research Associate
Chansa Kabwela speaks to reporters. (Thomas Nsama)
Chansa Kabwela speaks to reporters. (Thomas Nsama)
As the news editor of Zambia’s largest circulation newspaper and a mother to two young children, Chansa Kabwela already has her hands full. For the last four months, however, this 29-year-old journalist was mired in a court case with a peculiarity that made international headlines and sparked a debate on press freedom in this landlocked nation in southern Africa. The case was finally resolved on Monday.
Continue reading »
November 17, 2009 5:10 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: Chansa Kabwela, Legal Action
The Malawian who harnessed the airwaves
CPJ condemns suspension of six newspapers in Gabon
Complete Africa information »
Complete Americas information »
Go »
Alerts | Mexico
Mexican crime reporter vanishes in western Michoacán
El Cambio de Michoacán
El Cambio de Michoacán
New York, November 20, 2009—A Mexican reporter who had recently covered corruption and organized crime was reported missing this week in the western state of Michoacán, according to local news reports. María Esther Aguilar Cansimbe, at left, was last seen on November 11 near her home in Zamora. The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on state and federal authorities to do everything in their power to immediately bring her to safety.
Continue reading »
November 20, 2009 2:20 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Abducted, Missing
Blog | Cuba, USA
Obama responses stun Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez
By Carlos Lauría/Americas Senior Program Coordinator
Yoani Sánchez at home in Cuba. (Reuters)
Yoani Sánchez at home in Cuba. (Reuters)
Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez was astounded this week by President Barack Obama’s decision to respond a written questionnaire Sánchez submitted to the White House. Still recovering from bruises left by a recent vicious attack by state security agents, she told CPJ from her home in Havana: “This is the best way to get better.”
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 5:01 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: Blogger, Internet, Yoani Sanchez
Blog | Argentina
Criminal defamation eliminated in Argentina
We issued the following statement today in response to Wednesday’s approval by the Argentine Senate of a government-sponsored bill that repeals criminal defamation provisions from the penal code...
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 12:03 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Blog | Pakistan, USA
International press decries attack on Rosenberg
By Bob Dietz/Asia Program Coordinator
Twenty-one international news editors have signed on to a letter to the Pakistan government today. It was addressed to Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira and was drafted by Islamabad’s foreign correspondent community. They were concerned about an article that appeared in Pakistan’s The Nation daily on November 5 accusing Wall Street Journal reporter Matthew Rosenberg of working for the CIA, Israeli intelligence, and the U.S. military contractor Blackwater (now known as Xe).
Continue reading »
November 16, 2009 5:14 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: Matthew Rosenberg, Threatened
A letter to the American hikers being held in Iran
Free Speech Protection Act could slow 'libel tourism'
Complete Americas information »
Complete Asia information »
Go »
Alerts | Singapore, UK
Singapore refuses to renew foreign journalist’s visa
New York, November 19, 2009—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the Singapore government’s refusal to renew British freelance journalist Benjamin Bland’s work visa and its rejection of his application to cover the recently concluded Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit meeting. Bland had planned to report on the summit for the U.K.’s Daily Telegraph newspaper.
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 12:30 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Censored, Harassed
Alerts | Azerbaijan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia
Honored for their work, threatened at home
CPJ introduces 2009 International Press Freedom Awardees
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Washington, November 19, 2009—Naziha Réjiba, editor of the Tunisian online news journal Kalima, said she knows what to expect when she returns home—surveillance, harassment, and threats conducted by one the world’s most repressive governments.
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 12:18 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Eynulla Fatullayev, IPFA, JS Tissainayagam, Mustafa Abdinur, Naziha Réjiba
Alerts | Indonesia
Indonesia deports two foreign journalists
New York, November 18, 2009—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the Indonesian government’s decision to deport Raimondo Bultrini, a reporter with Italy’s weekly L’Espresso, and Kumkum Dasgupta, an assistant editor with India’s Hindustan Times, for lacking accreditation.
Continue reading »
November 18, 2009 1:16 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Expelled
Blog | Pakistan, USA
International press decries attack on Rosenberg
By Bob Dietz/Asia Program Coordinator
Twenty-one international news editors have signed on to a letter to the Pakistan government today. It was addressed to Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira and was drafted by Islamabad’s foreign correspondent community. They were concerned about an article that appeared in Pakistan’s The Nation daily on November 5 accusing Wall Street Journal reporter Matthew Rosenberg of working for the CIA, Israeli intelligence, and the U.S. military contractor Blackwater (now known as Xe).
Continue reading »
November 16, 2009 5:14 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: Matthew Rosenberg, Threatened
Journalist and translator freed in Afghanistan
Shakeup at China’s leading investigative magazine
Complete Asia information »
Complete Europe & Central Asia information »
Go »
Alerts | Ukraine
Independent broadcasters harassed, taken off air in Ukraine
New York, November 20, 2009—Authorities in Odessa, Ukraine, should immediately cease harassment of independent and pro-opposition broadcasters, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Officials from the Odessa Public Utility Service and mayor’s office have been physically obstructing the work of several local television and radio stations on the grounds of alleged building renovation, according to local news reports.
Continue reading »
November 20, 2009 11:27 AM ET | Permalink
Tags: Censored, Harassed
Alerts | Singapore, UK
Singapore refuses to renew foreign journalist’s visa
New York, November 19, 2009—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the Singapore government’s refusal to renew British freelance journalist Benjamin Bland’s work visa and its rejection of his application to cover the recently concluded Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit meeting. Bland had planned to report on the summit for the U.K.’s Daily Telegraph newspaper.
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 12:30 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Censored, Harassed
Alerts | Azerbaijan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia
Honored for their work, threatened at home
CPJ introduces 2009 International Press Freedom Awardees
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Washington, November 19, 2009—Naziha Réjiba, editor of the Tunisian online news journal Kalima, said she knows what to expect when she returns home—surveillance, harassment, and threats conducted by one the world’s most repressive governments.
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 12:18 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Eynulla Fatullayev, IPFA, JS Tissainayagam, Mustafa Abdinur, Naziha Réjiba
Blog | Saudi Arabia, UK, USA
Free Speech Protection Act could slow 'libel tourism'
By Robert Mahoney/Deputy Director
Free press advocates in Britain are looking to a bill stuck in the U.S. Congress for moral support in the fight to reform England’s draconian defamation laws. The U.S. bill, the Free Speech Protection Act 2009, is itself the product of those laws, which have made London the capital of “libel tourism.”
Continue reading »
November 16, 2009 10:57 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: Defamation, US Congress
Russia must effectively investigate Beketov case
Journalist and translator freed in Afghanistan
Complete Europe & Central Asia information »
Complete Middle East & North Africa information »
Go »
Alerts | Azerbaijan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia
Honored for their work, threatened at home
CPJ introduces 2009 International Press Freedom Awardees
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Naziha Réjiba (CPJ/Jeremy Bigwood)
Washington, November 19, 2009—Naziha Réjiba, editor of the Tunisian online news journal Kalima, said she knows what to expect when she returns home—surveillance, harassment, and threats conducted by one the world’s most repressive governments.
Continue reading »
November 19, 2009 12:18 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Eynulla Fatullayev, IPFA, JS Tissainayagam, Mustafa Abdinur, Naziha Réjiba
Blog | Iran, USA
A letter to the American hikers being held in Iran
By Joel Simon/Executive Director
The families of Shane Bauer, Josh Fattal, and Sarah Shourd, the three hikers detained in Iran, said today they are concerned about their children’s emotional well-being after nearly four months in prison. They asked supporters to send letters, which they will seek to deliver to them in Evin Prison in Tehran, where the three are being held.
Continue reading »
November 16, 2009 5:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: Imprisoned, Josh Fattal, Sarah Shourd, Shane Bauer
Blog | Saudi Arabia, UK, USA
Free Speech Protection Act could slow 'libel tourism'
By Robert Mahoney/Deputy Director
Free press advocates in Britain are looking to a bill stuck in the U.S. Congress for moral support in the fight to reform England’s draconian defamation laws. The U.S. bill, the Free Speech Protection Act 2009, is itself the product of those laws, which have made London the capital of “libel tourism.”
Continue reading »
November 16, 2009 10:57 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: Defamation, US Congress
Alerts | Iraq
Iraqi court fines Guardian for defaming al-Maliki
AP
AP
New York, November 11, 2009—The Committee to Protect Journalists denounces a Baghdad court’s ruling that the London-based Guardian newspaper defamed Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, left, in an April 2009 article depicting increasing authoritarianism in his government. CPJ calls on an appeals court to overturn the decision.
Continue reading »
November 11, 2009 2:48 PM ET | Permalink
Tags: Defamation
CPJ: End campaign against independent media in Morocco
CPJ rejects Iran espionage charges against American hikers
Complete Middle East & North Africa information »
How to Get Help Emergency Assistance for Journalists
Journalist Safety Guide
Guide for reporting in hazardous situations.
English | Español | العربية
The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1981. We promote press freedom worldwide by defending the rights of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal.
More about CPJ »
Video introduction »
Facebook Share on Facebook
Twitter Follow on Twitter
Video: Lara Logan
Why CPJ matters Join Us
International Press
Freedom Awards
Save the date: Tuesday, November 24. CPJ will honor top global journalists at its 19th annual benefit. Christiane Amanpour hosts.
Anatomy of Injustice
Unsolved murders in Russia
Anatomy of Injustice
Pakistani reporters
face grave risks
CPJ’s Bob Dietz
examines the challenges on the CPJ Blog
CPJ Home
Back to Top ^
Research
News Alerts
Protest Letters
CPJ Blog
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Web site content © CPJ. All rights reserved.
Articles may be reproduced only with permission.
News from the United Kingdom
CRM Solution to save Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In the past, citizens frequently found it difficult to obtain information because they did not know where to direct their specific inquiries and requests. Likewise, council employees faced problems with tracking interactions with citizens.
Each department used a different method for both managing the information and fulfilling a given request. In turn, this involved an array of custom-developed and proprietary tools, all of which took up considerable time, effort and resource.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK worked with CIBER to implement a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
The investment “paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Home Office - 20 Nov 2009 09:56
Compulsory licensing scheme unveiled to curb rogue wheel clampers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A tough new compulsory licensing scheme designed to rid England,
Wales and Northern Ireland of rogue wheel clampers, has been set out
today in the Crime and Security Bill.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/408788
Issued by the News Distribution Service on behalf of the
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Parliamentary Ombudsman, Ann Abraham, today urged public bodies
to improve customer service by acting swiftly and effectively to
resolve complaints. Small mistakes, big consequences contains eleven
case studies illustrating how the relatively minor mistakes of large
government departments can have a major impact on the people they are
attempting to serve and on the public purse.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/408743
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRM Solution to save Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In the past, citizens frequently found it difficult to obtain information because they did not know where to direct their specific inquiries and requests. Likewise, council employees faced problems with tracking interactions with citizens.
Each department used a different method for both managing the information and fulfilling a given request. In turn, this involved an array of custom-developed and proprietary tools, all of which took up considerable time, effort and resource.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK worked with CIBER to implement a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
The investment “paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wired-GOV Plus Newsletter
Our weekly round-ups of key government announcements, analysis and researched links to additional documents, consultations, white papers, reports and more
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-content-1.nsf/wfWGPlusLanding?ReadForm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industry News
UK government and public sector case studies, white papers, success stories and contract awards
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-content-1.nsf/wfIndustryNewsView?ReadForm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Reports
An in-depth look at current topics that goes beneath the headlines to provide a detailed review of public sector issues & solutions
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-content-1.nsf/wfSpecialReports?ReadForm=1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Events
Forthcoming public sector events, conferences and seminars
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-events-1.nsf/wfCalendar?ReadForm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you wish to end your subscription to Wired-GOV, please use the following link:
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-users-1.nsf/wfUnsubscribeAck?ReadForm&uid=DNWA-7XXKGX
At 00:45 this morning Humber Coastguard received a call from
Northumberland Fire and Rescue asking for Coastguard assistance in an
incident where an elderly lady had become stuck in her car near
Coldstream, in Northumberland.
New proposals to protect communities by making the streets safer,
shutting down criminal markets and ensuring justice for victims of
crime were revealed today in the Crime and Security Bill.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/408784
CRM Solution to save Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In the past, citizens frequently found it difficult to obtain information because they did not know where to direct their specific inquiries and requests. Likewise, council employees faced problems with tracking interactions with citizens.
Each department used a different method for both managing the information and fulfilling a given request. In turn, this involved an array of custom-developed and proprietary tools, all of which took up considerable time, effort and resource.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK worked with CIBER to implement a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
The investment “paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
Home Office - 20 Nov 2009 09:56
Compulsory licensing scheme unveiled to curb rogue wheel clampers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A tough new compulsory licensing scheme designed to rid England,
Wales and Northern Ireland of rogue wheel clampers, has been set out
today in the Crime and Security Bill.
Ministry of Defence - 20 Nov 2009 10:30
Hunter killer sub Astute arrives at her home port
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The biggest and most powerful attack submarine ever built for the
Royal Navy – Astute – today sailed into her home base on the Clyde.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/408775
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) - 20 Nov 2009 11:06
Twelve outstanding special schools - excelling through inclusion
------------------------------------------------------------------------
An Ofsted report published today showcases 12 outstanding special schools that excel at providing for very vulnerable children and young people. It shows how these schools deal with complex special educational needs, behavioural difficulties, disabilities and pupils excluded from mainstream schools.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYF2U
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRM Solution to save Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In the past, citizens frequently found it difficult to obtain information because they did not know where to direct their specific inquiries and requests. Likewise, council employees faced problems with tracking interactions with citizens.
Each department used a different method for both managing the information and fulfilling a given request. In turn, this involved an array of custom-developed and proprietary tools, all of which took up considerable time, effort and resource.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK worked with CIBER to implement a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
The investment “paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
Maritime and Coastguard Agency - 20 Nov 2009 11:16
COASTGUARD RESCUE TEAMS ASSIST IN FLOODING INCIDENTS IN CUMBRIA AND SCOTLAND
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastguard Rescue teams have been assisting in the response to the
flooding incidents in Cumbria and South West Scotland.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/408792
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Science and Technology Facilities Council - 20 Nov 2009 12:19
Restart of the Large Hadron collider (LHC)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Particle beams will soon be circulating again in the world’s most powerful particle accelerator, CERN’s Large Hadron Collider.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYGGA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRM Solution to save Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In the past, citizens frequently found it difficult to obtain information because they did not know where to direct their specific inquiries and requests. Likewise, council employees faced problems with tracking interactions with citizens.
Each department used a different method for both managing the information and fulfilling a given request. In turn, this involved an array of custom-developed and proprietary tools, all of which took up considerable time, effort and resource.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK worked with CIBER to implement a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
The investment “paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welsh Assembly Government - 20 Nov 2009 11:35
Wales leads the way in helping make children‘s rights a reality
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A new National Advocacy and Advice service for children and young people, backed with £459,850 of new Welsh Assembly Government funding has been announced by Children’s Minister Jane Hutt.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYFLE
Department for Culture, Media and Sport - 20 Nov 2009 12:53
A stitch in time to save painting of Welsh knitters
------------------------------------------------------------------------
153/09
20 November 2009
Culture Minister, Margaret Hodge, has placed a temporary export
bar on a painting by William Dyce, Welsh landscape with two women
knitting. This will provide a last chance to raise the money to keep
this important painting in the United Kingdom.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/408803
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - 20 Nov 2009 12:58
Better protection for homes and communities from flooding and drought
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Communities, homes and businesses will be better protected from the risk of flooding and water shortages in future under plans published in the Flood and Water Management Bill by Defra yesterday.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYH8P
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRM Solution to save Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In the past, citizens frequently found it difficult to obtain information because they did not know where to direct their specific inquiries and requests. Likewise, council employees faced problems with tracking interactions with citizens.
Each department used a different method for both managing the information and fulfilling a given request. In turn, this involved an array of custom-developed and proprietary tools, all of which took up considerable time, effort and resource.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK worked with CIBER to implement a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
The investment “paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for International Development - 20 Nov 2009 13:59
UK aid to help Pakistan recover from conflict
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UK will provide new emergency humanitarian aid and rebuild businesses and agriculture for millions of people affected by the recent conflict in Pakistan, it was announced yesterday.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYJEV
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for International Development - 20 Nov 2009 14:14
UK supports emergency plan to secure free healthcare for pregnant and lactating women and children under 5 in Sierra Leone
------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Pregnant and lactating women and children under five in Sierra Leone will have access to free life-saving healthcare within a year, thanks to a new emergency health programme that will receive a £34 million boost from the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID).
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYJPW
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Transport - 20 Nov 2009 13:53
Disabled Persons' Transport Advisory Committee appointment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Department for Transport has announced the appointment of the new representative for the Welsh Assembly Government on the Disabled Persons’ Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC).
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYJAN
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Health - 20 Nov 2009 13:45
First Express LIFT Arrives
------------------------------------------------------------------------
In a step closer towards updating and building new healthcare facilities, NHS Cumbria has become the first Primary Care Trust to establish a LIFT (Local Improvement Finance Trust) company procured through the faster and more cost-effective Express LIFT framework (Thursday 19 November).
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYJ5N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HM Revenue and Customs - 20 Nov 2009 14:05
Tax Law Rewrite – final bills introduced
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Corporation Tax Bill and the Taxation (International and Other Provisions) Bill introduced in Parliament by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, the Rt. Hon. Stephen Timms MP, were published yesterday.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYJJ8
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Science and Technology Facilities Council - 20 Nov 2009 12:37
Herschel space observatory at number seven in Time magazine's list of greatest inventions of 2009
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alongside teleportation and the AIDS vaccine, the Herschel Space Observatory has been voted one of the greatest inventions of 2009 by Time magazine (link opens in a new window)
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYGTC
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills - 20 Nov 2009 08:55
A world class Digital Economy for Britain
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Digital Economy Bill, introduced today, sets out Government plans
to ensure the UK is at the leading edge of the global digital economy.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/408781
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Transport - 20 Nov 2009 14:32
£30m for electric car charging points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UK’s streets and car parks could see thousands more charging points for electric and plug-in hybrid cars thanks to £30 million of Government funding.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYK3L
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames - CRM Solution to save more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK recently implemented a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
"The investment has paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Transport - 20 Nov 2009 14:46
New online game to help tackle child road deaths
------------------------------------------------------------------------
An innovative online game to help reduce the number of children killed and injured on Britain's roads was launched yesterday by Road Safety Minister Paul Clark.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYKC2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ministry of Defence - 20 Nov 2009 14:38
First of new fleet of “armoured beasts” arrives in UK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A “beast” of a new vehicle has arrived in the UK to prepare for its unleashing in Afghanistan’s Green Zone to support British troops.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYK7C
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ministry of Defence - 20 Nov 2009 14:51
Harman and Ainsworth: new support for service families
------------------------------------------------------------------------
New measures, building on the government’s welfare package for service families, was announced yesterday by Harriet Harman, Minister for Women and Equality, and Bob Ainsworth, Secretary of State for Defence.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYKF5
Department for Children Schools and Families - 20 Nov 2009 15:35
Children’s Minister launches action plan to address children’s rights
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Children’s Minister Delyth Morgan will today set out the UK’s long term vision for promoting children’s rights and improving outcomes for young people, making them a clear priority for the Government.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYLAV
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - 20 Nov 2009 15:41
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn visits Cumbria following severe flooding
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has spent the day in Cumbria today,
following the severe flooding that has occurred in the last 24 hours.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/408818
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames - CRM Solution to save more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK recently implemented a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
"The investment has paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food Standards Agency - 20 Nov 2009 16:32
Agency announces structural changes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Food Standards Agency today announced a series of changes in the way it is structured to better support its strategy for the next five years.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYME6
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food Standards Agency - 20 Nov 2009 17:06
Tesco withdraws brown rice
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tesco has withdrawn two batches of its own-brand wholegrain brown rice because they might be contaminated with insects. The Agency has issued a Food Alert for Information.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYN3Q
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QCDA (Qualifications & Curriculum Development Agency) - 20 Nov 2009 16:53
QCDA statement on new primary curriculum
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teachers are to have more flexibility to 'inspire and challenge' children
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYMT7
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sport England - 20 Nov 2009 17:10
Runaway success for Community Sports Volunteer of the Year
------------------------------------------------------------------------
While most bright ideas in the pub are forgotten by the morning, Cathy Rooney's resulted in 150 women in Nottinghamshire taking up running, many for the first time.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYN5Z
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wired-GOV Newswire (news from other departments) - 20 Nov 2009 16:45
10 Downing Street - Government will provide all support necessary for flood relief - PM
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Prime Minister has said the Government will provide any help needed following severe flooding in Cumbria.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYMNL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wired-GOV Newswire (news from other departments) - 20 Nov 2009 17:03
General Social Care Council - Social worker struck off after daughter is seriously injured
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A social worker who failed to seek immediate medical attention for her toddler and lied to doctors about how her injuries occurred has been removed from the profession by the General Social Care Council (GSCC).
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYMZX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In the past, citizens frequently found it difficult to obtain information because they did not know where to direct their specific inquiries and requests. Likewise, council employees faced problems with tracking interactions with citizens.
Each department used a different method for both managing the information and fulfilling a given request. In turn, this involved an array of custom-developed and proprietary tools, all of which took up considerable time, effort and resource.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK worked with CIBER to implement a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
The investment “paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Home Office - 20 Nov 2009 09:56
Compulsory licensing scheme unveiled to curb rogue wheel clampers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A tough new compulsory licensing scheme designed to rid England,
Wales and Northern Ireland of rogue wheel clampers, has been set out
today in the Crime and Security Bill.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/408788
Issued by the News Distribution Service on behalf of the
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Parliamentary Ombudsman, Ann Abraham, today urged public bodies
to improve customer service by acting swiftly and effectively to
resolve complaints. Small mistakes, big consequences contains eleven
case studies illustrating how the relatively minor mistakes of large
government departments can have a major impact on the people they are
attempting to serve and on the public purse.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/408743
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRM Solution to save Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In the past, citizens frequently found it difficult to obtain information because they did not know where to direct their specific inquiries and requests. Likewise, council employees faced problems with tracking interactions with citizens.
Each department used a different method for both managing the information and fulfilling a given request. In turn, this involved an array of custom-developed and proprietary tools, all of which took up considerable time, effort and resource.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK worked with CIBER to implement a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
The investment “paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wired-GOV Plus Newsletter
Our weekly round-ups of key government announcements, analysis and researched links to additional documents, consultations, white papers, reports and more
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-content-1.nsf/wfWGPlusLanding?ReadForm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industry News
UK government and public sector case studies, white papers, success stories and contract awards
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-content-1.nsf/wfIndustryNewsView?ReadForm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Reports
An in-depth look at current topics that goes beneath the headlines to provide a detailed review of public sector issues & solutions
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-content-1.nsf/wfSpecialReports?ReadForm=1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Events
Forthcoming public sector events, conferences and seminars
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-events-1.nsf/wfCalendar?ReadForm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you wish to end your subscription to Wired-GOV, please use the following link:
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-users-1.nsf/wfUnsubscribeAck?ReadForm&uid=DNWA-7XXKGX
At 00:45 this morning Humber Coastguard received a call from
Northumberland Fire and Rescue asking for Coastguard assistance in an
incident where an elderly lady had become stuck in her car near
Coldstream, in Northumberland.
New proposals to protect communities by making the streets safer,
shutting down criminal markets and ensuring justice for victims of
crime were revealed today in the Crime and Security Bill.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/408784
CRM Solution to save Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In the past, citizens frequently found it difficult to obtain information because they did not know where to direct their specific inquiries and requests. Likewise, council employees faced problems with tracking interactions with citizens.
Each department used a different method for both managing the information and fulfilling a given request. In turn, this involved an array of custom-developed and proprietary tools, all of which took up considerable time, effort and resource.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK worked with CIBER to implement a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
The investment “paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
Home Office - 20 Nov 2009 09:56
Compulsory licensing scheme unveiled to curb rogue wheel clampers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A tough new compulsory licensing scheme designed to rid England,
Wales and Northern Ireland of rogue wheel clampers, has been set out
today in the Crime and Security Bill.
Ministry of Defence - 20 Nov 2009 10:30
Hunter killer sub Astute arrives at her home port
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The biggest and most powerful attack submarine ever built for the
Royal Navy – Astute – today sailed into her home base on the Clyde.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/408775
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) - 20 Nov 2009 11:06
Twelve outstanding special schools - excelling through inclusion
------------------------------------------------------------------------
An Ofsted report published today showcases 12 outstanding special schools that excel at providing for very vulnerable children and young people. It shows how these schools deal with complex special educational needs, behavioural difficulties, disabilities and pupils excluded from mainstream schools.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYF2U
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRM Solution to save Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In the past, citizens frequently found it difficult to obtain information because they did not know where to direct their specific inquiries and requests. Likewise, council employees faced problems with tracking interactions with citizens.
Each department used a different method for both managing the information and fulfilling a given request. In turn, this involved an array of custom-developed and proprietary tools, all of which took up considerable time, effort and resource.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK worked with CIBER to implement a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
The investment “paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
Maritime and Coastguard Agency - 20 Nov 2009 11:16
COASTGUARD RESCUE TEAMS ASSIST IN FLOODING INCIDENTS IN CUMBRIA AND SCOTLAND
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastguard Rescue teams have been assisting in the response to the
flooding incidents in Cumbria and South West Scotland.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/408792
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Science and Technology Facilities Council - 20 Nov 2009 12:19
Restart of the Large Hadron collider (LHC)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Particle beams will soon be circulating again in the world’s most powerful particle accelerator, CERN’s Large Hadron Collider.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYGGA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRM Solution to save Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In the past, citizens frequently found it difficult to obtain information because they did not know where to direct their specific inquiries and requests. Likewise, council employees faced problems with tracking interactions with citizens.
Each department used a different method for both managing the information and fulfilling a given request. In turn, this involved an array of custom-developed and proprietary tools, all of which took up considerable time, effort and resource.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK worked with CIBER to implement a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
The investment “paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welsh Assembly Government - 20 Nov 2009 11:35
Wales leads the way in helping make children‘s rights a reality
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A new National Advocacy and Advice service for children and young people, backed with £459,850 of new Welsh Assembly Government funding has been announced by Children’s Minister Jane Hutt.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYFLE
Department for Culture, Media and Sport - 20 Nov 2009 12:53
A stitch in time to save painting of Welsh knitters
------------------------------------------------------------------------
153/09
20 November 2009
Culture Minister, Margaret Hodge, has placed a temporary export
bar on a painting by William Dyce, Welsh landscape with two women
knitting. This will provide a last chance to raise the money to keep
this important painting in the United Kingdom.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/408803
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - 20 Nov 2009 12:58
Better protection for homes and communities from flooding and drought
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Communities, homes and businesses will be better protected from the risk of flooding and water shortages in future under plans published in the Flood and Water Management Bill by Defra yesterday.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYH8P
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRM Solution to save Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In the past, citizens frequently found it difficult to obtain information because they did not know where to direct their specific inquiries and requests. Likewise, council employees faced problems with tracking interactions with citizens.
Each department used a different method for both managing the information and fulfilling a given request. In turn, this involved an array of custom-developed and proprietary tools, all of which took up considerable time, effort and resource.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK worked with CIBER to implement a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
The investment “paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for International Development - 20 Nov 2009 13:59
UK aid to help Pakistan recover from conflict
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UK will provide new emergency humanitarian aid and rebuild businesses and agriculture for millions of people affected by the recent conflict in Pakistan, it was announced yesterday.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYJEV
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for International Development - 20 Nov 2009 14:14
UK supports emergency plan to secure free healthcare for pregnant and lactating women and children under 5 in Sierra Leone
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All Pregnant and lactating women and children under five in Sierra Leone will have access to free life-saving healthcare within a year, thanks to a new emergency health programme that will receive a £34 million boost from the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID).
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYJPW
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Transport - 20 Nov 2009 13:53
Disabled Persons' Transport Advisory Committee appointment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Department for Transport has announced the appointment of the new representative for the Welsh Assembly Government on the Disabled Persons’ Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC).
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYJAN
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Health - 20 Nov 2009 13:45
First Express LIFT Arrives
------------------------------------------------------------------------
In a step closer towards updating and building new healthcare facilities, NHS Cumbria has become the first Primary Care Trust to establish a LIFT (Local Improvement Finance Trust) company procured through the faster and more cost-effective Express LIFT framework (Thursday 19 November).
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYJ5N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HM Revenue and Customs - 20 Nov 2009 14:05
Tax Law Rewrite – final bills introduced
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Corporation Tax Bill and the Taxation (International and Other Provisions) Bill introduced in Parliament by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, the Rt. Hon. Stephen Timms MP, were published yesterday.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYJJ8
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Science and Technology Facilities Council - 20 Nov 2009 12:37
Herschel space observatory at number seven in Time magazine's list of greatest inventions of 2009
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alongside teleportation and the AIDS vaccine, the Herschel Space Observatory has been voted one of the greatest inventions of 2009 by Time magazine (link opens in a new window)
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYGTC
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills - 20 Nov 2009 08:55
A world class Digital Economy for Britain
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Digital Economy Bill, introduced today, sets out Government plans
to ensure the UK is at the leading edge of the global digital economy.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/408781
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Transport - 20 Nov 2009 14:32
£30m for electric car charging points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UK’s streets and car parks could see thousands more charging points for electric and plug-in hybrid cars thanks to £30 million of Government funding.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYK3L
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames - CRM Solution to save more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK recently implemented a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
"The investment has paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department for Transport - 20 Nov 2009 14:46
New online game to help tackle child road deaths
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An innovative online game to help reduce the number of children killed and injured on Britain's roads was launched yesterday by Road Safety Minister Paul Clark.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYKC2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ministry of Defence - 20 Nov 2009 14:38
First of new fleet of “armoured beasts” arrives in UK
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A “beast” of a new vehicle has arrived in the UK to prepare for its unleashing in Afghanistan’s Green Zone to support British troops.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYK7C
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Ministry of Defence - 20 Nov 2009 14:51
Harman and Ainsworth: new support for service families
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New measures, building on the government’s welfare package for service families, was announced yesterday by Harriet Harman, Minister for Women and Equality, and Bob Ainsworth, Secretary of State for Defence.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYKF5
Department for Children Schools and Families - 20 Nov 2009 15:35
Children’s Minister launches action plan to address children’s rights
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Children’s Minister Delyth Morgan will today set out the UK’s long term vision for promoting children’s rights and improving outcomes for young people, making them a clear priority for the Government.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYLAV
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Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - 20 Nov 2009 15:41
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn visits Cumbria following severe flooding
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Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has spent the day in Cumbria today,
following the severe flooding that has occurred in the last 24 hours.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/408818
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames - CRM Solution to save more than £5 million by 2012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The council of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK), in London handles everything from housing and adult education to taxation and recycling for its 160,000 residents.
In order to centralise interactions with the public and improve services, RBK recently implemented a contact centre solution which easily interoperated with back-office systems.
"The investment has paid for itself within 12 months and we’re expecting to save more than £5 million by 2012,” said Robin Noble, IT Manager for RBK.
Click below to find out more....
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-directory-1.nsf/slh?Open&dc=DNWA-7XFEJ4&usr=DNWA-7XXKGX
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food Standards Agency - 20 Nov 2009 16:32
Agency announces structural changes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Food Standards Agency today announced a series of changes in the way it is structured to better support its strategy for the next five years.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYME6
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Food Standards Agency - 20 Nov 2009 17:06
Tesco withdraws brown rice
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Tesco has withdrawn two batches of its own-brand wholegrain brown rice because they might be contaminated with insects. The Agency has issued a Food Alert for Information.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYN3Q
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QCDA (Qualifications & Curriculum Development Agency) - 20 Nov 2009 16:53
QCDA statement on new primary curriculum
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teachers are to have more flexibility to 'inspire and challenge' children
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYMT7
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sport England - 20 Nov 2009 17:10
Runaway success for Community Sports Volunteer of the Year
------------------------------------------------------------------------
While most bright ideas in the pub are forgotten by the morning, Cathy Rooney's resulted in 150 women in Nottinghamshire taking up running, many for the first time.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYN5Z
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wired-GOV Newswire (news from other departments) - 20 Nov 2009 16:45
10 Downing Street - Government will provide all support necessary for flood relief - PM
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Prime Minister has said the Government will provide any help needed following severe flooding in Cumbria.
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYMNL
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wired-GOV Newswire (news from other departments) - 20 Nov 2009 17:03
General Social Care Council - Social worker struck off after daughter is seriously injured
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A social worker who failed to seek immediate medical attention for her toddler and lied to doctors about how her injuries occurred has been removed from the profession by the General Social Care Council (GSCC).
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/lfi/DNWA-7XYMZX
Didace Namujimbo, the brother I lost in Bukavu
http://cpj.org/blog/2009/11/didace-namujimbo-the-brother-i-lost-in-bukavu.php
Latest Briefing on the Operations of the Anti-Corruption Bureau
DIRECTOR OF ANTI-CORRUPTION BUREAU BRIEF ON OPERATIONS OF THE ANTI-CORRUPTION BUREAU – AUGUST – OCTOBER, 2009
ANALYSIS REPORT – CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX REPORT
Transparency International has once again issued a worldwide Corruption Perception Index Report for 2009. The report shows corruption levels on a score of 10 for the least corrupt nations and 0 for the most corrupt nations. From 2004 to 2008 Malawi’s rating has been fairly constant ranging from 2.7 to 2.8. However in 2009, the Corruption Perception Index Score has significantly increased from 2.8 in 2007 and 2008 to 3.3 in 2009. This is an indication that the fight against corruption in this country is having an impact and that as a result corruption levels are decreasing.
Malawi’s position in the world has therefore improved from 115 last year to 89 this year. This is not a mean achievement and that Anti-Corruption Bureau calls upon all Malawians to not only maintain the momentum but even do better. When Malawi’s position is compared against countries in Africa there is also a significant improvement from being number 20 or above in the last few years to being on position 12 out of over 50 countries. This means that Malawi is the 12th least corrupt country in Africa and 6th least corrupt country in the SADC Region.
You will observe that generally the countries that are ahead of Malawi, such as Botswana, South Africa, Mauritius and Namibia have stronger economies. You will also observe that on the world index the countries that have done well have very strong economies. This is a demonstration that the fight against corruption requires a significant amount of resources in order to succeed. Malawi therefore needs to keep working hard to keep improving its resource base so that the fight against corruption is further put on a stronger path. In the process we will be able to eradicate corruption in the country. No country can therefore put the least amount of money in the fight against corruption and hope to achieve a miracle in this fight. More successes in the fight against corruption implies more resources applied into the fight and in turn more development .
We are happy that the Malawi Government recognizes this. The Government has tried all it could within its limited resources to ensure that the Bureau is reasonably financed. We urge the Government to keep up the good effort it has applied in the fight against corruption. We also sincerely hope that the Donor community particularly DFID, the Norwegian Embassy and European Union shall continue to channel its resources in the fight against corruption.
It is therefore gratifying that Malawi has achieved this far. However we should not get complacent. Instead we should work harder.
The country’s leadership has already demonstrated the necessary political will to fight corruption through the declaration in 2004 of zero tolerance on corruption. The fruits of this commitment are now being seen. The current massive success is attributable to efforts by all of us. You will notice that the Judiciary, the Media and Civil Society, the Legislature, the Executive, the Donors have all worked in a concerted manner to achieve the current progress. We should build on this progress to maintain and improve the current trend. We should under no circumstances backtrack. Control and limitation of corruption translates into more and more development of the country.
You will recall that we are now in the process of implementing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy which was launched by the State President on 5th February this year. A successful implementation of this Strategy will and I have no doubt, rid Malawi of corruption and begin to stand among the best. The attached schedules show how Malawi has progressed with regard to the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index since 2004.
The Bureau believes that the fight against corruption can be more effective if it is tackled from different angles. That is why it places importance on all its activities, be it Corruption Prevention or Law Enforcement. As such this brief will cover these functions.
1. CORRUPTION PREVENTION ACTIVITIES
The Corruption Prevention Section in liaison with the Malawi National Examinations Board and Malawi Police Service has since August, 2009, been working on 17 allegations relating to various people having fake certificates or using other people’s certificates to secure employment. It has also been involved in examinations spot checks for the PSLCE, JCE and MSCE where 92 centers were visited in order to prevent examination malpractices which take place in examination centers.
The Bureau through the Corruption Prevention Section has also been working in collaboration with other stakeholders in the public as well as private sector to develop Anti-Corruption policies. It is working with ESCOM, Northern Region Water Board, National Aids Commission among others.
On 6th August, 2009 the Bureau signed a memorandum of understanding with ADMARC.
The Bureau has also drafted Corruption Prevention policies for ADMARC and Blantyre City Assembly among others. It also established contacts to start working in collaboration with Malawi Revenue Authority for the better enhancement of national revenue collection.
The prevention exercises are conducted to ensure that the systems that are in place in public and private institutions are reviewed in such a way that they do not operate to fuel corruption. The Bureau aims at recommending revision of work methods that are prone or that are conducive to corruption practices. It is believed that systems at times do promote corruption.
PUBLIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
From August to October, 2009 the Public Education Section conducted anti-corruption sensitization public rallies in eleven districts namely Ntchisi, Dowa, Mzimba Chikwawa, Chitipa, Rumphi, Mchinji, Balaka and Mangochi. Among other reasons these rallies were aimed at sensitising members of the public on the effects of corruption on their communities and encouraging members of the public to desist from such practices and report those suspected of committing the offence to the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
The Bureau was also invited to make presentations to members of civil Society in Mchinji, students at Bunda College of Agriculture, at Likuni for Civil Society and other stakeholders in the area, Members Small and Medium Enterprises.
In August, 2009, the Bureau conducted eight anti-corruption workshops for traditional leaders in Dowa, Phalombe, Dedza and Neno districts where a total of 240 traditional leaders were sensitised on the evils of corruption.
INVESTIGATIONS
In the months of August to October, 2009 the Anti-Corruption Bureau conducted and concluded investigations as follows:
Investigations completed 215
Cases recommended for prosecution 47
Cases closed or referred to other institutions 168 Arrests effected 14
Let me also report that the Bureau is involved in routine surveillance operations as one component of investigation. In Blantyre, the Bureau in a joint operation with the Police arrested a police officer who was soliciting an advantage from a person who allegedly had an assault case with Blantyre police in order for the Police officer to discontinue the case.
Let me state again that these surveillance operations will continue and our officers will be deployed in different places to ensure that those involved in corrupt practices are apprehended.
FERTILISER SUBSIDY
The Bureau is also involved in surveillance operations in various parts of Malawi and are presently undertaking covert operations aimed at exposing those who will be involved in corruption in this year’s subsidy programme. We therefore wish to warn all those people who will be tempted to tamper with this year’s current food subsidy programme to desist otherwise the Anti-Corruption Bureau will catch up with them.
INVESTIGATIONS AT BLANTYRE WATER BOARD
The Anti-Corruption Bureau has concluded investigations on allegations that the Chief Executive Officer for Blantyre Water Board awarded a contract to his wife. The file was closed after investigations established that the said contract was never awarded.
PROSECUTIONS
Within this period the Anti-Corruption Bureau had three prosecutions completed where two suspects were acquitted while three were found guilty, but they were discharged. The Bureau has appealed against the sentences.
CASE UPDATES
UPDATE ON THE K1.7 BILLION CASE- SEIZURE OF VEHICLES
The seizures are continuing. The case is still in court. The Anti-Corruption Bureau applied to the High Court for a seizure warrant to seize the property which is believed to have been bought using the money in question. The Bureau has so far seized 54 vehicles. The Bureau was involved in the collection of the vehicles for safe keeping and valuation purposes.
Recently the High Court gave its ruling on the challenge lodged by Mr Nadhi, proprietor of Keza Office Complex. He was challenging the Anti Corruption Bureau’s power and mandate to seize the property. The High Court has dismissed his application.The Bureau will continue to keep the property for the meantime and will continue receiving rentals of approximately K10 million per quarter. The court held that the seizure warrants are legitimate and should not be overturned.
Dated this 20th day of November 2009
A. E. NAMPOTA
DIRECTOR OF THE ANTI-CORRUPTION BUREAU
ANALYSIS REPORT – CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX REPORT
Transparency International has once again issued a worldwide Corruption Perception Index Report for 2009. The report shows corruption levels on a score of 10 for the least corrupt nations and 0 for the most corrupt nations. From 2004 to 2008 Malawi’s rating has been fairly constant ranging from 2.7 to 2.8. However in 2009, the Corruption Perception Index Score has significantly increased from 2.8 in 2007 and 2008 to 3.3 in 2009. This is an indication that the fight against corruption in this country is having an impact and that as a result corruption levels are decreasing.
Malawi’s position in the world has therefore improved from 115 last year to 89 this year. This is not a mean achievement and that Anti-Corruption Bureau calls upon all Malawians to not only maintain the momentum but even do better. When Malawi’s position is compared against countries in Africa there is also a significant improvement from being number 20 or above in the last few years to being on position 12 out of over 50 countries. This means that Malawi is the 12th least corrupt country in Africa and 6th least corrupt country in the SADC Region.
You will observe that generally the countries that are ahead of Malawi, such as Botswana, South Africa, Mauritius and Namibia have stronger economies. You will also observe that on the world index the countries that have done well have very strong economies. This is a demonstration that the fight against corruption requires a significant amount of resources in order to succeed. Malawi therefore needs to keep working hard to keep improving its resource base so that the fight against corruption is further put on a stronger path. In the process we will be able to eradicate corruption in the country. No country can therefore put the least amount of money in the fight against corruption and hope to achieve a miracle in this fight. More successes in the fight against corruption implies more resources applied into the fight and in turn more development .
We are happy that the Malawi Government recognizes this. The Government has tried all it could within its limited resources to ensure that the Bureau is reasonably financed. We urge the Government to keep up the good effort it has applied in the fight against corruption. We also sincerely hope that the Donor community particularly DFID, the Norwegian Embassy and European Union shall continue to channel its resources in the fight against corruption.
It is therefore gratifying that Malawi has achieved this far. However we should not get complacent. Instead we should work harder.
The country’s leadership has already demonstrated the necessary political will to fight corruption through the declaration in 2004 of zero tolerance on corruption. The fruits of this commitment are now being seen. The current massive success is attributable to efforts by all of us. You will notice that the Judiciary, the Media and Civil Society, the Legislature, the Executive, the Donors have all worked in a concerted manner to achieve the current progress. We should build on this progress to maintain and improve the current trend. We should under no circumstances backtrack. Control and limitation of corruption translates into more and more development of the country.
You will recall that we are now in the process of implementing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy which was launched by the State President on 5th February this year. A successful implementation of this Strategy will and I have no doubt, rid Malawi of corruption and begin to stand among the best. The attached schedules show how Malawi has progressed with regard to the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index since 2004.
The Bureau believes that the fight against corruption can be more effective if it is tackled from different angles. That is why it places importance on all its activities, be it Corruption Prevention or Law Enforcement. As such this brief will cover these functions.
1. CORRUPTION PREVENTION ACTIVITIES
The Corruption Prevention Section in liaison with the Malawi National Examinations Board and Malawi Police Service has since August, 2009, been working on 17 allegations relating to various people having fake certificates or using other people’s certificates to secure employment. It has also been involved in examinations spot checks for the PSLCE, JCE and MSCE where 92 centers were visited in order to prevent examination malpractices which take place in examination centers.
The Bureau through the Corruption Prevention Section has also been working in collaboration with other stakeholders in the public as well as private sector to develop Anti-Corruption policies. It is working with ESCOM, Northern Region Water Board, National Aids Commission among others.
On 6th August, 2009 the Bureau signed a memorandum of understanding with ADMARC.
The Bureau has also drafted Corruption Prevention policies for ADMARC and Blantyre City Assembly among others. It also established contacts to start working in collaboration with Malawi Revenue Authority for the better enhancement of national revenue collection.
The prevention exercises are conducted to ensure that the systems that are in place in public and private institutions are reviewed in such a way that they do not operate to fuel corruption. The Bureau aims at recommending revision of work methods that are prone or that are conducive to corruption practices. It is believed that systems at times do promote corruption.
PUBLIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES
From August to October, 2009 the Public Education Section conducted anti-corruption sensitization public rallies in eleven districts namely Ntchisi, Dowa, Mzimba Chikwawa, Chitipa, Rumphi, Mchinji, Balaka and Mangochi. Among other reasons these rallies were aimed at sensitising members of the public on the effects of corruption on their communities and encouraging members of the public to desist from such practices and report those suspected of committing the offence to the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
The Bureau was also invited to make presentations to members of civil Society in Mchinji, students at Bunda College of Agriculture, at Likuni for Civil Society and other stakeholders in the area, Members Small and Medium Enterprises.
In August, 2009, the Bureau conducted eight anti-corruption workshops for traditional leaders in Dowa, Phalombe, Dedza and Neno districts where a total of 240 traditional leaders were sensitised on the evils of corruption.
INVESTIGATIONS
In the months of August to October, 2009 the Anti-Corruption Bureau conducted and concluded investigations as follows:
Investigations completed 215
Cases recommended for prosecution 47
Cases closed or referred to other institutions 168 Arrests effected 14
Let me also report that the Bureau is involved in routine surveillance operations as one component of investigation. In Blantyre, the Bureau in a joint operation with the Police arrested a police officer who was soliciting an advantage from a person who allegedly had an assault case with Blantyre police in order for the Police officer to discontinue the case.
Let me state again that these surveillance operations will continue and our officers will be deployed in different places to ensure that those involved in corrupt practices are apprehended.
FERTILISER SUBSIDY
The Bureau is also involved in surveillance operations in various parts of Malawi and are presently undertaking covert operations aimed at exposing those who will be involved in corruption in this year’s subsidy programme. We therefore wish to warn all those people who will be tempted to tamper with this year’s current food subsidy programme to desist otherwise the Anti-Corruption Bureau will catch up with them.
INVESTIGATIONS AT BLANTYRE WATER BOARD
The Anti-Corruption Bureau has concluded investigations on allegations that the Chief Executive Officer for Blantyre Water Board awarded a contract to his wife. The file was closed after investigations established that the said contract was never awarded.
PROSECUTIONS
Within this period the Anti-Corruption Bureau had three prosecutions completed where two suspects were acquitted while three were found guilty, but they were discharged. The Bureau has appealed against the sentences.
CASE UPDATES
UPDATE ON THE K1.7 BILLION CASE- SEIZURE OF VEHICLES
The seizures are continuing. The case is still in court. The Anti-Corruption Bureau applied to the High Court for a seizure warrant to seize the property which is believed to have been bought using the money in question. The Bureau has so far seized 54 vehicles. The Bureau was involved in the collection of the vehicles for safe keeping and valuation purposes.
Recently the High Court gave its ruling on the challenge lodged by Mr Nadhi, proprietor of Keza Office Complex. He was challenging the Anti Corruption Bureau’s power and mandate to seize the property. The High Court has dismissed his application.The Bureau will continue to keep the property for the meantime and will continue receiving rentals of approximately K10 million per quarter. The court held that the seizure warrants are legitimate and should not be overturned.
Dated this 20th day of November 2009
A. E. NAMPOTA
DIRECTOR OF THE ANTI-CORRUPTION BUREAU
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Up coming Events Calendar
http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-events-1.nsf/wfCalendar?ReadForm&linkkey=BDEX-6ZFKST
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