VOA: African Union Seeks Strong Intra-Africa Trade – At the African Union summit in Addis Ababa this week, the AU “seeks to encourage intra-Africa trade among its members to enhance Africa’s worldwide competitiveness.” According to Erastus Mwencha, the deputy chairperson of the AU, increased trade amongst African countries is critical to creating jobs, eradicating poverty, and improving infrastructure. (Peter Clottey)
Newsweek: Is Destroying Timbuktu’s Heritage Un-Islamic? – Since “the followers of Muhammad came roaring out of Arabia, in A.D. 633,” and into Timbuktu, a rich history of art and beauty has existed in the region. Now, in the chaos of Mali’s civil war, “one of the great seats of Africa’s Islamic culture” is a victim of Muslim puritans. While shrines can be rebuild, they say, experts fear the effects on “the ‘intangible heritage’ of Timbuktu’s culture.” (Blake Gopnik)
Wall Street Journal: African Union Elects New Leader – Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, an experienced diplomat and President Jacob Zuma’s former wife, was elected Sunday to lead the African Union. She was chosen by the pan-African bloc’s 54 member countries, despite efforts for a representative from a smaller African state. Some hope her leadership will bring cohesion to the continent, even though her election has produced divisions. (Patrick McGroarty)
Seattle Times: Global-health forum calls for religious, secular solidarity – At a global health forum in Seattle, speakers encouraged faith based and secular groups to collaborate to foster humanitarian programs around the world and improve health and reduce poverty in the world’s poorest countries. Organizations discussed the fact that “relief should not be used to advance any political ideology or religion” and the importance of being well-informed in the fight against poverty and disease. (Sandi Doughton)
