NYTimes: Pursuing Soft Power, China Puts Stamp on Africa’s News – China’s investment prowess and construction expertise is widely apparent in Nairobi, Kenya. Recently, however, “Beijing’s efforts to win Kenyan affections” have made their way into the media, as Kenya’s most popular English-language newspapers display articles by the Chinese state news agency, Xinhua, and television viewers can get international news from several Chinese broadcasting stations. The hope in China is that their increased media presence will “bolster China’s image and influence around the globe, particularly in regions rich in the natural resources” needed in China. (Andrew Jacobs)
VOA: Athletes Hope Olympic Gold Inspires Change in Uganda – Ugandans are celebrating Stephen Kiprotich, their first Olympic gold medalist since 1972, who took gold in the marathon in London. Uganda has “long stood in the shadow of neighboring Kenya, whose athletic superstars and world-class facilities attract media attention and sportsmen from around the world.” Many Ugandans are hoping that this year’s fold medal will make it easier for their athletes to train and compete. (Hilary Heuler)
Devex: Dangerous assistance – Aid operations in Somalia remain restricted due to security concerns, despite the fact that almost half of the country’s population requires assistance. Yet the safety concerns for aid workers in Somalia are dwarfed by the total number of attacks in Afghanistan where there were 85 major attacks between 2009 and 2010, the highest number worldwide. Sudan and Pakistan are two other countries ranked highly on the index of the most dangerous countries in the world for aid workers. This Sunday marks World Humanitarian Day, the annual commemoration of humanitarian assistance workers around the globe. (Ivy Muncgal)
Reuters: Mine “bloodbath” shocks post-apartheid South Africa – Police killed 34 striking platinum miners in “the bloodiest security operation since the end of white rule” on Friday. Police chief Riah Phiyega confirmed 34 dead and 78 injured after police moved in against 3,000 striking drill operators armed with machetes and sticks at a mine northwest of Johannesburg. Phiyega told reporters the “the police members had to employ force to protect themselves from the charging group.” In a statement, South African President Jacob Zuma said “there is enough space in our democratic order for any dispute to be resolved through dialogue.” (Jon Herskovitz)
