Guardian: 1m Sudanese trapped in dire need beyond of reach of aid agencies – The war in the South Kordofan and Blue Nile provinces of South Sudan has put nearly 1 million people in dire need of aid. Humanitarian agencies still don’t have the access they need to these regions and several major aid agencies are “not openly campaigning for access” but instead “crossing into the war zone form South Sudan – a journey they make without Sudanese permission.” (Martin Plaut)
BBC: Kenyatta and Odinga in first Kenya presidential debate – Kenya is set to hold its first presidential debate between at least six candidates in the lead-up to next month’s tightly contested election. Prime Minister Ralia Odinga and his deputy Uhuru Kenyatta, “who faces trial for crimes against humanity” are considered the favorites in the polls as President Kibaki steps down after two terms in office. While the debate is significant because it is the first time that so many candidates will share a platform, it is doubtful that it will “influence many voters as most Kenyans vote along ethnic lines.”
WSJ: Questlove of The Roots Branches Out to Africa – On a recent trip to South Africa, Questlove, drummer and bandleader for The Roots, “relearned a valuable lesson that he’d almost forgotten – the reach of music across continents and cultures.” Questlove started the music site Okayplayer in 1999, and its latest project, “Player Xchange,” pairs African and U.S.-based artists and tasks them with collaborating on a music track. (Jackie Bischof)
Devex: Humanitarian appeal for flood-hit Mozambique – The international community is seeking $30.5 million to assist at least 150,000 people displaced by severe flooding in Mozambique. The primary need is food, followed by water, sanitation, hygiene supplies, shelter and education. $5 million is allocated for early recovery interventions. A “local disaster risk reduction strategy . . . is among the expected outcomes under the early recovery phase. (Jenny Lei Ravelo)
