African Media Coverage

May 16-31, 2008

Angola: Angola Press
"Rape is common against Darfur women, States Doctors group"
Published: May 31, 2009

A survey of dozens of women who fled violence in Darfur found that a third of them reported or showed signs of rape, and revealed a widespread fear of sexual violence in their refugee camp in Chad, a human rights group reported on Sunday.

About half the rapes were carried out in Darfur by janjaweed militiamen allied to the Arab-dominated government in Khartoum, and half were assaults by Chadian villagers near the UN refugee camp, usually when the women left to search for firewood or herd livestock, according to the report by the Unites states based group Physicians for Human Rights.

Read the article here.

South Africa: Cape Argus
"Tensions escalate as Sudan accuses Chad of acts of war"
Published: May 19, 2009

Sudan's top official in North Darfur accused Chad yesterday of sending troops into his territory to fight alongside Darfur rebels, raising the stakes in the simmering tension between the two countries.

North Darfur governor Osman Kebir said Chadian forces had reinforced fighters from Darfur's rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) in an attack on the strategic town of Kornoi on Saturday.

Sudan accused Chad of carrying out three air strikes on its territory last week, calling the raids an "act of war".

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Kenya: Daily Nation
"Spare a thought for Darfur"
Published: May 17, 2009

Hunger strike has become the latest weapon for saving the people of Darfur. A few celebrities are drawing most attention. It’s a sign of frustrations. Diplomacy just limps.

The most publicised participants in the Darfur Fast for Life hunger strike include Ms Mia Farrow, a US actress, Mr Richard Branson, the billionaire founder of Virgin Atlantic Airways, and Mr John Foreman, a recording artist. US Congressman Donald Payne also features.

Late month, Ms Farrow aimed at 21 days. She lasted 12, and lost nearly 6kg. Ms Farrow claimed disappointment she had an option more than a million Darfurians lacked, to resume eating.

Read the article here.