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Egypt: Mubarak’s Resignation Celebrations Continue  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011.
Celebrations around the world continue after news that Hosni Mubarak has left the house. The dictator, who ruled Egypt for three decades, and refused to step down despite 18 days of continuous protests in which Egyptians expressed their demand that he leaves power in every peaceful means possible, has finally resigned.
Here is the latest round up of reactions from Twitter:
@AmoonaE: #mubarak ███████████████|100 % Complete. You may now eject this file from the disk. #jan25 #18days #egypt #victory (via @hissar_simo)
@Lastoadri: The flag in my hand and off to the street to celebrate with my people… YAAAAY! #Egypt #Jan25
@3arabawy: Phone call from Hurghada: All the people r out in the streets celebrating. #Jan25
@3arabawy: I'm totally in tears. I wish my father was alive to see that day. #Jan25 http://www.flickr.com/photos/elhamalawy/2585826704/
@3arabawy: Gunshots continue in Nasr City in celebration. I never knew there were so many guns in the neighborhood! :D #Jan25
@3arabawy: We need to lift all restrictions on establishing labor unions and political parties. #Jan25
@3arabawy: We need to prosecute the murderers & corrupt officials who ruled us. We need 2 dissolve rigged parliament. We need to abolish emergency law
@3arabawy: We scored big victory everyone. But we should not stop the protests and the strikes until the rest of our demands r met. #Jan25
@dohanews: honks of jubiliation on the roads of #qatar. Mabrook #egypt!
@fahadalassiry: Car in #Doha #Qatar waving Egyptian flags. It's a celebration! #Egypt #Jan25 http://twitpic.com/3yop4m
@yslaise: I'll get two mobile phones, one will have Mohammed Bouazizi as its background and the other will have one of #Tahrir #Jan25 #sidibouzid
@yslaise: Thank you Bouazizi, Khaled Said and the youth of Tunisia and Egypt, for giving me stories to teach my son about sacrifice, unity and freedom
@razano: At the Egyptian embassy in amman, celebrating :-) come join us people! Go #Jan25
@Tharwacolamus: Jordanians celebrating in Amman as well, also in front of Egyptian Embassy #jan25
@ioerror: After eighteen days of protests it has been announced that Mubarak is gone! Keep up the pressure – get the rest of the regime out! #egypt
@ShereefAbbas: All we need to do now is sit down with the Tunisians & write the “Overthrowing a Dictator for Dummies” book. #Jan25 #Egypt #Tunisia
@AShMarafi: To our Egyptians ppls: Yes, We Can #Jan25 #25Jan http://yfrog.com/hse03hlj
This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011.


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Egypt: The Vlog before the Revolution · Global Voices
Juliana Rincón Parra

The video blog made and shared on Facebook by Asmaa Mahfouz, where she asked Egyptians to join her on January 25th to protest and ask for human rights went viral, and is being called “The Vlog that Helped Spark the Revolution”, according to Iyad El-Baghdadi.

source: news-globalvoices

license: Creative Commons - Attribution - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

author: Juliana Rincón Parra


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Egypt: The World Rejoices as Mubarak Resigns  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011.
'Mubarak Steps Down' (via Celinecelines on Flickr)
Mubarak has resigned. I will leave tweeps to describe the euphoria in the air:
@AJEnglish: Breaking: Omar Suleiman announces that Mubarak has resigned – http://aje.me/ajelive #egypt #cairo
@SultanAlQassemi: Exact words: Omar Suleiman: Mubarak has resigned. He has delegated the responsibility of running the country to the Supreme Military Council
@Ghonim:
@AbdullahBoftain:
@ianinegypt: Mubarak steps down to Allahu Akbar ringing out in Tahrir Square. #egypt #jan25
@jonjensen: Hosni Mubarak is no longer the president of Egypt. Crowds in Tahrir going crazy. #Jan25 #Tahrir
@draddee: Mubarak is GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Firas_Atraqchi: Beautifully played by the military – now controls the country. If it didn't before. #jan25 #cairo
@Dima_Khatib: Mubarak is GONE #egypt #jan25
@tololy: Mubarak finally steps down. What was his speech last night all about then? I “will” keep my promises, I “will” stay until September. #Jan25
@eyade: the Pharaoh falls, I repleat. the Fharaoh falls.
(Arabic translations to follow shortly)
This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011.

author: Amira Al Hussaini


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Egypt: What Will the Army Do?  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011.
So far, with a few or a lot of exceptions, the army has remained a buffer between the pro-democracy protesters and the government's security apparatus and mercenary thugs, as Egyptians continue to call for an end of the Mubarak regime, for the 18th day in a row.
After last night's announcement made by Mubarak, and as millions of Egyptians plan to take to the streets today, Egyptian bloggers have a lot to say – about the role of the army and what could happen in their country over the next few hours.
Protestors lie down in front of the Egyptian Army at the head of Parliament Street, Cairo, Egypt. Image from Flickr user Omar Robert Hamilton (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0).
Sandmonkey tries to analyse the situation in this post, entitled Mubarak's gamble. He says:
1) Mubarak is not going to leave Office without bloodshed. Any attempt for a peaceful exit has been discarded by his regime, and they are intending to fight the will of the people until the end.
2) Mubarak has burned the image of Hossam Badrawy and the Wisemen council with his speech. Hossam Badrawy, the secretary general of the NDP, was the face of the NDP that announced Mubarak's intenetion to abdicate power later tonight. Now the man has no credibility. Same goes for the Wiseman Council, since Mubarak's speech was focused on how he has met their demands, which don't include him leaving. If most of them don't quit their posts today, I would be greatly surprised.
3) We are seeing the first possible split in the power structure in Egypt: It seems that the Armed forces are in one camp, and the president, intelligence agencies and the republican guard in another camp. If you add to the equation the Ministery of Interior and the protesters, you have 4 players right now in an intensely unpredictable power struggle. We are now awaiting the second statement from the High council of amred forces to clearify their position once and for all. Whether the Army is with or against the people will determine a lot of today's outcome.
4) Mubarak has now put the US in a corner: He double-crossed the White House, and announced his intentions to fight foriegn intervention. Adding to that the news of the arab aid, he is sending the US a clear message: “I could tell you and your aid to go to hell, and get the money from the arabs instead. Where does this leave your precious Israel? If you don't want us to cause problems on that front,  you better shut up about what we will do and get with the program, or else!”
He adds:
If you take all of those factors into consideration, the situation starts looking intensely ominous. If the regime and the army has split, we could see major fighting and bloodshed today. If the Army is with the President, then they will all turn their guns on the Protesters, who are determined not to live under Mubarak rule for one extra day. It also means that he put on the line the future of the transitional government with Omar Suleiman in charge, because Suleiman's fate seems intensely intertwined with the President now. This has become a fight for survival: it's either the regime or the people. The bad news is, the regime has all the weapon and organization. The good news is, the people are determined and increasing in numbers and the army might step in and save us all unnecessary bloodshed.
It all depends on the army's statement now.
Wael Nawara adds:
Do not fall for Mubarak's plan
He already sent the thugs and released the convicts
Now he raised the level of expectations by the leaks
Then came out delivering the most outrageous speech to enrage the protesters and set the stage for violent confrontations between demonstrators and the army
Beware of any infiltrators today amongst us who would start violence – even throwing a rock at the army
This is a peaceful revolution and must remain as such
The Armed Forces said they support the legitimate demands of the people
Now we demand that the Armed Forces would enact these demands
This will not be coup d'etat as long as the Army ensures that the demands of the people are met and that a transition government – perhaps a presidential council – is formed from 2 or 3 civilians  and 1-2 Army Chiefs
At The Arabist, Silawa writes:
* Worse is better: Mubarak wanted to stir things up, to provoke a march on the palace and possibly trigger some violence. The regime had its greatest success undermining the uprising when the situation was at its most unstable. The return to normalcy on the other hand this week provided the opportunity for people to come together in the workplace, remember what they really dislike about the stagnant and corrupt status quo, and go on strike. So, he thought he might end the normalcy, rekindle fears of long-lasting anarchy, and put pressure on the demonstrators to quit with what concessions they have already won.
Still at The Arabist, Issandr El Amrani earlier wrote:
When the uprising began in Egypt and tanks deployed on the streets on January 28, the military was initially welcomed. Perhaps many thought it had carried out a coup against Mubarak (in fact it probably partially has), and many more still cherished the myth of the Egyptian army triumphant in 1973 after the defeat of 1967. Things began to turn last week when the army stood and did nothing while pro-Mubarak thugs attacked the crowd in Tahrir. The protestors issued an ultimatum to the army to pick its side: with them, or with Mubarak. The army has still done nothing. Then, over the weekend, military police (and probably military intelligence) were deployed to beef up security on the streets. It then came out that they have been arresting dozens if not hundreds of people, and began raiding the offices of human rights activists and visiting the homes of people asking to poke around their computers.
He continues:
Word of this is going to spread and will begin to counter the dominant narrative in Egyptian media about the people and the army being one. The longer this crisis persists, the more difficult for the army to continue either playing a double game or sitting on the fence. With Omar Suleiman's threats of coups and the protests spreading to work stoppages across the country, decision time will be coming for the protestors to make up their minds about the army (or launch a more pronounced campaign to persuade commanders), for the army's leadership to decide how it will proceed in a context where it is losing control, and for rank-and-file in the military to decide where they stand in all this.
Stay tuned for coverage from Egypt as we enter day 18 of massive protests calling for Mubarak and his regime to leave.
This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011.


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Gabon: Students Protest, Army Deployed · Global Voices
Julie Owono

This post is part of our special coverage on Gabon Unrest 2011
Gabon's political crisis reached new heights on Thursday, as students protested at Omar Bongo University in the capital city, Libreville. Whereas protests last week involved mostly opposition members, the unrest appears to be developing into a wider social conflict.
Currently the official government headed by President Ali Bongo, son of the late longstanding strongman Omar Bongo, stands accused of election fraud by an ‘unofficial’ opposition government. Former Interior Minister and opposition leader André Mba Obame, has declared himself President. Planned protests in the country have been stifled by the authorities before they can take place.
This video from YouTube user AfricaWeWish shows the protest at Omar Bongo University yesterday:
Students’ Revolt
Around 2:00 pm CET on the 10 February, activist Jean-Pierre Rougou who is said to be close to Gabon's ‘unofficial’ opposition government posted on social network Twitter:
Gabon: révolte des étudiants de l'UOB qui refusent de vivre comme des chiens
Pictures of the 10 February demonstration were posted by Libreville resident Carel Dorian Ondo Ellassoumou [fr] on her Facebook page:
Student protestors at Omar Bongo University (UOB) in Libreville, Gabon on Thursday 10 February, 2011. Image from Carel Dorian Ondo Ellassoumou.
The aftermath of student protests at Omar Bongo University (UOB) in Libreville, Gabon on Thursday 10 February, 2011. Image from Carel Dorian Ondo Ellassoumou.
According to website La Voix du Peuple Gabonais (Voice of the Gabonese People - LVDPG) [fr], an online newspaper managed by Gabonese living abroad, students were demonstrating [fr] because they have not received their 100 Euros (66,000 Central African Francs) monthly scholarship money since July 2010.
In addition they were protesting for the reinstatement of three professors, all members of the opposition National Union political party, who are currently ‘refugees’ in the Libreville United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) building with the rest of the ‘unofficial’ opposition government.
LVDPG reports these details about the clash between students and the authorities:
De violents affrontements ont par la suite éclatés entre les étudiants et les gendarmes venus les empêcher de manifester, ces derniers se permettant même de violer les franchises universitaires, car, ils seraient rentrés dans le campus et brutaliseraient les étudiants à l’intérieur de l’UOB.
Creators of the Facebook page Etudiants Gabonaisen Révolte (Gabonese Students in Revolt) [fr], who describe themselves as “stagnating students, lacking powerful parents at the UOB” [Omar Bongo University], posted on Thursday:
les forces de l ‘ordre viennent de rentrer dans l ‘université et sont en train de nous massacrer comme en 1990!!”
In 1990, an uprising that began at the same university against late President Omar Bongo was severely repressed by the Gabonese authorities, aided by French Foreign Legion forces in what was called “Operation Shark”.
On the occasion of the protest this week, LVDPG shared a video report that was broadcast on French television channel Bfmtv.com [fr] in 2009 that shows the dilapidated condition of Omar Bongo University:
Reactions Online
The news of the students’ protest echoed within the Gabonese community online and reactions quickly appeared.
Referring to the situation regarding the three sacked professors, Paterne Sedryk Magnaga comments on his Facebook profile:
Comme c'est dommage! Au Gabon tu es radié de ton poste quand tu intègres un parti différent que celui du pouvoir c'est de la dictature et non la démocratie.
OK L UOB, commenting on LVDPG's article [fr] on February 10, plays down the protest:
arrete votre charabia les etudiants gabonais reclament leurs bourse rien de plus, quel revolte populaire.
@franklinishere links to the bfmtv.com video of the rundown university on Twitter:
#Gabon:43 years of disasters: See what you can find at University Omar Bongo in Libreville (video-french): http://bit.ly/ifX0Jf
Ongoing Arrests
On Koaci, an African news website, a blogger reports the arrest of another National Union leader in Bitam, North Gabon:
Nous venons d’apprendre l’arrestation à Bitam (Nord du GABON) de Mr BRUNO NZE MEZUI
LVDPG [fr] reports that opposition neighborhoods of Libreville are surrounded by the authorities:
“Nous sommes pas pour venir terroriser nos populations mais plutôt assurer leur sécurité vis-à-vis des jeunes qui font le banditisme dans ces différents quartiers”, a déclaré un responsable des gendarmes.
The following video shows the deployment of military forces in Nkembo and Rio, areas of Libreville, posted to Youtube on February 10 by user AfricaWeWish:
French Opposition Lend Their Voices
In a blog post entitled “Hear the African Youth”, Pascal Michelangeli, deputy mayor of Epinay-Sous-Seinart, a city near Paris, contrasts French President Nicolas Sarkozy's position on the Tunisian crisis with the one he appears to have taken on Gabon's political turmoil. He shares a link to an article on news website Gabonews.ga that says Sarkozy sent his regards to Ali Bongo on the occasion of his birthday on 9 February:
Dans ce contexte politique explosif, Nicolas Sarkozy envoyait ses voeux de joyeux anniversaire au Président Gabonais, tout en terminant sa lettre par un très distingué et laconique… « ton ami ».
This post is part of our special coverage on Gabon Unrest 2011

author: Julie Owono


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Ghana: Stop forced eviction in Accra · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

This week, WITNESS, and other land and housing rights organizations, signed a public statement demanding a stop to the planned forced eviction of thousands in Ghana’s capital city Accra. The signature campaign was organized at the World Social Forum in Dakar, Senegal.

author: Ndesanjo Macha


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Ghana: Want a new constitution? Text 1992 · Global Voices
Fiona Leonard

In December 2010, Kobina Graham discovered just how much was riding on the social media project he had been working on. At the launch of the Constitution Review Commission’s text campaign he was told ‘This is the first campaign of its type in Ghana. If it works, it will be a model to follow. If it fails it will be held up as the reason why we should never do social media campaigns in Ghana again.’
No pressure.
A month later, and with over 20,000 text submissions under his belt, Kobina is breathing a little easier. With a Law degree and a Masters in International Studies and Diplomacy behind him, Kobina was a natural recruit for the CRC team. However, it was his love of social media that the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) team wanted to draw upon. During his time as Head of New Media at radio station, Joy FM, he earned the nickname of ‘Twitter’ for his use of social media and the breaking stories gleaned through Twitter, that he brought to the station. The CRC hoped this experience would help them reach a broader audience across the country.
The Constitution review process is the most comprehensive project of its kind ever undertaken in Ghana, and the first review undertaken since the 1992 Constitution came into force. The 1992 Constitution is Ghana’s fifth constitution after those of 1957, 1960, 1969 and 1979.
During the first twelve months, the CRC team opened their doors, mailboxes and inboxes to the community with an approach along the lines of ‘send your submissions by pigeon or smoke signal and we’ll accept it’. By the time the submission period closed, they had received over 60,000 contributions. It seemed though that social media submissions and pigeon post, were probably on a par, with less than 1% of submissions received coming via the web, Facebook or Twitter. While Kobina acknowledges that all three were useful for disseminating information, they generated little in the way of submissions. For the second phase, it seemed logical therefore, to try a fresh approach.
While internet take-up may still be slow, Ghanaians have embraced the mobile phone market with enthusiasm. At the end of 2010 it was estimated that 75% of Ghana’s population had mobile phones; up from 63% in 2009. This amounts to a subscriber base of over 17.4 million people. The current social media strategy Kobina developed with his colleagues looks to capitalise on this market penetration, encouraging Ghanaians to comment via SMS on a shortlist of twenty-five top issues relating to the review, that were gleaned from the initial submissions.
With a nod to the last review in 1992, the SMS campaign asks Ghanaians to text ‘C’ to short code 1992 to start receiving questions. For each answer submitted users receive the next question. As with most text-based campaigns, however, there is a cost to the user; a fact that has been questioned by those who believe that commenting on the review should be free. Kobina sees it differently, pointing out that last year’s comment submission process was entirely free with members of the public able to participate in a variety of ways and fora without cost. Those initial submissions will form the bulk of the research.
The cost of participating via text messages covers not only the fees charged by the mobile phone companies, but also offers the chance to raise some much needed revenue for the CRC. At present the CRC is only partly funded by the Ghana Government, the rest of its funding having been sourced from foreign aid bodies including the World Bank. Kobina firmly believes Ghana should aim to be self funding, paying for projects like the review without international assistance. To achieve that, however, the money will have to be derived locally through mechanisms such as this. There is also the hope that the text campaign will help to encourage community buy-in with contributors literally investing in the process.
As texts continue to come in, the CRC team is working to process all submissions received to date. They have a mandate to finish before the end of the current Presidential term, so everything has to be done well.
Apart from the text campaign, the commission also uses Twitter and Facebook. Below are some of latest tweets posted on CRC twitter page:
An invitation to a public meeting:
Come to “The National Constitution Review Conference” Tuesday, March 1 at 5:00 pm until
Sunday, March 6 at… http://fb.me/DaJMBSKy
Thousands of text messages are pouring in:
The text messages are pouring in in the THOUSANDS. Ghanaians really have a lot to say on the Constitution!
Make your thoughts heard via SMS:
Make your thoughts heard on the review of the Constitution. Text ‘C’ to short code 1992 & start answering the 25 questions now!
Q10: Should MPs also be allowed to propose a Bill with cost implications to Parliament to make into law? Text your view to 1992 (Ghana only). Start text with ‘Q10′. 50p/SMS
A sample of questions left on CRC Facebook page:
Q10: Should MPs also be allowed to propose a Bill with cost implications to Parliament to make into law? Text your view to 1992 (Ghana only). Start text with ‘Q10′. 50p/SMS
Do you think the indemnity clauses (of the Transitional Provisions) should be retained or repealed?
Text your view to 1992 (Ghana only). Start text with ‘Q23′. 50p/SMS
Q17: Corruption cases aside, CHRAJ cant investigate cases without identifiable complainants. Send your thoughts by SMS to 1992 (Ghana only, all networks) or simply leave an answer here. Start text with ‘Q17′. 50p/SMS.
District Chief Executives are currently nominated by the President and approved by the Assembly. Should this change or remain the same? Send your thoughts by SMS to 1992 (Ghana only, all networks) or simply leave an answer here. Start your messsage with ‘Q14′
What is your view on ex-gratia awards & emoluments for ex-Presidents & public office holders?
Send it by SMS to 1992 (Ghana only) or simply leave an answer here. Start your messsage with ‘Q1′.
While the ultimate outcome of the review process will depend on the responses of the President, Council of State, Parliament and ultimately the people, if a revised constitution is put to a referendum, at least for now Kobina can be confident that his text strategy has not closed the door forever on social media being used in Ghana in the future.

author: Fiona Leonard


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Iran: Hope, Joy, Envy as Egypt Breaks Free · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Iranian bloggers welcomed the departure of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak today with both joy and envy. It is an amazing coincidence that Mubarak was brought down on exactly the 32th anniversary of the 1979 revolution when the Shah was overthrown.
Some bloggers also use the occasion to remind readers that the Green Movement is calling for demonstrations on Monday, February 14 in the name of Egypt and Tunisia.
Mamlkate Darim? (means ‘What country?’) writes :
Egyptians slept for 18 days in the streets and now they rejoice. We, Iranians, have slept for 32 years [referring to 1979 revolution]..what country do we have?
Sedaye Zendani (means ‘Voice of prisoner’) says [fa]:
Egyptian people got their rights. We will go on Monday, 25 Bahman [February 14] to the streets and celebrate for you. We were supposed to get the same right as the Egyptian people, but they were smarter and got it sooner than us. Now we must go to the streets to demand our rights, and celebrate the will of this nation for victory. To celebrate the victory of a nation, we need neither a leader nor permission.
Mihanparast (means ‘Patriot’) writes [fa] with irony, “Why did Mubarak have to leave now, he could have waited two days and left with Seyed Ali [Ayatholah Khamenei].”
Rag be Rag congratulates[fa] Egyptian brothers and sisters and says, the key to victory is keeping religion and state separated.
Greenlights writes [fa] that for all the blood spilled on the ground he will take part in the 14 February demonstration.

author: Fred Petrossian


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Iran: Posters for 14th of February · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

Iranian sites and blogs such as Iranchristian has published several posters for opposition demonstration on 14th of February (25 Bahman).


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Iran:”Attack at Mashahi at pro-regime rally”  · Global Voices
Fred Petrossian

A video film shows Esfandiar Rahim Mashai, Iran's President's Chief of Staff was “attacked by conseravtive protesters.” Mashahi had been criticized by conservative clerics in recent months for adopting a nationalistic tone and defending music.


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Jordan: Celebrating Mubarak’s Departure · Global Voices
Betsy Fisher

In the moments following the announcement of Hosni Mubarak's stepdown, Jordanian tweeters reacted in jubilation.
Moey tweeted:
WE ARE PROUD OF YOU #EGYPT – SERIOUSLY, WTF #MUBARAK – I suggest Mubarak tweets #FML #Jan25 #Feb11 #Amman #JO #Arab
Gaith Kawar wrote:
Alf mabrouk to my Egyptian brothers… An historic day in arab history #jan25 #Egypt #Jo
Basem Aggad reported:
Celebrations gunshots in my neighbourhood here in #Amman #JO هاد الفلاحين فيه الله يهدينا ويجعلنا زي اخوانا المصريين واعيين #Jan25 #ReformJO
Khaled al-Ahmad simply wrote:
Overwhelming
Yusuf Mansur tweeted:
I will come 2 #Tahrir & kiss the ground upon which the feet of #Egyptians stamped the biggest dictator in region& marched Araby into freedom
Some set their sights on the future.  Ali al-Hasani tweeted:
Palestine next? oh please god let the Palestinian people be free! #Jan25
While Mohanned al-Arabiyat warned:
What happened in egypt will not stay in egypt….
Others thanked media participants in the events.  Mahmoud Lattouf wrote:
Thanks to @AJArabic for the excellent job they've done during the revolt. #Tahrir #Egypt #Jan25
LumaQ wrote:
To the reporters the brave reporters who were a big part of this revolution, mabrook, congratulations and thank you! #egypt

author: Betsy Fisher


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Korean Tweeters Created A New Word, ‘Mubaraktic’, to Describe Someone Who Can’t Take a Hint. · Global Voices
Lee Yoo Eun

South Korean net users, many of whom experienced military regime's rule back in 1980, have expressed great interest to Mubarak's address today. Korean Tweeters, such as @brokerlee, introduced a new urban slang ‘Mubaraktic'(rough translation)[ko], to describe someone who ‘cant take a hint’ and ‘tightly clings to chair(:power)’.

author: Lee Yoo Eun


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Malawi/Uganda: Pushing the gay agenda · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

What is the best method for pushing the gay agenda in Africa?: “Malawi is playing the ‘foreign aid tied to homosexuality promotion’ card. It is a tough one…But, we cannot underestimate the value that that card has. Here is the Malawi government. Apparently, aid is refused on the grounds that Malawi is not promoting some Civil liberties.”


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Peru: Inambari Hydroelectric Project Generates Rejection · Global Voices
Isabel Guerra

This post is part of our special coverage Forest Focus: Amazon.
Once again the Inambari Hydroelectric project has leapt to the attention of the Peruvian press, after the recent issuing of two emergency orders that eliminate, for various administrative authorities, [es] the requirement to investigate environmental impact: presumably the Inambari Hydroelectric plant [es] is one of the projects encompassed by these orders.
So what is this project about? According to its official website, Proyecto Inambari, it has to do with a large hydroelectric plant to be built in the river Inambari, whose length spans the Amazonian regions of Puno, Cuzco and Madre de Dios. It is forecast to be the fifth biggest dam in the region, with a total installed capacity of 2,200 Megawatts, with its construction requiring an investment of US $4 billion.
Inambari river dwellers. (Photo Courtesy, Andrew Dare).
From the very beginning the project has generated opposition amongst locals, firstly due to the imminent ecological impact and because 101 kilometres of the Interoceana Sur highway [es] will be covered by the reservoir, and secondly because it clearly implies a displacement and relocation of some 60 populated centres [es] of Puno, Madre de Dios and Cuzco, in many cases against the wishes of their inhabitants, who do not wish to find themselves obligated to leave their towns. However, local authorities have expressed their support [es] for the Inambari project.
Congressman Johnny Lescano stresses the impact that this plant will have on the ecosystem: according to reports produced by Egasur [es], the project’s developer, the dam will a) cause disturbances in the biological cycles of aquatic flora and fauna, b) mean loss of woodland, death of animals and even extinction of local species, c) increase the risk of illnesses such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, etc d) generate global warming toxic gases, produced by the decomposition of the drowned flora, which will release more than 69 million tonnes of CO2.
Pablo Raúl Fernández, in Sociología Política [es], points out alleged legal inconsistencies in the recent orders that would give the green light to the project
Nadie entiende cómo una norma con rango de ley, que el Poder Ejecutivo sólo puede dar en caso de urgencia económica y financiera, termine abordando temas ambientales y lo que es peor, eliminando requisitos fijados para obtener una concesión en esta materia. Por ello muchas instituciones, como el Instituto de Defensa Legal, están reclamando la inconstitucionalidad de esos decretos. Asimismo, esta semana se han pronunciado diversas organizaciones que siguen con preocupación el caso de las grandes hidroeléctricas que incluyen represas en la selva peruana…
Ewing Jesús Falla, in the blog Nauseapolítica [es] appeals to the presidential candidates to address the matter [es]:
Lejos de defender nuestra Amazonía, se la viene subastando para beneficiar a Estados vecinos… La cuestión ahora es saber si los candidatos a la Presidencia en el Perú, van a priorizar temas como este o si sólo van a bendecir las atrocidades y corruptelas que deja el gobierno aprista liderado por quien ha resultado ser el mejor vendedor de nuestros recursos: el señor Alan García Perez. El tema esta en la mesa, los ciudadanos peruanos esperamos sus respuesta señores candidatos !!
@font-face {   font-family: "Calibri"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }  However, it is also necessary to consider what J. Francisco Canaza points out in his blog Apuntes Peruanos [es]:
Hace más de cinco años señalamos que Brasil iba a requerir más energía a cargo de sus ratios de desarrollo. Y que, o la obtenía de Bolivia o de nosotros. (…) La situación nos ha puesto en el casi deber de ser proveedores. Ante esta circunstancia, lo necesario es establecer el cómo cumplir con esas necesidades sin destruir nuestros recursos, tanto energéticos como naturales. Se necesita establecer un modelo en el que se desarrolle socialmente la zona sur del país sin perjudicar el entorno natural.
Public river transportation. Inambari. (Photo Courtesy, Andrew Dare).
Meanwhile, President Alan García has let slip that it is possible that the orders will be “reevaluated by the cabinet”[es]; congressman Johnny Lescano has announced that he will present a claim of unconstitutionality against these emergency orders; and the Vice President of Energy, Daniel Cámac, has released a statement to the press emphasising that the Inambari project will not be carried out until the Amazonian Electric Generation Company manages to obtain a social licence [es].
@font-face {   font-family: "Calibri"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }  The debate has extended as far as Twitter. Former Congressaman Javier Diez Canseco (@javierdcc) comments:
@javierdcc Inambari: poderosos intereses en juego, grandes  constructoras d Brasil d dudosa reputación por irregilaridades,y un  fuerte impacto ambiental
@font-face {   font-family: "Calibri"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }  While user Aber Ver-Val (@catadioptrico) replies:
@catadioptrico @javierdcc asi como estas en contra de inambari,xq no dices nada de todo el microtrafico de madera hecha por peruanos en las narices d todos.
Diego (@lokerias)  @font-face {   font-family: "Calibri"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }  demands that the matter enters into the electoral campaign;
A Garcia le convienen  los enfretamiento entre los candidato, asi,  no nos preocupamos por Inambari , atención ¡¡ investiguen ¡¡
Emma Robles (@RosaEmma89) calls upon candidate Alejandro Toledo to take a position on the matter:
@RosaEmma89 @atoledomanrique , tómese la molestia de responder al electorado si está o no a favor de la construcción de la hidroeléctrica inambari.
MonicaSol (@monicasol_35) @font-face {   font-family: "Calibri"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }  asks about the environmental impact:
@monicasol_35 @carlos1cd la mineria informal en MDD [la región Madre de Dios] lleva casi 40 años, encima se viene la  represa de Inambari y los pozos petrolíferos caletas [“escondido” en jerga peruana] de HuntOil.
Ana Karina (@Apioverde) asks about the 101 km of highway that will be left under water.
¿No que la carretera será inundada por la hidroelectrica de Iñambari? Pregunto nomás.
@font-face {   font-family: "Calibri"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }  The issue of the destination for the energy is dealt with by Rosario Linares:
@maroliva22 La energía de la CH Inambari, no será del Perú sino de los brasileros, pero Alan tenía que aceptar la orden de Brasil.
Meanwhile, opposition to the emergency orders has looked beyond these regions and is organizing protests in Lima, the Peruvian capital, demanding that they are revoked [es]; and additionally claiming that, according to Mariano Castro, of the Peruvian Society of Environmental Law, these orders breach the right to previous consultation [es].
The project has also generated rejection at a political level, and in public opinion, given that the majority of the energy produced will be destined for Brazil, not Peru. Regarding this, J. Francisco Canaza points out in his blog [es] that it is necessary to promote a use of resources in a way that promotes development within the region, not only in Brazil.
Peruvians look forward to hearing news regarding this project and its extent over the coming weeks.
Sunset in Puerto Carlos, Inambari river. Photo: Wendorf Rodríguez.
This post is part of our special coverage Forest Focus: Amazon.

author: Isabel Guerra


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Puerto Rico: Human Rights Organizations With Eyes on UPR · Global Voices
Firuzeh Shokooh Valle

Amnesty International has petitioned the government of Puerto Rico [es] to investigate the use of excessive Police force against students who are protesting against a special tuition fee imposed by the administration of the University of Puerto Rico. The American Civil Liberties Union is compiling testimonies [es] of protesters who have been abused by the Police.

author: Firuzeh Shokooh Valle


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Puerto Rico: UPR Professors Walk Out · Global Voices
Firuzeh Shokooh Valle

The Puerto Rican Association of University Professors (APPU in Spanish) held a walk out yesterday, February 10, 2011 at the Río Piedras campus of the University of Puerto Rico in protest against the Police's occupation of the campus. The student blog Desde Adentro/Rojo Galito informs [es] that the protest effectively paralyzed the institution for one day.


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Saudi Arabia: Cheers for Our Egyptian Brothers! · Global Voices
Haifa Alrasheed

In their reaction to the news that Hosni Mubarak stepped down, Saudis joyfully congratulated Egyptians on their victory, especially those in Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo, the epicentre of massive protests calling for an end to the Mubarak regime that rocked Egypt for 18 days.
We're Happy! Really Happy!
Noura Alkhudair is proud:
@NouraKhu
فخوره فيك يامصر.. فخوره بشعب مصر الحر #Egypt #jan25
I'm proud of you Egypt.. I'm proud of the free Egyptian People
Jihad Alammar states the situation for both sides:
@jalammar
اليوم تفرح الشعوب العربية كما لم تفرح من قبل، وتغم الحكومات كما لم تغم من قبل. طائفة تمجد الإنترنت والجزيرة, وطائفة تلعنها.
Today the Arabs are happy like never before, and the governments are miserable like never before. Some glorify the Internet and Aljazeera and others curse them.
Majed Alkabeer never felt such joy:
@Majed_K
أقسم بالذي رفع السماء سبعاً أنني لم أسعد بيوم في حياتي كسعادي بهذا اليوم شكرا لكم أيها الأحرار المصريون #Egypt #Jan25
I swear to Allah who made the seven skies this is the happiest day of my life. Thank you free people of Egypt!
Others are declaring this day the day of victory, like Abdullah Abahussain:
@iAbdullah
١١ فبراير ٢٠١١ يوم من ذهب .. الى مزبلة التاريخ يا حسني
11th of February, 2011, is a golden day, to the history's trash Hosni Mubarak
And some of them went out to celebrate as Nejer tweets:
سيارة شاهدتها للتو في أحد شوارع الرياض والعلم المصري يرفرف عليها #Egypt #FreeEgypt #Feb11 http://twitpic.com/3yp5jg
A car with the Egyptian flag just seen in Riyadh's streets
He also adds:
سأزور مصر إن شاء الله بعد انتخاب أول رئيس ديموقراطية في تاريخها بإذن الله وسأقف في وسط ميدان الشهداء وسأقبل أرضه #Egypt #jan25 #feb11
I'll visit Egypt if Allah wills after its first democratic election. I'll kiss the ground of Tahrir Square while standing in the middle of it
Albara'a Alohali expresses his happiness:
@al_bara
والله إن هذا هو أسعد يوم في حياتي..اليوم فقط أيقنت أن إرادة الشعوب أقوى من أن تقف في وجهها كل الأنظمة المستبدة وكل القوى الاستعمارية الطاغية
This is the happiest day of my life, just today I realized that the will of the people is stronger than to stand in the face of all authoritarian regimes and all the tyrannical colonial powers
Bander Alnogaithan says:
@SaudiLawyer
أجمل سمفونية على الاطلاق، سمفونية شباب الثورة وهم يهتفون فرحا بنجاح الثورة
The most beautiful symphony ever is the symphony of Tahrir Square youth shouting with joy on the success of the revolution
Norah Alajaji is asking for a miracle:
@_NYA_
TAKE ME TO TAHRIR SQUARE!! I WANNA DANCE WITH YOU EGYPTIANS!! #Egypt #JAN25
and Wargat Baloot is out of words:
@balooot
احسن اديب وكاتب وشاعر في هذي اللحظة راح يخونه التعبير ..الحدث اكبر من ان تصفه عقولنا #Egypt #Jan25
Even the best authors, writers, or poets  are betrayed by expression, this is too big for our heads
What's Next?
From another angle, others are trying to predict the future of the region:
@Mashi9a7
أشعر بأن تحرير المسجد الأقصى اقترب،، اقترب كثيراً ،،، يارب ارزقنا فيه صلاة قبل الممات واجعلنا من جنود تحريره
I feel that the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque is close, much closer. Oh Allah grant us a prayer there before death and make us of its liberating soldiers
and finally Muhammad Almutairi asks:
@m_almutairi
مين بعد مصر ؟ #jan25
Who is next?

author: Haifa Alrasheed


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Senegal: World Social Forum Dakar 2011 · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Follow Priority Africa Network blog for regular updates from the World Social Forum taking place in Dakar, Senegal.


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Senegal/Nigeria: Women from Niger Delta at the World Social Forum · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Opal Tometi meets women from the Niger Delta at the World Social Forum in Dakar, Senegal: “I hope to be able to post more videos from their presentation online, but in the meantime I will share the following video clip that I shot with the Emem Okon the Executive Director of an Kebetkache Women Resource & Development Center.”


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Sierra Leone: Youth to Youth Fund accepting applications · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Youth to Youth Fund for Sierra Leone is now accepting applications from youth led organizations in Sierra Leone: “The Youth to Youth Fund is a competitive grant scheme for youth employment. It supports innovative, small scale youth employment projects submitted by youth led organizations from Sierra Leone.”


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Slovakia: Deaflympics 2011 Controversy · Global Voices
Tibor Blazko

According to media reports, corruption and unfinished facilities may mar Slovakia's chances to hold a successful Deaflympics this month. Problems were known to exist as far back as last spring, and doubts and controversy remain even today.
On May 17, 2010, USA Deaf Sports Federation reported that “[i]n response to the lack of planning, securing of funding, and other issues regarding the 17th Winter Deaflympics, the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) has canceled the 2011 Winter Deaflympics that were to take place next February in Slovakia.”
However, two months later, on July 23, the Slovak Deaflympics Committee announced “that the 17th Winter Deaflympic Games 2011 in [Vysoke Tatry]/Slovakia will be held in the date of 18th-26th February 2011 were approved by the ICSD proceedings regarding the positive results of the inspection.”
A few days ago, on Feb. 6, the Organising Committee of the 17th Winter Deaflympics issued a statement, claiming that, despite all the problems, the Games will be held “as scheduled” – but “with the respect of the real situation will be realized the minimized budget.” Also, according to the statement, the “negotiated construction of the winter stadiums in [Levoča] and [Kežmarok] will be realized according to the schedule, even if the Deaflympics will not take place on them.”
Igor Šajtlava, the major of Kežmarok, has a different opinion, however:
[…] I am 100% sure that the stadium in Kežmarok will be not finished and it is even questionable whether the Deaflympics will take place at all. […]
Additionally, the city of Levoča announced in late January its intention to sue the Slovak Deaflympics Committee and the developer company because of the unfinished stadium in Levoča.
SME describes Jaromír Ruda, head of the Slovak Organising Committee, as a champion of promises and someone who is accused of a 1.6 million Euro Deaflympics-related fraud. The newspaper claims that Ruda has no agreement with any stadium, and even all his hotel reservations in High Tatras have allegedly been canceled. The only promise he has kept until now is the 2008 World Deafympics Congress in Bratislava – though some bills from that event haven't been covered yet (and Ruda did not attend the Congress personally – because at that time he was in prison).
Below are some of the readers’ comments to the SME article linked to above:
lost_boy:
A man who has embezzled 1.6 million Euro still works – two years later – for the organization he had robbed and has the main voice in such decisions as the organization of the [Deaflympics] event. Welcome to the banana republic in the heart of Europe.
wayne_rooney:
Oh God, where we are living… That will be big shame again :(
Jumo (in reply):
This shame will fall on the organizer. No one else has anything to do with it.
yoss:
To feel ashamed of it is the same nonsense as to be proud of one's own country. One can only feel proud or ashamed for the things he has made or raised oneself.
halface:
The state is responsible for this. That man has to be in prison for a long time – instead of still making promises and stealing.
dukovany:
Put prison garb on him… in front of all those athletes… to let him perform the gala opening and then work till the end of his life at repairing of the half-ruined stadiums in Kežmarok and Bardejov… Shame, I do not understand how such a man can sleep, if it is his mistake…
New Bobko:
Slovakia should definitively stop applying for the right to organise any international events. Usually we lose money and end up embarrassed.
Pietro Mennea (in reply):
But why? Some people will make big money from that. [We are such a small nation, so] there's hope that eventually we all can have our share of it.
Iohan-Amos Comenius:
Something doesn't make sense here. It does not seem likely to me that the Olympics could depend on one person.
sarapes:
It is deafpolice and deafjudge.

author: Tibor Blazko


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South Korea: A Protest Against Mubarak Held in Seoul · Global Voices
Lee Yoo Eun

Korean activists and Egyptians living in South Korea held a protest in front of the Egyptian Embassy in Seoul today, urging quick withdrawal of Mubarak, South Korea's influential blogger/Twitter @mediamongu tweeted[ko].


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Trinidad & Tobago: “We are all Egyptian” · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

“We are all part of humanity, and thanks to social networking we can be part of events around the world”: Globewriter is glued to developments in Egypt, saying, “Right now  we are all Egyptian.”

author: Janine Mendes-Franco


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Trinidad & Tobago: We’re “a little less” without Keith Smith · Global Voices
Janine Mendes-Franco

Antilles posts touching farewells from colleagues, friends and readers to the journalistic giant, Keith Smith.


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Tunisia: Slim Amamou Speaks About Tunisia, Egypt and the Arab World · Global Voices
Hisham Almiraat

This post is part of our special coverage of Tunisia Revolution 2011.
Slim Amamou, a 33-year-old Tunisian blogger, programmer and activist, made the headlines back in January 18th, 2011, when he was appointed Minister for the Youth and Sports in the interim government of his country, following the toppling of the dictatorship of former autocrat, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. In this interview to Global Voices Slim comments on recent events in Tunisia and the Arab world.
Slim Amamou – Picture by Jillian C. York in Flickr (Creative Commons License CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
You've been following the extraordinary events in Egypt. What reading do you make of the Egyptian revolution? Can you compare both the Tunisian and the Egyptian uprisings: what's their common denominator (if any)?
They are both one uprising. One World, One Revolution :) Often people think of it in terms of “contagion” or something. But in reality we've been ready, we, people of the internetz, for a revolution to start in any part of the Arab world. We've been supporting each other and trying hard since long time, and you know how important Internet was for the revolution. Egyptians actively supported the Tunisian Revolution as any Tunisian national did: they launched DDoS attacks, they've been demonstrating for Sidibouzid, they shared information, they provided technical support… etc. And now Tunisians are doing the same for Egyptians. It's really a new citizenship. Egyptians are de facto Tunisian citizens.
Do you have a message or advise for those young people who have been protesting in Egypt?
No :)
Do you think the revolution in Tunisia, and now in Egypt, will spread across the Arab world?
It is already spreading, or more precisely it's already there. My only worry is Internet control. I've been fighting here in Tunisia against censorship because I knew that infrastructure is the key for change. In some parts of the Arab world Internet access is maybe still not enough developed to be a lever for change. So maybe it's just not the right time, and maybe it's more effective to focus on having internet infrastructure ready and free right now.
Would you be willing to offer help and share experience if asked by activists in other parts of the world?
Yes, once I get my assignment here sorted :) (in about 6 months when we'll finally get fair elections I can say like Wael Ghonim : Mission accomplished :)
Can you talk about the main reasons that led to your arrest? To what extent your activities online and your alleged connection with the Anonymous group have contributed to your arrest by the regime?
I was arrested because of the attacks of Anonymous on government websites. It was state security (Tunisian NSA) and they thought there was a plot or a conspiracy, and that I was Dr. No. It took them 5 days to understand how all of what led to Anonymous attacks worked, and that if there was a conspiracy it was too complicated, and people were so loosely tied that you can't even call it conspiracy. And you GV, were part of the conspiracy :) I was interrogated about this.
There's no doubt that it's the struggle of the Tunisian people that forced the regime to release you from detention in the late days of Ben Ali. During your arrest, a campaign was launched online to help keep your name and that of other bloggers in the spotlight. To what extent do you think the online campaign has played a role in your release? Were you aware while you were detained that it was actually taking place?
In my opinion the campaign not only got us out of detention, but also contributed in taking down the Ben Ali regime. During detention, I was not aware of what was happening outside. The only bits I got is the press release from RSF (Reporters Without Borders) the second day. The interrogators were surprised how fast alert was publicised and they showed me the press release and asked me about the involvement of RSF in the conspiracy :) But to be honest I was counting on the internet community support whatever I did. I would have never imagined such a huge support (I mean Hillary Clinton asked Tunisian government to free us if I'm not wrong).
Some say the Internet was a catalyst, others contend it has played only a marginal role in the uprising. Do you think, had the events of Sidi Bouzid or Cairo happened, say, in the 80s, when the Internet was not available yet, it would have achieved the tremendous rallying we've witnessed?
You don't have to go back to the 80s. In 2008, there were uprisings in Redeyef, similar to what happened in Sidibouzid. But back then it seems that the internet community did not reach a critical mass. And then at that time, Facebook got censored for a week or two. I don't remember if it was related. But it was like a training for this revolution. People think that this revolution happened out of nowhere but we, on the Internet have been trying for years, together and all over the Arab world. The last campaign that mobilised people was for Khaled Said in Egypt, and we Tunisians participated. And you have to remember that Egyptians (and people all over the world) participated in the Tunisian revolution: they informed, they participated in Anonymous attacks and they even were the first to demonstrate for Sidibouzid in Cairo.
So, yes Internet was very important.
Along the same lines, there's a controversy over calling those Revolutions, Twitter/Facebook Revolutions. What's your take on that debate? What role, do you think, social media has played in helping sustain and disseminate the uprising?
When people begun demonstrating in Sidibouzid, part of the rage they were feeling was because media did not talk about them. They felt ignored and that their voice will never get through to stake holders. At that time all media was controlled by the government. The only media that took on itself to talk/report about Sidibouzid was us, Internet users. Hence the importance that social media took. In a few weeks people were compulsively following and sharing information in social media and censorship could not follow: they've been overwhelmed and information was getting through and everyday more people were rallying the cause.
You can't do a revolution without a working Information System. And since “old” media was dysfunctional, Internet Social Networks played that role.
You've decided, in what many considered a controversial move, to join the interim government. Your decision has raised much criticism, not least among your friends who blamed you for participating in a government that includes members and symbols of the old guard. Your friend Yassine Ayari published a video addressing you personally, where he says “you are being used to weaken the youth movement.” Others commented on Twitter saying: “he's sold his soul”; “why has he accepted a post under a farce government?” Your friend Sami Ben Gharbia tweeted: “don't accept to collaborate with those who killed Tunisians, stay clean stay citizen.” What's your response to those who criticize your decision?
My answer is : It feels good to have finally different opinions expressing themselves freely in Tunisia. We were one voice against government and we took it down. Now what? Chose a leader and follow him? I prefer variety and multiple views that would make a strong society.
I've always followed the adage : “be the change you want to see in society.” I was offered the opportunity to be the change I want to see in government. I, logically, accepted. And I am the government that accepts criticism and take it into account.
Some are still calling for the parliament to be dissolved and for the resignation of the current interim government. What's your response to them?
My answer is, since those critics are a minority (unlike those for the first version of the government), I'm switching to camera ready copy mode: if you want to change something provide a camera ready copy of the changes you want, especially with the alternative you are proposing for what you want to change.
You said in an interview with French radio that you stepped in, in order to help building your country. Can we read into this that you intend to be involved in the political life in the future? Are you going to run for an office in the next elections?
Absolutely not. I'm here just to set the ground for the new democracy. To ensure that everything is made so we can't go back to a regime such as the one we've been enduring before, and most importantly ensure that all conditions for free and fair elections are provided for next elections.
Can you talk about your work now within the government? As someone who has been involved with the Internet, have you been asked to contribute in your field of expertise?
Actually, I was not asked to do anything related to my field of expertise. But I took on myself the issue of internet censorship and I worked with Secretary of State for IT to solve the problem. We're also modernizing the government Information System and pushing towards providing direct connection to the government through social networks. Mr. Secretary of State for IT can be followed on Twitter: @samizaoui
What do you want to achieve during the interim period? Can you talk us through your goals and dreams as a minister?
During interim period I set up one goal : next elections. Just to be sure I won't miss my goal. But my dream is that political and legal reforms (there is an independent commission working on it) will include Access to Knowledge as a constitutional right (censorship would be constitutionally forbidden then).
Some are seriously contemplating the possibility of applying for the Tunisian nationality. Can you give a word to the Prime Minister about that? I, for one, swear I will be a good citizen :)
You are already a Tunisian citizen ;) You're welcome. I'll talk to prime minister and do my best to support your application.
This post is part of our special coverage of Tunisia Revolution 2011.

author: Hisham Almiraat


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Tunisia: What Follows the Revolution? · Global Voices
Ayesha Saldanha

This post is part of our special coverage of Tunisia Revolution 2011.
President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia more than three weeks ago, but clashes with police and protests by people demanding jobs or better wages are still taking place in Tunisia, and the interim government is attempting to restore order. While the changes in society are undeniable, such as increased internet freedom, not everyone is happy with what has been going on. In this post we hear from Tunisian bloggers on the current situation in the country, some voicing frustration at the lack of order, even as the overall tone is hopeful that everything will work out in the end.
'Tunisia Forever II' by Wassim Ben Rhouma on 14 Jan 2010 Shared on Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Selim, a Tunisian blogger living in Paris, says:
Les informations, les évènements et les décisions du gouvernement actuel, qui ne cessent de s’enchainer à une vitesse phénoménale, rendent difficile toute tentative de prise de recul et d’analyse objective de l’évolution de la situation. Les maladresses et le manque de communication sur certains sujets de la part des intérimaires du gouvernement donnent l’impression qu’ils sont davantage dans l’improvisation que dans le contrôle de la situation. Ceci n’aide pas les tunisiens à avoir plus de visibilité, créant ainsi une situation de confusion anxiogène.
Les médias et les journalistes, quant à eux, ne représentent toujours pas une source d’informations fiable aux yeux de la majorité, non seulement pour la qualité de leurs prestations qui reste en dessous des attentes, mais également pour la réputation de médias affiliés à l’ancien régime qu'on leur connaît, ou du moins pour leur manque d’indépendance et d’objectivité.
La transition est d’autant plus rude pour la Tunisie que les défis auxquels elle doit faire face durant cette phase sont nombreux, difficiles à relever, mais pas irréalisables. Malgré cette cacophonie et l’instabilité de la situation, ces défis peuvent être identifiés si l’objectif à court terme demeure l’organisation d’élections libres et justes.
In San Francisco, Sami Ben Romdhane writes:
La première étape de la révolution est passée, Ben Ali est parti et est maintenant sous le coup d’un mandat d’arrêt, mais le vide politique persiste et les règles du jeu de la vie démocratique nous sont encore peu connues et tout le monde cherche la fin qu’il souhaite. La classe moyenne veut reprendre une vie normale et un gouvernement qu’ils veulent y croire et ceux qui étaient dans le désespoir n’ont plus confiance en personne et ceux qui étaient au pouvoir essaient de garder un tant soit peu et ceux qui étaient au bord veulent devenir les sauveurs de la nation et ceux qui étaient opposants opprimés ne savent plus quoi faire dans cette Tunisie sans dictateur pour s’y opposer et ceux qui étaient méchants veulent devenir gentils et ceux qui étaient des moutons veulent devenir des lions intransigeants et ceux qui tiraient les ficelles dans le noir on les voit toujours pas et ceux qui avaient un pseudo parlent en leur propre nom et ceux qui s’exprimaient en leur propres noms le font avec un pseudo. Personne ne semble digne de confiance et personne ne semble avoir la majorité des voix. Beaucoup cherchent le retour à la vie normale et beaucoup veulent continuer à vivre cette révolution. Mais moi, personnellement je ne m’inquiète pas, je trouve ce qui se passe un peu logique vu notre histoire récente. Il faut juste s’auto éduquer, apprendre a respecter et apprendre à être libre car on ne l’a jamais été et je suis certain qu’on le fera et qu’on comblera le vide et que des pensées libres riches et différentes verront le jour et j’espère que ce ne sera pas attachée a des personnes et qu’on oublie nos reflexes de vénérer les personnes les représentant maintenant que nous avons appris nos leçons.
'Tunisia is Free' photo by Wassim Ben Rhouma on 21 Jan 2011 Shared on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
In a post entitled “Don’t touch my Tunisia”, amara9 writes:
Notre pays mérite bien une nouvelle page mais sans sang, sans déstruction, sans victimes, sans différends, s'il vous plait le travail fait durant plus de 20 ans est fait par le peuple et pour le peuple, on va pas s'autodétruire !
Oui pour l'expression oui ! pour les droits mais NON ! à la déstruction des biens publiques et des gains que nos parents et grands parents ont payé cher.
S'il vous plait qu'on ne fait pas des gaffes que nous allons payer dans le future,  notre pays a bien besoin d'un air de liberté et de dignité nouvelle avec des corrections et des remises en comptes de certaines tares  faites dans le passé mais nul ne peut transformer le tunisen en une bête féroce qui se mord elle-même.
Verlan makes a reference to the new tourism minister, Slim Chaker, who recently responded on Facebook to an unspecified attack made against him, and she says:
Nous sommes nombreux à être très inquiets de voir l'anarchie qui règne, la facilité avec laquelle on insulte les gens, avec laquelle on diffame, on rabaisse et la rapidité avec laquelle des actes si méprisables sont “partagés” via les réseaux sociaux par toutes ces personnes instruites ou non, bien intentionnées ou non qui ne réfléchissent pas, qui suivent le mouvement, un mouvement irrationnel et dont la passion n'excuse pas les dégâts, l'horreur, la tristesse dans laquelle elle plonge les gens, pas seulement ceux qui sont visés, à tort, mais tous ceux qui ont envie de croire en une Tunisie exemplaire.
Des gens de l'expérience et du talent de Monsieur Chaker ou d'Elyès Jouini font honneur à la Tunisie.
Les hordes qui dans un accès d'hystérie collective ne cessent de hurler “moi moimoi” n'ont, pour moi, aucune excuse, aucun prétexte, ni le besoin, ni la frustration, ni la faim de cette maudite liberté d'expression que l'on a fini par assimiler à la liberté d'insulte ne justifient que l'on s'en prenne à ceux qui essaient de construire, non pas une entreprise, ni une société mais un pays tout entier mis à mal par ses pilleurs, les anciens et les nouveaux.
She continues:
Et à ceux qui ne savent ni attendre, ni espérer, ni observer; ni travailler; ayez l'obligeance au moins, de faire preuve d'un minimum de respect.
Le respect, c'est ce que l'ancien système n'a jamais su vous accorder.
Montrez que vous le méritez.
This post is part of our special coverage of Tunisia Revolution 2011.

author: Ayesha Saldanha


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Uganda: Voices of Uganda: Citizens talking to citizens · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Voices of Uganda is an idea conceived Ugandan photographer Andrew Agaba to create a “citizens talking to citizens” platform as Ugandans get ready to go to the polls.


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Ukraine: Netizens Criticize Chaotic Construction in the Nation’s Capital · Global Voices
Tetyana Bohdanova

Ukraine’s capital Kyiv is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe and home to many prominent architectural monuments. Among them are historical buildings and renowned churches, including Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery and St. Sophia Cathedral, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is also the only CIS city included [ENG] into the TOP 30 greenest European cities.
In the recent years, however, chaotic construction in Kyiv’s historical center has caused heated debates both online and offline. One of the worst precedents was set in August of 2010, when Kyiv mayor had to place a ban [ENG] on the construction of a residential compound near St. Sophia, prompted by active protests of local residents and UNSECO’s threats to withdraw the site from its list.
Throughout Kyiv’s construction boom city residents have come together on many occasions to defend its historical skyline and counter the building of elite residential houses or office blocks in places of playgrounds, parks and other recreational areas. One of such instances prompted the creation of a civic initiative “Save Old Kyiv” – an NGO that received its name from a Live Journal community founded for a similar purpose.
Unfortunately, their efforts have not always been successful. A rather sad example is provided by Kyiv historian and blogger Mikhail Kalnitskiy (LJ user mik-kiev). In his 2010 post, he demonstrates [RUS] the way the new buildings have distorted the historical skyline of the Lavra Monastery that is visible from the Paton Bridge – a major point of entry into the old city from the Dnipro’s left bank:
[…] Не буду говорить о том ландшафте, который открывается сегодня из окон березняковских небоскребов (в нем на Лавру накладываются сзади многие строения). Но все же, к примеру, сооружая комплекс не столь уж высоких домов на улице Суворова, ориентировались не на жителей подобных небоскребов, а все на тот же обзор с моста Патона. А оттуда эти дома практически не влияют на панораму Лавры, чего и добивались проектировщики в 1970-е годы.
Но для их нынешних коллег не существует ограничений…
Сначала был искажен вид из левых окон. Здесь негаданно-нежданно объявилось то здание, которое выросло на Зверинецкой улице близ метро “Выдубичи” – так называемый комплекс “Триумф”. […] Никто не просчитал его видимость с моста Патона.
But their present-day colleagues know no limits…
The view from the left was ruined first. Here, suddenly, the so-called complex “Triumph” appeared, springing up from Zverynetska street next to metro station Vydubychi. […] Nobody had considered the way it would look from the Paton Bridge.
View of the ‘Triumph’ complex from the Paton Bridge – photo by Mikhail Kalnitskiy
He continues:
После того, как пропала охота смотреть с моста Патона налево, пришел черед и правой стороны, где царила Лавра. Теперь в силуэт нашего главного монастыря врезалась неуклюжая новостройка, о чем уже многие писали. […]
Большее архитектурное хамство трудно себе представить…
It is hard to imagine a bigger architectural impudence…
A new residential building interferes with Lavra skyline – photo by Mikhail Kalnitskiy
At the end of his post, Kalnitskiy warns [RUS] of construction plans that would further distort Lavra’s historical silhouette.
The creators of the building pictured above have been included into Save Old Kyiv’s black list [UKR, RUS] of persons behind construction projects of questionable legality and/or architectural value. The NGO has also created an interactive map with sites where such construction is underway or has been planned.  Save Old Kyiv’s current watch list [UKR] includes more than 30 hotspots.
Among them is an attempt to fit a four-floor business and shopping complex between two old buildings near metro station Teatralna.  On her blog Neeka’s Backlog, Veronica Khokhlova writes [ENG]:
The construction site over Teatralna metro station (and across the street from the Russian Drama Theater) is very much alive again, despite various attempts to resist this odious project – and despite common sense.
There used to be a little area with flowers in front of the apartment building there – nothing special, but it's hard not to think of it as an absolutely crucial space now that it's gone – and gone in such a grotesque manner.
Construction site near metro station Teatralna – photo by Veronica Khokhlova
She also links to a photo from the Feb. 1 protest against the construction.
Apart from the odious construction projects, many bloggers point out other painful issues connected with the city’s development, such as irresponsible treatment of Kyiv’s architecture or the lack of esthetic sense among city residents and authorities. Kyiv-based photographer George (LJ user gk-bang) catches the resent change on Yaroslaviv Val street on film:
Solid metal fence blocks the view of a building on Yaroslaviv Val street – photo by George
And compares it to the older photo of the same building:
A recent view of a building on Yaroslaviv Val street – photo by George
He writes [RUS]:
Для городского облика рейдерские разборки по поводу этого участка закончились созерцанием вот такого прекрасного цельнометаллического надёжного и долговечного забора. […] А то, понимаете, было какое-то неподобство – аккуратная ограда.
George also posts a fresh photo of the country’s central square, Maidan Nezalezhnosti – a popular place of rallies and protests – and mocks the imbalance between the scope of the ongoing renovations (the square has a few damaged tiles) and the all-encircling wooden green fence installed.
Maidan Nezalezhnosti under reconstruction – photo by George
He writes [RUS]:
Мы шо, хельсенки какие-то, чтобы выставлять по периметру ограждение с рисункаи, графити или фото-обоями.[…] В часности радует тот масштаб работ, ради которого затеяна столь необходимая реконструкция. И, вдагонку, заведена пара уголовных дел.

author: Tetyana Bohdanova


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Yemen: Protests Continue Away from International Media Eyes  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

This post is part of our special coverage Yemen Protests 2011.
Yemeni protesters in Sanaa earlier tonight
With the entire world watching Egypt as it celebrates the uprooting of its dictator, Yemenis are calling for help and the world's media attention.
On Twitter, the calls came loud and clear. A rally started in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital, in celebration of the ousting of Hosni Mubarak. Soon, it turned into an anti-Saleh protest, calling for an end of Ali Abdullah Saleh's rule.
Police surrounded the protesters, and there were reports of fire shots. Wounded protesters, taken to hospitals, were arrested – at least that is what I understood from a frenzy of tweets.
To add to the confusion, and in the absence of many citizen journalists in Yemen, there seems to be unrest in Aden, to the South, and in Taiz.
Here are some of the reactions I have been able to gather from Twitter. The last the three tweets list tweeps reporting on Yemen, some from the ground – voices we will have to watch closely to figure out if Yemen will go Tunisia's and Egypt's way or not:
@wsaqaf: A #Sanaa rally hailing #Egypt #Jan25 #revolution turned to anti-#Saleh protest calling for the end of regime in #Yemen http://goo.gl/ka8J9
@AhlamS: North #Yemen protesters have takin’ it to the streets! Video shot just an hour ago: http://ht.ly/3UXCX
@al3ini: 15 000 demonstrators protest in front of the governor office in the governorate of #Taiz and refusing to leave #Yemen #JN_yemen #AliSaleh
@al3ini: People want to liberate the South in Aden, and in #Sana people want to overthrow the regime .. two demands (cont) http://tl.gd/8osbe5
@AhlamS: Yemeni's are requesting media ground coverage of Sana'a and Aden! Don't sleep on #Yemen!
@WomanfromYemen: dear tweeter from around the world, Yemenis are counting on you to get our voices heard. Yemen isn't Egypt, it wont be covered the same way.
Police surrounded the demonstrators without using any force in Sana'a. #yemen
@AhlamS: Look @ that might fine group of demonstrators n SanaaYemen (w/police surrounding them w/o usin force) http://twitpic.com/3yqh22 (via @yemen)
@AhlamS: Protestors Yemen's Tahrir Square in #Sanaa http://on.fb.me/hHMFPa #yemen #JR_Yemen
@WomanfromYemen: MORE armed security arrived in #tahrir, reports of gun shots fired! #jr_yemen #sanaa
@YafaKlan: @al3ini @jnovak_yemen south just wanted justice. no1 listened. Then they wanted 2 overthrow. No1 listened. Now they want freedom #yemen
@wsaqaf: I think #Yemen opposition & activists are planning to take advantage of a shaky #Saleh. Will #Time prediction be right? http://goo.gl/Lq4zk
@tweetminster: Several people are tweeting of protests in southern #Yemen. Police have reportedly opened fire on demonstrators.
@stupiditytries: @AJELive @AJEnglish @AymanM @SherineT can you guys please have the network cover the yemen situation. this is happening RIGHT NOW.
@mujahideenryder: things are picking up in yemen. that revolution might be bloody due to all the guns everyone has.
@alialsaeed: can't get any confirmed reports on whats going on in yemen, but apparently thousands are on the streets + being fired at by police! #Yemen
@yemen: The first picture of the demonstrations in Sanaa now! No firing & No violence from the police. #yemen http://twitpic.com/3yqda2
@yemen: Police surrounded the demonstrators without using any force in Sana'a. #yemen http://twitpic.com/3yqh22
@yemen: Police fired in the air to disperse demonstrators right now in Sana'a #yemen
@yemen: Police arrest any person who does not come out of Thrir in Sana'a. i'm going home now #yemen
@yemen: Watch the chants of the Yemeni youth in Tahrir Square, Sana'a http://on.fb.me/hnmZTH #yemen
@JNovak_Yemen: #yemen police drag wounded #protester from hospital Ali Naasra lkadhi, today 10pm yemtime (1/2 hr ago) shot at protest by police now jailed
@JNovak_Yemen: #Yemen live fire appears over, now police arresting wounded protesters at hospital. #Aden #Feb11
@JNovak_Yemen: #Yemen #Crater #Aden tense after injuries, fatality: youth burning tires, some warning shots by police
@BintAlnass: #AliSaleh n his tribal thugs have been killing innocent ppl kidnapping tourist n basically taking ever human right away from its ppl #Yemen
@Faaz71: For news updates on Yemen I created a list. Check @Faaz71/yemen – Suggestions and tips welcome.. #yf #yemen #feb11 #jan25 #sidibouzid
@WomanfromYemen: @Karoli for info from ppl in yemen follow: @AlaaIsam @al3ini @yemen @Abou_3ali @Nefermaat @Yemen_2011 @JNovak_Yemen @lalkilani @ionacraig
@Abou_3ali: @Faaz71 you can add @yemen @al3ini @AlaaIsam @JNovak_Yemen @yemen4change @Yemen_Freedom @WomanfromYemen @Nefermaat @AhlamS @UKguy4justice
Photocredit: Facebook page for the Yemeni Youth for Change Movement (under formation)
This post is part of our special coverage Yemen Protests 2011.


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Africa: African musicians on Twitter · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Read the eleventh installment of African musicians on Twitter from the leading African music blog, Museke.


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Algeria: Protesters at #Feb12 March Arrested, Beaten   · Global Voices
Lova Rakotomalala

This post is part of our special coverage on Algeria Protests 2011.
The protesters for democracy have already taken down two dictators in Tunisia and Egypt but the Algerian authorities have been successful so far in holding down protests that have started soon after the Tunisian revolts in early January 2011.
Algerian protests from the facebook album of RCD Algerie
Videos of thousands of protesters have been posted on You Tube and facebook. The following video posted on February 12 around 11 am London time shows the arrests of several activists as police forces clashes with protesters amidst chants:
Photos of injured people have also began to surface such as this image of  Algerian MP Derguini Boubekeur's bruises on the forehead:
Algerian MP Derguini Boubekeur hurt during protests via RCD Algerie facebook page
Bloggers and twitter users in Algeria have posted several updates from the protests.
For instance, Nidhal on the blog Algérie-politique writes on February 11:
Alger. 19h00. Des dizaines de policiers anti émeutes ont encerclé le siège régional du RCD à Didouche Mourad à Alger.
The revolution in Tunisia and Egypt were clearly on Algerians’ minds.
An unemployed 36-years-old man set himself on fire and died in the Eastern town of El Oued, Algerie Politique reports (fr):
Ce vendredi, un chômeur de 36 ans qui s'était immolé par le feu dans la ville d'El Oued, à l'extrême est de l'Algérie, a succombé à ses brûlures. Lotfi Maamir, père de six enfants, est mort au service des grands brûlés de l'hôpital de Douera, dans la banlieue sud-est d'Alger, selon cette source. Il s'agit du quatrième décès par immolation enregistré en Algérie depuis la mi-janvier.
As Mubarak was ousted in Egypt, Algerian blogger Djazair avant tout could not help but refer to the contentious Egypt-Algeria football matches last year that led to violent clashes and posted
the following cartoon that says (fr):
Mubarak ousted from power:  Egypt 1 – Algeria 0 ” we must equalize. Out with Boutef ” (Algerian president's nickname)
Algerian cartoonist Dilem reacts to Mubarak ousting via Djazair avant tout
Similar protests are being held in the town of Oran according to live stream updates on several blogs.
A Facebook user posts the following update about the Feb 12 march  (fr):
Les jeunes envoyées par la police pour agresser les manifestants se sont retournés contre leurs sponsors. Ils se sont mêlés aux manifestants pour scander Bouteflika dégage. Ils expliquent leur retournement par le fait qu'ils ont été manipulés
On twitter, Algerian twitter users are calling for support for their struggles on the twitter feed with the hash tag #feb12.
This post is part of our special coverage on Algeria Protests 2011.

author: Lova Rakotomalala


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Argentina: 26 Years Since the Death of Julio Cortázar · Global Voices
Silvia Viñas

Today, February 12, 2011, marks 26 years since Argentine writer Julio Cortázar died of leukemia. Simon Kofoed writes about the author's life in argen-times.

author: Silvia Viñas


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Bahrain: Fighting Sectarian Bigotry Head On  · Global Voices
Amira Al Hussaini

This post is part of our special coverage of Bahrain Protests 2011.
Yesterday, Bahrain announced a BD1,000 ($2,650) gift to each Bahraini family, to mark the 10th anniversary of the National Action Charter – a day which signalled a new era in the country, and the beginning of political reforms which included a new constitution and an elected parliament. Reactions on Twitter varied, with some counting their money and what they plan to do with the windfall and others complaining that it is too little, too late.
The day, February 14, is also being touted as a Day of Rage in the country, with calls on social networks for people to take to the streets and demand political, social and economic reforms.
On Twitter, reactions to both ‘events’ have taken a sectarian tone, among Bahraini tweeps, with some resorting to name calling and insults between the country's two Muslim sects (Shia/Sunni) – crossing the lines of decency and etiquette.
Also on Twitter, Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa was quick to intervene, “doing [his] national duty and speaking up against sectarian bigotry” – a move cheered on by tweeps upset by the insults.
Here are some of the reactions on Twitter:
@khalidalkhalifa: The last thing we need today is some stupid bigots attacking each other along sectarian lines .. We should all stand up against them
@khalidalkhalifa: @nadooi_wish That hurts me really bad .. Whoever said such words about his compatriots should realize he is hurting himself
@khalidalkhalifa: Dear tweeps ..no need to thank me for doing my national duty and speaking up against sectarian bigotry . God bless you all
@khalidalkhalifa: @Umsultan fighting bigotry and nonsense is no nonsense
@khalidalkhalifa: RT @AhmedBinHamad RT @Mar3oob: views of the ignorant few don't reflect the general view. Sectarianism should be punishable.
@khalidalkhalifa: Absolutely RT @Mhdisa The gr8 achievements of the ppl of Bahrain throughout the years R 4 all 2 B proud of!!! nevr gave room 4 bigotry!
@emoodz: God bless you sir “@khalidalkhalifa: [..] no need to thank me for doing my national duty and speaking up against sectarian bigotry [..]”
@Khaleejia: We need more people like @khalidalkhalifa who are ready to talk, share and explain. #UnitedBahrain
@talalabsi: @khalidalkhalifa but we have to thank you, sir. It is crucial to lead by example and im sure everybody is grateful and proud..
Meanwhile, an Arab revolution time-table is being circulated online.
This post is part of our special coverage of Bahrain Protests 2011.

author: Amira Al Hussaini


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China and Hong Kong: Questioning Democracy · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Zhongnanhai blogs about a debate on “The world needs less democracy, not more” organized by Asia Intelligence in Hong Kong.

author: Oiwan Lam


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China: Face to face with Chen Guangcheng · Global Voices
Oiwan Lam

Don Weinland from China Digital Times has translated prominent blogger Zhai Minglei's report on the attack of human rights activist Chen Guangcheng upon the release of a video depicting his life under police surveillance.


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D.R. of Congo: Empowering Congo’s women as leaders · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Sadia Hameed writes about the opening of City of Joy in the Democratic Republic of Congo: “City of Joy, built by Eve Ensler, head of well-known international women’s rights group V-day, in conjunction with UNICEF and the Panzi Foundation, marks a significant investment in Congo’s women as agents of change.”

author: Ndesanjo Macha


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Egypt: Cleaning Tahrir · Global Voices
Jillian C. York

This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011.
For the past few weeks, as Egyptians “cleaned” their country of a dictatorship, Tahrir Square was full of people, full of joy, and as a result, full of things to clean up.  Though the activists at the heart of the square took care of their temporary home, there was nevertheless plenty to be done as the crowds thinned out.  Today, reports indicate that central Cairo is cleaner than ever, thanks to loads of volunteers who chipped in.
As @CairoCityLimits points out on Twitter:
Downtown Cairo: Cleanest city ever? Even the curbs have been freshly painted. #jan25 #tahrir
@JonJensen adds:
Massive cleanup effort underway in Tahrir right now – mostly by the Egyptian people. The first traffic starting to come through. #Egypt
Linking to a photograph (below), Arwa Mahmoud (@arwasm) shows the teamwork in action:
Fixing the pavements we broke after using them as stones to protect ourselves! #jan25 #egypt http://yfrog.com/h2lcsqj
A group of volunteers fix the pavement in Tahrir Square
Abdelrahman Hassan (@estr4ng3d) has a ground-level shot of the square to share, and this to say about it:
I am not exaggerating when I say the asphalt in #tahrir is SQUEAKY CLEAN. Smells of disenfectant too! http://yfrog.com/h49dehcj
A ground-level view of Tahrir Square
He adds:
It is literally a challenge to find more dust to sweep in #tahrir now.
And yet again, the famous Egyptian sense of humor emerges, with @SharifKaddous's tweet:
I bump into my cousin, Ismail Naguib, on Kasr El Nile bridge. He says: “the new weapon of choice is the broom” #Tahrir #Egypt

author: Jillian C. York


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Egypt: Liberation Square on Liberation Day · Global Voices
Tarek Amr

This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011.
Yesterday I went to Tahrir Square (Liberation Square) twice, the first time was in the morning, before the resignation of Mubarak, which was right after his last speech the night before.
Egyptian blogger and singer, Nadya Shanab, wrote here how the speech and the Army's announcement that followed toyed with people's emotions.
Disappointment was one of keywords that could describe how everyone felt after the speech. Raafatology wrote about the speech and how it wasn't any different from Mubarak's previous speeches. Each time people expected him to say something and he announces something else.
He then wondered if Mubarak was just playing with one of his final cards.
It seems that Amr Ezzat has read Raafatology's question and decided to answer his question in his own blog.
Tahrir Square was really full as Amr expected, but people were as silent as they've never been before. I stayed there for a while then I decided to go back home. On my way back, I passed by Maspiro. There were a few people demonstrating there. I felt their disappointment, but also I was sure that they will not stop till they achieve their goals and topple the regime. Later on, on my way to home, I heard the news coming from one of the radios nearby, Mubarak was finally forced to step down. I still couldn't believe it. I rushed to my home and tuned to as much news channels, tweets, and blogs as I could.
Photo taken by Ramy Raoof under Creative Commons license
Happiness was everywhere in the Egyptian blogosphere, but each one decided to express his happiness his own way. Some like, Egyptian-Wish, were proud of what they've done, and looking forward to the future.
Some others like Zeinobia were speechless.
Some like Mohaly, and despite the torture and corruption, were sure that their dream will come true someday.
And some others like Raafatology still cannot believe it.
Later on, I decided that to go to Tahrir Square for the second time in row, but this time to celebrate with the people there. From the moment I stepped out of my home I realized that I don't have to wait till I reach the square to see the celebrations, as I can see them right in front of my house that is kilometres away from the square. All the way till I arrived to Tahrir Square people were chanting, dancing, and waving their flags. In the past decades the only thing that brought people to celebrate in the streets was football matches, but yesterday way more people were in the streets, way more happier, and celebration for a reason way more important than a football match.
This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011.

author: Tarek Amr


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Egypt: The Moment of Triumph · Global Voices
Juliana Rincón Parra

This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011.
People celebrate and record the moment of celebration at Liberation Square
Citizen recorded videos have started cropping up showing the historical moment when Mubarak resigned to the Presidency of Egypt and how the people at Tahir Square reacted to the news.
First this video shared by YouTube's  Citizen Tube through Twitter.  In it, people at prayer hold off the celebration until it is finished, and that's when they break into chants and cheers.
The next video comes from 3Arabawy blog and also shows the celebration at the Libertion Square. From the front of a TV set in a storefront where the news comes in, to the jumping and hugging crowds in the square, where people waved flags, danced, embraced and cried :
At the barricades in front of the presidential palace, the news was also celebrated. The person behind the camera seemed to get excited and changed the direction of the camera mid way, so you may have to tilt your head to one side to see it all:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-iyA2XGmIE
If the number of lit screens from people holding up mobile devices are a sign, we will be seeing more of these celebratory videos crop up on the web pretty soon.
This post is part of our special coverage of Egypt Protests 2011.

author: Juliana Rincón Parra


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Gabon: The danger of ignoring Gabon’s revolution · Global Voices
Ndesanjo Macha

Ethan Zuckerman warns of the danger of ignoring Gabon's revolution: “The danger of ignoring Gabon’s revolution isn’t just that opposition forces will be arrested or worse. It’s that we fail to understand the profound shifts underway across the world that change the nature of popular revolution. The wave of protests that swelled in Tunisia may not break just in the Arab world, but across a much larger swath of the planet.”


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Guatemala: Living Conditions in La Limonada · Global Voices
Silvia Viñas

“Consider the comforts in your home. Carpet. Furniture. Microwaves. Insulation from the cold and heat. Water that won’t make you and your family sick. Privacy. Now imaging your life without these things. For some it seems impossible. This is how people live every single day in La Limonada,” concludes Kerry Smith in a post about her visit to three homes in one of the poorest and most dangerous neighbourhoods in Guatemala City.


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Puerto Rico: “I Support My Alma Mater” · Global Voices
Firuzeh Shokooh Valle

“I stand behind my country’s public university and what it should be: an  accessible institution that promotes the advancement of different types  of knowledges, provides spaces to discuss and  solve some of the most  pressing issues facing Puerto Rico, and is not beholden to the whims and  stratagems of politicians or a particular ideological front,” says blogger and researcher Deepak Lamba Nieves on the crisis facing the University of Puerto Rico.  The demonstration “Yo amo la UPR” ( I Love the UPR) has s been convened for today in support of the academic institution.


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Puerto Rico: UPR President Resigns · Global Voices
Firuzeh Shokooh Valle

In the midst of a severe crisis, the president of the University of Puerto Rico, José Ramón de la Torre, resigned allegedly due to “personal reasons.” The student digital publication Desde Adentro/Rojo Gallito informs [es] that De la Torre resigned one day after sending the Police Superintendent, José Figueroa Sancha, a letter requesting the immediate exit of the the Police from the Río Piedras campus.


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Senegal: World Social Forum 2011: One Week of Activism in Dakar · Global Voices
George Esunge Fominyen

Dakar, the capital of the West African nation of Senegal, has been bustling with activists and campaigners from across the globe, gathered under the banner of the World Social Forum to say another world is possible. The tone of this meeting of anti-globalisation and anti-capitalist groups was set by Evo Morales, the President of Bolivia, who told a cheering crowd at the opening of the event that capitalism was in agony and this was sustained by his leftist companion, Ignacio Lula Da Silva, who on Monday told participants at the Forum that the Global Financial crisis proves that capitalism is broken.
Women's rights activists at the opening march of the WSF 2011
PoliticalLeft blog, which has since been taken down, posted some of the striking quotes by the two Latin American leaders who rose from trade unionism to the presidency of their countries and also spells out the difference between the forum and the Davos Economic Forum:
While the latter draws CEOs who sleep in four-star hotels and take turns on the Swiss slopes, the participants in the World Social Forum are happy to camp on the sides of roads or sleep with locals in order to take part in the yearly anti-capitalist gathering. Instead of suits, they arrive wearing tie-die shirts and trousers of organic cotton, like Lula who addressed the cheering crowd in an informal white shirt. Presentations are frequently ad lib, including a fiery impromptu speech by Bolivian President Evo Morales on Sunday who told the assembled crowd that capitalism was in its death throes. “We can see it with the global financial crisis. We can see it with climate change and global warming,” said Morales, who in 2005 became the first leader to be elected from Bolivia's indigenous majority.
At a time when many countries in the northern hemisphere are toughening rules to close their doors to an ever growing number of migrants from the southern hemisphere, migration has been among the top issues discussed at the Forum. According to BAJI blogs there have also been workshops on inter-Africa migration that exposed the complicity of West and North African countries in the violation of migrants’ rights:
“The North African countries–Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria and Libya have signed undisclosed bilateral agreements with European countries–Italy, Spain, Malta, Portugal and France to act as their border control agents. North African countries routinely deport Senegalese migrants to their home countries, with many violations of their human rights. Migrants from all over West Africa are deported to Mali without regard to their nationality. The migrants are often brutalized, robbed and dumped at the borders. In exchange for their services, the North African countries receive development aid and military aid from European countries. Senegal has also signed agreements with some European countries to accept deported Senegalese migrants and to provide Frontex, the European Union border control agency, complete and free access to its territory.”
On Thursday, the Poverty Matters blog on the website of the UK newspaper The Guardian reported that migrants, small-scale fishermen and participants from the World Social Forum are converging on the streets and on the coast by the Frontex office in Dakar, Senegal, for a demonstration against the EU border agency:
“The protest's organisers say border patrols off the coast of Senegal and Mauritania are forcing pirogues to turn back on the open sea, which represents a risk to migrants seeking to make the journey to Europe and to local fishermen who take to the coastal waters to earn their living.”
Another world is possible. Photo courtesy of Priority Africa Network.
Landgrabbing has been the other theme that has drawn a lot of interest from priests under the auspices of CARITAS to well-known non-governmental organizations (NGO) such as Oxfam, ActionAid and La Via Campesina whose activists blogged the purpose of their presence at the Dakar World Social Forum:
“Farmers of the world against land grabbing: land for those who work the land and feed the world,” as one of their banners exclaimed. This theme will be developed through various workshops that La Via Campesina will host throughout the forum. In addition, La Via Campesina will focus on climate change, violence against women, and the need to preserve peasants local seeds.”
Amid the discussions and protests, there is however a feeling among many participants that the level of organization of the forum wasn't the best. The event is being staged at the Dakar Cheikh Anta Diop University whose lecture rooms were supposed to host the thousands of workshops but this hasn't been really the case. Classes continued and many discussions had to be cancelled or re-scheduled as a result.
Mbong Akiy blogging for GreenPeace had noticed this from day one:
“The logistics on the first day of the event left me a little worried. Heaps of rubbish could be spotted at different locations of the forum site while stands were erected on dusty ground, tables and chairs required by NGO’s to decorate their stands were either too few or simply unavailable.”
Dis-organisation has not prevented citizen actors from to acting. Ryan Schlief and Priscila Néri traveled to Dakar to meet with key allies in their forced evictions campaign and learn more about how activists around the world are using video in their advocacy on forced evictions and they have succeeded to discuss the issue and produced a video with Zimbabwean activists as seen here.
WITNESS and other land and housing rights organizations signed a public statement demanding a stop to the planned forced eviction of thousands in Ghana’s capital city Accra. The signature campaign was organized at the World Social Forum in Dakar, Senegal:
The communities living along the railway were told on 21 January to leave their homes to make way for the redevelopment of the country’s railway system planned for February. It was reported that the forced eviction possibly occurring this week would affect as many as 25,000 people.
The World Social Forum usually receives mainstream media attention at the beginning and at the end but several participants have beentweeting and Facebooking their experiences in Dakar, while the Panos Institute West Africa through a group of African journalists has been covering the event in print (a forum daily), on radio and online including a Liveblog.
Other bloggers in Dakar are Nikke Alex who blogs at Thoughts of a Diné Woman  and D2D – World Social Forum Dakar 2011. Black Alliance has beautiful photos from Dakar on their Flickr page.

author: George Esunge Fominyen