Top of the Blogs 2019 #4 - Media Programme Sub-Saharan Africa
Overview: March 30th till April 5th, 2019
This Sunday Rwanda marks 25 years since the genocide and even a quarter century later the debate about the media’s role during the mass slaughter remains. In this week’s “Top of the Blogs” we also discuss the connection between climate change and the Cyclone Idai and we talk about the first press conference after the crash of the Ethiopian Airlines flight that brought more clarification on what happened minutes after take-off. Finally, we take a critical look at the news of an alleged cure for HIV.
Debate continues about the media’s role in driving Rwanda’s genocide
Twenty-five years ago, the Rwandan government launched a meticulously planned genocide against its Tutsi minority. It killed approximately 800 000 people in 100 days. We can’t reflect on the history of the 1994 genocide without considering the critical role the media. Did radio broadcasts directly incite violence?
Cyclone Idai and climate justice
Nearly two weeks after Cyclone Idai struck the coast of Mozambique, near Beira, the flood waters are receding to reveal a shattered landscape and confirmed deaths in the high hundreds. There is a need to focus on broader global implications. The causal connection between climate change and extreme weather events, such as Cyclone Idai, is clear.
Ethiopia says pilots repeatedly followed Boeing’s instructions before crash
The preliminary investigation report on an Ethiopian Airlines flight that crashed a month ago showed that pilots “repeatedly performed all the procedures provided” by Boeing to bypass a new flight system that can destabilize its plane but were not able to control the aircraft. This week officials provided a first statement on what actually happened minutes after take-off.
Gambia: How Yahya Jammeh Stole a Country
For more than two decades, Yahya Jammeh ruled over Gambia. His administration was implicated in widespread human rights abuses and several waves of brutal crackdowns on dissents – he also embezzled almost $1billion of public funds as this intensive investigation shows.
Two people ‘cured’ of HIV. But we don’t have a cure for HIV
News of a potential cure for HIV shouldn't lead us to complacency. There are 37 million people in the world with HIV, nearly half who can't access treatment. Last month, The New York Times and others published – in violation of a media embargo – world-shaking headlines of a “cure” for HIV.
