Search

Discusses social problems in Congo, Liberia, and other African countries, including civil war and atrocities. The atrocities committed against refugees in Congo by the militia group known as the Mai-Mai; Opinion that the Democratic Republic of Congo is the world's largest failed state, although it is rich in mineral resources; Visit of U.S. President George W. Bush to the more stable African countries, rather than addressing man-made problems which cannot be solved with aid alone; Indictment of Liberian President Charles Taylor as a war criminal; Problem of genocide in Rwanda; Way that children are pressed into service as soldiers or workers by militias in Congo; Discussion of the coltan, gold, and diamond industries in Africa.

Offers a look at a humanitarian trip taken by U.S. First Lady Laura Bush to Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. Goal of Bush's trip to coincide with the G-8 summit, in which world leaders promised to increase humanitarian assistance to Africa; Details of Bush's itinerary in Africa, including visits to orphanages and HIV/AIDS care facilities; View that Bush's diplomatic activities have improved international public opinion of President Bush.

The article examines the progress that the countries of Africa have made toward gaining economic stability and democratic autonomy, specifically referencing Rwanda as a representation of these transitions. Little more than 15 years following a mass genocide, Rwanda has become increasingly stable, incorporating a national health care system and a level of corruption that is lower than that of most African countries. The author chronicles the efforts of Rwanda President Paul Kagame.

Argues that Pope John Paul II helped keep the continent of Africa disease-ridden, famished and disastrously underdeveloped. Role of Catholic leaders in Africa reining in dictators, challenging corruption and pushing for democratic reform; Thoughts on the Vatican's record in Africa, including its failure to acknowledge what happened in Rwanda; The role the Church played in condoning and fostering Hutu extremism; Impact of the Vatican's no-abortion, no-contraception line on African women; Observations on the irresponsibility of rejecting population control in Africa; Issues of malnutrition and famine; The silence and denial over Aids; Role of the Vatican in opposing efforts to prevent HIV infection; How the educated middle class in Africa has been ravaged by disease.

Presents information on the mortality rate of Africans and the lack of democracy in that country. Details on number of persons killed in massacres in Rwanda; Information on the effects of dictatorship and their struggle for independence.

Discusses the relations and possibility of war between Uganda and Rwanda. Three-day battle between troops from both countries for control of Kisangani; Reasons for rift; Role played by Congo in the conflict; Details of the battle; Outlook for the already war-torn region.