More patience, less protest: the new politics of the urban poor

A new book published shows how poor urban communities across Africa and Asia have developed powerful new approaches that have enabled millions of people to get better housing and services, and —beyond this — social justice and inclusion in political processes.

Their efforts and experiences stand in stark contrast to the images of popular protest that have erupted in large cities – as in Egypt and Brazil – in recent months. And as the book’s authors note, these quieter, more patient approaches to the problems of poverty and injustice appear more likely to bring benefits in the long-term.

THE NEXT KING

“Please don’t spoil this wonderful ceremony, we must behave so that we appease our ancestors because our next king’s guidance and wisdom rely upon them” Biyere- the late king’s Nduna told a group of drunkards who were making unnecessary noise.

 “You are right, as the air to a bird, the sea to a fish and culture to a man so is the ancestors power to our king-to-be” echoed Kanjombi, namkungwi wa kumadzi (advisor at the Nyau cult)  .

People were all over the place to witness the coronation ceremony of the new king of Mphudzu dynasty.

Tembo rejected at convention... as MCP dodges 11th hour court injunction

Delegates at the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) convention taking place
in Lilongwe have rejected the motion to allow John Tembo to stand
again as the presidential candidate in the 2014 elections.

Names of MCP contestants to be released on Friday-Tembo

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has said the names of those to contest
at the forthcoming convention will be released prior to the
commencement of the much awaited indaba on August 9 through a press
conference.

In a press statement released Thursday afternoon and signed by the
party president John Tembo did not indicate if the names of the
candidates to be released tomorrow will be that of those of the
presidential post all those to contest on other position.

INTERPOL report warns carbon trading at increased risk of criminal exploitation

The intangible nature of the global carbon trading markets puts them at risk for exploitation by criminal networks, according to a new law enforcement guide produced by INTERPOL.

The INTERPOL Guide to Carbon Trading Crime examines the areas within the industry which have the potential to be manipulated by criminals, through securities fraud, insider trading, embezzlement, money laundering and cybercrime. It also assesses the current vulnerabilities of the carbon market and provides information to support national authorities in establishing adequate policing measures.

Report sets stage for China-Africa forest governance research

IIED has today published a report that identifies research that can shed light on the positive and negative effects of Chinese investment in African forests, and show how to improve governance of timber trade.

The report summarises the first meeting of the China-Africa Forest Governance Learning Platform, a new group that aims to ensure that such investments are environmentally sustainable and provide benefits to local communities.