Botswana President Scratched by Cheetah

As another segment in our "Only In Africa" section of this blog, President of Botswana Ian Khama was recently scratched in the face by a cheetah. Khama's press described it as a "freak accident, but not an attack." Which makes it sounds like the cheetah leapt in the air for food and happened to run into the President's nose. What actually happens, it seems, is that the cheetah leapt up and threw a claw over the fence. Khama, being over 6 feet tall, was then scratched by the "not attack." Another regular day in the life of an African president. Just imagine the freaked-out body guard... not exactly what they train you for, I'm guessing...

Ian Khama, President of Botswana, pre-scratching

Ugandan President Hands Youth a Big Sack of Money

In not at all the strangest thing Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has ever done (he's a rapper), it seems that he handed a youth group a sack of money containing 100,000USD on national television this past Saturday. Cuz that's what presidents do.

Museveni, left, and the new leader of the youth group, right, sack in hand (on head)

Not only that, he also gave them "a minibus, a truck and 15 motorcycles." Famous for his floppy hat, Museveni has been highly criticized for the public nature of such a large donation. Some people have explained that handing out money in public is normal for Ugandans, and Museveni defends his own donation as well, saying doing it on national television would encourage transparency. Did I mention as part of the speech he gave before handing over the money, he urged youth to stop wasting money on alcohol? And then gave them a ton of money.

Random Kate Thoughts: I love stories like these. And in this case, I think that picture really says it all. On the bright side, it's a donation, not a government hand out... though it's pretty hard to keep those separate in the public's eye, when you're president. Now just to find out how that money gets spent...

Malian Family Eats French President's Camel

In what is possibly one of the funniest international relations stories I've ever read, it seems that the title of this article is true. The Malian government gave Francois Hollande, President of France, a gift of a baby camel on his triumphant visit to Mali in February. The gift was to thank the president for invading Mali and fighting back the northern Islamist rebels. Unfortunately for the president, the family he tasked to take care of the camel must have misunderstood their task, because they slaughtered and then ate it.

Oops.

The Malian government has promised to replace this camel with a "bigger and better-looking camel." (thanks NYT) To avoid future embarrasment, they will send this new and improved camel directly to France.

Random Kate Thoughts: Good grief. This story just made my day. I could say all kinds of things about international relations and camels, probably make some hoof-related jokes, but it's been a long day and I'm going to Senegal tomorrow, so just read the actual article here and enjoy. At least you didn't eat the French President's camel.

Back Again!

Side Note: Apologies for the month-long haitus! An unfortunate laptop disaster and the end of term led me to temporarily abandon my post(s). The continent never sleeps, so don't worry--posts are coming at you again. Starting with a very interesting post by my astute Tunisian student Yassine, see below. :)

Guest Post: Topless Photos in Tunisia

Guest Post: Yassine from Tunisia

Tunisian FEMEN Activist Posts Topless Photos, Causes Huge Controversy

Amina Tyler, member of radical feminist organization FEMEN, posted two topless photos of herself on FEMEN Tunisia's Facebook page in mid-March. The nineteen-year old had written "Fuck your morals" under her chest in the first picture, and "My body belongs to me, and does not represent anyone's honor" in the second picture.

The bold move by the young activist sparked much controversy, with the country's conservatives responding most vehemently to what they viewed as an act of debauchery and whoredom. FEMEN Tunisia's Facebook page was hacked by Islamist hackers who replaced the pictures with quranic verses and threats to Amina.

Adel Almi, an influential Islamist preacher, has called for Amina to be lashed 80 to a 100 times, and suggested stoning her to death.

Having received threats to her life, there was much concern about the safety of Amina. Many rumors about what had happened to her circulated in the weeks following the posting of the picture. Some claimed she was abducted, while others said that her parents had her admitted to a mental institution. However, latest reports from Le Monde confirm that Amina is safe, according to her lawyer.

Tunisia is considered to be one of the most liberal Arab countries, with women's rights and equality legally institutionalized. However, the 'religious reawakening' within Tunisian society and the rise of the ruling Islamist party Ennahdha has caused much concern about women's rights and position in society. Under the Tunisian penal code, Tyler can be sentenced to up to six months in prison for distributing her topless photo if someone files a complaint.

FEMEN, a feminist activist group famous for its topless protests, was founded in Ukraine but has increasingly expanded its actions internationally. They operate mostly in Europe.

Random Yassine thoughts: I can't quite make up my mind on this issue. On the one hand, I find Amina's act admirable in its brave, resistant and freedom-loving nature. On the other, I also see it as an unnecessary provocation which will give Islamists, conservatives and hardliners an excuse to further condemn women and retrograde their already-diminishing stature in society. There are definitely better strategies to bring the issue of women's rights to the fore of public debate during this crucial transitional period. However, I concede that radical action is sometimes the best way to impart change (Mohammed Bouazizi's immolation springs to mind), especially with the worrying string of highly publicized pedophiliac rapes that has occurred during the past few days, including one in my hometown Boumhel.