Africa
Somalia: Development by other means - Wildcat
Article analysing the war in Somalia in the early nineties, and the destruction of pre-capitalist social relations there through both military and 'humanitarian' means.
While we disagree with the views of the authors on journalists, we believe the article contains useful information and analysis of the conflict and its roots.
The War in Somalia
African health worker gap catastrophic
Rob Ray looks at claims that a brain drain to West is crippling healthcare across the African continent, for Freedom Press
It has been revealed that the global shortfall in healthcare professionals has reached four million people – with one million needed in Africa alone. The figures were voiced at the Global Forum on Human Resources for Health, which opened in the Ugandan capital of Kampala on March 3rd.
Damaging uranium mines restart
The new nuclear boom will hit Africa as advocacy groups warn poorly regulated mining of radioactive materials risks poisoning land and water, finds Rob Ray.
With 349 new nuclear reactors now either under construction, on order or in the early planning stages around the world, the uranium mining industry has been kicking into high gear with a glut of new extractions underway.
National liberation and state power - An anarchist critique of the MPLA in Angola
A text written around 1980 by Martin Spence outlining a critique of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), and national liberation struggles in general.
INTRODUCTION
Morocco: miners from Jbel Awam on trial
Twenty-nine of the striking miners went on trial today facing charges that include unarmed rebellion.
On July 4th 300 workers from the mine at Jbel Awam in the Middle Atlas went on strike to try and improve their working conditions. The management of the Compañía Minera de Touissit (CMT) refused all meetings with the trade unionists, but had the army sent in on successive occasions to stop the strikers paralysing production.
Cameroon: Primary school teachers to strike
Teachers have given official notice of strike action from October 2nd to October 5th, this will coincide with the anniversary of the 1966 UNESCO recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
The main demands relate to quality of life. Teachers are demanding that their salaries be re-evaluated, in 1992-1993 salaries were lowered by 50-70% and this fall has not been made up. They are also demanding that all salary arrears be paid in full, including payments linked to exams. They have also asked for a housing allowance.
Ivory Coast: Medical strike enters ninth day
The all-out strike, with no minimum service, continues, leaving hospitals practically deserted.
The strike was originally called by the Ivory Coast senior medical workers union (Synacass-ci) in relation to yearly pay negotiations. Currently a doctor receives a salary of 173000 CFA Francs (£180), the Ivory coast is suffering from major price increases, especially of staples. For example the price of 12kg of cooking gas has risen from 3500 CFA Francs to between 4500 and 5000.
Morocco: Striking miners arrested at Jbel Awam
Miners at Jbel Awam in the Middle Atlas mountains of Morocco were arrested after police invaded their camp on Tuesday morning.
Auxiliary forces and the royal gendarmerie arrived at 4am and used violence to disperse the men, women and children camped outside the mine. 29 workers were arrested and taken to the gendarmerie headquarters in Mrirt. Families and friends of those arrested have been gathered in front of the headquarters since Wednesday, demanding their release.
Sénégal: entire workforce fired for wildcat strike
Management at Mèches Darling have fired the entire workforce after a wildcat action.
Workers arrived at the factory gates this morning to find this notice:
"Management informs the entire staff, both permanent and contract staff that, following the ilegal strike action which paralysed the company, a collective dismissal has been decided upon. Dismissal letters have been passed to human resources."
France: petrol workers win bonus
The strike was launched on Monday at 4am by fuel delivery workers on the island of Réunion from the CFDT union.
The management of the SRPP (Reunion petroleum products company) gave into the workers demands after less than 24 hours. Workers won a shift bonus, which is approximately equivalent to an 8% salary increase.
