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Billy Connolly in an African Hospital |
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BBC ONE
The 200-bed hospital in Hargeisa, the capital city of Somaliland, is a huge, rambling colonial building. The little equipment it has is from another era. It's the hospital time forgot. This is a place in the grip of grinding poverty, a place where people living on the edge often go over it. And every day adults and children die needlessly because of a lack of the most basic of resources. This documentary will tell real stories of life and death and see how Comic Relief money is helping people come back from the edge of existence.
As Billy says, this is not a "Feel good Nicey Nicey Film."
By donating to Comic Relief, you can help improve people's health in Somaliland: find out how.
Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 |
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Somaliland Votes On April 14 |
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Somaliland Forum Press Release
The citizens of a country that ostensibly does not exist will, nevertheless, go to the polls on April 14, 2003 for nationwide elections. A nation that is on few radar screens will choose a new leader and could see its fourth peaceful transition of power since its creation in 1991.
Elections in this fledging nation represent an exercise in democracy largely unseen in Africa. Without bullets or coercion, voters will take part in presidential and legislative elections in a country where the rule of law is paramount.
The upcoming vote comes on the heels of successful local elections held in Somaliland last December and will mark the first time any current or former citizens of the failed state of Somalia cast a free ballot to choose their leaders in more than three decades.
Somaliland, a haven of stability in the Horn of Africa, declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 and has sought international recognition ever since. Over 12 years, the country has flourished.
Somaliland boasts a market-driven economy, buoyed by increasing levels of external investment; an education system reaching tertiary level; healthcare facilities that draw patients from across East Africa; a Constitution affirmed in a national referendum; and, perhaps most importantly in a region wracked by strife, a peaceful and civil society.
The story of Somaliland is a compelling one.
Shouldn’t your readers hear about it?
To assist media organizations in covering Somaliland’s upcoming elections, please find attached backgrounders on the main political parties contesting the election and relevant Web sites for further information.
www.somalilandelectoralcommission.com
www.somalilandgov.com
www.somalilandforum.com |
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| International
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Ethiopian-American Radio To Spread Information
Mandera, Kenya, March 12 (AP): An expectant hush follows a ripple of whispers as excited schoolgirls wait for Hussein Abukar to press a button on a radio. He does, and a clear voice booms out an English lesson. The girls, dressed in green robes and Muslim headscarves, bend diligently over their exercise books.
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| UNHCR Begins Integration of Somali Bantus
"They made their way farther south to Tanzania's Tanga region, following a reverse path that their
ancestors had taken more than three centuries ago when they were transported as
slaves."
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German Navy Team Arrives In Mombasa
Mombassa, March 14, 2003 (Daily Nation): German navy soldiers have arrived in Mombassa to monitor security in the Horn of Africa.
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Ethiopia Denies Troop Presence In Somalia
Nairobi, March 13, 2003 (IRIN): The Ethiopian government has denied accusations by the Transitional National Government (TNG) of Somalia that Ethiopian forces have invaded Somali territory.
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| Feeling America's Flywhisk
From The Economist
"If we don't stop this unilateral action against Iraq today, tomorrow [America] will come after us."
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Ecological Sources Of Conflict
NAIROBI, 13 Mar 2003 (IRIN) - African policy makers should move beyond "traditional" methods of conflict management, that have so far failed to produce tangible solutions to conflicts in the region, researchers argue.
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Africa's Lost Tribe Discovers American Way
Rachel L. Swarns
"I don't think Somalia is my country because we Somali Bantus have seen our people treated like donkeys
there....I think my country is where I am going."
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Abdi Abdiraham Added to USA Men's 8K Championships Field
NEW YORK, NY (March 12) - Meb Keflezighi and Abdi Abdirahman top a group of four members of the 2003 United States World Cross Country team to commit today to the USA Men's 8K Championships in Central Park on Saturday, April 5, it was announced by Allan Steinfeld, president and CEO of New York Road Runners.
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