Africa Debate - Charlotte Attwood https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/ BBC Africa Debate is online forum that discusses the top African stories. If you send us a comment it may be published. Think before you submit - are you sure you want to share your views with the world? Join us and have your say. en Copyright 2012 Tue, 31 May 2011 12:32:39 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=4.33-en http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss How can Nigeria's security situation be dealt with?

Bystanders look on at the scene after a bomb blast at a market in Bauchi in northern Nigeria - Reuters

There were more bomb blasts in northern Nigeria on Monday. Police say two were in Zaria, the home town of Nigeria's Vice-President, Namadi Sambo. There are also reports of explosions in the north-eastern city of Maiduguri. 

 

This comes after three explosions near a military barracks in Bauchi state on Sunday night - just hours after President Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in. The latest spate of bombings have killed at least 14 people. No group has claimed responsibility.

Why does violence keep erupting in Nigeria? What can the president do to unite the country? Are you in Nigeria? What impact have these recent explosions had on you? Are you more nervous than usual?

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Tuesday 31 May at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

]]> Charlotte Attwood Charlotte Attwood https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/05/how-can-nigerias-security-situ.shtml https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/05/how-can-nigerias-security-situ.shtml Tue, 31 May 2011 12:32:39 +0000 Should modernisation be forced?

Corrugated iron is replacing thatched housing across the country but critics have said it has left many of Rwanda's most marginalised people without shelter. Thatched roofs have been traditionally used all over Africa. It's cheaper and some say more practical. Is it right that tradition be sacrificed in favour of modernisation? Should thatched really be banned or should it be a personal choice? Have you ever lived in a thatched house? Did you aspire to have a more modern house? If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Tuesday 31 May at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published. ]]> Charlotte Attwood Charlotte Attwood https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/05/should-modernisation-be-forced.shtml https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/05/should-modernisation-be-forced.shtml Mon, 30 May 2011 15:48:26 +0000 How should we treat beggars?

 

In an effort to sanitise the Nigerian city of Lagos, the state government is returning all beggars on the streets to their states of origin. Is it right to ban begging?

They say they have already removed at least 3,000 beggars in the last year but have now upped the commitment and banned giving alms to beggars as well. Violators will face two year imprisonment without the option of paying a fine. Do you give to beggars?

Senegal attempted a similar project last year but the number of beggars on the streets of Dakar remains high. Is this really the best way to deal with beggars? What else should be done?

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Thursday  26 May at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

 

 

]]> Charlotte Attwood Charlotte Attwood https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/05/how-should-we-treat-beggars.shtml https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/05/how-should-we-treat-beggars.shtml Wed, 18 May 2011 16:33:30 +0000 How important is reggae in Africa?

Jamaican reggae legend Bob Marley (Getty Images)

Wednesday marks 30 years since the death of Bob Marley, the Jamaican reggae legend who had an active interest in Africa with songs like Africa Unite and Get Up Stand Up. 

He also performed at a concert in Zimbabwe in 1980, held to celebrate the country's independence.

Three decades on, how important is reggae to Africa and why is it so popular?
African reggae has a history of carrying strong political messages. But does it have any effect? Should musicians influence politics? What kind of a role, if any, do you think the likes of Ivorian reggae star Alpha Blondy should play?
If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on BBC Africa Have Your Say on  Wednesday 11 May at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.
]]> Charlotte Attwood Charlotte Attwood https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/05/how-important-is-reggae-in-afr.shtml https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/05/how-important-is-reggae-in-afr.shtml Tue, 10 May 2011 19:34:18 +0000 Why do we love weddings?

Across the world millions are expected to watch this week's wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in the UK. Months of planning have gone into it and the media coverage has been uninterrupted. In Ghana, a group of women have had special dresses made in honour of the royal couple and will be wearing them as they party in front of the televised ceremony on Friday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, this Thursday we're asking: why do we love weddings so much, even when they are not our own? And, in Africa, are we becoming too extravagant with our weddings? Should couples pay more attention to building a good relationship (instead of organising the big day) and save their money?

If you would like to share your experiences LIVE on air on Thursday 28th April at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

]]> Charlotte Attwood Charlotte Attwood https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/04/why-do-we-love-weddings.shtml https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/04/why-do-we-love-weddings.shtml Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:39:43 +0000 What are the arts doing for Africa? On Tuesday 26 April 2011 BBC Africa Have Your Say will be broadcast live from the opening day of the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa) in Zimbabwe. 
The six-day festival promises a programme of the very best of regional and global arts and culture

 

It also claims to be a symbol of something positive about Zimbabwe - a chance to unifying disparate groups at a time of political uncertainty in the country.

Do you think the arts can resolve tension and bring people together? Do we really need such festivals when there may be other more pressing issues to deal with? Is it right that money is spent on the arts when a country is struggling to provide basic amenities for its people? Have the arts ever had a significant impact on your life?

 

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Tuesday 26 April at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

]]> Charlotte Attwood Charlotte Attwood https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/04/does-africa-need-the-arts.shtml https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/04/does-africa-need-the-arts.shtml Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:03:50 +0000 Are Nigeria's delayed polls credible?
Nigeria has postponed its parliamentary election for a second time. The vote will now take place on Saturday - a week later than expected.

The decision by the national electoral commission means both presidential and state elections will also be pushed back.

Official reasons are that staff and papers weren't at polling stations around the country in time. But with a history of vote-rigging and electoral violence questions are being asked. Can Nigeria ever get it right?

Are you in Nigeria, what do you think of the delay? What impact will it have on voter turnout and trust in the system? What can Nigeria learn from elsewhere? Is it still possible for the elections to be a success?

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Tuesday 5 April at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

 

 

]]> Charlotte Attwood Charlotte Attwood https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/04/are-nigerias-delayed-polls-cre.shtml https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/04/are-nigerias-delayed-polls-cre.shtml Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:32:13 +0000 When is sport more than just a game?

On Tuesday Ghana's Black Stars play an international friendly against England at Wembley. What would a victory for Ghana mean to the fans?

 

India is also playing Pakistan at cricket on Wednesday. This comes as peace talks are revived between the troubled neighbours. Does sport smooth the way for politics and business?

When do non sporting issues affect a sporting fixture? Are we expecting too much of our sportsmen and women to think they'll get involved in politics? When has it been more than just a game for you?

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Tuesday 29 March at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

]]> Charlotte Attwood Charlotte Attwood https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/03/when-is-sport-more-than-just-a.shtml https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/03/when-is-sport-more-than-just-a.shtml Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:02:04 +0000 Should foreign forces have intervened in Libya?
As air strikes continue in Libya we're asking what you think of the international intervention?

The leaders of several African countries have condemned the air strikes. Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has accused the West of double standards wondering why they've intervened in Libya and not elsewhere?

He was one of five African Union leaders whose task was to find a solution to the crisis. Their mission to Tripoli was called off when the air strikes began. Do you think the AU should have taken the lead on this or have they just missed their chance?

If you agree with this intervention, how far do you think it should go?

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Wednesday 22 March at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

 

]]> Charlotte Attwood Charlotte Attwood https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/03/should-foreign-forces-have-int.shtml https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/03/should-foreign-forces-have-int.shtml Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:28:10 +0000 Your questions to President Kagame

In a special edition of Africa Have Your Say, Rwanda's President Paul Kagame will be answering your questions live on air, on Tuesday 22 March at 1600 GMT.

 

   

Paul Kagame has been in control of Rwanda since his rebel army ended the genocide in 1994.

To his admirers he is an economic visionary but his critics say he has put development before democracy and political freedom.

Who do you agree with? What are his views on the air strikes on Libya and the civil unrest in Ivory Coast? What are your questions for President Kagame?

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Tuesday 22 March at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

]]> Charlotte Attwood Charlotte Attwood https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/03/your-questions-to-president-ka-1.shtml https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/03/your-questions-to-president-ka-1.shtml Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:31:55 +0000 What do you want to ask Nigeria's INEC chairman?

 

Registration has begun for April's polls in Nigeria, although complaints are already being made about the process.

The Chairman of Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Attahiru Mohammed Jega, is live on the programme ready to answer your questions.

Stephen Amponsah from Ghana wants to know:

 "What mechanisms have been put in place to make sure that the electoral process will be conducted in a free and fair manner?"

What would you like to ask? Include your number if you want to put your question live on BBC Africa Have Your Say at 1600GMT on Tuesday 18th January.

]]> Charlotte Attwood Charlotte Attwood https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/01/what-do-you-want-to-ask-nigeri.shtml https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2011/01/what-do-you-want-to-ask-nigeri.shtml Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:47:30 +0000 How would you resolve Somalia's crisis?

More than thirty people including six members of parliament were among those killed in an attack on a Mogadishu hotel today, again focusing attention on the worsening political and military situation in Somalia.

The attack - on one of the most fortified government areas - comes after al-Shabab Islamist militants announced a "massive war" on AU peacekeepers backing the transitional government.

So what should happen next?

Is there a military solution to this conflict? Should the "West" intervene as it did against the Taliban in Afghanistan? Should the government negotiate with al-Shabab?

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Tuesday 24 August at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

]]> Charlotte Attwood Charlotte Attwood https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2010/08/how-would-you-resolve-somalias.shtml https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2010/08/how-would-you-resolve-somalias.shtml Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:27:50 +0000 Should Africa look to the stars?

Africa is one step closer to setting up its own space agency after AU ministers approved a feasibility study to develop an 'African Space Agency'.

The idea is to draft a common space policy which - some say - would aid development and help Africa overcome many of its challenges.

But should Africa really be pouring its limited resources into space technology when some governments can barely provide for their own people and natural disasters ravage the continent? And if so, is it better for each country to develop its own space initiatives rather than work together?

What would be the benefits of a space agency to Africa? Is it worth the cost? Should such research be left to more prosperous continents?

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Tuesday 31 August at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

]]> Charlotte Attwood Charlotte Attwood https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2010/08/should-africa-look-to-the-star.shtml https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2010/08/should-africa-look-to-the-star.shtml Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:18:51 +0000 Should vaccination be forced?

An outbreak of measles is currently engulfing countries across Southern Africa.

But some church groups in both Zimbabwe and Malawi have resisted vaccination because medical treatment goes against their beliefs. With the severity of this health crisis, should vaccination be forced?

Is there any excuse for not vaccinating your child? Should the right to personal belief systems have priority over public health? Should health authorities take religious or cultural belief systems into account? Should vaccinations be compulsory for all or optional?

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Tuesday 10 August at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

]]> Charlotte Attwood Charlotte Attwood https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2010/08/should-vaccination-be-forced.shtml https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2010/08/should-vaccination-be-forced.shtml Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:35:22 +0000 BBC African Performance begins

Thursday 5 August marks the beginning of the BBC African Performance season. For the next 6 weeks there will be no BBC Africa Have Your Say on Thursdays. On these days from 1600 to 1700 GMT you will hear the winning plays of 2010.

090529124909_wolesoyinka_446.jpgOur judge this year was Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka. He has chosen Will Smith Look-Alike, written by Deborah Asiimwe of Uganda as the winning play of the annual BBC World Service African Performance playwriting competition.

'I thought the writing was very good and I became really caught up with the play wondering what the final denouement would be.' Wole Soyinka on Will Smith Look-Alike.

On Thursday 5 August you will hear the winning play and Wole Soyinka on what he thought of the winners.

Enjoy!

]]> Charlotte Attwood Charlotte Attwood https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2010/08/bbc-african-performance-begins.shtml https://nontonwae.pages.dev/blogs/africahaveyoursay/2010/08/bbc-african-performance-begins.shtml Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:05:13 +0000