Rapper Akon Asks Why African Americans Don’t “go back home…to Africa?'”

Reported by Alphajoe Aj Jallow

Akon hasn’t been in the spotlight for quite some time. It’s been over half a decade since the Senegalese-born rapper has released an album, and many believed he simply faded away.
But Akon hasn’t gone anywhere. He was recently spotted voicing his opinion on social issues. The artist was recently on the Al Jazeera TV channel where he sat down with host Folly Bah Thibault to talk about matters surrounding the recent rise in racial tensions that have gripped the nation and the protests that were being held in cities across the country.
Akon acknowledged the frustrations that were being felt by the protesters and marchers and added that African-Americans needed to broaden their horizons. He said the system in America was not built for black people.
“I always felt like Africa was for Africans,” the five-time Grammy nominee said. “So when I see African-Americans in America dealing with all these issues my first question is, ‘Why don’t they just go back home, back to Africa?'”
“How many African-Americans do you know who actually consider Africa as a vacation spot?” Akon went on to ask. “Even if it’s just for knowledge, just to know where they came from, just to get an idea of what that is.
“There is so much fear instilled in them that they wouldn’t even want to go there to visit. You mention Africa, they start shaking.”
Akon went on to say that on the contrary they, as Americans, would actually find preferential treatment and soon realize that Africa wasn’t as bad as it is portrayed to be.
He also says he is still on the music scene, although he operates behind the scenes and has been producing music for other artists. But now, he is planning and working on a new five-part concept album.

Senegal Senegal's ex-'minister of heaven' jailed

A six-year jail term has been imposed on Karim Wade, the son of Senegal's former president. The flamboyant 46-year-old ex-London financier had denied enriching himself while holding up to five cabinet posts.

A special Senegalese court jailed the son of former president Abdoulaye Wade on Monday, concluding that he had hidden away funds in offshore companies in the British Virgin Islands and Panama.
"The facts before us constitute illicit enrichment by Karim Wade, said judge Henri Gregoire Diop as the verdict was announced. Wade was also ordered to pay a 138 billion CFA franc (210 million euro) fine.
Opposition supporters in the courtroom protested the verdict for Wade, who on Saturday had been picked by the opposition Senegalese Democratic Party as its candidate for the western African nation's next presidential election. It is likely in 2017.
Five ministries
Karim Wade had a finance career in London before returning home in 2002. He ended up controlling five ministries during his father's presidency, earning himself the nickname of "minister of heaven and Earth."
The younger Wade was a divisive figure in Senegalese politics in the run-up to the presidential election in 2012, with many believing his father - who ruled from 2000 to 2012 - was trying to line him up to succeed him.
Current president Macky Sall, whose victory in 2012 ended Wade senior's rule, warned last week that he would not tolerate destabilization attempts following the court's decision.
Harassment?
Sall's government had denied Karim Wade's claim that he had become the victim of a political witch hunt. Wade had been in custody since April 2013. In January this year, he spent four days on hunger strike to protest his detention conditions.
One of Karim Wade's lawyers was arrested last week, allegedly for hinting that a conviction would result in the overthrow of President Sall.
Two years into his term, Sall's popularity has faltered amid complaints that he has not done enough to improve the lot of ordinary Senegalese.
ipj/jr AFP, Reuters, AP)

Buhari on his Fulani upbringing.

"Was it also the Fulani training of perseverance? Because when you have reared cattle, for those who have been doing it, they said it toughens you… – It did.
The sun is there, the rain and you are there with your cattle… – The period was remarkable, in the sense that those who are brought up in the city have limited space. If you are in a confined school, you learn from the school and what you see immediately. But the nomad life exposes you to nature. You will never learn enough of plants, of trees, of insects and of animals. Everyday you are learning something.
You have seen them and everyday you are learning. You will never know all of them. So, it is so vast that it takes a lot of whatever you can think of. And then, the difference again in the environment. In the Savannah, in the Sahel, after harvest, you can always see as high as your eyes can go. And then, at night when there is moon, it is fantastic. So, I enjoyed those days and they made a lasting impression in me."

By Elijah Shabazz

Demba Ba calling Senegalese national team

By Oluwashina Okeleji BBC Sport

Besiktas striker Demba Ba is hoping for an international recall, claiming he has been encouraged by discussions with new Senegal coach Aliou Cisse.

Ba has not represented Senegal since October 2014 and was dramatically left out of their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations squad after a public spat with former manager Alain Giresse.

The 29-year-old was highly critical of Giresse after the Frenchman claimed he was unfit to play in the tournament's final qualifiers, an excuse Ba strongly refuted.
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“I cannot reveal what was discussed but it was very encouraging and he was happy to know I am available for selection”

Demba Ba Senegal and Besiktas striker

However, Cisse, who replaces Giresse early this month, spoke with Ba about returning to the international fold and the striker admits he is keen to return.

"I spoke to Aliou Cisse and I made it clear that my absence from the national team was not a self-imposed exile," Ba told Senegalese publication "Stades".

"I cannot reveal what was discussed but it was very encouraging and he was happy to know I am available for selection."

Ba, formerly of Chelsea and Newcastle, has made an impact at Turkish side Besiktas and is their leading scorer this season. He insists he has never closed the door on a return to the Teranga Lions, saying the country is bigger than individuals.

"The coach made it clear that Senegal's interest must always take precedence over personal interest.

"As gentlemen we both agreed that our country comes first and that's what really matters," Ba added.

Ba could make his return for Senegal against Ghana in a friendly on 28 March in the French city of Le Havre.

"I love serving my country and when I get a chance I will return to the national team, right now there is no problem.

"The mood is good and whatever happens from here, if it happens, would be fantastic."

The new coach, Cisse, has been tasked with reviving the fortunes of Senegal after a disappointing Nations Cup campaign in Equatorial Guinea.

The 38-year-old Cisse, who won 35 international caps with the Teranga Lions, signed a four-year contract, to be reviewed after the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

Cisse, who played for Birmingham City and Portsmouth between 2002 and 2006, brings experience of playing at the highest level with Senegal, having captained them at the 2002 World Cup where the team reached the quarter-final

Dr. Djibril Diallo African United Nation Ambassador

Our Pullo Dr. Djibril Diallo, Chair of the U.S. Leadership Committee for the World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures also known as (FESMAN) 2010, which organized the SENEGAL U.S. DELEGATION April 2010 that took part in the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of Senegal's Independence and Unveiling of the African Renaissance Monument, April 2010 in Dakar, Senegal, Africa.

Senegal set to replace DR Congo as hosts of African Under-23s

During an audience with CAF President Issa Hayatou, in Dakar on Friday, 13 March 2015 at the Presidency, Senegalese President, Macky Sall, responded positively to the request of Senegal to host the African U-23 championship in December 2015, also the qualifiers for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.



Initially the tournament was scheduled from 5-19 December 2015 in DR Congo.



Forthwith, His Excellency Macky Sall enjoined the Sports Minister, Matarr Ba, and the president of the Senegalese Football Federation, Mr. Augustin Senghor, who was part of the delegation, to get in touch with CAF to discuss the details about organising the event.



Following the welcome address of the President of the Republic and his encouragements on the work done by the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF), Issa Hayatou personally reiterated his gratitude and that of the entire CAF Executive Committee to President Macky Sall for the successful organisation 19th edition of the African U-20 Championship under in Senegal. The 8-22 March Championship is being held in two cities, Dakar and M’Bour.



Also present at the audience were CAF Executive Committee members, Amadou Diakité and Constant Omari Selemani.

Tags : Senegal - Fédération Sénégalaise de Football - CAF President - Media Channel

source of Cafonline

Adamou was appointed by Presidential Decree as a Judge in the Regional Administrative Court Bench of Extreme North in Maroua.

Adamou Ahmadou, originally from Binka, North-West Region, Adamou grew up in Ngaoundere. He graduated from Ngaoundere University, Ecole Normale Superieur (ENS) Maroua and the School of Magistracy (ENAM) . He holds a postgraduate diploma (DEA) from Oslo. He is presently completing a PhD research thesis from Leiden (Holland). Adamou was appointed by Presidential Decree as a Judge in the Regional Administrative Court Bench of Extreme North in Maroua.

Senegal President offers to reduce his presidential term

By Stanley Azuakola on March 18, 2015 — Senegal's President Macky Sall has offered to reduce his presidential term by two years via a nationwide referendum for his country to 'serve as an example to Africa'

President Macky Sall Source: Guardian

Sall said during a press conference on Tuesday that he hopes to achieve that in order for Senegal to serve as an example to the world.
His decision is a marked contrast to several African leaders who have been moving to increase the number of years they would be able to rule.
Countries like Benin, Rwanda, Burundi and Congo-Brazaville are considering changes to their constitutions which will allow the incumbents a third term. In countries like Algeria, Angola, Chad, Djibouti and Uganda, the laws have been changed to favour the incumbents, while in Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaore’s attempt to contest again in violation of the constitution led to his eventual removal from office.
Sall however said he wants to be different.
“I was elected for seven years (but) next year, I will propose the organisation of a referendum for the reduction of my mandate,” he said.
“Have you ever seen presidents reduce their mandate? Well I’m going to do it,” Sall told the meeting at the presidency, making good on a pledge which formed part of his election campaign in 2012.
“We have to understand, in Africa too, that we are able to offer an example, and that power is not an end in itself,” he added.
He said he would like the elections to be held in 2017 instead of 2019 but refused to announce if he would contest for a second term as allowed by the constitution.
Source: Guardian