Weekly Newsletter 29 October 2012

Dear Reader,

The US and France are increasing pressure on Algeria to back a military intervention in northern Mali where Islamist groups have taken control. Back in April, the Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), a Tuareg separatist group, declared independence before being chased out by Islamist factions Ansar Dine and the Movement of Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJWA). While the region gears up for an intervention, what will become of the MNLA and the Tuareg community remains uncertain.

The Liberation Front of Mozambique’s (FRELIMO) 10th congress, held last month, highlighted the fact that while President Armando Guebuza may be the most powerful member of the party, he does not have total control. FRELIMO has rejected the president’s attempts to prolong his rule and the Central Committee chose not to elect a number of Guebuza’s allies.

An attack on a church in Kaduna, northern Nigeria, has killed at least seven people and left dozens more injured. The suicide bombing, carried out during Sunday mass, is believed to have been carried out by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram, which is likely to have intensified attacks during the festival of Eid.

North: Egypt: Minor Disputes Over Draft Constitution - Assembly Representatives

West: Guinea: Ethnicity, Democracy and Opposition

Central: Conflict in the Kivus: UN Report Leaves Peace Process in Uncertain Position

East: Kenya: Cattle in the Capital - Urban Agriculture Comes to Town

South: FRELIMO Balances Keep President Guebuza in Check

Below are a few highlights from the past week:

	Mali: What Now for the MNLA and Tuareg Community?
	Film Africa 2012 Arrives in London
	Nigeria: Polio's Last African Stronghold
	EU Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize but what about Africa?
	Is the Mo Ibrahim Prize Worth It?

All the best,

The Team at Think Africa Press