August 23: International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
Even before Europe’s colonial rulers divided up Africa, Africans hunted Africans and sold them to Muslim slave traders who exported them to the Arabian Peninsula or further. While the Europeans ruthlessly exploited their colonies, they also abolished human trafficking within Africa. More here.
Studio talk: International understanding through travel
For 75 years, the peace organization Servas International has been bringing people together all over the world. Regional Coordinator Heinz Miebach of Servas Germany explains who can take part and how. Idea and preparation by me.
Guest post by Volker Seitz
On July 1, 2024, Hungary took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is a thorn in the side of many member states, partly because of his restrictive migration policy. Hungary is providing valuable aid to African countries, says the author. More here.
July 27: 30th anniversary of Kevin Carter’s death
His photo from Sudan went around the world in March 1993: a child, emaciated to the skeleton, crouches in the sand while a vulture lurks behind him. Kevin Carter received the Pulitzer Prize for this work. Two months later, the South African committed suicide in Johannesburg. More here.
On the 100th birthday of Bess Myerson
Even before the state of Israel was founded, the first Jewish beauty queen was crowned in Tel Aviv. A few Jewish beauty queens also made headlines outside the country. The first was Bess Myerson. She was born on July 16, 1924, 100 years ago, in the Bronx, New York. More here.
75 years SERVAS International: an old idea stays young.
Founded in July 1949 by the US-American conscientious objector Bob Luitweiler, the network is dedicated to bringing together travelers and hosts from all over the world. Interpersonal encounters are to build understanding, tolerance and world peace. More here.
Guest post by Volker Seitz on the occasion of the European Championship
The enthusiasm for soccer in Africa is almost limitless. There are even two championships on the continent: the Africa Cup and African Nations Championship. Only players who play in the national leagues of their home countries are eligible for the latter. More here.
The myth of a dry Lake Chad: guest article by Volker Seitz
Lake Chad is shrinking – allegedly. Nigeria’s president blames this on climate change. For the commentator, this is a pretext to cover up social conflicts. Not to forget: economic interests. More here.
Guest post by Volker Seitz: Rwanda genocide began 30 years ago.
From April 7 to July 1994, members of the Hutu majority in Rwanda carried out massacres against the Tutsi minority and opposition Hutus. Under President Paul Kagame and his policy of reconstruction and reconciliation, the country has developed relatively well economically and socially. More here.
The ruling could come any day now. And what does the EU say?
Whistleblower Chelsea, aka Bradley Manning, has long since returned to freedom, while Julian Assange has had to fight for his freedom for thirteen years. The High Court in London will now decide on his extradition. Last week, there was still a debate in the EU Parliament. More here.