Jerry Douglas' Blog

Five months after the deployment of Nigerian troops as part of the Africa-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA) to fight Islamic insurgents, there is no respite in sight for soldiers who have suffered untold hardship and total neglect of the contingent. According to Premium Times exclusively report, the 873-man contingent is still making do with poor nutrition, and unpaid allowances of up to three months. The overwhelming perception of other participating countries in the mission is that the Nigerian contingent has fallen short of the United Nations’ standard. “They are struggling to remain in Mali,” a defence source said. They are not being fed good food. They have been eating plain boiled spaghetti twice daily without condiments.” Moreover, Premium Times had also reported the abysmal condition of the troops and the lack of morale caused by the absence of logistics and basic provisions. But defence authorities had denied it, saying the so...

Capetown can expect an invasion of elite US security forces when President Barack Obama visits at the end of the month. Obama will travel to Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania from June 26 to July 3 “to strengthen economic growth, investment, and trade”, emphasising “the president’s commitment to broadening and deepening co-operation between the US and the people of sub-Saharan Africa to advance regional and global peace and prosperity”. The City of Capetown’s decision to bestow the “Freedom of the City” on Obama was opposed by a range of South Africans, including some Muslim organisations. It is not yet known whether Obama will face protests in Cape Town, but it appears US security agencies are taking no chances - although all foreign visits by US presidents typically include massive security operations. According to reports, the cost of the entire African adventure is estimated to be between $60 million and $100m (R600 and R1 billion). The Washington Post reports: “Hun...

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the federal government is to start the training of local astronauts for space travel by 2015. Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Ita Ewa, Monday announced the government's intention to train astronauts for space travel while giving a report of the achievements of his ministry in the past two years, at a press conference in Abuja. Ewa who said the ministry was waiting for President Goodluck Jonathan to approve the training programme, added that the country would also collaborate with the Chinese government for the development of a space rocket. Already, the minister said a launch site with a 20-kilometre launch capability had been set up in Epe, Lagos State, adding that 12 engineers from the National Space Research and Development Agency (NARSDA) are in China for training. Speaking on the benefits to Nigeria from an improved space programme, the minister explained that once the president has approved the programme, the c...