Africa – 19 June 2014

Open letter to African Union heads of state – ‘Its time to focus on people’
Judging from the daily outpouring of commentary, opinions and reports, you would think that there were two African continents. One of them is the new land of opportunity, with seven of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies, offering limitless possibilities to investors. There is, however, this other image: a starving and hopeless continent, hungry and poor, corrupt and prey to foreign exploiters. Bulawayo24.com

Scores dead, injured after blast at Nigeria soccer viewing centre
Twenty-one people have been killed and 27 injured after an explosion ripped through a centre showing a World Cup soccer match in north Nigeria.
Recent blasts targeting fans in north-eastern Adamawa and the central state of Plateau have seen the authorities close big screen venues on security grounds. (Reuters)
At least 21 people were killed when an explosion ripped through a viewing centre showing World Cup soccer in Damaturu, north Nigeria, a medical source said on Wednesday. The Mail and Guardian
African Union Weekly African citizens