Laos promises to phase out tiger farms
Asia

Laos promises to phase out tiger farms

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Laos has promised to phase out farms that breed endangered tigers for their body parts, a positive step from a country believed to be a major hub of wildlife trafficking in Asia, conservation groups said Friday, Sept. 24. The announcement by Laotian officials in South Africa came one day before the start … Continue reading

SAfrican court rejects Winnie’s claim to Mandela rural home
Africa / International News / Uncategorized

SAfrican court rejects Winnie’s claim to Mandela rural home

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — A South African court ruled Thursday that Nelson Mandela’s ex-wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, has no rights to his rural home. The court in Mthatha town dismissed Madikizela-Mandela’s claim to the Qunu property, where the anti-apartheid leader who became South Africa’s first black president in 1994 is buried. The couple divorced in 1996 and … Continue reading

Economy focus of S. African nation speech, despite heckling
Africa / International News

Economy focus of S. African nation speech, despite heckling

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa’s struggling economy was the focus point of the president’s state-of-the-nation address on Thursday Feb. 11, which went ahead despite disruptions and heckling from opposition politicians. President Jacob Zuma outlined various steps to help the economy including plans to increase investment and grow small businesses. Zuma also announced plans to cut … Continue reading

Armed groups target elephants in Congo park
Africa

Armed groups target elephants in Congo park

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The eight suspected poachers stood under a tree, apparently unaware they were being tracked by 10 rangers from Congo’s Garamba National Park. But as the rangers approached, gunfire rang out from the tall grass nearby, where other heavily armed men were hidden. The dragnet swiftly turned into a desperate fight for survival. … Continue reading

Conservationists rally in South Africa, other countries
Africa / International News

Conservationists rally in South Africa, other countries

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — A vehicle carrying a rhino sculpture led anti-poaching marchers in Johannesburg on Saturday. Kenya’s environment minister joined conservationists at a similar rally in Nairobi, the capital. In London, activists in elephant costumes demanded an end to the ivory trade. The demonstrations were part of what organizers called a “global march” for rhinos … Continue reading