Monthly Archives: April 2012

Brief update for Thursday, April 5

Posted on April 5, 2012 by brucewhitehouse

7:00 a.m.: I don’t have much time to write today’s post: power is going to be cut soon, and will remain cut for ten to twelve hours if the past few days are any guide. The state-owned utility companies are … Continue reading →

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Heading for the exits

Posted on April 4, 2012 by brucewhitehouse

Throughout the troubling events of the last two weeks, I have clung to the belief that Mali’s political crisis will be short-lived. Then last night I got some news that underscored the gravity of the present situation: Peace Corps is … Continue reading →

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Ca va chauffer

Posted on April 3, 2012 by brucewhitehouse

There’s a French phrase Ca va chauffer — “It’s going to heat up” — that’s useful for so many occasions, especially in francophone Africa. It can describe the sense of an impending competition between two evenly matched rivals, such as … Continue reading →

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A tale of two African cities: Bamako and Brazzaville

Posted on April 2, 2012 by brucewhitehouse

Post-coup situation update, Monday, April 2: Bamako continues to operate under a veneer of normality, with most businesses and schools open, and both private and state broadcasters airing their regular music and cultural programs. Nobody is fooled by appearances, however: … Continue reading →

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