African press review 31 August 2011

In Kenya – the Daily Nation’s front page lead is the decision by the International Criminal Court in the Hague to reject the Nairobi government’s bid to stop the trials of the so-called Ocampo Six - politicans accused of having played critical roles in instigating violence after Kenya’s 2007 presidential elections.

The paper notes that the decision clears the way for the pressing of charges against the six. Judging by the length of time the ICC takes to try its cases – this is one story that will run and run.

In an editorial – the Nation considers road safety – or rather the lack of it.

Directives from the President and the Prime Minister to the police to rid the roads of reckless drivers and faulty vehicles was reassuring, the editorial said. But it came too late in the day.

Their speeches during the funeral of 15 of the 23 people killed last week in an accident spotlighted the usual causes of road accidents: reckless driving, poorly maintained vehicles, drunkenness - and corruption.

In Nigeria the Sun reports on a crash in which 34 people died - when two Abuja-bound buses coming from Lagos at high speed collided with a speeding trailer.

The two buses were said to be trying to overtake the trailer, when it swerved and crashed into the buses. The trailer and the first bus that ran into it - burst into flames with passengers and driver inside.

The second bus did not burn, but all its passengers and the driver died on the spot.

In South Africa The Star reports more vividly that protesters held running battles with police, throwing bricks and burning ANC flags.

The Sowetan reports that Malema urged his supporters to exercise restraint and not to burn the ANC flag. That is who we are... we cannot burn ourselves – he is quoted as saying.

In Uganda, the Daily Monitor - has an extraordinary story from Zimbabwe where – it says - Zimbabwean male cabinet ministers will soon be circumcised under a programme meant to reduce the spread of HIV/ Aids.

The programme will also target MPs and councillors - as a way of encouraging more men to be circumcised.

“Research has shown that circumcised men are eight times less likely to contract HIV,” said the Deputy Prime Minister - who is spearheading the programme;

She said ministers had agreed to take part in the scheme.

In Harare Newsday covers the same story but with different findings.

Newsday spoke to different Cabinet ministers about the issue. Some embraced the idea but others rubbished it.

Said one, I thought this was really bizarre. I do not personally believe in it and my children will not be circumcised.

A full and frank discussion underway in Zimbabwe – it seems.