Energy waste in Africa is legacy of colonialism

Pambazuka: "Do you think it is fair that the African continent should be held accountable "today" for the bad decisions rich countries such as yours made “yesterday”, and which has led to over-exploitation of nature, animals and human beings by introducing unhealthy and destructive diets as well as excess energy consumption?

Do you consider it acceptable that countries like yours should impose their failed development models on Africa as if they were models of success and the only guaranteed path towards development?

Would you imagine a world in which Africa adopts your ideas of production, consumption, development and progress?

Do you think it right that Africans must accept without question the responsibility of using our resources to support those who were obviously unable to manage theirs?"

Zimbabwe: 'Invest in Public Transport'

allAfrica.com: ""Zimbabwe must invest in its mass transportation system to improve traffic flow management. Our current system is unsustainable," she said."

Namibia drought: one in three at risk of malnutrition

Namibia declared a state of emergency in May amid the worst drought in a generation. Above: the parched village of Otutati, near Opuwo. Photograph: Jordi Matas/AP

theguardian.com: "One in three people in Namibia is at risk of malnutrition, the UN has warned, as the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa endures its worst drought for a generation."

Cape Town not exempt from an urban spring?

Future Cape Town: "But, globally  the balance of power in cities has shifted and continues to move towards the urban citizen. One that is no longer a passive recipient of major infrastructure projects and city planning, but a more educated, informed and active participant in civil society. The democratic deficit that results can escalate alarmingly fast, as the protests at Taksim Square have showed."

As Nairobi airport burned, emergency vehicles were stuck in traffic

Inferno roars through E. Africa's largest airport - NewsTimes: "Fire trucks and ambulances on the way to the airport "were trying to weave their way through a solid two lanes of cars," said Barry Fisher, whose flight to Ethiopia was canceled."

Traffic congestion the biggest problem in Egypt

If I were in charge … of Egypt - theguardian.com:

• "Make sure that all trading deliveries in large trucks over a certain size take place between 10pm and 5am to avoid crippling the highways and byways. Then, people could at least get to work. This would motivate people and have a psychologically positive effect, as the visible improvement in traffic and the environment would be immediate. This is not a new idea, but it never seems to get implemented.
• Raise the price of fuel for all private and business cars. Public transport vehicles for the poor should continue to get fuel at the current price. Focus on public transportation."