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Monthly Archives: November 2021

Mozambique. Music and Dance of the Makua. To the sound of drums.

It began in an Islamic context as a religious dance but today it has a more secular character and is managed by the women of the Makua ethnic group who compose the words and music, singing and dancing. It is also an occasion of social liberation. The tufo music and dance, with its centre in…

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The Voice of Communities in the Management of Natural Resources.

The management of a country’s natural resources depends exclusively on its government. In the case of mining and extractive activities such as gas or oil, it is important that governments ensure the correct processing of administrative and geological requirements that allow extractive activity. In addition, governments need to ensure strict compliance with environmental regulations that…

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Marriage an expensive venture.

Marriage is highly esteemed among the Banyakole and it is one of the most expensive and honored ventures. Among the things that have persisted in the Ankole culture is the marriage rite. Before westernization found its way in the Ankole culture, by the time girls turned eight or nine, particularly among the Bahima, preparation for…

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The EU and the Fight against Climate Change.

The fight against climate change is now on the agendas of all major global political players. The objective of the European Union is to play a decisive role in the fight to save the planet through its internal and foreign politics. Will the EU be able to act as a model on a global level?…

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Lebanon. A failed state.

More than one year has already passed since a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored at the Port of Beirut in the capital city of Lebanon exploded causing hundreds of deaths and leaving thousands wounded.  The investigations have produced no result. Political and economic instability has brought the country to the brink of collapse. Lebanon…

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Nigeria. Half a century after the war, secessionist tensions again in Biafra.

Over 50 years after the Biafra secession war, situation has become extremely tense in South-Eastern Nigeria. Repression is ongoing and support for secession is growing, while Presidential statements stoke the fire. Main threats such as Boko Haram Islamist insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, clashes between farmers and herders in Central Nigeria and…

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The Leopard and the dog.

It once happened that a leopard and a dog were very great friends; the leopard was, however, the owner of the house in which they lived; the dog was treated more as a servant than a friend by the leopard. When the rainy season began, the leopard said to the dog, “Let us go and…

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Ecuador. Bishop Eugenio Arellano: “I tried to give concrete answers to the needs of people”.

After leading for twenty-six years the Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas, on the north-western coast of Ecuador, Monsignor Eugenio Arellano offered his resignation having reached the age limit. His commitment to environmental protection and education will remain in the hearts of people. We met him. Speaking of Esmeraldas, Bishop Arellano says: “Some say that Esmeraldas is…

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Religion & Family.

Prior to the Christian missionary movement in the 19th century, the Ankole people’s idea of a Supreme Being was Ruhanga (creator) who was believed to be living in the sky. He was believed to be the maker and giver of all things. However, it was believed that evil persons could use black magic to interfere…

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COP26 – An end to the 100 years war on Creation.

Climate Change is a perilous turning point in human history. We are beginning to acknowledge this but are still far from achieving the level and intensity of economic change required to meet the threat. The kind of planned, co-ordinated, radical action by governments that is needed is just not happening. As Greta Thunberg put it…

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South Sudan. Sowing peace amid the violence.

A young man is killed. The family members arrange the vendetta. The blood of the culture seems to be thicker than the waters of Baptism. Reflections of a missionary who spent fifty years in Africa. It is just a month since the life of my friend James was snuffed out, the umpteenth life cut short…

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Advocacy

Adriano Karipuna. The Amazon. Protecting our territory.

He has inherited the legacy of his father, one of the few survivors of the genocide half a century ago, and represents a "people" that…

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Baobab

The cat... with a bag.

One day, a penniless farmer from an oasis went to a rich merchant in the neighbouring village to ask for a loan. The old harvest was…

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Youth & Mission

Peace in the Holy Land.

God of Comfort, send your Spirit to encompass all those whose lives are torn apart by violence and death in Israel and Palestine. You are the Advocate of the…

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