http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/interactive/2013/apr/29/china-commits-billions-aid-africa-interactive

The first Tuesday of December Chinese President Xi Jinping went on a five-day trip to Africa, specifically Zimbabwe. China has committed $75bn on aid and development projects in the continent, in hopes that they may ensure political and economic clout on the continent. With such little information being released by the Chinese government on their aid  practices, it is very sketchy to trust this "aid" in my opinion. It looks like they are just helping them out so they they can make a good allie.

In recent news, troop under the order of Cameroon's defense minister has freed 900 hostages. These hostages were being captive to the Nigerian Islamist militant group Boko Haram.
     "Joseph Bet Assomo told reporters his forces had killed about 100 Boko Haram members at the end of November (BBC.)."
Though it is a good thing that hostages were free'd, there is no identification  of who it was that was freed. There are still over two hundred girl smiting from Nigeria who were taken from their school dorms last year.
With so much violence going on in Nigeria, it seems like it has become a normal things to hear about it going on. With a pretty corrupt government, you would think some other country would put more effort in to help Nigeria in a time of need.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-34986146

In recent news, the country of Kenya was visited by a special man aka Pope Francis. He came to the land. Arriving to do a three country tour, Pope Francis was urging Kenyans to work for peace and  reconcile with all these violent threats. A few speeches were given and he tressed on the fact that terrorists feed on the fear of others and how they care about nothing just themselves. Its good to see that some light is begin shed on Africa in its time of need.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-34919313

In recent headline news, I heard about a blast in Nigeria that ended up killing over thirty people. This hit home for me seeing as one of my best friends is from Nigeria. This occurred on a Tuesday night at a market in the city of Yola. 

There has been local official suspecting the militant Islamic group Boko Haram. Boko Haram has been involved in recent years of violence throughout Nigeria. 

Its crazy to see things like this still happening in our world and not much attention is brought to it. My prayers go out to those around the world who's lives are cut short due to events like this. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/18/world/africa/after-explosion-in-nigeria-kills-32-boko-haram-is-suspected.html

El Niño, which is a weather phenomena that may cause major damage to various eastern African shores. The storm is coming from the tropics of the Pacific Ocean and will most likely leave damage to the farmers and their land. With so many suffering from drought, there is rain on the way but could potentially cause flooding. It is crazy to think that this is a storm coming on the way and not much is begin done to prepare them for this storm that is told be make a bigger impact than hurricane Katrina. 

http://www.ibtimes.com/el-nino-africa-2015-weather-phenomenon-may-devastate-east-african-farmers-herders-2079855

http://michaeladonai.net

I stumbled upon a random painting that was very interesting to me and had a very unique style to it. This painting was by Eritrea’s very own Michael Adonai. Adonai uses very unique and warm colors in his various paintings, which range from abstract paintings and various abstract portraits. His art has been exhibited around in the world in the UK, Japan, Ethiopia, Italy and Australia. He is now taking his work to a new level and has begun to teach his art now n Australia.

http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/chappie/

In a near future world where the crime rate is controlled by a mechanical police force, there are few who are willing to do what it takes for a dollar. Though a police droid that has been taken away from the others by the name of “Chappie” is going to change the game. Chappie unlike other robots has the ability to think and feel. Chappie has a mother figure by the name of Yolandi who is also a lead singer in the South African rap-rave group Die Antwoord. The movie also stars her co-star “Ninja” who is also from Cape Town.