Opinion

In the euphoria outside Africa about the economic potential based on minerals exploration of the continent, some falsehoods are being spread. Both on a per-square mile and a per capita basis, Africa lags behind the global average in mineral production and reserves.

The two Sudans are, under international pressure, trying to come to an agreement in Addis Abeba about oil and borders. "Addis Abeba" means a lot for Southern Sudanes: it functions as a warning not to allow themselves to be manipulated once more.

A new book of Chinua Achebe is out. A review by Michael Holman, a piece which will be published in the September issue of the London Literary Review. A book, Holman writes, that risks opening old wounds and reviving old scores.

The predictions were dire soon after South Sudan had closed the pipeline to the North and thus its oil production.

The Netherlands has closed five embassies in Africa, but opened one in South Sudan. On Thursday, Caretaker Deputy Development Cooperation Minister Ben Knapen came to the fledgling country to perform the ceremony. Radio Netherlands Worldwide correspondent Koert Lindijer went with him. He questions the choice for South Sudan and Freedom Party leader Geert Wilders' involvement.

Myths abound. On virgins and their cleansing powers. And why some men rape babies. But is there any truth to it? Or is our addiction to simplification doing more harm than good?

"I don't want to start writing this story. I've been stuck in a rebel area in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan, surrounded by hostile government soldiers, without any way to reach the safety of the outside world for several weeks now. I feel smothered by lethargy."

Dirty beggars disfigured by nasty skin diseases are an eyesore on the streets. So should they be removed to improve a country's image? Of course not. But should pictures of these beggars be included in a tourist brochure?