Nigeria

GCAP National coalitions across Africa call on the  African Union and European Commission to support a Financial Transaction tax to help eliminate  poverty and achieve the MDGS.

GCAP France have reported back after meeting with the French presidency and Sherpas that African Presidents from Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Senegal and South Africa will be invited to the G8 summit, specially for the partnership with Africa session.

The G8 Summit, being hosted by France in Deauville will be held on the 26th-27th May, 2011. 

The Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our beloved colleague, Dr. Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem, in a fatal car accident in Nairobi.

“We wish to express our condolences to his family, and solidarity with all other civil society organizations and activist groups he worked effortlessly with through the years,” said GCAP co-chair Kumi Naidoo.

Photo from BBC

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I have to admit that I'd never read Sokari's blog until she became a G20Voice Blogger, but I'm excited to have her on board. Bloggers like Sokari pick up on issues that often slip through the cracks and provide a perspective not seen enough -- like her recent post on Nigerian efforts to outlaw same sex couples:

This is not just a struggle for LGBTI rights but a much broader set of rights are at stake as to whether Nigeria is prepared to be an inclusive open democratic and secular society. Alternatively will it continue moving in the direction of a political agenda dominated and policied by right wing religious extremism whereby even getting a job or accommodation is based on whether you are affiliated with a church or mosque.