Emmanuel Jal: From 'War Child' to Spokesman for Peace

Par: Opal Tometi, Posté le: Aug 13 09

Regions: Africa, Sudan

Issues: Armed conflict, Child soldiers, Children's rights

Tags: culture, documentary, Emmanuel Jal, Music, war

"I believe I have survived for a reason: to tell my story to touch lives"

Ever since I watched the documentary War Child, a film about former Sudanese child soldier and now rapper Emmanuel Jal, I have been inspired and intrigued by how a young child who was conscripted to fight in a war could grow to become someone who so passionately articulates a message of peace. 

Violence in Nigeria: A Conversation with Dr. Aina

Par: Opal Tometi, Posté le: Aug 7 09

Regions: Africa, Nigeria

Issues: Corporations and human rights, Police brutality, Violence

Tags: Boko Haram, civilian casualties, ethics, impunity, interview, Media, Mohammed Yusuf, Omotade Aina, state-sanctioned violence

July 2009 marked the beginning of a new wave of violence in Northern Nigeria between the Islamic sect Boko Haram (which means "Western Education is a sin") and Nigerian law enforcement.  The ongoing conflict is a result of decades of religious tension and frustration with the government's socioeconomic policies.