USA Today An American dentist is in hot water after killing Cecil the lion, a famous animal in one of Zimbabwe’s national parks. The dentist could face poaching charges. VPC
The most important in this week’s headlines out of and concerning Africa, for those who need help catching up.
The week brings us news about an uproar about animal poaching in Zimbabwe and the controversy it is causing, as well as news that an estimated 178 people captured by Boko Haram were freed by the Nigerian military, and a meeting in Washington D.C. between a group of young African leaders and U.S. President, Barack Obama.
- International Brouhaha over poaching in Zimbabwe
There is an international uproar brewing between Zimbabwe and the United States a week after it was revealed that Twin-Cities, Minnesota dentist, Walter Palmer paid $54,000 to lure and kill Cecil, a much-loved research lion, while on a safari in Zimbabwe.
Now there is news that authorities in Zimbabwe, through the country’s embassy in Washington D.C. want Palmer immediately extradited to Zimbabwe to face poaching charges.
A week after this event, it is also being reported, rightly or wrongly, that a second American, Jan Seski, a gynecological oncologist from Murrysville, PA, is wanted by Zimbabwe authorities for illegally killing a lion in the country in April.
- Nigerian Military frees 178 captives of Boko Haram
The Christian Science Monitor reports news that Nigeria’s military says it has freed 178 Boko Haram captives. A lot those rescued are said to be women and children.
- Obama hosts Young African Leaders in D.C.
A week after returning from a visit to sub-Saharan Africa, U.S. President, Barack Obama met with a group of young African leaders described as the continent’s “rising stars.” The meeting which is a part of the Mandela Washington Fellowship started in 2014 and is a part of the U.S. President’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).
