27 January 2011
Stories from 27 January 2011
Israel: Bloggers Eye Gaza as Egypt Unrest Spreads through Sinai
This is a summary of Israeli perspectives, blog posts, and media shared online over the last two days, in reaction to the unrest in Egypt. Referenced by Israeli sources as the 'Egypt Intifada', bloggers are looking closely at the spread of the violence into Sinai and the possibility of igniting violence in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank.
Ecuador: Netizens Discuss Referendum on Constitution
President Rafael Correa has presented 10 questions in a "popular consultation," a referendum which amends several parts of the most recent Constitution drafted in 2008. Ecuadorians are using blogs and Twitter to discuss the proposed changes.
Syria: Internet Users Race to Support Egyptian Protesters
As protests to take down the Mubarak regime in Egypt rage on, Syrians are rushing to aid the protesters in every way they can.
Uganda: Gay Rights Activist Found Murdered
Ugandan gay rights activist David Kato was found murdered yesterday, just weeks after winning a court case against a local newspaper that had called for Ugandans to “hang” homosexuals. Kato...
Egypt: Friday is the Day of Anger
The Egyptian Twittersphere is full of predictions of renewed demonstrations over the weekend. Dubbed the Million Egyptian March, Friday is expected to witness unprecedented protests across the country, despite government warnings that it would not tolerate any more unrest.
Egypt: Twittering from the Rooftops
The Egyptian Twittersphere on #jan25 is thick with stories of the ongoing unrest. For observers, the rooftops have become a favored vantage. Ivan Sigal shares this bird's eye view of developments, on the third day of the protests that have rocked Egypt.
Sudan: What will be the new name for Southern Sudan?
A referendum took place in Southern Sudan from 9 January to 15 January 2011 on whether the region should remain a part of Sudan or become Africa's new independent state. As of 27 January 2011, preliminary results showed that 98.81% of voters are in favor of secession while 1.19% are in favor of unity. Final results will be announced early February. This is our latest roundup of posts related to the referendum.
Egypt: Reports of Police Brutality, Arrests and Live Ammuntion
More reports are emerging of arrests and police harassment and brutality, as Egyptians rise for the for the third day in a row. There are also reports of deaths but the details and exact toll remain sketchy.
Russia: Domodedovo Bombings Expose Imbalance Between Traditional and Social Media

Social media played a significant role in the coverage of the terrorist attack in Domodedovo International Airport near Moscow. Russian bloggers and journalists discussed the consequences of increasing role of blogs and Twitter in emergency situations. Gregory Asmolov analyzes the roles of the government, traditional and new media in the coverage of the attack.
Egypt: What is Happening in Suez?
Different reports about clashes between the protestors and security forces are coming out of Suez, 129km east of the capital Cairo, as demonstrations across Egypt enter their third day. With mobile networks down, netizens are left scrambling for information. The question remains: What is happening in Suez?




































==> As Africans we need to let go of our victimhood, inferiority complex & acceptance of the mediocre. We deserve...