Latest update: 24/02/2012 

- Al Shabaab - Famine - Islamist militants - Piracy (maritime) - Somalia - terrorism


The Somalia Conference

No Flash warning
To take advantage of all the features on FRANCE24.COM, please click here to download the latest version of Flash Player.

World leaders are gathering in London to map out Somalia's future. After more than 20 years since the country's central government collapsed, war, terrorism, piracy and famine remain. The international community is trying to bolster Somalian efforts to rebuild the fragile nation. A set of ambitious goals were set in London, but it remains to be seen whether militant Islamist group Al-Shabaab will hamper efforts to forge a path to a more stable and secure Somalia.

FOCUS
Jewish exhibition in Berlin raises eyebrows
26/04/2013 - GERMANY

Jewish exhibition in Berlin raises eyebrows

A new exhibition at the Berlin Jewish Museum appears almost purpose-built to cause controversy. The Jewish Museum in Berlin calls it "Everything you always wanted to know about the Jews". The exhibition addresses questions written by visitors in the museum's guest book. Its content and location are already causing a stir.
Closing the pay gap between men and women
25/04/2013 - FRANCE

Closing the pay gap between men and women

The French government says it's getting tough on employers who flout equal pay laws. Recently two companies were fined for violating equality legislation. According to the European Commission, the problem isn't restricted to France. Brussels says that, on average, men are paid 16 per cent more than women across the European Union.
Hollande the salesman visits new Chinese president
25/04/2013 - CHINA

Hollande the salesman visits new Chinese president

French President Francois Hollande has become the first foreign head of state to be received by new Chinese leader Xi Jinping. While his predecessor irked China over issues such as Tibet, Hollande is seeking to forget the past and start relations afresh - not least to boost the French economy. His hopes of launching new trade ties are helped by the fact that Shanghai is home to the largest community of French expatriates in China... and that the Chinese love all things French.
TV fans defend Afghan soap opera against conservative critics
24/04/2013 - AFGHANISTAN

TV fans defend Afghan soap opera against conservative critics

Afghanistan's TV industry is thriving. Since the Taliban were ousted in 2001, more than 40 channels have been created. Shows are usually imported from India, Turkey and even South Korea. But one of them is different: "University FM" is an Afghan-made soap opera that's breaking taboos by running storylines on arranged marriages and Islamism. The show has done well in the ratings, but it's provoked anger, particularly in a country where actresses are still considered by many to be prostitutes.
France legalises same-sex marriage in face of protests
23/04/2013 - FRANCE

France legalises same-sex marriage in face of protests

It's an issue that has divided French society for months, but this Tuesday, the National Assembly finally approved a bill making France the 14th country in the world to allow same-sex marriage. The bill also grants gay and lesbian couples the right to adopt children. But the past months have been marred by widespread demonstrations, for and against, and even a spate of violent homophobic attacks. We look back at the debate and division leading up to Tuesday's historic vote.

React to the article
Comment this article typing your message in the above text zone. Please note that this is limited to 1500 characters or less.
(0) Reactions
Read more
Close