Liberia: Best Contract Ever - Block 13 Nets U.S.$50 Million Upfront, NOCAL Seeks Approval

ALLAFRICA.COM

THE ANALYST [08/03/13]

Oil and gas discovery in Liberia bumped into premature hullabaloo with particular attention clamoring over the manner and form that suspected wells of the coveted natural resource were negotiated and handed over to potential investors. The leadership of the National Oil Company overseeing the budding oil sector took cue from the discontent and has since begun to right previous wrongs with deliberately reformed policies. The turnaround is paying off, not only in the fact that the noise over oil and contracts is receding, but also in the consummation of revenue-bolstering and people-centered agreements that NOCAL and oil barons are reaching. Block 13 which had been in the center of controversy and nearly presumed to have been a giveaway has now turned out to be a product of the most lucrative contract ever, with a colossal sum of upfront US$50m signature fees along with other goodies announced. The Analyst reports 

The National Oil Company is seeking the approval of Oil Block 13 contract by President Sirleaf and its subsequent rectification by the National Legislature. At a MICAT press briefing yesterday, NOCAL Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Randolph McClain, disclosed that renegotiated Block 13 based on various financial provisions of the contract, US$50m is to be received by Government immediately upon ratification and printing into handbills. Components of the amount include $21.25m, which is one of the highest Liberia oil block signature bonus yet.

The amount of $21.25m is also the largest ever upfront payouts to a non-producing country in the world, Dr. McClain boasted, adding: Up until now, it may interest you to know that  the largest signature bonus Liberia has received for a single offshore oil block is US$3.33m.

Kenya: Hassan Exonerates IEBC From Malpractice

ALLAFRICA.COM

THE STAR [07/03/13]

Photo: Capital FM

The IEBC chairman, Issack Hassan has defended the commission 

against malpractice allegations by CORD Coalition 

(file photo).  [SOURCE: http://allafrica.com]

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairman Isaack Hassan has sought to clear the commission from allegations of malpractice in the ongoing vote tallying process.

Hassan has said that there have been no cases of counted votes being more than registered votes as had been earlier claimed by the Cord coalition's deputy presidential candidate, Kalonzo Musyoka.

Hassan instead said that the tallied votes are a reflection of how Kenyans cast their votes in the Monday elections. "The results we are releasing are the true verified results that are validated by all involved officers," he said.

Namibia: N$2,2 Billion Oil Drilling Starts in Nam Waters

ALLAFRICA.COM

THE NAMIBIAN (Windhoek) [06/03/13]

By Adam Hartman

Walvis Bay — IN the next two weeks the Brazilian oil and gas exploration company High Resolution Technology (HRT) will move the 'Transocean Marianas' semi-submersible drilling rig to potential oil wells off the coast of Namibia to begin a N$2,2 billion, eight-month operation.

The operation was announced on Monday during a site visit and briefing onboard the rig currently undergoing maintenance in the Walvis Bay harbour. The briefing was attended by Namibian businessman Knowledge Katti, Prime Minister Hage Geingob, Minister of Mines and Energy Isak Katali, former President Sam Nujoma and Member of Parliament Ben Amadhila.

Ethiopia: Govt and Tullow Oil PLC Dismiss Reports of Oil Discovery

ALLAFRICA.COM

Government of Ethiopia (Addis Ababa) [06/03/13]

The Ethiopian government and Tullow Oil Plc, have dismissed media reports that the UK company has discovered oil in Ethiopia's western South Omo area. The US-based website, Energy and Capital, and a number of news outlets last week reported that Tullow had discovered commercial-grade oil in the rift valley of Ethiopia near the border with Kenya.

Other reports said the Kenya-Ethiopia Tertiary Rift, which stretches from southern Ethiopia to southwestern Kenya, was believed to have as much as 23 billion barrels of oil and gas resources. The ministry said it was wrong and irresponsible for the media to come to its own conclusions while the project was still only in the early stages of exploration.

189 people wounded in Egypt clashes

KUWAIT NEWS AGENCY (KUNA) [03/03/13]

CAIRO, March 3 (KUNA) -- At least 189 people were injured on Sunday in clashes between protesters and security forces in Port Said in northeast Egypt, according to medics.

No fatality was reported from the site of the clashes, which took place before the Port Said Security Directorate, the chief of the Health Ministry's emergency department, Khaled Al-Khateeb said.

Angola: Sonangol Considered Second Major African Company

ALLAFRICA.COM

ANGOLA PRESS [04/03/13]

Paris — The Angolan Oil Company (SONANGOL) was considered the second greatest firm of Africa, according to a study disclosed last weekend in Paris by the Jeune Afrique magazine.

The study evaluated about 500 African companies based in Africa and for the second consecutive year, SONANGOL occupy the same position behind the Algerian Oil Company of Sonatrach.

Kenya: CNN Militia Video 'Stage Managed' - Kenya

ALLAFRICA.COM

CAPITAL FM (Nairobi)

By Simon Ndonga

Nairobi — The government now wants CNN to give an explanation over a video clip that shows alleged militia arming themselves in the Rift Valley, ahead of Monday's polls.

In the clip, it is alleged that the militia is arming with guns made from iron piping and bullets bought from the black market or from policemen tasked with protecting them.

The video also shows three men rolling on the ground with crude weapons, but Internal Security Permanent Secretary Mutea Iringo indicated that they are not aware of such activity and the journalist who did the story should give an explanation.

"We have seen that clip and we would like the person reporting to assist the police in getting to the bottom of the truth because this particular caption appears to have been rehearsed and the aim is to cause fear and despondency among Kenyans and this will not be tolerated," he said.

Egypt: Youth Do 'Harlem Shake' At Brotherhood HQ

ALLAFRICA.COM

ASWAT MASRIYA (CAIRO) [28/02/13]

A group of Egyptians will meet on Thursday evening at the Muslim Brotherhood's Mokattam headquarters to do the "Harlem Shake" dance, a Facebook page, that shows that almost two thousand people plan to attend, says.

"After the uprising, we thought we would witness changes in our lives, but that did not happen. We wanted bread, freedom and social justice... and now human dignity. Our dance today is to mock the reality that we are living in and protest against the government that does not lift a finger with what is happening," Faird Sayed, one of the organizers, told CNN Arabic.

"The dance is not just a message to Egyptians but the entire world. To mock society and traditions, the ongoing failures, the interior ministry, the Brotherhood and even ourselves."

Mozambique: ENI Discovers Yet More Gas in Mozambique

AGENCIA DE INFORMACAO DE MOCAMBIQUE [26/02/13]

Maputo — The Italian energy company, ENI, on Monday announced a further discovery of natural gas in the Rovuma Basin, off the coast of the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado.

ENI announced that the discovery at the Coral 3 well confirms that the Mamba Complex in Area 4 of the Rovuma Basin, where ENI is the operating company, holds an estimated 75 trillion cubic feet of gas, with 27 trillion cubic feet exclusively located in Area 4.

The discovery adds at least four trillion cubic feet of gas to the known reserves in Area 4.

Coral 3 is located 65 kilometres off the Cabo Delgado coast. The water here is 2,035 metres deep and the well was drilled to a depth of 5,270 metres.

Kenya: Presidential Candidates Face Off in Final Debate

ALLAFRICA.COM

THE STAR [25/02/13]

By Dickens Olewe

Photo: Dickens Olewe

Presidential candidates face off in final debate. [SOURCE: http://allafrica.com]

Eight presidential candidates faced off in the second and final debate with only a week to go to the general elections. Uhuru Kenyatta who had been expected to miss the debate went against his word to take part in the debate.

The three and half hour debate was moderated by Citizen TV Uduak Amimo and KTN's Joe Ageyo. The candidates gave their policy views on issues to do with the economy, corruption, causes of violence during election time and land and natural resources.

Nigeria: Galaxy Backbone Set to Bridge Technology Gap

ALLAFRICA.COM

THISDAY [25/02/13]

By Emma Okonji

 

Galaxy Backbone, the integrated information communication technology company for federal government has reiterated its determination to support government in bridging the gap between it and the citizens.

Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone, Mr. Gerald Ilukwe, made the pledge on in Lagos at the opening of the Social Media Week held at the Lagos e-Learning Centre recently.

He informed the audience that its 1-Gov.net platform facilitated the improved engagement between the federal government, its agencies and the people of the country.

South Africa: Tech Hub to 'Build African Entrepreneurs'

ALLAFRICA.COM

SouthAfrica.info (Johannesburg) [25/02/13]

A new South African innovation and technology incubator, JoziHub, is expected to grow technological development and entrepreneurship, it was announced at the launch of the project in Johannesburg last week.

It is the city's first technology incubator and was founded by mobile health technology firm Praekelt Foundation.

"Technology hubs can play a pivotal role in fostering the emergence of a new generation of African tech entrepreneurs," founder of the Praekelt Foundation, Gustav Praekelt, said in a statement.

Nigeria: 'Omatek Power Solution Is Key to Economic Devt, Says NITDA

ALLAFRICA.COM

THISDAY [25/02/13]

By Emma Okonji

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said that Omatek's 24-hour alternate power solution for Nigerian schools will further boost economic development in the country.

Director General of NITDA, Prof. Cleopas Angaye , made this known recently, during the commissioning of Omatek's e-learning and 24-hour alternative power solution for Nigerian schools at the company's newly constructed factory in Lagos.

He noted that one of the major challenges the federal government had been in the area of deployment and development of power that would drive ICT development, adding that it was the reason why government embarked on major reforms in the power sector.

South Africa: Pistorius Gets Bail Amid Questions

ALLAFRICA.COM

SOUTH AFRICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION (SAPA) [22/02/13]

Photo: Werner Beukes/Sapa

Paralympian Oscar Pistorius enters the dock at the Pretoria Magistrate's Court.  [SOURCE: http://allafrica.com]

Pretoria — Paralympian Oscar Pistorius was granted bail of R1 million on Friday, but sharp questions were asked about his version of events the night his girlfriend was killed.

The Pretoria Magistrate's Court agreed he could pay R100,000 first and the rest of the bail amount by March 1.

Liberia: Management of Liberia's Future Oil Revenue

ALLAFRICA.COM

The NEWS (Monrovia) [29/01/13]

By Christopher Z. Neyor

OPINION

The former President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) has crafted a document which accentuates the need to set up a prosper management mechanism for future oil revenue in Liberia.

Christopher Neyor, an esteemed personality in the energy sector, who once served as Energy Advisor to President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, presents what appears to be his memoir on the way forward regarding the oil sector and how his contribution would further enlighten Liberians on the ongoing oil sector debate.

There has been much debate about how Liberia manages its future oil and gas revenue. The debate has become more profound with confirmation of the "we have oil" bragging status in mid February 2012 on the find by African Petroleum. While appraisal is pending to determine the commercial quantity of this discovery, this find and the attractive geology of our basin shown through seismic data leave us confident that we will become an oil producing nation within this decade.

Kenya: Gunmen Kill Seven At Mosque in Border Town

ALLAFRICA.COM

Capital FM (Nairobi) [21/02/13]

By Bernard Momanyi

Photo: Capital FM

Gunmen armed with rifles opened fire killing several worshippers in 

a mosque along Kenya-Somalia border (file photo). 

[SOURCE: http://allafrica.com]

Nairobi — Seven people were shot dead by gunmen believed to be Al Shabaab militants in Liboi on Thursday morning.

Two of them are women who were attacked after they responded to screams at a mosque in Maleley near the Kenya-Somalia border.

Kenyatta Pulls Out of Second Presidential Debate

ALLAFRICA.COM

Sabahi (Washington, DC) [20/02/13]

Photo: UNDP

Jubilee candidate Uhuru Kenyatta has opted out of the second TV presidential debate (file photo). 

[SOURCE: http://allafrica.com]

Jubilee presidential candidate Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta will not participate in the second presidential debate schedule for February 25th, according to a letter from his campaign that was leaked online Wednesday (February 20th).

Liberia: AP Reports New Oil Found Here

ALLAFRICA.COM

The New Dawn (Monrovia) [21/02/13]

Photo: Africa Undisguised

An oil rig.  [SOURCE: http://allafrica.com]

The African Petroleum Corporation Limited or AP says it has made some new oil discovery off the Liberian waters. The company in a joint statement released with the National Oil Company of Liberia or NOCAL on Wednesday said it encountered the 48 meters of oil bearing Turonian sandstone, at the Bee Eater-1 Well in Multiple Zones in Block LB-09 in the same sequence as a previous discovery in Narina-1.

In an apparent continuation of managing public expectation on the oil sector, African Petroleum and the regulating body, National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) jointly issued a release in Monrovia Tuesday, revealing that the Bee Eater-1Well was drilled 9.5 km west of the original Narina -1 oil discovery, and was targeting the same formations.

Kenya: Border Official in CJ Travel Saga Suspended

ALLAFRICA.COM
Capital FM (Nairobi) [21/02/13]

By Wambui Ndonga

Nairobi — An Immigration officer who attempted to stop Chief Justice Willy Mutunga from leaving the country on grounds that he did not have clearance from the Head of Civil Service, Francis Kimemia, has been suspended.

Government spokesman Muthui Kariuki told journalists on Thursday that the official had been interdicted to facilitate investigations into the matter.

He said it was regrettable that the CJ was subjected to such treatment "yet a circular issued by Kimemia on November 9, 2012 did not include him among the officials required to seek Kimemia's clearance."

Kenya: Chief Justice Raises Concern Over Threats to Judges

ALLAFRICA.COM
THE STAR [20/02/13]

Photo: Uhuru Kenyatta Campaign

Uhuru Kenyatta addresses supporters at a Jubilee rally in Mpeketoni.   

[SOURCE: http://allafrica.com]

Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has said that he has been intimidated by the executive. Speaking at a press conference today, the CJ revealed that he had received a threatening letter against judges, ambassadors and himself stating that the letter "warns against an adversarial ruling on the Presidential and Deputy Presidential candidacy of Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto."