Development, State and Society is a nuanced overview of economic thought, political formations and social issues applied to Africa. In this thought-provoking book, Seyoum Hameso argues that the promise of development was taken to heart by millions throughout the world. After half a century of "development," it remains unfulfilled for millions in Africa. The swollen bodies of children, emaciated faces of women, a relentless scourge of conflicts that have become a way of life, all point to a continent ill at ease with itself and less at ease with its external engagement. All this indicate that there is a pressing need for the redefinition of the existing approaches and practices with a view to help chart alternative development. Our price: $25.95. Format: Paperback. Size: 6 x 9. Pages: 448. ISBN: 0-595-18810-9. Publication Date: Jun-2001

Here's the debut issue of "Echoes of Africa" - your new monthly magazine from the Life in Africa Foundation. We hope you enjoy your first adventure through Africa with us.

The 10th session of the "Journées Théâtrales de Carthage" will take place from the 18th to the 27th October 2001. With a focus on contemporary creation, this new session whose theme is Mythologies will be an opportunity to discover international mainstream theatre works and modern authors representing new trends in melting arts and cultures. Through its different performances and activities, this new session aims to underline the importance of theatre as a witness for the times.

Within the framework of the UNESCO Co-sponsored Fellowships Scheme, a joint programme has been launched with L'OREAL with a view to promoting the contribution of young women from all over the world in research development taking place in life sciences. L'OREAL has renewed its offer to 10 fellowships for deserving young women originating from UNESCO's Member States, who, through their enthusiasm and innovative research are making valuable contribution to further the development of life sciences.

Life in Africa has launched the African Artisan Village, featuring artisan products made by micro-entrepreneurs in Uganda. The initiative grew out of LiA's innovative Loan Guarantee Program in Kampala, which raises funds on the internet to support micro-artisans. An initial 7 artisans join the dot.com revolution this week with over 50 products listed.

The women writers of Nigeria (WRITA) has taken the lead in immortalising the late Prof. Zulu Sofola, who died in 1995 by instituting a literary prize in her honour. Max Amuchie and Tunde Okoli look at her place in Nigerian literature.

Finally - a book that neatly and intelligently dissects the democracy discourse that has come to dominate African political economy, and shows it for what it is: an absurdity with tragic consequences.

Understanding the meaning of economic, social and cultural rights through study of one aspect of these rights, the human right to food and nutrition.

Artists for Human Rights are pleased to announce that the above HIV/AIDS project has been awarded the Medaille d'Excellence, by the FETE d'Excellence to be awarded at the Palais des Nation, UN, Geneva. on the 3rd Aug. 2001.

A new batch of articles is now available on the Africultures English website. Olivier Barlet's Editorial "The endogenous gaze"; "Karmen Geï" by Joseph Gaye Ramaka (Senegal), film review by A Mensah; "You have to be inside something to change it": Interview with Simon Njami, "Nigeria: the photographic giant", by Erika Nimis; "Koudou, the foiled-tographer", by Ananias Leki, Ivoirian photographer; "Lomé's street photographers have got the blues" by Guy Hersant; "Press photographers in Benin" by Monique Phoba; "The photographic studio: a social testing-ground" by Jean-François Werner; and "I have to be a jack-of-all-trades": interview with Beninese photographer, Erick Ahounou, by Olivier Barlet.

This book offers analysis on critical issues on the International Sustainable Development Agenda as well as inviting key major group representatives to look at the reasons for slow progress so far in addressing those issues. A New Deals purpose is to focus attention on the Summit and to engage a wider global community around the summit in 2002 in an effort to advance the sustainable development agenda.

The Belgian-Swiss airline consortium Sabena/Swissair has announced an embargo on the transport of "coltan and all related minerals" from all points of the company's operations in eastern Africa (Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda), airline industry sources told IRIN on Wednesday.

A Turkish doctor who was told 'bad things' would happen to him unless he stopped his campaign against torture says a new BMA book on human rights will help prevent the practice.

Medical ethics and human rights issues now command much more attention in the medical profession and society. This is why the British Medical Association decided to take a look at the complex interface between medical practitioners and possible abuses of human rights.

Multinational companies are about to go on trial in Lesotho accused of paying huge bribes to a local official, a case virtually unprecedented in Africa.

An e-book! A plain language guide to Tanzania's Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper. The Kiswahili version is

OUR FRAGILE WORLD:
Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development - two volumes of perspective writings in about 1.9 million words in print with accompanying CD-ROM as Forerunner to the Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems is available from July 2001.

This century has been dubbed Africa's century. But it is undeniable that the continent still faces many challenges, while prospects for growth and change are opening up at an increasing rate. What will Africa make of these new challenges and prospects?

Writers from around the world, who are under threat of persecution, may soon be able to find sanctuary in Nigeria.