From Benin to Brazil: slavery and voodoo ties

A recent Brazilian film entitled Pedra da Memoria (Memory’s Stone), follows the journey of a prominent Afro-Brazilian priest to Benin where many of Brazil’s former slaves came from. A history of tradition, slavery and voodoo. While visiting the Brazilian city of Sao Luis, BBC Africa’s Manuel Toledo saw the documentary and a photo exhibition about […]

After Hugo

Nicolas Maduro and rival Henrique Capriles make last-ditch appeals at mass rallies before Sunday’s crucial election. CARACAS, Venezuela — Interim president Nicolas Maduro and opposition challenger Henrique Capriles made their final speeches to voters as official campaigning closed ahead of Venezuela’s election. Hundreds of thousands rallied in Caracas, the capital, to support Maduro, on Thursday. Some […]

Argentine president is an ‘old hag’ according to the president of Uruguay

ARGENTINA made a formal complaint to neighbours Uruguay after the country’s president Jose Mujica was heard branding the Argentine President an “old hag”.   By: Mark Reynolds Published: Fri, April 5, 2013   Famously candid Mr Mujica was unaware his microphone was switched on when he made the remark about the Argentine leader Cristina Kirchner, […]

A tale of two economies

Experts complain about a devalued currency and inflation, but government supporters say their lot has improved. Caracas, Venezuela – Despite a currency facing further devaluation, soaring inflation, and intense capital flight, Mildred Castellano thinks Venezuela’s economy is doing better than ever. Like millions of working-class voters who have supported the socialist government during the past […]

Nicolas Maduro campaigns in Hugo Chavez’s hometown

Interim leader vows to “fulfil the will and legacy” of the late president as he calls for support in the April 14 vote Nicolas Maduro, the acting president of Venezuela, has officially opened his campaign to succeed Hugo Chavez, vowing to carry on his mentor’s socialist legacy in the late leader’s hometown ahead of the […]