麻豆社

Stories from Somaliland, Colombia, Singapore and France.

Elections have been held in Somaliland this week 鈥� quite an achievement given that this large stretch of coastal land on the Horn of Africa is not recognised as a country by most of the world. It broke away from Somalia thirty years ago, and has tried to function as a normal democracy ever since. The 麻豆社鈥檚 Africa Editor, Mary Harper describes how voting in Somaliland is a colourful affair, but one where women and ethnic minorities still struggle to be heard.

Many in Colombia thought the divisions left by decades of civil war were beginning to fade. But protests which started as a complaint about tax and healthcare reforms have turned violent. With both the authorities and ordinary people now attacking demonstrators, Daniel Pardo warns that the past may be coming back to haunt the present.

Singapore is not normally thought of as a destination for wildlife fans. An island nation off the coast of Malaysia, it is known more for skyscrapers, shopping malls and high-rise homes. But Singapore is also home to a wide variety of tropical birds, and bird-watching enthusiasts or 鈥渢witchers鈥� have long been going there to spot rare breeds. But the habitat of these natural wonders is now under threat, as Sharanjit Leyl explains.

France has a long tradition of powerful figures in local government, but few can claim to have the kind of influence enjoyed by the Mayor of Ligardes, in the country鈥檚 south-west. Pierre Dulong has a side-line working as a faith healer and exorcist, with people travelling hundreds of miles to be cured of ill health, or to have evil spirits cast out. Chris Bockman went to meet him.

(Image: Women queue to vote in Somaliland鈥檚 elections. Credit: Mustafa Saeed/AFP via Getty Images)