February 12, 2014
Cameroon: Preachers Blamed for Polio Outbreak
Having been polio free for nearly 5 years, Cameroon has recently recorded four new cases. Are Pentecostalism's anti-medicine teachings responsible? Read more »
Africa: The Gulf's New Disposable Workforce
Gulf states' riches have been built on oil, credit and exploited migrant labour. Increasingly, these workers are African. Read more »
Africa: Podcast - La Françafrique, Nigerians in Space, and Gay Rights in Uganda
In this week's podcast, we talk about France's ongoing influence and military role in its former African colonies, Nigeria's ambitious space programme, and gay rights in Uganda. Read more »
February 07, 2014
Nigeria: Opposition Flexes Its Newfound Muscles
The current impasse in the National Assembly could be a sign of things to come. And in more ways than one. Read more »
Angola: Nation's Biggest Threat Is Offshore - and It's Not Piracy
Eradicating shell companies won't eliminate Africa's economic and political problems overnight. But it will deprive criminals and kleptocrats of their most important asset:… Read more »
Tunisia: Tunisia's New Constitution - How Compromise Won Out Over Conflict
Tunisia's new constitution marks a decisive turn to democratic and civil rule, not only in its content but in the context of how it came about. Read more »
February 05, 2014
Senegal: Talking Child Marriage in Senegal
A sensitive and powerful new film, which blurs reality and fiction, adds an important voice to the struggle against child marriage. Read more »
February 04, 2014
Africa: Living Without a Visa in Guangzhou
Thanks to China's confused visa system, many African traders, in particular Nigerians, are turning from successful businesspeople to illegal immigrants overnight. Read more »
February 03, 2014
Africa: Who Really Benefits From 'Development' in Indigenous Peoples' Land?
The indigenous rights NGO Survival International has just released an amusing but tragic animation, narrated by British comedian David Mitchell, asking 'Who Really Benefits?' when… Read more »
Africa: Weekly Newsletter 3 February 2014
Dear Reader, Read more »
January 31, 2014
Africa: Nurses Not Curses - Witchcraft Beliefs and Mental Health
Mental health is a serious problem in Sierra Leone, but there is still only one hospital equipped to deal with mental issues and there is a deep stigma around mental health Read more »
Africa: Justice Cannot Wait in South Sudan
South Sudan's leaders have a chance to turn a page in history. They should reject any amnesty and cooperate with investigations, even if it means submitting to a process they can't… Read more »
West Africa: West Africa's Barbershop 'Pride'
In Esiebo's stunning photos of West African barbershops, the viewer sees the relationship between barber and client, the care barbers take in their work, and above all their pride. Read more »
January 30, 2014
Africa: Binyavanga Wainaina Didn't Just Come Out. He Came Out in Style
Bam! Baba Binya, you look like a chupa-chup on acid and I love it! Read more »
Africa: Review - Soutak, Aziza Brahim
Aziza Brahim fuses her nomadic roots in the Western Sahara with a Latin twist in this personal yet political reflection. Read more »
January 29, 2014
Africa: Blowing Smoke in Africa - Big Tobacco and Child Smokers
In Mtwapa, Kenya, palm trees shade 14-year-old Destiny and his young friends as they overlook a warm, white beach that backs onto the shimmering Indian Ocean. Clouding the pristine… Read more »
Africa: Will the ANC Lose Any Sleep Over Ramphele's Merger With the DA?
Mamphela Ramphele claims that her decision to be the Democratic Alliance's presidential candidate is a game-changer. It isn't. Read more »
January 28, 2014
Africa: Falling Leaves - Kenya's Farmers Falter As Tea Prices Drop
Thousands of miles from the streets of Cairo, Kenyan farmers are feeling the effects of Egypt's instability as demand for tea falls significantly. Read more »
January 27, 2014
Chad: Déby's Misstep in the Central African Republic
By allegedly backing the Séléka rebels in early 2013, President Déby of Chad thought he could finally solve his southern problem. His plan backfired… Read more »
Zimbabwe: Going Up in Smoke - the Environmental Costs of Tobacco Boom
Smallholder tobacco production in Zimbabwe has been a real success, but at what cost to woods and forests? Read more »
January 24, 2014
Africa: Arise, Catherine Samba-Panza - Will This Be Third Time Lucky for the Central African Republic?
Who is the CAR's new president and what can we expect from the country's third government since January 2013? Read more »
January 23, 2014
Africa: Protests Predicted for Egypt's 25 January Revolution Day
On the third anniversary of the start of the revolution that toppled Mubarak, pro- and anti-government supporters are likely to take to the streets. Read more »
South Africa: Mandela's Long Walk to Ethiopia
As a founder of the ANC's armed wing, Mandela was deeply drawn to Ethiopia. His time there tells us a lot about the young leader. Read more »
January 22, 2014
Nigeria: What Do We Know About Ansaru?
The Islamist militant group targeting Western interests in and around northern Nigeria is well-trained, highly-coordinated and more than likely getting some kind of help. Read more »
Africa: Peace and Security for Africa, Made in France
For all the talk of a new approach, it seems France is the only actor able and willing to engage militarily in much of Africa. Read more »