current events

In the wake of widespread public discontent, the Gambian government has initiated an investigation concerning the controversial sale of assets confiscated from former President Yahya Jammeh. This decision reflects the growing disquiet among citizens who have raised concerns over alleged irregularities and a glaring lack of transparency surrounding these transactions. Among the assets in question are livestock, luxury vehicles, and various properties, all sold precipitously before an inquiry panel could assess Jammeh's…

In a significant development, the inaugural group of white South Africans has been granted refugee status through a program initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Departing from Johannesburg, this U.S.-funded charter flight carried 49 individuals, marking a unique moment in the ongoing conversation about race, privilege, and identity in South Africa. The Afrikaners—comprising a white minority with roots in Dutch, German, and French ancestry—have historically played a pivotal role within South Africa’s segregated…

The recent unearthing of a remarkable assemblage has shed light on ancient practices, showcasing an impressive collection that transcends mere artifacts. Among these, stone and wooden coffin lids sit side by side, each carrying whispers of the past. The intricacies of these pieces invite one to ponder: what stories do they tell? They are not just objects; they are relics of a bygone era, steeped in culture and craftsmanship. Of particular note are the funerary masks, meticulously fashioned from both pottery and gilded…

Koyo Kouoh, the esteemed CEO and Chief Curator of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town, has sadly passed away at the age of 57 in Switzerland. The museum has confirmed this tragic news, temporarily closing its doors and halting all programming to honor her remarkable contributions. A Cameroonian-born visionary, Kouoh made profound impacts on the realm of contemporary African art. With a keen eye and an unwavering commitment to showcasing diverse narratives, her influence reverberated not…

As the political landscape shifts in the United States, two critical initiatives are at a crossroads, raising pressing concerns. Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba has stepped forward with an earnest call to action, urging the administration of President Donald Trump to reconsider the potential cancellation of programs that have dramatically reshaped African lives and economies. The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) have both played pivotal roles in their…

In recent days, Tripoli has witnessed a devastating surge in violence, leaving significant portions of the city in shambles. Civilians find themselves caught in the crossfire, tragically losing their lives, while the war-torn landscape invites deeper scrutiny into Libya’s precarious political and security landscape. What does it take for a nation, once brimming with hope, to descend into chaos? The assassination of a prominent militia leader triggered a series of clashes across multiple districts, prompting hundreds of…

After months of stalemate and escalating humanitarian crises, a glimmer of hope emerges in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Yet, our optimism must be tempered by the lessons of the past. How many times have we seen initiatives crumble, leaving communities in despair? As Paul-Simon Handy, East Africa Regional Director for the Institute of Security Studies, astutely observes, faltering African interventions have inadvertently paved the way for global actors to step into a role of greater influence. It was under the…

In a decisive move, the military junta governing Mali has declared the dissolution of all political parties. This bold announcement emphasizes the junta’s commitment to initiating a “reform process” and signals intentions to draft a new law aimed at regulating the political landscape in the nation. This decision follows a national conference where political parties reportedly conferred upon military leader Assimi Goita a five-year presidential term. Goita, who assumed power after a series of coups in 2020 and 2021, now…

The European Union finds itself at a significant crossroads in its relationship with the Sahel region. An urgent call for a transformative political strategy has been articulated in an open letter to the EU Vice President by Human Rights Watch. They assert that the "Integrated Strategy in the Sahel," which was introduced in April 2021, has unfortunately grown antiquated, especially in the wake of recent military coups in the central Sahel. Why, one might ask, does this matter? The Sahel, a vast stretch of land encompassing…

In the wake of a thwarted coup in Burkina Faso on April 21, a wave of solidarity swept across Africa. From vibrant demonstrations in bustling city squares to impassioned gatherings in quieter communities, thousands rallied in support of their revolutionary leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. They stood united against what many perceived as foreign meddling aimed at destabilizing their nation. Describing the coup attempt as a calculated maneuver to "sow total chaos," the government emphasized its commitment to preserving…