hope

The narrative of aid to Africa is undergoing a monumental shift. We find ourselves at a crossroads, where the often-discussed topic of aid dependence comes face-to-face with the harsh reality of aid cuts, particularly those announced by countries historically viewed as partners. Former Ghanaian President John Mahama sees this moment as Africa’s chance to pivot from reliance to resilience. A compelling notion, indeed, yet it provokes a fundamental question: Will Africa's leaders seize this moment of reckoning to shoulder more…

When tragedy hits home, it echoes painfully through the lives of those left behind. Leyla Mahmud Ahmed was no exception to this heartache, as she grappled with indescribable anguish over the execution of her brother, Mohamed Nur Hussein, in Saudi Arabia. The ruling, she emphatically claims, was unjust and devastatingly felt by her family. (Credit: Supplied via BBC) Mogadishu (AX) — The grim news was delivered with chilling finality: Mohamed Nur Hussein, a Somali man detained for seven long years in Saudi Arabia, had been…

As the ceasefire extends into its seventh day, the residents of Gaza are grappling with the grim aftermath of a staggering 15 months drenched in tragedy and chaos. This week, the health ministry—operating under Hamas—reported a staggering death toll of 47,283, a figure that is grimly expected to climb higher as the debris is sifted and more bodies are discovered beneath the ruins. The erasure of Gaza's infrastructure is nothing short of catastrophic: approximately two-thirds of buildings that once stood have either…

In the heart of Los Angeles, amidst the chaos of wildfire devastation, a heartwarming scene unfolded at a donation center, transforming a routine day into a vibrant tribute to community spirit. Meet Oliver Lee, a spirited six-year-old with a heart bigger than his tiny frame. Alongside his father, Danny, this little champion was busy handing out bottled water like it was candy at a birthday party. Their base of operations? The Santa Anita Park racetrack in Arcadia—right in the trenches of the Eaton Fire devastation. As…

The landscape of childhood is undergoing profound transformations, with UNICEF's latest flagship report, ‘The State of the World’s Children 2024: The Future of Childhood in a Changing World,’ shedding light on these crucial shifts just in time for World Children’s Day. This insightful report delves into the repercussions of three impending global trends that are redefining the lives of young people worldwide. It highlights alarming statistics, revealing that children now face a staggering eightfold increase in exposure to…

World Toilet Day serves as a critical reminder of the pressing need for clean and safe toilets, particularly within Africa. The United Nations highlights a concerning reality— progress is lagging significantly behind in the race to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of providing "safe toilets for all by 2030." Currently, around 3.5 billion individuals across the globe are without access to basic sanitation. In various African nations such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, and…

Somalia's young'uns, especially those who sprouted just as the Siad Barre regime fizzled out, know naught but turmoil. Drama and chaos have been their babysitters. We’ve hung on for yonks, looking for some government worth its salt, but just when we think there might be some glimmer of silver linings, doubt crashes the party. Is change just a pipe dream? A smidgen of impatience ain't outlandish given that every step forward seems to come with a hop back. Walking amidst shattered pledges and dislocation, our enthusiasm…

"Pritzker", a prestigious brand of recognition, which goes for the "Nobel" for architecture, has just been awarded to Burkinabè Diébédo Francis Kéré for 2022. His country grew out of it. Africa too.…

Although sixteen soldiers died in the attack on Baroua, near Nigeria, on the night of August 25, no civilians were injured or killed. Niger's defense forces therefore opposed Boko Haram's jihadists. According to the ministry, about 50 terrorists have been neutralized. Baroua was not by chance: this municipality is the first where the state organized the relocation of displaced persons as part of its…

As in most African countries, and despite rapid urbanization, the agricultural sector is the main source of employment and income for the people of Senegal. But in rural areas, local shop stewards emphasize that income from agriculture does not eradicate poverty. Fadel Diop:in reality, the potential for family farms is not…