Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from April, 2015
We Are Working To Prevent Explosions: Spoken Word in East Africa
"The youth... are like time bombs. We are working to prevent explosions. If words are never let out, we’ll explode!"
VIDEO: The World Is Saying #FreeZone9Bloggers
Global Voices marks the one-year anniversary of the arrest of Ethiopia's Zone9 bloggers with this crowd-sourced this video of support. Say it with us: #FreeZone9Bloggers!
Eritrean Man Recalls Near-Death Journey Across Mediterranean, Says He Wouldn't Do It Again
"We are not trying to make our lives better, just sleep in a better bed...it’s a basic question about basic human rights," says Daniel Habtey.
“Take the Right Side in the Struggle of the Oppressed”: A Letter to John Kerry from Kilinto Prison, Ethiopia
In a letter to John Kerry, jailed Ethiopian blogger Natnael Feleke writes: "Because of the repressive regime, the Ethiopian constitution is powerless to protect citizens from being abused."
A Year After Their Arrest, Ethiopia's Zone9 Bloggers Remain Strong and Determined
"It is eery the degree to which the bloggers seemed to anticipate their current fate."
Malawian Film Helps Farmers Cope With Climate Change
“Mbeu Yosintha” was made to help farmers and rural communities cope with the effects of climate change, in particular the ever changing rain patterns in South East Africa. The film...
Kenyan Lives Matter, African Students Say at Garissa Vigil in Beijing
A group of African students in Beijing organized a vigil to honor the 147 victims of the Garissa attack. China has little tolerance for shows of public sentiment, even grief.
Angola: Award-Winning Journalist Faces Trial Over ‘Blood Diamonds’ Investigation
Jonathan McCully contributed to this report. Last month, Rafael Marques de Morais was awarded the Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Award for Journalism for his “impactful, original, and unwavering investigative...
What Do Africans Think of the Film ‘Timbuktu’ About Life Under Islamic Militants?
In Africa, opinions are divided on the Mauritanian film "Timbuktu." Some love it, others think external factors are the reason for its success.
Everyone But Ethiopia's Government Is Concerned About the Latest ISIS Beheadings
Since ISIS beheaded several Ethiopian Christians in Libya last weekend, Ethiopians have demonstrated against the government's silence about two victims now identified.
How Blogging is Held Hostage by Ethiopian Politics
"Why is there just a single—and poorly functioning—Internet service provider for Ethiopia’s 90 million people? We know better than to ask this of public officials."
Tanzania's Cyber Crime Bill Gives More Power to Police, Less to People
Leading opponents of the legislation from civil society say they will take the government to court if the president signs the bill into law.
Is South Africa Off Limits to Other Africans?
South Africa has witnessed xenophobic attacks involving beatings, killings, and burning and looting shops and property owned by foreigners. Five people have been killed, including a 14-year-old boy.
Ugandan Peace Advocate Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
This is Uganda (ThisIs256) is a platform of talented writers from Uganda who are determined to write positive stories about their country, banishing stories about poverty porn, hunger, Ebola, and...
How Do Madagascar's People Get By on So Little? With Lots of Ingenuity
"Ady Gasy", a documentary by rising filmmaker Lova Nantenaina, portrays the resourcefulness of Madagascar's people to overcome their daily struggles.
Another Shark Attack Claims a Teenage Surfer on Reunion Island, Post-Attack Policy in Effect
A 13-year-old boy was killed by a shark on April 12 near Les Aigrettes on Reunion island. Elio Canestri was a promising surfer and a member of the local surfing club....
Voting Underway in Kenya Blog Awards 2015
The voting phase of the Kenyan Blog Awards is ongoing and will continue until April 30, 2015: The Kenyan Blog Awards seeks to reward bloggers that post on a regular...
For Ebola Patients in Liberia, a Way to See the Faces of Those Helping
Imagine being in a hospital with a deadly illness and you can't see the faces of the people caring for you. That's what Mary Beth Heffernan has tried to change.
Fifteen Years After Shootings, No Justice for Gambian Students
Fifteen years after security officers killed over a dozen students, a journalist and red cross volunteer, Gambians are still asking for justice.
Are Ugandans as Satisfied With Their Government as This Opinion Poll Shows?
"History tells us that people DO NOT grow to love and cherish dictatorships but rather the opposite."
KaiKai News Trains Young Sierra Leoneans to Make Documentaries
KaiKai News empowers young Sierra Leoneans with documentary-making skills.
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