Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from February, 2023
Undertones: Zimbabwe's cyberpunk cities fueled by China
Zimbabwe is set to become Africa’s first country with a “smart” capital city built from scratch. But many are wary of Zimbabwe becoming a surveillance state.
Separatist armed groups’ fusion risks sharpening the political and security crisis in Mali
Mali's hopes of a lasting peace fading as the three main Northern rebel groups announce an alliance and pull out of negotiations with Bamako.
In Niger, over four in ten children lack a birth certificate
In Niger almost half of children are not registered at birth due to lack of access to official documentation services for rural people.
The Rebirth of Rhumba and the musicians who are bringing the sound to a new generation of music lovers
The emergence of a new generation of Rhumba artists from the DRC, Kenya, and Tanzania who are infusing fresh styles into the Rhumba sound is making it more appealing to younger audiences.
Tanzania’s government makes headway in country’s media reforms
Political observers deduce that the overtures Samia has made thus far are simply a political game plan. While they have strengthened the opposition, they have nonetheless garnered her supporters for the upcoming elections.
Two Ugandan opposition lawmakers freed after 17 months of detention
The two lawmakers join a growing list of opposition leaders and dissidents targeted in a country where the current president Yoweri Museveni has been in power for the last 37 years.
As Nigeria goes into a general election, a street reporter shot a documentary on the rising violence and insecurity in Southern Kaduna
The Street Reporter’s documentary is another angle on the events to shine a new beam of light on the killings and crimes against humanity perpetrated by some Hausa-Fulani groups in Southern Kaduna.
Can Angela Merkel's receipt of the Houphouët-Boigny UNESCO prize contribute to the reconciliation process in Côte d’Ivoire?
The former German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to Côte d'Ivoire in connection with the Félix Houphouët-Boigny/UNESCO prize is a message of humaniarianism towards the duty of support for refugees.
Malian government expels UN Representatives in targeted move
Malian authorities expel UN representatives, underlining their refusal to accept any national and international criticism of their human rights record
Togolese citizens take their activism online to inspire action and responses
Youths in Togo are using online activism to ensure their voices are heard not only by the people, but also the government.
Lawsuit against Meta in Kenya paves the way for African countries to sue tech companies
The ruling that the Facebook parent firm Meta can be sued in Kenya could open the floodgates not just for Meta but for other technology companies, including OpenAI.
Can TikTok shift the digital landscape in Togo?
In Togo, government-backed internet access fuels a new generation of online users finding their preferred platforms for expression and entertainment.
Uganda's army court defies ruling to stop trying civilians
Bobi Young's trial in the court-martial comes after the constitutional court in December 2022 ruled that it is illegal for the court-martial to try civilians.
Harassment of woman referee at Rwandan football match highlights challenges for women officials
Women referees in football, who have been making history while officiating the biggest sport, have not had it easy in delivering their calls. Will they change the face of refereeing?
Pope Francis's visit to the DRC: The Congolese are divided over the Pontiff's pronouncements
The DRC welcomes Pope Francis while the country faces new conflicts in the east, where the group M23 wages a campaign of terror
Queering the internet: anonymous online spaces for LGBTQ+ people
The threat of persecution, violence, and judgement is why many queer people turn to anonymous online spaces to build community and relationships, seek support, and share their experiences.
In Togo, singer Elias Atayi uses music as a vehicle for human rights
In Togo, the promotion of human rights is not only the work of civil society organizations. Artists also contribute to the cause.
Togolese music scene embraces globalization without abandoning its roots
Rich in musical and linguistic diversity, Togo is embracing the globalization of its music, which is being recognized on a national and international level alike.
Viral video shows alleged human rights violations by military in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique
In the video, people dressed as military personnel with the South African flag can be seen throwing bodies into the fire.
Rwandan President Kagame's Flickr account begs the question: Can Africa reclaim its visual identity?
Renowned Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has spoken of how stories can influence identity, shape stereotypes and build paths to empathy. How about images? What is the danger of a single image?
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