Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from March, 2020
An Angolan isolation centre for those repatriated lacks screening, space, and even toilet paper
"We were crowded and there was nobody to give us information or establish any control procedures. They only measured our temperature on arrival, nothing more."
After being kidnapped and threatened, Mozambican YouTuber has his channel suspended
In early February, he was kidnapped for 24 hours, before he was freed by the police. A self-proclaimed prophet named Joe Williams is suspected of ordering the kidnapping.
Kenyan star runner Eliud Kipchoge says 2020 Olympics postponement is ‘shocking but noble’
Olympic superstar Eliud Kipchoge was looking forward to competing at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. But the postponement makes sense to him. "We live in a world of uncertainties," he said.
Market mayhem in Uganda as COVID-19 measures upend women’s lives
In Uganda, sudden COVID-19 restrictions have led to increased violence against women in the informal sector, who continue to work as vendors to feed their families.
Musicians in East Africa rush to produce ‘corona’ songs — even as the industry falters
As COVID-19 sweeps through Africa, musicians have taken a hit with canceled concerts, festivals, tours and interrupted studio time. Yet, they have risen to the challenge by composing catchy tunes.
Can Zimbabwe handle the coronavirus amid a collapsing health care system?
Zimbabweans brace for the coronavirus amid chronic health system struggles and expensive internet data. "Sadly, in the remote parts of our country, some are clueless of this pandemic."
Across Africa, COVID-19 heightens tension between faith and science
While many African governments have taken stringent measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, not all leaders agree with banning faith-based gatherings.
As Ebola outbreak ends, coronavirus begins in DR Congo
While DR Congo has proclaimed the end of Ebola, it now faces its first cases of COVID-19. Will lessons learned from Ebola help combat the novel coronavirus?
With no confirmed cases of COVID-19, Mozambique prepares for looming outbreak
Mozambique hasn't yet closed its land borders, but has imposed a 14-day quarantine for people arriving from affected countries and prohibited gatherings with more than 300 people.
COVID-19 pandemic lays bare the political leadership deficit in Nigeria
Nigeria's President Buhari is yet to speak to Nigerians about the COVID-19 pandemic. His spokespersons have even scolded legislators for daring to ask him to address the country.
Local power play ends the reign of northern Nigeria's emir of Kano
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II used his privileged voice to confront 'the evil forces of feudalism' that have kept Northern Nigeria 'in bondage for so long'. But this cost him his throne.
Tanzania tackles COVID-19 with strict measures to slow the spread
In the wake of six confirmed COVID-19 cases in Tanzania, the government has taken strict measures to slow the spread. But messaging and communication around preventative measures remains a challenge.
Refugees in Ethiopia's camps raise privacy and exclusion concerns over UNHCR’s new digital registration
Biometric registration enables refugees to secure a digital ID that gives them access to aid. Their use has raised serious concerns about privacy and exclusion among refugees in Ethiopia.
Outrage as Zimbabwe’s military declares social media a ‘dangerous threat’
The military's declaration that social media is a "dangerous threat" has angered Zimbabweans concerned over the increasing deterioration of freedom of expression in the country.
COVID-19 in Africa: ‘Unprecedented levels of mobilization’ as nations brace for pandemic
With at least 19 African countries facing COVID-19, several African governments have taken critical steps toward managing the outbreak, including travel restrictions, health screenings, rapid testing and social distancing measures.
A ‘sweet’ deal: Sugar war ends between Tanzania and Uganda after years-long embargo
After a years-long ban on sugar imports from Uganda, Tanzania announced that it would open up trade on a government-to-government basis, strengthening ties within the East African Community.
Kosovo politicians falsely claim Jamaica recognition. Why didn't media verify?
On February 19, Kosovar officials' tweets about Jamaica recognizing their country as a sovereign state received wide media coverage. And then Jamaica denied everything.
France24 headline about COVID-19 in Africa irks netizens as racist
Having just a few COVID-19 cases in Africa has puzzled some experts, according to France24. Many netizens felt this news framing relied on stereotypical images of Africa as disease-prone.
Lost in translation: Why Google Translate often gets Yorùbá — and other languages — wrong
As more tech companies attempt to provide translation and access to multiple languages online, controversies and challenges arise — especially when it comes to accuracy and cultural nuance.
Nigerians wear black to mourn latest victims of terrorist attacks
"We grieve for those who left in haste, with stifled cries and mangled limbs. We mourn Nigerians killed in the fiery furnace called Nigeria."
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