Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from December, 2020
New tax on mobile devices threatens digital inclusion in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Critics fear the new tax--the Mobile Device Registry--will reverse the trend of growth in mobile device usage and threaten freedom of expression in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
UN Security Council ends reporting on Burundi, but human rights monitors remain concerned
UN Security Council ended specific reporting on Burundi after several months of a new government, but human rights monitors remain concerned.
Rwandan governance during the pandemic: A time for introspection
Months after the implementation of the lockdown order, the Rwandan government has been mute over citizens' demand for food relief support. Is it time to reconsider its governance model?
Iconic House of Wonders collapse leaves Zanzibaris wondering about fate of cultural heritage
The House of Wonders collapse left many wondering about the fate of Zanzibar's cultural heritage.
Two years after Sudan's revolution, demonstrators march with demands for change
On the second anniversary of the revolution in Sudan, citizens braved the threat of the coronavirus to demonstrate and demand more rapid change from the transitional government.
Fendika cultural hub in Addis Ababa wins major cultural prize
This month, Fendika cultural hub accepted a prestigious Prince Claus Award in recognition of its groundbreaking work in culture and development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Combating misinformation in under-resourced languages: Lessons from around the world
A recent webinar explored how underresourced language communities may be at a disadvantage to tackle misinformation and access media literacy resources.
‘It’s not just a joke!’ Nigerian comedians unite against rape culture
"We have to stop turning survivors of sexual and gender-based violence into collateral damage, just for laughs. Because rape is not a joke…This has to stop. Now!"
The fight against fake news: A restrictive policy for online freedom of expression in Senegal
In Senegal, the government’s attempts to control fake news raises questions about how to fight against it without infringing on rights and freedoms — particularly online freedom of expression.
Seven African governments employ surveillance spyware, says new study
Equatorial Guinea, Botswana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have employed surveillance technology from Circles, a firm affiliated with Israel's NSO Group, according to the report by Citizen Lab.
Sudan faces second COVID-19 wave amid drug shortages and doctors’ strike
Amid a second wave of the coronavirus in Sudan, a pharmaceutical shortage and doctors' strike demanding better working conditions is compounding the crisis.
Tanzania launches mobile app to help victims report gender-based violence
The Taarifa (Information) mobile app will allow GBV victims to report their cases and access critical information. During the pandemic, reports of GBV decreased by 30% in Tanzania.
Angolan police repressed anti-government protests on Independence Day
As well as holding local elections, the demonstrators demanded the 500,000 jobs promised by President João Lourenço during his election campaign in 2017.
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