Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from July, 2019
Nigerian schoolgirl abducted by Boko Haram allegedly dies in captivity
"The president assured me that Leah would come back and that the government was working hard on it...After that, it was silence because we haven’t seen Leah."
From Nigeria to Zanzibar, Africa quietly played a critical role in US moon landing
To this day, few people know about Project Mercury space stations in Nigeria and Zanzibar, part of a groundbreaking global communications network that helped pave the way for Apollo 11.
Video of the military using violent methods divides public opinion and highlights gravity of the attacks in northern Mozambique
"Mozambican president, Filipe Nyusi, called the attacks acts of terrorism and promised the military would continue the combat on the ground and would not rest until peace is restored."
Is Mandarin Chinese the language of East Africa’s future?
As China strengthens its already robust trade and infrastructural ties with Africa, Chinese-government funded Confucius Institutes to teach Chinese Mandarin are on the rise.
How US arms supplies to Saudi Arabia threatens Sudan's hard-won peace
The Saudis supply Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces with money and arms. When the US does arms deals with Saudi Arabia they’re essentially supporting RSF.
What do Zimbabwe’s internet disruptions say about the state of digital rights in the country?
Government officials have repeatedly described access to social media as a potential threat, hinting that more disruptions would not be ruled out in the future.
Netizen Report: In Nigeria and Russia, laws against online ‘insult’ put internet activists on thin ice
Activists in Nigeria and Russia face charges for "online insult", a Twitter campaign targets "anti-Pakistan" journalists abnd Mauritania’s internet is back on, for now.
How Nigeria uses the law to repress free speech: The case of journalist Jones Abiri
Draconian legislation often used to arbitrarily detain journalists and dissenting voices exemplifies the precarious state of press freedom and free speech in Nigeria.
Nigerian students face cybercrime charges for criticising their university online
A former staff member described Madonna University as a ''death trap''.
As Tanzania bans plastic bags, activists launch 300 youth environmental clubs in Dar es Salaam
These environmental activists teach young people in Dar es Salaam about the importance of nature conservation and the threat of single-use plastic on the environment.
‘No Visa Mix': Tanzanian singeli stars denied visas to US music festival
"For those of you who still think of artists escaping to America, think about it again. It doesn’t make sense and you’ll lose the chance to see amazing performances."
Post-election crackdown in Mauritania: Internet shutdown lifted, journalist remains in detention
Despite ending a 10-day internet shutdown, the government continues to restrict press freedom and freedom of expression as part of its post-election crackdown.
New York Times ad for Nairobi bureau chief riddled with clichés about Africa
The NYT’s language to describe their ideal Nairobi bureau chief reignited the debate on Western media's perpetual use of tired clichés and tropes about Africa.
For the first time, an Angolan basketball player will join the NBA
Bruno Fernando, 21 years old, will join the team Philadelphia 76ers.
Nigeria's youngest MP physically assaults woman in sex shop
In the presence of a police officer, Nigerian Senator Elisha Abbo, assaulted a female staff member in an adult toy store in Abuja.
New Burundian opposition party faces intimidation ahead of 2020 elections
Opposition harassment has risen ahead of 2020 elections. The government rejects criticism as "misinformed" or "imperialist" and seems prepared to double down on local and international critics.
Pastor or predator? Nigerian Evangelical preacher embroiled in rape accusations
Some young women say they've been chased out of the church or paid off to keep silent.