The Gambia successfully filed a case at the International Court of Justice on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation that accuses Myanmar of a genocide campaign against the Rohingya Muslim minority.
Kylie Kiunguyu
Africans rising Ivorian photographer Joana Choumali becomes first African to win the Prix Pictet
Ivorian photographer Joana Choumali is the first African and second woman to win the Prix Pictet. Her series Ça va aller (It will be OK) is made up of ornate patterns embroidered on to photographs that depict Grand Bassam after a group of devastating terror attacks in March 2016.
Africans rising Meet two young Somali-American women who won city council seats in Maine and Minnesota
Despite ugly smear campaigns to discredit them, violent threats and racist comments 23-year-olds Safiya Khalid and Nadia Mohamed who are both former refugees still managed to secure historic victories by becoming the first Somali-Americans elected to the city council of Lewiston, Maine and St Louis Park, Minnesota respectively.
Africans rising Senegalese Major Seynabou Diouf awarded 2019 UN Female Police Officer of the Year
Major Seynabou Diouf, has been commended for her “exemplary service, which has a direct and positive impact on the community and the Congolese national police.” The Major currently leads a task force that helps to prevent and end sexual exploitation and abuse with the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC.
African identities South Africa’s Khoisan community to finally benefit from commercialised rooibos
The South African government and representatives of indigenous people and farming groups have signed a benefit-sharing agreement to ensure that members of the indigenous Khoisan community receive a percentage of the value for the growth and processing of rooibos as traditional knowledge holders.
Lifestyle Nigeria’s Oscar Entry ‘Lionheart’ Disqualified Over Predominantly English Dialogue
The Academy has disqualified Nigeria’s “Lionheart” from the Oscar race in the Best International Feature Film category, lessening the number of films competing from what had been a record 93 entries. The film was disqualified based on language which has roused debates on poor award management historic insensitivity.
Lifestyle Meet Siya Kolisi the Springboks first black captain in the team’s 126-year history
Siya Kolisi captained the South African team to win the 2019 Rugby World Cup; defeating England in the final thus securing the Webb Ellis Cup. Although this was South Africa’s third World Cup win, Kolisi is the first black captain to lead the national team to victory.
Politics and Society University of Bristol appoints history of slavery professor to interrogate its past
The United Kingdom’s first black female history professor, Olivette Otele, is set to take on the role of interrogating the University of Bristol’s part in the transatlantic slave trade. She will help the university better understand its past as it struggles to keep up with its counterparts.
Africans rising Meet Lual Mayen a South Sudanese refugee turned gaming CEO
Lual Mayen is a former refugee who is using his past to create social-impact gaming through his company Junub Games. His latest product ‘Salaam’ is a peace-building game that educates players while impacting real refugees through in game purchases.