United Nations Women reported that traditional cutters in Sierra Leone have pledged to abandon and advocate against FGM which is still not illegal in the country. This added support will contribute to the clampdown on initiation ceremonies by the secret societies that uphold the practice.
Politics and Society As Togo goes to the polls in February, will change come?
On February 22, the people of Togo will go to the polls. There have been protests against the rule of Faure Gnassingbé who took over power from his father in 2005. A constitutional change that would allow President Gnassingbé to extend his stay power till 2030 was approved by the parliament. Protesters are still demanding that Faure must go.
Politics and Society Dr. Stella Nyanzi wins 2020 Oxfam Novib/PEN International Award
Ugandan academic and activist Dr. Stella Nyanzi currently incarcerated at Luzira Prison serving an 18-month sentence for ‘cyber harassment’ has won the 2020 Oxfam Novib/PEN International Award.
Politics and Society How Kwame Nkrumah used metaphor as a political weapon against colonialism
Compared to other politicians who tend to be indirect and evasive, Nkrumah was direct, explicit and assertive.
Africans rising Meet Ivorian student O’Plerou Grebet the creator of culturally relevant West African emojis
Over the past two years, Ivorian student O’Plerou Grebet has designed over 350 emojis that celebrate African culture, history and contemporary life. He incorporated all his emojis from his project into an app called ‘Zouzoukwa’, so that Africans can use emojis ‘that correspond to their realities’.
African identities Why Ghana is struggling to get its language policy right in schools
Inadequate public education on a new language policy has generated resistance from parents at the early childhood education level in Ghana.
Politics and Society West Africa’s coast rises as world’s most dangerous piracy zone
The West African coast specially the Gulf of Guinea has become the most dangerous piracy zone. It accounted for more than 90% of global crew member kidnappings last year according to the International Maritime Bureau.
Politics and Society Why decreasing emissions further is not Africa’s solution to the climate threat
Africa contributes less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions which is why many feel the fight against climate change is the responsibility of the first world. UNEP however details that no other continent will be struck as severely by the impacts of climate change as Africa due to its considerably limited adaptive capacity
Africans rising Senegal: Akon finalises agreement to develop ‘Akon City’
Senegalese musician and entrepreneur Akon signed an agreement to have his own city with the aim of also promoting tourism in Senegal. Akon City will make use of the cryptocurrency Akoin.