The celebration of World Polio Day on 24th October brings us all a much-needed piece of good news. Back in August, while the COVID-19 pandemic was still rife, Africa was certified free of wild polio. Although […]
Sudan to outlaw female genital mutilation
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the procedure or ‘ritual’ which involves the cutting or removal of all or some of the external female genitalia. FGM is practised worldwide, most common in Africa, Asia and the […]
Remember The Rest Of The World: The Worst Of Coronavirus Could Still Be Yet To Come
As COVID-19’s death toll rises and talk of the virus seems to have dominated conversation for months, it’s hard to remember that some countries are only now facing the beginning of the pandemic’s frightening curve. […]
The Future of African Trade
As the African Union proposes an African free trade area, Emmanuel Young examines the opportunities and potential pitfalls presented by the scheme. October 1st marked the start of Black History Month – a month in […]
Uganda Announces ‘Kill the Gays’ Bill
The Ugandan government has stated its intention to pass a bill that will endanger the lives of LGBT citizens across the country. The bill itself argues that a person should receive a life sentence for […]
Does Comic Relief Promote ‘White Saviours’?
The documentarian and Strictly Come Dancing winner Stacey Dooley was criticised this week after publishing pictures of herself on her Instagram filming a video for Comic Relief in Uganda. Dooley looks smiley and glamorous whilst holding a […]
Is Mandela’s Dream Dead?
“I DREAM OF AN AFRICA WHICH IS IN PEACE WITH ITSELF” – NELSON MANDELA The African National Congress (ANC) has long fought for a unified and democratic South Africa. It was formed in 1912 as […]
Black History Month Should Stay Black
Every year, Black History Month faces a dizzying array of criticisms. While it is easy to roll your eyes at the usual charge of ‘What about WHITE history month’, an increasing number of councils are […]
May’s outstretched hand to Africa – cynical fears of China or real change in trade policy?
Our prime minister, Theresa May, recently returned from her tour d’Afrique. On her whistle-stop tour, Mrs. May intentionally overshot Europe and landed with her business posse in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria for three days […]
The Safari Diaries: Day 2
What people forget to tell you about Africa is that it gets cold there, too – colder than you would expect, especially out in the Savannah. That’s why at 6 a.m. on my second day in […]
Campus Watch: Wits University reopens following student protests
The University of Witwatersand (Wits), South Africa has reopened after student demonstrations forced its closure last week. Nationwide protests calling for free education have highlighted the continuing sense of inequality felt by many black students, […]
Universities in South Africa close amid tuition protests
Protests for free university education in South Africa escalated this week, prompting at least four institutions to close temporarily just before the exam period is due to begin. The protests follow a government proposal to […]