The Sahara desert is fast expanding into its adjacent regions to the south. It is this increased desertification coupled with low income and now rising terrorism that forces the locals to escape home to go look for greener pastures, mostly as illegal immigrants to Europe. But now with the Great Green Wall of Africa Initiative, could this be reversed or is it just another ambitious project awaiting an epic fail?
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Winnie Madikizela Mandela, a renowned South African anti-apartheid activist has died. Winnie Mandela, the ex-wife of former South African president Nelson Mandela, died aged 81 on Monday, April 2 in a Johannesburg hospital. She leaves behind a legacy of hope and controversy in equal measure for South Africa.
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“I no longer want you as my wife, you are a half woman!” – These are the heartbreaking words that Yousef told his wife Yasmin (not their real names). They have lived together for more than two decades. Just recently, Yasmin was diagnosed with breast cancer in Algeria. With advice from her physician, she went through a surgical procedure and had one of her breasts, the one with cancer, amputated. She then proceeded to have chemotherapy sessions and her recovery process kick-started.
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Africa is a continent full of diversity. Other than the immense wealth of natural resources, there also exists a rich diversity in demographical characteristics, cultures, and traditions. With Africa now becoming increasingly westernized, these indigenous cultures and traditions are at risk of being wiped out. But they won’t go quietly, there is a fierce battle of westernization vs. traditionalism on the continent.
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Being intersex in Africa is a taboo. Even if you survive the lynching by family, then you might not survive suicide. For a long time, intersex people in Africa have been perceived as a curse by their families. Just like those suffering from poor mental health in Africa, the stigma has pushed some into depression and suicide. It is worse if the community around them gets to know of their condition.
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In its 2016 list of the world’s richest individuals, Forbes put Aliko Dangote, a Nigerian tycoon, at the 51st position. Four other Africans were also featured on the list. There are still many other rising billionaires and millionaires in Africa. That said, if there were also a list detailing the poorest individuals in the world, Africans would feature on it prominently if not entirely. That is the reality of poverty in Africa. But why?
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Ethiopia has had a tumultuous political scene for the last couple of years. Violent protests have been happening since November 2015 with the protesters agitating for social and political reforms. They have been accusing the government of Ethiopia with gross infringement of human rights, including marginalization of minority groups, police brutality, mass arrests, and land grabbing. More than 600 people have since died as a result of the Oromo Protests.
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Bitcoin has taken the world by storm. Almost every internet user has heard of Bitcoin. Some have gone further and invested heavily in it. This is by either buying it or by teaching others on Cryptocurrency, all while others still grapple with the concept and fundamentals of what Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency actually are. Africa has not been left behind. The fire and zeal for Bitcoin are real, especially among the young people.
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Africa is the world’s richest continent. It has a vast wealth of natural resources ranging from precious stones such as gold and diamonds to fossil fuels. The tropical climates, beautiful and diverse wildlife, and sandy beaches are also quite attractive to tourists. From these, the total derivable revenue has the potential to completely transform economies in Africa. But that is not the case. There is war and poverty instead of prosperity leaving you to wonder are these resources really a blessing or a curse? In a pattern that replicates itself, the discovery of a major resource has been followed by conflict, instability, and damage to the environment. This is called the resource curse or the paradox of plenty.
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Raila Odinga, the leader of opposition in Kenya has sworn himself in as the ‘people’s president.’ This is despite the fact that Kenya has a sitting and legitimate president in office – Uhuru Kenyatta. Odinga swore himself into office on 30th January in an event attended by almost 10,000 supporters, while the legitimate Kenyan Government ordered a media Shutdown.
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