Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa
Lockdown to shutdown: How COVID-19 stifled digital rights in Zimbabwe
COVID-19 and its subsequent government policies have had far-reaching implications on digital rights and media freedom in Zimbabwe.
Namibia's COVID-19 internet rollout impresses, but excludes and widens control
Namibia's tech-driven effort to bring more Namibians online during the pandemic seems brilliant. But most of Namibia’s historically marginalized native populations have been excluded.
In Uganda, COVID-19 rules are ‘perfect instrument for criminalizing dissent’
In Uganda, increased criminalization of misinformation during the pandemic infringed on citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information, especially targeting journalists and human rights activists.
Cyclone Chalane hit Mozambique, leaving much less damage than previous storms
The storm lost intensity before it hit the country. With memories still fresh of Cyclone IDAI, which left 600 dead in March 2019, Mozambicans feared the worst.
UN Security Council ends reporting on Burundi, but human rights monitors remain concerned
UN Security Council ended specific reporting on Burundi after several months of a new government, but human rights monitors remain concerned.
Iconic House of Wonders collapse leaves Zanzibaris wondering about fate of cultural heritage
The House of Wonders collapse left many wondering about the fate of Zanzibar's cultural heritage.
Two years after Sudan's revolution, demonstrators march with demands for change
On the second anniversary of the revolution in Sudan, citizens braved the threat of the coronavirus to demonstrate and demand more rapid change from the transitional government.
Fendika cultural hub in Addis Ababa wins major cultural prize
This month, Fendika cultural hub accepted a prestigious Prince Claus Award in recognition of its groundbreaking work in culture and development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Combating misinformation in under-resourced languages: Lessons from around the world
A recent webinar explored how underresourced language communities may be at a disadvantage to tackle misinformation and access media literacy resources.
The fight against fake news: A restrictive policy for online freedom of expression in Senegal
In Senegal, the government’s attempts to control fake news raises questions about how to fight against it without infringing on rights and freedoms — particularly online freedom of expression.
Seven African governments employ surveillance spyware, says new study
Equatorial Guinea, Botswana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have employed surveillance technology from Circles, a firm affiliated with Israel's NSO Group, according to the report by Citizen Lab.
Sudan faces second COVID-19 wave amid drug shortages and doctors’ strike
Amid a second wave of the coronavirus in Sudan, a pharmaceutical shortage and doctors' strike demanding better working conditions is compounding the crisis.
Tanzania launches mobile app to help victims report gender-based violence
The Taarifa (Information) mobile app will allow GBV victims to report their cases and access critical information. During the pandemic, reports of GBV decreased by 30% in Tanzania.
Angolan police repressed anti-government protests on Independence Day
As well as holding local elections, the demonstrators demanded the 500,000 jobs promised by President João Lourenço during his election campaign in 2017.
Exemplary governance: Which countries should high-COVID nations follow?
"What seems clear is that global exemplars do not have to look the same in terms of political structures, incomes, or economic ideology."
From #BlackLivesMatter to #VidasNegrasImportam: Call to end colonial legacy of police brutality
"Police brutality is universal, white supremacy is global, and colonialism is not forgotten, which is why Black people every day, around the world, are being killed."
Somali journalists say new media law will muzzle free press
Somalia’s media workers say that the draconian new media law will repress journalists who are already struggling in a hostile media environment.
Violent protests erupt in Uganda following presidential candidate Bobi Wine's arrest
Opposition candidate Bobi Wine was arrested in Uganda at a political rally, with police citing his massive rallies violated guidelines given by the electoral commission to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Angolan police violently cracked down on protest against postponement of local elections
Local elections, which were to be organized this year for the first time since Angola's independence, were postponed after a delay in passing legislation to regulate it.
About our Sub-Saharan Africa coverage
Amanda Lichtenstein is the Sub-Saharan Africa editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.
