Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from February, 2016
Can Goodwill Gestures Help End Burundi's Political Crisis?
Two blocked radios are permitted back on the air, arrest warrants were lifted and some prisoners to be freed -- yet many remain unconvinced about the government's good intentions.
Climate Change Is All Too Real in Kenya, Where Drought and Famine Affect Millions
"Kenya has been forced to redefine water as a scarce commodity rather than a basic need. What scares the most out of and me...is our inability to solve the situation."
Can Mountains of Animal Bones Boost Food Security in Ethiopia?
By turning a wasted resource into fertilizer, researchers aim to help a hungry nation replenish depleted soils
Unlike Past Elections, Uganda's Streets Are Empty of Celebrations Following President Museveni's Win
"People are so happy that they afraid they could die of happiness if they start celebrating," one Facebook user sarcastically quipped.
World's Oldest President, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, Turns 92
"I have died many times. I have actually beaten Jesus Christ because he only died once."
Live Twitter Chat #AskLesotho Brings Lesotho's Worst Drought in Recent History to the Fore
“Send a Cow ”is a UK-based international development charity. Global Voices spoke with its Communications Manager, Azita Shamsolahi, about a live Twitter chat, #askLesotho, the group is organising this week.
Ghanaian Facebook Commentator Sued For Defamation by Deputy Attorney General
'Is there any fundraising effort to support our brother Evron Rothschild Hughes fight this impudence of a libel suit filed against free speech by Ghana's Deputy Attorney General?'
Meet Fish, a Resident of the World's Largest Refugee Camp
After 23 years in the Dadaab camp, Abdullah "Fish" Hassan escaped due to violence, but his daughters are still refugees there.
‘Uganda Is a Boiling Pot': Arrests, Rigging Claims and a Social Media Shutdown Mar Elections
"Winning an election through hook and crook while clobbering your fellow countrymen should never be a proud moment!"
The Gambia Commemorates 51 Years of Independence, But Not Everyone Is Celebrating
The Gambia celebrated 51 years of independence from Great Britain on February 18, 2016, more than half a century after becoming Africa's 37th sovereign state.
A Voice From the Front Lines of El Niño in Kenya
"We can ensure decline in mortality rate due to famine, flooding or any climatic deserters by becoming responsible in our communities. Let’s join hands, let’s do this"
Burundi's Independent Media Aren't Going Down Without a Fight
"Why do you harass the only independent media left to us?"
Burundi's Independent Media Finds Itself in the Crossfire of a Deadly Crisis
"...we could never have imagined that the government had developed a plan for the total destruction of the media..."
From Madagascar, Four Poems on Impossible Love for Valentine's Day
"My whole heart has been driven wild as well, and refuses to forget. Silence remains around the one whom I love, but I continue to believe."
A Brief Twitter Guide to Uganda's Elections This Month
Global Voices presents a brief Twitter guide for updates, news, analysis, and reports related to Uganda's national elections later this month.
The Ugliness of Counterterrorism at France’s Borders
A Guinean blogger shares her experience at the hands of French border police.
‘Improving Social Cohesion’ Through Dance, Art, and Gwen Rakotovao
Global Voices speaks to Gwen Rakotovao, whose whirlwind career as an artistic director, CEO, model, and author of children’s books has taken her all over the world.
The Power of Social Media in Uganda's 2016 Elections
"Freedom of expression comes with responsibility to it. There are instances of irresponsible reporting and commenting on social media."
The Former Refugee Behind One of Liberia's Few Bookstores, Where Children Can Read About Themselves
It's hard to learn to read when your country has been torn apart by war and disease. It's even harder when children's books come from far away.
Anxiety Over Government-Sanctioned Violence Engulfs Uganda as Elections Approach
"Don’t send your children to bring chaos in Kampala and cause confusion during elections, disrupt peace in the country, government will handle you…. you will be shot."
About our Sub-Saharan Africa coverage
Amanda Lichtenstein is the Sub-Saharan Africa editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.
