Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from August, 2019
30 August 2019
Mass tree-planting in Ethiopia broke world records, but its impact will take time
Mass tree-planting projects are exciting, but the solution is never as simple as it seems. Send a Cow encourages smallholder farmers to plant multi-purpose trees in harmony with the environment.
Tanzania's first and only classic car club pays homage to Remmy Ongala, old school musical legend
Oldschool Rides Tanzania, a club devoted to restoring and celebrating vintage cars in Tanzania and the region, organized a classic car show to honor Tanzanian music legend Remmy Ongala.
29 August 2019
Months after pledge to open internet, Ethiopia disrupts connectivity amidst communal violence, tension
Ethiopian authorities have resorted to shutting down entire networks in response to recent ethnic and political tensions. A lack of transparency makes it impossible to challenge.
28 August 2019
Mozambique signs third peace accord amid divisions in opposition and public indifference
While the ceremony that ended Mozambique's third civil war took place, the majority of Maputo's residents were at work, or trapped in the capital’s chaotic traffic.
The case for reforming the Sudanese Access to Information Act
As Sudan launches a three-year transition to civilian rule, the country's freedom of information law should be amended to serve the public's right to know.
Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum: The Congolese scientist behind the cure for Ebola
This African scientist discovered the cure for Ebola. Will his name be as widely shared as news about the disease itself?
27 August 2019
In Nigeria, disability activists say social stigma is greatest obstacle to human rights
“Many people see disability as a charity issue rather than a human rights issue, says Ekaete Umoh, a disability rights activist in Nigeria.
24 August 2019
Nigeria's reputation takes a hit as three online fraud cases make international headlines
The cases involve a young star entrepreneur, the continent's largest e-commerce platform, and 80 online scammers.
23 August 2019
Human rights advocates petition the UN and AU over the detention of Nigerian protest leader
"The unfounded charge of terrorism that was subsequently laid against him was clearly only created to serve the purpose of silencing Sowore."
20 August 2019
Mozambique pushes for SIM card registration, raising privacy concerns
The measure would make it easier for the authorities to identify the owners of registered SIM cards.
19 August 2019
Will Zimbabwe succeed in overturning a ban on the ivory trade?
Zimbabwe is currently sitting on a stockpile of seized ivory worth hundreds of millions.
16 August 2019
Apprehension rises over the abduction of a Nigerian government critic
Dadiyata, a fierce critic of Kano State Governor Umar Ganduje, was abducted on August 1 and nothing has been heard of him since.
13 August 2019
Who are the presidential candidates in Mozambique's October elections?
On July 31, Mozambique's Constitutional Council approved four candidates: Filipe Nyusi, Ossufo Momade, Daviz Simango and Mário Albino.
Malaria has affected over 5 million people in Burundi so far this year
In Burundi, so far this year, malaria has affected 5,738,661 million people — that's about half its population. Yet, the government hesitates to declare an epidemic.
9 August 2019
Nigerian activist arrested for calling for a nationwide #RevolutionNow protest movement
Omoyele Sowore was detained and charged under Nigeria's 2011 counter-terrorism law. He could face life imprisonment.
8 August 2019
Kenyan MP and her baby ordered out of parliament: ‘What was I supposed to do? Miss my duties?’
"I had an emergency, so what was I supposed to do? Miss parliament and my duties — just because I have a baby?"
7 August 2019
Travel: An extreme sport for Africans
It’s difficult for Africans to travel outside Africa — but it’s equally grim to travel within the continent.
In Ethiopia, disinformation spreads through Facebook live as political tensions rise
Online conspiracy theories, political rants and rumors laced with communal hatred are now common genres in Ethiopian social media.
Tanzanian journalist faces trumped-up charges after abduction and detention
Freelance ournalist Erick Kabendera has written critically of Tanzanian President John Magufuli's increasingly repressive administration. Yesterday, authorities charged him with economic crimes, but critics say his only "crime" is journalism.
6 August 2019
Nigerian creatives bid farewell to Toni Morrison, who wrote race into American consciousness
"The function, the very serious function of racism, is distraction. It keeps you explaining over and over again, your reason for being." — Toni Morrison
About our Sub-Saharan Africa coverage
Amanda Lichtenstein is the Sub-Saharan Africa editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.
Lova Rakotomalala is the Francophone (French) editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.
