Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa
9 February 2019
Nigerian governor warns foreign governments: Interfere in our elections and ‘go back in body bags’
"Time after time, El-Rufai continues to betray a dangerous mindset. This vile and abhorrent language should be condemned by all."
8 February 2019
Uganda's social media tax is leaving people disconnected — and failing to meet revenue targets
Prior to the tax's implementation, 47.4 percent of people in Uganda were using the internet. Three months later, that number had fallen to 35 percent.
6 February 2019
#FreeAmade: Journalist arrested and tortured after reporting on violence in northern Mozambique
The journalist was detained by Mozambican police while reporting a story in Cabo Delgado.
Victory predicted for Nigeria's top presidential opposition candidate amidst corruption allegations
A poll yielded a twelve percent positive vote differential for opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar over the incumbent Muhammadu Buhari in the February 16 Nigerian presidential election.
5 February 2019
An owl refuses to leave Tanzanian parliament. What does it all mean?
The owl appeared while legislators were signing a controversial amendment limiting opposition voices in Tanzania. Could the owl be an omen signaling the death of democracy in Tanzania?
1 February 2019
With tensions rising ahead of 2019 presidential elections, Nigerians fear internet shutdown
The use of social media to call attention to the government's violations and illegal actions have led to fears that of online censorship in upcoming elections.
31 January 2019
DigiGlot Newsletter: Welsh-language rock music finds a place on streaming music platforms
Rising Voices' DigiGlot Newsletter provides a summary of initiatives, discussions, and breakthroughs related to the intersection of languages and technology around the world..
29 January 2019
Amid civil unrest, internet shutdowns are making Zimbabwe's economic crisis worse
"It's not the fuel price increases, it's not the looming hunger. The most scary thing is that these guys in government are convinced that they are doing a good job."
27 January 2019
Uganda deports three senior telecom employees citing espionage
The police stated that at least two telecom employees used their offices to access information and tap calls which compromised national security. A third was accused of supporting the opposition.
Guinea has struggled under President Condé, but Russia backs his quest for a third term
"The question of political succession is a question of sovereignty. And sovereignty belongs to the people. It is not part of an ambassador's role to dictate Guinea's fate."
Nigeria's retired military generals battle for influence in 2019 presidential elections
Olusegun Obasanjo, former military head of state and later Nigeria’s democratically elected president, has consistently criticized successive governments in Nigeria.
How will propaganda shape Nigeria's 2019 presidential elections?
"Propaganda may help you win elections but [it] can’t help you govern," said former Nigerian President Jonathan Goodluck about recent campaign tactics.
24 January 2019
Old age, hate speech, press freedom: Critical issues in Nigeria's 2019 presidential elections
Amid the cacophony of Nigeria's electoral campaigns — both online and offline — here are the key issues that may get lost in the noise in this year's elections.
17 January 2019
Nigerien man stranded at Ethiopian airport for months
"I slept on the chairs, sometimes I slept in the mosque, I didn’t take shower for two months because [the] airport [has] no place for a shower."
Meet Nigeria's presidential candidates of 2019
The race is on for Aso Rock — the seat of Nigeria's presidency. Meet the 2019 presidential candidates.
16 January 2019
Introducing DigiGlot, a newsletter about languages and tech
This is the first publication of DigiGlot,a biweekly collaborative newsletter examining how indigenous, minority, and endangered language communities are adopting and adapting technology for their own needs.
Netizen Report: Zimbabwe’s internet goes dark amid protests, nationwide strike
The update from Zimbabwe, plus: China fines VPN users, Cuba is censoring SMS messages and Iranian officials plan to block Instagram.
Is the Nigerian government gagging the judiciary ahead of presidential elections in February?
"Under Buhari, the press has been silenced. The labour and trade unions, silenced. The civil society organisations, silenced. Public intellectuals, silenced. The judiciary, silenced."
15 January 2019
Before it was banned, this Facebook profile urged young people to join violent attack group in northern Mozambique
Since October 2017, an unknown armed group has been terrorizing the north of Mozambique with attacks that have left over 200 dead and many villages destroyed.
31 December 2018
Censored in 2018: Protest videos, court verdicts, real news — and Peppa Pig
From blocked websites to revoked media licenses to account shutdowns, censorship comes in many forms. Here are a few we saw in 2018.
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.
Dércio Tsandzana is the Lusophone (Portuguese) editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.
