Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa
12 November 2018
Mauritania keeps anti-slavery activist Biram Dah Abeid in prison — and far away from parliament
Biram Dah Abeid, who is also an elected government official, is accused of slandering and threatening a journalist with close ties to the Mauritanian government.
Tanzania's stance on homosexuality points to an increasingly repressive political agenda
Even if Tanzania sorts out its mixed messages on homosexuality and human rights — there are other challenges keeping the foreign affairs minister up at night.
10 November 2018
Zimbabwe's black rhinos at risk as China reverses a 25-year ban on horns
Conservationists lack the financial resources required to increase security and boost capacity to monitor and track poachers in Zimbabwe's national parks. China's partial ivory-ban reversal may make matters worse.
8 November 2018
Africa uncovered: an interview with Aida Muluneh
"[...] being African is really more complex as well and it’s not just one thing. There are different definitions and different interpretations and I just happen to be one of...
6 November 2018
Angolans react to government's new law-and-order initiative
"The most important rescue by the state would be to provide the conditions to guarantee decent jobs"
31 October 2018
Madagascar citizens demand transparency in a fishy deal with China
The livelihoods of Madagascar’s coastal communities will be seriously threatened if they must compete with the potential catch capacity of these fishing boats.
29 October 2018
A Mozambique surfwear retailer thought is was a good idea to name their store “Hitler”—Netizens disagreed
The "Hitler" store, which seems to have been in business since early October, is located in one of the largest shopping centers in the country.
24 October 2018
Burundi clamps down on international NGOs and rejects human rights criticisms
In September, the National Security Council announced all NGOs – except in hospitals and schools – were suspended for three months from October 1, and mining companies for one month.
19 October 2018
White saviors, Liberian schools
For some African nations, the allure of outsourcing their education systems to well-funded foreign NGOs is hard to resist. But it's the most vulnerable who end up paying the price.
13 October 2018
Mozambicans react: decriminalisation of marijuana in South Africa
South Africa is a major destination for young Mozambicans for jobs and studies, and many were left wondering how the ruling will affect them.
12 October 2018
Why are African governments criminalising online speech? Because they fear its power.
The noise we make on digital platforms scares oppressive regimes. In some cases, it can even force them to rescind their actions.
8 October 2018
Portuguese PM drew criticism over clothing choice during visit to Angola
António Costa's official visit to Angola following months of diplomatic tensions between the two governments has caused a stir over his clothing choice.
1 October 2018
Operation Leave Home: a new social media trend encourages young Angolans to fly the coop
"At this moment, I am on the street crying without knowing where to go."
21 September 2018
Journalist's expulsion from restaurant leads to debate about racism in Angola
"...racism in Angola is nothing new; however, people prefer to pretend nothing is happening."
20 September 2018
Netizen Report: Authorities shut down mobile internet in Ethiopia’s capital, as ethnic and political conflict persist
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
18 September 2018
Three days behind bars for the ‘crime’ of journalism: Diary of a Nigerian journalist
Investigative journalist Samuel Ogundipe spent three days in detention on spurious charges and was denied access to his lawyer. Now free on bail, he is telling his story.
17 September 2018
Nigerian Twitter has an impersonation problem — and the platform is failing to take action
The inaction of Twitter and the Nigerian government are worrisome particularly with Nigeria’s general elections coming up in 2019.
14 September 2018
Netizen Report: Internet taxes are sweeping sub-Saharan Africa — and silencing citizens
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
6 September 2018
Two women who dared to oppose Rwandan President Paul Kagame
"By extending his 23 years in power, Kagame is denying Rwandans an opportunity to experience the first-ever peaceful transition of power in their country."
4 September 2018
Confronting human rights violations in Africa one hashtag at a time
Galvanised by increased connectivity, pan-African online communities are using social media to speak out against repression and support young candidates challenging leaders who've been clinging to power for decades.
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.
