I've written for Global Voices since about 2008. Mainly on issues related to East Africa and South Sudan.
I have an MA in African Studies from University of Copenhagen. Currently, I'm a PhD fellow at Copenhagen Business School (CBS) studying everyday humanitarianism and how it is applied in a refugee-hosting community in Tanzania.
I have lived and travelled extensively in the Balkans and in East Africa in connection with work spread out over 20 years in development, media and activism.
Latest posts by Pernille Baerendtsen
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?
South Sudanese singer Nyaruach calls out ‘boring man with no plan’ in feminist hit
"You are such a bastard guy, I just want to say goodbye. May God bless you where you are. You boring man with no plan. With no plan!"
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.
Leading independent websites go dark as Tanzania’s ‘blogger tax’ deadline approaches
"It is not only a self-censorship license but a way to become the state's tool to censor others (contributors) civic right to express."
Will Tanzanian Bloggers Pay Up or Push Back Against ‘Blogger Tax'?
In Tanzania, where media historically holds strong ties to government interests, blogging opened up possibilities for individuals to establish private news outlets that proved immensely powerful.
As Leaders Step Down, a Cautious Hope Rises on the African Continent
After the resignation of Zuma and Desalegn, "the mood on the continent is one of hope, on the one hand, and of palpable restraint and scepticism on the other."
Even the Best Dancer Leaves the Dance Floor: African Strongmen and Political Transition
"The fear of challenging leaders who cling to power is, for some Africans, rooted in anxiety about alternatives—alternatives which remain unknown because they are never allowed to emerge and develop."
South Sudanese Journalists Face Increasing Threats as Political Violence Peaks
Journalists have long struggled to survive in Sudan and South Sudan, but the impact of the conflict that erupted in 2013 has made working in media even more dangerous.
Political Conflict Triggers Turmoil in South Sudan, Leaving Hundreds Dead
An altercation involving President Salva Kiir and the Vice President Riek Machar, who have long been political rivals, swiftly unraveled into an armed conflict that lasted for several days.
Refugees Take Over Danish Daily Newspaper For a Day to Tell Their Stories
The Danish daily newspaper Information invited 12 refugees, some newly arrived, all professional journalists, to take over the entire 48 pages of the newspaper on Friday, October 9.
Everyday Life in a Fragile State
"'Why South Sudan?' someone asked. It's true, but somewhat feeble, to say South Sudan is unlike any other place." Pernille Baerendtsen shares personal impressions on leaving the world's newest country.
