The West’s Selective Enforcement in Rwanda

After the Rwandan genocide, Rwanda has emerged as one of the world’s fastest growing economies, earning the title of the “Singapore of Africa.” However, this economic development has occurred alongside humanitarian violations and growing authoritarianism. The West’s response to human rights abuses in Rwanda has been limited, where meaningful action occurs only when mineral and economic interests in the region are threatened, most recently when the Trump administration applied sanctions.

The Power of Food in Nation-Building: Jollof Rice in Nigerian Politics

Since Nigerian independence in 1960, ethnic salience between the Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa Fulani groups has prevented Nigerians from building a shared national identity. Subsequent government programs attempting to address this issue have faced uneven results, showing the limits of public policy in bridging highly salient ethnic divides. However, everyday cultural movements like the widespread consumption and celebration of Jollof Rice show a new means to nation-building that is contrary to popular political theory.

AfricaPatrick SloverMay 18, 2026Food, Diaspora, Nigeria, Culture, Ghana, Rivalry, Unity

Whistles in the Age of Boiler Room Amapiano

The growing presence of whistles in Amapiano, a genre central to South Africa’s global cultural influence, reflects more than a stylistic choice. Historically used in apartheid-era townships to signal danger and coordinate movement, the whistle was a tool of communication. Its use in contemporary music suggests not a break from the past but a transformation of it.

AfricaEleez OmarMay 18, 2026South Africa, Music, Amapiano, Apartheid, Expression

The Successes and Shortcomings of Pentecostalism in Ethiopia

Pentecostalism emerges strongest in states as a replacement for weak governance like post-colonial Ethiopia. As an expressive faith that involves dancing and self-improvement, Pentecostalism also inspires worshippers to participate in civil society and fight for more just governments at the ballot box. However, as evident in Ethiopia, religious groups face major shortcomings in addressing deep-rooted issues restricting healthy democracy.

AfricaPatrick SloverMay 18, 2026Religion, Ethiopia, Pentecostalism, Democracy, Civil War, Abiy Ahmed

“Un-African” or Unjust? The Politics of Homophobia in Senegal

In recent months, Senegal has found itself at the center of growing debates over LGBTQ rights as rising homophobia and stricter laws reshape the nation’s social and legal landscape. Building on past legislation, a 2026 bill to increase penalties for queer individuals has been met with strong public and political support. Still, critics warn that these developments conflict with Senegal’s international human rights commitments and risk legitimizing discrimination.

AfricaKatie PriceMay 18, 2026LGBTQ, Homophobia, Human Rights, Senegal

Kigali: A Case Study Among Africa’s Tech Hubs

Backed by the Rwandan government, capital city Kigali has made massive strides into becoming a regional information and communications technology leader. Its path to distinction is worthy of comparison to other African cities with similar accomplishments.

AfricaChristina NiesApril 28, 2026Kigali, Rwanda, technology, innovation, startups, venture capital, Nairobi, Lagos, Zipline, M-Pesa

Deception and Exploitation in Russia’s Search for Soldiers

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues into its fourth year, high casualty rates and low enlistment numbers have forced the Kremlin to turn to alternate methods of recruitment– namely, the conscription of foreigners. Kenya in particular has taken issue with the enlistment of its nationals into the Russian military, accusing Russian recruiters of employing illegal recruitment tactics that constitute human trafficking. Whether or not such allegations are entirely accurate remains uncertain, although emerging intelligence reports suggest that many Kenyans were enlisted into the Russian war effort under questionable circumstances.

Somaliland, Israel, and Geopolitics in the Horn of Africa

Israel’s recent diplomatic recognition of Somaliland, a de facto state operating within greater Somalia, marks a turning point in the territory’s long pursuit of sovereignty. Although Israel claims that this move was made in support of Somaliland’s right to self-determination, analysts suggest that there are deeper motivations at play, including Israeli strategic interests in the Red Sea region. Still, whether this move was based on principle or strategy, it represents a significant step toward the possibility of an independent Somaliland.

Climate Change Threatens Mozambican Agriculture and Trade

Intense flooding, rain and drought, worsened by climate change, have severely impacted Mozambique's agricultural and trade industries. Economic recovery is possible, but will be difficult without worldwide action.

Morocco in Motion: Young Adults Demand a Voice

Morocco’s postcard-perfect image is cracking, as thousands of young people, mobilized online, take to the streets, demanding “freedom, dignity, and justice.” Facing soaring youth unemployment, underfunded education and healthcare, and accusations of government corruption, protesters call for reform and accountability. Their movements reflect a rising wave of Gen-Z led uprisings across the globe, fueled by frustration and social media organized unity.

AfricaKatie PriceDecember 11, 2025Protests, Corruption, Unemployment, Gen Z, Morocco, Nepal, Healthcare

Citizen Mobilization and State Repression in Tanzania’s 2025 Election

Widespread protests have thrust the East African nation of 70 million people into chaos. Outrage emerged in the wake of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s massive electoral victory and amid allegations of corruption and repression of opposing political parties and their leaders.

AfricaBy Tommy ColeDecember 11, 2025Tanzania, Election, protest, East Africa, mobilization

Anti-Albino Sentiment in Tanzania: The Role of Government and NGOs

Tanzanians with albinism suffer violent persecution at a rate inexperienced by the rest of the country’s population. Attempts by the government to reduce discrimination and violence have had varied success, but official collaboration and work with albinism specific NGOs prove the most successful.

AfricaChristina NiesDecember 11, 2025Tanzania, albinism, persecution, violence, NGOs, witchdoctors, NAP, RAP

Crisis by the Numbers: Evaluating Claims of Christian Persecution in Nigeria

U.S. political rhetoric has revived attention to Nigeria’s struggle with extremist violence, often relying on dramatic but unverified statistics that oversimplify the conflict. Although Christian communities have suffered greatly under jihadis group, Boko Haram, Muslims and other groups have also been targeted, complicating claims that Christians alone have been targeted. When inflated figures dominate the conversation, they distort public understanding and encourage one dimensional U.S. policy responses that overlook Nigeria’s broader security challenges.

AfricaKatie PriceDecember 11, 2025Religious Freedom, Religion, Persecution, Nigeria, Social Media, Boko Haram, Religious Violence, Terrorism

Anniversary of Female Kenyan Runner’s Death Sheds Light on Femicide

The one year anniversary of Kenyan runner Rebecca Cheptegei’s murder at the hands of her ex-partner illuminates Kenya’s gender-based violence crisis. Kenya’s high rates of femicide and abuse against women and girls makes the nation difficult to live in for females.

Foreign Involvement for a ‘Greener’ Future: Africa’s Journey to Reaching Maximum Renewable Energy Potential

In 2024 alone, Africa hosted $97 billion in foreign direct investment, a 75 percent increase from 2023. Emerging ‘green’ innovation and existing renewable technologies are playing a key part in this increase. These technologies need Africa’s raw materials to fuel their advancement cost-efficiently while meeting increasing demands. Global rare earth mineral demand is expected to reach three times current levels, making Africa’s 15 percent share of world reserves essential to a ‘green’ future.

South Sudan: The Politics of Starvation as a Weapon of War

In South Sudan, hunger has been turned into a weapon. As the nation reels from repeated conflict, President Salva Kiir’s government stands accused of using starvation to crush opposition and assert power. Aid routes are blocked, crops destroyed, and millions are left on the brink of famine– all due to this man-made crisis.

AfricaKatie PriceOctober 26, 2025Human Rights, South Sudan, ICC, Starvation, Famine, War, Civil War

The Central African Republic: A Story of Blood Diamonds and Poor Policy

For years, the Central African Republic has been afflicted by war between armed groups and the government. Although peace agreements from this summer hint at change, the nation continues to struggle with rebel groups selling blood diamonds to finance their activities. In retaliation against such groups, the CAR was forbidden from exporting diamonds in a decision that ultimately caused more problems than it solved.

Bleaching to Breathing: Kenya’s Transformation of its Dying Coral Reefs

Climate change, rising ocean temperatures, and destructive fishing practices have bleached and destroyed Kenya’s coral reefs, which has generated a domino effect of declining fish stocks and diminished income for fishers across the Swahili Coast. Nonetheless, through restoration efforts by nonprofits, supported by the Kenyan government, as well as conservation projects by local activists, reef stocks have come back to life. Kenya–and its coastal neighbors–must continue balancing coral reefs as both a profitable economic endowment, and a scarce natural resource vital for biodiversity.

AfricaNikhil MaharajAugust 29, 2025Coral, Reef, Ocean, Kenya, Biodiversity, overfishing, climate change, tourism, conservation, restoration

Lesotho: A Country that the U.S. Has Certainly Heard of–and Economically Swayed

Lesotho and the United States have a long history of diplomatic relations, a relationship that was recently dismissed by President Trump as an ‘unknown country.’ However, Lesotho and the United States maintain strong economic ties and Lesotho remains a prominent figure in regional and international affairs.

AfricaBy Katie KunkleAugust 29, 2025Lesotho, Sub-Saharan Africa, U.S.-Africa Relations, Donald Trump, Development

Empowering communities: Benefits of Local-Driven Solar Energy Growth in Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa

In January 2025, the World Bank, African Development Bank, and various investors provided a $35 billion loan to expand electricity access across Africa. Half of the funds were allocated to solar and wind projects, reflecting a global shift away from fossil fuels. Despite Africa’s high solar potential, many regions face unique challenges that hinder this transition. The experiences of Tunisia, Tanzania, and Kenya highlight the importance of prioritizing local development over large-scale, centralized projects.