Posts in Africa
Spiraling Security in Nigeria reflected by Mass Kidnappings

Four mass kidnappings in the northern region of Nigeria have pointed to the resurfacing of the country’s kidnaping crisis. The crisis began in 2014 following the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls, and has since spread to bandit groups seeking ransom. This security threat points not only to gender-based insecurity, but the overall decline of Nigeria’s social, political and economic situation.

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Turmoil in Ethiopia's Amhara Region Signals Urgent Need for Unity and Resolution

Ethiopia faces one of its gravest crises as federal security forces are implicated in the killing of civilians in the Amhara region, sparking escalating turmoil. The roots of this conflict trace back to historical grievances and the exclusion of the Fano militia from peace negotiations following the Tigray conflict, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive dialogue and internal reconciliation to achieve lasting peace.

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Malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Multifaceted Disease

There are approximately 200 million cases of the parasitic disease, malaria, reported worldwide per year, 90 percent of which occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. Beyond its direct health consequences, malaria perpetuates structural inequities, affecting vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. The economic toll, estimated at $12 billion annually, exacerbates existing challenges, specifically in the agriculture sector. Despite global efforts, the persistent societal effects require continued intervention to address the far-reaching implications of malaria worldwide. 

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At the Crossroads: Climate Change Increases Gender Inequality in Africa

African societies are suffering from the impact of climate change. This environmental issue is affecting women at a greater rate than the men who exist in the same society. This article delves into the socioeconomic role women have and continue to serve in African societies and how climate change directly impacts their daily endeavors.

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Development, Deposits, And Debts: A Decade of BRI in Africa

In September 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping formally announced the Belt and Road Initiative, a sprawling infrastructure investment program intended to connect the world over land, air, and sea. A decade later, nearly every African nation has signed on, leading to a variety of results within the continent, ranging from shiny development projects to saddles of debt.

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The Tides of Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea

 The maritime domain is crucial to global trade and development, illustrated by Africa’s Gulf of Guinea. The Gulf of Guinea is home to a wealth of natural resources, but economic growth in the region is hindered by the threat of piracy. The importance of renewed regional and international cooperation against maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea is highlighted by recent upticks in piracy operations.

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Power Cuts in Sierra Leone: Unpaid Debts, Government Corruption, and the Energy Crisis

In September 2023, Sierra Leone finds itself plunged into darkness as a dire electricity crisis grips the nation. The power cuts in its capital city, Freetown, are primarily a result of the country's mounting debt to the Turkish hydro-power company, Karpowership. The inability to pay for electricity has exposed deeper issues, including government corruption and financial mismanagement, eroding public trust and national pride. These outages have severely disrupted daily life, affecting crucial services like healthcare, education, and construction. The culture of corruption and lack of transparency within Sierra Leone's leadership is at the heart of this crisis, hindering the nation's progress and leaving its citizens in the dark.

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Foreign Involvement Exacerbating Moroccan-Algerian Relations

Ongoing hostilities, worsened by Algeria's support for Western Sahara's independence, have led to the dissolution of Morocco and Algeria’s diplomatic ties. The risk of open conflict is growing as both countries militarize their approach to the matter, and recent incidents in Algeria’s waters stand to test their resolve to the peaceful mediation of disputes.

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Increase of Anti-LGBT Prosecution and Laws Throughout Africa: LGBT Rights Continue to Stumble Across Africa

In May 2023, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed into law one of the most harmful LGBT laws globally. With the exception of South Africa, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA) has found that most African nations have anti-LGBT laws or policies and often don’t provide fundamental rights for nonconforming individuals. On an LGBT rights scale, Africa is steadily behind other continents, threatening LGBT individuals and access to global funding.

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Ruto's Rise to the Top: A Betrayal of Working-Class Kenyans

As riots form throughout Kenya, the contradictory nature of William Ruto's new tax initiatives and their effect on the predominantly impoverished population is scrutinized. Ruto's campaign promise to champion the working class has given way to controversy, as his tax policies worsen existing economic disparities and trigger protests. This raises questions about whether Ruto can fulfill his pledge to bridge Kenya's wealth gap or if his approach using such policies will hinder progress in the country.

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White Collar Corruption Constricting Voters in Nigeria

With official results showing only approximately 27 percent of registered voters cast their ballot for a presidential candidate in Nigeria, this appallingly low turnout is not unexpected when looking at recent election cycles considering Nigeria’s history with rampant white collar crime. Corruption is by far the most common manifestation of white collar crime in many developing countries.

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