Author: Mimi Mefo Takambou
Millions of Children in West and Central Africa Denied Education Due to Ongoing Conflicts Ongoing conflicts in West and Central Africa have disrupted the education of around 2.8 million children, with over 14,000 schools closed in the regions. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for close to 30% of all out-of-school children globally, with Nigeria, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of Congo being the most affected by the crisis. As armed conflicts ravage communities, access to basic survival needs becomes a priority over education. Violence directly targets schools, causing a catastrophic denial of education. Dr. Ibrahim Baba Shatambaya emphasizes the…
The recent decision by Mali’s transitional military government to cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine has sparked international controversy. Following heavy fighting with Tuareg separatists in the Sahel region, resulting in significant casualties, the government accused Ukraine of complicity in the violence. Despite Ukraine denying any involvement, Mali’s move has broader geopolitical implications, potentially linking the conflict to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine tensions. The alleged acknowledgments by a Ukrainian intelligence official further fueled suspicions against Ukraine. Meanwhile, regional stability is at risk as foreign actors, including Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group, become increasingly involved in Mali’s internal conflicts. The decision to…
Reflecting on African Independence: Successes, Challenges, and Future Outlook Back in 1950, Liberia and Ethiopia stood as the only two African nations free from colonial rule. Today, the vast majority of African countries have achieved independence, with some, like South Sudan, Eritrea, and Namibia, breaking away from other African nations in the process. However, the road to true independence, as noted by experts like Juste Codjo from Benin, has been fraught with economic and regional challenges. The reality of independence for many African countries remains complex, with the impact varying from nation to nation. South Sudan serves as a cautionary…
The Journey to Independence: African Nations Then and Now Back in 1950, Liberia and Ethiopia were the only two African countries that were free from colonial rule. Today, nearly all African countries are independent and sovereign states. Some, like South Sudan, Eritrea, and Namibia, even became independent from other African countries. However, independence doesn’t always equate to prosperity, according to experts like Dr. Juste Codjo from Benin. The path to independence and the colonial legacy can influence a nation’s development, as seen in the different outcomes for Namibia and South Sudan. South Sudan, Africa’s youngest nation, has faced numerous challenges…