Continued….She resigned after a year and a half, after failing to push through universally free schooling. She was then hired by Zimbabwe to develop school curriculums.

As an academic, she held posts at a number of American and Ghanaian institutions. In 2000, she set up the Mbaasem Foundation, which supports African women writers.

Though she may be gone, the African giantess will be fondly remembered by many that learnt at her feet. She helped us see our own importance and reminded us of African responsibilities in ensuring our survival.

We join Africans everywhere in celebrating her life by sharing this memorable video - in which she picks apart Western mistreatment of Africans, and in which her personality shines. Rest in power, Mama Aidoo.

Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio

WINNIE VS NELSON

Too often, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is remembered as ‘Nelson Mandela’s wife.’ That is only one part of her legacy. Winnie Mandela was a freedom fighter and organiser who was in many ways, more uncompromising than Nelson. Winnie, too, was a political prisoner during the struggle, including a brief sentence she served while pregnant. Her position was that African people must free ourselves by any means necessary. Winnie unwavering on oppressed peoples having a right to use revolutionary violence in the face of colonial exploitative violence. This led to a growing distance between her and the African National Congress (ANC) during the 1990s. She also believed that land in Azania (a name to describe parts of southern Africa, including South Africa) and Zimbabwe must be redistributed to African peoples.

Continued….Winnie spoke out at a time when Nelson Mandela felt the need to compromise on the land question, which has led to perpetual inequality and prolonged settler colonialism.

In her own words, ‘I have a good relationship with Mandela. But I am not Mandela’s product. I am the product of the masses of my country and the product of my enemy.’

In this 29 November 1993 lecture given at Kean College in New Jersey (USA), Pan-Africanist and former Nation of Islam leader Khalid Muhammad railed against Nelson and expressed his support for Winnie.

Let us know what you think of Muhammad’s remarks.

Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio

On this day in 1811, the largest slave uprising in the US got underway in (what is present-day) Louisiana.

Led by Charles, an enslaved labourer from the Deslonde plantation, over 500 Africans from diverse backgrounds sought to capture New Orleans and create a new republic. Inspired by the Haitian Revolution, the rebels intended to form a slave army, liberate thousands of enslaved individuals in Louisiana and overthrow the system of slavery. But despite their determination, the revolt was quelled by brute force 3 days in. Many leaders were captured, tried and executed - their heads displayed on poles along the river to intimidate others.

Continued….The sacrifices of these heroes were not in vain. The uprising reasserted humanity and weakened the institution of slavery. Subsequent revolts were inspired, and it set the stage for the Civil War. The descendants of the 1811 revolt contributed significantly to the Union Army during the Civil War, with Louisiana providing over 28,000 soldiers.

These ancestors exemplified courage and dedication, understanding that the emancipation of everyone is crucial for individual freedom.

Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio

South Africa’s genocide case against Israel will be heard by the International Court of Justice this week. 22,835 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in the last three months. Pretoria claims the bloodshed puts Israel in breach of the Genocide Convention and accuses Tel Aviv of trying to ‘bring about the destruction of a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial and ethnical group.’

An initial two-day hearing at the Hague-based court will begin on Thursday, 11th January. Although the court does not have the power to prosecute, South Africa wants it to issue a legally binding interim order forcing Israel to suspend its military action against Gaza while the case proceeds.

Israel says South Africa’s claims are ‘absurd’ and has vowed to fight the ‘blood libel’. Meanwhile, John Kirby, the U.S. National Security Council spokesman, has also played down the case, describing it as ‘meritless’ and ‘counterproductive.’

Continued….South Africa has long been in solidarity with Palestine, with many seeing similarities between their historic fight against apartheid and the Palestinian liberation struggle.

Following the escalation in fighting after Hamas’ attacks on October 7th, South Africa demanded a ceasefire and withdrew its diplomats from Israel.

Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio

ETHIOPIA’S DANGEROUS DEAL WITH SOMALILAND

Tensions are ramping up on the Horn of Africa after Ethiopia struck a deal to recognise Somaliland as an independent state. Internationally, the autonomous region is considered part of Somalia which has now accused Addis Ababa of violating its sovereignty. For Ethiopia, though, it’s a calculated gamble. The agreement will see it gain access to a stretch of the Red Sea and open up new naval and commercial opportunities. However, the wider question is at what cost? There are fears the provocative move could spark another war in a region already grappling with internal armed conflicts.

Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio

SEAN IN TOTTENHAM, PT 2: ISRAEL VIOLATES INT’L LAW

Thanks to popular demand, we’re dropping part 2 of Sean, our man in Tottenham, England, dropping truth bombs during a recent call into an LBC radio programme.

He shines a spotlight on Israel’s clear violation of international law, violations that its Western backers have chosen to do nothing about, despite their self-appointed position as upholders of the ‘rules-based order.’

Sean reminds us of the West’s main reasons for invading Iraq and Libya: Supposed violations of international law. Yet, they turn a blind eye to even worse violations by Israel.

If the United Kingdom moved in to stop Iraq’s former leader, Saddam Hussein, after he allegedly bombed 110 Kurds, why haven’t they done anything to stop Israel’s genocide of Palestinians, whose death count so far has exceeded 22,000? And after it had been calculated, a Palestinian child is killed every 10 minutes?

Continued….And as millions starve as Israel throttles delivery of relief supplies to a mere trickle? And while hospitals, schools and refugee camps are routinely bombed as part of an ethnic cleansing campaign?

The radio host tamely replies that the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has asked Israel to exercise its right to self-defence within international law.

As Sean puts it, it’s all talk and no action because all the West has done is provide bombs and financial support to Israel, thus being complicit in the ongoing genocide.

Let us know what you think by sharing your comments.

Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio

REMEMBERING SÉKOU TOURÉ

On what would have been Ahmed Sékou Touré’s 102nd birthday, we look at the achievements of the first president of a free Guinea and why he was admired by Pan-Africans worldwide.

Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio

A two-year investigation by the BBC has uncovered evidence of torture and abuse by the late Temitope Balogun Joshua, founder of a Nigerian megachurch - the Synagogue Church of All Nations.

The popular preacher - who died in 2021 - has been accused by multiple ex-members of the church of sexual assault, forced abortions, physical violence and fake miracle cures.

TB Joshua was a charismatic pastor whose televised 'miracles' and enthralling sermons attracted followers globally. Sporting celebrities and some African presidents have also visited his church.

The megachurch has been dogged by controversy since its founding in the late 1980s. In 2014, a guesthouse operated by the church within its premises in Lagos collapsed, killing 116 followers, 84 of them from South Africa. A Lagos court charged the megachurch with criminal negligence after finding out that the building had not received planning approval from authorities.

Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio

On December 6th, 2023, Burkina Faso adopted a bill to change its official language from French to four African languages: Mooré, Dioula, Fulfude and Bissa.

Like neighbour (and fellow Alliance of Sahel States member) Mali, Ouagadougou has demoted French to the status of a working language - meaning that, for the time being, it will still be used for governmental and educational purposes as the country transitions away from French influence.

English was also granted the status of a working language.

It’s expected that, in the future, more emphasis will be placed on developing governmental and educational materials using Burkina Faso's now-official local languages.

What do you think about this major move by Ibrahim Traoré’s government?

Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio

17-YEAR-OLD PRODIGY SISTER’S PHD FLEX!

Most bright young things planning to go to university are still busy making applications by the age of 17. But not Dorothy Jean Tillman. This sister has broken new ground in mental-health research to earn herself a doctorate from the University of Arizona! While she’s clearly smarter than the rest of us, her story is an inspiration - particularly for Africans in America, for whom educational institutions have often been a systemic barrier rather than a place of empowerment.

Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio

RAPPER CALLS FOR FREE CONGO

Grime music MC and rapper Ghetts in December was interviewed on UK-based ITV News about inspiring his community in England and donating to sports projects that support young people.

As the interview came to an end, the legendary rapper took the opportunity to call for a free Congo as well as a ceasefire in Palestine. However, the presenter cut him off, saying, ‘We don’t get into politics.’ This comes despite the ITV news programme reporting every day on politics.

Who knew calling for peace and justice would be so controversial?

Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio

WHY SOUTH AFRICA HAS NO NAME

Why is South Africa named after its location?

Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio

NIGER NATIONALISES WATER

After 22 years of French monopoly over its drinking water, Niger's new government has nationalised the water sector. The government of Abdourahamane Tchiani came to power in July 2023 via a military coup. Now it has created a new state-owned water company, La Nigérienne des Eaux.

Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio

GALLOWAY: WESTERN DEMOCRACY A FAILURE

Whenever the West preaches about ‘democracy’, it often leaves one question unanswered: Democracy for whom? In this video clip from Beijing, George Galloway rips the mask off. The former UK Member of Parliament argues the differences between Western political parties are mostly aesthetic, as ‘both sides’ band together to further Western interests, when it comes down to it. The reality is no political party has done much to improve the lives of their citizens.

China has been demonised in the West as being an ‘autocratic’ state. However, the country is responsible for perhaps the biggest improvement in living conditions for humanity. From 1979 to 2019, China lifted about 800 million people out of poverty, equivalent to more than 10 times Kenya’s population. Its home ownership rate is more than 90 per cent.

Continued….While the United States was bombing West Asia and Africa, and jailing journalists who dared expose their crimes, China has been building high-speed rail and investing in technologies of the future, such as artificial intelligence and robotics.

As Africa kicks development into high gear, pressure to emulate the West has been unrelenting. For example, we saw the French-backed Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sanction and threaten to invade Niger after a Western darling was ousted last year. Meanwhile, the new military governments of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso seem to be part of a very small club, advancing their people’s interests.

Are Africans comfortable with Western-style leadership or is there a need to reconvene and strategise? Let us know in the comments.

Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio

CHALLENGING WESTERN NARRATIVES ON AFRICA

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, author of 'Americanah,' 'Half of a Yellow Sun' and 'Purple Hibiscus,' delivered a powerful speech at the 2019 Hilton Humanitarian Symposium and Prize Ceremony. The event's theme was 'The Future of Humanitarian Action: Seeking Higher Ground,' as it was held in Beverly Hills, California, USA.

In this speech excerpt, she said a US professor said her first novel lacked 'African authenticity.' She pointed out that when Africans are not poor or when they drive cars, people in the West do not consider that African enough. We must take a page from the award-winning author's book and reclaim our narrative of what is African.

Do you agree with Adichie? Let us know below.

Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio

FUN TIMES WITH BLOOD DIAMONDS

'Blood diamonds' are the term for gemstones mined in a war zone and sold to finance an insurgency, an invading army's war efforts, terrorism, or a warlord's activity. Statistic vary, but as much as 15 per cent of diamonds in the world have their origins in conflict.

Nevertheless, a young person from the United States recounts a recent date with a blood-diamonds dealer, who took her from South Africa to Uganda to exchange the gems for cash.