NIGERIA LIFTS SANCTIONS ON NIGER
You might call it a case of eating humble pie: Nigeria is lifting sanctions imposed on neighbour Niger last summer over its revolutionary coup. It seems the economic and political pain was too much to bear - for Abuja!
The removal of the restrictions means the borders are back open and flights permitted again, while financial transactions can also resume. Regional bloc ECOWAS - chaired by Nigeria’s Tinubu - recently lifted its punitive measures against Niamey too.
While member states are billing it as an olive branch, it comes right after Niger - and its Sahel allies Burkina Faso and Mali - said they were quitting ECOWAS. In fact, the trio is forming its own, rival Pan-African economic and political union - the Alliance of Sahel States.
You don’t know what you’ve lost till it’s gone, eh, ECOWAS?
You might call it a case of eating humble pie: Nigeria is lifting sanctions imposed on neighbour Niger last summer over its revolutionary coup. It seems the economic and political pain was too much to bear - for Abuja!
The removal of the restrictions means the borders are back open and flights permitted again, while financial transactions can also resume. Regional bloc ECOWAS - chaired by Nigeria’s Tinubu - recently lifted its punitive measures against Niamey too.
While member states are billing it as an olive branch, it comes right after Niger - and its Sahel allies Burkina Faso and Mali - said they were quitting ECOWAS. In fact, the trio is forming its own, rival Pan-African economic and political union - the Alliance of Sahel States.
You don’t know what you’ve lost till it’s gone, eh, ECOWAS?
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Today marks six years since Afro-Brazilian political leader Marielle Franco's assassination.
On the night of 14 March 2018, the 38-year-old Rio de Janeiro city councilwoman was shot and killed in a car alongside her driver, Anderson Pedro Gomes, after she spoke at a round-table event about Black women's empowerment.
Two former military police officers are awaiting trial for the murders. Evidence reportedly shows one of the accused had been monitoring Franco for months. Both are allegedly members of a far-right militia group to which reports say former President Jair Bolsonaro is linked.
Franco had represented the Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL) on the city council starting in January 2017.
On the night of 14 March 2018, the 38-year-old Rio de Janeiro city councilwoman was shot and killed in a car alongside her driver, Anderson Pedro Gomes, after she spoke at a round-table event about Black women's empowerment.
Two former military police officers are awaiting trial for the murders. Evidence reportedly shows one of the accused had been monitoring Franco for months. Both are allegedly members of a far-right militia group to which reports say former President Jair Bolsonaro is linked.
Franco had represented the Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL) on the city council starting in January 2017.
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Continued….During her short tenure as councilwoman, Franco introduced 16 bills—five of which she solely authored—that sought to address the impacts of race, class and gender oppression. Most celebrated are proposals to provide childcare, train adolescents to join the labour force, and support victims of sexual harassment and violence. She also spoke out about police brutality and extrajudicial killings. Right before her murder, she was appointed as the rapporteur of a city council committee to look into a February 2018 federal army deployment in Rio de Janeiro state.
Before joining Rio de Janeiro's Municipal Chamber, she was known for advocating for LGBTQ rights. She was a human rights defender, sociologist and socialist.
A bronze statue was erected as a tribute in 2022 in the city's Buraco do Lume park, where the councilwoman spoke to her constituents every Friday.
Long live the undying spirit of Marielle Franco!
Before joining Rio de Janeiro's Municipal Chamber, she was known for advocating for LGBTQ rights. She was a human rights defender, sociologist and socialist.
A bronze statue was erected as a tribute in 2022 in the city's Buraco do Lume park, where the councilwoman spoke to her constituents every Friday.
Long live the undying spirit of Marielle Franco!
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HOW LBJ TRIED TO CENSOR CIVIL RIGHTS HEROINE
Today we remember Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil-rights leader and community organiser who passed away on March 14th, 1977.
During the 1960s, Black Southerners came together to organise and resist White-supremacy and systemic violence against African-Americans. Hamer was one of the founders, and the vice-chairperson, of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, a political force created to challenge the racist mainstream Mississippi Democratic Party.
Today we remember Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil-rights leader and community organiser who passed away on March 14th, 1977.
During the 1960s, Black Southerners came together to organise and resist White-supremacy and systemic violence against African-Americans. Hamer was one of the founders, and the vice-chairperson, of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, a political force created to challenge the racist mainstream Mississippi Democratic Party.
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Continued….In 1964, in a bid to change things, she gave powerful testimony testimony to the Democratic National Convention, explaining her hardships - and why the Mississippi Dems needed to reform.
This was televised - or it was supposed to be, until she was cut off air by an ‘urgent’ TV press conference that had been convened by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This turned out to be a complete damp squib - Johnson merely reminded reporters that it had been nine months since Kennedy’s assassination! That gave the game away: LBJ simply hadn’t wanted Hamer’s words to reach the wider nation.
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This was televised - or it was supposed to be, until she was cut off air by an ‘urgent’ TV press conference that had been convened by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This turned out to be a complete damp squib - Johnson merely reminded reporters that it had been nine months since Kennedy’s assassination! That gave the game away: LBJ simply hadn’t wanted Hamer’s words to reach the wider nation.
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Victoria Nuland, the third-highest ranking US diplomat, is set to retire this month from the State Department after three decades.
The multipolar world had been taking shape for most of her career, so it appeared Nuland had been trying to keep African countries and other parts of the world within the rapidly declining US orbit. But that did not come without a cost to ordinary people.
Now, perhaps, she will have the time to reflect on her work, one of which was to, quoting her, 'f*ck the EU.'
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The multipolar world had been taking shape for most of her career, so it appeared Nuland had been trying to keep African countries and other parts of the world within the rapidly declining US orbit. But that did not come without a cost to ordinary people.
Now, perhaps, she will have the time to reflect on her work, one of which was to, quoting her, 'f*ck the EU.'
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S/AFRICA OPPOSITION ASKS U.S. TO MONITOR FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS
The South African government has dismissed calls by the country’s main opposition party to invite US and EU election monitors to the upcoming general election.
On 7th March, the Democratic Alliance wrote a letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken - requesting that Washington send a team of observers for the May 29th vote to ‘safeguard against any attempts to disrupt the democratic process.’
An irritated President Cyril Ramaphosa slammed the DA’s appeal as ‘disingenuous’ and an attempt to ‘sell the country to other powers in the world.’
South Africa’s foreign minister expressed surprise at the DA’s request, claiming that the country had in the last three decades conducted elections regarded as free and fair by all stakeholders, including observers drawn from across the world.
What’s your view? Is this just pre-electoral politicking? Or is there a genuine concern about the upcoming ballot?
The South African government has dismissed calls by the country’s main opposition party to invite US and EU election monitors to the upcoming general election.
On 7th March, the Democratic Alliance wrote a letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken - requesting that Washington send a team of observers for the May 29th vote to ‘safeguard against any attempts to disrupt the democratic process.’
An irritated President Cyril Ramaphosa slammed the DA’s appeal as ‘disingenuous’ and an attempt to ‘sell the country to other powers in the world.’
South Africa’s foreign minister expressed surprise at the DA’s request, claiming that the country had in the last three decades conducted elections regarded as free and fair by all stakeholders, including observers drawn from across the world.
What’s your view? Is this just pre-electoral politicking? Or is there a genuine concern about the upcoming ballot?
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Muslims from all four corners of Africa are celebrating Ramadan. We’ve captured some of the most colourful and diverse moments as people pray, fast and enjoy iftar.
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Photo 1: Cairo, Egypt - Muslims gather for a mass street iftar in Ezbet Hamada’s Matarya suburb. It’s a long-standing neighbourhood tradition. The streets are decked with tables and people enjoy the Ramadan vibe. Sharing means caring!
Photo 2: Tunis, Tunisia - A woman prays at the Sidi Mahrez Mosque in the Bab Souika district. The mosque houses the mausoleum of Mahrez Ibn Khalaf, a pious figure and revered patron saint of the city of Tunis.
Photo 3: Benghazi, Libya - Street vendors sell juices and sweets along the waterfront promenade. The Ramadan vibe is reflected in those smiling faces!
Left to right 👉
Photo 1: Cairo, Egypt - Muslims gather for a mass street iftar in Ezbet Hamada’s Matarya suburb. It’s a long-standing neighbourhood tradition. The streets are decked with tables and people enjoy the Ramadan vibe. Sharing means caring!
Photo 2: Tunis, Tunisia - A woman prays at the Sidi Mahrez Mosque in the Bab Souika district. The mosque houses the mausoleum of Mahrez Ibn Khalaf, a pious figure and revered patron saint of the city of Tunis.
Photo 3: Benghazi, Libya - Street vendors sell juices and sweets along the waterfront promenade. The Ramadan vibe is reflected in those smiling faces!
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Photo 4 &5: Freetown, Sierra Leone - Outside Jamiatul Haque Mosque, women prepare food for iftar, which will later be distributed to nearly 500 people. The food is made from donations and these charismatic women are enjoying the process! Respect these ladies, that's a lot of food and fasting mouths to feed!
Photos 6: Midrand, South Africa - Two young Muslim girls arrive at the Nizmaye Mosque to pray during the holy month of Ramadan.
Photos 7: Abidjan, Ivory Coast - In a mosque in Treichville, a popular commune in the Ivorian capital, a young Muslim man reads the Koran. The holy book is studied intensively during Ramadan.
Photo 8: Nairobi, Kenya - A Muslim man reads the Koran as he offers Friday prayers at the Adams Masjid and Islamic Centre Mosque.
Photos 6: Midrand, South Africa - Two young Muslim girls arrive at the Nizmaye Mosque to pray during the holy month of Ramadan.
Photos 7: Abidjan, Ivory Coast - In a mosque in Treichville, a popular commune in the Ivorian capital, a young Muslim man reads the Koran. The holy book is studied intensively during Ramadan.
Photo 8: Nairobi, Kenya - A Muslim man reads the Koran as he offers Friday prayers at the Adams Masjid and Islamic Centre Mosque.
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LOWKEY: HOW ISRAEL BACKED APARTHEID IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa’s support for Palestinians goes back decades.
And according to activist and rapper, Lowkey, the history between them is vital in understanding Pretoria’s tough stand against Israel today. While the world focuses on the genocide case at the ICJ, there are some key facts we shouldn’t forget. Palestinians backed South Africans in their fight against apartheid, while Israel backed South Africa’s racist regime both politically and militarily. Here, Lowkey runs through the details. A history lesson worth listening to.
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South Africa’s support for Palestinians goes back decades.
And according to activist and rapper, Lowkey, the history between them is vital in understanding Pretoria’s tough stand against Israel today. While the world focuses on the genocide case at the ICJ, there are some key facts we shouldn’t forget. Palestinians backed South Africans in their fight against apartheid, while Israel backed South Africa’s racist regime both politically and militarily. Here, Lowkey runs through the details. A history lesson worth listening to.
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BLACK ARTISTS AND COUNTRY MUSIC
Country music owes everything to musical traditions derived from West Africa - and yet, Black artists have generally been excluded from the genre. Last month, Beyoncé became the first Black female artist to top the Billboard Country chart. However, some country stations refused to play her hit Texas Hold ‘Em, at least until online pressure became too much. This clip by @moyoafrica explores the significance.
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Country music owes everything to musical traditions derived from West Africa - and yet, Black artists have generally been excluded from the genre. Last month, Beyoncé became the first Black female artist to top the Billboard Country chart. However, some country stations refused to play her hit Texas Hold ‘Em, at least until online pressure became too much. This clip by @moyoafrica explores the significance.
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BLACK HOST DEFENDS RACIST JIBE AT UK POLITICIAN
A Black British TV host has caused a storm after defending alleged racist comments about a Black politician. It’s claimed in 2019, Conservative party donor, Frank Hester, said Diane Abbott made him want to ‘hate all Black women’ and that ‘she should be shot.’
However, GB News presenter Nana Akua, who has Ghanaian parents, reckons those words are NOT offensive. Listen to her bizarre argument during a televised debate with White author Amy Nickell.
In the meantime, the British Prime Minister says Hester’s remarks were ‘wrong and racist’ but his party won’t return Hester’s £10m donation.
Feel free to pile in with your comments.
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A Black British TV host has caused a storm after defending alleged racist comments about a Black politician. It’s claimed in 2019, Conservative party donor, Frank Hester, said Diane Abbott made him want to ‘hate all Black women’ and that ‘she should be shot.’
However, GB News presenter Nana Akua, who has Ghanaian parents, reckons those words are NOT offensive. Listen to her bizarre argument during a televised debate with White author Amy Nickell.
In the meantime, the British Prime Minister says Hester’s remarks were ‘wrong and racist’ but his party won’t return Hester’s £10m donation.
Feel free to pile in with your comments.
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HAITIAN ACTIVIST: ‘OCCUPATION MEANS
HUMILIATION’
Kenya’s US-backed planned deployment of police to Haiti has hit another setback (phew!) with the resignation of the Caribbean nation’s unelected Prime Minister, Ariel Henry.
We got insight into what’s behind Haiti’s current woes, and why the Haitian people are so against outside ‘help,’ from an activist on the ground - Ezayi Jules from MOLEGHAF, a grassroots organisation on the island
In this clip, he reminds us of just how many occupations Haiti has had to endure and fight against, arguing that it’s a kind of ‘punishment’ for Haitians breaking their chains and founding the first free Black republic.
Hear him out and please also share your insights - they matter to us.
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HUMILIATION’
Kenya’s US-backed planned deployment of police to Haiti has hit another setback (phew!) with the resignation of the Caribbean nation’s unelected Prime Minister, Ariel Henry.
We got insight into what’s behind Haiti’s current woes, and why the Haitian people are so against outside ‘help,’ from an activist on the ground - Ezayi Jules from MOLEGHAF, a grassroots organisation on the island
In this clip, he reminds us of just how many occupations Haiti has had to endure and fight against, arguing that it’s a kind of ‘punishment’ for Haitians breaking their chains and founding the first free Black republic.
Hear him out and please also share your insights - they matter to us.
Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio
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