With football's Women’s World Cup kicking off today, we’re pleased to say an African player is set to make history.
Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina will be the first to compete at the tournament wearing a hijab.
FIFA banned the garment back in 2007 claiming it was a safety risk, but lifted the restriction seven years later. However, before now, a player has never worn one on football’s most prestigious stage.
And many countries, including most recently France, still forbid players from wearing the headdress.
You’ll get to see Nouhaila when the Atlas Lionesses open their campaign against Germany on July 24th. And you won’t miss her - she’s the only player out of 736 at the tournament that’ll be wearing a hijab.
Morocco are making their tournament debut along with fellow Africans Zambia. South Africa have also qualified along with the continent’s strongest side Nigeria.
Good luck to them all as they aim for glory down under.
The tournament’s being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina will be the first to compete at the tournament wearing a hijab.
FIFA banned the garment back in 2007 claiming it was a safety risk, but lifted the restriction seven years later. However, before now, a player has never worn one on football’s most prestigious stage.
And many countries, including most recently France, still forbid players from wearing the headdress.
You’ll get to see Nouhaila when the Atlas Lionesses open their campaign against Germany on July 24th. And you won’t miss her - she’s the only player out of 736 at the tournament that’ll be wearing a hijab.
Morocco are making their tournament debut along with fellow Africans Zambia. South Africa have also qualified along with the continent’s strongest side Nigeria.
Good luck to them all as they aim for glory down under.
The tournament’s being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
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KENYAN PROTESTS TURN DEADLY
The latest countrywide protests in Kenya have killed at least two people in the capital.
Thousands are taking to the streets in another three-day demonstration called by the opposition against the government.
There’s anger over new tax hikes in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.
So far, Nairobi has witnessed the worst violence with rioters throwing rocks after police fired teargas.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
The latest countrywide protests in Kenya have killed at least two people in the capital.
Thousands are taking to the streets in another three-day demonstration called by the opposition against the government.
There’s anger over new tax hikes in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.
So far, Nairobi has witnessed the worst violence with rioters throwing rocks after police fired teargas.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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MEDICAL COLONIALISM IN AFRICA
Drug research is vital. But there seems to be a worrying trend of Big Pharma waiting in the wings for the next virus outbreak in Africa so it can run the first human trials of some new experimental drug on us. Whether it’s Ebola, Marburg or Covid - newly developed Western jabs with uncertain health impacts are first rolled out en masse as ‘aid’ to the continent. It’s a tricky issue. Of course making medicines and vaccines cheaply available to all is a priority. But why don’t they also give us more of the tried-and-tested stuff? Investigative Journalist @dancohen3000 shares some of his thoughts with us.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
Drug research is vital. But there seems to be a worrying trend of Big Pharma waiting in the wings for the next virus outbreak in Africa so it can run the first human trials of some new experimental drug on us. Whether it’s Ebola, Marburg or Covid - newly developed Western jabs with uncertain health impacts are first rolled out en masse as ‘aid’ to the continent. It’s a tricky issue. Of course making medicines and vaccines cheaply available to all is a priority. But why don’t they also give us more of the tried-and-tested stuff? Investigative Journalist @dancohen3000 shares some of his thoughts with us.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
THE AFRICAN SPARTACUS
Have you heard of the African Spartacus? Well, his name was Ganga Zumba meaning “God’s priest” in Kikongo, a language spoken in the Kongo Empire based in present-day Angola.
He was born there in 1630, but was enslaved and shipped to work on Portuguese plantations in Brazil. He managed to escape, raised an army of fellow African captives and they founded their own Kingdom of Palmares with a palace and court. It was built between Alagoas and Penambuco, in northeastern Brazil.
Also known as Quilombo dos Palmares, the kingdom was home to around 10-20 thousand fugitive slaves in addition to other minorities like Jews and Muslims.
It was set up as a collective economy based upon subsistence agriculture, trade and communal land ownership. But as with many pursuits of freedom, it had a tragic ending.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
Have you heard of the African Spartacus? Well, his name was Ganga Zumba meaning “God’s priest” in Kikongo, a language spoken in the Kongo Empire based in present-day Angola.
He was born there in 1630, but was enslaved and shipped to work on Portuguese plantations in Brazil. He managed to escape, raised an army of fellow African captives and they founded their own Kingdom of Palmares with a palace and court. It was built between Alagoas and Penambuco, in northeastern Brazil.
Also known as Quilombo dos Palmares, the kingdom was home to around 10-20 thousand fugitive slaves in addition to other minorities like Jews and Muslims.
It was set up as a collective economy based upon subsistence agriculture, trade and communal land ownership. But as with many pursuits of freedom, it had a tragic ending.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
Continued- THE AFRICAN SPARTACUS
The Portuguese offered a peace treaty with Zumba, stipulating he could not accept more runaways, and the kingdom was relocated.
He agreed, but his nephew didn't and staged a coup against him. Zumba was poisoned later that year, and his people were eventually overrun by the Portuguese and re-enslaved.
His amazing story was turned into a Brazilian film in 1963. And his bravery and leadership has inspired African liberation movements in the Americas and beyond.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
The Portuguese offered a peace treaty with Zumba, stipulating he could not accept more runaways, and the kingdom was relocated.
He agreed, but his nephew didn't and staged a coup against him. Zumba was poisoned later that year, and his people were eventually overrun by the Portuguese and re-enslaved.
His amazing story was turned into a Brazilian film in 1963. And his bravery and leadership has inspired African liberation movements in the Americas and beyond.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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NORTH VS SUB-SAHARAN
AFRICANS?
There's a lot of anger right now between Sub-Sharan Africa and North Africa, and rightly so - considering the horrific racism witnessed in Tunisia and Libya lately. African Stream's Ahmed Ghoneim is back with episode 6 of ‘Africa in 90 Seconds’ - his personal take on all things Africa - with a reminder of the need for solidarity, plus some fine examples of Pan-African cooperation. Well worth a watch.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
AFRICANS?
There's a lot of anger right now between Sub-Sharan Africa and North Africa, and rightly so - considering the horrific racism witnessed in Tunisia and Libya lately. African Stream's Ahmed Ghoneim is back with episode 6 of ‘Africa in 90 Seconds’ - his personal take on all things Africa - with a reminder of the need for solidarity, plus some fine examples of Pan-African cooperation. Well worth a watch.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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PLO: SEIZE THE DAY, AFRICA!
Ten years ago, the African Union trumpeted its big Africa development blueprint: Africa Agenda 2063. It’s an action-plan for upgrading our continent into a global powerhouse over a 50-year period.
But PLO Lumumba wants to know - why wait so long? Many of us will be dead by then! (“No one lives as long as Methuselah!”)
He urges African leaders to take transformative action NOW - to seize the day rather than kick change into the long grass - so that we can ALL start reaping the benefits.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
Ten years ago, the African Union trumpeted its big Africa development blueprint: Africa Agenda 2063. It’s an action-plan for upgrading our continent into a global powerhouse over a 50-year period.
But PLO Lumumba wants to know - why wait so long? Many of us will be dead by then! (“No one lives as long as Methuselah!”)
He urges African leaders to take transformative action NOW - to seize the day rather than kick change into the long grass - so that we can ALL start reaping the benefits.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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ZAMBIAN GIRL POWER ON NETFLIX
There’s a growing thirst for African films and series. Netflix has just launched its first animation from the continent. Called Mama K’s Team 4, it celebrates African girl power and culture. It's set in a futuristic Zambia and based on the childhood fantasies of its all-female writing team.
The continent’s mythology, folklore and history are brought to life. And it’s getting a heap of praise. Demand for African content seems to be hotting up, with Netflix saying it plans to more in the future.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
There’s a growing thirst for African films and series. Netflix has just launched its first animation from the continent. Called Mama K’s Team 4, it celebrates African girl power and culture. It's set in a futuristic Zambia and based on the childhood fantasies of its all-female writing team.
The continent’s mythology, folklore and history are brought to life. And it’s getting a heap of praise. Demand for African content seems to be hotting up, with Netflix saying it plans to more in the future.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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SEMENYA’S TESTOSTERONE VICTORY
For years, South Africa’s Olympic champion, Caster Semenya, has faced scrutiny and prejudice.
The runner’s naturally high levels of testosterone got her banned from competition, during what should have been the peak of her career.
But she’s now won a landmark case at the European Court of Human Rights which ruled she’s been discriminated against.
It’s a sweet victory - but still may not be enough for her to compete at next year’s Olympics.
We look at her struggle, determination and long battle with the powers that rule World Athletics.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
For years, South Africa’s Olympic champion, Caster Semenya, has faced scrutiny and prejudice.
The runner’s naturally high levels of testosterone got her banned from competition, during what should have been the peak of her career.
But she’s now won a landmark case at the European Court of Human Rights which ruled she’s been discriminated against.
It’s a sweet victory - but still may not be enough for her to compete at next year’s Olympics.
We look at her struggle, determination and long battle with the powers that rule World Athletics.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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KREMLIN DENIES THREATENING SOUTH AFRICA
The Kremlin has reacted to speculation in the wake of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent claim, made in court testimony, that arresting his Russian counterpart would have amounted to a “declaration of war.” Its spokesman denied any direct threats or insinuations had been made to Pretoria - adding that there was no need, as “everyone knows what would happen.” The prospect of Pretoria arresting Putin was touted after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him - a warrant South Africa is treaty-bound to enforce - ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit in the country, which was supposed to be attended by the Russian leader. The latter will now participate virtually “by mutual agreement” with Pretoria. The entire episode has reignited calls for South Africa to quit the ICC - including among the ruling ANC’s top brass - over the court’s perceived double standards: it only ever indicts non-Western suspected war criminals.
The Kremlin has reacted to speculation in the wake of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent claim, made in court testimony, that arresting his Russian counterpart would have amounted to a “declaration of war.” Its spokesman denied any direct threats or insinuations had been made to Pretoria - adding that there was no need, as “everyone knows what would happen.” The prospect of Pretoria arresting Putin was touted after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him - a warrant South Africa is treaty-bound to enforce - ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit in the country, which was supposed to be attended by the Russian leader. The latter will now participate virtually “by mutual agreement” with Pretoria. The entire episode has reignited calls for South Africa to quit the ICC - including among the ruling ANC’s top brass - over the court’s perceived double standards: it only ever indicts non-Western suspected war criminals.
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SONGHAI EMPIRE RISE AND FALL
Africa's Songhai people are known for their traditional farming lifestyle , but not long ago they ran one of the world's most powerful kingdoms. So what happened? We look at the rapid rise and fall of the Songhai Empire.
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Africa's Songhai people are known for their traditional farming lifestyle , but not long ago they ran one of the world's most powerful kingdoms. So what happened? We look at the rapid rise and fall of the Songhai Empire.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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EGYPT BANS TRAVIS SCOTT
FOR AFROCENTRISM?
Another big-name African in America has reportedly been banned from performing in Egypt. The latter country’s Musicians Syndicate is said to be outraged by rapper Travis Scott’s Afrocentric beliefs - though US promoters deny the plug has been pulled on his July 28th gig at the Giza pyramids. Certain Egyptian groups have been calling for the event to be cancelled.
As we await clarity, let’s remember that comedian Kevin Hart found himself in the same predicament earlier this year, while the recent Netflix film about Cleopatra starring a Black lead also left many Egyptians livid.
What is clear to us is that Black Africans were an integral part of ancient Egyptian civilisation and achievements, and that no amount of outrage, denials and no-platforming will change that fact.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
FOR AFROCENTRISM?
Another big-name African in America has reportedly been banned from performing in Egypt. The latter country’s Musicians Syndicate is said to be outraged by rapper Travis Scott’s Afrocentric beliefs - though US promoters deny the plug has been pulled on his July 28th gig at the Giza pyramids. Certain Egyptian groups have been calling for the event to be cancelled.
As we await clarity, let’s remember that comedian Kevin Hart found himself in the same predicament earlier this year, while the recent Netflix film about Cleopatra starring a Black lead also left many Egyptians livid.
What is clear to us is that Black Africans were an integral part of ancient Egyptian civilisation and achievements, and that no amount of outrage, denials and no-platforming will change that fact.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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KWAME TURE: ONE-SIDED
NARRATIVES
One-sided views are dangerous and often pushed to suit the interests of an oppressor.
Whether it’s colonisers stifling the voice of the colonised, or the rich justifying their wealth while ignoring the poor, examples are endless.
Pan-Africanist Kwame Ture was only too aware of how the media spin stories. He grew up in the US and became a prominent pan-African organiser. And delivered timeless speeches like this one, where he gives some striking examples.
After all, shouldn't the voice of Palestinians be heard? Why do cowboys symbolise freedom and bravery when it was the Indians who were defending their ancestral lands? Listen to this clip which lays out how the game was (and still is) played. It's why all voices need to be heard, particularly regarding coverage of Africa.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
NARRATIVES
One-sided views are dangerous and often pushed to suit the interests of an oppressor.
Whether it’s colonisers stifling the voice of the colonised, or the rich justifying their wealth while ignoring the poor, examples are endless.
Pan-Africanist Kwame Ture was only too aware of how the media spin stories. He grew up in the US and became a prominent pan-African organiser. And delivered timeless speeches like this one, where he gives some striking examples.
After all, shouldn't the voice of Palestinians be heard? Why do cowboys symbolise freedom and bravery when it was the Indians who were defending their ancestral lands? Listen to this clip which lays out how the game was (and still is) played. It's why all voices need to be heard, particularly regarding coverage of Africa.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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NO TIME TO DYE? INDIGO, GO, GOING FOR 500 YEARS
Fashions come and go, but some stick around for hundreds of years. For over five centuries, people in the city of Kano have dyed cloth in open-air pits and sold it across the region. At Kofar Mata, dyers use a time-honoured procedure of mixing ash, potash, natural indigo and water - to create stunning indigenous patterns. We travelled to northern Nigeria to witness the indigo-dye tradition of the people of Kofar Mata first hand. And to bag ourselves a few designs!
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
Fashions come and go, but some stick around for hundreds of years. For over five centuries, people in the city of Kano have dyed cloth in open-air pits and sold it across the region. At Kofar Mata, dyers use a time-honoured procedure of mixing ash, potash, natural indigo and water - to create stunning indigenous patterns. We travelled to northern Nigeria to witness the indigo-dye tradition of the people of Kofar Mata first hand. And to bag ourselves a few designs!
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
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From cost-of-living protests in Kenya to chess-playing Angolan asylum seekers in the US - here’s this week's photo dump.
From Left to Right: 👉
(Nairobi, Kenya) - A man sits in front of a car set on fire during angry anti-austerity riots in the capital.
(Abidjan, Ivory Coast) - A woman gazes at an artwork on display at the city’s new ‘Parc des Expositions.’
(Tunis, Tunisia) - European leaders and President Saied seal a €1bn deal to stem EU-bound migration. His policies and inflammatory remarks are blamed for a spike in racist attacks on migrants in Tunisia.
(Al A’ssah, Libya) - Border guards rescue African migrants, who say they were abandoned in the desert by Tunisian authorities without water or shelter.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
From Left to Right: 👉
(Nairobi, Kenya) - A man sits in front of a car set on fire during angry anti-austerity riots in the capital.
(Abidjan, Ivory Coast) - A woman gazes at an artwork on display at the city’s new ‘Parc des Expositions.’
(Tunis, Tunisia) - European leaders and President Saied seal a €1bn deal to stem EU-bound migration. His policies and inflammatory remarks are blamed for a spike in racist attacks on migrants in Tunisia.
(Al A’ssah, Libya) - Border guards rescue African migrants, who say they were abandoned in the desert by Tunisian authorities without water or shelter.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
Continued - From cost-of-living protests in Kenya to chess-playing Angolan asylum seekers in the US - here’s this week's photo dump.
From Left to Right:
(Al Hasaheisa, Sudan) - People sit atop a truck loaded with mattresses and furniture, parked by a key road link in conflict-rocked Sudan.
(Portland, United States) - Asylum seekers from Angola practice chess for a weekly tournament organised by a charity.
From Left to Right:
(Al Hasaheisa, Sudan) - People sit atop a truck loaded with mattresses and furniture, parked by a key road link in conflict-rocked Sudan.
(Portland, United States) - Asylum seekers from Angola practice chess for a weekly tournament organised by a charity.
Continued- From cost-of-living protests in Kenya to chess-playing Angolan asylum seekers in the US - here’s this week's photo dump.
From Left to Right: 👉
(Chester, United Kingdom) - French footballer Benjamin Mendy leaves court after being cleared of rape, telling journalists simply: ‘Alhamudlilah’ (praise be to God).
(Freetown, Sierra Leone) - Supporters of President Julius Maada Bio celebrate in the streets following his disputed re-election.
(Gweru, Zimbabwe) - Thousands gather for opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change’s previously banned election campaign launch. The nation votes on August 23rd.
(Johannesburg, South Africa) - The scene after a suspected underground gas explosion ripped through the city centre, tearing through a main road and flipping over vehicles. One man died, and 41 people were injured.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream
From Left to Right: 👉
(Chester, United Kingdom) - French footballer Benjamin Mendy leaves court after being cleared of rape, telling journalists simply: ‘Alhamudlilah’ (praise be to God).
(Freetown, Sierra Leone) - Supporters of President Julius Maada Bio celebrate in the streets following his disputed re-election.
(Gweru, Zimbabwe) - Thousands gather for opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change’s previously banned election campaign launch. The nation votes on August 23rd.
(Johannesburg, South Africa) - The scene after a suspected underground gas explosion ripped through the city centre, tearing through a main road and flipping over vehicles. One man died, and 41 people were injured.
Hear Us Roar: https://news.1rj.ru/str/AfricanStream