Category: Africa History
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Fault Lines and Shockwaves: Ethnicity, Greed and Regional Fallout in Liberian Wars
The Liberian civil wars were never confined to Liberia alone. Fueled by ethnic tensions, regional rivalries, and the ruthless pursuit of profit, the wars spilled across borders and entangled neighboring countries in a deadly network of arms, diamonds, and political intrigue. From Ivorian complicity in the war’s origins to Taylor’s…
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Power and Betrayal: How Taylor, Doe and Johnson Drove Liberia into War
In the crucible of Liberia’s descent into civil war, three names loom large: Charles Taylor, Samuel Doe, and Prince Johnson. What began as a coup in 1980 spiraled into a bloody saga of revenge, betrayal, and personal ambition. Each man claimed to act for the nation—but their thirst for power,…
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From Ile-Ife to Benin: The Story of Two Bronze Legacies
For centuries, the kingdoms of Ife and Benin produced some of the most extraordinary bronze artworks the world has ever seen—masterpieces of power, ritual, and identity. While Benin Bronzes are now at the center of global repatriation efforts, the equally magnificent Ife Bronzes remain largely absent from the conversation. This…
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North Carolina Declares June 14 as Igbo Day: Honoring Heritage, Unity, and Legacy
On May 21, 2025, North Carolina made history as Governor Josh Stein officially proclaimed June 14 as “Igbo Day,” honoring the cultural heritage and civic contributions of the Igbo community. With over five decades of presence in the state, the Igbos have played a vital role in shaping North Carolina’s…
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Cape Republic: Could Africa Soon Welcome Its Newest Country?
As discontent with national governance grows, a rising chorus in South Africa’s Western Cape is calling for independence. Advocates argue that decades of mismanagement, high unemployment, and systemic inequality have left the province economically stifled and politically marginalized. While supporters envision a prosperous, self-governed state free from ANC control, critics…
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South Sudan: A Dream of Freedom Trapped in Endless Conflict
South Sudan’s independence in 2011 was hailed as a rare triumph of self-determination. Yet, beneath the celebrations lay deep-seated ethnic divisions, fragile governance, and a dangerous reliance on oil wealth. Within just two years, political rivalry between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar erupted into a brutal civil…
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IBB, June 12, and Nigeria’s History: Truth or Revisionism?
The annulment of the June 12 election plunged Nigeria into chaos, triggering widespread protests and a brutal military crackdown. In Journey in Service, Babangida acknowledges Abiola’s victory but distances himself from the decision to annul the election, claiming security concerns and pressure from political elites. However, critics see this as…
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Rwanda’s Hidden Agenda in the DRC Conflict
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is once again at the center of a brutal conflict, with the resurgence of the M23 rebel group in early 2025 reigniting tensions in the region. As accusations of Rwanda’s involvement mount, the crisis deepens, exposing a complex web of historical grievances, economic ambitions,…
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Kano’s History: The Igbo Factor in Intergroup Relations and Commerce
The rich and complex history of intergroup relations in Nigeria is filled with stories of resilience, cooperation, and occasional tension. One such tale is the Igbo community’s relationship with Kano, a city that has long been a melting pot of cultures and commerce. Professor Ahmed Bako’s inaugural lecture, titled “The…
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ANC, DA, and IFP Coalition in South Africa: A New Era Under Ramaphosa
Yesterday 19th June 2024, Cyril Ramaphosa was sworn in once again as President of South Africa, but this time under a unique political landscape. For the first time in the nation’s democratic history, the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) have formed a coalition…
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Path to State Police in Nigeria: Learning from History and Global Models
The concept of state police in Nigeria has traversed a tumultuous journey through history, reflecting a nation grappling with its various challenges and aspirations. From pre-colonial traditions to modern-day debates, the narrative of policing in Nigeria is multi-layered, marked by a quest for efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness to local needs.…
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Beyond the Binary: Soyinka’s Nobel and Achebe’s Legacy
In the story of African literature, Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe are often spoken of together—two giants who reshaped global perceptions of the continent through their words. Yet, the narrative that pits Soyinka’s Nobel Prize against Achebe’s absence from it misses the point entirely. This piece unpacks why such comparisons…
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January 15, 1966 Coup in Nigeria and Ethnic Dynamics
The January 15, 1966 coup in Nigeria remains a highly contentious and debated event in the country’s history. At the heart of the controversy is the question of whether it was an “Igbo coup” or a more complex and multifaceted occurrence. This article explores the arguments on both sides of…
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Apartheid: South Africa’s Scars and Lessons
Apartheid, a system of racial segregation and oppression in South Africa, emerged from centuries of colonialism and exploitation, fueled by economic interests and prejudice. Despite inflicting immense suffering, it was ultimately dismantled through international condemnation and internal resistance. Its legacy is a reminder of the dangers of racism and segregation,…
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Yoruba Resilience: Story of Cultural Continuity in Americas
Millions of Yoruba people were enslaved and transported to the Americas from Nigeria and West Africa. Despite harsh treatment, they maintained their language, religion, and customs. They merged Yoruba religion with Catholicism, preserving their culture and subtly resisting slavery. Their story inspires the importance of community support, religious faith, cultural…
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West Africa’s Coup Conundrum: Is Democracy Losing Ground?
Recent military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea have raised concerns about the stability of Western-style democracies in West Africa. However, the region’s complex history and unique challenges highlight the need for locally-adapted solutions. Despite setbacks, progress is evident, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for democratic ideals. Supporting African-led solutions…
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One-Sided Story and Nigerian Civil War
The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, was a tragic chapter in the history of Nigeria, lasting from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970. This political-ethnic armed conflict emerged from the attempted secession of the southeastern provinces of Nigeria, primarily inhabited by the Igbo people, under…
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Religious, Cultural, and Ethnic Bias: Impact on Nigeria’s Polity
In Nigeria, the convergence of religious, cultural, and ethnic identities has played a significant role in shaping the nation’s political landscape. While diversity should ideally be a source of strength, it has often been a divisive force, sharpening biases in ways that threaten the unity and stability of the country.…
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Load Shedding in South Africa: Causes and Consequences
Load shedding is a term that has become all too familiar to the people of South Africa. It refers to a process of rotating power outages that are implemented to prevent the collapse of the national power grid. In recent years, load shedding has become increasingly common in South Africa,…
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Lobola: Tradition, Challenges, and Solutions in South Africa
Lobola, also known as bride price or bridewealth, is a time-honored cultural practice in South Africa and various other parts of Africa. This tradition involves the groom’s family paying a dowry to the bride’s family as a symbolic gesture of respect and recognition of the value of their daughter. Beyond…
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