Category: Africa
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AI Won’t Take Your Job—The Person Who Understands AI Will
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping our world in ways we are only beginning to understand. From deepfakes and misinformation to breakthroughs in governance and public service, AI sits at the center of a powerful global transformation. In this thought-provoking conversation on the MIC ON Podcast, Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji delivers a compelling message:…
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“Be Kind, Not Nice”: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Call to a World Obsessed with Approval
In her 2022 Yale Law School commencement address, acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie delivered a bold challenge to a generation shaped by approval and politeness: “Please do not be nice. Be kind… because kindness is a measure of our humanity.” With clarity and conviction, she dismantles the myth that…
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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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Middle East Conflicts and Their Impacts on Africa
As geopolitical tensions rise in the Middle East, African nations face indirect but significant consequences. This article explores how global conflicts—while physically distant—can impact Africa through economic volatility, disrupted trade routes, and diplomatic considerations. It examines the varied responses across the continent, highlights key areas of vulnerability, and outlines practical…
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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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Sudan’s Civil War: How a Dream for Democracy Turned into a Humanitarian Nightmare
Sudan’s dream for democracy has crumbled into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Once united by hope after the fall of dictator Omar al-Bashir, the nation is now torn apart by a brutal civil war between rival generals. Over 12 million people have been displaced, famine grips entire regions,…
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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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Urgent Need for African Self-Reliance in Healthcare and Development
For decades, Africa has relied on international aid to support its healthcare and development sectors. However, the recent suspension of U.S. foreign aid has exposed the vulnerabilities of this dependency, disrupting life-saving programs and leaving millions at risk. As HIV treatment clinics close and humanitarian organizations struggle to maintain operations,…
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World Bank: Nigeria Retains Its Position as Africa’s Largest Economy
Nigeria continues to hold its position as Africa’s largest economy, reaffirmed by the latest World Bank report. Despite facing inflation, currency fluctuations, and investment hurdles, the country’s vast population, resource wealth, and booming digital economy provide a strong foundation for growth. Foreign investments, particularly in telecommunications and infrastructure, are driving…
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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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Nigeria Parliament Rejects Bill to Expand Islamic Law in Nigeria’s Constitution
In a recent session, Nigeria’s House of Representatives voted down a bill that sought to amend the 1999 Constitution by expanding the scope of Islamic law beyond personal matters. Sponsored by Aliyu Misau, a representative from Bauchi State, the bill proposed to remove the term “personal” from several constitutional sections,…
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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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Kenya Protest 2024: A Turning Point for Fiscal Policy and Civic Engagement
Kenya’s 2024 protests, centered around the controversial Finance Bill, have drawn international attention due to their intensity and broad socio-economic implications. The protests were sparked by the Kenyan government’s proposal of the Finance Bill 2024, which included significant tax hikes aimed at increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio from 13.5% to 20%…
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Policing in Nigeria: Lessons from the American System
Nigeria’s policing system faces numerous challenges, including ineffective crime investigation and prosecution. These issues often result in criminals going unpunished due to lack of evidence or inadequate prosecution efforts. Some Nigerians believe that establishing state (sub-national) police forces could solve these problems. However, my experience in the United States has…
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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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Leadership in Africa: Dictators and Visionaries
In leadership, two contrasting models often emerge: the dictator and the visionary. As I search my leadership class notes, I have been confronted with the complexities surrounding these roles and their implications, particularly in the context of Africa’s socio-political landscape. In this discourse, we will explore the essence of dictators…
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