Galamsey is the popular Ghanaian term for what used to be small-scale artisanal gold mining. It is now often mechanised, illegal and perceived to be clandestinely bankrolling political bigwigs. #StopGalamseyNow
Akufo-Addo has dug himself into a political hole
Ghana’s president has failed to keep a promise to end illegal ‘galamsey’ gold-mining – and protesters are not letting him forget it.
Nearly 740 drone strikes have been conducted on African soil since the very first one that the US military conducted in Libya 13 years ago. Driven by fighting in Sudan, drone warfare on the continent has escalated dramatically in the past two years.
Combat drones are changing how war is waged in Africa
Nearly 740 drone strikes have been conducted on African soil since the very first one that the US military conducted in Libya 13 years ago.
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In February, somewhere in northwestern Ethiopia, more than 30 civilians were killed in a drone strike. But amid official denials and the fog of an underreported war, it was impossible to pinpoint the location of the massacre. After an exhaustive investigation, we can tell war crimes investigators exactly where to look.
Ethiopia: We knew a massacre had taken place. But we did not know where – until now
In February, somewhere in northwestern Ethiopia, more than 30 civilians were killed in a drone strike. But amid official denials it was impossible ...
All Protocol Observed. Welcome to Issue 177 of The Continent. In this week's issue: Geolocating a massacre in Ethiopia with @npub1q5eh...39hj. Digging for gold in Ghana. And a little bit of Africa in Buenos Aires. Read it here: https://bit.ly/TC177 image
Half a century ago, as its empire crumbled, Britain held tight to the Chagos archipelago, which straddles one of the world’s most important maritime trading routes. The fading imperial power leased one of the islands, Diego Garcia, to the United States for a military base. Its inhabitants were brutally evicted and dumped in Mauritius and the Seychelles, with little more than the bags they could carry.
Chagos Islanders confront their postcolonial future
Some Chagossians wonder if they are just trading one coloniser for another.
In some places, sporting talent is the best shot at a rags-to-riches story for children born in poverty. In Uganda’s capital, Kampala, music is a better bet.
Photo Essay: Brass roots
In some places, sporting talent is the best shot at a rags-to-riches story for children born in poverty. In Uganda’s capital, Kampala, music is a...
Big Pic New Year, New Me-skerem: An orthodox devotee prays at Bole Medhanialem Church in Addis Ababa during Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year holiday, which took place on Wednesday 11 September 2024. Happy 2017, Ethiopia! Photo: Amanuel Sileshi/AFP image
Hit-making accordion players are terrorising the nation of Lesotho, moonlighting as hitmen.
Killer musicians are ripping Lesotho apart
The murder of a journalist by gangster accordion players highlights the fragile security situation here – and the government’s feeble response.
Some 37% of Israel’s crude oil is supplied by just three African states, according to new research by Oil Change International. Gabon provides 22% of Israel’s crude supplies, followed by Nigeria (9%) and the Republic of Congo (6%).
Three African countries are fuelling Israel’s war
Together, Gabon, Nigeria and the Republic of Congo are the largest supplier of crude oil to Israel. Critics warn this may make them complicit in ge...