OPINION: Conspiracy and Mistrust Poison Congolese Politics

Access to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s natural resources has been largely controlled by a privileged elite, fueling mistrust and violence between competing groups. For people around the world, the past few years have painfully illuminated the toxic effect that mistrust, an inability to access reliable facts, and resulting conspiratorial thinking have on social cohesion and governance. For the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, this is familiar territory. The tremendous potential of their...

OPINION: How Governor Obiano Will Be Remembered

Governor Obiano in eight years democratized political opportunities especially for young people. It is now exactly seven days before Governor Willie Obiano takes a bow. The outgoing governor in following the custom of democratic transition, has been inundated with pre-handover activities in an attempt to finish strong. However, it might have become imperative to x-ray Obiano’s performance in the past eight years and how he would be remembered. Political leaders make impressions that can be...

Women’s Day: Beyond Social Media Pictures and Quotes

“Celebration of the Women’s Day should reflect in our thoughts, interactions and dealings, every single day of our lives” ―Favour Chiagozie Ebubechukwu It is not new to have the walls of social media splashed with pictures to depict how strong, enduring and amazing a woman is. Probably pictures of a woman hawking bread under a very sunny weather with her nose-running child strapped to her back; or pictures of a woman farming or breastfeeding her...

OPINION: Reflections: Former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold on the Dilemmas Diplomats Face

Former U.S. Senator from Wisconsin Russ Feingold reflects on his time as U.S. Special Envoy for the Great Lakes and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other diplomatic roles he has held throughout his career. Welcome to Reflections, a bimonthly series of conversations that invites former senior U.S.-Africa policymakers to discuss difficult issues that they confronted in their careers with the benefit of hindsight. The second conversation in the series features Russ Feingold, who served...

OPINION: Analyzing the Russia-Ukraine Conflict from an African Standpoint

African countries’ reservations on condemning Russia’s invasion to Ukraine can be explored through growing Russian ties with African leaders. Those who did condemn also called out Western double standards on international law.   How will African countries react to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and what diplomatic fissures are likely to be opened by the conflict as it drags on? Early indications are that African countries will line up behind the United States and its...

OPINION: Minister for Education, NANS and Nigeria’s Activism

Most Nigerians do not know how to properly engage their leaders so that all can find a common ground upon which to rely and make progress. The video of the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students – NANS, in a meeting with the Minister for Education was an interesting sight that speaks to the predominant conception of activism in Nigeria as disengagement, labeling, and antagonism. Looking at it, the omission of Nigerian students...

OPINION: Ukraine Crisis Should Hasten Efforts to Rethink Policy Toward Africa

Citizens of African states are natural partners in the fight to support a rules-based international order that curbs authoritarian regimes’ excesses.   By Michelle Gavin, Guest Columnist and Blogger As the world’s attention is riveted by the dramatic and consequential struggle for Ukraine, last week it was a voice from Africa—that of Kenyan Ambassador to the United Nations Martin Kimani—who clarified the stakes in Ukraine for the rest of the world. His defense of rules-based multilateralism and...

If I were God, I would bury these sorry bigots in the pit and muck of absolute disdain

“If I were God, I would yank Petronius, Thrumpanus, Erdganus, and the pus-brained Tucker Carlson, string them out by their balls ...” ―Don Okolo For the world would know no peace some people must die. If you agree with that premise, please raise your hand or mumble an amen. The world is hated by people she is sheltering, despised by those she feeds daily, and threatened by men she has granted everything. And yet, she...

Influence and Ambiguity of Adages —Those Sayings Might Make or Break You

“Every Happening Could Bring About Some Form Of Realization” Vs “Everything Happens For A Reason” We live in a society whereby the statement “everything happens for a reason” is a readily available comment especially for unpleasant occurrences. It is usually a religious as much as a cultural statement. A patient on their sick bed would utter under their laboured breath “I know God is using this situation to teach me humility .” A student fails a...

Soludo Goes To Inauguration With Ogbunike, Anambra Made Shoes

By Joe C Anatune, Guest Columnist and Blogger These days, technology has increased the proliferation of brands in various categories and in the process, making it possible for new market entrants to compete at national and global levels as they can replicate global quality with some guidance. Functional attributes are therefore narrowing. The result of the foregoing is that the factory is no longer where the battle for market share is crystallised. The perceptual minds...

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