Africa – Page 19 – Prologue Journal

Democracy Crumbling in African Countries Once Ruled by France

New York Times A wave of military coups and presidents clinging to power are two sides of the same anti-democratic coin plaguing Francophone Africa, experts say. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/22/world/africa/democracy-senegal-africa-france.html

Climate Change Made an Early Heat Wave in West Africa 10 Times as Likely

New York Times Temperatures in the region rose above 40 degrees Celsius in February, with humidity pushing the heat index even higher. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/21/climate/climate-change-heat-wave-west-africa.html

Extreme Heat Wave Pushes South Sudan to Close Schools

New York Times Climate change already worsened floods and droughts in the young nation. Now, soaring temperatures are forecast for two weeks. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/20/world/africa/extreme-heat-south-sudan-schools-climate.html

Paulin Hountondji, Revolutionary African Philosopher, Dies at 81

New York Times He rebelled against efforts to force African ways of thinking into the European worldview. His thoughts had the effect of a bomb in African intellectual life. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/19/world/africa/paulin-hountondji-dead.html

Senegal’s 2024 Election: What to Know

New York Times Senegal was seen as an outpost of democracy in a coup-plagued region until its president tried to cancel the election last month. He failed, and it’s going ahead next Sunday. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/19/world/africa/senegal-election-2024.html

Gambia to Vote on Repealing Ban on Female Genital Cutting

New York Times If lawmakers in the West African country vote to repeal a 2015 ban, Gambia would become the first nation to roll back protections against the practice. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/18/world/africa/gambia-female-genital-cutting.html

Niger Orders American Troops to Leave Its Territory

New York Times The West African country’s military junta said the presence of U.S. forces was “illegal.” Increasingly, West Africans are questioning the motives of Western countries operating in Africa. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/17/world/africa/niger-orders-american-troops-out.html

Kent Campbell, Pivotal Figure in the Fight Against Malaria, Dies at 80

New York Times Among his accomplishments during a four-decade career in public health, he helped to pioneer programs providing bed nets in Africa. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/15/health/kent-campbell-dead.html

Shabab Militants Lay Siege to Hotel in Somali Capital

New York Times The attack in the capital, which left three dead and 27 injured, points to Al Shabab’s ability to continue terrorizing the country, despite a Somali government offensive and American airstrikes. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/15/world/africa/shabab-militants-somalia-syl-hotel.html

Senegal’s Opposition Leaders Freed from Jail Days Before Election

New York Times The presidential candidate of the main opposition party, as well as its powerful founder, were released 10 days before the West African country is set to hold a national election. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/15/world/africa/senegal-sonko-opposition-released.html