Africa – Page 2 – Prologue Journal

Hama Amadou, West African Political ‘Phoenix,’ Dies at 74

New York Times An embattled leader for decades in Niger’s rough-and-tumble politics, he alternated stints in high office with prison and exile. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/11/world/africa/hama-amadou-dead.html

Facing Outrage, Nigeria Drops Capital Charges Against Minors

New York Times Dozens of teenagers had been accused of treason and faced possible death sentences, but indignation over their treatment, including lack of food, has the government backpedaling. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/05/world/africa/nigeria-teenagers-charges-dropped.html

Cost of Mpox Shot Deters Americans at Risk, Critics Say

New York Times The epidemic in Africa continues to grow, prompting fears of another outbreak in the U.S. But the vaccine is no longer free, and vulnerable people are going without. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/04/health/mpox-vaccine-cost-insurance.html

Young African Voters Reject Liberation-Era Political Parties

New York Times Political parties that have governed for decades since African countries overthrew colonial rulers are now being challenged by frustrated young voters. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/02/world/africa/botswana-election-africa-youth.html

How Wagner’s Ruthless Image Crumbled in Mali

New York Times The Russian mercenary group operated with little pushback in the West African nation — until it launched one of its most ambitious missions. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/01/world/africa/russia-wagner-mercenaries-mali.html

Botswana Voters Hand Governing Party a Stunning Rebuke

New York Times After nearly 60 years, the Botswana Democratic Party lost its majority in Parliament, becoming the latest long-dominant party in southern Africa to fall from power. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/01/world/africa/botswana-election-results.html

In Botswana’s Election, Diamond Profits Are a Defining Issue

New York Times The party that has governed the country since 1966 could lose power as the economy struggles from a slump in demand for diamonds, which made Botswana an African success story. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/29/world/africa/botswana-election-diamonds.html

‘Dahomey’ Celebrated Looted Art’s Return. What Happened Next?

New York Times Since the documentary’s cameras stopped rolling, plans for a new museum to showcase the treasures have stalled, and the artifacts are once again off limits to the public in Benin. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/28/arts/design/dahomey-benin-museum.html

How Years of Government Failure Led to Nigeria’s Worst Flood in Decades

New York Times After a recent dam disaster, Nigerian officials blamed God, climate change and poor people. But experts had warned the dam was at risk well before it collapsed. The officials did nothing. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/27/world/africa/nigeria-dam-disaster-flood.html

Hundreds Killed in Days in Sudan as War Surges

New York Times Paramilitary forces ransacked villages and killed hundreds of people, activists said, hastening calls for the United Nations to deploy a mission to protect civilians. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/26/world/africa/sudan-war-killings.html