OPINION

Editorial: What the Berlin Conference Must Deliver for Sudan

On the third anniversary of the outbreak of the Sudanese civil war on 15 April, the German government will host an international conference on Sudan in collaboration with France, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union (EU), and the African Union (AU). Representatives of the United Nations, humanitarian organisations and Sudanese civil society are expected to attend the …

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Recognition Without Responsibility? The UN Slavery Resolution and the Limits of Western Moral Politics

COMMENTARY By Amal Abbass* On 25 March 2026, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and racialized chattel enslavement as the “gravest crime against humanity.” Though non-binding, the resolution explicitly links historical recognition to reparative justice, including apology, restitution, compensation, institutional reform and the return of cultural property. This article argues that …

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Opinion: TIME FOR NIGERIA TO RISE TOGETHER

Victor Oladokun*, a renowned Nigerian media professional and strategic communications expert, has used the occasion of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s historic visit to the UK to make a clarion call to his countrymen and women to unite. Here’s why he believes that now more than ever, the citizens of Africa’s most populous nation should choose unity over division. Victor Oladokun/Photo: …

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Africa’s Bold Stand: Mali’s victory and Ghana’s resolve should be the blueprint

Africa is witnessing a new and assertive diplomatic posture, defined by a confident willingness to demand respect on the global stage. Recent events involving Mali and Ghana have highlighted a shift in how some African nations are choosing to respond to what many view as unfair or demeaning policies imposed on their citizens by powerful states. In October, Mali pushed …

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Nigeria: The Troubled Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari

Femi Awoniyi reflects on the legacy of Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari, who died recently. The general-turned-politician is one of the most controversial figures in Nigeria’s post-independence history. Before his election in 2015, many, especially in the Muslim North, regarded him as a messiah who would rescue the nation from corruption and insecurity and uplift the poor. But after eight …

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Togo and Uganda: When Leaders Refuse to Leave, the Youth Must Lead — Ras Mubarak

Ghanaian politician and commentator Ras Mubarak* turns a critical lens on the long-standing regimes of Togo and Uganda—two nations where autocratic leaders masquerade as democrats by manipulating constitutions to entrench themselves in power. In this compelling piece, he not only exposes the cynical tactics of rulers like Faure Gnassingbé and Yoweri Museveni but also issues a rousing call to action …

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Opinion: How Nigeria should react to a US visa ban

Nigeria is one of 36 countries reportedly being considered for new US visa restrictions. Belgium-based public affairs analyst Collins Nweke urges the Nigerian government to respond strategically to this development. He outlines how Abuja can approach the situation in a manner that prioritizes the interests of its citizens. The reported leaked memo from the office of the United States Secretary …

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Essay: Africa and the Echoes of Toussaint L’Ouverture

Prof. Jason Osai* traces the ongoing political revolution in Francophone West Africa to the legacy of Toussaint L’Ouverture, the Haitian leader who led the struggle to establish the first independent Black nation and free his people from the grip of French colonial oppression. Since 2020, there have been military overthrows in four West African countries—three of which have expelled France …

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Germany: A Struggle for Historical Truth in Public Spaces

Berlin’s image as a progressive, multicultural city is under scrutiny once again. In this article, Amal Abbass confronts the distortion of Black history through a recent exhibition at Alexanderplatz that misrepresented the origins of blues music. She writes about what she describes as a broader pattern of how Germany’s public memory suppresses uncomfortable truths and how the Black community must …

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The Beauty and Burden of Diversity in Europe

In this powerful reflection, Collins Nweke* takes us on a deeply personal journey through Europe’s evolving relationship with diversity. Drawing on his lived experiences as a Nigerian-born Belgian public servant, father and now grandfather, he explores the shift from multiculturalism – living side by side, to interculturalism, where mutual transformation takes root.  Upfront I want to say that it would …

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Ibrahim Traoré: A Chance at Lasting Renewal for Burkina Faso?

Burkina Faso finds itself at a crossroads, buoyed by a wave of popular support for its military leadership yet confronted with the pressing need for democratic governance and economic renewal, writes Colins Nweke. In this opinion piece, the Nigerian-Belgian commentator explores how Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s bold leadership, hailed by much of Africa’s frustrated youth, can chart a sustainable path towards …

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What next for Kenyan politics after the Addis Ababa debacle?

Frankfurt-based Mickie Ojijo examines the political future of Kenya’s veteran opposition leader following his unexpected loss in the race for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government last week. Mr Raila Odinga’s ambition to lead the African Union Commission has officially come to an end, and …

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Nigerian scholar advocates socialist Pan-Africanism for continental transformation

In a compelling inaugural lecture delivered on 5 February 2025 at the University of Lagos, Professor Adelaja Odutola Odukoya, a distinguished scholar in Comparative Political Economy, passionately advocated for the adoption of socialist Pan-Africanism as a transformative pathway for Africa’s resurgence and Nigeria’s development. His lecture, provocatively titled “Armageddon?”, delved into the paradox of Africa’s abundant resources juxtaposed with its …

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What Trump’s Comeback May Mean for Africa by Prof Farooq Kperogi

Farooq Adamu Kperogi*, a Nigerian-American professor, author and media scholar, explores the potential implications of Donald Trump’s second presidency for Africa as well as for Black people in America. He cautions against unrealistic expectations of a conservative cultural revival hoped for by the religious right in Africa and warns of possible dangers to the continent’s economic and political interests. A …

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How President Mahama can navigate Ghana’s economic challenges

Collins Nweke, a Nigerian-born scholar, political analyst and Pan-Africanist based in Belgium, assesses the current situation in Ghana and the economic challenges the country is facing. He outlines his recommendations for how newly-elected president of the country, John Dramani Mahama, who is set to be sworn into office on 7 January, could address these challenges.  —- Next week the good …

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Pambazuka News Calls for Articles

ANNOUNCEMENT The Specter of Multipolarity and Imperialism Haunts Global Africa Since the new millennium, the language of war has been central to the way policymakers, commentators, and politicians interact with Africa. This war-centric framework has radically reshaped the continent, even as the African Union was established with the intention of radical transformation. The War on Terror and reactions to liberal …

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Opinion: Herzberger-Fofana on how best to combat racism in Europe

Dr Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, Member of the European Parliament (MEP), condemns discrimination on the basis of religious beliefs as well as anti-Black racism, and calls for decisive action against all forms of hatred. She makes a recommendation on how to tackle Afrophobia more effectively at the European level ——- Discrimination on the basis of religious beliefs has no place in our …

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Inhumane Treatment of African Migrants in Tunisia Must Cease

By Bakary J. Janneh In recent weeks, the actions of the Tunisian Police Force towards African migrants within the country have raised serious concerns and prompted an outcry from human rights advocates. Reports have surfaced detailing instances of the burning of migrants’ habitats and the destruction of their food supplies, painting a grim picture of a gross violation of human …

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Stop Violence against Women! by Dr Herzberger-Fofana, MEP

Dr Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, MEP: “However, some Member States of the European Union are reluctant to legislate, as well as to introduce, for example, the notion of consent. Yes, it’s yes and No, it’s no! It shouldn’t be complicated to understand”/Photo: © Dr Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana Here’s the message of Dr Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, Member of the European Parliament representing Germany on the …

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Tinubu: Nigeria goes for its rightful place on global stage

Mohammed Idris* writes on the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who assumed office on 29 May, to reposition Nigeria on the global stage as he seeks international partners in his efforts to revamp his country’s economy. He says the country’s citizens “stand on the threshold of a Nigeria that is a true global giant”. Having hit the ground running …

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