Gender polarisation in voting intentions at all ages but more at younger ages for all parties. The need to - build social relations between ages & genders - address radicalisation of far-right older ppl - act on backlash to racial & gender progress that these figures represent couldn’t be clearer.

Shot, chaser Young men more likely to vote Green than Reform. Young men second most progressive group of any demographic. Combined right-wing vote barely bigger than Green vote alone for young men

British colonialism thrived on narratives like Rudyard Kipling's poem “The White Man’s Burden” which portrayed empire as noble. In this episode, we examine how the Kikuyu and Giriama employed oaths to push back against that lie. Listen to full episode: willthisbeaproblem.co.ke/2021/11/29/2-f…

Analysis: Four men are richer than half of all other Africans combined. Taxing them more feels like a no-brainer – but a lot needs to be fixed before that would truly address wealth inequality.

We already have over 230 million people," [Foreign Minister] Tuggar said. "In the words of the famous U.S. rap group Public Enemy — you'll remember a line from Flavor Flav: 'Flavor Flav has problems of his own. I can't do nothing for you, man.'" lol. lmao www.npr.org/2025/07/11/n...

I wrote this in 2017, reflecting on the colonial origins of the Nigerian police & why these origins illustrate the state's continuing commitment to [violent] order rather than [just] justice. Why a thing can never do a thing that the thing was never designed to do. folukeafrica.com/the-colonial...

A powerful tribute to Prof Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o—writer, academic and radical thinker. Hear voices reflect on his legacy and impact on African literature, identity and resistance. Listen to the full conversation on SoundCloud: bit.ly/4lO8ecf

Why did Margaret Thatcher oppose German reunification 35 years ago? Yes, she disliked the Germans - but her deeper fear was socialism creeping into Britain through the Brussels backdoor, driven by an increasingly dominant Germany. Probably my best research. Let me know if you’d like a copy.

Tribute to Kenyan writer Ngugi, in terms of what his writing meant to African writers. via the @thecontinent.org

🎤 During WWI, African POWs’ voices were recorded by German linguists—often without understanding. Now, their stories are finally being heard. 📚🎶 theconversation.com/african-pris... #ArtsCultureAndSociety

A group of lawyers and civic organisations have formally asked the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights to issue an advisory opinion on the obligations of African states to protect climate-related human rights on the continent in a ‘heartfelt plea for justice’.

Milena Stosic speaking of current youth-led protests in Serbia, mobilising across generations, religions, ethnicities: "Polarisation cannot be healed by more representation alone, especially when that representation is embedded in economic and political structures no longer trusted by the public.

Two MPs are planning to bring amendments to the law in England which criminalises those who have abortions: www.politico.eu/article/mp-v...

Le 1er mai c’est la Fête internationale des travailleuses et des travailleurs Et pas la fête du travail ! Et vous savez pourquoi ? Allez, un peu d’histoire !

The origins and funding of Boko Haram have been intensely debated recently. Beyond this are real people whose lives have been forever changed. Our forthcoming book, The World Was In Our Hands edited by Chitra Nagarajan shares their voices. Hear their truths⬇️

Check out last week's newsletter! Jonathan Rauch's reading list | Spotlight of "The World Was in Our Hands" by Chitra Nagarajan | Q&A with our host Reighan Gillam! newbooksnetwork.substack.com/p/the-world-... @jonrauch.bsky.social @dartmouthartsci.bsky.social @cassavarepublic.bsky.social

Nearly half of humanity lives in countries that spend more on debt servicing than on education or health. That’s a moral wrong. Pope Francis said resolving global debt crisis is a “matter of justice.” To honor his legacy, the world must forgive this debt.

Anti-queer laws in Africa are often framed as cultural defense—but their roots lie in colonial legacies, religious nationalism, and global reactionary alliances. africasacountry.com/2025/04/the-...

In studios across Lagos, forgotten in dusty back rooms, are thousands of discarded photographic negatives. A pair of photographers have dedicated their time to preserving, digitising and then archiving these snapshots from the city that would otherwise be lost.

What a great thread of short stories to read over the Easter weekend - thank you!

‘They were chanting as they killed people in their homes’: survivors describe attack on Sudan’s Zamzam camp

I was supposed to talk about this today at Radio France International but as I explained, my position is the same as the Foundation I'm a member of. The report we at the Foundation submitted to the French Gov is pretty clear on what needs to be done! www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...

Difference in land mass size actual (dark blue) versus the Mercator projection (light blue) usually used. Yes, Africa is that big:).

Au Cameroun anglophone, assassinats et enlèvements se multiplient de nouveau

Today Sudan enters its third year of war. As the world’s largest humanitarian crisis deepens, there are growing risks of the conflict escalating. Let’s hope the UK’s one day conference today focuses on how to stem the country’s destruction & fragmentation. www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-...

Today's quick update [Apr 13]: - On day 3 of onslaught, RSF now controls of Zamzam IDP Camp; widespread violations reported, w/civilian death toll in the hundreds (at least 300 reported killed). - Heavy clashes reported b/w SAF/Joint Forces & RSF in Elfashir city. #KeepEyesOnSudan

Chris Mullin in the Weekend FT

West Africa’s highest court and a pan-African human rights body have ruled the expulsion of pregnant girls to be in violation of legally binding African charters on children’s rights, including to education, privacy, and freedom from discrimination.

“Maned lionesses”. Fascinating! www.newscientist.com/article/2106...

Shehan Karunatulaka talking about Seven Moons of Maali Almeida: “Sri Lanka had a 30 year war and lots of fiction has come out of it. It’s dangerous to write non-fiction. Using talking leopards, demons allows me to explore. Using magical realism is a way to smuggle reality into your stories”

LE MONDE asked me to write an article about American literature in the age of Trump, but then decided it didn't like what I wrote. Oh well. Here it is in LitHub: "Most American literature is the literature of empire."

Activists say some women barter items, others stand in long lines at food kitchens, and some even stay in abusive relationships because it guarantees a roof over their heads and a meal for their children.

Welcome decision given how many people - incl those from minority Islamic groups - have faced arbitrary arrest, detention, and death sentences for alleged blasphemous expression in Kano in recent years www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/nwe...

‘There was always a male gaze behind it’: Madrid exhibition rewrites cliches of female Latin artists

NEW BRIEFING | A Rebel Border: India’s Evolving Ties with Myanmar after the Coup Newly announced border controls could undercut New Delhi's approach to rebels holding most of Myanmar’s periphery. Fine-tuned policies would better serve its ends. www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-e...

THE HAGUE, April 10 (Reuters) - Sudan on Thursday told the International Court of Justice that the United Arab Emirates was violating the Genocide Convention by supporting paramilitary forces in Darfur and asked judges to issue emergency preventative orders.

New: More than 3/4 of the mobile phones, games consoles, food processors, electric fans and toys shipped to the US last year were made in China. The products are among more than 50 items with an import value above $1bn subject to Trump’s 125% tariffs. Free-to-read link: on.ft.com/3Ei8ujf

Coming Apr '25 from @cassavarepublic.bsky.social "[A] deeply moving collection of first-hand narratives from a diverse range of people, living through the harrowing, ongoing Boko Haram conflict. [This] collection provides a profound insight into the realities faced by those caught in the turmoil."

“Double-checking” AI doesn’t cut it, says @heidykhlaaf.bsky.social in @technologyreview.com. When an AI model draws conclusions from opaque, massive data sets, human oversight becomes a myth; and for military intel, a dangerous myth.

Report from the world's largest wholesale market. In summary, Chinese companies feel good about their order books from the (non-US) world. www.lemonde.fr/economie/art...

Ben Okri giving a keynote at HKW’s Surreal Continuum festival: “Europe has lost the spirit of surrealism, forgotten its lessons and so remains as four square logical as before… it likes its art too often to make sense… art is not about making sense but renewing a relationship to reality.”

Excited to be at the #awid forum (and to be using bluesky for the first time) - who else is here?