Latest Stories from Derrick
Khaby Lame appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
The world’s most-followed TikToker, Khaby Lame, was recently appointed as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador advocating for children’s rights and addressing pressing humanitarian issues. UNICEF officially announced Lame’s appointment during an event in Dakar, Senegal, describing his journey from humble beginnings to a global icon - highlighting the spirit of hope that the organization champions for children. ‘It’s a true honour to be appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and be...
Why did South Sudan ban social media recently?
Last week, the South Sudanese government imposed a social media ban in an effort to curb the circulation of violent content related to the ongoing violence against its nationals living in Sudan. South Sudanese authorities gave a 30-day ban on social media to control ongoing tensions between South Sudan and Sudan’s government. The social media ban was imposed after footage of South Sudanese nationals were shared on social media platforms being...
Understanding Trump’s impact on Africa
President Donald Trump's return to the White House has introduced a series of policy reforms that will significantly impact African nations. President Trump’s changes include an array of environmental commitments, trade dynamics, foreign aid distribution, and social policies, each carrying worrying implications for the continent. One of Trump's initial actions was to recommence the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. This decision mirrors his 2017 exit, which was...
Understanding Kenya’s activist abduction crisis
Kenya has been gripped by a chilling wave of abductions targeting young people, particularly Gen Z, whose voices have been at the forefront of activism and dissent. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) report, more than 85 young Kenyans have been abducted, with 29 still missing and some confirmed dead - since the Gen Z led protests in June last year. The recent surge in...
Explaining Mozambique’s post-election crisis
Mozambique's contentious general elections held in October have turned violent in recent months as thousands turned to the streets, disputing Daniel Chapo’s win led by opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane. Mozambique violence has not only claimed hundreds of lives but also displaced thousands of people, forcing them to seek refuge in neighboring countries. The fire which ignited in October, has seen countless youths clash with police. The presidential result was much...
Tropical cyclone Chido wreaks havoc in Mozambique
The tropical cyclone Chido wreaked havoc in northern Mozambique affecting more than 180,000 people, and once again showed how climate change decimates the continent. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN, OCHA) report, the organization confirms that the cyclone has killed at least 45 people, and the number is expected to increase. The cyclone has left thousands of people homeless and affected the livelihoods...
The richness of Congo Basin biodiversity revealed in new report
In this astonishing report of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Congo Basin, often known as the 'Lungs of Africa', yet again is hailed for its ecological importance. In the last decade, scientists have revealed over 700 more species of animals and plants that were previously unknown to the rest of humanity, in this rainforest of the African continent. This can be seen as proof of the extraordinary biodiversity of the...
UN says 80% of Earth’s land is drying
This year's UNCCD COP16 summit dubbed 'Our Land, Our Future,' highlights the pressing need to tackle growing land degradation worldwide. The latest UN report reveals that over three-quarters of the Earth's land has already dried up for good. The United Nations presented disturbing findings on Monday at the UN Convention to Combat Desertification - UNCCD COP16 summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - that about 77.6% of Earth's land has...
Namibia’s first openly queer candidates vie for parliamentary seats
In Namibia’s elections, two openly LGBTIQ+ candidates, Kevin Wessels and William Minnie, made history by vying for parliamentary seats. Despite not winning, their candidacies have proven the country’s inclusion and respect to human rights. 28-year-old Kevin Wessels and 22-year-old William Minnie made history a week ago as Namibia’s first openly LGBTIQ+ candidates. Representing the Republican Party and the Landless People’s Movement respectively, they had ambition to champion policies promoting equality,...
Understanding Africa’s unmet needs at COP29
The just concluded COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, once again left Africa grappling with unfulfilled commitments from previous summits. Baku’s COP29 brought together close to 200 countries, highlighting the Global South’s critical need for financial support, technology transfer, and capacity building to adapt to escalating climate challenges. Nevertheless, major promises made at previous COPs have remained grossly unmet, intensifying Africa’s vulnerabilities to climate impacts despite being the smallest emitter - 3%...
