Latest Stories from Derrick
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%...
Nigeria introduces free cesarean section for vulnerable women
In addressing the alarming maternal mortality rate, Nigeria has launched a free cesarean sections (C-sections) program to vulnerable women and girls in rural areas of the country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria ranks fourth globally in maternal mortality, a saddening statistic underscoring the need for urgent action. Despite the government’s ministry of health efforts over recent decades, limited access to quality healthcare, coupled with the high cost...
Lesego Chombo becomes Gen Z minister in Botswana
The newly sworn-in Botswana President Duma Boko has appointed 26-year-old Lesego Chombo as the Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs. The former pageant becomes one of the youngest cabinet members in Botswana’s history and Africa. The 26-year-old Lesego Chombo's cabinet appointment has signaled a fresh wave of leadership under Boko’s new administration in Botswana. The new government, during its campaigns, pledged to prioritize youth representation, gender equity and progressive policies when...
Nigeria drops treason charges against minors
In a move that brought relief across Nigeria and the world, the courts recently dropped treason charges against dozens of protesters, including thirty children between the ages of 14 and 17 arrested in August’s protests. Nigeria’s recent detention of minors on treason charges for participating in protests has ignited a fierce national debate about democratic freedoms and the treatment of young activists. After public uproar, the courts dropped the charges...
Opinion – AI disrupting Africa’s traditional artistry is a worry
Across Africa, a continent rich with diverse artistic heritage, traditional art has long been a vehicle for cultural expression, storytelling, and heritage preservation. From the intricate beadworks to bold masks, traditional African art has both spiritual and social value, transcending mere aesthetics. Artificial Intelligence’s accessibility and ability to create compelling visual content is impacting Africa’s traditional art forms, challenging both the market dynamics and the intrinsic meanings these art forms...
