Latest Stories from Derrick
Egyptian Gen Zers are fighting against plastic pollution
Egypt is facing a significant plastic pollution problem. However, a new generation is taking action. Gen Z are becoming increasingly vocal and active in their efforts to combat plastic pollution. In recent years, plastic pollution has become a growing concern in Egypt. The country is one of the largest producers of plastic waste in the world, with an estimated 3.2 million tons generated annually. This waste often ends up in the...
Abductions from armed assailants continue in Burkina Faso
Earlier this month, 66 people were abducted by armed assailants in the country’s northern province of Soum, outside two villages in the Arbinda district. For a decade, Burkina Faso has encountered numerous kidnappings by violent Islamists with confirmed links to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) jihadist groups. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), almost 2 million civilians have been displaced and thousands killed over the years. The internal displacement is considered...
Economic crisis forces young Tunisians to migrate to Europe
More than 20,000 Gen Zers from Tunisia tried crossing the Mediterranean Sea in 2022. Economic hardship and unemployment are major causes of European migration, as young people attempt to improve their lives. Tunisia has been facing economic crisis as inflation hit its highest record in more than 3 decades at 9% in 2022. According to the World Bank, the unemployment rate for young people aged 15 to 24 in the...
Meek Mill criticised for filming at Presidential Palace in Ghana
American rapper, Meek Mill, who recently learnt he is part Ghanaian, has faced backlash from West Africans after filming his music video at Jubilee House - the official presidential office and home. Hip-hop artist Meek Mill is popular among African Millennials and Gen Zers. The love for the genre in Africa has grown considerably over the years as Gen Z welcomes international influences within their culture. Most upcoming rappers from the...
Understanding the neglect in Nigeria’s floating slum Makoko
Makoko, the world’s largest floating slum, is located on the Lagos Lagoon in Nigeria. It has a population of over 200,000 people living in precarious conditions, with limited access to basic amenities such as education, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and electricity. Makoko slum has been a fishing village for decades and has attracted many from neighboring countries such as Benin. The residents live in houses built on stilts on the water...
How Cameroon has been ruled by one President for forty years
For four decades, Cameroon has been ruled by one party. More than 65% of its population have never known any other. President Paul Biya’s regime has led to widespread instability in Cameroon. Cameroon has been ruled by 89-year-old President Paul Biya for over 40 years. He is the oldest and second-longest serving head of state in Africa. The country has had only two presidents since gaining its independence from France in...
Understanding Kenya’s transition to clean energy
Kenya is among the leading African nations in renewable energy, currently generating more than 75% from renewable sources, primarily geothermal power and hydropower. According to the government, the country looks to shift to 100% clean energy by 2030. Kenya’s climate crisis has left its northern population without food, shelter, and settlement. Ravaging drought has left thousands of animals dead, children malnourished, and thousands of people forced to flee their homes in...
Thousands of displaced children in Mali have no legal identity
Since 2012, disruption in Mali has killed thousands who’ve gotten caught in clashes between security forces and jihadist fighters. According to the UN, the war has displaced nearly 500,000 people including children. A new report by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) says 148,600 displaced children in Mali do not have a legal identity. Lack of official documentation means children are at risk of marginalisation and potential human rights violations. In a...
Africa’s Gen Z demanded COP27 tackle climate emergency
At this year’s COP27, young African climate activists demanded for actions and not words. Africa has been the worst hit by the effects of climate change. This year's Young Africa session revealed adaptation and funding as priorities to curb the climate emergency. According to the UN, more than 30 million people from the Horn of Africa are in need of food, shelter, and medical services. Despite efforts being undertaken by...
Uganda closes schools early due to Ebola surge among children
Uganda is battling its eighth Ebola outbreak, caused by Sudan ebolavirus. According to World Health Organization data, more than 65 deaths have been recorded including more than eight school children. Uganda has been facing both environmental and health catastrophes this year, putting thousands of lives in danger. Six Ugandan districts have Ebola cases, including the capital, Kampala. Last week, all primary and secondary schools across Uganda closed as a result of...
