Latest Stories from Derrick
Understanding Africa’s Gen Z activism on climate change
How are Africa’s Gen Z climate activists using social media to boost climate education and awareness with world leaders? Climate change effects can be felt across the globe. Africa is most vulnerable despite emitting the least greenhouse gases, only contributing 2-3% of all global emissions. This year, there was little or no celebration during April’s Earth Day. A number of activists, environmental groups, and international organizations condemned actions being undertaken...
Measles outbreak hits Zimbabwe killing more than 24 children
The Ministry of Health and Child Care is battling a measles outbreak by administering vaccines to children in Manicaland Province, Mutasa District, and the rest of the country’s regions. The government has rolled out a mass vaccination in Mutasa District with an aim to vaccinate all children aged between six months to fifteen years - regardless of their vaccination status. According to the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, the Covid-19 pandemic...
Drought at the Horn of Africa causing concern
Countries in the Horn of Africa peninsula could be facing extreme hunger and starvation. If no proper action is taken, over 29 million people will be affected in the coming months. Countries in the Horn of Africa are experiencing changes in temperature and rainfall as a direct result of climate change. Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya are being affected most at present. According to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) meeting last...
Malawi cuts tax on sanitary pads
The Malawian government has cut the 16.5% tax on sanitary pads to make them more accessible and affordable as part of a mission to end period poverty. Approximately 80% of Malawians live in rural areas of the country. With such a large portion of the population based in rural areas, most girls have little to no access to sanitary pads and those who do are considered to be in a privileged...
How will the Russian invasion of Ukraine affect Africa?
The ongoing war in Ukraine could have significant ramifications in Africa, from damaged educational opportunities to weakened economies as a result of disrupted trade. Russia and Ukraine have both played a critical role in Africa's development. Over the years, Russia has provided trade, aid, military training, and paramilitary security in countries such as Mali. Ukraine, one of the dominant wheat producers in Europe, also exports its agricultural products to Africa. With these...
Understanding the Nigerian child soldier crisis
WARNING: This article discusses acts of violence and sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised. The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) is fighting militia groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), who recruit child soldiers in Nigeria. Late last month, a disturbing video was released by militant group Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) showing armed children executing two army officers in uniform. Two militia...
Somalia military court sentences four children to death
Six teenage boys have been sentenced by a military court over involvement with armed groups. Four of them were sentenced to death while two who are aged 16 have been sentenced to 30 and 20 years imprisonment. In October 2020, six teenage boys were arrested by Somali authorities in the north-central city of Galkayo over their involvement with armed groups terrorizing the country. On Friday, the military court sentenced four...
South Africa looks to improve education in rural areas
In rural South Africa, education performance in science, technology, engineering and mathematics among girls has been a major problem despite efforts to create educational equality. Despite the government’s efforts in upgrading the learning conditions in South Africa rural areas, the country’s education system remains a major problem for students in remote areas. Rural schools face various challenges, including insufficient state funding and a lack of adequate learning resources. Some girls...
Burkina Faso Coup: military overthrows President Kaboré
Earlier this week, the military confirmed ousting President Kaboré, suspending the constitution, dissolving the government, and closing the nation’s borders. In less than 2 years, West Africa has witnessed a total of 4 coups. This week, hundreds of people flocked to Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, in support of the recent army coup that has been condemned by both the UN and France. Over the years, al-Qaeda and Islamist groups have...
Understanding Nigeria’s northern region kidnappings
WARNING: This article discusses acts of violence and sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised. Across Northern Nigeria, kidnappings have become a source of income for local criminal gangs targeting school children for huge ransoms. At the beginning of this year, a number of hostages, mostly women and children, were released after two months of abduction by bandits. Kidnappings have become a worrying trend in Nigeria, mostly in the north-western region of...
