Latest Stories from Derrick
African climate youth activists gather ahead of COP27
Kenya hosts hundreds of youth climate activists from Africa for the second edition of Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice, a platform headed by the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA). Young African climate change activists have been given an opportunity to voice their concerns ahead of Egypt’s COP27 in November. Hundreds are currently gathering at Nairobi’s Kenyatta University for two weeks to voice their concerns. The Nairobi Summer School on Climate...
Filmmaker Lu Ke arrested for exploiting Malawian children
A Chinese national filmmaker, Lu Ke, has been accused of manipulating Malawian village children into saying racist phrases as personalised greeting videos and selling footage on Chinese sites. Last week, Zambian authorities arrested Chinese national Mr. Lu Ke, who fled Malawi after viral videos of children saying racist phrases emerged on Chinese social media sites. Lu Ke was arrested in the eastern Chipata district of Zambia and later returned to Malawi. The...
Understanding the violent attacks in Central Mali
Over 130 civilians have been killed in the recent massacre in Central Mali, leaving thousands devastated. Mali has witnessed a number of attacks since the beginning of this year. According to the United Nations, the country’s security is worsening, human rights are being violated, and humanitarian aid is needed in most parts of the country. A number of civilians have been killed over the past month and last weekend’s massacre...
The UN World Food Programme suspends aid to South Sudan
Approximately 1.7 million people in South Sudan face severe starvation after the UN’s World Food Programme suspends its food aid in some parts of the country. On Tuesday, the UN agency World Food Programme (WFP) announced that 1.7 million people in South Sudan are at risk of food shortage due to insufficient funds alongside an increase in humanitarian needs. The agency planned to provide food provisions to 6.2 million people...
Is Africa’s LGBTQ+ community truly safe in 2022?
Let’s face it, the African continent is still not a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community. In almost every African country, homosexuality is considered a taboo. Africa identifies itself with traditional customs and beliefs that date centuries back. According to the Human Rights Watch, most African nations are still traditionalist and consider the LGBTQ+ community a taboo or ‘curse’. This has led most to shun away from protecting the rights...
Twelve DRC students build ‘Mad Max’ car using waste materials
A group of sixth year mechanic studies students in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have defied the odds and built a car dubbed ‘Mad Max’ using only waste and scrap materials. Anyone remember the classic television show Robot Wars? Twelve students from the Goma Institute of Technology and Industry, aged 15 to 20 years, have spent two years building a car solely from scrapped waste metal. The students - together...
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...
