Latest Stories from Derrick
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...
Ethiopian civilians killed in Tigray drone strike
Ethiopia has been facing a humanitarian crisis for more than a year. Monday and Tuesday’s drone strikes have killed and wounded more women and children according to local reports. Over the past two days, Ethiopia’s war-stricken region, Tigray, has experienced drone strikes killing 19 people and injuring dozens. On Monday, in Mai Tsebri town, a deadly attack left 17 people dead at a flour mill, with dozens injured and 16 donkeys...
Sudan’s prime minister resigns amid mass protests over military dictatorship
January 1st 2022 marked 66 years of Sudan’s independence. The following day, prime minister Abdalla Hamdok resigned - leaving the military in full control. On Sunday 2nd January, prime minister Abdalla Hamdok announced his resignation as the head of the civilian government. In an evening televised address, Mr. Hamdok said, ‘I have tried my best to stop the country from sliding into disaster. Sudan is now crossing a dangerous turning point...
New HIV infections among African Gen Zers pose health threat
According to the UNAIDS, sub-Saharan Africa remains the most vulnerable to continuous new HIV infections among young people from 15 - 24 years. Despite efforts made by international bodies and governments to control HIV infections, the Covid-19 pandemic has slowed progress significantly. Last month, The UNAIDS warned the world could face 7.7 million AIDS related deaths in a 10-year period. Usual prevention and treatment services were hugely disrupted by the...
Understanding the African malaria problem
Malaria killed more than 600,000 people in 2020, according to a WHO report, with Africa being home to 95% of cases. The approved RTS,S vaccine could help change that. The approval of the world’s first malaria vaccine RTS,S is a major breakthrough in the fight against a disease predominantly affecting African citizens. This new vaccine could help save tens of thousands of young children, and requires four doses given after five...
