In the last few years, several encounters between members of the Burkina Faso Armed Forces and ordinary Burkinabes have led to unprovoked confrontations, often resulting in untold massacres of the latter. In the most recent case in February this year, the Burkinabe military allegedly summarily killed an estimated 223 people, many of them women and children, in the villages of Soro and Nondin, both in the country’s northern Yatenga Province. The country’s military authorities have described the allegations as “baseless.” Specifically, communications minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo has accused Human Rights Watch, which first reported the incident last month, of…
Author: King Jaja
In early May, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex carried out a three-day visit to Nigeria. The couple are no strangers to the African continent – prior to his marriage, Prince Harry carried out much humanitarian work including the launch of Sentebale in Lesotho, a charity to assist children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, and joined a team of volunteers in Malawi to carry out elephant relocations, while Meghan Markle travelled to Rwanda for the Clean Water Campaign as global ambassador for World Vision Canada. They last visited the African continent in 2019, where they undertook a Southern African…
As Nigeria marks the first anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration on May 29, some lecturers and students have complained bitterly about the incompetency of the leadership at the Federal Ministry of Education. In 2023, the Federal Government declared May 29, work work-free day for the presidential inauguration and that was the day Tinubu’s government was inaugurated. May 29, also called Democracy Day is a national public holiday in Nigeria to commemorate the restoration of democracy in 1999, commemorated on 12 June. While analysing the stance of the education sector in the last one year, Prof. Francis Egbokhare, a prolific…
Joshua Omeke is a Nigerian born Poet based in England. He has performed at LSE Ubuntu Cafe, been reviewed on Kirkus Review and has been nominated for several awards including the Forward Prize. Joshua has been published in Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, United States and the UK. I REMEMBER… I recall papa Abraham,Whose saddle to venice,Trailed saharan sands,In 1972, he started his journey,Survival of Nigerian civil war, Mapped European routes,At the borders his journey began,By the lake of chad, he met Aisha,Who kept him warm for three nights,In his fight for purpose, He continued to…
Edo Queens made history by winning their first-ever Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL) title. The Benin City-based team secured the championship in a thrilling final-day match, drawing 1-1 against Bayelsa Queens. Although a win would have guaranteed their victory, Edo Queens’ superior goal difference ultimately propelled them to the top of the standings. The match between seven-time champions Rivers Angels and Super Six debutants Heartland Queens in Nembe, going on at the same time, also had title implications. In the sixth minute, Anjor Mary of Bayelsa Queens sent a cross into the box for Mercy Omokwo, but the striker missed…
458 When it comes to finding looks to make your week, comfort and style can go hand in hand, especially with the vibrant allure of African prints. Whether you’re working, spending a relaxing day at home or enjoying a casual outing, African print styles offer a unique blend of bold patterns and comfort. These prints, known for their rich colors and intricate designs, are perfect for making a fashion statement even in your most relaxed moments. One popular choice is the African print kaftan. These flowing garments are not only incredibly comfortable but also exude elegance with their loose fit…
At Iconic Africa, we believe that we all have an obligation to make each and every day Earth Day in our own worlds. Environmental consciousness should not be limited to one day a year, and it is the continuation of a mindset that will make the lasting differences to our planet. According to the Earth Day Network, April 22nd marks the anniversary of what many people would consider to be the “birth of the modern environmental movement” that began in 1970. The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean…
Malian opposition politicians have formed a transition government in exile to rival the military junta in power since a 2020 coup. This comes after military rulers failed to meet a March deadline to hold elections and hand over power to a civilian government. Issued on: 27/05/2024 – 12:52 1 min “The citizen assembly of the civil transition has today elected the members of the government,” read a statement on Saturday, signed by exiled Malian politician Adaman Traore, identified as the body’s president.This “civil transition (government) is the only legitimate one in Mali”, the text said.It named the Prime Minister and…
First, on a personal level: In my career so far, I had mostly attended Western business conferences. Being in rooms full of fellow African brothers and sisters from across the continent felt long overdue, very refreshing, and a win in itself. Connecting with African entrepreneurs, youth, and elders alike, learning about each other’s communities, challenges, and local solutions filled me with genuine pride and much-needed hope for my continent. A special mention goes to traditional African clothes as business attire: how colorful, how beautiful! The second thing that struck me is how clear our collective voice, as Africans, is today.…
Ramy Rabia of Al Ahly celebrates goal with teammates during the 2023/24CAF Champions League Final, Second Leg between Al Ahly and Esperance at the Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on the 25 May 2024 ©Djaffar Ladjal/BackpagePix by Graeme Jackson Saturday May 25, 2024. 21:02 Al Ahly claimed a record-extending 12th CAF Champions League title after they defeated Esperance 1-0 in the second leg of the final, held at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday evening.An early own goal from the Blood and Gold’s Roger Aholou proved the difference between the teams – both on the night and in the…