Author: King Jaja

The late British-Czech anthropologist Ernest Gellner once wrote admiringly about America that it “was born modern; it did not have to achieve modernity, nor did it have modernity thrust upon it.” Perhaps due to this unique heritage, paid for by the intellectual and physical sweat of founding fathers and bondsmen, many Americans, born with the epistemological equivalent of a silver spoon, have never fully grasped why immigrants are deeply fascinated by the idea of America, and why they will defy all odds to enter the country. Clue: it isn’t the opportunity to make money; it is what makes the opportunity…

At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Vice President Kashim Shettima affirmed Nigeria’s solidarity with the people of Palestine, who for the past 23 months endured a genocidal campaign of sustained bombings and ground invasions of the forces of the state of Israel. During the same trip, the Nigerian delegation voted in favor of the New York Declaration which advocated concrete steps towards the implementation of the two-state solution as a peaceful settlement to the Palestine question. Nigeria’s position on the decades-old campaign of terror visited on the people of Palestine by Israel and its Western backers…

 Q&A with Khwai Expeditions Camps’ Matshido Stiekema  A trailblazer in Botswana’s high-end safari space, Matshidiso “Tshidi” Stiekema has not only made her place in history as the first, and still only, Motswana woman to own and operate a luxury tented safari camp, but she has also become a guiding light for the next generation of leaders in the industry.  Through her pioneering work at Khwai Expeditions Camp, she demonstrates that conservation, sustainability, and community empowerment are not just ideals but achievable pillars of success. With a strong focus on mentoring and leadership, Tshidi is opening doors for others to follow,…

Violent demonstrations broke out in Tanzania’s largest city, Dar es Salaam, as the country held an election on Wednesday.Samia Suluhu Hassan, the president, is expected to strengthen her grip on the country against the backdrop of rapidly intensifying repression and the exclusion of opponents from the presidential contest.Social media videos show protesters throwing rocks at police, and a petrol station burning. Internet service was disrupted across the country, the global monitor NetBlocks said. “Live network data show a nationwide disruption … corroborating reports of a digital blackout,” it posted on X.Hassan, a former vice-president who took office after the death…

In a dusty alley in the heart of Kenya’s largest open-air market, fashion models strut down a makeshift runway in bold, upcycled outfits made from waste collected at dumpsites and market cast-offs — proof that even trash can dazzle. Every year, thousands of tonnes of used clothes from Europe, the United States, and beyond make their way to Kenya. In 2023, Kenya overtook Nigeria to become Africa’s largest importer of second-hand clothing, according to a study from the US-based Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Thousands of these bales land in Gikomba market near central Nairobi, where tin-roofed stalls stretch across…

Zuma Rock has loomed large in my imagination for as long as I can remember. I first encountered this colossal monolith in the late 1990s, passing by on trips from Abuja to Kaduna. Zuma Rock is an igneous intrusion made of gabbro and granodiorite located in Madalla, Niger State, just west of Abuja along the Abuja–Kaduna road. Despite common belief, it lies outside the Federal Capital Territory. Zuma Rock, Madalla Niger State (CREDIT: Bolaji Alonge) Back then, the sight of an immense wall of stone erupting from the earth always struck me silent. Its sheer size, with that ”face” bearing…

Since Assimi Goïta’s rise to power through a coup in 2021, Mali’s trajectory has become increasingly uncertain and unstable. Following two military coups in 2020 and 2021, Goïta’s leadership has been marked by a pronounced nationalist stance. His administration emphasizes sovereignty, national interests, and a restructuring of governance, often claiming to prioritize domestic stability and asserting independence from external influences. While presenting himself as a staunch defender of Mali’s sovereignty, Goïta has actively and strategically realigned his country’s foreign relations. This shift has involved moving away from traditional allies such as France towards closer ties with Russia. This strategic pivot…

In SummaryEgypt leads Africa with 440,000 active troops, combining historical military tradition with ongoing modernization programs.Nigeria, Algeria, and Morocco maintain significant forces despite economic constraints, balancing internal security with regional commitments.Smaller states, such as Eritrea, Angola, and South Sudan, exhibit disproportionately high military concentrations relative to their populations, largely shaped by border tensions and internal conflicts.Deep Dive!!Lagos, Nigeria, Friday, October 24 – Across Africa, active military manpower is a key indicator of state capacity, security priorities, and historical experience with regional conflicts. In 1950, most African armies were small and under colonial control, but decades of independence, border disputes, and…

Roberto Lopes, left, and Deroy Duarte of Cape Verde celebrate their side’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with supporters. /CFP Read 7 minutesThe curtains fell on Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and the continent witnessed a unique mix of dominance, drama, and history. Nine nations earned direct tickets to the expanded World Cup while four others will battle for one final playoff spot. From Cape Verde’s fairytale qualification to Morocco’s unwavering excellence, here’s a look at how Africa’s representatives directly booked their tickets to North America. Morocco qualifies with perfect record Morocco became the first African team…

Experience Baganda Culture at Entanda Cultural Village With over 56 unique tribes within a small country like Uganda, a tourist interested in experiencing culture has a wide range of options to choose from. The most interesting thing is that each of these tribes has different cultural traditions, dances, traditional foods/dishes, marriage rites, traditional songs, local building architectures and lifestyles, handcrafts and musical instruments (such as drums) that make them stand out from the crowd. Uganda takes pride in more than 650 designated cultural sites and monuments recognized as important and has two (2) UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other 8…