All Africa
First LookNiger gears up for possible invasion as regional tensions mountResidents in the capital are calling for the mass recruitment of defense volunteers in the face of a growing threat by the West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, which demands the junta reinstate deposed President Mohamed Bazoum.
First LookAllies of Niger鈥檚 overthrown president plead for West to save himAides say Niger's new military rulers have cut off food resupplies to the presidential palace, and that the president and his family are sitting in an unlit basement, hungry.
In Niger, military takes control, with Moscow in the wingsWashington鈥檚 hope of combating Islamists in Niger more by social and economic means than with military force suffered a setback with last month鈥檚 coup.
First LookNiger鈥檚 standoff: Will regional intervention loosen the junta鈥檚 grip?West African leaders are deliberating after Niger鈥檚 military junta ignored their ultimatum to restore President Mohamed Bazoum. As support for military intervention wanes, the west African bloc ECOWAS faces limited options.
Women make South Sudan safe, one explosion at a timeIn South Sudan, women are overwhelmingly taking up the task of clearing the country of unexploded mines.
African teams break through at Women鈥檚 World CupA record four African teams made it to the final stages of the soccer World Cup and have enjoyed unexpected success against higher- ranked opponents.
First LookNiger in limbo: missed deadline rocks Sahel counterterrorism effortsNiger鈥檚 coup leaders have missed the deadline to reinstate the president amid global peace appeals and regional support. The coup significantly disrupts U.S. counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel region.
First LookWhy sanctions to stem Niger鈥檚 coup could backfireEconomic sanctions imposed by neighboring countries following last week鈥檚 coup could have grave consequences for Niger, already heavily dependent on foreign aid. In the capital, people live in makeshift shelters, struggling to meet daily needs.
First LookForeigners flee Niger amid rising tensions, UN backs regional blocEuropean militaries are evacuating foreign nationals from Niger amid threats from the pro-coup group. Meanwhile, the West African regional bloc ECOWAS, with U.N. backing, is preparing to use force against the group that ousted Niger鈥檚 elected president.
These garden towers are helping Kenyans rise above hungerAs a third year of drought leaves millions in need of food aid in Kenya, a simple solution has become a lifeline for thousands of families.聽
First LookNiger is the world鈥檚 third poorest country. Will sanctions end coup?With Niger鈥檚 democratically elected president still under house arrest, the country鈥檚 West African neighbors are pressuring the nation to end the coup. The bloc of countries has already imposed sanctions and will use force if their demands are not met.聽
In Zimbabwean language, 鈥楢nimal Farm鈥� takes on new meaningA group of Zimbabwean writers has translated a literary classic into Shona, hoping it will change the way African languages are seen in literature.
First LookStability restored? Niger coup refuted by president, neighbors.Members of the presidential guard declared a coup of Niger鈥檚 government Thursday, yet the president and his foreign minister have denied losing power. The international community has expressed support for the president, as Benin leads mediation efforts.聽
Cover StoryWhat girls in Malawi gain 鈥� and give up 鈥� by choosing educationWith help from Monitor readers, a 2005 story turned into support for girls鈥� education in Malawi. We check back to see what鈥檚 been learned.
First LookRussian grain deal cut heightens refugee camps' food security crisisDadaab, one of the largest refugee camps, demonstrates how the global food crisis exacerbates malnutrition in refugees fleeing famine-hit regions. Decreased foreign aid and Russia鈥檚 end to the grain deal led Somali refugees to find more scarcity in Kenya.聽
African tech workers press global social media giants for better conditionsAfrican content moderators urge tech giants to provide adequate mental health care and fair pay in recognition of their grueling but vital role.
First LookSudan on the brink of civil war as millions flee to neighbor statesConflict continues in Sudan after tensions between the military and paramilitary聽Rapid Support Forces聽exploded into open fighting in April. Around 3.1 million people have fled, and the United Nations fears the fighting become a 鈥渇ull-scale civil war.鈥�
First LookFree, fair election? Zimbabwe government cracks down on opposition.Zimbabwe鈥檚 suppression of political opposition has increased this year in anticipation of the presidential election, scheduled for late August. Police banned opposition party CCC鈥檚 rally on Jun. 7, sparking protests with freedom songs outside a courthouse.
鈥楴arrating our own story鈥�: Amid war in Sudan, art lovers take a standPatrons of Khartoum鈥檚 Downtown Gallery have collected money for Sudanese artists, joining a movement of thousands of small-scale aid projects.
Meet the women helping rape victims recover dignity in Congo鈥檚 conflictsIn eastern DRC, women activists are helping survivors of sexual violence.
