Simon Allison
@simonallison.bsky.social
1.8K followers 440 following 33 posts
Newspaper person. Co-founder @thecontinent.org
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Reposted by Simon Allison
zekuzelalem.bsky.social
THREAD: this investigation took up over half my year, but it's here in @thecontinent.org:
A Djiboutian drone strike in January was depicted as a army operation targeting rebels. It was actually a massacre of civilians. The bloodshed & coverup implicating Ethiopia, Djibouti, France & Turkiye.
#OSINT
The Continent 27 SEPTEMBER 2025 | ISSUE 215
 15
 INVESTIGATION
 The Djiboutian massacre 
Ethiopia won’t acknowledge
 Djibouti drones killed eight people on the other side of its 
border with Ethiopia. Djibouti claimed they were terrorists. 
Ethiopia said nothing. This investigation found that some of 
the dead were Ethiopians, revealing another episode in Addis’s 
tendency to let its neighbours kill its citizens with impunity. 
Crossing the line: Djibouti’s bombs landed inside Ethiopia, killing civilians – not armed fighters.
 zecharias zelalem 
On 30 January this year, a drone manned 
from Djibouti dropped a bomb on a 
funeral gathering in Siyaru, a remote, 
semi-arid village near the Ethiopia
Djibouti border. As rescuers rushed in, a 
second bomb dropped. And then a third.
 At least eight people were killed, 
including three children. Several 
others were injured. Given the village’s 
remoteness, the incident might have 
gone unreported if graphic images of 
the dead hadn’t spread across Ethiopian 
social media. 
A statement from the Djibouti’s 
defence ministry said the drone struck 
rebel fighters from the Front for the 
 Restoration of Unity and Democracy 
(Frud), a Djiboutian political party with 
a military wing. It has been fighting for 
Afar interests in Djibouti since the 1990s. 
The Afar are a community split by the 
colonial border separating Ethiopia, 
Djibouti, and Eritrea. 
“Eight terrorists were neutralised on 
site,” said a Djibouti military statement. 
“Unfortunately, collateral damage 
among Djiboutian civilians in the area 
has been documented.” 
International media, including Voice 
of America, Agence France Presse, and 
Radio France Internationale reported 
this version of events.
 Now, new findings from an open
In recovery: Mariam Mohammed Abdullah was 
injured in the drone strike.
 source investigation by The Continent 
reveal a different reality. 
The bombs landed inside Ethiopia, 
not in Djibouti, and civilians – not armed 
fighters – were killed. That distinction 
matters. It shows Ethiopia is once again 
tolerating a foreign military targeting its 
own citizens, as it did with Eritrea during 
the Tigray conflict.
 A transparent lie
 Even before the ink could dry on the 
Djiboutian military’s statement, The 
Addis Standard and human rights groups 
in Djibouti were emphatic that the strike 
had actually occurred inside Ethiopia’s 
Afar region. But Alexis Mohamed, an 
adviser to Djiboutian President Ismaïl 
Omar Guelleh, rubbished these reports 
in now-deleted social media posts.
 The Continent got to work to figure out 
what really happened. Over the course 
of eight months, we collected eyewitness 
testimonies, interviewed human rights 
activists in Ethiopia and Djibouti, and 
examined images and footage from the 
strike. Our findings align with those of 
Djiboutian activists, who pinpointed 
Siyaru in Ethiopia’s Afar region as the 
site of the strike. 
The ammunition residue found on the 
night of the strike confirms the bomb 
was manufactured by Roketsan, a state
run weapons manufacturer in Türkiye. 
Former US army explosives expert 
Trevor Ball identified t…
simonallison.bsky.social
This is never not an option
simonallison.bsky.social
Help us name a newspaper. Every vote counts.
thecontinent.org
📰 We’ll be back on 18 Oct — with a new member of the family.

The Continent is launching a South Africa–focused sibling. We need your help choosing its name. Cast your vote here 👇
Help us name a new SA newspaper.
South Africa needs a new national newspaper. Help us name it.
tally.so
Reposted by Simon Allison
thecontinent.org
📰 We’ll be back on 18 Oct — with a new member of the family.

The Continent is launching a South Africa–focused sibling. We need your help choosing its name. Cast your vote here 👇
Help us name a new SA newspaper.
South Africa needs a new national newspaper. Help us name it.
tally.so
Reposted by Simon Allison
thecontinent.org
All Protocol Observed.

Welcome to Issue 215 of The Continent.

Egypt’s bid to stamp out dissent has created a screen-to-prison pipeline. Children lured through gaming are jailed without trial — on terror charges.

Read it here: bit.ly/TC_215
This is the cover for The Continent, dated 27 September 2025, Issue 215.
 At the bottom, in the center, there is a young man standing inside a cage made of iron bars, symbolizing imprisonment. He faces forward, holding onto the bars, with a barren desert landscape stretching behind him. Oil rigs and a windmill are scattered in the background.
Above his head, glowing in pink and purple tones, are two giant screens resembling video game interfaces. They show cartoonish avatars, guns, and reward icons like coins and badges, with the word “REWARDS” prominently displayed. One line of text on the screens reads: “Complete missions to get rewards!”
The overall effect links video gaming and digital rewards with imprisonment, echoing the cover story’s title printed at the bottom:
“Egypt’s screen to prison pipeline.” It is illustrated by Wynona Mutisi.
Reposted by Simon Allison
athenakugblenu.bsky.social
Weekend reading
thecontinent.org
All Protocol Observed

Welcome to Issue 214 of The Continent

The shoes and handbags cost thousands. The workers earn just enough to eat. Inside Kano’s leather pits — and the quiet fight for change.

Read it here: bit.ly/214_TC
This is the cover of issue 214 of The Continent. It’s a picture by Temiloluwa Johnson. 
The headline reads: “Genuine Italian leather - straight outta Nigeria”.
It features a man standing in front of a small workshop. The shop has a corrugated metal roof and a wooden beam holding up the front. A painted sign above him reads “ABDULLAHI HARUNA LITTAHAFIZUL” in faded blue and red letters.
The barefoot man is wearing a cap and a dark striped shirt. He is holding up a large, bright red animal hide in front of him. Around him, several other hides in shades of red, yellow, and brown are draped over a low cement wall..
The overall scene gives the impression of a traditional leather workshop, with the man working on dyed hides for sale or processing. 
At the top, in bold black letters on a pale yellow background, is the headline:
“Reading is resistance.”
Below it, there is a cartoon illustration of Astro. The character is holding up a large newspaper that almost covers its whole body. On either side of it are tall stacks of colorful books.
Under the illustration, there is a line of text that reads:
“We deliver Africa’s leading independent newspaper to your device, for free, every Saturday morning: thecontinent.org/subscribe”
Reposted by Simon Allison
spinster777.bsky.social
I've been really enjoying these! Would love to know if a similar newspaper exists for the Caribbean. 🖤🖤

#diaspora #Caribbean #Africa #news #Blacksky
thecontinent.org
All Protocol Observed

Welcome to Issue 214 of The Continent

The shoes and handbags cost thousands. The workers earn just enough to eat. Inside Kano’s leather pits — and the quiet fight for change.

Read it here: bit.ly/214_TC
This is the cover of issue 214 of The Continent. It’s a picture by Temiloluwa Johnson. 
The headline reads: “Genuine Italian leather - straight outta Nigeria”.
It features a man standing in front of a small workshop. The shop has a corrugated metal roof and a wooden beam holding up the front. A painted sign above him reads “ABDULLAHI HARUNA LITTAHAFIZUL” in faded blue and red letters.
The barefoot man is wearing a cap and a dark striped shirt. He is holding up a large, bright red animal hide in front of him. Around him, several other hides in shades of red, yellow, and brown are draped over a low cement wall..
The overall scene gives the impression of a traditional leather workshop, with the man working on dyed hides for sale or processing. 
At the top, in bold black letters on a pale yellow background, is the headline:
“Reading is resistance.”
Below it, there is a cartoon illustration of Astro. The character is holding up a large newspaper that almost covers its whole body. On either side of it are tall stacks of colorful books.
Under the illustration, there is a line of text that reads:
“We deliver Africa’s leading independent newspaper to your device, for free, every Saturday morning: thecontinent.org/subscribe”
Reposted by Simon Allison
thecontinent.org
All Protocol Observed

Welcome to Issue 214 of The Continent

The shoes and handbags cost thousands. The workers earn just enough to eat. Inside Kano’s leather pits — and the quiet fight for change.

Read it here: bit.ly/214_TC
This is the cover of issue 214 of The Continent. It’s a picture by Temiloluwa Johnson. 
The headline reads: “Genuine Italian leather - straight outta Nigeria”.
It features a man standing in front of a small workshop. The shop has a corrugated metal roof and a wooden beam holding up the front. A painted sign above him reads “ABDULLAHI HARUNA LITTAHAFIZUL” in faded blue and red letters.
The barefoot man is wearing a cap and a dark striped shirt. He is holding up a large, bright red animal hide in front of him. Around him, several other hides in shades of red, yellow, and brown are draped over a low cement wall..
The overall scene gives the impression of a traditional leather workshop, with the man working on dyed hides for sale or processing. 
At the top, in bold black letters on a pale yellow background, is the headline:
“Reading is resistance.”
Below it, there is a cartoon illustration of Astro. The character is holding up a large newspaper that almost covers its whole body. On either side of it are tall stacks of colorful books.
Under the illustration, there is a line of text that reads:
“We deliver Africa’s leading independent newspaper to your device, for free, every Saturday morning: thecontinent.org/subscribe”
Reposted by Simon Allison
mininghistory.bsky.social
I'm quoted in this @thecontinent.org story on the slump and potential collapse of Botswana's diamond industry:

“The appeal of diamonds was always partly based on scarcity. And now they are no longer scarce”
thecontinent.org
All Protocol Observed

Welcome to Issue 213 of The Continent.

Botswana bet big on diamonds — and won. But lab-grown stones are rewriting the rules. Is this a slump, or the end of the road?

Read more 👉 bit.ly/213_TC
This is the illustrated cover of The Continent, dated 12 September 2025, Issue 213.
The illustration shows the inside of a dark, rocky mine tunnel. A miner in an orange jumpsuit and yellow helmet is riding in a small blue mine cart along a set of tracks. He is looking over his shoulder, holding a pickaxe, with a worried expression.
In the distance, at the end of the tunnel, a large wooden barrier blocks the way. A sign nailed to the rocks reads “The END”, suggesting that the mine has run out or reached a dead end.
The headline reads:
“Hold ’em or fold ’em: Botswana’s diamond gambit.”
The overall mood is one of uncertainty and exhaustion, hinting at Botswana facing difficult choices about the future of its diamond industry. It is illustrated by Gado.
Reposted by Simon Allison
shonatiger.bsky.social
20 years ago, I worked at a diamond mine in Botswana. We knew even then this was coming.

This week's @thecontinent.org
This week's The Continent cover is an illustration of a miner on a track that ends at a rock wall with a sign saying "The End".

Text says "Hold 'em or fold 'em: Botswana's diamond gambit.
Reposted by Simon Allison
thecontinent.org
All Protocol Observed

Welcome to Issue 213 of The Continent.

Botswana bet big on diamonds — and won. But lab-grown stones are rewriting the rules. Is this a slump, or the end of the road?

Read more 👉 bit.ly/213_TC
This is the illustrated cover of The Continent, dated 12 September 2025, Issue 213.
The illustration shows the inside of a dark, rocky mine tunnel. A miner in an orange jumpsuit and yellow helmet is riding in a small blue mine cart along a set of tracks. He is looking over his shoulder, holding a pickaxe, with a worried expression.
In the distance, at the end of the tunnel, a large wooden barrier blocks the way. A sign nailed to the rocks reads “The END”, suggesting that the mine has run out or reached a dead end.
The headline reads:
“Hold ’em or fold ’em: Botswana’s diamond gambit.”
The overall mood is one of uncertainty and exhaustion, hinting at Botswana facing difficult choices about the future of its diamond industry. It is illustrated by Gado.
Reposted by Simon Allison
sebphilatelie.bsky.social
'The Continent' 212,6sept.2025 :
-Inflation en Égypte et Zimbabwe.
-Catastrophe naturelle à Tarsin (Darfour) agravée par la guerre.
-Civils et journalistes à Gaza.
-Monument de la Renaissance Africaine à Dakar.
-Lutte contre onchocerciasis.
-'Promises' de Goretti Kyomuhen : jeunes migrants.
#Afrique
thecontinent.org
All Protocol Observed.

Welcome to Issue 212 of The Continent.

We join more than 250 newsrooms in 70 countries blacking out front pages in solidarity with journalists in Gaza.

Read Ansam al-Kitaa’s despatch from Gaza City: bit.ly/212_TC
The cover of The Continent is almost completely black, with no pictures or illustrations. At the very top is a thin grey band carrying the date 6 September 2025, the issue number 212, and the words African Journalism. Just below that, in large bold grey letters, is the newspaper’s masthead.
The rest of the page is empty black space. In the middle of it, in small white letters, is a single line of text: Ansam Al-Kitaa in Gaza City.
This page has a warm yellow background with large bold black text at the top that reads: “We live in the same world. Let’s read from the same page. ”Beneath the text is an illustration of Astro, The Continent newspaper’s mascot. Astro is lying on their back, relaxed, holding up and reading a large newspaper.  Below the illustration, the text says:“ We deliver Africa’s leading independent newspaper to your device, for free, every Saturday morning: thecontinent.org/subscribe”At the bottom of the page, two columns list The Team and Our Partners, naming supporting institutions such as 11th Hour Project, African Union, Amplify SA, Ford Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Pulitzer Centre, and others.
Reposted by Simon Allison
balo7.bsky.social
Another brilliant cover.

Another outstanding edition.

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
thecontinent.org
All Protocol Observed.

Welcome to Issue 212 of The Continent.

We join more than 250 newsrooms in 70 countries blacking out front pages in solidarity with journalists in Gaza.

Read Ansam al-Kitaa’s despatch from Gaza City: bit.ly/212_TC
The cover of The Continent is almost completely black, with no pictures or illustrations. At the very top is a thin grey band carrying the date 6 September 2025, the issue number 212, and the words African Journalism. Just below that, in large bold grey letters, is the newspaper’s masthead.
The rest of the page is empty black space. In the middle of it, in small white letters, is a single line of text: Ansam Al-Kitaa in Gaza City.
This page has a warm yellow background with large bold black text at the top that reads: “We live in the same world. Let’s read from the same page. ”Beneath the text is an illustration of Astro, The Continent newspaper’s mascot. Astro is lying on their back, relaxed, holding up and reading a large newspaper.  Below the illustration, the text says:“ We deliver Africa’s leading independent newspaper to your device, for free, every Saturday morning: thecontinent.org/subscribe”At the bottom of the page, two columns list The Team and Our Partners, naming supporting institutions such as 11th Hour Project, African Union, Amplify SA, Ford Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Pulitzer Centre, and others.
Reposted by Simon Allison
mininghistory.bsky.social
As Reporters Without Borders, which co-ordinated the unprecedented international campaign, explains:

“This isn’t just a war against Gaza, it’s a war against journalism … Without them, who will alert us to the famine? Who will expose war crimes? Who will show us the genocides?”
thecontinent.org
All Protocol Observed.

Welcome to Issue 212 of The Continent.

We join more than 250 newsrooms in 70 countries blacking out front pages in solidarity with journalists in Gaza.

Read Ansam al-Kitaa’s despatch from Gaza City: bit.ly/212_TC
The cover of The Continent is almost completely black, with no pictures or illustrations. At the very top is a thin grey band carrying the date 6 September 2025, the issue number 212, and the words African Journalism. Just below that, in large bold grey letters, is the newspaper’s masthead.
The rest of the page is empty black space. In the middle of it, in small white letters, is a single line of text: Ansam Al-Kitaa in Gaza City.
This page has a warm yellow background with large bold black text at the top that reads: “We live in the same world. Let’s read from the same page. ”Beneath the text is an illustration of Astro, The Continent newspaper’s mascot. Astro is lying on their back, relaxed, holding up and reading a large newspaper.  Below the illustration, the text says:“ We deliver Africa’s leading independent newspaper to your device, for free, every Saturday morning: thecontinent.org/subscribe”At the bottom of the page, two columns list The Team and Our Partners, naming supporting institutions such as 11th Hour Project, African Union, Amplify SA, Ford Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Pulitzer Centre, and others.
Reposted by Simon Allison
fischblog.bsky.social
I heard about it, from german media no less, and would have written about it myself if I wasn't on holidays.
Also I highly recommend reading The Continent at least from time to time.
ruthmottram.bsky.social
An outstanding edition of @thecontinent.org with an incredibly moving piece on #Gaza, reportage from # Sudan on the landslide that buried a thousand people (did you hear about it?) and your weekly does of hope on how WHO is quietly eradicating river blindness
An essential part of your media diet.
Reposted by Simon Allison
ruthmottram.bsky.social
An outstanding edition of @thecontinent.org with an incredibly moving piece on #Gaza, reportage from # Sudan on the landslide that buried a thousand people (did you hear about it?) and your weekly does of hope on how WHO is quietly eradicating river blindness
An essential part of your media diet.
Reposted by Simon Allison
thecontinent.org
All Protocol Observed.

Welcome to Issue 212 of The Continent.

We join more than 250 newsrooms in 70 countries blacking out front pages in solidarity with journalists in Gaza.

Read Ansam al-Kitaa’s despatch from Gaza City: bit.ly/212_TC
The cover of The Continent is almost completely black, with no pictures or illustrations. At the very top is a thin grey band carrying the date 6 September 2025, the issue number 212, and the words African Journalism. Just below that, in large bold grey letters, is the newspaper’s masthead.
The rest of the page is empty black space. In the middle of it, in small white letters, is a single line of text: Ansam Al-Kitaa in Gaza City.
This page has a warm yellow background with large bold black text at the top that reads: “We live in the same world. Let’s read from the same page. ”Beneath the text is an illustration of Astro, The Continent newspaper’s mascot. Astro is lying on their back, relaxed, holding up and reading a large newspaper.  Below the illustration, the text says:“ We deliver Africa’s leading independent newspaper to your device, for free, every Saturday morning: thecontinent.org/subscribe”At the bottom of the page, two columns list The Team and Our Partners, naming supporting institutions such as 11th Hour Project, African Union, Amplify SA, Ford Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Pulitzer Centre, and others.
Reposted by Simon Allison
ktgarner.bsky.social
I can’t stop thinking about this article from @thecontinent.org

‘She (Angelique Nyirasafari) noted that boys continue with school even when they cause pregnancies.’
Reposted by Simon Allison
sebphilatelie.bsky.social
'The Continent' 211, 30 août 2025 :
- 1tribunal US condamne un tortionnaire gambien.
- Les écoles catholiques de RDC contre la scolarisation des élèves enceinte.
- Développement du solaire en Af.
- Le Burundi face au manque d'essence ou les conséquences à 10 ans de l'avidité politique. #Afrique 1/2
thecontinent.org
All Protocol Observed

Welcome to Issue 211 of The Continent.

Fuel’s been scarce in Burundi since 2018, thanks to political unrest. Now, people are risking bullets, crocodiles, even prison just to fill up.

Get your copy here: bit.ly/211_TC
The cover of The Continent (30 August 2025, Issue 211) is a cartoon illustration by Gado.
It shows an old, broken-down bus painted in Burundi’s national colors (red, green, and white), with a Burundian flag at the front. The bus is overloaded with an enormous, unstable pile of goods on its roof  — suitcases, sacks, baskets, furniture, bicycles, even a skull. Inside the cramped bus, passengers look weary and squashed.
The bus sits propped up on bricks instead of wheels, symbolising that it can’t move. Next to it, a smiling man is holding a yellow jerrycan of fuel, as if about to pour it in.
The headline at the bottom reads: “The country that’s run out of fuel.”
Reposted by Simon Allison
mamellom.bsky.social
One of my favourite things about the @thecontinent.org is the artistic/ creative direction. Every cover feels like a new piece of art.
If ever your team hosts an in person exhibition @simonallison.bsky.social @wynonamutisi.bsky.social - I am there!
Reposted by Simon Allison
benwards.bsky.social
Sierra Leone imported enough solar to increase generation by 60+% of total installed capacity. The future of energy abundance is in Africa 👀
thecontinent.org
All Protocol Observed

Welcome to Issue 211 of The Continent.

Fuel’s been scarce in Burundi since 2018, thanks to political unrest. Now, people are risking bullets, crocodiles, even prison just to fill up.

Get your copy here: bit.ly/211_TC
The cover of The Continent (30 August 2025, Issue 211) is a cartoon illustration by Gado.
It shows an old, broken-down bus painted in Burundi’s national colors (red, green, and white), with a Burundian flag at the front. The bus is overloaded with an enormous, unstable pile of goods on its roof  — suitcases, sacks, baskets, furniture, bicycles, even a skull. Inside the cramped bus, passengers look weary and squashed.
The bus sits propped up on bricks instead of wheels, symbolising that it can’t move. Next to it, a smiling man is holding a yellow jerrycan of fuel, as if about to pour it in.
The headline at the bottom reads: “The country that’s run out of fuel.”
Reposted by Simon Allison
kachumbali.bsky.social
Africa‘s accelerated shift to solar ☀️fueled by Chinese overproduction:

„Imports rose 60% in the 12 months to June 2025,
as Africa’s power needs converge with
China’s overproduction and low prices.“

This and much more in my fav Saturday morning read

👇🏼
thecontinent.org
All Protocol Observed

Welcome to Issue 211 of The Continent.

Fuel’s been scarce in Burundi since 2018, thanks to political unrest. Now, people are risking bullets, crocodiles, even prison just to fill up.

Get your copy here: bit.ly/211_TC
The cover of The Continent (30 August 2025, Issue 211) is a cartoon illustration by Gado.
It shows an old, broken-down bus painted in Burundi’s national colors (red, green, and white), with a Burundian flag at the front. The bus is overloaded with an enormous, unstable pile of goods on its roof  — suitcases, sacks, baskets, furniture, bicycles, even a skull. Inside the cramped bus, passengers look weary and squashed.
The bus sits propped up on bricks instead of wheels, symbolising that it can’t move. Next to it, a smiling man is holding a yellow jerrycan of fuel, as if about to pour it in.
The headline at the bottom reads: “The country that’s run out of fuel.”
Reposted by Simon Allison
athenakugblenu.bsky.social
The weekend is here
thecontinent.org
All Protocol Observed

Welcome to Issue 211 of The Continent.

Fuel’s been scarce in Burundi since 2018, thanks to political unrest. Now, people are risking bullets, crocodiles, even prison just to fill up.

Get your copy here: bit.ly/211_TC
The cover of The Continent (30 August 2025, Issue 211) is a cartoon illustration by Gado.
It shows an old, broken-down bus painted in Burundi’s national colors (red, green, and white), with a Burundian flag at the front. The bus is overloaded with an enormous, unstable pile of goods on its roof  — suitcases, sacks, baskets, furniture, bicycles, even a skull. Inside the cramped bus, passengers look weary and squashed.
The bus sits propped up on bricks instead of wheels, symbolising that it can’t move. Next to it, a smiling man is holding a yellow jerrycan of fuel, as if about to pour it in.
The headline at the bottom reads: “The country that’s run out of fuel.”