Charles Onyango-Obbo
@cobbo3.bsky.social
Journalist, writer, uncertain Afro-futurist, curator, podcaster with The Bad Natives.
Nairobi-KENYA/Tororo-UGANDA
Nairobi-KENYA/Tororo-UGANDA
Danane concentration camp, was the Italian colonial prison near Mogadishu established after Italy’s brief conquest of Ethiopia. There it waged a brutal slow death on East African freedom fighters.
Danane Concentration Camp: The Brutal Camp Where Italy Waged Slow Death on East African Freedom Fighters - TalkAfricana
talkafricana.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:15 AM
Danane concentration camp, was the Italian colonial prison near Mogadishu established after Italy’s brief conquest of Ethiopia. There it waged a brutal slow death on East African freedom fighters.
A bitter war of words has escalated further after Addis Ababa ordered neighbouring Eritrea to "immediately withdraw its troops" from Ethiopian territory, with the pair seemingly inching towards a new conflict.
Ethiopia demands Eritrea 'immediately withdraw' troops from its territory
Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) fighters walk in lines towards another field in Mekele, the capital of Tigray region, Ethiopia, on June 30, 2021.
www.rfi.fr
February 8, 2026 at 10:36 PM
A bitter war of words has escalated further after Addis Ababa ordered neighbouring Eritrea to "immediately withdraw its troops" from Ethiopian territory, with the pair seemingly inching towards a new conflict.
Uganda after Museveni, who was recently winner of a vote to rule for 45 years. Will it hold?
Uganda after Museveni | International Crisis Group
This week on The Horn, Alan speaks with Kristof Titeca, professor at the University of Antwerp, to talk about the aftermath of Uganda’s election and what will happen when President Yoweri Museveni lea...
www.crisisgroup.org
February 8, 2026 at 10:32 PM
Uganda after Museveni, who was recently winner of a vote to rule for 45 years. Will it hold?
‘Biblical diseases’ are returning to Africa, health officials fear.
‘Biblical Diseases’ Could Resurge in Africa, Health Officials Fear
www.nytimes.com
February 8, 2026 at 10:31 PM
‘Biblical diseases’ are returning to Africa, health officials fear.
With the Biafra war (1967-1970) Nigeria almost broke apart. Secession was tried. It failed. Here’s why (must read article).
Biafra: When Nigeria Almost Broke Apart
Secession was tried. It failed. Here’s why.
yawboadu.substack.com
February 8, 2026 at 1:56 PM
With the Biafra war (1967-1970) Nigeria almost broke apart. Secession was tried. It failed. Here’s why (must read article).
In Dakar fishing village, Senegalese girls enticed back to school with offer of surfing lessons.
In Dakar fishing village, surfing entices girls back to school
For generations, Seynabou Tall's ancestors have fished, dived and rowed off the coast of Dakar, where the 14-year-old, who quit school nearly four years ago, is now learning to surf.
www.rfi.fr
February 7, 2026 at 3:54 PM
In Dakar fishing village, Senegalese girls enticed back to school with offer of surfing lessons.
Sri Lanka to seek compensation from Britain for damage to property, theft and loss of life linked to the colonial period. Britain ruled the island, then known as Ceylon, from 1796 until independence in 1948.
Sri Lanka to pursue Britain for colonial-era losses
Sri Lanka will pursue Britain for colonial-era losses and seek the return of cultural treasures, its foreign minister has said.
www.aol.com
February 7, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Sri Lanka to seek compensation from Britain for damage to property, theft and loss of life linked to the colonial period. Britain ruled the island, then known as Ceylon, from 1796 until independence in 1948.
Solar energy is growing quickly across the continent. Africa holds 60% of the world’s best solar potential, yet currently accounts for only 1% of global installed solar photovoltaic capacity, leaving massive room for growth.
Solar energy gains ground across Africa, but challenges persist
Solar power is expanding rapidly across Africa, with some countries now generating a significant share of electricity from the sun, but energy poverty, battery risks and rising costs threaten future g...
news.mongabay.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:43 AM
Solar energy is growing quickly across the continent. Africa holds 60% of the world’s best solar potential, yet currently accounts for only 1% of global installed solar photovoltaic capacity, leaving massive room for growth.
New tracking data shows the Mara-Loita wildebeest migration in Kenya has declined by 90% since 2020. Fencing and land subdivision in Narok County have blocked historic corridors, restricting the herd's movement to calving and grazing grounds 1/2
Wildebeest on the Edge: Why One of Africa’s Greatest Migrations Has Collapsed by 90 %
For generations, the movement of animals across Africa on seasonal migrations has been one of the best-known natural phenomena. Each year, thousands of animals move across the landscape, following the...
www.aol.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:11 PM
New tracking data shows the Mara-Loita wildebeest migration in Kenya has declined by 90% since 2020. Fencing and land subdivision in Narok County have blocked historic corridors, restricting the herd's movement to calving and grazing grounds 1/2
The Sahara, Africa’s and world’s largest hot desert, could be green again – in 10,000 to 11,000 years!
The Sahara Won't Be A Desert Forever. Here's Why - Grunge
The Sahara's sun-scorched sands cover North Africa, but it was once green and lush. Thanks to natural and human-caused climate change, it likely will be again.
www.grunge.com
February 2, 2026 at 9:00 AM
The Sahara, Africa’s and world’s largest hot desert, could be green again – in 10,000 to 11,000 years!
Woman’s severed ear was saved by grafting it onto her foot, before reattaching it to her head FIVE months later.
Woman's Severed Ear Was Saved by Grafting it Onto Her Foot Before Reattaching it 5 Months Later
As it turns out, the tops of our feet and the sites of our ears share similar properties of skin thinness, blood circulation, and blood vessel size.
www.goodnewsnetwork.org
February 2, 2026 at 8:10 AM
Woman’s severed ear was saved by grafting it onto her foot, before reattaching it to her head FIVE months later.
The world is entering an era of "global water bankruptcy" with rivers, lakes and aquifers depleting faster than nature can replenish them.
UN report declares global state of 'water bankruptcy'
The world is entering an era of "global water bankruptcy" with rivers, lakes and aquifers depleting faster than nature can replenish them, a United Nations research institute said on Tuesday.
www.rfi.fr
February 1, 2026 at 9:19 AM
The world is entering an era of "global water bankruptcy" with rivers, lakes and aquifers depleting faster than nature can replenish them.
Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has defended his millionaire lifestyle, arguing that can live in luxury and still fight against poverty – as he called for the collapse of capitalism.
Malema says EFF members can live in luxury and still fight against poverty | The Citizen
Malema called for the collapse of capitalism while also defending his privileged lifestyle
www.citizen.co.za
January 31, 2026 at 1:35 PM
Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has defended his millionaire lifestyle, arguing that can live in luxury and still fight against poverty – as he called for the collapse of capitalism.
These lamp-tapestries are rooted in basket-weaving traditions in Ghana.
Lamp-Tapestries Rooted in Basket-Weaving Traditions in Ghana
Drawing from Frafra weaving traditions in northern Ghana, the Gurunsi collection by PET Lamps use woven tapestries to shape light and shadow.
design-milk.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:37 PM
These lamp-tapestries are rooted in basket-weaving traditions in Ghana.
In South Africa, $2 battery rentals are a game-changer for those hit by power cuts. Without the money for expensive solar panels, families and small business owners use these affordable packs to keep lights on and phones charged.
$2 Rental Batteries Are Helping to Power South Africa
www.nytimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:09 AM
In South Africa, $2 battery rentals are a game-changer for those hit by power cuts. Without the money for expensive solar panels, families and small business owners use these affordable packs to keep lights on and phones charged.
Zimbabwe’s annual inflation rate fell to 4.1% in its local currency in January — the first time the figure has fallen to single digits since 1997!
Zimbabwe inflation drops to single digits for first time in decades
Authorities hailed it as a “historic milestone” after decades marred by hyperinflation and currency collapse.
finance.yahoo.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:27 AM
Zimbabwe’s annual inflation rate fell to 4.1% in its local currency in January — the first time the figure has fallen to single digits since 1997!
Africa’s wealth gap widens as Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote & 3 other billionaires now richer than half of the continent’s population, says Oxfam. Billionaire wealth in Africa grew by 36.5% in one year, more than double the global rate.
Dangote, 3 other billionaires now richer than half of Africa as continent sinks deeper in debt crisis
Oxfam reveals that Dangote and three other billionaires are now richer than half of Africa, as billionaire wealth surges faster than global levels while debt and tax inequality deepen across the conti...
africa.businessinsider.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Africa’s wealth gap widens as Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote & 3 other billionaires now richer than half of the continent’s population, says Oxfam. Billionaire wealth in Africa grew by 36.5% in one year, more than double the global rate.
African nations are now sending more money in debt repayments to China than they are receiving in new loans. It went from receiving $30Bn in net flows from China between 2010 and 2014 to paying out $22Bn over the last 5 years.
January 28, 2026 at 3:14 PM
African nations are now sending more money in debt repayments to China than they are receiving in new loans. It went from receiving $30Bn in net flows from China between 2010 and 2014 to paying out $22Bn over the last 5 years.
Elephant “poop coffee” is one of the most expensive and unique coffees you can get. Produced in Thailand and officially known as “Black Ivory Coffee”, a kilogram typically retails for $2,000 to $3,000!!!
www.zmescience.com/ecology/anim...
www.zmescience.com/ecology/anim...
Elephant "poop coffee" is a thing. Now, researchers have an idea about what makes it so delicious
Maybe you've heard of kopi luwak; but have you heard about elephant coffee?
www.zmescience.com
January 28, 2026 at 8:37 AM
Elephant “poop coffee” is one of the most expensive and unique coffees you can get. Produced in Thailand and officially known as “Black Ivory Coffee”, a kilogram typically retails for $2,000 to $3,000!!!
www.zmescience.com/ecology/anim...
www.zmescience.com/ecology/anim...
Some Somali parents living Finland send their children to disciplinary institutions in Somalia – and some to Kenya - where the youngsters are subjected to severe treatment.
"I was chained every day like an animal" — Parents send children from Finland to disciplinary camps in Somalia, Kenya
Yle journalist Wali Hashi gained access to disciplinary institutions by posing as a father looking for a place for his son. He then obtained video footage of how the young people are treated.
yle.fi
January 28, 2026 at 8:22 AM
Some Somali parents living Finland send their children to disciplinary institutions in Somalia – and some to Kenya - where the youngsters are subjected to severe treatment.
Prosecutors in Norway charged an oil company and two of its executives for paying $25 MILLION in bribes to long-ruling Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso and his family. The bribes were paid in 2016 when Norway-based oil group Hemla Africa Holding applied for an offshore licence.
Two Norwegians charged over bribes to Congo-Brazzaville president | Africanews
Prosecutors allege the oil executives paid millions of dollars to Denis Sassou Nguesso and his family.
www.africanews.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Prosecutors in Norway charged an oil company and two of its executives for paying $25 MILLION in bribes to long-ruling Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso and his family. The bribes were paid in 2016 when Norway-based oil group Hemla Africa Holding applied for an offshore licence.
For the first time in history, middle-class Mexicans outnumber those in poverty. In Africa, only 4 (7.4%) of the countries have hit this milestone: Seychelles (90% middle class), Mauritius (80%), Tunisia (60%), Morocco (53%). In South America 42% have hit the milestone, and in Asia 35%.
Historic milestone: Middle class Mexicans now outnumber those in poverty
The Mexican government on Friday claimed that for the first time in history more Mexicans are categorized as middle class than poor.
mexiconewsdaily.com
January 27, 2026 at 10:53 AM
For the first time in history, middle-class Mexicans outnumber those in poverty. In Africa, only 4 (7.4%) of the countries have hit this milestone: Seychelles (90% middle class), Mauritius (80%), Tunisia (60%), Morocco (53%). In South America 42% have hit the milestone, and in Asia 35%.
African trade has been vastly underestimated. US$10 BILLION in food is traded informally each year in West Africa alone, up to 6 TIMES HIGHER higher than reported.
African trade has been vastly underestimated
The continent’s food markets are more dynamic than commonly thought
www.economist.com
January 27, 2026 at 9:06 AM
African trade has been vastly underestimated. US$10 BILLION in food is traded informally each year in West Africa alone, up to 6 TIMES HIGHER higher than reported.
Emeka Umeagbalasi, the Christian activist and screwdriver salesman in Onitsha market who is behind U.S. leader Trump’s airstrikes in Nigeria. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, Representative Riley Moore of Virginia and Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey have all cited his dodgy work.
The Screwdriver Salesman Behind Trump’s Airstrikes in Nigeria
www.nytimes.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:04 AM
Emeka Umeagbalasi, the Christian activist and screwdriver salesman in Onitsha market who is behind U.S. leader Trump’s airstrikes in Nigeria. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, Representative Riley Moore of Virginia and Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey have all cited his dodgy work.
Born in Benin (Dahomey), Dr. Rashidah Ismaili. 85 or 90, bridges the Diaspora as a poet & Black Arts Movement pioneer. From hosting Harlem Kwanzaa rituals, her life weaves Benin's heritage with New York jazz and avant-garde Black literature.
Dr. Rashidah Ismaili — Remembering the power of the Black arts movement
Dr. Ismaili is revered for her work and involvement in the Black Arts Movement, centered in the Lower East Side in the 1950s to 1970s.
amsterdamnews.com
January 26, 2026 at 8:25 AM
Born in Benin (Dahomey), Dr. Rashidah Ismaili. 85 or 90, bridges the Diaspora as a poet & Black Arts Movement pioneer. From hosting Harlem Kwanzaa rituals, her life weaves Benin's heritage with New York jazz and avant-garde Black literature.