Africanist Press Podcast Service
The Africanist Press Podcast Service examines how global and continental events have affected communities in the African region, and how indigenous communities are developing strategies to overcome conflict, instability, and other challenges in the region. The overall goal of the Podcast Service is to give voice to marginalized communities through the production of weekly audio broadcasts that analyzes ongoing events in Africa as part of an effort to contribute to better understanding of key developments in the region.
Episodes
Between a Family Legacy and Egyptology: The Role of the Aboudi Bookstore in Egypt
This episode examines the Aboudi Bookstore and its role in Egyptology, the scientific and academic study of ancient Egypt. Established in 1909 in Luxor by Egyptologist and tour guide Professor Mohamed El Aboudi and his cousin, businessman Hamed El Aboudi, the Aboudi Bookstore is now run by third-generation family owners Taher Aboudi and his siblings. For more than 100 years, it has remained centra
Publishing for Liberation and National Development: From TPH to Mkuki na Nyota in Tanzania
When Tanzania gained independence in 1961, Julius Nyerere saw publishing as a key part of decolonization and nation-building. In 1966, he founded the Tanzania Publishing House (TPH), putting state publishing at the center of building national identity and culture, and of bringing people together through language.Tanzania’s influence grew throughout the 1970s and 1980s. During this period, Dar es S
Building a Literary Community: The Work of the Writers Association of the Gambia
In this episode, we spotlight the Writers Association of the Gambia and its efforts to build a vibrant literary community, featuring Dr. Cherno Omar Barry, the Association's President, who shares inspiring insights into how Gambian writers are boldly shaping the nation's literary and intellectual landscape.Osman Kargo conducted this interview in Banjul, Gambia.This episode is part of the Africani
The Role of Libraries in African Development: A Look at the Gambia National Library Service Authority
In this episode, we explore how national libraries drive African development. Drawing on insights from Bakary Sanyang, Director General of the Gambia National Library Service Authority, we examine the real challenges facing Africa's national libraries and highlight how Artificial Intelligence and innovative digital tools can transform their management and operations. Osman Kargbo conducted thi
Bookstores in Africa's Nation-Building: The Story of Timbooktoo in The Gambia
In this podcast episode, we talk with Ousainou and Kathy Jagne, founders of Timbooktoo Bookstore in Banjul, Gambia. With 28 years of experience running an independent bookstore, they explain how bookstores shape communities and discuss ways to strengthen Africa’s reading culture.This episode of the Africanist Press New Democracy series uses Timbooktoo Bookstore as a case study to explore how book
Reimagining New Technology in African Classrooms: A Conversation with Laetitia Musheche
In this episode, we feature a conversation with Laetitia Musheche, founder of BauHouse Arts Academy, on reimagining new technology in African classrooms and the need to build an all-African-centered curriculum for primary and secondary education across the continent. This episode is part of the Africanist Press's New Democracy Series.
Sierra Leone's Tripartite Agreement: A Triangle of Illegality
In this episode, we focus on the Tripartite Agreement’s creation of a triangle of illegality, examining how it violated Sierra Leone’s Constitution and public election laws, and its ongoing threat to democracy and future elections.This episode is part of the Africanist Press's New Democracy Project series.
Democracy is not a Tripartite Agreement: The APC and SLPP's Undemocratic Politics of Rotating Power
In this episode, we focus on why the Tripartite Agreement is regarded as illegal, specifically highlighting its legal and political implications. We also analyze how foreign organizations are actively working to uphold and strengthen the APC and SLPP’s ongoing practice of undemocratic power rotation in Sierra Leone.This episode is part of the Africanist Press New Democracy Project series.
The 3 D's of a Failed Nation: An Analysis of Sierra Leone's Crisis of Democracy
In this episode, we expose how both the Maada Bio regime and its opposition allies undermine democracy in Sierra Leone by using deception, disinformation, and distraction to avoid accountability for social service failures. We show that these 3D tactics are not just tactics, but the driving force behind failed governance and a hallmark of illegitimate regimes.This episode is part of the Africanist
Foreign Debts, Corruption, and Sierra Leone's Electricity Crisis
In this episode, Dr. Chernoh Alpha Bah, editor of Africanist Press, discusses the ongoing political crisis in Sierra Leone, focusing on issues of accountability, extrajudicial killings, and the recent resignation of U.S. Ambassador Bryan David Hunt, whose involvement in local politics has raised concerns amongSierra Leoneans.The conversation also delves into the implications of foreign debts, part
Debts, Disease, and Dilemma of the Maada Bio Regime
In this episode, we explore Sierra Leone's political landscape, focusing on the crisis marked by corruption, extrajudicial killings, and ongoing debt and development challenges since Maada Bio took office in 2018. We highlight the implications of these human rights violations for the 2028 elections and the future of democracy in the country.
The 2028 Agenda of the Maada Bio Regime
In this episode, we discuss the increasing legitimacy crisis facing the Maada Bio regime in Sierra Leone. We examine the regime's agenda as it prepares for the upcoming 2028 elections. Additionally, we highlight why the 2028 elections pose a significant challenge to the political and elite alliances that have maintained power in Sierra Leone since 1961.This episode is part of the Voice from Ex
USAID Cuts and the Need to Rethink Future US-Africa Relations
In this exclusive interview, Africanist Press editor, Dr. Chernoh Alpha Bah talks to journalists Ryan Grim and Emily Jashinsky of the Counter Point Show about "USAID Cuts and the Need to Rethink Future US-Africa Relations.”You can order the book, The Ebola Outbreak in West Africa: Corporate Gangsters, Multinationals, and Rogue Politicians, here: https://www.amazon.com/Ebola-Outbreak-West-Afri
From Elections to Coups: Journalism in an Era of Instability in Africa
This episode presents RSF's Sadibou Marong's keynote address at the conference on “Media and Democracy in Africa” held from April 17-18, 2025 at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University. The conference, which brought together journalists, academics, and press freedom advocates from Africa, Europe, and USA, was organized by Dr. Chernoh Alpha M. Bah and s
Challenges to Investigative Journalism in Africa: The Africanist Press Experience in Sierra Leone
This episode is a presentation by Dr. Chernoh Alpha M. Bah during a two-day conference on "Media and Democracy in Africa" held from April 17-18, 2025 at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University. The conference, which brought together journalists from Africa, Europe, and United States, was organized by Dr. Chernoh Alpha M. Bah and sponsored by the Afri
Sierra Leone: Challenges to Free Speech and Academic Freedom in Sierra Leone
In this episode, Africanist Press editor, Dr. Chernoh Alpha Bah gives a report on free speech and academic freedom violations in Sierra Leone. The presentation, which highlighted the harassment and attacks on the Africanist Press by Sierra Leone politicians, is part of 2025 annual meeting of the Committee of Concerned Scientists (CCS). To watch the full video of the proceedings, click here.
Cameroon: Cyrille Roland Bechon Speaks on Threats to Human Rights Defenders
In mid-January, unidentified individuals broke into the offices of a human rights organization, Nouveaux Droits de l’Homme (NDH) in Yaoundé, Cameroon taking away essential documents and office equipment. The looted materials included laptops and desktop computers, hard drives, projectors, video cameras, and other data storage devices.In this exclusive interview, NDH's executive director, Cyrille R
Community Voices: Civil Society and Youth Empowerment in Zimbabwe
In this episode, Evidence Chipadza discusses civil society and youth empowerment in Zimbabwe with Tafadzwa Makore and Leniel Gava.
This episode is part of the Africanist Press community voices series.
Sierra Leone's New Anti-Terrorism Law Against Free Speech and Academic Freedom
Sierra Leonean politicians have created a new anti-terrorism law that contains unconstitutional provisions designed to curtail citizens’ fundamental civil rights.
In this episode, we examine the law's implication for free speech and multiparty democracy in Sierra Leone.
This episode is part of the Voice from Exile series.
Community Voices: Young Women and Politics in Zimbabwe
In this episode, Evidence Chipadza and Hazel Dendere discuss young women and politics in Zimbabwe.
This episode is part of our community voices series.
Community Voices: IPB calls for Unity and Peace in Liberia's House of Representative
The International Peace Bureau (IPB) has called on members of Liberia’s House of Representatives to unite and end the ongoing parliamentary deadlock that has affected the country’s legislative activities since October 2024.
In this episode, we talk to Tyson Smith Berry Jr. about the IPB’s petition and the need for unity and peace in the Liberian House of Representatives.
To sign the IPB petition
Community Voices: Climate Change and Adaptation in Zimbabwe
In this episode, Yeukai Ottilia Munetsi talks to Didmus Dewa about climate change and adaptation in Zimbabwe.
Didmus Dewa is a lecturer at the Open University of Zimbabwe.
This episode is part of the Africanist Press Community Voices series.
Community Voices: Party Politics and Service Delivery in Zimbabwe
In this episode, Cornelia Seliphiwe talks about the impact of party politics on social service delivery and human rights in Gweru, Zimbabwe's midlands province.
This interview was conducted by Yeukai Ottilia Munetsi.
This episode is part of our new African community voices series.
Exclusive Interview on West Africa's Ebola Outbreak
In this exclusive interview Africanist Press editor Dr. Chernoh Alpha Bah discusses his investigation into West Africa's Ebola outbreak, and why there is still need for an independent investigation into the origin of the outbreak.
Bah is the author of the book, The Ebola Outbreak in West Africa: Corporate Gangsters, Multinationals, and Rogue Politicians.
The book is available here on Amazon
Investigating the Origin of West Africa’s Ebola Outbreak
In recent months, more voices have emerged demanding a fresh investigation into the origin of West Africa’s Ebola outbreak, one of the deadliest human catastrophes in recent history.
In this episode, journalist Ryan Grim interviews Dr. Chernoh Alpha M. Bah about his investigation that challenged the origin story of the outbreak. Dr. Bah’s book, The Ebola Outbreak in West Africa: Corporate Gangste
New Details on Maada Bio's Secret Effort to Legalize Abortion in Sierra Leone
In this episode, we continue to examine the secret efforts of the Maada Bio regime to legalize abortion in Sierra Leone without public debate and public participation.
We also highlight the role of individual politicians in the past and present regimes in these efforts to legalize abortion in the country without public debate and consultation.
Why is Maada Bio’s Abortion Law a Secret?
In this episode, we continue to examine Maada Bio’s effort to smuggle through Parliament an Abortion Law without the knowledge and participation of Sierra Leonean women.
We also examine the differences between Ernest Bai Koroma’s 2015 Abortion Bill and Maada Bio’s 2024 Secret Abortion Bill.
Who is Behind Sierra Leone's Secret Abortion Bill?
Politicians in Sierra Leone have secretly tabled an Abortion Bill in Parliament and are working to speedily pass it into law without public consultation and debate.
The proposed law gives married women and girls the sole right to abort any pregnancy; and to decide whether they want to have a baby or not; and the number and spacing of babies. The abortion law also proposes monetary fines and 12 mon
Africanist Press: A Dedicated Struggle Against Political Corruption and Multinational Exploitation in West Africa
In this exclusive interview, Africanist Press editor, Dr. Chernoh Alpha Bah talks to Kelley Lane, editor of the Assange Countdown to Freedom Series, about his more than 20 years work to expose multinational exploitation in West Africa, and his ongoing campaign against political corruption and state orchestrated violence in Sierra Leone today.
This special episode is part of the events marking the
Africanist Press: A Dedicated Struggle Against Political Corruption and Multinational Exploitation in West Africa
In this exclusive interview, Africanist Press editor, Dr. Chernoh Alpha Bah talks to Kelley Lane, editor of the Assange Countdown to Freedom Series, about his more than 20 years work to expose multinational exploitation in West Africa, and his ongoing campaign against political corruption and state orchestrated violence in Sierra Leone today.
This special episode is part of the events marking the
Sherbro Island: The Proposed Casino Republic in Sierra Leone
Sherbro Island is one of Sierra Leone’s most beautiful touristic landscape. In 2019, the Maada Bio regime signed an undisclosed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sherbro Alliance Partners, a company incorporated in early June 2019 as a private limited company (#12040217) under the UK Companies Act 2006 by Idris Akuna Elba and Siaka Stevens, the grandson of Sierra Leone's first president.
The
From Adani Group to Milele Energy: Why We Must Investigate DFC's Operation in Sierra Leone!!
Few days ago, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an indictment against executives of the Adani Group for orchestrating a massive bribery scheme to secure solar energy contracts worth billions of dollars in India.
The indictment specifically states that, between July 2021 and February 2022, the Adanis and their associates promised bribes to Indian government officials to secure a
Crisis of US Diplomacy in Sierra Leone: Facade of Tripartite Democracy
How is United Sates foreign policy affecting democracy in Sierra Leone? What is the difference between electoral democracy and tripartite democracy? Is the United States Embassy in Sierra Leone supporting democracy or helping to consolidate an illegal regime?
In this episode, we discuss Sierra Leone's electoral coup of June 2023, and the ongoing international effort, led by the United States Embas
Tripartite Agreements Are Not Democracy: Lessons from the US Elections
Are there any parallels between the just concluded November 2024 United States elections and the June 2023 Sierra Leone elections? What lessons do the US elections offer to real democratic and genuine progressive forces in Sierra Leone?
In this episode, we provide an analysis of the just concluded United States elections, pointing out the lessons and implications for Sierra Leone's democracy , and
The Life and Death of Steve Biko
This episode spotlights the life and contributions of South African revolutionary leader, Stephen Bantu Biko to the Black Consciousness Movement and the struggle against Apartheid.
22 Years of the Africanist Press: Looking Ahead...!!
December 2024 will mark 22 years since the launch of the Africanist Press.
The Africanist Press was established by journalists and academics in December 2002 as an independent media organization to defend free speech, expose corruption, and promote democracy and development in Africa.
In 22 years, Africanist Press has grown into a robust media organization known internationally for its groundbre
The World Bank and Underdevelopment in Africa and Asia: Honoring the Work of John Pilger
This episode examines how World Bank's debts, and high interest rates, cripple African and Asian economies, deepening poverty and underdevelopment in the world's most impoverish countries.
This episode is based on John Pilger's 1992 award-wining documentary, War by Other Means.
This episode honors the life and work of John Pilger, who passed away in December 2023.
The IMF and Jamaica's Development Crisis
This episode examines how the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank's structural adjustment policies affected Jamaica’s economic and political development from the early 1970s to the present.
The IMF's loan conditions required Jamaica to implement a range of economic reforms that included trade liberalization, privatization, and deregulation of its market. This internationally
Sierra Leone's Dr. Chernoh Alpha Bah Speaks On West Africa's Illicit Economic Flows
In this exclusive interview with KPFA, Dr. Chernoh Alpha Bah, editor of the Africanist Press, talks about the deteriorating democratic situation in Sierra Leone and West Africa, illicit economic flows in the Mano River region, and the threats and attacks orchestrated against the Africanist Press by government officials in Sierra Leone and allied groups.
This exclusive interview was conducted by W
African History Series: Corruption, Underdevelopment and the Debt Crisis in Jamaica
This episode examines three key events to illustrate how political corruption undermined Jamaica's development and fueled the country's debt crisis.
First, we look at how a US$9.5 million World Bank loan issued in 1966 to supposedly finance the construction of 50 junior secondary schools, expand four teacher training colleges, and develop Jamaica's School of Agriculture, and the Colle
African History Series: Samora Machel and the Struggle for Mozambique
Samora Machel was the first President of Mozambique, serving from the country's independence in 1975 until his untimely death in 1986.
A leading figure in the struggle for Mozambique’s independence from Portuguese colonial rule, Machel played a significant role in FRELIMO’s struggle for power in Mozambique.
As president, he embarked on socialist reforms and efforts to modernize Mozambique. H
Milele Energy, the DFC, and US Embassy in Sierra Leone's Corrupt Energy Sector
About a month ago, the United States International Development Finance Corporation’s (DFC) Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Nisha Biswal, attended a ceremony in Freetown to launch the “construction of an electricity infrastructure” in Freetown’s Kissy Dockyard, 4km east of the city center.
US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan David Hunt and DFC executives described the launching ceremony as “a se
African History Series: Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe and African Liberation in South Africa
Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, described as the forgotten leader of the South African independence struggle, was an anti-apartheid revolutionary and founding president of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) of Azania (or South Africa).
Sobukwe and the PAC considered themselves “Africanists,” believing that South Africa should be led by Black South Africans, who constitute the majority population.
This e
Corporate Gangsters, Rogue Elites, and Colonial Diplomats in Sierra Leone
In this episode, we discuss the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)'s acquisition of the Western Area Power Generation Project and the role of the US-financed company, Milele Energy in Sierra Leone's corrupt energy sector.
We ask, in particular, how Milele Energy Limited, and the United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) took over the Western Area P
Dictatorship, Crisis, and Corruption in Sierra Leone
Launched in early December 2023, the Africanist Press Podcast aims to give voice to African communities through the production of weekly audio broadcasts that analyzes ongoing events in Africa as part of an effort to contribute to better understanding of key developments in the region.
In the first six months since its launch, the Africanist Press Podcast produced over 30 episodes covering variou
Sierra Leone's Electricity Corruption and the Lebanon Connection
In this episode, we continue to examine the privatization of Sierra Leone's National Power Authority (NPA) in 2011 and the history of the Western Area Power Generation Project.
We discuss details of transactions between various agencies of the Sierra Leone government and multinational corporations like Blue Flare Power Ltd (BVI), TCQ Power Ltd, Copperbelt Energy Corporation Africa (CECA Sierr
DFC Funding Electricity Corruption in Sierra Leone
In this episode, we examine the role of the United States
Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in Sierra Leone’s electricity corruption, showing how the DFC inherited a corrupt electricity contract from British financed corporations, and how US international investment is now financing corruption and deepening underdevelopment in Sierra Leone.
This episode is part of the VOICE FROM EXILE comme
Corporate Gangsters and Electricity Corruption in Sierra Leone
In 2011, Sierra Leone politicians enacted a new electricity legislation that created two parallel institutions, the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC) and the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) to replace the state-owned National Power Authority (NPA).
Since 1982, NPA oversaw electricity supply in Sierra
Leone, including the fixing of consumer tariffs. In 201
Ernest Koroma, Maada Bio, and Electricity Corruption in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone's Energy Minister, Kanja Sesay announced on Friday that he is resigning from the Maada Bio regime because of the alleged failure to pay outstanding debts owed to the Turkish Karpowership contracted to sell electricity to Freetown residents.
Kanja Sesay's resignation was later followed by Maada Bio's announcement that the energy ministry has now been placed under his direct
The MCC, DFC Deception and Electricity Corruption in Sierra Leone
The privatization program in postwar Sierra Leone was supposedly advanced by international financial institutions – the World Bank, IMF, African Development Bank – as a
multi-sectoral development strategy aimed at reducing poverty and corruption, and improving economic growth and quality of governance and service delivery in
the small West African country.
Since 2005, this World Bank and IMF sup
Sierra Leone: Debts, Disease, and Drugs
In previous episodes, we mentioned how the United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) issued more than US$500 million in debts between 2019 and 2023 to the Maada Bio regime through unscrutinized and non-transparent infrastructure and service related contracts awarded to shell companies registered and operating out of Lebanon, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Kenya, and elsewhe
African History Series: Walter Rodney on Crisis in the Periphery
Walter Rodney was a historian, political activist, and academic. Born in 1942 in Georgetown Guyana, Rodney’s research focused on slavery and colonial imperialism in Africa and the Caribbean. His notable works include How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, first published in 1972. Rodney was assassinated in Georgetown, his home city, in 1980 at the age of 38.
In this episode, we produced Walter Rodney’
Britain, United States, and Sierra Leone's Debt Crisis
In this episode, we discuss how hidden competition between British financed corporations and United States-backed companies for control of non-transparent service-related contracts and corruptly awarded critical infrastructure projects in Sierra Leone have worsened the country's foreign debt crisis. We examine the risks such developments pose to democracy and real economic propserity in the sm
African History Series: Carlos Cardoso and Mozambique's Corrupt Elites
Carlos Cardoso was assassinated in the Mozambican capital of Maputo in late November 2000 while investigating the theft of US$14 million from the Commercial Bank of Mozambique (BCM).
Born in 1951 to a family of Portuguese exiles, Carlos Cardoso supported Mozambique’s armed struggle for independence from Portugal, but as the years went by he became increasingly critical of FRELIMO government polic
How Foreign Debts Undermine Democracy in Sierra Leone
Between July 2021 and June 2023, United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) approved over US$360 million in debts to supposedly finance critical infrastructure projects in Sierra Leone. The debts include US$150 million to the Summa Group for expansion of the Lungi international airport, and US$217 Million loan to Milele Energy and TCQ Power Limited; also to allegedly finance an electricit
African History Series: Rob Williams and Black Power in the United States
Robert Franklin Williams was a black American civil rights leader who served as president of the Monroe, North Carolina chapter of the NAACP in the 1950s and early 1960s.
Williams advocated armed self-defense against racism decades before the black power and black nationalist movements of the late 1960s and early 1970s made it a central message of their activism.
Rob Williams lived in exile in C
Tripartite Committee: A Triangle of Deception and Disinformation
In October 2023, international organizations and foreign diplomats stationed in Sierra Leone organized a meeting in Freetown to negotiate a political settlement to the electoral crisis without first investigating the disputed elections and the accompanying human rights violations.
Held at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown, the meeting developed an agreement that authorized politicians of the All Peo
Sierra Leone's Rigged Elections: Where Do the British Stand?
In July and August 2023, the United States government announced visa restrictions on officials who undermined democracy in Sierra Leone and called for an investigation into the conduct of the elections and accompanying human rights violations.
The move followed the disputed June 2023 general elections, which international and domestic elections observer groups described as "undemocratic and
African History Series: Marcus Garvey and African Liberation, Part 3
Jamaican born Marcus Garvey was a prominent political leader, journalist, and public orator. A leading proponent in the African liberation movement, Garvey founded and led the largest mass movement of black people in the early twentieth century advocating for African liberation and unification.
This episode looks at the life and legacy of Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Associati
African History Series: Marcus Garvey and African Liberation, Part 2
Jamaican born Marcus Garvey was a prominent political leader, journalist, and public orator. A leading proponent in the African liberation movement, Garvey founded and led the largest mass movement of black people in the early twentieth century advocating for African liberation and unification.
This episode looks at the life and legacy of Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Associati
Dilemma of Diplomacy in Sierra Leone
In late August 2023, the United States announced a visa restriction policy against individuals who undermined the democratic process in the June 2023 Sierra Leone elections.
This visa restrictions policy followed an earlier United States government statement issued on 14 July 2023 demanding "an independent, outside investigation of the elections process" and integration of "observe
African History Series: Marcus Garvey and African Liberation, Part 1
Jamaican born Marcus Garvey was a prominent political leader, journalist, and public orator. A leading proponent in the African liberation movement, Garvey founded and led the largest mass movement of black people in the early twentieth century advocating for African liberation and unification.
This episode looks at the life and legacy of Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Associat
The Illegal Tripartite Committee and the Dilemma of Diplomacy in Sierra Leone
In the previous two episodes of this series, we highlighted how the Sierra Leone elections of June 2023 did not follow the stipulated legal and constitutional procedures for the conduct of presidential, parliamentary, and local council elections.
We specifically pointed out that Sierra Leone's Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mohamed Konneh did not wait for districts and regions to complete thei
African History Series: Linton Kwesi Johnson and the Black Experience in Britain
Jamaica poet and artist, Linton Kwesi Johnson is the second living poet, and the only black one, to have his poems published in the Penguin Modern Classics Series in 2002.
Born in Chapelton, a rural parish of Clarendon in Jamaica, Linton Kwesi Johnson migrated to Britain in 1963 with his parents as part of the Windrush generation that left Jamaica on the eve of independence. Johnson attended Tuls
Sierra Leone's Electoral Coup: A Further Analysis
Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution, and the Public Elections Act 2022, forbids the inauguration of a President, Members of Parliament, and representatives of Local Government Councils without properly conducted elections.
Under Sierra Leonean law, elections are only considered properly and democratically conducted when all votes in each polling station, in each polling center, and in each district,
Sierra Leone's Electoral Coup and the Hotel Agreement
The Sierra Leone elections of June 2023 ended without a properly published election result. International and local observers who monitored the process agreed that the elections were non-transparent, and were equally fraught with numerous irregularities.
Since June 2023, local and international appeals for the publication of the election results at the polling station level by the Electoral Commis
Zimbabwe: The Enduring Voices of Women Writers and Poets
In this episode, Zimbabwean writer and artist, Lingiwe Patience Sifelani talks about her literary journey and the challenges of being a writer and cultural performer in today's Zimbabwe.
This interview was conducted by Tipei Lorata Dube in Gweru, Zimbabwe.
This episode is part of a new Africanist Press Series on Zimbabwe that examines the impact of economic sanctions on various sectors of the
Religion and Ancestry: A Zimbabwean Healer's Journey to Self-Discovery
Zvidzai Chiponda is a Zimbabwean healer and practitioner of African traditional religion. In this episode, he talks about his journey from a devout Christian evangelist to becoming a leading advocate of African traditional religion.
In the interview, Chiponda higghlights the impact of colonialism on African spirituality, the role of ancestors in the daily lives of Africans, and the need for relig
Zimbabwe: Young Entrepreneurs in the Middle of Sanctions
It has been twenty years since economic sanctions were imposed on Zimbabwe by the European Union, United States, and Britain. International organizations have argued that the sanctions are "intended to pressure and isolate those most responsible for political violence and the collapse of Zimbabwe's economy."
Twenty years on, opinions are divided over the actual impacts of sanctions
Zimbabwe: Journalism in an Era of Economic Sanctions
In October 2023, Zimbabwe's Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga announced that Zimbabwe has lost more than US$150 billion in revenues due to sanctions imposed by the European Union, United States, and other countries since the early 2000s.
"Since 2001, we estimate that Zimbabwe has lost or missed over US$150 billion through frozen assets, trade embargoes, and export and investment restr
Zimbabwe: A University Professor Uses Volleyball to Teach Life-Saving Skills to Youths
In this episode, Africanist Press Podcast Service looks at the work of the Pathfinders Volleyball Academy in Gweru, a city in Zimbabwe's Midlands Province, and how one Zimbabwean academic is using volleyball to address socioeconomic challenges facing impoverished and vulnerable youths.
Dr. Hugh Mangeya is Chairperson of the Department of Media, Communication, Film and Theater Arts Studies at
Sierra Leone Government Hires Cyber Mercenaries, Foreign Intel Operatives Against Journalists and Activists
In this episode, independent journalist Kelley Lane examines how Sierra Leone's government uses cyber mercenaries and foreign intelligence operatives on a larger surveillance operation and disinformation campaign targeting independent journalists and democracy activists in the country.
The Africanist Press has been the principal target of these operations. The current episode is the third seg
The Crisis of Democracy in Sierra Leone
In this exclusive discussion, Africa Today's Walter Turner and Africanist Press editor, Dr. Chernoh Alpha Bah examine the crisis of electoral democracy in Sierra Leone, and the political challenges confronting African nations in a world increasingly divided by ongoing contests and competition for strategic resources.
This discussion was first broadcast on KPFA in early July 2023.
Africanist Press Launches New Radio Project for West Africa
In this introductory broadcast, Africanist Press editor Chernoh Alpha Bah gives an overview of the media agency's new broadcasting project for West African communities. The weekly broadcast aims to provide analysis of African news and every day events affecting African communities around the world.
The launch of the broadcasting project forms part of this year's commemoration of the 21-ye
An Independent Podcast Service for West African Communities
Africanist Press Podcast Service is a weekly analysis of the ways global and continental events affect communities in the West African region, and how indigenous communities are developing strategies to overcome conflict, instability, and other challenges in the region. The Podcast Service aims to give voice to marginalized communities through the production of weekly audio broadcasts that analyze
Sierra Leone: The Bio Administration's War Against Independent Journalism and Democratic Dissent
This is the second part of a three part series of an exclusive interview reviewing the investigative work of the Africanist Press in Sierra Leone. In Part 2 of this series, we focused on the Maada Bio administration's efforts to criminalize the work of the Africanist Press and the administration's coordinated campaign against free speech and democratic dissent in Sierra Leone.
This interv
The Courageous Work of the Africanist Press in Sierra Leone: An Exclusive Interview
In this exclusive interview with independent journalist, Kelley Lane, editor and co-producer of the Assange Countdown to Freedom Series, Chernoh Alpha Bah discusses the Africanist Press work to expose corruption in Sierra Leone.
