A commercial deal in Kenya marks the first application of balloon-powered internet in Africa, the region with the lowest percentage of internet users globally.
Author: Abdi Latif Dahir
Attacks in Somalia Leave at Least 5 Dead
Devastating assaults, occurring almost daily and often in the capital, Mogadishu, have put a strain on the country’s fragile government.
Hachalu Hundessa, Ethiopian Singer and Activist, Is Shot Dead
The musician, 34, was known for political songs that provided support for the ethnic Oromo group’s fight against repression and a soundtrack for antigovernment protests.
Coronavirus Is Battering Africa’s Growing Middle Class
From Kenya to Nigeria, South Africa to Rwanda, the pandemic is decimating the livelihoods of the once-stable workers who were helping to drive Africa’s economic expansion.
Congo’s Deadliest Ebola Outbreak Is Declared Over
The World Health Organization called the end of the country’s 10th outbreak, the second deadliest in history, “a victory for science.” Health workers had faced mistrust and treatment centers were attacked.
President of Burundi, Pierre Nkurunziza, 55, Dies of Heart Attack
Mr. Nkurunziza ruled the small Central African nation for 15 years with an iron fist, arresting journalists, stifling media outlets and cracking down on the opposition.
Why the Call to Prayer Made Me Cry This Ramadan
Abdi Latif Dahir, a New York Times reporter based in Nairobi, reflects on how the pandemic’s “gift of loneliness” reshaped the holy month.
Burundi Turns Out to Replace President of 15 Years, Pandemic or No
The campaign has been marred by violence against the political opposition and a disregard of measures to protect the public from the coronavirus.
An African Literary Festival for the Age of Coronavirus
Book events worldwide are on hold, but Afrolit Sans Frontieres uses social media to host frank discussions around writing, creativity, sex and violence.
Coronanvirus Aid Plane That Crashed in Somalia May Have Been Shot Down, Report Says
The Kenyan-registered aircraft was delivering much-needed humanitarian supplies for the fight against the coronavirus when it crashed.