A book about the history of Madagascar

Madagascar, one of biggest islands in the world is famous for vanilla and and it´s unique nature. But the island nation also has a very fascinating political history, with the different people on the island fighting for political influence, to the French colonization, independence and today´s political climate. I really recommend the book pictured below, which I have just finished reading. It gives you a good overview of Madagascar´s history in just 231 pages, but it still manages to give very detailed information.

What can Kenya do to stop terror attacks?

 Yesterday a horrific terrorist attack took place in Nairobi killing 21 people. The terror organization Al Shabaab, with it´s basein Somalia, has claimed responsibility for the attacks. What are origins of this terror organization and wha does their history look like? Read more here for further information.
And why is Kenya being targeted and what can  Kenya do to stop attacks in the future?

The story behind Laurent Gbagbo

Laurent Gbagbo was acquited by the International Crime Court in Hague on Tuesday. The former president of Ivory Coast refused to step down as president and was arrested in 2011, charged with crimes against humanity. France24 has put together an article on Laurent Gbagbos entire political background. 

Classic soul from Burundi

Today´s music recommendaion comes from J.P. Bimeni, a Burundian-born singer who sings classic soul. Enjoy!

The best South African footballers of all time

Recently former South African footballer Phil Masinga tragically passed away at age 49. He was in the side when South Africa won their first African Cup of Nations in 1996 and scored the decisive goal in the qualifiers that took South Africa to their first ever World Cup in 1998.

Phil Masinga is not the only great footballer to come out of South Africa. I have listed three footballers that in my opinion could rank among the best footballers that the country has ever produced.

Albert Johanneson
Albert Johanneson was a left winger who played for Leeds United during the 1960s. Besides from being a great player he was also a pioneer for black footballers in Britain. He was the first black player to play in the FA cup final. His memory will be honoured at Leeds home ground Elland Road.

Gordon Hodgson
Gordon Hodgson played for Liverpool during the 1920s and 1930s and also had spells at Aston Villa and Leeds United. But he will be most remembered for his days at Liverpool where he went on to become one of the greatest goalscorers ever for the English powerhouse.

Lucas Radebe
South Africa´s greatest ever defender had his best playing days, just like countryman Albert Johanneson, at Leeds United. He could even put on displays as a great goalkeeper. For South Africa he was part of the squad that won the 1996 African Cup of Nations and captained his side at the World Cups in 1998 and 2002.

Have you heard of the Mpemba effect?

Next in my series of science and Africa I want to talk about an African who has a scientific term named after him - Erasto Mpemba from Tanzania. Still a pupil at school he says he discovered that hot water freezes faster than cold water. This has since then been called the "Mpemba effect". Scientists are still debating wether this is actually happening or not (read more here on why this is an issue) but Erasto Mpemba is one of few Africans who can say they have given name to a scientific term.

Libya is home to one of the best preserved ancient Roman sites

On Swedish television you can now watch Simon Reeve travel to different places around the Mediterranean sea and of course he passes through North Africa, especially in episode three. 

In episode three he travels to Leptis Magna in Libya, one of he best preserved Ancient Roman sites, and talks to local people who defended the site against the Islamic State. Amongst oher things, he also talks to African migrants who ty to make it to Europe and talks a look at a place in Tunisia where parts of the Star Wars movies were shot.

More on Leptis Magna you can check out the video below (not from the show with Simon Reeve).

The Catholic Church rejects presidential winner

Felix Tshisekedi from the opposition has been named as winner of DR Congo´s presidential election. But the Catholic Church claims that another opposition candidate, Martin Fayulu, is the rightful winner basedon their data. The aftermaths of the DR Congolese presidential election have surely not come to an end. There has never been a peaceful transfer of power in the country since independence.

Egypt has a lot of success in football

Egypt has been in the foreground of African football recently. The country has been named as host of the next African Cup of Nations (men´s edition), since Cameroon was stripped off the competition due to delays in preparation.

Egyptian Mohamed Salah has also been named African footballer of the year by CAF. South Africa´s Thembi Kgatlana was awarded the prize amongst women.

The history of DR Congo

The results from the elections in DR Congo has not been declared yet and the tensions are rising in the country.

To understand the current political situation it could be interresting to take a look at the history of DR Congo. From the colonial times where king Leopold of Belgium treated the country (then known as the Congo Free State) as his own personal property, the assasination of prime minister Patrice Lumumba, the dictatorship of Mobutu Sese Seko to today´s political climate. Take a look at the video below from Crash Course World History.

Attempted coup in Gabon

As you may have heard, there was a coup attempt in Gabon. The attempt took place while president Ali Bongo was abroad. Here is a summary of everything that has happened.

New Ghanaian music!

In this blog post I would like to recommend listening to the Ghanaians in FOKN Bois, and especially the song "Wo Nim Mi". Read more about them here.

An update on African politics

This blog has taken a break over the holidays, but now I am back. During this period some very significant things have happened in politics on the continent.

In Madagascar two former presidents competed in the presidential election, but the declared loser of the elections has challenged the results and claims there were frauds involved.

DR Congo has had a turbulent presidential election with complaints from the opposition. The new president will succeed Joseph Kabila who has been president since 2001.

In Sudan massive protests have taken place against long time president Omar al-Bashir.