For Suzy John, farming is the only way to feed her five children. But each harvest season brings fear that armed groups may force her family from their land before they can collect the crops.
“We farm and harvest, but when we are ready to enjoy the fruits of our labour, armed groups come and drive us away,” she said. “Our houses were burned down, and now we are living under this tent.”
Suzy lives in Rii-rangu, a remote community in Yambio County, Western Equatoria State, where years of insecurity and poor infrastructure have left families without clean drinking water, functioning schools, healthcare or reliable access to markets.
Reaching Rii-rangu is difficult. Roads leading to the community are narrow, and often badly damaged by the rains. A patrol by peacekeepers with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) traversed the challenging terrain to meet residents and assess their protection concerns, and urgent needs.
The poor road network has worsened the community’s isolation, limiting access to healthcare, education, markets and humanitarian assistance.
For women, the lack of essential services has created additional hardship.
“There are no schools, there is no borehole and no medical supplies,” said resident Hellena Mborihidie. “When someone falls sick, there is no medicine. We are pleading with the government to intervene.”
The members of the UNMISS patrol team met with residents, representatives of local authorities and security personnel in the area. They also assessed abandoned public facilities, including the damaged primary school and health centre.
Inside the damaged school compound, empty classrooms reflect the challenges facing children growing up in the area.
For mothers, the absence of healthcare and reliable transport has made pregnancy and childbirth particularly dangerous.
“There are no health facilities or medicines,” said Ojilia Barnaba, a mother of six. “Pregnant women have nowhere to receive antenatal care, and there is no transport to reach the nearest hospital.”
She said women and adolescent girls also lack access to menstrual hygiene supplies.
“There are no markets. When a woman or a girl is menstruating, there is no access to dignity kits. We are suffering.”
During the visit, the peacekeeping team documented the concerns raised by residents, including threats to civilians, displacement, food insecurity and the collapse of basic services.
After meeting with community members and listening to their grievances, UNMISS staff reassured them that these concerns would be shared with government authorities in the State.
“We are here as part of the UNMISS mandate to protect civilians and monitor possible human rights violations. We came to assess the situation, and we will report our findings to the UNMISS leadership,” said Senyo Kofi Dzamefe, a Military Observer with UNMISS.
Such patrols help the United Nations identify threats facing civilians and share information with authorities and humanitarian partners who can provide further support.
For the people of Rii-rangu, the priorities are clear: security, clean water, healthcare, functioning schools and safe access to their farms.
They want the opportunity to rebuild their homes, educate their children and live without fear on the land that sustains them.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
O Primeiro-Ministro, Francisco Carvalho, e o Ministro dos Transportes e Mar, João do Carmo, reuniram-se, nesta terça-feira, 11 de agosto, com representantes da empresa Suíça Moov, que manifestou interesse no setor da aviação civil cabo-verdiana, particularmente, na companhia aérea nacional TACV – Cabo Verde Airlines.
A reunião permitiu ao Governo conhecer a visão estratégica da Moov para o setor da aviação civil e, em particular, a sua perspetiva para o futuro dos TACV, no quadro do projeto Atlantic Gateway. Segundo João do Carmo, a Moov apresentou uma estratégia de longo prazo e faseada, tendo como primeira prioridade a estabilização dos TACV.
O Ministro dos Transportes e Mar reforçou que qualquer solução deverá ter como princípio fundamental a defesa dos interesses nacionais e dos cabo-verdianos.
“Faremos de tudo para que os interesses dos cabo-verdianos sejam salvaguardados. Essa é a principal missão deste Governo no tocante aos transportes: defender os interesses dos cabo-verdianos”, salientou.
De acordo com João do Carmo, a Moov demonstrou forte interesse em prosseguir as conversações com o Governo de Cabo Verde, abrindo caminho para o aprofundamento dos contactos e para uma eventual cooperação no domínio da aviação civil.
O Governo pretende, assim, continuar a trabalhar na identificação e avaliação de potenciais parceiros estratégicos para o setor, tendo como prioridade a estabilização e o reforço dos TACV, bem como a criação de condições para uma aviação civil mais sustentável, competitiva e capaz de responder às necessidades de conectividade do país.
O Ministro considerou o encontro positivo com a Suíça Moov e garantiu que o Governo dará continuidade às conversações, estando prevista uma deslocação à Suíça para aprofundar os contactos e conhecer melhor a empresa, tendo em vista uma eventual parceria.
A Suíça Moov
Com sede em Lugano, na Suíça, a Moov trabalha no desenvolvimento do projeto Atlantic Gateway, uma rede aérea intercontinental concebida para reforçar as ligações entre a Europa, África e a América Latina.
A integração de Cabo Verde nesta estratégia enquadra-se numa visão mais ampla de conectividade aérea internacional, com particular enfoque no desenvolvimento de ligações regionais e na oferta de experiências de viagem de segmento premium.
Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.
L’Afrique du Sud connaît actuellement l’une des transformations les plus importantes de son secteur énergétique, alors que le pays s’efforce de diversifier son mix énergétique, de réduire sa dépendance au charbon et de développer un système énergétique plus intégré, capable de soutenir une croissance économique à long terme. Alliant électricité, gaz naturel, combustibles liquides, hydrogène et stockage d’énergie, ce modèle en pleine évolution crée de nouvelles opportunités en matière de développement des infrastructures, d’investissements industriels et de partenariats public-privé.
Ces évolutions seront examinées lors de la session intitulée « Investir en Afrique du Sud : développer des systèmes énergétiques intégrés pour un avenir énergétique inclusif et résilient » de l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, au cours de laquelle des décideurs politiques, des investisseurs et des dirigeants du secteur évalueront les stratégies commerciales, les cadres politiques et les modèles de financement nécessaires à la mise en place d’un système énergétique plus flexible et diversifié.
Cette discussion intervient alors que l’Afrique du Sud poursuit la mise en œuvre de son « Partenariat pour une transition énergétique juste », une initiative phare lancée en 2021 qui a mobilisé un engagement initial de 8,5 milliards de dollars de la part de partenaires internationaux afin de soutenir la transition du pays grâce à des investissements dans les énergies renouvelables, les infrastructures de réseau, les véhicules électriques et l’hydrogène vert. Depuis, le programme a élargi les discussions autour des mécanismes de financement mixte et de la participation du secteur privé afin d’accélérer le déploiement des projets.
Si les énergies renouvelables restent au cœur du futur mix énergétique sud-africain, les infrastructures gazières devraient jouer un rôle important en apportant de la flexibilité à mesure que le pays intègre des volumes croissants d’énergie éolienne et solaire intermittentes. Le Plan directeur gazier du gouvernement et le cadre politique émergent en matière de gaz visent à soutenir le développement d’un marché gazier national tout en permettant de nouveaux investissements dans les infrastructures.
Plusieurs grands projets d’infrastructures gazières avancent dans le cadre de cette stratégie. À Richards Bay, le projet de terminal « Zululand Energy Terminal » est en cours de développement pour devenir le premier terminal d’importation de GNL d’Afrique du Sud ; il devrait soutenir le programme « gaz-électricité » de 3 000 MW prévu par Eskom, renforçant ainsi la sécurité énergétique et la flexibilité du réseau. Parallèlement, le développement du terminal GNL de Ngqura, situé dans la zone économique spéciale de Coega, progresse en tant que pôle stratégique d’importation et de regazéification de gaz, conçu pour soutenir les utilisateurs industriels, les producteurs d’électricité indépendants et les futures capacités de production d’électricité à partir du gaz. Ensemble, ces projets pourraient constituer des infrastructures essentielles pour le marché gazier émergent de l’Afrique du Sud, tout en soutenant la croissance industrielle et la transition vers un système énergétique plus diversifié.
Dans le même temps, le pays se positionne comme un acteur mondial potentiel dans le domaine de l’hydrogène vert. Des projets tels que le développement d’hydrogène vert de Sasol à Boegoebaai, dans la province du Cap-Nord, et la zone économique spéciale de Boegoebaai proposée visent une production d’hydrogène à grande échelle alimentée par des énergies renouvelables, avec pour ambition de développer des opportunités d’exportation et de créer de nouvelles chaînes de valeur industrielles.
La session « Invest in South Africa » examinera comment le pays peut intégrer le gaz, les énergies renouvelables, l’hydrogène et le stockage dans un système énergétique résilient tout en gérant la transition vers l’abandon du charbon. Les discussions porteront sur les voies d’investissement, les priorités en matière d’infrastructures et les partenariats nécessaires pour garantir un approvisionnement électrique fiable et une croissance économique inclusive.
« La transition énergétique de l’Afrique du Sud représente l’une des opportunités d’investissement les plus importantes du continent, mais son succès dépendra de la mise en place d’un système énergétique garantissant fiabilité, accessibilité financière et croissance », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie. « En réunissant des investisseurs, des décideurs politiques et des leaders du secteur, l’AEW 2026 contribuera à faire progresser les partenariats nécessaires pour transformer les ambitions énergétiques de l’Afrique du Sud en projets concrets au service de l’économie. »
Alors que l’Afrique du Sud redéfinit son paysage énergétique, l’AEW 2026 offrira aux parties prenantes une plateforme pour identifier les opportunités dans les domaines du gaz, de l’électricité, des énergies renouvelables, de l’hydrogène et des infrastructures, contribuant ainsi à définir le prochain chapitre de l’avenir énergétique du pays.
Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.
La Représentante spéciale du Secrétaire général des Nations Unies et Cheffe de la MINUSCA, Valentine Rugwabiza, et le Premier ministre centrafricain, Chef du Gouvernement, Félix Moloua, ont présidé, le 10 août 2026 à Bangui, une réunion consacrée à la planification de la transition de la mission.
Cette rencontre, qui a réuni les membres du Gouvernement, le leadership de la MINUSCA, des experts des deux institutions ainsi que des diplomates, a permis d’examiner les orientations de la planification de la transition.
Une démarche inscrite dans la résolution 2800 du Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unies.
La MINUSCA et le Gouvernement centrafricain poursuivent leur réflexion commune sur les modalités du transfert progressif de certaines responsabilités de la Mission aux autorités nationales. Les deux partenaires ont pris connaissance des conclusions du comité technique mixte chargé d’évaluer la mise en œuvre de ce processus et d’identifier les domaines pouvant faire l’objet d’un transfert graduel de compétences.
Dans son intervention, la Représentante spéciale a salué les progrès enregistrés grâce à la coopération entre la MINUSCA et le Gouvernement, estimant que le travail entrepris dans le cadre de cette planification témoigne des avancées réalisées par la RCA sur la voie de la stabilité et de la consolidation de la paix. « Nos nombreux résultats obtenus conjointement et graduellement en témoignent. Qu’il s’agisse de la mise en œuvre de l’APPR avec la dissolution de la majorité des groupes armés, de la démobilisation et du désarmement d’un nombre record d’ex-combattants, ou encore du succès historique des élections 2025/2026 », a-t-elle indiqué.
La Représentante spéciale s’est réjoui que l’appropriation nationale forte de la planification ainsi que les progrès et les réalisations concrètes sur lesquels elle s’appuie, permettent « d’envisager et planifier le transfert graduel des tâches et responsabilités de la Mission au Gouvernement ». Soulignant que le travail de planification doit se poursuivre au-delà de la présentation du rapport du Secrétaire général d’ici le 15 septembre 2026, elle a rappelé que l’objectif visé est « une transition graduelle, ordonnée et responsable, informée par la réalité du terrain pour préserver les acquis et consolider les progrès accomplis ».
Pour le Premier ministre, Félix Moloua, cette transition ne doit pas être interprétée comme un retrait de la MINUSCA du pays. « La transition dont nous posons aujourd’hui les jalons n’est pas un désengagement brusque mais un processus méthodique, graduel, structuré et concerté de transfert de compétences et de charges. Il s’agit de consolider les acquis de la paix, de transférer les responsabilités transférables aux institutions nationales et à l’équipe pays des Nations Unies tout en maintenant un accompagnement stratégique centré sur la mission fondamentale de la MINUSCA. Notre objectif commun est de garantir la pérennité des acquis sans créer de vide sécuritaire ou administratif tout en renforçant la coopération nationale sur l’ensemble du territoire », a-t-il déclaré.
« Cette transition concertée, progressive et responsable réaffirme la volonté ferme du Gouvernement de consolider la paix, de garantir la sécurité nationale et d’assumer pleinement la souveraineté nationale, main dans la main avec nos partenaires du système des Nations Unies », a ajouté le Chef du Gouvernement, saluant une étape historique.
La rencontre fait suite aux travaux entre les experts de la MINUSCA et du Gouvernement dans le cadre du comité technique mixte, co-dirigé par le Directeur de cabinet adjoint du Premier ministre et par le Représentant Spécial adjoint de la MINUSCA.
Un communiqué conjoint a été adopté à l’issue de la réunion de haut niveau par lequel les deux parties se félicitent de la tenue de ces travaux techniques inclusifs qui ont résulté sur des recommandations concrètes, pragmatiques et pleinement alignées avec la logique de consolidation qui animent leur partenariat. « Le Gouvernement centrafricain et la MINUSCA réitèrent leur détermination à poursuivre conjointement le travail de planification de la transition tout en poursuivant leur collaboration pour consolider les avancées significatives en termes de sécurité et de stabilisation, au profit de la population centrafricaine », lit-on dans le document.
Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
South Africa is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its energy sector, as the country works to diversify its power mix, reduce reliance on coal and develop a more integrated energy system capable of supporting long-term economic growth. Combining electricity, natural gas, liquid fuels, hydrogen and energy storage, this evolving model is creating new opportunities for infrastructure development, industrial investment and public-private partnerships.
These developments will be explored during the “Invest in South Africa: Developing Integrated Energy Systems for an Inclusive and Resilient Energy Future” session at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, where policymakers, investors and industry leaders will assess the commercial strategies, policy frameworks and financing models required to build a more flexible and diversified energy system.
The discussion comes as South Africa continues implementing its Just Energy Transition Partnership, a landmark initiative launched in 2021 that has mobilized an initial $8.5 billion commitment from international partners to support the country’s transition through investments in renewable energy, grid infrastructure, electric vehicles and green hydrogen. The program has since expanded discussions around blended finance mechanisms and private sector participation to accelerate project deployment.
While renewable energy remains central to South Africa’s future power mix, gas infrastructure is expected to play an important role in providing flexibility as the country integrates increasing volumes of intermittent wind and solar power. The government’s Gas Master Plan and emerging gas policy framework aim to support the development of a domestic gas market while enabling new infrastructure investments.
Several major gas infrastructure projects are advancing as part of this strategy. At Richards Bay, the proposed Zululand Energy Terminal is being developed as South Africa’s first LNG import terminal and is expected to support Eskom’s planned 3,000 MW gas-to-power program, strengthening energy security and grid flexibility. Meanwhile, the Ngqura LNG terminal development at the Coega Special Economic Zone is progressing as a strategic gas import and regasification hub designed to support industrial users, independent power producers and future gas-to-power capacity. Together, these projects could establish critical infrastructure for South Africa’s emerging gas market while supporting industrial growth and the transition toward a more diversified energy system.
At the same time, the country is positioning itself as a potential global player in green hydrogen. Projects such as Sasol’s Boegoebaai green hydrogen development in the Northern Cape and the proposed Boegoebaai Special Economic Zone are targeting large-scale renewable-powered hydrogen production, with ambitions to develop export opportunities and create new industrial value chains.
The “Invest in South Africa” session will examine how the country can integrate gas, renewables, hydrogen and storage into a resilient energy system while managing the transition away from coal. Discussions will focus on investment pathways, infrastructure priorities and the partnerships required to deliver reliable power and inclusive economic growth.
“South Africa’s energy transition represents one of the continent’s most significant investment opportunities, but success will depend on building an energy system that delivers reliability, affordability and growth,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “By bringing together investors, policymakers and industry leaders, AEW 2026 will help advance the partnerships needed to transform South Africa’s energy ambitions into practical projects that benefit the economy.”
As South Africa reshapes its energy landscape, AEW 2026 will provide a platform for stakeholders to identify opportunities across gas, power, renewables, hydrogen and infrastructure – helping define the next chapter of the country’s energy future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa has applauded the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, Tomio Okamura for promoting Uganda’s tourism industry through taking part in the gorilla mountain trekking in Uganda.
Okamura, who is visiting Uganda, alongside Tayebwa, trekked the mountain gorillas over the weekend in Bwindi impenetrable national park in South Western Uganda during the August 2026 expedition.
“He [Okamura] has appointed himself ambassador of tourism for Uganda and he has promised that he is going to do whatever he can to tell the story of Uganda-how beautiful we are as a country and why everyone should come and visit Uganda,” Tayebwa said.
Tayebwa made the remarks in his communication during plenary sitting on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, wherein Okamura, together with several delegates from Czech Republic followed proceedings of the sitting in the visitors’ gallery.
Tayebwa said that Okamura’s visit to Uganda is a vote of confidence, given the recent ban on travel by Ugandans by several countries over the Ebola virus outbreak.
“It is a very strong message to the rest of the world that our country is safe and secure,” Tayebwa said.
He however called for better marketing of Uganda’s tourism, saying that many do not know about the vast tourism sites and safari activities in the country.
“He [Okamura] did not know that he can do safari in Uganda. He first went to another country, did safari and then came to Uganda to do gorilla trekking. That means we need to do a lot to market and package our country so that we are known beyond gorilla trekking,” Tayebwa said.
Tayebwa also renewed a call to the Ministry of Works and transport to improve on the road network in tourism sites, countrywide, saying that tourists spend more hours on the roads due to their poor state.
“It is very important that we fix the roads. I am told that that government has very good plans for tourism roads and I hope we can expedite these and work on the roads,” Tayebwa said.
Hon. Boniface Okot (NRM, Kole South County) thanked Okamura for promoting Uganda’s tourism and encouraged lawmakers to become Uganda’s tourism ambassadors.
“I know in the tourism sector one of the initiatives is having high profile tourists and I encourage the MPs to interest more high profile tourists to visit Uganda,” said Okot.
He added that a proposed Parliamentary tourism week in February 2027 will go a long way in ensuring that legislators participate in promoting Uganda’s tourism.
“This is important in allowing Members to participate in this sector that will have our economy running,” Okot said.
The Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Susan Nakawuki encouraged Ugandans to take advantage of the open national park days, from 25 to 27 September, 2026.
“During those days, entrance to the national parks is free for Ugandans and foreign residents in Uganda,” Nakawuki said.
Nakawuki also encouraged lawmakers to participate in naming of gorillas and rhinos at a cost ranging between US$20,000 and US$50,000, as a way of promoting Uganda’s tourism as well as revenue generation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
A África do Sul está a passar por uma das transformações mais significativas no seu setor energético, à medida que o país se empenha em diversificar o seu mix energético, reduzir a dependência do carvão e desenvolver um sistema energético mais integrado, capaz de sustentar o crescimento económico a longo prazo. Combinando eletricidade, gás natural, combustíveis líquidos, hidrogénio e armazenamento de energia, este modelo em evolução está a criar novas oportunidades para o desenvolvimento de infraestruturas, investimento industrial e parcerias público-privadas.
Estes desenvolvimentos serão explorados durante a sessão «Investir na África do Sul: Desenvolver Sistemas Energéticos Integrados para um Futuro Energético Inclusivo e Resiliente» na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, onde decisores políticos, investidores e líderes do setor irão avaliar as estratégias comerciais, os quadros políticos e os modelos de financiamento necessários para construir um sistema energético mais flexível e diversificado.
O debate surge num momento em que a África do Sul continua a implementar a sua Parceria para uma Transição Energética Justa, uma iniciativa marcante lançada em 2021 que mobilizou um compromisso inicial de 8,5 mil milhões de dólares por parte de parceiros internacionais para apoiar a transição do país através de investimentos em energias renováveis, infraestruturas de rede, veículos elétricos e hidrogénio verde. Desde então, o programa tem vindo a alargar os debates em torno de mecanismos de financiamento misto e da participação do setor privado, com vista a acelerar a implementação de projetos.
Embora as energias renováveis continuem a ser fundamentais para o futuro mix energético da África do Sul, espera-se que as infraestruturas de gás desempenhem um papel importante na garantia de flexibilidade, à medida que o país integra volumes crescentes de energia eólica e solar intermitentes. O Plano Diretor do Gás do governo e o quadro político emergente para o gás visam apoiar o desenvolvimento de um mercado interno de gás, permitindo simultaneamente novos investimentos em infraestruturas.
Vários grandes projetos de infraestruturas de gás estão a avançar no âmbito desta estratégia. Em Richards Bay, o Terminal Energético de Zululand, ainda em fase de proposta, está a ser desenvolvido como o primeiro terminal de importação de GNL da África do Sul e deverá apoiar o programa de conversão de gás em eletricidade de 3 000 MW planeado pela Eskom, reforçando a segurança energética e a flexibilidade da rede. Entretanto, o desenvolvimento do terminal de GNL de Ngqura, na Zona Económica Especial de Coega, está a avançar como um centro estratégico de importação e regaseificação de gás, concebido para apoiar utilizadores industriais, produtores independentes de energia e a futura capacidade de conversão de gás em energia. Em conjunto, estes projetos poderão estabelecer infraestruturas essenciais para o mercado emergente de gás da África do Sul, apoiando simultaneamente o crescimento industrial e a transição para um sistema energético mais diversificado.
Ao mesmo tempo, o país está a posicionar-se como um potencial interveniente global no setor do hidrogénio verde. Projetos como o desenvolvimento de hidrogénio verde da Sasol em Boegoebaai, no Cabo Setentrional, e a proposta de criação da Zona Económica Especial de Boegoebaai têm como objetivo a produção em grande escala de hidrogénio a partir de energias renováveis, com a ambição de desenvolver oportunidades de exportação e criar novas cadeias de valor industriais.
A sessão «Investir na África do Sul» irá analisar como o país pode integrar o gás, as energias renováveis, o hidrogénio e o armazenamento num sistema energético resiliente, ao mesmo tempo que gere a transição para longe do carvão. Os debates centrar-se-ão nas vias de investimento, nas prioridades de infraestruturas e nas parcerias necessárias para garantir um abastecimento energético fiável e um crescimento económico inclusivo.
«A transição energética da África do Sul representa uma das oportunidades de investimento mais significativas do continente, mas o sucesso dependerá da construção de um sistema energético que garanta fiabilidade, acessibilidade e crescimento», afirma NJ Ayuk, presidente executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia. «Ao reunir investidores, decisores políticos e líderes do setor, a AEW 2026 ajudará a promover as parcerias necessárias para transformar as ambições energéticas da África do Sul em projetos concretos que beneficiem a economia.»
À medida que a África do Sul remodela o seu panorama energético, a AEW 2026 proporcionará uma plataforma para que as partes interessadas identifiquem oportunidades nos setores do gás, da eletricidade, das energias renováveis, do hidrogénio e das infraestruturas – ajudando a definir o próximo capítulo do futuro energético do país.
Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.
In this message, the Sovereign extends His warmest congratulations to President Deby Itno, as well as His best wishes for his personal happiness and for the prosperity of the Chadian people.
On this occasion, HM the King recalls the deep ties of brotherhood and friendship between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Chad, expressing His wish to see them strengthened further.
To this end, the Sovereign assures President Deby Itno of His determination to maintain their joint action for reinforced bilateral cooperation, in the service of both peoples and a united and prosperous Africa
– on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.
What is the past? It may seem a simple question to answer, but it is more complex than we might think at first. As science, politics, technologies and ways of thinking change, so does our understanding of what went before.
Tim Forssman is an archaeologist who has conducted research in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Mozambique. He recently completed a book about how the history of archaeology in Africa has shaped the way we understand the past. Here he shares some thoughts about why the discipline matters.
What are the key phases of archaeological work in Africa?
In my book, I divided the practice of archaeology in Africa into four phases: the early years, the emergence of archaeology, a coming of age, and archaeology’s diaspora across Africa. These are not definitive, and they have fuzzy boundaries, but they made the most sense to me. Each chapter begins with a story that I felt captured that period in time.
The 1798 L’Expédition d’Egypte (Egyptian Expedition) under Napoleon Bonaparte. Painted by Léon Cogniet in 1835 (Louvre). Wikimedia.CC BY
The early years came at a time (the late 1800s) when European nations were scrambling to parcel up Africa into colonies. Much of the archaeological work at this time was based on collections, with little analysis of the finds. Most of the research was carried out by museums employees, missionaries, administrators and travellers but little by trained specialists.
Archaeology in Africa cover.Author provided (no reuse)
In the early 20th century, archaeological approaches changed, leading to a clash of amateurs and professionals. By the 1920s, robust analytical approaches were being developed and used to interpret the past. However, archaeology was still chasing the ghosts of colonial misperceptions of Africa’s history. Bogus notions of an Atlantis, a legendary sunken utopia, in west Africa, or Hamitic people from Egypt bringing advanced technology to large parts of the continent, continued.
The second world war brought about a technological leap. Methods such as radiocarbon dating emerged along with other advanced methods that would fundamentally shift archaeological approaches. Early examples of radiocarbon dating in Africa were from Bernard Fagg’s work in Nigeria on the Jos Plateau. While stationed there as a colonial chief inspector of mines he was alerted to finely crafted terracotta heads. He and his wife, Catherine, searched for more and retrieved a large sample. He dated them, producing an age over 2,000 years old, much older than any known kingdom in west Africa at that time. It challenged colonial views that complex civilisations emerged far later in this part of the world than elsewhere.
The stone cairn in Great Zimbabwe’s valley complex. Photo: Andrew Moore, Wikimedia.CC BY
Growing from the 1960s, the diaspora of archaeology, was the role communities played in research, either as workers or by offering information and knowledge. This, I argue, represents a complete shift in archaeological frameworks and in giving agency to Africans.
Great Mosque, Kilwa Kisiwani. Photo: CosiMapi, Wikimedia.CC BY
The Swahili coastline is a perfect example. Previous work focused on the role that incoming Arabic groups played in transforming the socio-political landscape. Then a new approach emerged which turned the lens and examined how local communities carved out change along the coastline as part of a much longer history. Interest shifted from monumental settlements like the Great Mosque at Kilwa-Kiswani, in Tanzania, to everyday life.
These chapters show how the lens archaeologists and historians use focuses on different pasts. As our contexts change, as our approaches shift, or as our science takes on new forms, our view of the past comes into a new focus. We see the past through the present – it is dependent on our social, technological, economic and political contexts.
What role does archaeology play in modern Africa?
Fort São Sebastião on Mozambique Island. Photo: Stig Nygaard, Wikimedia.CC BY
The past has created the world we inhabit. For example, the entire eastern seaboard, from Mogadishu in Somalia to Vilanculos in Mozambique, is shaped by the long history of trade, interaction, colonisation, slavery and conflict. During the colonial era, and in South Africa until the end of apartheid, much of this was not fully recognised or widely promoted. Refocusing on the past, in places with colonial pasts, can play a reparative role in acknowledging African histories that were poorly recorded, helping us to better understand how our society was shaped.
Archaeology matters beyond how we view ourselves and those around us. It has the potential to promote social harmony, improve spiritual and mental health by connecting people with their past and their ancestors, and create sustainable jobs. It also promotes local and indigenous ways of doing and knowing. In Egypt, the Golden Parade of the Pharaohs through the streets of Cairo, when 22 mummies were moved to their new museum in 2021, became an important symbol of nationhood and identity. However, so much of Africa’s heritage is currently at risk.
Preserving the past is an important task for all archaeologists and historians. Rampant looting for museums and collections has led to the loss of important historical items, such as terracotta statues in Nigeria and Mali. Crime is another concern. Conflict during the late 1990s in Eritrea and Ethiopia resulted in the toppling of stelae (stone columns) and golden finds from Thulamela (a site in South Africa’s Kruger National Park) were stolen from the museum in Skukuza, never to be retrieved.
Climate change is having an irreparable impact on history and heritage. In east Africa, potentially more than a quarter of the Unesco World Heritage sites are at risk of flooding or erosion. Mozambique is already witnessing massive damage from cyclones. It is only through archaeology that we learn more of these important pasts and identify methods to protect and preserve them.
Where do you see the field going next?
It is a very diverse discipline with a lot of sub-fields. Each has their own ambitions, aims and goals. But I believe there are some overarching agendas.
Reviewing scientific papers of African research shows that the vast majority are authored by people from Europe and North America. This brings collaborations, funds and training opportunities, but it also causes problems locally. This power dynamic needs to be revised. There should be more of an emphasis on growing local capacity, facilities and training.
Archaeological science is advancing our knowledge of the past at a rapid rate. Genetic research is helping us understand human and animal movements across the continent, and chemical analysis of artefacts such as glass beads is helping us map trade networks. We need more laboratories in Africa. This will create jobs and skills development, and reduce the risks associated with moving sensitive heritage items far from their places of origin.
I also feel that including local communities in archaeological research at various levels is a grand shift in the discipline. In the earlier years, community knowledge was undervalued, whereas today many studies place it at the centre of understanding. Studies of rock art, for example, struggled to understand the art’s meaning until scholars turned to the belief systems of people who produced it to unlock its symbolism.
While there are many challenges, archaeology is in a strong position to contribute to the future. However, archaeologists must ensure that they show how the past is relevant in the present, or it risks being left behind.
– Archaeology has evolved: Four eras of understanding Africa’s past – https://theconversation.com/archaeology-has-evolved-four-eras-of-understanding-africas-past-287886
The Office of the President announces, with deep sadness, the passing of Ambassador Dick Esparon, a distinguished statesman who dedicated more than three decades of his life to the service of Seychelles.
President Dr Patrick Herminie described Ambassador Esparon as a close personal friend and a steadfast servant of the nation, whose contribution spanned the National Assembly, the Diplomatic Corps, and the highest levels of party leadership.
“Seychelles has lost not only a distinguished public servant, but I have lost a close personal friend,” said President Herminie. “Dick gave himself fully to every role entrusted to him, and he did so with humility, loyalty, and an unshakeable love for his country. His passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt across our nation.”
Ambassador Esparon’s career of public service was marked by extraordinary breadth. He served three terms as a Member of the National Assembly, representing his district of Pointe Larue with dedication and integrity. In the diplomatic arena, he served with distinction as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, including as Seychelles’ first resident High Commissioner to India and as Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, in addition to serving as Secretary of State for Poverty Alleviation. Most recently, he served as Secretary General of United Seychelles, guiding the party with steady hand and unwavering commitment.
On behalf of the Government and people of Seychelles, President Herminie extends his deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and colleagues of Ambassador Esparon during this time of profound loss.
