Last week, disaster hit Sierra Leone, one of the jewels of Africa. At least 500 people were killed after a mudslide tore through a suburb of the capital Freetown. Hundreds of people are still missing and thousands more are left homeless. This is a moment of pain that will forever be etched in our memories as Africans, but simply remembering this tragedy is not enough. We need to learn from it.
The changing climate is no longer an abstract issue, and the realities of its impacts are being felt across the world. The long awaited IPCC Assessment Report (AR5) summary for Policy Makers was released on September 27. The report predicted the impacts of climate change will lead to more flooding, famine, drought and disease which could have a negative impact for millions of people in the poorest parts of the world, especially Africa.
“Africa will write its own history and, both north and south of the Sahara, it will be a history full of glory and dignity.” These profound words of the Congolese leader, Patrice Lumumba in the 1960’s have haunted the continent for over five decades, and working towards its fulfilment is surely on the shoulders of each succeeding generation.
With the global population approaching 9.6 billion by 2050, huge demands will be placed on states and the environment to provide sufficient food.
According to a famous African proverb, “When the music changes, so does the dance.” This adage illustrates the continent’s current position amidst opportunities for, and challenges to, development and governance as the 21st century unfolds.
Environmental sustainability is crucial to Africa’s development. As the target date for achieving the MDGs comes to a close, achieving environmental sustainability remains a challenge.
Ratifications are moving ahead, if slowly, on the newly signed African Continental Free Trade Agreement
Since December 2015, when 195 countries signed the Paris Agreement on climate change, several countries in Africa have
Under the changing climate no stone need to be left unturned. A liberalized African commercial airspace and
The devastating effects of climate change are already being felt across the planet, including in Africa.
