Blending Malian heritage with high-energy pop, Fatoumata Diawara used the CTIJF stage to honour her roots and confront FGM, proving that heritage and modern activism are inseparable
The Malian legend celebrates Montreux’s arrival in Africa, urging artists to honour their roots while embracing music as a universal language
In addition, some of the continent’s wars show little sign of resolution
Governments on the continent are using enforced disappearances to silence political opposition but, as cases rise, only 21 of 55 states have ratified a key convention
This is despite protests by opposition parties
The grouping, made up of Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa, is a challenge to the West on Israel’s war in Gaza
About 50% of the continent’s children have experienced violence – emotional, sexual, physical and the added dangers of war
Many African countries are anxious not to be sucked into a new Cold War and want to maintain cordial relations with both Russia and the West
How musical icon Aicha Kone has turned her back and microphone on the old political class in West Africa
Mali’s “king of kora” Toumani Diabaté died last Friday, 19 July, at the age of 58
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have left the Economic Community of West African States, which could adversely affect trade and the end of military rule
Why foreign powers France, Russia, China and the United States are interested in the region
Burkina Faso and Mali may pay Rosatom to build nuclear plants. But why indenture yourself when energy emancipation is staring you in the face?
Violence has risen since August as the military, rebels and jihadists battle for control
