The Vatican’s 574-Year Reckoning: From Blessing Slavery to Asking Pardon
In 1452, a papal document gave Portugal religious authority to conquer and enslave non-Christian peoples. In 2026, Pope Leo XIV asked pardon for the Holy See’s role in legitimising slavery. For Africa, the apology opens an important question: what should come after the words? More than five centuries separate two remarkable moments in the history […]
The New American Visa Wall: Distance, Not Denial?
A planned consolidation of United States visa services across Africa could force applicants to cross borders, spend more money and travel considerably farther merely to attend an interview. The United States is reportedly preparing to reduce sharply the number of its embassies and consulates in Africa authorised to process visa applications. Under the proposed arrangement, […]
Can Google’s Mosquito Experiment Help Africa Fight Malaria?
Google wants permission to release millions of specially treated male mosquitoes in parts of the United States. The insects are intended not to spread disease, but to reduce the populations of mosquitoes that do. Could the same scientific and engineering approach eventually strengthen Africa’s fight against malaria? At first, the proposal sounds like the beginning […]