Africa by Julia Nay

Democratic Republic of the Congo

2201295_1 — 2025-03-25 13:24:29 UTC

Corneille Nangaa, leader of the M23 faction in eastern Congo, argues that international sanctions and a U.S. minerals deal won't resolve the conflict, insisting that Congolese people should lead the efforts.

Freetown, Sierra Leone

2201295_1 — 2025-03-25 13:37:41 UTC

Fatou Esther Jusu, a 21-year-old nursing student in Sierra Leone, is advocating for the decriminalization of abortion following her traumatic experiences with unsafe self-induced abortions, amidst a backdrop of high maternal mortality rates and a contentious debate over a proposed Safe Motherhood Bill that faces religious opposition and societal stigma.

South Sudan

2201295_1 — 2025-03-25 13:41:12 UTC

Nicholas Haysom, the top U.N. official in South Sudan, has warned that the nation is on the verge of renewed civil war due to the government's abrupt postponement of peace efforts, stressing that lasting international peace will depend on President Salva Kiir and rival-turned-vice president Riek Machar putting their people's interests above personal ambitions amid ongoing violence and deep-rooted ethnic divisions.

Mekele, Ethiopia

2201295_1 — 2025-03-25 13:43:58 UTC

In Mekele, Ethiopia's Tigray region, a severe humanitarian crisis is unfolding as U.S. aid cuts have left 2.4 million displaced individuals without essential food support, exacerbating hunger and malnutrition rates following a devastating civil war.

Kimbirila-Nord, Ivory Coast

2201295_1 — 2025-03-25 13:46:27 UTC

The local population faces an escalating threat of extremism fueled by rising violence in neighboring Mali, as cuts to U.S. foreign aid have halted crucial support for job training and community initiatives, leaving residents exposed to extremist recruitment amid persistent poverty and hunger.

Abuja, Nigeria

2201295_1 — 2025-03-25 13:48:36 UTC

In Maiduguri, Nigeria, the local market has successfully rebounded from severe floods that displaced hundreds of thousands and caused significant loss of life, thanks to over 18 billion naira ($12 million) in recovery funds. Long-term plans for rebuilding the collapsed dam are underway to enhance irrigation and water supply by 2027.