Author Archives: admin

POLITICS Moïse Katumbi takes on President Joseph Kabila May 14th 2016 Ecoomist President Joseph Kabila is doing everything to have a third term in office (the constitution only allows two terms). He refuses to fund the election board and demands … Continue reading →

WHY GO? As much a geographical concept as a fully fledged nation, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC; formerly Zaïre) has one of the saddest chapters in modern history: from the  political folly of King Leopold of Belgium to the … Continue reading →

WHY GO? Beaches, Whales & Faded Colonial Splendour. If you adore quietude, take a trip to São Tomé & Príncipe, Africa’s second-smallest country. These two tiny volcanic bumps anchored off the Gabonese coast easily win the hearts of foreigners with … Continue reading →

WHY GO? Unlike many of its neighbours, this part of equatorial Africa enjoys both peace and stability, while its superb wildlife makes it an increasingly popular place to safari away from the crowds of East Africa. With its seemingly endless … Continue reading →

DIVORCE in NIGERIA Official statistics vastly understate Nigeria’s divorce rate Jul 9th 2016 Economist Official statistics suggest that divorce is exceedingly uncommon in Nigeria. Just 0.2% of men and 0.3% of women have legally untied the knot, according to the … Continue reading →

Petrol subsidies Currency controls lifted Smuggling Electricity The States NIGERIAN PETROL SUBSIDIES Petrol prices are now a bit more realistic. Will the naira be next? May 21st 2016 Economist Nigeria’s previous attempt to reduce the vast sums it squanders on … Continue reading →

Fighting on all fronts. Bad governance has bred uprisings from Boko Haram to Biafra Apr 2nd 2016 Economist THE prayers of Gyang Dahoro take on a decidedly political note. A dozen local chiefs, resplendent in traditional Nigerian dress, nod approvingly … Continue reading →

2011 THE STRANGE and EVIL WORLD of EQUATORIAL GUINEA It is hard not to be impressed when you arrive in the newly rich nation of Equatorial Guinea, especially when you are invited as a guest of the president. There is just … Continue reading →

WHY GO? Failed coups, danger money, bushmeat and buckets of oil – you could say Equatorial Guinea has something of a reputation. It has beautiful black-and-white shores, primates with painted faces, clouds of butterflies and colourful insects. Though the country … Continue reading →

WHY GO? Nigeria is a pulsating powerhouse: as the most populous nation on the continent, it dominates the region economically and culturally. Lagos is bursting at the seams: with burgeoning technology and telecommunications industries, posh restaurants and clubs, and an … Continue reading →