Charles Onyango-Obbo
@cobbo3.bsky.social
Journalist, writer, uncertain Afro-futurist, curator, podcaster with The Bad Natives.
Nairobi-KENYA/Tororo-UGANDA
Nairobi-KENYA/Tororo-UGANDA
11 African countries plan to hold elections in 2026. About 50% can be expected to be competitive, while the outcomes in the remainder are predictable. In the Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, in power for 40 years, just won. 10 to go…
Africa’s 2026 Elections: Navigating Complexity to Deliver for Citizens
Africans face a complex electoral landscape in 2026, including conflicts, entrenched incumbents, and external actor influences.
africacenter.org
January 17, 2026 at 5:38 PM
11 African countries plan to hold elections in 2026. About 50% can be expected to be competitive, while the outcomes in the remainder are predictable. In the Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, in power for 40 years, just won. 10 to go…
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has, for the first time, expressed regret over the internet shutdown imposed during the country’s disputed October elections, which were followed by the worst post-election violence in decades. [Some accounts claimed up to 3,000 people were killed].
Tanzania President Expresses Regret Over Election-Day Internet Shutdown | Africanews
Violence erupted after Hassan won the vote with more than 97 percent, as major opposition candidates were barred and the main opposition leader remained jailed on treason charges. Rights groups say hu...
www.africanews.com
January 17, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has, for the first time, expressed regret over the internet shutdown imposed during the country’s disputed October elections, which were followed by the worst post-election violence in decades. [Some accounts claimed up to 3,000 people were killed].
Uganda President Yoweri Museveni declared winner of Jan. 15 vote, as rival Robert Kyagulanyi, who had been placed under house arrest, flees home. Museveni will have notched a record 45 years in power at the end of this new term.
Uganda elections: Museveni, 81, given five more years to lead Uganda
Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, who is in hiding following a night military raid at his home has rejected the poll results as fake
www.monitor.co.ug
January 17, 2026 at 1:42 PM
Uganda President Yoweri Museveni declared winner of Jan. 15 vote, as rival Robert Kyagulanyi, who had been placed under house arrest, flees home. Museveni will have notched a record 45 years in power at the end of this new term.
Nigerian artist Stanley Ejike Nwite’s hyperrealistic pencil drawings meditate upon Black identity and heritage.
Hyperrealistic Pencil Drawings Meditate Upon Black Identity and Heritage [Interview]
“I needed a way to say what words failed to convey. Art chose me then, and the closest thing I could use to express myself was a pencil.”
mymodernmet.com
January 17, 2026 at 10:22 AM
Nigerian artist Stanley Ejike Nwite’s hyperrealistic pencil drawings meditate upon Black identity and heritage.
With a massive electricity shortage, Nigerians depend largely on generators. The machines spanning Africa’s most-populous nation can produce as much as 75 gigawatts of power — well above the amount South Africa, the continent’s biggest economy, can muster.
A Solar Boom in Rural Nigeria Lights Up Local Economies
The diesel-powered generators that have long powered the Nigerian economy are making way for solar panels, thanks in part to a $750 million World Bank campaign.
www.bloomberg.com
January 16, 2026 at 11:43 PM
With a massive electricity shortage, Nigerians depend largely on generators. The machines spanning Africa’s most-populous nation can produce as much as 75 gigawatts of power — well above the amount South Africa, the continent’s biggest economy, can muster.
An “unknown life form" made ancient structures over a million years ago in the Namibian desert.
"Unknown Life Form" Made Ancient Structures Over A Million Years Ago In The Namibian Desert
Here’s what scientists know about the life form and why it could change their understanding of desert ecosystems.
www.thetravel.com
January 16, 2026 at 10:50 AM
An “unknown life form" made ancient structures over a million years ago in the Namibian desert.
Trump’s latest travel ban leaves fans from Senegal and Ivory Coast unable to travel to support their World Cup teams. Fans from Haiti and Iran, two other countries who’ve qualified for the World Cup, will be barred from entering the US as well.
Trump’s latest travel ban leaves fans unable to travel to support their World Cup team
The restrictions include an exception for players, officials and immediate relatives. But no allowance has been made for supporters
sports.yahoo.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Trump’s latest travel ban leaves fans from Senegal and Ivory Coast unable to travel to support their World Cup teams. Fans from Haiti and Iran, two other countries who’ve qualified for the World Cup, will be barred from entering the US as well.
60% of African elections since 2006 were flawed: 30% were "flawed but acceptable," while 30% were "contested, stolen, or failed integrity." Only 40% were truly "free and fair," per Afrobarometer, EIP, and Mo Ibrahim Foundation data.
January 14, 2026 at 9:51 AM
60% of African elections since 2006 were flawed: 30% were "flawed but acceptable," while 30% were "contested, stolen, or failed integrity." Only 40% were truly "free and fair," per Afrobarometer, EIP, and Mo Ibrahim Foundation data.
Uganda, the VPN state & its digital shadow walkers. Switching off of the [internet] lights has only taught many Ugandans how to see in the dark. And as veteran night-hunters will tell you, those who can see in the dark have a distinct advantage over those who only know how to operate in the light.
Uganda, the VPN state and its digital shadow walkers
The attempt to switch off the light has only taught many how to see in the dark. And as veteran night-hunters will tell you, those who can see in the dark have a distinct advantage over those who...
www.monitor.co.ug
January 13, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Uganda, the VPN state & its digital shadow walkers. Switching off of the [internet] lights has only taught many Ugandans how to see in the dark. And as veteran night-hunters will tell you, those who can see in the dark have a distinct advantage over those who only know how to operate in the light.
One of the most brutal episodes in human history. What happened in the Belgian Congo under King Leopold II is beyond belief: 7 shocking facts.
7 Shocking Facts About Leopold’s Congo | TheCollector
One of the most brutal episodes in human history, what happened in the Belgian Congo under King Leopold II is almost beyond belief.
www.thecollector.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:32 AM
One of the most brutal episodes in human history. What happened in the Belgian Congo under King Leopold II is beyond belief: 7 shocking facts.
Ghana’s incredible coffins: the true story the West got wrong. Hint, it has anti-colonial roots. Today, the largest collection of Ghanaian coffins is found not in Accra, but in Basel, Switzerland, at the Museum der Kulturen (Museum of Cultures).
Ghana’s incredible coffins: the true story the West got wrong
Ghana’s incredible coffins — between secret rites, craftsmanship, and pop culture: the true story of a tradition the West misunderstood.
www.domusweb.it
January 12, 2026 at 10:12 PM
Ghana’s incredible coffins: the true story the West got wrong. Hint, it has anti-colonial roots. Today, the largest collection of Ghanaian coffins is found not in Accra, but in Basel, Switzerland, at the Museum der Kulturen (Museum of Cultures).
Africa’s growth could outpace Asia’s this year (though, of course, it won’t become richer. It would be the first time in modern history that this has happened.
Africa’s Growth Could Outpace Asia’s This Year
humanprogress.org
January 12, 2026 at 2:33 PM
Africa’s growth could outpace Asia’s this year (though, of course, it won’t become richer. It would be the first time in modern history that this has happened.
The challenge of Uganda’s ‘forever president’: Once a beacon of African hope, now keeps in power through ‘mystical arithmetics’.
View: The challenge of Uganda’s ‘forever president’
President Yoweri Museveni is in the running for his ninth term for a record 45 years.
www.semafor.com
January 12, 2026 at 2:29 PM
The challenge of Uganda’s ‘forever president’: Once a beacon of African hope, now keeps in power through ‘mystical arithmetics’.
Water transport in Africa is up to 60% cheaper, yet 80% of the continent’s freight still moves by road. Meanwhile, Africa’s transport costs are up to 5 times higher than in the U.S., helping keep intra-African trade at just 16%.
The nautical theory of African development
With more ships plying its rivers and lakes, the continent could be much richer
www.economist.com
January 12, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Water transport in Africa is up to 60% cheaper, yet 80% of the continent’s freight still moves by road. Meanwhile, Africa’s transport costs are up to 5 times higher than in the U.S., helping keep intra-African trade at just 16%.
The wildebeest migration in Kenya has shrunk by 90% due to the construction of fences that disrupt their natural movement across the Maasai Mara ecosystem🤯
Why wildebeest migration shrunk by 90% in Kenya
New maps show the massive impact of fencing on the long-distance movements of one of Africa's most iconic migratory wildlife species. The post Why wildebeest migration shrunk by 90% in Kenya appeared ...
www.miamiherald.com
January 11, 2026 at 7:21 PM
The wildebeest migration in Kenya has shrunk by 90% due to the construction of fences that disrupt their natural movement across the Maasai Mara ecosystem🤯
Sudan’s civil war has devastated the country’s cultural heritage, effectively wiping out centuries of valuable relics.
Sudan’s cultural relics destroyed after three years of war
The more than three-year war has killed 150,000 people and effectively wiped out centuries of valuable relics.
www.semafor.com
January 10, 2026 at 9:35 PM
Sudan’s civil war has devastated the country’s cultural heritage, effectively wiping out centuries of valuable relics.
Nairobi’s skyline and stolen US cash: Stolen money too often ends up in buildings because real estate is the world’s best “laundromat.”
Nairobi’s sky and stolen cash
Stolen money too often ends up in buildings because real estate is the world’s best “laundromat.”
nation.africa
January 10, 2026 at 12:46 AM
Nairobi’s skyline and stolen US cash: Stolen money too often ends up in buildings because real estate is the world’s best “laundromat.”
Kenya aims to become a global meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) hub as the 11,000-seat Bomas International Convention Complex nears completion in Nairobi.
Bomas Convention Complex Set to Boost Kenya’s Status as Africa’s Leading MICE Destination - ynews.digital
Kenya’s Bomas International Convention Complex is set to transform the country’s MICE sector, positioning Nairobi as a leading hub for global conferences, exhibitions and summits in Africa.
ynews.digital
January 9, 2026 at 12:38 PM
Kenya aims to become a global meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) hub as the 11,000-seat Bomas International Convention Complex nears completion in Nairobi.
“Love is the key that takes cultures from oppression to joy” - South African artist Sabelo Mlangeni.
Aesthetica Magazine - Emerging Photography: <br> Top Exhibitions for January
Discover five international exhibitions that spotlight emerging artists, whose work is redefining how photography can be used to reflect our society.
aestheticamagazine.com
January 8, 2026 at 12:00 PM
“Love is the key that takes cultures from oppression to joy” - South African artist Sabelo Mlangeni.
Armed groups have intensified attacks across parts of northern Nigeria following U.S. air strikes against Islamic State-linked militants in Sokoto State. Too often, if you aren’t putting boots on the ground, you’re just pissing in the wind in these situations.
Terrorists dare Trump, kill scores
Terrorist attacks in Nigeria have intensified following US airstrikes, with armed groups killing at least 47 people and kidnapping 35 across northern state
punchng.com
January 8, 2026 at 10:50 AM
Armed groups have intensified attacks across parts of northern Nigeria following U.S. air strikes against Islamic State-linked militants in Sokoto State. Too often, if you aren’t putting boots on the ground, you’re just pissing in the wind in these situations.
Will South Sudan get dragged into Sudan’s civil war? The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) captured more than 10 South Sudanese fighting alongside the rebel paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in central Sudan’s Kordofan region last week.
Will South Sudan Get Dragged Into Sudan’s Civil War?
Tensions rise after the Sudanese military captures South Sudanese nationals in battle.
foreignpolicy.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Will South Sudan get dragged into Sudan’s civil war? The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) captured more than 10 South Sudanese fighting alongside the rebel paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in central Sudan’s Kordofan region last week.
U.S. denies entry to 14 Ethiopian athletes ahead of World XC Championships. Only four of the 18 Ethiopian U20 athletes had their U.S. visa applications accepted.
U.S. denies entry to 14 Ethiopian athletes ahead of World XC Championships - Canadian Running Magazine
According to a report from LetsRun.com, only four of the 18 Ethiopian U20 athletes had their U.S. visa applications accepted
runningmagazine.ca
January 7, 2026 at 10:38 AM
U.S. denies entry to 14 Ethiopian athletes ahead of World XC Championships. Only four of the 18 Ethiopian U20 athletes had their U.S. visa applications accepted.
Türkiye is building a space launch facility in Somalia, hoping to tap a growing market estimated to be worth $1.8 trillion by the mid-2030s.
TRT World - Somalia spaceport to give Türkiye a foothold in global launch industry
Türkiye is building a space launch facility in Somalia, hoping to tap a growing market estimated to be worth $1.8 trillion by the mid-2030s.
www.trtworld.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:28 AM
Türkiye is building a space launch facility in Somalia, hoping to tap a growing market estimated to be worth $1.8 trillion by the mid-2030s.
Uganda’s upcoming January 15 vote is a “senseless election”. President Museveni's efforts to ensure an electoral victory will almost certainly be successful, but will only exacerbate simmering resentment. Museveni has been in power for 40 years now.
A Senseless Election
Museveni's efforts to ensure an electoral victory will almost certainly be successful, but will only exacerbate simmering resentment.
on.cfr.org
January 6, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Uganda’s upcoming January 15 vote is a “senseless election”. President Museveni's efforts to ensure an electoral victory will almost certainly be successful, but will only exacerbate simmering resentment. Museveni has been in power for 40 years now.
As climate change and urbanization intensify flooding in Rwanda, the hilly capital of Kigali has pushed nature-based solutions, reshaping 18,000 acres of degraded wetlands, planting native species to filter and slow runoff and enhancing biodiversity.
Plagued by Flooding, an African City Reengineers Its Wetlands
As climate change and urbanization intensify flooding in Rwanda, the hilly capital of Kigali has embraced nature-based solutions. The city is restoring and reshaping 18,000 acres of degraded wetlands,...
e360.yale.edu
January 6, 2026 at 10:21 AM
As climate change and urbanization intensify flooding in Rwanda, the hilly capital of Kigali has pushed nature-based solutions, reshaping 18,000 acres of degraded wetlands, planting native species to filter and slow runoff and enhancing biodiversity.