Roger Middleton
@rogermid.bsky.social
Horn of Africa research. MD Sabi Insight Ltd and Rift Valley Inst Fellow. Ex CDI, Oxfam & Chatham House.
Pinned
Roger Middleton
@rogermid.bsky.social
· Dec 4
Sabi
Sabiinsight.com
I'm a researcher and writer exploring the intersections of peace, conflict, politics, and climate in the Horn of Africa and East Africa. I run Sabiinsight.com a specialized research firm. Fellow at @rvinews.bsky.social Also interesting in UK, Irish, and European politics, rugby, and Cob building.
Reposted by Roger Middleton
New XCEPT report by Hilina Berhanu Degefa on women’s participation in Ethiopia’s ethnonational armed groups.
Completed through the Women Researchers Fellowship in the X-Border Local Research Network, where RVI is a core partner.
Read here: tinyurl.com/w8dupaah
Completed through the Women Researchers Fellowship in the X-Border Local Research Network, where RVI is a core partner.
Read here: tinyurl.com/w8dupaah
"We fought as fighters, not as women": women's participation in ethnonational armed groups in Ethiopia - XCEPT
Ethnonational mobilisations — characterised by a strong sense of national and political identification, whether organised along ethnic, religious, or regional political identifications — tend to flatt...
tinyurl.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:39 AM
New XCEPT report by Hilina Berhanu Degefa on women’s participation in Ethiopia’s ethnonational armed groups.
Completed through the Women Researchers Fellowship in the X-Border Local Research Network, where RVI is a core partner.
Read here: tinyurl.com/w8dupaah
Completed through the Women Researchers Fellowship in the X-Border Local Research Network, where RVI is a core partner.
Read here: tinyurl.com/w8dupaah
Reposted by Roger Middleton
The UK isn’t a “soft touch” on asylum.
UK asylum seeker benefits are similar to European neighbours
No right to work before 12 months (it’s 6 months in France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands)
UK settlement after 5 years (it’s 3 or 4 in Germany)
Let’s cut out the alarmist rhetoric.
UK asylum seeker benefits are similar to European neighbours
No right to work before 12 months (it’s 6 months in France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands)
UK settlement after 5 years (it’s 3 or 4 in Germany)
Let’s cut out the alarmist rhetoric.
November 19, 2025 at 11:52 AM
The UK isn’t a “soft touch” on asylum.
UK asylum seeker benefits are similar to European neighbours
No right to work before 12 months (it’s 6 months in France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands)
UK settlement after 5 years (it’s 3 or 4 in Germany)
Let’s cut out the alarmist rhetoric.
UK asylum seeker benefits are similar to European neighbours
No right to work before 12 months (it’s 6 months in France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands)
UK settlement after 5 years (it’s 3 or 4 in Germany)
Let’s cut out the alarmist rhetoric.
Reposted by Roger Middleton
This is a new low from a govt plumbing the depths of performative cruelty in hopes that the public won’t notice they have no answers to the real issues facing this country
A sensible, humane govt would focus on safe routes to prevent people making dangerous small boat crossings
A sensible, humane govt would focus on safe routes to prevent people making dangerous small boat crossings
November 17, 2025 at 10:14 AM
This is a new low from a govt plumbing the depths of performative cruelty in hopes that the public won’t notice they have no answers to the real issues facing this country
A sensible, humane govt would focus on safe routes to prevent people making dangerous small boat crossings
A sensible, humane govt would focus on safe routes to prevent people making dangerous small boat crossings
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Stella Creasy MP writes that the asylum proposals of the Labour government are "performatively cruel" and likely to be ineffective in securing control or going after the smuggling gangs
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
ICE-style raids on Britain's streets: that's all Labour's brutal asylum reforms will achieve | Stella Creasy
If we want to ‘stop the boats’, we need to stop the BS when it comes to what creates refugees, and how to respond to them, says Labour MP Stella Creasy
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Stella Creasy MP writes that the asylum proposals of the Labour government are "performatively cruel" and likely to be ineffective in securing control or going after the smuggling gangs
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Roger Middleton
I came to this country as a child refugee. No English, no certainty, no idea what my life could become. Britain gave me refuge.
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 10:29 AM
I came to this country as a child refugee. No English, no certainty, no idea what my life could become. Britain gave me refuge.
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not on a timer, not with conditions attached, but with a chance to grow roots.
A thread 🧵 1/8
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Sickening rhetoric by Home Secretary. Denying access to human rights isn't "protecting the public". This is Labour further demonising those seeking asylum in language very reminiscent of the far right. Yes, some break the law, so should be prosecuted within the law. Removing rights is not the answer
November 13, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Sickening rhetoric by Home Secretary. Denying access to human rights isn't "protecting the public". This is Labour further demonising those seeking asylum in language very reminiscent of the far right. Yes, some break the law, so should be prosecuted within the law. Removing rights is not the answer
Reposted by Roger Middleton
On 18 Nov, the Northeast Africa Forum will be co-hosting a book launch & discussion at Maison Française d'Oxford (4pm UK time).
Catherine Dom will be discussing 'Mekelle Stories: Life in Time of War'
Full details & venue address:
talks.ox.ac.uk/talks/id/3aa...
Catherine Dom will be discussing 'Mekelle Stories: Life in Time of War'
Full details & venue address:
talks.ox.ac.uk/talks/id/3aa...
November 11, 2025 at 2:29 PM
On 18 Nov, the Northeast Africa Forum will be co-hosting a book launch & discussion at Maison Française d'Oxford (4pm UK time).
Catherine Dom will be discussing 'Mekelle Stories: Life in Time of War'
Full details & venue address:
talks.ox.ac.uk/talks/id/3aa...
Catherine Dom will be discussing 'Mekelle Stories: Life in Time of War'
Full details & venue address:
talks.ox.ac.uk/talks/id/3aa...
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Love being reminded to do this every year. It's a win/win all round
November 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Love being reminded to do this every year. It's a win/win all round
Reposted by Roger Middleton
TB to the time when I was writing about Sudan to talk about art, not war...
Born in Khartoum in 1966, artist Salah Elmur now lives and works in Cairo, yet, no matter where in the world he finds himself, Sudan is always at the heart of his work...
wepresent.wetransfer.com/stories/sala...
Born in Khartoum in 1966, artist Salah Elmur now lives and works in Cairo, yet, no matter where in the world he finds himself, Sudan is always at the heart of his work...
wepresent.wetransfer.com/stories/sala...
WePresent | Salah Elmur’s paintings inspired by a childhood in Sudan
Painter Salah Elmur now lives in Cairo, but the things he saw and experienced in his time growing up in Sudan are always at the heart of his work
wepresent.wetransfer.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:28 PM
TB to the time when I was writing about Sudan to talk about art, not war...
Born in Khartoum in 1966, artist Salah Elmur now lives and works in Cairo, yet, no matter where in the world he finds himself, Sudan is always at the heart of his work...
wepresent.wetransfer.com/stories/sala...
Born in Khartoum in 1966, artist Salah Elmur now lives and works in Cairo, yet, no matter where in the world he finds himself, Sudan is always at the heart of his work...
wepresent.wetransfer.com/stories/sala...
Reposted by Roger Middleton
🚨A serious security breach has been identified in #Somalia Government’s e-Visa system, posing a significant cybersecurity and data protection risk to all users, including international personnel and staff from the global community operating in Somalia. This is very concerning!
November 10, 2025 at 9:10 PM
🚨A serious security breach has been identified in #Somalia Government’s e-Visa system, posing a significant cybersecurity and data protection risk to all users, including international personnel and staff from the global community operating in Somalia. This is very concerning!
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Creative pals, we need you! A group of us are running an auction to raise funds for the Emergency Response Rooms in Sudan. Sudanese people are dealing with the worst humanitarian crisis since records began. Can you donate mentoring/art/signed books etc? SIGN UP HERE: www.sudancoup.com/auction
Creatives4Sudan Fundraising Auction — Keep Eyes On Sudan
Creatives coming together to raise life-saving funds for the people escaping genocide in El-Fasher, Sudan
www.sudancoup.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Creative pals, we need you! A group of us are running an auction to raise funds for the Emergency Response Rooms in Sudan. Sudanese people are dealing with the worst humanitarian crisis since records began. Can you donate mentoring/art/signed books etc? SIGN UP HERE: www.sudancoup.com/auction
Reposted by Roger Middleton
I can't remember who sent me the link for this but I'm so glad it was pointed in my direction. Every Saturday. You get it for free in your WhatsApp
All Protocol Observed
Welcome to Issue 219 of The Continent
Protests, an internet blackout, and deadly force marked Tanzania’s Election Day. Once online again, 37 readers shared what they witnessed.
Read their stories: bit.ly/219_TC
Welcome to Issue 219 of The Continent
Protests, an internet blackout, and deadly force marked Tanzania’s Election Day. Once online again, 37 readers shared what they witnessed.
Read their stories: bit.ly/219_TC
November 8, 2025 at 8:56 AM
I can't remember who sent me the link for this but I'm so glad it was pointed in my direction. Every Saturday. You get it for free in your WhatsApp
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Two things the UAE is currently sponsoring:
1) The NBA in-season tournament
2) Genocide in Sudan
1) The NBA in-season tournament
2) Genocide in Sudan
October 31, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Two things the UAE is currently sponsoring:
1) The NBA in-season tournament
2) Genocide in Sudan
1) The NBA in-season tournament
2) Genocide in Sudan
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Famine has now been declared in regions of Sudan. What does it take for such a declaration to be issued?
A declaration of famine is rare. It's now happened twice in 2025, this time in Sudan
Famine declarations are relatively rare. But the leading international authority on hunger crises this week declared that regions of war-torn Sudan face catastrophic shortages of food.
n.pr
November 5, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Famine has now been declared in regions of Sudan. What does it take for such a declaration to be issued?
Reposted by Roger Middleton
If you’re looking for a practical way to support survivors of the RSF massacre in El Fasher, Darfur please consider donating to this mutual aid campaign. The humanitarian response in Sudan has been a victim of the massive cuts in international aid over the last 5 years and mutual aid is critical.
This group has been supporting a soup kitchen in El Fasher. Most of their volunteers were killed by the RSF. Survivors are now at a camp for the displaced in Tawila and seeking assistance to restart their soup kitchens.
www.paypal.com/donate/
www.paypal.com/donate/
Donate to Displacement & Health Relief Network
Help support Displacement & Health Relief Network by donating or sharing with your friends.
www.paypal.com
November 3, 2025 at 6:57 AM
If you’re looking for a practical way to support survivors of the RSF massacre in El Fasher, Darfur please consider donating to this mutual aid campaign. The humanitarian response in Sudan has been a victim of the massive cuts in international aid over the last 5 years and mutual aid is critical.
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Blood spilled in Sudan can be seen from space....
This is not normal. I have no words.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This is not normal. I have no words.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Blood spilled in Sudan can be seen from space. Nobody can feign ignorance about what’s going on | Nesrine Malik
The massacres carried out by the RSF in El Fasher, Darfur, with the support of its UAE sponsors, will only stop when the international community acts, says Guardian columnist Nesrine Malik
www.theguardian.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Blood spilled in Sudan can be seen from space....
This is not normal. I have no words.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This is not normal. I have no words.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Genocide resumes, reads this weekend's cover of @thecontinent.org, as El Fasher falls to the Rapid Support Forces after a year long siege.
Gruesome images of their killing spree that is estimated to have killed thousands, make the rounds. What Sudanese activists warned would happen is playing out.
Gruesome images of their killing spree that is estimated to have killed thousands, make the rounds. What Sudanese activists warned would happen is playing out.
November 1, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Genocide resumes, reads this weekend's cover of @thecontinent.org, as El Fasher falls to the Rapid Support Forces after a year long siege.
Gruesome images of their killing spree that is estimated to have killed thousands, make the rounds. What Sudanese activists warned would happen is playing out.
Gruesome images of their killing spree that is estimated to have killed thousands, make the rounds. What Sudanese activists warned would happen is playing out.
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Please take a moment to absorb the enormity of what is unfolding in Darfur right now.
open.substack.com/pub/globaldi...
open.substack.com/pub/globaldi...
A Genocidal Massacre Is Unfolding in El Fasher, Sudan
The fall of El Fasher marks the beginning of another genocidal campaign in Darfur — one that was both predicted and preventable.
open.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Please take a moment to absorb the enormity of what is unfolding in Darfur right now.
open.substack.com/pub/globaldi...
open.substack.com/pub/globaldi...
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Internet shutdown in Tanzania as protests erupt over the suppression of opposition politicians challenging President Samia Suluhu.
October 29, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Internet shutdown in Tanzania as protests erupt over the suppression of opposition politicians challenging President Samia Suluhu.
Reposted by Roger Middleton
"The problem is not the Albanians. The problem is where to the find the scapegoats for this disastrous decision to leave Europe. It is a disaster."
Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania on the consequences of Britain leaving the European Union.
Watch in full➡️ bit.ly/4qkZnS0
Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania on the consequences of Britain leaving the European Union.
Watch in full➡️ bit.ly/4qkZnS0
October 26, 2025 at 9:30 AM
"The problem is not the Albanians. The problem is where to the find the scapegoats for this disastrous decision to leave Europe. It is a disaster."
Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania on the consequences of Britain leaving the European Union.
Watch in full➡️ bit.ly/4qkZnS0
Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania on the consequences of Britain leaving the European Union.
Watch in full➡️ bit.ly/4qkZnS0
Reposted by Roger Middleton
(if anyone would like to maybe start some sort of campaigning or pressure group of and on behalf of immigrants with ILR and settled status in Britain then I would be interested in helping, or indeed trying to get it off the ground myself, email in bio, etc)
October 22, 2025 at 9:55 AM
(if anyone would like to maybe start some sort of campaigning or pressure group of and on behalf of immigrants with ILR and settled status in Britain then I would be interested in helping, or indeed trying to get it off the ground myself, email in bio, etc)
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Window cleaner comes to collect £5 every 2 weeks, usually on friday when I'm off work. Recently noticed the windows were filthy. Said I will complain to him. Wife said we don't have a window cleaner. Turns out I've been getting conned by a local addict known as Karl the crackhead.
October 21, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Window cleaner comes to collect £5 every 2 weeks, usually on friday when I'm off work. Recently noticed the windows were filthy. Said I will complain to him. Wife said we don't have a window cleaner. Turns out I've been getting conned by a local addict known as Karl the crackhead.
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a key figure in African politics, has died of a heart attack in India, a hospital in India’s Kerala State confirmed. He was 80.
Former Kenyan PM Raila Odinga, a key figure in African politics, dies at 80
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has died of a heart attack in India, a hospital in Kerala State confirmed Wednesday. He was 80 years old.
bit.ly
October 15, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a key figure in African politics, has died of a heart attack in India, a hospital in India’s Kerala State confirmed. He was 80.
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Octopus in Yoruba is apparently "Ayéfófo" or more recently "ẹja ẹlẹsẹ mẹjọ." The latter literally means the eight-legged fish. When consumed as meat, it's called "fọ́ntọ́nfọ́ntọ́n", which I personally translate as "eww! yuck! Squishy!"
As today is World Octopus Day I’ll again mention that a Spanish equivalent to “like a fish out of water” is como un pulpo en un garaje. It means “like an octopus in a garage.”
October 8, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Octopus in Yoruba is apparently "Ayéfófo" or more recently "ẹja ẹlẹsẹ mẹjọ." The latter literally means the eight-legged fish. When consumed as meat, it's called "fọ́ntọ́nfọ́ntọ́n", which I personally translate as "eww! yuck! Squishy!"
Reposted by Roger Middleton
When I was a teenager there was a bus direct from my hometown in Germany to London - we had a British army base, and this direct bus connection was one of the benefits of that. One summer I went on that bus to go volunteer in an old people's home in Southend-on-Sea. I had just turned 18 and was... 🧵
September 29, 2025 at 12:32 PM
When I was a teenager there was a bus direct from my hometown in Germany to London - we had a British army base, and this direct bus connection was one of the benefits of that. One summer I went on that bus to go volunteer in an old people's home in Southend-on-Sea. I had just turned 18 and was... 🧵