Ryan Musser
@ryanmusser.bsky.social
Posts about current events/politics/development in Africa, building better cities, local Washington DC issues, and how biking is the best form of transportation. Live in Ward 8/EOTR. Lover of front porches and #bikeDC.
Check out my Africa starter packs.
Check out my Africa starter packs.
Pinned
Ryan Musser
@ryanmusser.bsky.social
· Nov 25
Now have two complete starter packs for "Africa News, Policy, Business, Econ & History". Starting a thread of all of my Africa starter packs, including more specific ones like, country/region, journalists, academics, media orgs, etc.
Here's the first Africa starter pack: go.bsky.app/BNYnWSJ
Here's the first Africa starter pack: go.bsky.app/BNYnWSJ
Interesting point in this article on Africa’s energy challenge. Some economists like Charlie Robertson argue that there is too much focus on electrifying rural households. Instead states should prioritize electrifying industry to build exports, wealth & jobs
www.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...
www.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...
Africa’s Energy Shortage Is Stalling Its Industrial Revolution
Africa’s young population will make up a quarter of humanity by 2050. To capitalize on it, the continent needs to fix its power problems fast
www.bloomberg.com
November 16, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Interesting point in this article on Africa’s energy challenge. Some economists like Charlie Robertson argue that there is too much focus on electrifying rural households. Instead states should prioritize electrifying industry to build exports, wealth & jobs
www.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...
www.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...
After El Fasher fell, Sudan’s SAF is scrambling for backing, leaning on Egypt and Turkey, courting the US, and trying to rebalance after drifting toward Russia and Iran. 3ayin.com/en/elfasher-...
After El Fasher’s fall — Regional powers scramble to save Sudan’s army – Ayin network – شبكة عاين
3ayin.com
November 15, 2025 at 4:33 PM
After El Fasher fell, Sudan’s SAF is scrambling for backing, leaning on Egypt and Turkey, courting the US, and trying to rebalance after drifting toward Russia and Iran. 3ayin.com/en/elfasher-...
Benin approved a constitutional amendment extending the presidential term of office from 5 to 7 years and creating an upper house of parliament. Presidential term limit remains set at two and current head of state Patrice Talon will step down next April.
www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/beni...
www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/beni...
Benin extends presidential term to seven years
Lawmakers in Benin approved on Saturday a constitutional amendment extending the presidential term of office from five years to seven and creating an upper house of parliament.
www.vanguardngr.com
November 15, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Benin approved a constitutional amendment extending the presidential term of office from 5 to 7 years and creating an upper house of parliament. Presidential term limit remains set at two and current head of state Patrice Talon will step down next April.
www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/beni...
www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/beni...
Climbed a tree to get the best shots I could of DC from the top of the hill along Morris Rd SE by Our Lady of Perpetual Help. If just a little bit of brush was cleared out, you’d have a sweeping view.
November 14, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Climbed a tree to get the best shots I could of DC from the top of the hill along Morris Rd SE by Our Lady of Perpetual Help. If just a little bit of brush was cleared out, you’d have a sweeping view.
Aw man. I’ve always been jealous of this block of row houses at the corner of Elvans Rd SE and Morris Rd SE and the incredible view they have out their back windows of DC and VA across the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. Now they also have this awesome mural.
November 14, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Aw man. I’ve always been jealous of this block of row houses at the corner of Elvans Rd SE and Morris Rd SE and the incredible view they have out their back windows of DC and VA across the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. Now they also have this awesome mural.
“They say home ownership makes you much more invested in municipal government,” remarks a father who cycles his daughter to kindergarten. “I haven’t found that. Biking has.” He recently called up the city engineer to praise a plan to narrow an arterial road.
www.economist.com/united-state...
www.economist.com/united-state...
Parents on e-bikes are transforming the school run
They’re smug, snug and often faster than drivers
www.economist.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:12 PM
“They say home ownership makes you much more invested in municipal government,” remarks a father who cycles his daughter to kindergarten. “I haven’t found that. Biking has.” He recently called up the city engineer to praise a plan to narrow an arterial road.
www.economist.com/united-state...
www.economist.com/united-state...
Amid growing calls for Chinese mining operations in Africa to improve safety standards, a dam of a major Chinese-owned copper & cobalt operation has collapsed in Lubumbashi, spilling contaminated water into homes
www.semafor.com/article/11/1...
www.semafor.com/article/11/1...
DR Congo suspends Chinese cobalt miner after chemical spill
Hundreds of Lubumbashi homes flooded with contaminated water in latest mining accident.
www.semafor.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Amid growing calls for Chinese mining operations in Africa to improve safety standards, a dam of a major Chinese-owned copper & cobalt operation has collapsed in Lubumbashi, spilling contaminated water into homes
www.semafor.com/article/11/1...
www.semafor.com/article/11/1...
Great insight from Aubrey Hruby on MCC:
“A Great Lakes regional compact would leverage the MCC’s unique strengths—flexible grants, reform conditionality, and regional scope—to turn a fragile deal into durable minerals security and local development.”
www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/africa...
“A Great Lakes regional compact would leverage the MCC’s unique strengths—flexible grants, reform conditionality, and regional scope—to turn a fragile deal into durable minerals security and local development.”
www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/africa...
The Millennium Challenge Corporation is needed for peace in the Great Lakes Region—and US mineral security
The Trump administration must back its diplomacy by demonstrating the United States' willingness to turn fragile deals into local development.
www.atlanticcouncil.org
November 10, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Great insight from Aubrey Hruby on MCC:
“A Great Lakes regional compact would leverage the MCC’s unique strengths—flexible grants, reform conditionality, and regional scope—to turn a fragile deal into durable minerals security and local development.”
www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/africa...
“A Great Lakes regional compact would leverage the MCC’s unique strengths—flexible grants, reform conditionality, and regional scope—to turn a fragile deal into durable minerals security and local development.”
www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/africa...
Cameroon's security forces killed 48 civilians as they responded to protests against the re-election of President Paul Biya, the world's oldest ruler, according to data shared with Reuters by two UN sources.
www.reuters.com/world/africa...
www.reuters.com/world/africa...
Cameroon security forces killed 48 in election protests, UN sources say
Cameroon's security forces killed 48 civilians as they responded to protests against the re-election of President Paul Biya, the world's oldest ruler, according to data shared with Reuters on Tuesday by two U.N. sources.
www.reuters.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Cameroon's security forces killed 48 civilians as they responded to protests against the re-election of President Paul Biya, the world's oldest ruler, according to data shared with Reuters by two UN sources.
www.reuters.com/world/africa...
www.reuters.com/world/africa...
Michaela Collord argues that CCM, Tanzania’s dominant ruling party, is facing a “triple legitimacy crisis”: failing to provide meaningful electoral competition, intraparty renewal, or an inclusive economic settlement.
africasacountry.com/2025/11/afte...
africasacountry.com/2025/11/afte...
After the coronation
In Tanzania, the Gen Z uprising meets a state whose old bargains have collapsed.
africasacountry.com
November 8, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Michaela Collord argues that CCM, Tanzania’s dominant ruling party, is facing a “triple legitimacy crisis”: failing to provide meaningful electoral competition, intraparty renewal, or an inclusive economic settlement.
africasacountry.com/2025/11/afte...
africasacountry.com/2025/11/afte...
@james-barnett.bsky.social cautions against U.S. policymakers framing Nigeria’s violence through a narrow religious or counterterrorism lens or imagining military intervention as a fix.
www.hudson.org/terrorism/be...
www.hudson.org/terrorism/be...
A Better Understanding of Nigeria’s Problems
View PDF Introduction
www.hudson.org
November 7, 2025 at 7:38 PM
@james-barnett.bsky.social cautions against U.S. policymakers framing Nigeria’s violence through a narrow religious or counterterrorism lens or imagining military intervention as a fix.
www.hudson.org/terrorism/be...
www.hudson.org/terrorism/be...
Me: Siri, how do you say “construction cone” in Spanish?
Siri: “Construction coon” in Spanish is “mapache de constructión”
Siri: “Construction coon” in Spanish is “mapache de constructión”
November 1, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Me: Siri, how do you say “construction cone” in Spanish?
Siri: “Construction coon” in Spanish is “mapache de constructión”
Siri: “Construction coon” in Spanish is “mapache de constructión”
Ghana, Africa’s top gold producer, has launched its most aggressive mining audit in a decade, targeting top miners to recover lost revenue & tighten oversight.
Gov’ts across W. Africa are intensifying scrutiny of mining firms to enforce compliance & safeguard revenue
www.reuters.com/world/africa...
Gov’ts across W. Africa are intensifying scrutiny of mining firms to enforce compliance & safeguard revenue
www.reuters.com/world/africa...
www.reuters.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:13 AM
Ghana, Africa’s top gold producer, has launched its most aggressive mining audit in a decade, targeting top miners to recover lost revenue & tighten oversight.
Gov’ts across W. Africa are intensifying scrutiny of mining firms to enforce compliance & safeguard revenue
www.reuters.com/world/africa...
Gov’ts across W. Africa are intensifying scrutiny of mining firms to enforce compliance & safeguard revenue
www.reuters.com/world/africa...
lol we put baby stuff out on the sidewalk for free weeks ago, and it is now suddenly being sold on Minnesota Ave
October 29, 2025 at 8:45 PM
lol we put baby stuff out on the sidewalk for free weeks ago, and it is now suddenly being sold on Minnesota Ave
When JD Vance lands in Kenya, he will inherit one of Washington’s most layered relationships in Africa, an ally too valuable to lose, but increasingly difficult to control. Topics discussed will include US-Kenya trade, security cooperation & Chinese influence
www.theafricareport.com/396509/5-que...
www.theafricareport.com/396509/5-que...
5 questions to understand JD Vance’s trip to Kenya - The Africa Report.com
Trump’s vice president will find a complicated ally courted by Beijing, tested in Haiti and still the anchor of US security in East Africa.
www.theafricareport.com
October 29, 2025 at 5:46 PM
When JD Vance lands in Kenya, he will inherit one of Washington’s most layered relationships in Africa, an ally too valuable to lose, but increasingly difficult to control. Topics discussed will include US-Kenya trade, security cooperation & Chinese influence
www.theafricareport.com/396509/5-que...
www.theafricareport.com/396509/5-que...
A Sino Metals dam collapse in Zambia dumped 1.5M tons of toxic waste into the Kafue River. Locals were poisoned, silenced, and harassed. An example of how weak governance and lack of accountability can turn foreign investment into exploitation.
www.wsj.com/world/asia/c...
www.wsj.com/world/asia/c...
China Pushes to Silence Victims of African Mining Disaster
Toxic waste from a Chinese mine in Zambia washed through homes and fields. Compensation offers are tied to nondisclosure.
www.wsj.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:22 PM
A Sino Metals dam collapse in Zambia dumped 1.5M tons of toxic waste into the Kafue River. Locals were poisoned, silenced, and harassed. An example of how weak governance and lack of accountability can turn foreign investment into exploitation.
www.wsj.com/world/asia/c...
www.wsj.com/world/asia/c...
Public transport has failed to keep up with rapid urban growth in Africa, with hours-long traffic jams a common feature of many metropolises. Carlos Mureithi, @rachelmsavage.bsky.social & @eromoegbejule.bsky.social talk to commuters in Nairobi, Joburg, & Abidjan
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
‘Every day’s a fight’: join the commuters in Africa’s rapidly growing cities
With more and more people moving to big cities such as Nairobi and Abidjan, daily commutes are becoming tougher
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Public transport has failed to keep up with rapid urban growth in Africa, with hours-long traffic jams a common feature of many metropolises. Carlos Mureithi, @rachelmsavage.bsky.social & @eromoegbejule.bsky.social talk to commuters in Nairobi, Joburg, & Abidjan
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
Some guy posted in the Greater Petworth Facebook group complaining/warning that the zoning commission is considering changing the 10-foot rule for pop-backs to a 16-foot rule and honestly I’m surprised the majority of comments are YIMBY pushback
October 28, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Some guy posted in the Greater Petworth Facebook group complaining/warning that the zoning commission is considering changing the 10-foot rule for pop-backs to a 16-foot rule and honestly I’m surprised the majority of comments are YIMBY pushback
My toddler is recreating the space of cars vs. bikes meme
October 26, 2025 at 11:40 PM
My toddler is recreating the space of cars vs. bikes meme
Nigeria loses over $9 billion annually to illegal mining, much tied to the gold sector. A recent investigation reveals how a significant share of gold extracted from the northwest is funnelled into terrorism financing.
www.icirnigeria.org/how-gold-for...
www.icirnigeria.org/how-gold-for...
How gold-for-arms trade is fuelling terror in Nigeria’s Northwest | The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19
NIGERIA loses over $9 billion annually to illegal mining, with a substantial portion tied to the gold sector. This investigation reveals how a significant share of gold extracted from the northwest is...
www.icirnigeria.org
October 26, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Nigeria loses over $9 billion annually to illegal mining, much tied to the gold sector. A recent investigation reveals how a significant share of gold extracted from the northwest is funnelled into terrorism financing.
www.icirnigeria.org/how-gold-for...
www.icirnigeria.org/how-gold-for...
JD Vance is expected to visit Kenya at the end of November, against a backdrop of tepid relations between Washington and Nairobi
www.africaintelligence.com/eastern-afri...
www.africaintelligence.com/eastern-afri...
Kenya • US Vice President J.D. Vance to visit Nairobi
Breaking news published on 24/10/25 at 4:57pm GMT - The US Vice President is expected to visit the Kenyan capital at the end of November, against a backdrop of tepid relations between Washington and
www.africaintelligence.com
October 24, 2025 at 8:00 PM
JD Vance is expected to visit Kenya at the end of November, against a backdrop of tepid relations between Washington and Nairobi
www.africaintelligence.com/eastern-afri...
www.africaintelligence.com/eastern-afri...
Sudan’s ruling Sovereign Council on denied reports of new peace talks in Washington with RSF,
contradicting diplomatic and media sources who said indirect, U.S.-mediated meetings were underway for a humanitarian truce
sudantribune.com/article/306335
contradicting diplomatic and media sources who said indirect, U.S.-mediated meetings were underway for a humanitarian truce
sudantribune.com/article/306335
Sudan denies Washington talks as sources confirm indirect negotiations - Sudan Tribune
October 23, 2025 (WASHINGTON) – Sudan’s ruling Sovereign Council on Thursday denied reports of new peace talks in Washington with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), contradicting diplomatic ...
sudantribune.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Sudan’s ruling Sovereign Council on denied reports of new peace talks in Washington with RSF,
contradicting diplomatic and media sources who said indirect, U.S.-mediated meetings were underway for a humanitarian truce
sudantribune.com/article/306335
contradicting diplomatic and media sources who said indirect, U.S.-mediated meetings were underway for a humanitarian truce
sudantribune.com/article/306335
Sudan’s central bank has ordered a freeze on the bank accounts of dozens of prominent political figures, including former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, over accusations they support the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces
sudantribune.com/article/306343
sudantribune.com/article/306343
Sudan freezes bank accounts of ex-PM Hamdok, dozens of political figures - Sudan Tribune
October 23, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s central bank has ordered a freeze on the bank accounts of dozens of prominent political figures, including former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, over accusation...
sudantribune.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Sudan’s central bank has ordered a freeze on the bank accounts of dozens of prominent political figures, including former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, over accusations they support the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces
sudantribune.com/article/306343
sudantribune.com/article/306343
With growing concerns over value chain security & dependence on single countries like China, the EU has launched the Critical Raw Materials Act to build more resilient supply chains. How can Europe build new partnerships in Africa to achieve this?
The EU needs African resources for its green transition: Can it circumvent China?
The EU's green and digital ambitions depend heavily on a stable supply of critical raw materials like lithium, cobalt and graphite. With growing concerns over value chain security and dependence on si...
ecdpm.org
October 20, 2025 at 12:22 PM
With growing concerns over value chain security & dependence on single countries like China, the EU has launched the Critical Raw Materials Act to build more resilient supply chains. How can Europe build new partnerships in Africa to achieve this?
Currently out near Dulles. What are some good ethnic restaurants out here that people suggest?
October 17, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Currently out near Dulles. What are some good ethnic restaurants out here that people suggest?