Analysis: Does China’s ‘palace diplomacy’ benefit Africa or Beijing?
China's practice of gifting million-dollar buildings to governments across Africa is under renewed scrutiny.
Category Archives: Features
Europe turns to Africa for gas as alternative to Russia
Africa’s natural gas reserves are vast, and countries have pipelines linked to Europe, but exports remain low.
Women in war: A psychologist helps Ukrainian soldiers’ families
Maryna, whose son died in combat in 2014, counsels soldiers' families as she worries about her army-bound foster son.
Nigerians decry extortion, delays at passport offices home and abroad
Many Nigerians say getting a passport is now cumbersome due to corruption and government inefficiency.
In Uganda, Museveni son’s tweets may mar presidential ambition
The army general's diplomatic errors have raised debate about whether he can succeed his father, as is widely believed.
Cost of living: Choosing between bread and phone data in S Africa
In the world's most unequal country, a factory worker tries to make ends meet and raise awareness about workers’ rights.
What the war means for Ukrainians with disabilities
Rights activists and carers are filling the gap as the war creates huge challenges in accessing disability support.
Are women’s rights used as a smokescreen in Tunisia?
Women’s rights activists say Saied is using female empowerment as a facade and new constitution reverses their gains.
Cost of living: Becoming roommates with my son to pay the bills
With rising costs of housing, food and fuel, a non-profit founder in Alabama is forced to split bills to make ends meet.
How samovar tea is warming hearts in Qatar
Made from fresh milk, samovar tea is gaining popularity in a market dominated by karak tea.
Rice morning, noon, and night in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, rice is more than a sustaining staple. It is an undeniable main character in its history and identity.
Love, determination and risking all to cross the Mediterranean
Sadia's journey from Benin to Europe would see her brave a deadly migration route, and be separated from her husband.
The long search for a daughter in the wake of Sabra and Shatila
Survivors of one of the worst massacres in Palestinian history recount the horror of the events.
Cost of living: A Dutch woman plans to forego heating come winter
Hanny Heuvelink fears this year's energy bill as she visits four supermarkets to find the cheapest staples.
Ukraine’s hidden conflict: Wounded and wanting to return to war
In western Ukraine, injured soldiers battle the urge - and the odds - to return to the front line.
The teeth makers of Kandahar
In Afghanistan, a new generation continues a family tradition of crafting handmade dentures.
Angola’s Lourenço returns but youths shake ruling party chokehold
More than 60 percent of Angolans are under 24 and their frustration helped the opposition come close to unseating MPLA.
Zimbabwean bakers’ profits crumble amid Russia-Ukraine crisis
Zimbabwe’s bakers are losing staff and profits as Russian invasion of Ukraine disrupts global economy.
‘Girls have less to eat’: Hungry and out of school in South Sudan
Over 60% of the country is food insecure. In times of crisis, girls are more likely than boys to miss out on school.
From Dadaab to Mogadishu: More refugees return to rebuild Somalia
Somalis who fled the country because of conflict are now returning home from one of the world's largest refugee camps.