He’s pro-Russian, anti-Zelensky and rallying for Putin in West Africa

The digital diet of a 30-year-old Burkinabe toy seller illustrates how Russia is building the image of a superpower.

By Danielle PaquetteApril 21, 2022

In clash with Russia, U.S. and Europe revive Cold War ‘containment’

Russia was once dismissed as a “regional power" with limited influence and capacity. Now, the White House sees it alongside China as a primary adversary.

By Ishaan TharoorApril 18, 2022

More than 300 people killed in South Africa’s deadliest storm

Some stations reported more than 12 inches of rain in 24 hours, leading to intense flooding and landslides.

By Kasha Patel and Ian LivingstonApril 14, 2022

Europe’s phase-out of Russian energy over the Ukraine crisis could mean opportunity for African countries

Suppliers in Africa’s energy markets are looking to partner with investors in Europe who can no longer rely on Russian natural gas, which has long been their dominant source.

By Lesley WroughtonMarch 20, 2022

U.S. less effective at countering terrorist threats in Afghanistan and Somalia since troop withdrawal, generals warn

In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Gen. Stephen Townsend, head of U.S. Africa Command, and Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, head of U.S. Central Command, addressed the limitations they face in confronting affiliates of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

By Karoun DemirjianMarch 15, 2022

In open letter on second anniversary of coronavirus pandemic, celebrities, experts and officials say: It isn’t over

More than 130 world leaders, economists, humanitarians, scientists and other prominent figures are calling for an end to vaccine monopolies, urging action to rapidly vaccinate low- and middle-income countries.

By Maite Fernández SimonMarch 10, 2022

U.S. military investigation finds extensive failures before deadly terror attack in Kenya

The Pentagon blamed the fatalities at Manda Bay on militants who staged the attack.

By Karoun DemirjianMarch 10, 2022

Outside the West, Putin is less isolated than you might think

Giants of the Global South — including India, Brazil and South Africa — are hedging their bets while China still publicly backs the Russian president.

By Anthony Faiola and Lesley WroughtonMarch 10, 2022

Russian mercenaries have landed in West Africa, pushing Putin’s goals as Kremlin is increasingly isolated

Hundreds have arrived in Mali since December as more countries are hiring the shadowy military contractors.

By Danielle PaquetteMarch 9, 2022

Tanzania drops terrorism charges against opposition leader, releases him

Mbowe's release came as a surprise and was on the day he was expected to testify before court.

By Rael OmbuorMarch 4, 2022

Paul Farmer, a giant of public health, dies at 62

Dr. Farmer, the subject of Tracy Kidder's book "Mountains Beyond Mountains," devoted his professional life to improving health care in the most destitute corners of the world.

By Emily LangerFebruary 22, 2022

Africa may have been hit harder by covid-19 than anyone knew

Africa has accounted for only a tiny sliver of confirmed cases around the world. But new studies suggest case numbers there may be severely undercounted.

By Adam TaylorFebruary 18, 2022

France announces withdrawal of troops from Mali, reshaping the fight against Islamist extremists in West Africa

The departure raises questions about who will fill the security void as extremist attacks surge in Mali and across West Africa.

By Danielle Paquette and Rick NoackFebruary 17, 2022

France signals intention to pull rest of its troops out of Mali

The move was expected after the countries’ public sparring plunged to a new low.

By Danielle Paquette and Rick NoackFebruary 15, 2022

Seals are dying in droves along South Africa’s coast. What’s killing them remains a mystery.

A lone scientist has taken it upon herself to find out why thousands of the animals have died along southern Africa’s Atlantic coast over the past six months.

By Max BearakFebruary 10, 2022

Chimps observed medicating themselves — and others — with insects for the first time

Scientists say that the action provides more evidence that chimpanzees have the capacity for “prosocial behaviors," which are linked to empathy in humans.

By Sammy WestfallFebruary 7, 2022

How Ethiopia used a Turkish drone in a strike that killed nearly 60 civilians

Aid workers at the displacement camp in Tigray hit by the drone strike were adamant that the people killed and wounded were civilians fleeing the war rather than combatants in it.

By Max Bearak,  Meg Kelly and Joyce Sohyun LeeFebruary 7, 2022

Senegal defeats Egypt in its first Africa Cup of Nations victory in history

For the first time since 1972, Cameroon hosted the Africa Cup of Nations. This year, Egypt took on Senegal.

By Siobhán O'Grady and Danielle PaquetteFebruary 6, 2022

Guinea-Bissau’s president says situation ‘under control’ after attempted coup

The region is enduring a wave of military takeovers.

By Danielle PaquetteFebruary 2, 2022