This episode of the On Africa podcast examines the West's historical and contemporary uses of photography and photojournalism to shape narratives of Africa and African peoples. Our discussion ranges from the New York Times' controversial coverage of the January 2019 Al-Shabab attacks in Nairobi, Kenya; to the historic role of National Geographic's imagery; and the standard tropes related to Africa that permeate Western Media - exploring their racist implications, double standards and harmful impacts. We are joined by photojournalist Kainaz Amaria, who serves as the Visuals Editor for Vox News and is an outspoken voice on these issues. Please tune in, rate, review and enjoy!  

Africa, Imagery and the Western Gaze w/ Kainaz Amaria

"On Africa" is a convening space for rich and nuanced conversations about the continent with a broad and diverse array of thought leaders. The program will cover a variety of issues across every region of Africa, ranging from politics, governance and conflict; to history, economics, art and culture.

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Society & Culture

This episode of the On Africa podcast explores political developments in Tanzania. Specifically, we examine reports of democratic backsliding in the nation as evidenced by the annulment of polls in Zanzibar in 2015, the ban on opposition party protests, and the arbitrary arrests of politicians and journalists. To help navigate these issues, we're joined by Mr. Tundu Lissu, a Member of the Tanzanian Parliament and representative of the country's leading opposition party CHADEMA (Party for Democracy & Progress). Please tune in, rate, review and enjoy!    

The Challenge of Democracy in Tanzania w/ Mr. Tundu Lissu

This episode of the On Africa podcast examines the emergence of new economic and military investments by Gulf states in the Horn of Africa, as well as the geopolitical and strategic competition it entails.  To help us unpack these rivalries within and between Gulf states and nations in the Horn of Africa, I spoke with Zach Vertin of the Brookings Institution's Doha Center - who published the article "Red Sea Rivalries" in the January 2019 edition of Foreign Affairs magazine. Zach is also the author of the recently released "A Rope from the Sky: The Making and Unmaking of the World's Newest State" which focuses on political developments in South Sudan. Please tune in, rate, review and enjoy!   

Red Sea Rivalries in the Horn of Africa w/ Zach Vertin

This episode of the On Africa podcast features Sudanese scholar and activist Nisrin Elamin (Stanford University) and Dr. Zachariah Mampilly, Professor of Political Science (Vassar College) in an in-depth discussion on the current civilian protests in Sudan. While the latest spate of protests was sparked by rising bread prices, the underlying grievances of Sudanese citizens revolve around decades of political and economic marginalization.  Please tune in and enjoy!  

Beyond Bread: Civilian Protests in Sudan

This episode is the third and final installment of our in-depth conversation with Ambassador Susan D. Page, who made history at the first U.S. Ambassador to the newly independent nation of South Sudan in 2011. In this closing segment, we explore her arrival to South Sudan as ambassador, the greatest lessons and challenges of her tenure, and her thoughts on the prospects for peace in the nation’s current conflict. Please tune in and enjoy!

Africa, Imagery and the Western Gaze w/ Kainaz Amaria

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