It's a Continent

In 1983, Nigeria ordered millions of undocumented immigrants to leave within weeks: an event that became known as “Ghana Must Go.” But this story didn’t begin there. We trace the deep history of migration between Ghana and Nigeria, from cooperation and shared opportunity to economic crisis and political tension. Through accounts, we look at how mass expulsions unfold, why migrants are often scapegoated, and what these decisions really cost. Plus, this week's PSA is the deliciously tasty Sikatio Restaurant, London SE4

THE bag

Forming the African Union

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Ghana is often remembered for the 1980s “Ghana Must Go” expulsions of migrants from Nigeria. But years earlier, Ghana carried out one of West Africa’s largest expulsions.

In this episode, we explore the Aliens Compliance Order, when hundreds of thousands of migrants were ordered to leave within two weeks. Why did Ghana introduce the policy, and what were the consequences?

Plus in our PSA, we spotlight comedian Ayoade Bamgboye, who is on tour.

Ghana's Independence Battle

Chagos Islands episode

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This episode of our Resisting Empire series tells the story of Eduardo Mondlane: scholar, activist, and founding president of Mozambique’s liberation movement, FRELIMO. Born under Portuguese rule, Mondlane’s early encounters with colonial oppression shaped his lifelong beliefs. He used every opportunity to challenge the systems of empire that sought to define him.

As FRELIMO’s leader, Mondlane blended intellect with strategy, urging that true freedom meant building a fair and inclusive society. His assassination in 1969 cut short his vision, but his words, a luta continua “the struggle continues” became a rallying cry for Mozambique’s fight for independence and for liberation movements across Africa.

https://culturecustodian.com

SOURCES:

Africa Today Vol. 26, No. 1 (1st Qtr., 1979), pp. 19-24 (6 pages)Published By: Indiana University Press

Review of African Political Economy, Vol. 32, No. 104/105, Oiling the Wheels of Imperialism (Jun. - Sep., 2005), pp. 309-315

FRELIMO (Britannica article)

Sansone, L.  (2023, December 13). Eduardo Mondlane. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of African History. 

Mozambique's Eduardo Mondlane: From professor to freedom fighter (BBC Witness History)

Eduardo Mondlane: The man behind Mozambique’s unity

The Struggle for Mozambique (Eduardo Mondlane)

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This episode of our Resisting Empire series explores the life of Samory Touré, the 19th-century West African leader who built an empire across Guinea, Mali, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia. Known as the “Napoleon of Africa,” he modernised his armies, outmanoeuvred the French for over sixteen years, and used scorched-earth tactics to hold back European expansion.

But Samory was more than a military strategist. He united diverse groups under Islam, pursued bold ambitions, and ruled with authoritarian discipline that left deep divides. Captured in 1898 and exiled to Gabon, his legacy remains complex — both celebrated as a symbol of resistance and remembered as a ruthless conqueror.

PSA: You Are African First Before Anything

REFERENCES

Samory - African History (journal article)

Samori Touré (1830-1900)

Quand les empires se faisaient et se défaisaient en Afrique de l’Ouest : le cas Samory Touré (in French)

West Africa the fight for survival

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We travel back to the ancient world to spotlight Queen Amanirenas of the Kushite Empire. Known as one of the most powerful Kandake (queen mothers) of Kush, Amanirenas led her people in defiance of Rome after the conquest of Egypt.

From fierce battles and guerrilla tactics to symbolic acts, her story reveals how Kush resisted Rome’s expansion and secured a peace treaty on their own terms. We also explore the rich history of the Kushite civilisation, where women held rare political and military power, and Meroe thrived as a hub of trade, culture, and iron production.

⁠A Day at Haset's House - Helen Demlew ⁠

⁠Agojie: Dahmomey's Warrior Women (2022)⁠

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Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book  

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Here’s a great episode from the archives of the wonderful Trapped History podcast – where hosts, Oswin and Carla, share hidden stories of unsung heroes.

In this episode, they introduce us to one of the most important – and most overlooked – cultural icons of the last 60 years: John La Rose. Helping to forge a Black British identity, John set up dozens of political, cultural and community organisations and campaigned for justice for the victims of police brutality and of the New Cross Fire. 

So it seemed obvious – and right – to name a street in his honour. But the backlash over the renaming of Black Boy Lane threw John and everything he stood for back into the cultural and political spotlight.

So tune in for this celebration of John’s life as Oswin and Carla — joined by their very special guest the magnificent Joris Lechene — try to understand how a simple street renaming can ignite intolerance and expose racism.

And as a bonus, you also get to hear Joris's nomination for the Trapped History Hall of Fame.

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We sit down with journalist, historian and speaker Paula Akpan to explore her debut book When We Ruled—an illuminating retelling of twelve pre-colonial African queens and warriors whose reigns spanned Nigeria, Rwanda, Madagascar, South Africa and beyond. Driven by a passion to fill the silences of mainstream history, Paula takes us through her research journey—navigating fragmentary archives, oral traditions and the toughest chapters to untangle.

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Gabon should be a model of prosperity—yet its oil riches were siphoned into offshore mansions and luxury fleets by the Bongo kleptocracy. From Omar Bongo’s 42-year dynasty to Ali Bongo’s rigged re-elections and the 2023 palace coup, we trace how pipedreams of development gave way to pipelines—and ask whether Brice Oligui Nguema can finally reclaim Gabon’s stolen promise.

Spend Abacha's Loot

Sources:

Gabon’s Bongo family enriched itself over 56 years of kleptocratic rule, spreading its wealth across the world

Has Gabon’s ‘all-powerful’ Bongo dynasty really lost its 55-year grip?

Gabon (1960-present)

Gabon’s first election after collapse of Bongo dynasty: What’s at stake?

Gabon votes in first presidential election since coup ended 55-year Bongo dynasty

Gabon: how the Bongo family’s 56-year rule has hurt the country and divided the opposition

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In this episode, we journey to South Africa to explore the life and legacy of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela — a woman who became a symbol of resistance and resilience. Known to many as the “Mother of the Nation,” Winnie’s story is one of fierce activism, personal sacrifice, and deep complexity. 

We are LIVE @ Hay Festival on June 1st! You can get tickets ⁠HERE⁠

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Andrée Blouin fought ardently for her belief in independence from imperial power. We look at her life, legacy and how colonial law impacted her experiences: from growing up in an orphanage, to losing her son from a treatable illness. Blouin used her experiences to advocate for women's rights both against traditional customs and European imperialism. How did she end up on the periphery of post-independent African history?

This episode was originally aired on February 6th 2023.

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Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...

Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0

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Sources for further reading:

Gender and Decolonization in the Congo: The Legacy of Patrice Lumumba

Who was the woman behind Lumumba?

Remembering the Congolese women who fought for independence

My country, Africa : autobiography of the black pasionaria

Overlooked No More: Andrée Blouin, Voice for Independence in Africa

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