Two elite women in African history, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings of Ghana and Zoë Charlotte Wicomb of South Africa, recently passed away. Nana’s legacy includes a spirited fight for reshaping gender policy in Ghana through the 31 December Women’s Movement. Zoë will be remembered for her scholarship and poetry on the anti-apartheid struggle, identity, and social justice in South Africa.

This year’s Film Africa Festival in London showcased films and documentaries on topics such as gender equality, traditional folktales, migration, and social justice. The spotlight program featured productions from the DR Congo, whereas the Symposium featured conversations on cinema and cultural sovereignty.

A military coup in Madagascar and a vote of no confidence by parliament have ousted President Raloelina and installed Colonel Randrianirina. Three weeks of protests preceded the ouster, during which citizens demanded accountability for chronic poverty and electricity rationing.

• Sudan’s paramilitary group, RSF, took control of el-Fasher city, raising fears of escalating atrocities and the displacement of civilians and aid workers.
• Nigerian-born British poet and novelist Ben Okri writes about how Nigerian artistic expressions, past and present, are a reassertion of African creativity on the world stage.  
• The return of President Biya in Cameroon and President Alassane Ouattara in Cote d'Ivoire renews concerns for generational change and democracy in African states as young people continue advocating for regime change and more youthful representation in spheres of power.

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Image: Professional camera recording. 14 January 2023. Photo Credit: Isaiah Ekele, Pexels.