Season 1
Available to listen on other major platforms.
Nigeria: The Nigerian Civil War took place from 1967-1970. The total number of Nigerian-Igbo people killed in this conflict is still unknown but it is estimated to be in the millions. We'll talk about how this war came to be, Britain's involvement in this conflict and the longer reaching consequences from the civil war for Nigeria and the wider continent today.
Burkina Faso: Thomas Sankara was the president of Burkina Faso from 1983-1987. He remains an inspiration to young Africans and those committed to a pan-Africanist future. His progressive policies, when it came to women’s rights, sustainability, education, and healthcare, were innovative and ahead of his time. We’ll discuss Sankara’s legacy and what could’ve been if he was able to fully galvanise Burkina Faso and perhaps the African continent.
The Democratic Republic of Congo: From 1880-1920 the DRC was under the rule of King Leopold II of Belgium. Within that time period, the atrocities committed under his rule led to the loss of 10 million Congolese lives, half of the country's population. In this episode, we explore the lead-up and subsequent rule of King Leopold II and his impact on the DRC.
Rwanda: After a brutal genocide in 1994, Rwanda came back to be a thriving and sustainable country within a short space of time. Considering Rwanda’s difficult history comprising of colonialism and genocide, it’s encouraging to see one million people lifted out of poverty, women being elevated in society and life expectancy doubling. However there is a shadow lingering over Rwanda's rapid comeback- a number of human rights issues.
Zimbabwe: Robert Gabriel Mugabe led Zimbabwe for almost four decades, and within that period he went from being a hero who helped free his country from colonial rule to an authoritarian who did whatever it took to stay in power. In this episode, we discuss the rise and subsequent fall of this Zimbabwean leader.
Liberia: Quite often – and misleadingly, Liberia is referred to as one of the only two African countries that were not colonised. Liberia was founded by the American colonisation society, and many freed black Americans were sent to live in Liberia, despite living in America for generations.
Kenya: Wangari Maathai was a distinguished environmentalist born in Kenya during British colonial rule. She used her knowledge and experience to educate and mobilise others in her community to fight for change. Her determination and fearlessness led to her becoming the first black African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Ghana: On the 6th March 1957, Ghana gained independence from British colonial rule, changing its name from the Gold Coast. In this episode we discuss the events leading to independence - from the mistreatment of African soldiers fighting for Allied forces in WW2, to a new constitution.