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Why Israel's recognition of Somaliland is about political alliances, not legal principles

Somaliland has operated as a fully functional de facto state with defined territory, population and government since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991.

By The Conversation 9 days ago

HIV funding falls short of targets as millions of lives hang in the balance

African governments must allocate their own resources for HIV programmes, through budget prioritisation, health insurance schemes, and innovative financing such as public-private partnerships.

By The Conversation 13 days ago

The viral threats everyone should watch in 2026

Viruses are constantly evolving, and a warming, increasingly populated planet is bringing humans into closer contact with a wider range of pathogens.

By The Conversation 14 days ago

Wearing a weighted vest can promote bone health and weight loss, but it's not a cure-all

No longer confined to the gym, physical activity is increasingly about maximizing health benefits of the movements people already do - things like walking, climbing stairs or cleaning their homes.

By The Conversation 14 days ago

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Political policing in Uganda and what it means for the 2026 vote

Uganda's police have evolved into political actors, enforcing ruling-party dominance through coercion and mobilisation.As the 2026 elections approach, they shape outcomes.

By The Conversation 20 days ago

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How pineapple leaves can help solve crimes, curb pollution

Scientists have discovered that pineapple leaves can be turned into powder that forensic investigators can use to solve complex crimes.

By The Conversation 21 days ago

Why online scam operations are flourishing in war-torn Myanmar

South-east Asia has become the "ground zero" for the global online scamming industry, according to the UN, costing victims billions of US dollars each year.

By The Conversation 25 days ago

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Why gaps remain in Kenya's peacebuilding efforts

The country's peacebuilding architecture is now supported by several policies and frameworks. These include the constitution of 2010.

By The Conversation 29 days ago

Ngugi wa Thiong'o and the African literary revolution

The passing of celebrated Kenyan writer and scholar Ngugi wa Thiong'o on 28 May 2025 marks the end of a remarkable period in African literary history.

By The Conversation 1 month ago

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Inside East Africa's long battle for open borders

East Africa has made greater strides towards the free flow of people crossing borders and seeking work than most of Africa. Only Ecowas is in the same league.

By The Conversation 1 month ago

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Sports migration: Why African footballers dream about China

Relations between China and Africa are increasingly important in understanding the dynamics that shape our world. But until now, the role of sport was overlooked.

By The Conversation 1 month ago

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How Africa without borders could help the continent prosper

The vision of a "borderless Africa" is one of unity and shared prosperity for the continent.

By The Conversation 1 month ago

As Iran's record drought and cheap fuel spark pollution, causes run deep

Air pollution is the latest environmental crisis causing havoc across Iran. Large parts of the country are already suffering from a drought, one of the worst in decades.

By The Conversation Africa 1 month ago

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Why your body wakes you before the alarm

It might seem strange, but you didn't wake up by chance.

By The Conversation 1 month ago

Albert Luthuli: The murdered leader who put his people first

In Nairobi, Luthuli Avenue was named to honour Albert Luthuli's courageous leadership against apartheid, celebrating his moral integrity and commitment to justice.

By The Conversation 1 month ago

How Pepfar funding cut will hurt Africa

Pepfar has transformed HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in Africa over two decades, but recent political disruptions and funding threats now put millions of lives and long-term progress at risk.

By The Conversation 1 month ago

The side effects of HIV therapy

Antiretroviral therapy significantly improves life expectancy and health for people living with HIV, while careful monitoring helps manage potential side effects.

By The Conversation 1 month ago

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Why it is so easy to choke on fish bones

Fish bones are actually one of the most common reasons people end up in the emergency department.

By The Conversation 1 month ago

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Millions of fish die as pollution, disease hit Lake Victoria farms

These cage farms support the nutrition and livelihoods of more than 40 million people in the lake's basin.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

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From garbage to impassible roads: The nightmare of living in Pipeline

The estate is a nightmare for urban planning. Residents grapple with garbage problem, waterlogged and frequently impassable roads and the effect of dense living conditions on children's health.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

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Why no leader is above the law

The court's verdict establishes an official record that lethal force was used in ways inconsistent with international law, the violations were widespread, and the state bears responsibility.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

Why Africa's mineral-rich countries are not reaping the rewards of their wealth

According to the IMF, tax avoidance by multinational mining companies costs African countries between US$470 million and US$730 million per year in tax income.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

COP30 report reveals how climate change is spreading infectious diseases to new regions

Extreme weather events like droughts and floods disrupt ecosystems and human settlements.

By AFP, The Conversation 2 months ago

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From heart health to drug interactions; why garlic is good for you

The secret lies in its chemistry. Garlic contains sulphur compounds, including diallyl disulfide and S-allyl cysteine, that are responsible for both its distinctive smell and its medicinal effects.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

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Who speaks for the dead?

DNA from even a single individual can reveal a web of relationships, even helping law enforcement to solve crimes committed by distant relatives they have never met.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

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Why Donald Trump's coalition of voters is collapsing

American politics is highly nationalised. This means that results in local and state elections are often heavily influenced by how voters feel about the national political situation.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

Climate talks: Children and young people seen, photographed, but not allowed to decide anything

The global youth climate justice movement uses protests, strikes and court cases to block fossil fuel expansion.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

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Why some humans grow horns

Cutaneous horns are compacted keratin masses that grow outward from a person's skin. Their typically curved shape and hardened texture make them look like the horns of a goat, sheep or cow.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

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Is there a Christian genocide in Nigeria?

Terrorism and insurgency have ravaged parts of Nigeria since 2009 where tens of thousands of Nigerians have been killed and millions have been displaced by the violence.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

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AI in courtroom: The dangers of using ChatGTP in legal practice

A South African court case made headlines for all the wrong reasons after relying on case law that simply didn't exist. It had been generated by ChatGPT.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

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How social media can cause stress in real life

The average social media user engages with between six and seven platforms. The average person spends two hours 21 minutes on social media per day.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

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Why men need more exercise than women to see the same heart benefits

Researchers found that men need roughly twice as much exercise as women to see the same reduction in their heart disease risk.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

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Why mediation hasn't worked for Sudan so far

Several mediation initiatives have been launched since the start of the war, with limited success. The AU has also been unable to get the main warring parties to agree to a permanent ceasefire.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

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How to recognise child-on-child sexual abuse

Harmful sexual behaviour can involve forcing other children into penetrative acts, such as oral sex, or coercing other children into sexual "play".

By The Conversation 2 months ago

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How Suluhu's grip on power has been shaken

By putting her main rival Tundu Lissu on trial for treason and barring others from contesting the presidency, Hassan has crossed autocratic thresholds that other leaders have not.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

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How Ethiopia used starvation as a weapon against Tigray

The lack of reliable data caused by government restrictions, international inaction and structural blind spots in global famine monitoring systems hid the scale of one of the deadliest wars.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

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Bamako under siege: Why Mali's army is struggling to break jihadist blockade

Multiple terrorist groups operate in Mali. An al Qaida-linked group known locally as Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) is the most lethal, considering the audacity and scale of its attacks.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

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Risks of dismissing back pain during pregnancy

About half to three-quarters of expectant mothers experience pain during pregnancy that is largely untreated, contributing to preventable suffering and harm.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

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How devastating floods expose decades of poor urban planning

Floods in Kenya killed at least 169 people between March and April 2024. The most catastrophic of these deaths occurred after a flash flood swept through a rural village killing 42 people.

By The Conversation 2 months ago

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Why Paul Biya's presidency in Cameroon has entered a fragile final phase

For the first time ever, the opposition parties in Cameroon have come "close" to unseating 92-year-old Paul Biya, who has run the country since 1982.

By The Conversation 2 months ago