Witchcraft Discourse Comes to American Politics

When it comes to the study of witchcraft in contemporary social science, one may be forgiven for thinking that the main go-to place is Africa. All kinds of studies have been done on the role of witchcraft in African politics, religion and even economics. However, little has been heard about the applicability of the language of witchcraft in contemporary American politics - until now. This piece in The New York Times, connected to a study by the same author, shows that the language of witchcraft applies to America. If we pay attention, we are also going to see it in Europe with the rise of the ultra-right and Brexit. Anthropologists and political scientists need to get busy.

A New Slave Ship?

Who is responsible for this and why do Africans endure and tolerate it?

Credit Aris Messinis/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images       

The Batteries in Your Cell Phones: See Where They Come From

An excellent report from The Washington Post.

 

A boy carries a bag used to transport cobalt-laden dirt and rock at the Musompo market (The Washington Post)

Cameroon's Brexit or Rule Breaking?

Cameroon has mounted what appears to be a daring betrayal of the central African regional block known as CEMAC, which consists of central African countries that negotiate economic deals with other partners as a single block. In doing this, Cameroon claims the Brexit precedence even though its move was to sign an individual economic agreement with the European Union (EU). Britain is moving out but Cameroon is moving in - and potentially out of CEMAC. See more here.
 
Cameroon's dictator, Paul Biya, and IMF director, Chirstine Lagarde (from African Argument)

Some Influential Cameroonians in the Diaspora

See more at Jeune Afrique.

Phiona Mutesi, The Real "Queen of Katwe"

Read more about her here. See trailer of the film below.

Free Mohamed Mkaitir!!!

Mohamed Mkaitir has been sentenced to death in Mauritania for apparently insulting the Prophet Mohammad in an anti-slavery piece he wrote. His compatriot, the anti-slavery campaigner, Biram Dah Abeid, was also being held by the government of  Mauritania, which continues to deny the festering issue of slavery and racial segregation in that country. The government of Mauritania is attempting to shift the discourse away from the repugnant treatment of human beings in that country in the name of religious piety. It is a barbaric and repugnant practice to kill someone for being critical of a religious figure or even God. It is also irresponsible to detain people for fighting for human dignity in a country that turns a blind eye to such abuses. Free Mohamed Mkhaitir!

Biram Dah Abeid has since been released but Mr. Mkaitir is still being held.