Islam in Africa
All topics-
Film review: Mati Diop's "Atlantics"
Ada, to whom the future belongs
The outstanding debut feature of French-Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop is an eclectic cinematic composite of genres and a startling social drama on contemporary transatlantic migration, in which a tragic scenario spiked with supernatural elements proves a catalyst for transformation and reversal. By Adela Lovric
-
Harar, Ethiopia's holy Muslim city
Considered the fourth holiest Muslim city in the world, Harar is the centre of Islam in Ethiopia. Maria Gerth-Niculescu leads us through the small streets and jam-packed markets of this sacred town.
-
Sauti – Africa young feminist blog
Giving a voice to young African women during coronavirus
The end of July saw the launch of the African Union’s "Sauti" digital publication, the first young feminist platform in Africa, which this year showcases stories by female youth on their initiatives and their challenges in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Alessandra Bajec reports
-
Immigration in Morocco
The long road to integration for immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa
Morocco officially declared itself a country of immigration in 2013, responding to the growing number of immigrants arriving from sub-Saharan Africa. Since then, tens of thousands of illegal aliens have been given residence permits, making them legal residents of the country. Despite this progress, however, Morocco's immigration policies remain inconsistent, and society has yet to truly accept the newcomers. By Claudia Mende
-
Islamism in Senegal
A fight for the soul of Islam
Violent Islamist fundamentalism has not yet come to Senegal, but it could – just as it has in Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria. A fascinating new feature film from Senegal shows how it could happen. By Aviva Freudmann
-
Human rights in the Islamic world
Battle cry "blasphemy"
Many predominantly Muslim countries have penal laws against "blasphemy", "defamation of religion" and "apostasy". In practice they serve as highly effective weapons to settle personal animosities, family vendettas and land disputes. By Thomas Krapf
-
Ethiopia's Sheikh Hussein: Mecca of the poor
Sheikh Hussein is a town in the Oromia region in south-eastern Ethiopia. The tomb of the 13th century Sufi Sheikh Hussein who introduced Islam to the area and is said to have performed many miracles is still visited by thousands of people. By Eric Lafforgue
-
Book review: Charlie Englishʹs "The book smugglers of Timbuktu"
Of myths and heroes
Timbuktu, the ancient desert city in Mali, has always been shrouded in myths. Charlie English’s "The book smugglers of Timbuktu" proves that the city has not lost its magic. By Dagmar Wolf
-
Muslim minorities in Africa
Nigerian Shias defiant in support of Zakzaky
Nigerian security forces resorted to violence last week to end protests by supporters of imprisoned Shia cleric Ibrahim Zakzaky in Abuja. Tensions are high after at least eight people were killed in the clashes. Zaharaddeen Umar reports
-
Sudan: From protests to power struggle
-
Womenʹs rights in Sudan
Motivated by hope
Political Islam posed an unprecedented challenge to womenʹs emancipation in Sudan. Despite worsening circumstances, numerous womenʹs rights organisations, associations and centres continued to lead courageous campaigns all over the country to address the many pressing issues women were and are still facing. By Wini Omer
-
After the ousting of Omar al-Bashir
Sudan holding out for real change
The political future of Sudan must now be hammered out from a precarious starting point. Demonstrators in Khartoum cannot instigate a new beginning without the old institutions; and the transition from toppled dictator to his former military allies will not be seamless. By Karim El-Gawhary