The Africa Thread

sun_tzu

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the projected population growth (and the infrastructure requirements that will bring with it are almost incomprehensible)
To put it in perspective Lagos and Kinshasa are both projected to have bigger populations than the whole of the UK by 2100
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Projections_of_population_growth
https://www.populationpyramid.net/united-kingdom/2100/
I really hope there becomes some more transparent and accountable governments in the next decade or so because the infra spend needed to manage that population explosion is not only large it needs to be well thought out and strategicaly planned
 

Massive Spanner

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You'll have a blast. Driving around takes some getting used to, as long as you're extremely attentive and reserve an automatic you should be good.
Why an automatic? We've booked manuals cause that's what we drive.

We're only going from Jo'Burg to Sun City and back and then have one for going around Cape Town and those areas so we didn't think we'd need anything too spectacular. Plus they also drive on the left which is handy.
 

adexkola

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Why an automatic? We've booked manuals cause that's what we drive.

We're only going from Jo'Burg to Sun City and back and then have one for going around Cape Town and those areas so we didn't think we'd need anything too spectacular. Plus they also drive on the left which is handy.
Ah, my assumption was that you were nervous about driving because you were used to driving on the right (which was my issue last year).
 

Massive Spanner

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Ah, my assumption was that you were nervous about driving because you were used to driving on the right (which was my issue last year).
Oh :lol: No, more so car jackings and window smashes but I've heard it's generally fine if you keep everything hidden.
 

villain

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Don't know what it is about Africans and our lack of interest in visiting other African countries. That said, see you in December. Ghana's going to be fun this year!:keano:
Listen, Ghana this December is going to be actual madness! The amount of people that I’ve personally come across that are gonna be there is insane. Parties every night, I’ve been invited to different events every night so far on top of AfroNation, Wizkid’s Party & Sakordie’s party

It’s too much :lol:

I'm gonna be in Ghana for that big weekend. Hopefully my excursions prior to that don't leave me insolvent
You’re coming to Ghana too? When?
 

adexkola

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Listen, Ghana this December is going to be actual madness! The amount of people that I’ve personally come across that are gonna be there is insane. Parties every night, I’ve been invited to different events every night so far on top of AfroNation, Wizkid’s Party & Sakordie’s party

It’s too much :lol:



You’re coming to Ghana too? When?
Dec 27-30 :D
 

Cassidy

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Listen, Ghana this December is going to be actual madness! The amount of people that I’ve personally come across that are gonna be there is insane. Parties every night, I’ve been invited to different events every night so far on top of AfroNation, Wizkid’s Party & Sakordie’s party

It’s too much :lol:



You’re coming to Ghana too? When?
Whaaat hook me up with the Sarkodie party invite! Haha

I’ll be there for AfroNation after spending xmas in Nigeria
 

Jaqen H'ghar

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Don't really understand why Abiy won it this year and not last year. The political turn had all been done in 2018 but last year no one seemed to consider him. But I'm not really into nobel price logic, maybe they always wait a bit until the tide settles or something.
He's done a lot, it must be said. This year he helped broker the power sharing deal in Sudan, so maybe that was taken into account.
 

Rasendori

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December in Ghana just wow
BHIM Concert (StoneBwoy)

FUSE ODG This is New Africa Festival from food, music to fashion
Fast Food Festival (Dec 22nd)
 

Fanatic 00237

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This is a great thread, only noticing it now. Hope we have great discussions in here about what’s going on on the continent, and not only people making the rest of us envious as they share their holiday stories (I’m looking at you villain and adexkola haha).

No love for Cameroon? It’s a beautiful country too, you know. If you ignore the political issues, it’s a lovely country. Great scenery, melting pot of different African landscapes and cultures. Desert in the North, forest in the Centre/South/East, mountainous Western zone, coastal people in the South/South-West, the highest mountain in West Africa (and active volcano), former slave trade ports, unique black sand beaches (due to the nearby active volcano), semi-primitive Pygmy populations who keep a lot of their native non-modern lifestyle... Most of all very friendly and welcoming people. Okay, I guess I’ve done enough advert for my homeland. Yaoundé born and bred but working now in the inner regions.

Visit Cameroon (TM) (R) :D
 

villain

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Whaaat hook me up with the Sarkodie party invite! Haha

I’ll be there for AfroNation after spending xmas in Nigeria
My cousin is getting mine for me hopefully, they’re super cheap if you get them in Ghana. Equivalent of about £50 for VVIP (yes, very very important person :lol:)

So it’s 3 of us in here that will be in December in Ghana?
Where are you guys staying? @adexkola

@Fanatic 00237 i definitely want to visit other countries, just between work and family stuff this year has been very unique in terms of how often I’ve been to Ghana alone.
One of the things that has stopped me from visiting other countries is just my complete ignorance on where to stay, what foods are good etc

Perhaps people from different countries could make recommendations for people who are interested in visiting lesser traveled countries like Senegal, Cameroon etc
Not sure there’s enough of us to make a big list, but it’s better than nothing.
 

freeurmind

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I was going to create a thread about the xenophobic attacks in SA against foreigners, which at the time coincided with massive protests against rape triggered by the brutal rape and murder of an SA woman. That was the big story from the continent about a month, month and a half though.
I wanted to post about it as well but didn't trust myself to be able to talk about it rationally because you just know someone would try to make an excuse for those people's actions. The deep-seated hatred and thirst for violence in South African society is something people refuse to address or even acknowledge at times and until we do, these things are going to continue to happen.
 

adexkola

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My cousin is getting mine for me hopefully, they’re super cheap if you get them in Ghana. Equivalent of about £50 for VVIP (yes, very very important person :lol:)

So it’s 3 of us in here that will be in December in Ghana?
Where are you guys staying? @adexkola

@Fanatic 00237 i definitely want to visit other countries, just between work and family stuff this year has been very unique in terms of how often I’ve been to Ghana alone.
One of the things that has stopped me from visiting other countries is just my complete ignorance on where to stay, what foods are good etc

Perhaps people from different countries could make recommendations for people who are interested in visiting lesser traveled countries like Senegal, Cameroon etc
Not sure there’s enough of us to make a big list, but it’s better than nothing.
Just booked an Airbnb! Had the airline ticket already but now it's official (except the bands of course)

I've been lucky to visit a bunch of African countries... I'll post recommendations soon

I wanted to post about it as well but didn't trust myself to be able to talk about it rationally because you just know someone would try to make an excuse for those people's actions. The deep-seated hatred and thirst for violence in South African society is something people refuse to address or even acknowledge at times and until we do, these things are going to continue to happen.
So, incoming "excuse"

The economic inequality in South Africa is insane. Obviously Mandela brought political freedom but since then only a minority of the historically oppressed have been able to take advantage.

As you see in the US, blaming immigrants for the country's woes is an old sport. A narrative that some South Africans buy into unfortunately, and back with violence.

When I was there it was nothing but love, but then again I was in areas considered safe.
 

2cents

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Any good Africa book recommendations?
 

Rozay

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...
How much £ will it set you guys back? Asking for future reference
All about timing tbh. I booked all my shit the other day, so flight and hotel ran me about £2200. I got an Afronation VIP for another £230. Thankfully I don’t need a visa so that’s a saving.

A friend of mine booked a flight months ago for £690 though, so all about timing.
 

Bastian

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Really enjoyed reading this thread. Makes me want to travel more. You guys have fun this month!
 

Rasendori

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All about timing tbh. I booked all my shit the other day, so flight and hotel ran me about £2200. I got an Afronation VIP for another £230. Thankfully I don’t need a visa so that’s a saving.

A friend of mine booked a flight months ago for £690 though, so all about timing.
Thanks, and also @adexkola
 

steve zizou

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5th day in Ghana today.
Decided to go climb the afadjato on friday. Got lost twice on our way so got there late. Decided to climb the mountain anyway in total darkness on steep and wet slopes. Great feeling pulling off the climb and descent but absolutely a bad idea to begin with.
 

villain

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5th day in Ghana today.
Decided to go climb the afadjato on friday. Got lost twice on our way so got there late. Decided to climb the mountain anyway in total darkness on steep and wet slopes. Great feeling pulling off the climb and descent but absolutely a bad idea to begin with.
Amazing! How are you liking Ghana? What've you done so far
 

Rasendori

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Next week I'm going to purchase a theatre ticket for "Three Sisters."
A play I intend to watch around the 26th Jan or thereabouts.
I believe it took inspiration from the Nigerian Biafran Civil War.
Background knowledge on the Nigerian Civil War would be appreciated.
The process of asking people if they'd like to accompany me will start this Sunday, but I doubt I'll get any takers at all.
Is Three Sisters a play you've watched/familiar with? @adexkola @villain
 

adexkola

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Next week I'm going to purchase a theatre ticket for "Three Sisters."
A play I intend to watch around the 26th Jan or thereabouts.
I believe it took inspiration from the Nigerian Biafran Civil War.
Background knowledge on the Nigerian Civil War would be appreciated.
The process of asking people if they'd like to accompany me will start this Sunday, but I doubt I'll get any takers at all.
Is Three Sisters a play you've watched/familiar with? @adexkola @villain
Not familiar with the play. Very familiar with the war, and have a couple books on it. Will post a synopsis on the background leading up to the war in a bit.
 

Rasendori

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Not familiar with the play. Very familiar with the war, and have a couple books on it. Will post a synopsis on the background leading up to the war in a bit.
That would be thoroughly appreciated
 

villain

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After 17 days or so, I finally landed back from Ghana this morning

Year of Return, truly was amazing - I partied hard, made some great friends & network connections, went to the slave dungeons, tourism, family visits, I touched Burna Boy's hand!! It was everything I wanted it to be & more.

what did you guys think? @Rozay @adexkola
 

villain

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Next week I'm going to purchase a theatre ticket for "Three Sisters."
A play I intend to watch around the 26th Jan or thereabouts.
I believe it took inspiration from the Nigerian Biafran Civil War.
Background knowledge on the Nigerian Civil War would be appreciated.
The process of asking people if they'd like to accompany me will start this Sunday, but I doubt I'll get any takers at all.
Is Three Sisters a play you've watched/familiar with? @adexkola @villain
I'm incredibly ignorant on Nigerian politics & history unfortunately, would be keen to learn more though.
 

adexkola

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That would be thoroughly appreciated
Ah feck forgot about this... soon come

After 17 days or so, I finally landed back from Ghana this morning

Year of Return, truly was amazing - I partied hard, made some great friends & network connections, went to the slave dungeons, tourism, family visits, I touched Burna Boy's hand!! It was everything I wanted it to be & more.

what did you guys think? @Rozay @adexkola
Will also post a recap soon... long story short it was amazing
 

adexkola

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That would be thoroughly appreciated
Ok

So similar to a lot of African countries, the territory that became Nigeria was formed by the British carving a random piece of land out of West Africa (along with Ghana, Sierra Leone). This colony contained over 200 distinct ethnic groups, but the 3 biggest were (and are today): Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Ibo.

Hausa-Fulani: Predominant ethnic group in the north. Pastoral/nomadic culture, with a few big trading cities linked to the Sahara trade (Kano, Sokoto, Daura). 100% Muslim. Historical government model: ruled by priest-warrior figures called Emirs. Very suitable for indirect rule (more on this in a bit). Largest population.

Yoruba: Predominant ethnic group in the west. Agricultural culture. At the time of conquest, dominated by traditional religions, although after the British took over, vast converted to Christianity/Islam (let's say 60/40 split). Historical government model: society was split into various tribes ruled by various kings, that warred with each other. A lot of people (captives of war) were sold into the Atlantic slave trade before Britain put an end to the practice in the 1800s. Very suitable for indirect rule.

Igbo: Predominant ethnic group in the East. Agricultural/trading culture. At the time of conquest, dominated by traditional religions/rites. Once the British took over, vast majority converted to Christianity. Historical government model was very democratic (every man in the village/town had a voice), as opposed to their big neighbors to the West and North. Following conquest, this region became very overpopulated, leading a lot of Igbos to migrate beyond their borders in seek of work/trading opportunities (also more on this in a bit).

Indirect rule: Because the British were better at colonizing than the French, they preferred to govern using indirect rule. They would find a traditional figurehead and let him keep his throne, and govern through this figurehead. Because the Hausas and Yorubas were used to this kind of rule, the British found it easy to govern Northern/Western Nigeria. Because the Igbos didn't have any sort of figureheads in their society, artificial ones installed by the British proved very unpopular. The resulting strife didn't make the Igbos look good from the British perspective.

Fast-forward to a few years before independence (1950s), post WW2...

At this point, Igbo people are all over Nigeria as traders and businessmen. They have a sizeable contingent in the Hausa dominated North. The British created parliament favors the Hausa/Yoruba over the Igbo. At independence, the first prime minister of Nigeria is from the North.

Fast forward to 1964-1965.

Igbo migrants are massacred in the North, in a set of violent pogroms. The ones not murdered run back to the East with only the clothes on their back.

Fast forward to January 1966.

A coup d'etat is initiated by Igbo junior officers. The prime minister (from the North), and senior military officers from the North and West are assassinated surgically, overnight. An Igbo officer not involved with the coup assumes power, but the instigators of the coup are not punished. To add insult to injury, the replacements for the murdered military officers are predominantly Igbo.

July 1966: a counter coup is executed by Hausa officers. The Igbo military head of state, as well as senior Igbo officers, are taken out overnight. In addition, after the coup success, more pogroms aimed at Northern Igbos occur. A non-Hausa officer from the North assumes power, but he does not punish the Hausa officers, neither does he do enough to protect Igbo migrants from the massacres ongoing.

1967: Fed up at the situation, a senior Igbo officer, Col. Ojukwu, threatens secession of the Eastern region, which was predominantly Igbo, but also contained a sizeable bunch of other minority tribes. His threats, supported by a seething Igbo nation, were for the most part dismissed by the military regime. After a few failed negotiations, the Republic of Biafra declares independence, raises an army, seizes federal facilities in the Eastern region, and seals all land/river entries to the region from the rest of the country.

1967-1970: the Civil War was one of attrition. Biafra fought mostly a defensive war, with the aim of forcing Nigeria to accept it's secession. Nigeria was in no mood to let Biafra go (it was a vital source of petroleum). So here is what the military regime did.

1. It blockaded Biafra from the Atlantic Ocean, preventing all but humanitarian aid from getting through.
2. Prior to secession, the Eastern Region was 1 state. The regime created 3 new states out of the region, making sure that 2 of the 3 states had majority-non Igbo populations. They effectively gave these states a good reason to support Nigeria against Biafra which was Igbo dominated
3. It began a bombing campaign against infrastructure deemed critical to Biafra (airports, bases, industrial clusters)
4. It initiated a 3 pronged invasion from the North, West and the sea (to the south), aimed at Biafra's center, with the aim of quelling the rebellion.

Biafra fought well against increasingly overwhelming odds, as supplies and food and morale started to dwindle. A lot of people died from bombs and disease and starvation. There were a few massacres (mostly aimed at Igbo civilians/unarmed combatants by Nigerian soldiers). Biafra attempted an invasion of the West in order to divert attention away from it's homeland and force international intervention but it failed. It took 3 years but in 1970, Ojukwu fled abroad and his second in command surrendered.

The Nigerian head of state is famous for insisting "no victor no vanquished" and his outward agenda was to pretty much, re-integrate Biafra into Nigeria and move on. This was accomplished with the aid of the oil boom in the 1970s which flooded Nigeria with petro-dollars. But the war has kind of been swept under the rug. I don't believe the country has done a full reckoning of the aftermath of the war, how it has impacted relations between Igbos and the rest of the country till today (there has been no Igbo president/head of state, ever), and how the region was deliberately neglected for years to the detriment of the North and West.

There you go. The literature is harrowing yet fascinating. Chimamanda Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun is set in Biafra during the war... I'm more of a non-fiction/military geek though so that's where I've done a lot of reading.