Los Angeles, United States | AFP | The murders of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls not only robbed hip-hop of two defining artists but also uncovered allegations of conspiracy, bloody rivalries and police corruption — shining a light on rap’s criminal underworld. More than two decades later, with the killers …

Manila, Philippines | AFP | Around 2,000 Roman Catholic Filipinos protested in Manila on Saturday against a push to legalise divorce, with church groups also using the “Walk for Life” march to slam President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly drugs war. The pre-dawn protest was organised by church groups worried about the …

Caracas, Venezuela | AFP | Despite unpopularity and a deepening economic crisis, Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro seems such a certainty for reelection in April that only an evangelical pastor has found the faith to run against him. “I am the light in the darkness,” said little-known pastor Javier Bertucci, without …

Nairobi, Kenya | AFP | A recent spate of violent attacks in Tanzania threaten the country’s democracy, the European Union has said. “We note with concern the recent developments which threaten democratic values and the rights of Tanzanians,” the EU said in a statement Friday. The EU said it was …

At the youngest age in elementary school, girls should be encouraged to study math and science COMMENT | THE INDEPENDENT | Two years ago, the United Nations designated February 11 the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. As the 2018 commemoration approached, it was worth reflecting on female scholars’ …

Kampala, Uganda | MATY KONTE | There’s no disputing that many African countries’ education systems are in trouble. Despite significant investment and some improvements linked to the push to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, children in large parts of Africa are simply not being well taught or learning what is needed …

When illiberal democracy – or populism, combines with undemocratic liberalism to undermine liberal democracy COMMENT | DANI RODRIK | The crisis of liberal democracy is roundly decried today. Donald Trump’s presidency, the Brexit vote in the United Kingdom, and the electoral rise of other populists in Europe have underscored the threat …

Does turning off engine really save fuel or merely damage engine? Kampala, Uganda | MOTORING GURU | After the cost of petrol inched closer to the Shs4000 a litre recently, many motorists are concentrating on fuel saving ways. Many are wondering whether it doesn’t make sense to turn off the engine …

RwandAir spreads its wings across Africa Kampala, Uganda | INDEPENDENT TEAM | The New Year 2018 has kicked off in high gear for RwandAir, the national carrier of Rwanda with launches of new routes. The latest news is the now scheduled May 16 launch of its new Kigali-Harare-Cape Town route. RwandAir …

Different kinds of commercial farming will have different effects on the economy COMMENT | RUTH HALL, DZODZI TSIKATK, IAN SCOONES | Colonialism brought large-scale farming to Africa, promising modernisation and jobs – but often dispossessing people and exploiting workers. Now, after several decades of independence, and with investor interest growing, …