Shows
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 200: Military Coups in Africa with the Global Stage PodcastHappy episode 200 of Ufahamu Africa! We're so pleased to feature one of our favorite episode formats for the occasion - a mashup! Thanks to the Global Stage podcast for hosting our cohost Rachel Beatty Riedl for a conversation with Notre Dame graduate student Rasheed Ibrahim and Afrobarometer director Joseph Asunka about the return of military coups on the continent.It’s an important conversation stemming from a panel last week at the Global Democracy Conference hosted by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies at Notre Dame. Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in thi...2024-06-0147 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 197: Nisrin Elamin on the Conflict in Sudan (rerun)It’s never too late to pay attention to what is happening in Sudan. The international community should be supporting everyday people’s needs as they navigate this humanitarian disaster and should also be supporting a way forward out of the war.We're re-upping our conversation with Nisrin Elamin about the conflict in Sudan. Elamin is an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Toronto. Her work investigates the connections between land, race, belonging, and empire-making in Sudan and the broader Sahel region. We also bring updates on the news we're paying attention to this...2024-04-2058 minUfahamu AfricaEp. 190: 2023 Year in ReviewWe're looking back on 2023 and forward to 2024 in this week's episode! Kim and Rachel talk about elections, democracy, and more on the continent. Next week, we're excited to introduce you to our new non-resident fellows! Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com. 2024-02-0337 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 188: Dominika Koter on Democracy in BeninDominika Koter, political scientist at Colgate University, presents the next case on democracy from our African Studies Association panel. You’ll hear her presentation on Benin and a news wrap from Kim and Rachel on South Africa's accusations of genocide against Israel, the current events in the Red Sea, and recent court cases involving Ousmane Sonko in Senegal.Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com. 2024-01-1335 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 187: Alexandra Blackman on Democracy in Tunisia Our African Studies Association panel continues this week with a case study on democracy in Tunisia from Cornell University's Alexandra Blackman. You'll hear her presentation on current events in Tunisia and a news wrap from Kim and Rachel on elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a recent news story on a valuable mask from Gabon.This is our final episode of 2023! We'll be back in your feed in the new year. Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com. 2023-12-2337 minUfahamu AfricaEp. 186: Democracy in MalawiToday, we have part one of our African Studies Association panel on African democracy, focusing on democratic backsliding and sites and actors that have worked for democratic endurance, strengthening, and democratic governance. You'll hear Rachel's introduction on democratic backsliding on the continent and a case study from Kim on Malawi, written with Boniface Dulani. Next week, tune in for a presentation from Alexandra Blackman, assistant professor of government at Cornell University, for a case study on Tunisia. Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com. 2023-12-1635 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 185: Kwadwo Owusu on Environmental Health and Well-BeingKwadwo Owusu, professor of geography and resource development at the University of Ghana, is our guest this week. He sits down with cohost Rachel Beatty Riedl for a conversation on climate and society, politics, and public policy around environmental health and well-being.They discuss what issues are on the horizon as we consider natural resource changes, technological changes, and social changes surrounding climate adaptations, as well as the politics of the global south and global north.This conversation followed a talk he gave at Cornell University's Institute for African Development on climate change and mining...2023-12-0943 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 169: A conversation with Oumar Ba, Marame Gueye, and Bamba Ndiaye on Senegalese democracyToday's episode is a roundtable discussion with Rachel and guests Oumar Ba, Marame Gueye, and Bamba Ndiaye who shed light on the state of Senegalese politics and democracy. We discuss Senegalese president Macky Sall and his unwillingness to say whether or not he will run again, leading opposition politician Ousmane Sonko's rape and defamation cases, and the role of civic mobilizations in the country. Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com. 2023-04-081h 07
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 166: A conversation with fellow Bamba Ndiaye and Ugandan activist Bwesigye Bwa MwesigireFellow Bamba Ndiaye explores the policing of protest in Africa and the mechanisms used by African governments to repress social movements and activists, alongside guest and Ugandan activist Bwesigye Bwa Mwesigire. Mwesigire teaches at Emory University's Institute of African Studies and is completing a PhD in English at Cornell University. He is also a member of the Ubuntu Reading Group Publishing Collective.In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel discuss the latest on the continent. In particular, we discuss the recent dangerous rhetoric from Tunisia's President Kais Saied who has been scapegoating Black Africans in h...2023-03-111h 08Ufahamu AfricaEp. 163: A conversation with fellow Takondwa Priscilla Semphere and her students on how we define AfricaWhat does Africa mean to us today? Fellow Takondwa Priscilla Semphere teaches at the African Leadership Academy, a school where approximately 35 African countries are represented at one time. Takondwa speaks with her students about the complicated question of how we understand and define Africa and its people for this episode. In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel discuss a special edition of The Monkey Cage's newsletter devoted to elections in Africa in 2023 and talk about last week's conversation with guest Idayat Hassan on elections in Nigeria. Find the books, links, and a...2023-02-1147 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 162: A conversation with Idayat Hassan about the upcoming Nigerian electionsIdayat Hassan is the director of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), an Abuja-based policy advocacy and research organization focusing on deepening democracy and development in West Africa. She talks to Rachel this week about the upcoming Nigerian elections and all there is to be hopeful about - the possibility for change, engagement from young people, and a potential renegotiation of democracy. In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel recommend some election resources, talk about the killing of renowned human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, and the continent's desire for more democracy.Find t...2023-02-041h 02Ufahamu AfricaEp. 160: A conversation with fellow Bamba Ndiaye and guests Sophia Denise Sow and Zachariah Mampilly about African activismFellow Bamba Ndiaye talks to two very exciting guests this week about political uprisings and social activism on the continent, from both activist and scholar perspectives. Sophia Denise Sow is a founding member of Senegal's Y'en a Marre movement and Zachariah Mampilly, cofounder of the Program on African Social Research (PASIRI) and the Marxe Endowed Chair of International Affairs at the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, CUNY. In the news wrap, Rachel takes us through important updates about Senegal, including recent bans on protests in the country, a potential third-term run by Senegalese pr...2023-01-1444 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 159: A conversation with Mayor Manuel de Araújo on urban governance, community, and climate resilienceHappy new year from the Ufahamu Africa team! We're back with a conversation with Manuel de Araújo, mayor of Quelimane, Mozambique about how he became mayor, why he switched political parties in 2018, and what motivates voters in Mozambique. In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel share updates on Nigerian elections, the famine in Somalia, and more. Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com. 2023-01-071h 18
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 158: A conversation with Joe Muturi about urban politicsJoe Muturi is president of the SDI Network, a social activist, and leader of Muungano wa Wanavijiji, the national federation of slum dwellers in Kenya. Muungano is the largest social movement in Kenya, which for over 20 years has campaigned against forced evictions and in support of secure tenure and improved services for Kenya's poor communities.He talks to Rachel this week about urban politics, putting communities and their expertise at the center, and more. We recorded this episode in person, so you may hear some extra background noises and movement this week.Find t...2022-12-171h 13
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 157: A conversation with Lauren Honig about land politics in Zambia and SenegalLauren Honig is an assistant professor of political science at Boston College whose work addresses questions of property rights, the roles of informal and customary institutions, natural resource politics, and state-citizen linkages. Lauren talks to Kim this week about her new book, Land Politics: How Customary Institutions Shape State Building in Zambia and Senegal.Plus, in the news wrap, Kim and Rachel talk about the World Cup, updates on alleged corruption in Malawi, a potential impeachment hearing for South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, and more! We also extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends...2022-12-1058 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 156: A conversation with cohosts Kim and Rachel on accusations of corruption in MalawiWe're in conversation this week about the recent arrest of Malawi vice president Saulos Chilima. Kim, our resident Malawi expert, answers Rachel's questions about what is happening, the historical context, and more. In Kim's recent article for The Monkey Cage, she writes: "Malawians have seen tensions between their presidents and VPs before. They may be somewhat cynical about government attempts to fight corruption." Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com. 2022-12-0347 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 155: A conversation with Eric Osei Assibey about the financial situation in GhanaEric Osei Assibey is the dean of international programs at the University of Ghana, Legon and an associate professor of economics. He joins our cohost Rachel Beatty Riedl to talk about the financial situation in Ghana, the state of the Ghanian economy, and the effects of the war in Ukraine on the country. Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com. 2022-11-2624 minUfahamu AfricaEp. 151: Introducing season 7 and our new fellowsWelcome back to the podcast! Kim and Rachel return for season 7 of the show with a recap of some exciting things that happened while we were on break, new books we are looking forward to learning from, and an introduction of our newest cohort of fellows. Books, Links, & ArticlesActivist Origins of Political Ambition: Opposition Candidacy in Africa's Electoral Authoritarian Regimes by Keith WeghorstKeith Weghorst's Meal TrainAfrican Politics Conference Group (APCG)"The Politics of Respect: Early State Inheritance and Traditional Governance" by Vladimir Chlouba Development, (Dual) Citizenship, and its Discontents in Africa: The Political Economy of Be...2022-10-2939 minUfahamu AfricaBonus: Senegal's Voters in the Driver's Seat"Despite a tense campaign period, low voter turnout (46%), and the opposition’s calls to secure the votes in certain localities, election day remained peaceful and highly competitive," write Oumar Ba, Rachel Beatty Riedl, and Bamba Ndiaye. Hear the full article from The Conversation: Africa on today's bonus episode, read by Ami Tamakloe. Books, Links, & Articles"Senegal’s Presidential Poll Is Shaping Up as a Real Contest, With Voters in the Driver’s Seat" by Oumar Ba, Rachel Beatty Riedl, and Bamba NdiayeFind the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this e...2022-10-0810 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 150: Hosts Kim Yi Dionne and Rachel Beatty Riedl wrap up season 6Listen to Ufahamu Africa co-hosts Kim Yi Dionne and Rachel Beatty Riedl wrap up Season 6. In addition to reflecting on their first season incorporating the voices of Ufahamu Africa's non-resident fellows, Kim and Rachel also talk at length about the Kenyan elections and electoral politics and democracy more broadly in Africa. This 150th episode also shares some of what they're hoping to feature in Season 7.Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com. 2022-08-1456 min
Democracy ParadoxRachel Beatty Riedl on Benin. Democracy in Hard Places.So, at some level, a belief in democracy was necessary in Benin as in elsewhere. Support for it - Absolutely. But what's interesting in the Benin case is that you were lacking that level of political elite leadership that were committed democratic ideologues.Rachel Beatty RiedlSupport Democracy Paradox on Patreon for bonus episodes and exclusive updates and information. A full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com.Rachel Beatty Riedl is the John S. Knight Professor of International Studies, Director of the Einaudi Center for International Studies, and professor in the...2022-06-2147 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 146: A conversation with fellow Chido Nyaruwata and Awino Okech about gender, protests, and political change in AfricaIn this episode, fellow Chido Nyaruwata speaks to Awino Okech, an associate professor of political sociology at SOAS, University London where she teaches in the Department of Politics and International Studies. They discuss Gender, Protests, and Political Change in Africa, a book edited by Dr. Okech. Their discussion reveals the multidimensional conditions which drive African feminist movements and women’s human rights defenders to advocate for transformation of social norms, practices, and inclusive state building in different African countries. In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel talk about "shrinkflation" in Africa and across the world, a sp...2022-06-1849 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 145: A conversation with Leo Arriola, Lise Rakner, and Nic van de Walle about democratic backsliding"Breaking Bad: Understanding the Backlash against Democracy in Africa" is a collaborative project that takes a multi-method approach to studying democracy. In this episode, we speak with project members Lise Rakner (University of Bergen), Leonardo Arriola (University of California, Berkeley), and Nicolas van de Walle (Cornell University) about their upcoming edited volume and what we should know about the state of democracy in Africa.In the news wrap, Rachel recommends a new book from Mariana Candido and talks about why Roe v. Wade matters to Africans. Books, Links, & ArticlesLeonardo Arriola, University o...2022-06-0442 minUfahamu AfricaBonus: How a new UK program will endanger migrants, not protect themOut now from The Monkey Cage: Rachel Beatty Riedl, Eleanor Paynter, and Christa Kuntzelman write "The UK Wants to Send Refugees to Rwanda. That's Become a Trend." Ami Tamakloe reads this article for a bonus episode about how a new United Kingdom program will endanger migrants, not protect them. Books, Links, & Articles"The UK Wants to Send Refugees to Rwanda. That's Become a Trend." by Rachel Beatty Riedl, Christa Kuntzelman, and Eleanor PaynterAmi Tamakloe Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com. 2022-04-3009 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 141: A conversation with fellow Chido Nyaruwata and Zethu Matebeni about African queer theoryIn this episode, fellow Chido Nyaruwata speaks to professor Zethu Matebeni , a sociologist, activist, and writer researching African queer theory, sexuality, and gender. Matebeni is a co-editor of Queer in Africa: LGBTQI Identities, Citizenship, and Activism. Surya Monro and Vasu Reddy worked with Matebeni to edit this highly interdisciplinary and rich volume on different aspects of queer life in Africa.In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel talk about fighting COVID-19 through music, dangerous migration policies in the UK, and more. Books, Links, & ArticlesQueer in Africa: LGBTQI Identities, Citizenship, and Activism e...2022-04-2356 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 139: A conversation with Zainab Usman about climate changeZainab Usman is a senior fellow and director of the Africa Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. This week, she talks to Rachel about the importance of economic diversification in Africa and how it can contribute to a more climate resilient Africa. In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel talk about the killing of a fearless Somali female MP, Kenyan country music, and the Zimbabwean president’s party (ZANU PF) losing support in the polls.Books, Links, & ArticlesZainab Usman, senior fellow and director of the Africa Program at the Carne...2022-04-021h 05
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 138: A conversation with fellows Soinato Leboo and Gretchen Walch about foreignness and Kenyan identitiesSoinato Leboo and Gretchen Walch are our next fellows! In this episode, they talk to four friends and acquaintances about their experiences of both belonging and otherness in Kenya. Each of their perspectives were unique, but converged in their hopes for Kenya’s future. In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel talk about healthcare and a new hospital funded by Bismack Biyombo, the Kenyan political elections, and more. Books, Links, & Articles"Suns' Bismack Biyombo Donating Entire 2022 Salary to Build Hospital in Democratic Republic of the Congo""The Congolese NBA Veteran Whose Heart and...2022-03-2642 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 137: A conversation with Mai Hassan about politics in Kenya and SudanThis week, Rachel interviews Mai Hassan, an associate professor in political science at the University of Michigan. Hassan's research focuses on the state, autocracy, and regime change. In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel talk about the digitization of Mali's prized manuscripts ("Mali Magic"), the French exit from Mali, and what's going on in the war in Ukraine.Books, Links & Articles Regime Threats and State Solutions: Bureaucratic Loyalty and Embeddedness in Kenya by Mai Hassan Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Arabic) by J.K. Rowling Review by Foreign...2022-03-1958 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 133: A conversation with Naunihal Singh about coupsCoups are on our minds this week, especially with recent events in Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau. Kim and Rachel talk about their own views on "coup contagion" and how their perspectives have changed over time. Then, Kim talks to coup expert Naunihal Singh, who breaks down what coups are, shares how he began studying them, and what we should know about what's happening on the continent now. Books, Links, & ArticlesSeizing Power: The Strategic Logic of Military Coups by Naunihal Singh"Burkina Faso's Coup Makers Capitalized on Wider Grievances within Ranks" by...2022-02-051h 12
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 131: A conversation with Yang-Yang Zhou of the Scope Conditions PodcastAs fans of the Scope Conditions podcast, we're excited to share this interview with Yang-Yang Zhou, one of the hosts of the show. Scope Conditions features cutting-edge research in comparative politics from across the world, so we took this opportunity to talk to Zhou about her own cutting-edge work studying the effects of migrants on host communities. Take a listen to this great conversation between Kim, Rachel, and Yang-Yang Zhou! Books, Links, & ArticlesScope Conditions Podcast with Yang-Yang Zhou & Alan JacobsDOEK! by Rémy Ngamije "Ignorance, Denial, and Insurgency in Mozambique" by Cor...2022-01-2244 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 130: A conversation with Nkatha Kabira about the past, present, and future of African lawAfrican legal scholar Nkatha Kabira joins us this week for a conversation about the past, present, and future of African law. Kabira is a lecturer at the University of Nairobi and was the fall 2021 Distinguished Africanist Scholar at Cornell University's Institute for African Development. In our conversation, Kabira shares her vision for a conference on the future of law in Africa and makes recommendations for how legal education and practice can be developed on the continent when formal legal institutions sometimes hold limited power. In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel talk about the African Cup of N...2022-01-1543 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 129: Looking back on Ufahamu Africa in 2021 and ahead to 2022Welcome back to a new year of Ufahamu Africa! Kim and Rachel talk about some of your and our favorite episodes of 2021, the big events that affected Africa in 2021, and more! Books, Links, & ArticlesUfahamu Africa on Foreign Policy PlaylistThe Lawfare Podcast: Making Sense of the Crisis in Ethiopia"The Enemy in Her Imagination: A Fable" by Elleni Centime Zeleke"Take the Soul from Everyone, and the Liberty of All" by Rama Salla Dieng The West Africa Autocratization Tracker by Expédit Ologou Senegal’s violent protests reveal that its long-stable democracy is fragil...2022-01-0830 minUfahamu AfricaEp. 128: Introducing our non-resident fellowsWe're excited to announce our 2021-22 non-resident fellows: Chido Nyaruwata, Wanjiku Ngugi, Samah Fawzi, and team Soinato Leboo and Gretchen Walch. On this episode, they introduce themselves and, of course, share what they're reading! You'll hear more from them throughout season 6, including episodes created and produced by each of them. In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel talk about the South African football team, the Africa Cup of Nations (AfCon), the Democracy Summit hosted by the Biden administration, the recent sentencing of Benin's Reckya Madougou, and state-sponsored hacks of Ugandans. Books, Links, & Articles2021-12-1823 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 127: Mashup with Judd Devermont and Nicole Wilett from "49"Judd Devermont and Nicole Wilett from "49," a new podcast from the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), join us this week to offer Africa policy recommendations for the Biden administration and to share their process of fitting hundreds of pages of historical research into five-minute podcast segments. Judd Devermont is the Director of the Africa Program at CSIS and was recently asked to serve as a Special Advisor for Africa Strategy to the White House. Nicole Wilett is chief of staff at the Open Society Foundations. Together, they co-host 49, a podcast examining the past, present, and future of U.S...2021-12-1126 minUfahamu AfricaAn Introduction to Ufahamu AfricaUfahamu Africa is a podcast about life and politics on the African continent, co-hosted by Kim Yi Dionne, professor of political science at the University of California, Riverside, and Rachel Beatty Riedl, professor of government at Cornell University. “Ufahamu” is a Kiswahili word that translates to “understanding” or “consciousness” in English. We seek to expand our collective understanding of Africa through in-depth interviews with diverse thinkers and innovators who are deeply ingrained in the life, culture, and politics of the continent. Our weekly episodes also feature news highlights and overviews of what we are reading and learning.Find the...2021-12-0801 min
Ufahamu AfricaBonus: Laura Seay’s review of Lina Benabdallah’s book on China-Africa relationsIn this bonus recording, hear Ufahamu Africa host Kim Yi Dionne read Laura Seay’s review of Shaping the Future of Power: Knowledge Production and Network-Building in China-Africa Relations, a book by Lina Benabdallah (@LBenabdallah). The review was published in last year's African Politics Summer Reading Spectacular (#APSRS20), and this recording is being shared as part of a collaboration with The Monkey Cage (@monkeycageblog), a blog on politics and political science at The Washington Post.Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com. 2021-09-0406 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 126: Season 5 FinaleKim and Rachel close up Season 5 highlighting some of the major events on the continent and enjoying hearing some good news from friends of the podcast. Have a listen and you'll hear Grieve Chelwa, Anne Meng, TJ Tallie, Hilary Matfess, Judd Devermont, and Laura Smith share some great updates so we can celebrate some wins as we look back on this challenging year. Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com. 2021-08-2133 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 125: A conversation with Alhousseini Diabate about land and food access in West Africa (English)Alhousseini Diabate joins us this week for a conversation about land access and food access in West Africa, particularly in Mali. This version of the episode is dubbed in English, but the original episode was conducted between Rachel and Diabate in French. You can find the French version of the episode on ufahamuafrica.com. Don't forget to also send us recorded clips of you sharing your good news with us! We will share everyone's good news in our upcoming season 5 finale episode. Books, Links, & ArticlesMéthodologie du pluralisme juridique by Ghislain O...2021-08-0734 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 125: A conversation with Alhousseini Diabate about land and food access in West Africa (French)Alhousseini Diabate joins us this week for a conversation about land access and food access in West Africa, particularly in Mali. Rachel interviews Diabate in French, but check out a dubbed version of the conversation in English on ufahamuafrica.com.Don't forget to also send us recorded clips of you sharing your good news with us! We will share everyone's good news in our upcoming season 5 finale episode. Books, Links, & Articles Méthodologie du pluralisme juridique by Ghislain OtisL’adoption coutumière autochtone et les défis du pluralisme juridique by Ghis...2021-08-0743 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 124: A conversation with Tarila Marclint Ebiede about about violence and governance in NigeriaJoining us this week is Tarila Marclint Ebiede, adjunct assistant professor of international affairs at Brussels School of Governance, Brussels, Belgium. His research examines the reintegration of ex-combatants, political violence, the impact of violent conflicts on local governance, youth and violence, peacebuilding and security in Nigeria. We talk to him about his research, the recent news of a fallen military jet plane in Nigeria, and his new Conflict Research Network (CORN) West Africa initiative. In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel talk about that fallen military jet in Nigeria and share updates on the books you should b...2021-07-241h 01
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 123: A conversation with Liliane Umubyeyi and Amah Edoh on reparationsEarlier this year, Liliane Umubyeyi and Amah Edoh joined Cornell University's Institute for European Studies to talk about their collaborative work on reparations, especially related to Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo. We share selected excerpts of their talk in this week's episode, and you can find a link to watch the full panel in this week's show notes. In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel talk about the arrest of former South African President Jacob Zuma and the subsequent protests. Plus, more about COVID vaccines on the African continent. Books, Links, & Articles2021-07-1744 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 122: Hear Ufahamu Africa on Migrations: A World on the MoveHear more of our conversation with Nanjala Nyabola, continued from Ep. 113: A conversation with Nanjala Nyabola. In this podcast mash-up with Cornell University's Migrations: A World on the Move podcast. Their episode shares previously unaired parts of our conversation with Nanjala and Migrations postdoctoral fellow Eleanor Paynter. Nyabola's work and writing spans themes of migration, politics, and personal experience in her new book "Travelling While Black." Listen to the episode to hear her read excerpts from select essays. Books, Links, & ArticlesTravelling While Black: Essays Inspired by a Life on the Move by Nanjala Ny...2021-07-101h 02
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 121: A conversation with Amal FadlallaIn her book, Branding Humanity: Competing Narratives of Rights, Violence, and Global Citizenship, Amal Fadlalla writes about the Save Darfur movement and how it gained an international following. We bring her onto the show this week for a conversation about her work and her expertise in Sudan.In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel talk about global climate change, more updates from the Tigray region of Ethiopia, the protests in Eswatini, and more. Books, Links, & ArticlesBranding Humanity: Competing Narratives of Rights, Violence, and Global Citizenship by Amal Hassan FadlallaEmbodying Honor: Fertility, Foreignness, and...2021-07-031h 09
Ufahamu AfricaHear Ufahamu Africa on Foreign Policy PlaylistHear us on Foreign Policy Playlist this week when Rachel and Kim talk about Ufahamu Africa's vision and mission and the show features Kim's conversation about the genocide in Ethiopia's Tigray region with Dr. Goitom Gebreluel from episode 117. … More Hear Ufahamu Africa on Foreign Policy PlaylistFind the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com. 2021-06-1901 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 120: A conversation with Zachariah Mampilly on researching African politicsJoining us this week is friend of the show, Zachariah Mampilly! He speaks with Kim about researching and teaching African politics, as well as his Program on African Social Research (PASR) which supports junior African scholars as they work to publish in academic journalsIn the news wrap, Kim and Rachel talk about the Islamic State in Mozambique, news from Nigeria, and political updates in Côte d'Ivoire.Books, Links, & ArticlesRebel Rulers: Insurgent Governance and Civilian Life during War by Zachariah Cherian MampillyAfrica Uprising: Popular Protest and Political Change by Adam Br...2021-06-121h 05
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 119: A conversation with Shamiran Mako and Valentine Moghadam on “After the Arab Uprisings”In their upcoming book, "After the Arab Uprisings: Progress and Stagnation in the Middle East and North Africa," Shamiran Mako and Valentine Moghadam share their work on democracy and social transformation in North Africa after the Arab Spring. In an interview with Rachel, Mako and Moghadam talk about the six years of research leading up to the book and explain the four key frameworks of their analysis: state and regime type, civil society, gender relations and women's mobilizations, and external influence.There's no news wrap this week, but you can still see what we're reading, listening to, and learning...2021-06-0542 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 118: A rerun of our conversation with Ashley Currier about LGBT organizing in AfricaThis week, we are re-airing Kim's interview with Ashley Currier, whose work looks at LGBT organizing in Africa. Currier spoke to Kim about her books, Out in Africa and Politicizing Sex in Contemporary Africa, visibility of African activists, and homophobia on the continent. In the news this week: a coup in Mali, volcanic eruptions in eastern Congo, and reduced food rations in Rwandan refugee camps. Plus, Kim and Rachel share a summer music recommendation!Books, Links, & ArticlesOut in Africa: LGBT Organizing in Namibia and South Africa by Ashley CurrierPoliticizing Sex in C...2021-05-2940 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 117: A conversation with Goitom Gebreleul about the genocide in Tigray, EthiopiaAs violence and unrest in the Tigray region of Ethiopia continues, we bring Goitom Gebreleul on the show. Gebreleul is a researcher in international and comparative politics of the Horn of Africa at Hatèta Policy Research. In his interview with Kim, he shares the evidence that this is a genocide and tells listeners what they can do to help. There's no news wrap this week, but you can still see what we're reading, listening to, and learning this week in the show notes on our website, ufahamuafrica.com. Books, Links, & Articles “Africans find it hard...2021-05-2226 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 116: A conversation with Christina Cottiero and Expédit Ologou about BeninJoining us this week are special guests Christina Cottiero, a political science PhD student at UC San Diego doing award-winning research on regional security issues in West Africa, and Expédit Ologou, the founder and president at the Civic Academy for Africa’s Future, an independent research think tank in Benin, and a Senior Political Governance Officer for the Benin Office of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. They join Rachel for a conversation about the presidential election in Benin and ongoing concerns about de-democratization in the country.In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel talk about Lesotho's political imp...2021-05-1553 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 115: A conversation with Robtel Neajai Pailey on citizenship and LiberiaRobtel Neajai Pailey is a writer, activist, and academic whose recent book engages with the topic of citizenship in Africa, especially in Liberia. She joins Rachel for a great conversation about her work, the scholar-activists who influence and inspire her, and how to make our work ethical, emancipatory, and accessible. We conducted this interview on the sidelines of the 52nd Annual Liberian Studies Association conference, hosted by Cornell University's Institute of African Development.In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel talk about academic freedom in Zambia, the corruption trial in South Africa against its former president, and...2021-05-0146 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 114: A conversation with Dan Eizenga on Idriss Déby and ChadSpecial guest Dan Eizenga, research fellow at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, joins us to share his expertise on Chad and the recent death of Idriss Déby. Listen to learn what happened, who is in charge of Chad now, and what it all means. In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel talk about new restrictions from the U.S. on Ugandan officials, share new resources like an edited volume on coronavirus politics, and a new postdoc opportunity on global racial justice available from Cornell University. Books, Links, & Articles Coronavirus Politics: The Comparative Po...2021-04-2451 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 113: A conversation with Nanjala Nyabola about "Travelling While Black"In a special podcast mashup with Migrations: A World on the Move, hosted by Cornell postdoc Eleanor Paynter, we interview Nanjala Nyabola on human mobilities, asylum, vaccine nationalism, and activism that centers human experiences. Her new book, Travelling While Black, is a collection of essays on her experiences traveling to over 70 countries. Plus, she offers us a number of African novels on migration that we should read next! This conversation was recorded at an event held on April 12 called Race and Racism Across Borders, hosted by Cornell University's Migrations initiative and the Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies. 2021-04-1745 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 112: A conversation between Kim and Rachel about COVID-19 vaccinesWe've got another deep dive episode this week, featuring a conversation between Kim and Rachel on COVID-19 vaccines, global distribution, and the difference between equality and equity.They also take us through some of the top news stories of the week, including ongoing talks about a hydroelectric dam on the Nile River in Egypt, the election in Djibouti, and more. Books, Links, & ArticlesBargaining for Women’s Rights: Activism in an Aspiring Muslim Democracy by Alice Kang“The Man Who Helped Make Ordinary Africans’ Voices Heard” by David Pilling“West Africans Welcome Strong Gov...2021-04-1044 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 111: A conversation between Kim and Rachel about the protests in SenegalKim and Rachel take a deep dive into the protests in Senegal, explaining everything you need to know about what's happening and what it means. They also talk about the recent death of Tanzanian president, John Magufuli. And in lieu of a guest, we feature our student essay competition winner, Hammed Kayode Alabi! Hammed is a graduate student at the University of Edinburgh studying Africa and international development. He reads for us his winning essay, called "#EndSARS Movement We Will Remember." Books, Links, & Articles Political Protest in Contemporary Africa by Lisa Mueller2021-03-2047 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 110: A conversation with N’Dri Assié-Lumumba about education and human capital in AfricaN’Dri Thérèse Assié-Lumumba joins us in conversation this week to discuss her new book, the history of human capital theory, education in Africa, and tells us what is giving her hope. In this week's news, we announce the winner of our student essay competition, share links to a virtual symposium on immigration and the changing dynamics of blackness, and talk about what is going on with COVID-19 vaccines on the African continent. Books, Links, & Articles Education and Development: Outcomes for Equality and Governance in Africa edited by Leah Marx and N’Dri...2021-03-1343 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 109: A conversation with Grace Adeniyi-Ogunyankin, Francis Nyamnjoh, and George OfosuNot one guest, but three on our latest episode! Rachel speaks with Grace Adeniyi-Ogunyankin, Francis Nyamnjoh, and George Ofosu about postcolonial theory, decolonization of the university, and knowledge generation. All three have contributed to the Oxford Encyclopedia of African Politics, and we have access for our listeners to the chapters of our guests.Books, Links, & ArticlesLiving by the Gun in Chad: Combatants, Impunity and State Formation by Marielle DebosThe Oxford Encyclopedia of African PoliticsThe Palm-Wine Drinkard by Amos TutuolaMy...2021-03-061h 08
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 108: A conversation with Adom Getachew on postcolonialism, worldmaking, and moreIn our last episode of Black History Month, Rachel interviews political theorist Adom Getachew on her new book, which reconstructs an account of self-determination offered in the political thought of Black Atlantic anticolonial nationalists during the height of decolonization in the 20th century.We have lots of great recommendations for listeners this week, including books on race and feminism, a virtual event on African folktales, a virtual resource for those of us missing travel and fieldwork, podcast episodes you should listen to, and more!Books, Links, & ArticlesWorldmaking after Empire: The Rise...2021-02-2749 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 107: A conversation with Jacqueline-Bethel Mougoué on gender, identity, and nationalism in CameroonJacqueline-Bethel Mougoué is an assistant professor of gender and sexuality in African Cultural Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In her conversation with us, she highlights her work in Cameroon on gender, identity, and nationalism, which has culminated in the publication of a new book, "Gender, Separatist Politics, and Embodied Nationalism in Cameroon." As we continue our celebration of Black History Month, we share what we're paying attention to right now. In addition to a film recommendation in this week's news wrap, Kim explains what is going on with COVID-19 vaccines in Africa, Rachel explains a case of environmental a...2021-02-1351 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 106: Repatriation of Museum Objects, Part 2This week's episode features Cécile Fromont, an associate professor of art history at Yale University, who was a panelist for "Repatriation of Museum Objects," an event held by Cornell University's Institute for European Studies. She shares her perspective through four stories, drawing on her work as a historian of African and visual material culture in the early modern period. Listen to part 1 of this episode for more context about the event. Books, Links, & ArticlesWhite Ferocity:The Genocides of Non-Whites and Non-Aryans from 1492 to Date by Rosa Amelia Plumelle-Uribe"Histories of Dress: Fashioning I...2021-02-0628 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 105: Repatriation of Museum Objects, Part 1This week, we are sharing expertise from Souleymane Bachir Diagne who spoke on a panel last October as part of "Repatriation of Museum Objects" for Cornell University's Institute for European Studies. Next week, we will be sharing the expertise of Cécile Fromont, another of the event's panelists, as part 2 of this episode.In the news, Kim and Rachel talk about recent events in Ethiopia and Niger, how food security affects us all, and the recent transfer of power in the United States.Books, Links, & ArticlesFemale Monarchs and Merchant Queens in Africa b...2021-01-2350 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 104: Looking back on 2020 and forward to 2021Happy New Year! We are back with our first episode of 2021, and a conversation between our co-hosts Kim and Rachel. On our minds from 2020: the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa, many of the elections held in the past year, and as always, we share what we are reading and the scholars and perspectives we're watching. Books, Links, & ArticlesAuthoritarian Origins of Democratic Party Systems in Africa by Rachel Beatty RiedlFrom Pews to Politics: Religious Sermons and Political Participation in Africa by Gwyneth H. McClendon and Rachel Beatty RiedlAfrica Uprising: Popular Protest and Political Change by...2021-01-1640 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 103: A conversation with Cyril Obi of the African Peacebuilding NetworkJoining us in conversation this week is Cyril Obi, program director of the African Peacebuilding Network, to talk with Rachel about the geopolitics of oil in Africa, his work with the Next Generation Social Sciences in Africa Program, and the great work of the African Peacebuilding Network. And if you're still looking for gifts for your African studies friends, check out this week's news wrap where Kim and Rachel share the books we should be reading. In other news, we talk Ghanian elections, all of the happenings in the Sahel, and Malawi being selected as the country of the...2020-12-191h 06
Speaking of LanguageS6E14 - Rachel Beatty Riedl - Cornell's New Migrations InitiativeRachel Beatty Riedl, the new director of Cornell's Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies, illuminates the Center's new Migrations Initiative, as well as her investigations as a scholar and podcast host into life and politics on the African continent.
Listen to Rachel's podcast, Ufahamu Africa, at https://ufahamuafrica.com.
#jamm
2020-12-1617 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 102: A conversation with Noah Nathan about the Ghanaian electionNana Akufo-Addo has just won the presidency in this week's Ghanaian election with about 51 percent of the vote. We interview Noah Nathan, who has just published a new book on electoral politics in Ghana. He also tells us about his upcoming work on political brokers and party and state bureaucracy. Rachel and Kim tell us what's going on in African news this week, including in Western Sahara, the Ugandan election, and more about presidential term limits. Books, Links, & ArticlesGandah-yir: The House of the Brave: the Biography of a Northern Ghanaian Chief (ca. 1872-1950...2020-12-1253 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 101: A conversation with Anne Meng about authoritarianism and leadership successionWhy would a dictator create constraints to their own power? Anne Meng explains to us in this week's episode! Meng shares her expertise, which can also be found in her newly published article, "Winning the Game of Thrones," and book, "Constraining Dictatorship." In other news, Kim and Rachel cover Ivorian elections, term limits, and the insurgency in Northern Mozambique.Books, Links, & ArticlesHow Insurgency Begins: Rebel Group Formation in Uganda and Beyond by Janet LewisSouthern Politics in State and Nation by V.O. KeyGame of Thrones by George R.R. Martin"Winning the Game...2020-12-0549 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 100: A conversation with Siba Grovogui about race and racism in international relations (French)Happy #100EpisodesOfUfahamu! For our 100th episode, Rachel interviews Siba Grovogui about race and racism in international relations. You can listen to the interview in English or French! Kim and Rachel talk about Zambia's COVID response, a crisis in Ethiopia, and the passing of Jerry Rawlings. We also announce our Ufahamu Africa essay competition. Submit a one-page essay reflecting on a topic of your choice within the broad scope of life and politics in African politics to win some podcast swag or a chance to read your essay on a future episode.Books, Links, & Articles2020-11-2152 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 100: A conversation with Siba Grovogui about race and racism in international relationsHappy #100EpisodesOfUfahamu! For our 100th episode, Rachel interviews Siba Grovogui about race and racism in international relations. You can listen to the interview in English or French! Kim and Rachel talk about Zambia's COVID response, a crisis in Ethiopia, and the passing of Jerry Rawlings. We also announce our Ufahamu Africa essay competition. Submit a one-page essay reflecting on a topic of your choice within the broad scope of life and politics in African politics to win some podcast swag or a chance to read your essay on a future episode.Books, Links, & Articles2020-11-2153 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 99: Wole Soyinka in conversation with Chris AbaniWe are delighted to share this conversation between Nobel Prize winner Program of African Studies (PAS) and professor of English. Thank you to PAS for sharing this interview with us, which they hosted on October 2, 2020. Soyinka shares his thoughts on the American presidential election, the African diaspora, reclaiming African art, and more. Before the interview, Kim and Rachel share some news highlights, including election controversies in Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire.Books, Links, & ArticlesPolitical Protest in Contemporary Africa by Lisa Mueller"The Massive Protests in Nigeria, Explained" by Tarila Marclint E...2020-10-311h 00
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 98: A conversation between Patrick Mbullo Owuor and Denielle ElliottIn the news this week: #EndSARS, elections in Tanzania, and more. Kim and Rachel put these events into context and share what you need to know. This week's interview features guest host Patrick Mbullo Owuor in conversation with Denielle Elliott about KEMRI, Elliott's new research, and more! Books, Links, & ArticlesReimagining Science and Statecraft in Postcolonial Kenya: Stories from an African Scientist by Denielle ElliottA Different Kind of Ethnography: Imaginative Practices and Creative Methodologies, Edited by Denielle Elliott and Dara CulhaneHow Autocrats Compete: Parties, Patrons, and Unfair...2020-10-2436 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 97: A conversation with Lina Benabdallah on the link between China and AfricaPresidential elections are happening in multiple African countries, where we're seeing constitutional changes that allow presidents to seek third terms. Kim and Rachel also talk about the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Nigeria, the politics of education access, and a new report on migration in Africa. This week's interview features Lina Benabdallah—an expert on China-Africa relations—and the links between China and Africa (plus, her new book!). Books, Links, & ArticlesShaping the Future of Power: Knowledge Production and Network-Building in China-Africa Relations by Lina BenabdallahA Sensational Encounter with High Socialist China by Paul G. P...2020-10-1740 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 96: A conversation with Yonatan Morse about the 3 crises in CameroonYonatan Morse, assistant professor of political science at the University of Connecticut, says that there have been three crises occurring in Cameroon over the last few years. He discusses them with Kim in this week's interview. In the news: 400,000 people have not been able to register to vote in Burkina Faso, the world is watching the U.S. election, and more! Books, Links, & ArticlesHow Autocrats Compete: Parties, Patrons, and Unfair Elections in Africa by Yonatan MorseSocial Policy Expansion in Latin America by Candelaria GarayEnvy in Politics by Gwyneth H. McClendonDemocracy in Ghana: Everyday...2020-10-1022 min
Ufahamu AfricaEp. 95: A conversation with Oumar Ba about international justiceA lot is happening in the news! Kim and Rachel highlight some of the things they're seeing in their news feed, including: ECOWAS and Mali, African responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Takondwa Semphere's recent review of Beyonce's "Black is King." Kim interviews Oumar Ba, whose new book about the International Criminal Court highlights his expertise in international justice. Books, Links, & ArticlesStates of Justice: The Politics of the International Criminal Court by Oumar BaCold War Assemblages: Decolonization to Digital by Bhakti ShringarpureAmílcar Cabral: A Nationalist and Pan-Africanist Revolutionary (Ohio Short Histories of A...2020-10-0341 min