The African Inquisitor

The world's newest country is not living up to its expectations. Just two years after gaining independence from Sudan, South Sudan was plunged into another civil war in 2013, destabilizing the country to this day. The current media landscape, both in Africa and abroad, is inundated with news reports of the conflict and instability in the country, often presenting a blend of stereotypes, facts, and enigmas. In this episode, I share my observations and reflections on what I witnessed in South Sudan. I discuss various factual aspects and debunk common negative stereotypes perpetuated by the media. However, it is important to note that the information presented here should not be regarded as definitive or conclusive.

In this episode, I discuss the travel advisories issued by so-called Western countries against the West African nation of Mali. I explore the details of the travel advisories, especially by the US and Canadian governments, to understand the extent of their validity, the harm and damage it has caused to the reputation of Mali, and whether or not a country like the US has the moral right to issue such warnings. I tell a classical tale of the hypocrisy of global powers. 

In this episode, I share my experiences and thoughts about Mali as part of my preliminary visit as a novice field researcher in an unchartered territory. After spending almost three weeks in the heart of the heat of the Sahara, I reflect on the terrible airport nightmares, the food, the people, and some dramatic episodes with the state security apparatus. It was a mixed experience!

In this first episode, I introduce myself, the podcast, and the idea of the African Inquisitor. I discuss my motivations and the principles that will guide future discussions. Finally, I tease the nature and content of what listeners should expect in future episodes.