The mass privatisation of mining and the turn to foreign direct investment in Africa has enabled large transnational corporations to dominate the sector. This has inevitably led to conflict with the 10 million artisanal and small-scale miners who depend on mining for their livelihoods. Ben Radley and Sara Geenen explain how a coalition between foreign corporate capital and the Congolese state hobbles the potential of the sector. And they suggest attention should be directed to the important role played by small-scale mining in African societies and economies.

Acceptance into the Rock + Roll Hall of Fame, which is based in Cleveland, Ohio in the US, is considered a great honour by artists who have to wait 25 years after the release of their first record even before being considered for induction. This year’s list of nominees includes Fela Kuti, alongside other big acts such as Tina Turner, Foo Fighters and Iron Maiden. Musicologist Sanya Osha admits to mixed feelings about Fela Kuti’s inclusion on the list. While it implies that the world is now ready to accept him in spite of his idiosyncrasies, there’s a danger that the prestigious institution could dilute his message and ideals.

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Julius Maina

Regional Editor East Africa

Rescuers work in Kamituga, South Kivu, at the entrance of one of the mines which collapsed following torrential rains trapping dozens of artisanal miners in September 2020. Photo by Stringer/AFP via Getty Images

How large miners and states stifle local capital and innovation in DR Congo

Ben Radley, University of Bath; Sara Geenen, University of Antwerp

The mass privatisation of mining and the turn to foreign direct investment has created conflict with small-scale miners.

Nigerian musician Fela Kuti performs in Chicago in the US. Paul Natkin/Getty Images

Nigerian icon Fela is long overdue for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Sanya Osha, Tshwane University of Technology

Fela's nomination and possible induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will come at a cost.

Environment + Energy

How climate insecurity could trigger more conflict in Somalia

Andrew E. Yaw Tchie, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs

The federal government needs to address the relationship between climate-related realities and the country's national security.

We studied the DNA of African and Asian leopards and found big differences between the two

Axel Barlow, Nottingham Trent University; Johanna L.A. Paijmans, University of Leicester

We studied the genomes of African and Asian leopards using specimens from natural history museums.

Politics

From our international editions

Post-pandemic travel: the trends we’ll see when the world opens up again

Katerina Antoniou, University of Central Lancashire

After lockdowns and bans on flying, tourists will have high expectations and demands.

Derek Chauvin trial: 3 questions America needs to ask about seeking racial justice in a court of law

Lewis R. Gordon, University of Connecticut

There's a divergence in how a trial is conducted, what rules govern it – and the larger issue of racial justice. That divergence affects the legitimacy of any verdict.

 

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