Positive stories from Africa and beyond!
And other ways to find hope...
Dear readers,
How are you?
As for me, though I despair of the state of the world (nuclear fears over the Ukraine war, war crimes all over, the US election results, the failure of COP29, the rise of violence against women, people falling for far-right ideas everywhere…), I’m a journalist, so I still believe remaining informed is key, and we have the power to choose to focus on solutions.
As the COP29 talks stalled, some optimistic prospects in Africa…
My latest:
>> Plastic-eating mealworms found in Kenya offer hope for waste crisis
Kenyan scientists have discovered that a native mealworm can eat and break down polystyrene – a breakthrough that could help tackle the continent's growing plastic waste crisis.
Issued on: 22/11/2024
By: Melissa Chemam
A research team in Kenya found that larvae of the lesser mealworm – a beetle species from the Alphitobius genus – can consume the widely used packaging material when combined with other nutrients.
Polystyrene is a plastic material widely used in food, electronic and industrial packaging, and is difficult to break down.
The discovery was made by researchers led by Fathiya Mbarak Khamis, a senior scientist with the Plant Health Theme, at the Icipe research centre in Duduville, near Nairobi.
The team had been studying insects as potential food sources.
Link: https://rfi.my/B9gw.X
If you’re interested in the African perspective on plastic, pollution, carbon emissions, energy, here are some entries to check:
As Cop29 unfolds, African negotiators denounce 'slow progress' and aim for last minute breakthrough
Negotiators are striving to resolve a deadlock at the UN climate talks in Azerbaijan. African negotiators want to remind wealthy nations that Africa, despite being the least polluting continent, bears the brunt of the climate crisis. Some of them share with me their cautious optimism for a last-minute breakthrough...
Negotiators at the UN climate talks in Azerbaijan are working to overcome a deadlock in negotiations. African representatives are emphasizing that, despite being the least polluting continent, Africa disproportionately suffers from the climate crisis. Some have expressed cautious optimism to RFI about the possibility of a last-minute resolution.
Issued on: 20/11/2024
By: Melissa Chemam
Greenpeace Africa activists are intensifying their campaign, vowing on social media to "keep fighting" until "all polluters are held accountable for their climate injustices!"
The NGO delivered a petition to the Chair of the Africa Group of Negotiators (AGN), Ali Mohammed. The petition underscores the importance of the collective power of supporters, volunteers, and partners, they said in a statement on social media.
Juma Ignatius from Kenya is a senior advisor to the office of the AGN at the UN, and is in Baku to focus on climate adaptation.
"Adaptation remains a key priority for the African continent for many people in Africa," he told RFI from Azerbaijan.
He says the main focus now is ensuring that financing, technology, and capacity-building are in place to scale up adaptation efforts in Africa, enabling people to lead better lives.
African cinema takes to global stage with diverse storytelling
As African cinema is taking centre stage at festivals around the world, filmmakers and curators reflect on the future of the film industry and creativity on the continent.
Issued on: 17/11/2024
By: Melissa Chemam
“It is always a pleasure to show my African films around the world,” Mauritanian filmmaker Abderrahmane Sissako told RFI.
The Oscar-Nominated director was in London, where his latest film Black Tea, closed the Film Africa festival in London this month, opening discussions on how African stories are perceived globally.
From 25 October to 3 November, the festival showcased over 70 films from 25 African countries, coinciding with Black History Month. Organised by the Royal African Society, it celebrates the richness of African storytelling.
https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20241117-african-cinema-takes-global-stage-with-diverse-storytelling
Former rivals Sonko and Macky Sall face off again in Senegal’s parliamentary elections
In the upcoming parliamentary elections in Senegal scheduled for this weekend, former presidential rivals Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and former President Macky Sall will face off once more - this time aiming to secure a majority in Parliament. This follows their competition in the March 2024 presidential election.
Issued on: 12/11/2024
By: Melissa Chemam
Senegal, with a population of about 18 million, has nearly 7.4 million registered voters.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dissolved Senegal's parliament in September and announced legislative elections for 17 November, saying the opposition-controlled parliament hindered his ability to execute his government’s plans at that time.
» Read on from here: https://www.rfi.fr/en/africa/20241112-former-rivals-sonko-and-macky-sall-face-off-again-in-senegal-s-parliamentary-elections
I’ll be back soon with other project - a new podcast episode on how to beat negative stereotypes.
And with another podcast on a Palestinian film project heading to the Oscars:
Gaza: 'From Ground Zero' - Rashid Masharawi
So honoured to have met and interviewed Gaza-born Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi - founder of the Masharawi Fund for films and filmmakers in Gaza, and producer of the series of films 'From Ground Zero'.
Born out of a project to support displaced artists and filmmakers who have survived Israel’s nearly year-long assault, the series of 22 short films will represent Palestine at the Oscars in 2025!
More soon.
#FromGroundZero
After a few days in Marseille, I’m heading to England, more on this next time.
Notably for the:
Bristol Palestine Film Festival 2024
📽️📽️🍉🍉 Bristol Palestine Film Festival 2024 programme is live. 🍉🍉📽️📽️
Tickets at https://bristolpff.org.uk/
This year’s festival takes place 30 November - 8 December at Arnolfini Arts, Watershed Cinema, Palestine Museum Bristol and The Cube Microplex.
This year they have a huge lineup of 14 events, including From Ground Zero (2024), Reem Kelani live, The Teacher (2023), To a Land Unknown (2024), Thank You for Banking with Us! (2024) and Where Olive Trees Weep (2024).
Plus olive oil tasting, shorts, director Q&As, panel discussions and a club night.
These films are showcasing a wide selection of Palestinian arts, music, film and DJs across our programme this year as testament to the vibrancy and endurance of Palestine despite the horrors of ongoing war…
With all my best wishes in these strange, scary times.
melissa
Melissa Chemam
Journalist, Audio Producer & Writer
Blog: https://melissa-on-the-road.blogspot.com/
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/melissachemam
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaChemam