An almost-meeting of the minds
Two weeks after I get back from Rwanda, who shows up but Paul Kagame? He is, of course, the president of Rwanda, and he’d…
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A note not technically from, but in light of, Central Africa
New York City Ever a woman of geographical ADHD, I’ve been in three cities since returning to the U.S. about 10 days ago. A…
Read MoreWhat to ride, where to go in Congo
Well, sort of. You won’t probably make it very far on a chikudu unless you’re a local. It’s a rough-looking hand-made road warrior, part…
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Meet the Chikudu, Congo’s Creative DIY Wheels
Emanuel Buke won’t train just anyone. Like a swami on a mountaintop, he is discerning about his disciples. For the past 16 years he…
Read MoreThe new thing in resource-fueled conflict: cows
Here’s a story I reported during my trip to Goma, about which I know I owe you all lusciously interesting tidbits. I’ll try to…
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Congo’s Conflict-Fueling Cattle
GOMA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO — For years, African militias have used proceeds from precious natural resources to fund conflicts – a practice dramatized…
Read MoreMbabarira, or, my heart hurts
I have a slew of things to post from Congo, but right now, indulge me, from Kigali. Mbabarira is Kinyarwanda for “Forgive me,” which…
Read MoreOf beauty queens and waterfalls
This was meant to be a post a few days ago, but I accidentally put it up as a page. I blame Congo. Two…
Read MoreOf palettes and poverty
My colleague and I could think of very few things in the world that could possibly be as interesting as the National Museum of…
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A Sierra Leonean Designer Redefines African Couture
If she were still in New York or Paris – anywhere but here, really – Adama Kargbo would be wearing striped socks that reach…
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