Another Strike Against Boko Haram

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-34986146


The Cameroon military has reportedly saved 900 hostages from the Islamic group Boko Haram as well as munitions and flags. It is unknown where the operation took place as there has been no third party confirmation of the details of the situation. Cameroon, along with Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Benin, have formed a coalition which this year has retaken most territory that Boko Haram had seized in north-eastern Nigeria.

A Ban in Senegal

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/18/senegal-bans-burqa-stop-terrorists-disquising-islamic-dress

Senegal has decided to ban the burqa, the Islamic dress covering the body. The reasons behind the ban were fighting terrorists. Senegal's neighbors had conflict with Islamic militants, but Senegal has not yet experienced such attacks. However, with the ban, it is said that they will prevent any attack that would happen.

El Niño in Africa

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-34779447

El Niño, the storm that has people in South America afraid, has had devastating effects in Africa. In Ethiopia alone, severe drought has rocked the country which has left many starving. Neighboring Kenya and Somalia are expected to be hit with flash floods and dried up river beds and many other countries are preparing for the worst. The southern states, like South Africa, have been rocked with draught which has killed livestock and crops alike.

Emperor and Messiah: Haile Selassie

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haile_Selassie

Known as the "Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah," "King of Kings," and "Elect of God," Haile Selassie ruled Ethiopia as emperor for nearly 40 years in the 20th century. Born as Lij Tafari Makonnen in 1892, the man who came to be known as Haile Selassie spent his life serving the interests of Ethiopia and bringing his nation to the forefront of African politics. Best known for reforming the ancient feudal practices of Ethiopia through his attempts at modernizing the nation, Haile Selassie worked tirelessly to gain international recognition for Ethiopia on the world stage. His legacy in global politics has been surpassed only by his role as the messiah of the Rastafari religion, among whose followers he is venerated as the god who will lead the Rastas back to their homeland of Ethiopia.

Scramble for Africa

Now that we have begun to see the beginning of the Scramble for Africa, let us see colonialism at its peak before WWI. Notice the different European Powers at work throughout the continent. The large areas under control of France and Britain show the supremacy of the powers and the after effects of their imperialism. The only major country to not fall under colonialism is Ethiopia, who kept the title of being unconquered until the time of Mussolini. One can definitely see why the modern countries of Africa, especially North Africa, have nice clean borders. These were the lines that were drawn by Europeans to mark their zones of control.

U.S. Enters Cameroon to fight Boko Haram

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-34533820

The U.S. has landed about 300 troops in Cameroon in order to help fight Boko Haram. Though the U.S. has helped against the Islamic group, this is the first time that they have used U.S. troops to fight directly against them. This decision  was made after the group declared its absorption into the Islamic State. The U.S. sees this as a threat to its interests in West Africa and has plans to keep the troops there until "they are no longer needed". This shows a great initiative for combating the problematic group since allying with the Islamic State could potentially make it more deadly.

Challenging Imperialism: Shaka of the Zulus

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaka

"Strike an enemy once and for all. Let him cease to exist as a tribe, or he will live to fly at your throat again." 

      A Quote from one of the most famous Africans. According to the diary of H.F. Flynn, Shaka voiced this edict to his ally Dingiswayo concerning a defeated enemy. These words certainly summarized Shaka's philosophy. Bastard son of a tribal chieftain, Shaka kaSenzangahona would oust his half-brother in 1816 AD to claim leadership of the Zulus. He is credited with unifying the Nguni tribes into the Zulu Kingdom. Although called a military genius for his reforms and innovations, he has also been condemned for the brutality of his reign. Whatever the judgment, Shaka laid the foundation for an imposing Zulu state. Upon his assassination in 1828, the Zulu were poised to challenge even the Europeans for control of southern Africa.