The wars in Eastern Congo and Sudan get little media attention, even though the latter is described as the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. On 9 October, the ASCL will organise a panel discussion to discuss the obstacles and possible ways to increase media attention.

The ASCL proudly presents its new Research Programme for 2025-2029: African Trajectories: Past Dependencies and New Directions. Building on its former programme Strident Africa, the new research agenda extends the recognition of Africa’s pivotal role in world affairs.

In a special blog post, Baleseng Maeneche, winner of the Africa Thesis Award 2024, explores her thesis 'Media representations of male perpetrators of violence against women and children: A decolonial feminist analysis'. The visibility of violence in South African news media is painfully selective, she writes. 

In a new blog, Lidewyde Berckmoes reflects on Rwanda three decades after the genocide against the Tutsi. She explores the entanglements of peace and war in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, asking: does peace demand war elsewhere, and can hope for future generations grow from past wounds?

To protest the discontinuation of the Research Master African Studies per 2027, as well as celebrate its intellectual strength, a team of alumni has produced an edited volume showcasing excellent theses written over the years. Post your own message or share memories on the 'Remembering' blog!

The ASCL Annual Report for 2024 is out now! In addition to an excellent list of publications by our researchers, you will find other highlights such as the move, after 35 years, to the Herta Mohr Building, impactful research projects that started in 2024, and the celebration of the 10th Stephen Ellis Annual Lecture.