To protest the discontinuation of the research master's programme African Studies, as well as celebrate its intellectual strength, a team of alumni has produced an edited volume showcasing excellent research master theses. The book will be launched on 11 September. 

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.

PhD candidate Carlien Donkor has won a grant from the British Museum’s Endangered Material Knowledge Programme (EMKP). She receives the grant for her project that documents the traditional stilt construction of the Nzulezo Community in Ghana.

The Kapsiki of Cameroon know him as Zra Kangacé, for others he is Wouter van Beek. From 1972 onwards Van Beek, retired research fellow at the ASCL, has done anthropological fieldwork among the Kapsiki and Higi (North Cameroon/North-Eastern Nigeria). Recently, Van Beek received a very special gift.

Malawi has been hailed as a beacon of democratic resilience, but a wave of high-level corruption scandals is threatening its institutions. With elections set for 16 September, Gerhard Anders (University of Edinburgh) will offer timely insights into the country’s political crossroads during the ASCL seminar on 11 September.

Submit your Africa-related master’s thesis for the Africa Thesis Award 2025, have it published and win €500! The Africa Thesis Award is an annual initiative by the African Studies Centre Leiden that recognises outstanding master’s theses on African topics.