October/November 2022

A New Chapter for African Artefacts? Editor’s Foreword: The Republic V6, N3

Wale LawalDecember 8, 2022

African artefacts are increasingly being returned to African governments and, with this, the debate on the repatriation of African artefacts from the West is evolving. Our latest issue, A New Chapter for African Artefacts?, looks at the African ideas, politics and stakeholders shaping this debate.

NigeriaOctober/November 2022vol6-no3

‘There Cannot Be a Single Answer’ Chika Okeke-Agulu on the Rightful Location of African Artefacts

Wale Lawal and Peace Yetunde OnafuyeDecember 8, 2022

Though they are crucial to the movement, advocating for the restitution of stolen African artefacts cannot be left to sympathetic actors of the West, Chika Okeke-Agulu argues. He says, ‘It is no surprise that most of the important scholarly publication on royal Benin art have been by researchers overseas who have better access to museums and collections that benefitted, directly or indirectly, from colonial-era looting.’

InterviewsNigeriaOctober/November 2022vol6-no3

An Illuminating Vision of Black Wealth Review: ‘Riches’ (2022)

Afoma DikeNovember 30, 2022

The 2022 series, Riches, casts a new light on the varied, complicated and even expected roles that typically surround the kind of generational wealth that many in the Black and African community often aspire to.

NewsOctober/November 2022

Cyber Ready Africa’s Response to Growing Cyber Threats

Osaye AjariNovember 29, 2022

Despite steep losses suffered across Africa to cyber threats, spending towards the prevention of future cyber-attacks on the continent has not risen to meet the need for greater protection.

AfricaBest of 2022October/November 2022

Expensive Money Is Money-Spraying the Problem?

Ayoola OladipupoNovember 27, 2022

Money-spraying is not the problem and should be seen not as the lack of national pride but as a display of cultural pride: a cherished tradition that shows deep respect and appreciation for the power of music and dance.

Best of 2022NigeriaOctober/November 2022vol6-no3

‘Writing Is a Grind; It Won’t Always Be Exciting or Magical’ Desola Olaleye's First Draft

Desola OlaleyeNovember 25, 2022

Nigerian writer, Desola Olaleye, wants people to understand that fighting for the restitution of African cultural artefacts is not a misplaced priority.

First DraftInternational Women's Day - First DraftInterviewsNigeriaOctober/November 2022vol6-no3

Shielding the Spirit of a Continent An Existential Argument for the Restitution of African Cultural Heritage

Desola OlaleyeNovember 24, 2022

The struggle for the restitution of Africa’s artefacts from Western museums reflects the necessary undoing of imperial domination. It is not merely political but also existential—it is a fight for the spirit of Africa.

AfricaBest of 2022October/November 2022vol6-no3

Recurring Repatriations What Has Been Done With Abacha’s Recovered Loot?

Afoma DikeNovember 22, 2022

According to the statement issued by the US Department of Justice, this latest tranche of repatriated funds brings the total amount of repatriated funds in this case to approximately $332.4 million. But what has been done with the millions that have already been repatriated to the Nigerian government by the US?

NewsNigeriaOctober/November 2022

Blurring Boundaries, Embracing Chaos Reimagining Health to Counter Violent Extremism

Natasha ChilamboNovember 22, 2022

Attempts at analysis and resolution of the Boko Haram insurgency are often rooted in peace and security discourse. But what if we centred mental health discourse in dealing with violent extremism? One organization has been asking and answering this question.

NigeriaOctober/November 2022

‘Like Most People I Am Simply Exhausted by Politics’ Helon Habila’s First Draft

Helon HabilaNovember 18, 2022

Nigerian novelist, Helon Habila, whose debut novel, Waiting for an Angel, was published 20 years ago says his writing is shifting from the political towards domestic life: ‘my attention is shifting more towards domestic issues: family, race, and so on... I am more concerned with the meaning of what it means to be a Black person in this world—a Black father, a Black son, a Black daughter, wife.’

Best of 2022: First DraftFirst DraftInterviewsNigeriaOctober/November 2022