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Egypt's leader says it is "essential" the deal allowing Kyiv to export produce be revived. from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/sOf8SzK via Gabe's Musing's

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As Africa prepares to host for the first time, BBC Sport Africa examines the chances of the continent's four participants: South Africa, Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe. from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/xa6v7pd via Gabe's Musing's

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The foundations of humanity lie within the vast landscapes of Africa, and from those origins, myriad cultures, languages, and spiritual beliefs took root. African spirituality is a holistic practice that encompasses a deep respect for ancestors, nature, and the divine. A closer look reveals that it is not confined to the African continent; rather, it has been a transformative influence on global religious practices, weaving its way into the fabric of many faiths around the world.

It's essential to understand that African spirituality isn't a monolith but a mosaic of diverse belief systems, each with its unique cosmology, gods, rituals, and moral codes. The Yoruba faith of West Africa, the Vodun of the Dahomey, the Akan spirituality of the Ashanti, the ancient Egyptian pantheon, and the San spiritual traditions are but a few examples that hint at the vast expanse of this rich spiritual landscape.

Take, for instance, Vodun, a spiritual tradition that traveled across the Atlantic during the tragic era of slave trade. Despite its demonization and misrepresentation in popular media as 'Voodoo,' it has greatly influenced faith practices in Haiti, Brazil, and even the southern United States. It has also enriched Afro-Caribbean religions like Santería and Candomblé, shaping their rituals, pantheon, and values.

African spirituality, with its respect for ancestors, is evident in practices worldwide. In Shinto, the indigenous spirituality of Japan, there's a similar reverence for ancestors, known as "tama" or soul. The Chinese also honor their ancestors during the Qingming Festival, reminiscent of the African reverence for those who came before us.

Additionally, African spirituality's pantheistic perspective - a belief that god exists in everything and everything in god - resonates with practices within Hinduism, Taoism, and various indigenous faiths worldwide.

Furthermore, the communal aspect of African spirituality, emphasizing the interconnection of all beings, finds parallels in religions like Buddhism and Jainism, which preach harmony and interconnectedness.

By understanding the profound influence of African spirituality on global religious practices, we see the interconnected nature of humanity's spiritual journey. We realize that despite geographical, cultural, or racial differences, we are more similar than we think. Through this lens, African spirituality becomes not just an African narrative, but a global one - a testament to our shared human heritage.

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Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani takes to the airwaves in military fatigues after staging a dramatic coup. from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/A4IoBry via Gabe's Musing's

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As South Africa prepares to become the first African nation to host the Netball World Cup, shooter Lenize Potgieter tells BBC Sport what to expect. from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/eDxcbgl via Gabe's Musing's

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Argentina come from two goals down to draw with South Africa and deny them a first ever Women's World Cup victory. from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/KB5fFcP via Gabe's Musing's

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Meanwhile at the summit, Vladimir Putin said Russia was ready to send free grain exports to Africa. from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/dJHkG0i via Gabe's Musing's

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When we say "Africa," what do you see? Perhaps a sundrenched savannah, studded with acacia trees and animated by prowling lions, herds of elephants, and gazelles? Or do you imagine dense jungles filled with the chattering of unseen creatures, the deafening chorus of cicadas, the elusive gorilla? While these images resonate with truth, Africa's biodiversity, much like its cultural heritage, is significantly more complex and multi-dimensional.

Each corner of the continent boasts its unique ecology, an intricate tapestry of life formed over millennia by a confluence of climate, geology, and evolution. Africa is a grand theater where nature unfolds its most spectacular dramas, where life's most fundamental struggles and triumphs play out every moment.

In the Sahara's heat-blasted wilderness, you'll find the fennec fox with its oversized ears, perfect for dissipating heat. Journey to the ethereal landscapes of the Ethiopian Highlands, and you'll encounter the Ethiopian wolf, the world's rarest canid, thriving in the Afroalpine ecosystem.

Venture deeper into the continent, into the humid rainforests of the Congo Basin, home to okapis – a relative of the giraffe that bears zebra-like stripes on its legs, a fantastical creature that wasn't known to the Western world until the early 20th century.

Along the fringes of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, you'll see herds of African elephants, the largest land mammals, elegantly navigate through water channels. These elephants have adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, a testament to the resilience and versatility of life.

In the flora, too, Africa paints a vivid picture. From the mighty baobab trees, nature's own water storage tanks, to the colorful explosion of South Africa's fynbos, one of the world's six floral kingdoms, Africa's plant life is as diverse as its wildlife.

The fever tree, named so due to early misbeliefs about its relation to malaria, brightens the landscape with its luminous, yellow-green bark. The quiver tree of Namibia, used by San people to make quivers for their arrows, stands defiant against the desert sky, a living relic of an ancient time.

Africa, in all its biological richness, is a testament to life's tenacity and ingenuity. Unfamiliar landscapes and unique ecosystems beckon us to explore, understand, and most importantly, conserve. For in preserving Africa's flora and fauna, we secure the health of our planet, our home.

As we continue our journey, let us remember: every creature, every plant has a role in the grand symphony of life. Each unfamiliar landscape is a new opportunity for discovery and understanding, a new chapter in our shared story with the natural world.

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Pioneering coach Desiree Ellis on the growth of women’s football and leading her nation at a second World Cup. from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/PvdneCy via Gabe's Musing's

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Forty African head of states are expected to attend the second Russia-Africa in St Petersburg. from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/ujHg7XB via Gabe's Musing's

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Russia's president is hosting a summit of African leaders in a bid to increase Moscow's influence. from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/lhDYHVg via Gabe's Musing's

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Elite troops have detained the president - now officers say they are closing the country's borders. from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/Vf0taSz via Gabe's Musing's

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The Afrobeats star came under fire for sharing a music video which offended some Muslims. from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/Ew9aC7U via Gabe's Musing's

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Spain coach Jorge Vilda warns there is more to come from his side after they thrashed Zambia to progress to the last 16 of the Fifa Women's World Cup with a game to spare. from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/8w2WLJa via Gabe's Musing's

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Africa’s history, like the tapestry it is, is woven together with stories of remarkable individuals who've left indelible marks on the sands of time. Yet, many of these heroes remain obscured by the shadows of the well-known figures. Today, we shine the spotlight on some of Africa's unsung heroes, casting light on their contributions and the remarkable legacies they’ve left behind.

Beginning with the innovative Folorunso Alakija, a Nigerian businesswoman who climbed the echelons of the oil industry - a domain typically dominated by men. Despite encountering obstacles, she broke barriers and currently stands as one of the richest women in Africa.

Let's also delve into the story of Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, an environmental health campaigner from Ghana. Driven by personal tragedy, she's been pivotal in raising awareness about the dire consequences of air pollution, prompting significant policy changes on a global scale.

We'd be remiss not to mention Dr. Denis Mukwege from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite working in a war-torn region, Dr. Mukwege has dedicated his life to treating victims of sexual violence, garnering him a Nobel Peace Prize for his unwavering courage and resilience.

The narrative of Africa isn’t solely written by famous political leaders or renowned artists, it’s also shaped by people like Alakija, Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, and Mukwege. They represent the unsung heroes who, through their courage, tenacity, and dedication, have carved paths for future generations to follow. Their stories are reminders of the strength and resilience inherent in the African spirit.

As we journey through the annals of African history, let's endeavor to shed light on these and other lesser-known figures. Each of them, in their own way, has played a role in shaping Africa's rich history and diverse cultural landscape. They truly are Africa's unsung heroes. 

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Wildfires have claimed most lives in Algeria, but blazes are also widespread in Greece and Italy. from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/W02ybrQ via Gabe's Musing's

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A new report says that for 10 years the British government under-estimated the Russian mercenary group. from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/twJPA7s via Gabe's Musing's