Africa Campaign Research Articles

The Struggle Over Mobility Narratives: How Senegalese Activists use Alternative Information Campaigns to Contest EU Externalization

For nearly two decades the European Union and its member states have invested in migration awareness and information campaigns (MICs) in West Africa to prevent unwanted migration. While a growing body of migration scholarship has critically engaged with the larger-scale, European-funded MICs in Africa, local activist-led campaigns have received less attention. The article addresses this gap by focusing on campaigns organized by a local, activist-led organization in Dakar, Senegal. Building on ethnographic fieldwork, the article shows how activist-led MICs use counternarratives and action repertories entangled in and motivated by recent externalization interventions in Senegal and the EU–Africa borderlands. By situating these “ripple effects” of externalization locally and exploring their repercussions, the article illustrates how migrant experiences, border control, and violence become catalysts for collective action. The activist-led MICs in Senegal can be understood as activities that fundamentally challenge the political premises and outcomes of EU–Africa migration governance, including European-driven MICs. This perspective enriches our understanding of MICs in West Africa and the local ripple effects of externalization, underscoring local actors’ proactive role in trying to contest and reshape Eurocentric migration narratives and policies.

Restitution of African Cultural Heritage: Revisiting Natural Law Concepts of Statehood and Property in the Context of Colonial Spoliation

Abstract In the late nineteenth century, Western Powers launched military campaigns in sub-Saharan Africa resulting in the colonization of vast territories and the spoliation of cultural property. To justify the conquest, they asserted the supremacy of Western culture and disregarded principles of international law in their dealings with African states, communities, and individuals. This article examines colonialist legal justifications such as the denial of statehood of pre-colonial sub-Saharan African societies, the notion that conquest and spoliation were justifiable, and the belief that African legal systems lacked concepts of property. The article details why these arguments contradict well-established nineteenth-century legal principles, particularly state sovereignty and private property, which together form the conceptual basis for the prohibition of spoliation. The universal nature of those principles allows for the nondiscriminatory application and interpretation of historical law and consequently the protection of African pre-colonial states and private as well as public cultural property.

Harnessing the Power of Social Media for Promoting Transparency in Collaborative Governance through Non-State Actors: A Comparative Case Analysis of South Africa and Zimbabwe

Objective: Collaborative governance is an innovative approach to address complex societal challenges, involving partnerships between state and non-state actors. Consequently, social media is powerful tools for promoting transparency and accountability. Methodology: The study examines the role of non-state actors in leveraging social media to enhance transparency in collaborative governance initiatives. The research analyses two case studies - the #FeesMustFall campaign in South Africa and the #Tajamuka/Sesijikile campaign in Zimbabwe. Results: Through a qualitative analysis of the case studies, the study explores how non-state actors, such as civil society organizations and activist groups, have utilized social media to amplify their voices, mobilize public support, and exert pressure on government entities. Findings reveal that effective use of social media can empower non-state actors to overcome information asymmetries, facilitate public scrutiny, and foster collaborative problem-solving. Conclusions: However, contextual factors, such as political environments and digital access, shapes the dynamics of social media-driven transparency efforts.

Relationship between Media Coverage and Public Opinion during Political Campaigns in South Africa

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between media coverage and public opinion during political campaigns in South Africa. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicated that media coverage significantly influences public opinion by shaping perceptions, framing issues, and highlighting particular aspects of candidates and policies. During political campaigns, the media serves as a primary source of information for the electorate, often determining the salience of issues and the prominence of candidates. Extensive and favorable media coverage can enhance a candidate's visibility and credibility, potentially swaying undecided voters and reinforcing the views of supporters. Conversely, negative coverage can damage a candidate's public image and diminish their support base. The framing of news stories, the selection of topics, and the tone of coverage play critical roles in this process. For instance, media emphasis on certain campaign issues can lead to a phenomenon known as agenda-setting, where the public perceives these issues as more important. Additionally, the portrayal of candidates through specific narratives can influence voter perceptions, contributing to the formation of public opinion. The interplay between media coverage and public opinion underscores the media's power in shaping political landscapes and affecting electoral outcomes. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Agenda-setting theory, framing theory and spiral of silence theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the relationship between media coverage and public opinion during political campaigns in South Africa. From a practical standpoint, political campaigns must adopt strategic media engagement to shape public opinion effectively. In terms of policy, there is a pressing need for regulations that promote accountability and transparency in media coverage during political campaigns.

Health and economic impacts of Lassa vaccination campaigns in West Africa.

Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having pandemic potential. This study estimates the health-economic burden of Lassa fever throughout West Africa and projects impacts of a series of vaccination campaigns. We also model the emergence of 'Lassa-X'-a hypothetical pandemic Lassa virus variant-and project impacts of achieving 100 Days Mission vaccination targets. Our model predicted 2.7 million (95% uncertainty interval: 2.1-3.4 million) Lassa virus infections annually, resulting over 10 years in 2.0 million (793,800-3.9 million) disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The most effective vaccination strategy was a population-wide preventive campaign primarily targeting WHO-classified 'endemic' districts. Under conservative vaccine efficacy assumptions, this campaign averted $20.1 million ($8.2-$39.0 million) in lost DALY value and $128.2 million ($67.2-$231.9 million) in societal costs (2021 international dollars ($)). Reactive vaccination in response to local outbreaks averted just one-tenth the health-economic burden of preventive campaigns. In the event of Lassa-X emerging, spreading throughout West Africa and causing approximately 1.2 million DALYs within 2 years, 100 Days Mission vaccination averted 22% of DALYs given a vaccine 70% effective against disease and 74% of DALYs given a vaccine 70% effective against both infection and disease. These findings suggest how vaccination could alleviate Lassa fever's burden and assist in pandemic preparedness.

May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from South Africa.

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a growing burden worldwide, leading to over 10 million deaths each year. In Sub-Saharan Africa, hypertension prevalence is higher and cardiovascular events occur at a younger age than in Europe or America. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global campaign initiated by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) aimed at raising awareness of high BP. In South Africa, the MMM campaign in 2017, 2018, and 2019 revealed that approximately one-third of adults had hypertension, only half of hypertensives were receiving antihypertensive therapy, and only a third of those with hypertension had controlled BP. These data highlight the need for continued BP screening and awareness campaigns in South Africa. From May to November 2021, a cross-sectional survey of volunteers aged ≥18 years was performed. Blood pressure measurements, definition of hypertension, and statistical analyses followed the MMM protocol. The screening sites targeted the general population mainly on university campuses and pharmacies in preference to hospitals and clinics, aiming to raise awareness and allow access to screening in those less likely to be aware of their BP status. Of the 2294 individuals (age 37.3 ± 16.9 years) screened, 30.8% had hypertension. Of those with hypertension, only 48.6% were aware and 43.5% were receiving treatment for hypertension. A large proportion (50.4%) of individuals receiving antihypertensive medication had uncontrolled BP (≥140/90 mmHg). In conclusion, the high prevalence of hypertension, despite the young adult age, and the high proportions of individuals unaware of their hypertension and with uncontrolled BP underscore the necessity for hypertension awareness campaigns and more rigorous management of hypertension.

Health and economic impacts of Lassa vaccination campaigns in West Africa.

Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having pandemic potential. This study estimates the health-economic burden of Lassa fever throughout West Africa and projects impacts of a series of vaccination campaigns. We also model the emergence of "Lassa-X" - a hypothetical pandemic Lassa virus variant - and project impacts of achieving 100 Days Mission vaccination targets. Our model predicted 2.7M (95% uncertainty interval: 2.1M-3.4M) Lassa virus infections annually, resulting over ten years in 2.0M (793.8K-3.9M) disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The most effective vaccination strategy was a population-wide preventive campaign primarily targeting WHO-classified "endemic" districts. Under conservative vaccine efficacy assumptions, this campaign averted $20.1M ($8.2M-$39.0M) in lost DALY value and $128.2M ($67.2M-$231.9M) in societal costs (International dollars 2021). Reactive vaccination in response to local outbreaks averted just one-tenth the health-economic burden of preventive campaigns. In the event of Lassa-X emerging, spreading throughout West Africa and causing approximately 1.2M DALYs within two years, 100 Days Mission vaccination averted 22% of DALYs given a vaccine 70% effective against disease, and 74% of DALYs given a vaccine 70% effective against both infection and disease. These findings suggest how vaccination could alleviate Lassa fever's burden and assist in pandemic preparedness.

Re-Framing (South) African Youth Ministry

Abstract Youth ministry, as understood in an African context, is predominantly informed, and guided by a Western/European philosophy and hegemony. African youth ministry, it seems, is struggling to break away from the hegemony of the developed world, a hegemony that is not always compatible with the developing world (Africa, in this instance) and that also fails to deal with its problems. There has been renewed energy shown by the youth on the African continent, calling for a decolonial conversation, which, ideally, should also include theology and youth ministry. The #feesmustfall and #rhodesmustfall campaigns in South Africa have proven that the youth in the developing world remain a dominant voice for justice and transformation in spheres controlled by the adult community, those who are traditionally in power and who hold a philosophy that is often vastly different from the youth and the world that they inhabit. In a sense, one can argue that the actions in the calling for justice and transformation of the youth are indeed prophetic. This article will argue that the youth from emerging nations, such as those in Africa, have the agency to make a profound difference in (public) areas where there is injustice, thus offering a message of hope. This means of agency amongst the youth in the public domain is an expression of how youth ministry should not restrict itself to the clerical and ecclesial domains, but also how they ought to act in the public domain in applying public practical theology. Furthermore, this article argues, as a public practical theology, there is a need to build a theological theory, which is local and distinct from the Western/European context, to further the prophetic actions of the youth. The twofold aim of this article will be achieved through a theoretical approach with reflections on contemporary actions of, particularly, South African youth.

Varying behavioral differences and correlates of HPV infection among young adolescents in Benue state, Nigeria

BackgroundHuman Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a significant public health concern globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In Africa, including Nigeria, HPV prevalence is high, contributing to a substantial burden of cervical cancer. Despite challenges, massive HPV vaccination campaigns in Africa show promise for preventing cervical cancer cases. In Benue State, Nigeria, limited research exists on several aspects of HPV knowledge and attitudes towards HPV among secondary school students. This study aims to bridge this gap by assessing HPV knowledge, prevention practices, willingness to uptake HPV vaccination, and associated attitudes and behaviors among secondary school students in the state.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents aged 10–19 years in six secondary schools in three local government areas (LGAs) in Benue State, Nigeria. Two-stage sampling was used to select the LGAs and schools, with a final sample size of 591 students. The selected schools represent both junior and senior secondary school levels and span across the three senatorial districts of the state. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, HPV knowledge, prevention practices, and willingness for HPV vaccination. Statistical analyses included univariate analyses and tests of association, with significance set at p < 0.05 or 0.001 depending on the level of the stringency of the evidence required. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.ResultsOnly 35.4% of the participants were males, and 86.8% were between the ages of 10 and 16. Only 24.7% acknowledged that HPV can be transmitted during sexual intercourse, and 36.2% recognized that HPV can be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact. 48.1% noted that HPV can cause cervical cancer. Half (50.9%) acknowledged that early sexual debut increases the risk of acquiring HPV, while only 28.1% recognized vaccination as a preventive strategy against HPV infection. Only 35% correctly stated the best time for the HPV vaccine. In assessing the practice of HPV prevention, 14.9% are in a sexual relationship and 10.3% admitted to not using condoms during sexual intercourse. Also, 11.8% have had STIs, and 27.2% have previously undergone HIV screening. Various bivariate analyses showed some varying behavioral differences and correlates of HPV infection among young adolescents in Benue State, Nigeria.ConclusionsThis study provides valuable insights into HPV knowledge, prevention practices, and willingness to uptake HPV vaccination among secondary school students in Benue State, Nigeria. The significance of the differences and correlates was discussed using themes. The research has unpacked complex relationships that could have public health implications for researchers and policymakers. Moreover, ten actionable policy recommendations were prescribed. Several interventions and areas for further study were proposed.

Measuring crowdfunding success for small and medium‐sized enterprises sustainable development: Insight from the social networking theory

AbstractWith little to no study on the effect of social networking theory on the success of a crowdfunding campaign in Africa, this study investigated some of the factors that influence the success of a crowdfunding campaign using Ghana as a case for a broader justification and generalization of findings that has been obtained in previous studies. This study identified four factors through an extensive literature review of the social networking theory. These are the number of social network handless of an entrepreneur, activeness of an entrepreneur on a social network, number of social network friends of an entrepreneur and the availability of project videos on an entrepreneur's social network. Data were then collected empirically from 462 respondents using a questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using the partial least square structural equation modeling. The results revealed that all the identified factors positively influence the success of a crowdfunding campaign. The study further proposes that fund seekers on the crowdfunding platform post their project information on weekends and evenings on weekdays since people pay special attention to information posted at these times. Also, the outcome of the importance performance map analysis disclosed that the number of social network handles of an entrepreneur is the most essential in terms of importance when seeking funds on the crowdfunding platform. This study provides valuable insight into how small and medium‐sized enterprises in Ghana and other stakeholders of crowdfunding platforms can use the concept of social networking theory to achieve funding success on crowdfunding platforms.

Reflections on racism levelled against Black learners at Historically White South African schools

ABSTRACT Alumni discussions about racism and discriminatory practices experienced by Black learners at Historically White Schools (HWSs) in South Africa were triggered by the 2020 George Floyd incident. Several HWSs were accused of racist acts and discrimination by learners and alumni on social media forums during the Black Lives Matter (BLM) demonstrations. It is concerning that after 28 years of democracy, racism still exists in South African schools, specifically HWSs. Many media and social media outlets continue to feature learners’ stories and encounters with racist behaviour. It is against this backdrop that this reflective paper engages with racism levelled against Black learners attending HWSs, precipitated by the BLM. The findings display that hashtag social campaigns in South Africa, after the appearance of the George Floyd incident in the United States, highlighted racism and various discriminatory practices in several HWSs in South Africa. The postings seem to have compelled some multicultural schools to effect genuine change and to locate diversity at the helm of a transformed South African educational system. This study recommends that education authorities initiate country-wide dialogues around anti-racism in HWSs, equip prospective teachers with skills, and deal with White privilege to address racism.

The radiative impact of biomass burning aerosols on dust emissions over Namibia and the long-range transport of smoke observed during the Aerosols, Radiation and Clouds in southern Africa (AEROCLO-sA) campaign

Abstract. The radiative effects of biomass burning aerosols (BBAs) on low-level atmospheric circulation over southern Africa are investigated on 5 September 2017 during the Aerosols, Radiation and Clouds in southern Africa (AEROCLO-sA) field campaign. This is conducted using a variety of in situ and remote sensing observations, as well as two 5 d ensemble simulations made with the Meso-NH mesoscale model, one including the direct and semi-direct radiative effects of aerosols and one in which these effects are not included. We show that the radiative impact of BBA building up over a period of 5 d in the Meso-NH simulations can lead to significantly different circulations at low and middle levels, thereby affecting dust emissions over southern Namibia and northwestern South Africa as well as the transport of BBA in a so-called “river of smoke”. While most of the regional-scale dynamics, thermodynamics and composition features are convincingly represented in the simulation with BBA radiative effects, neglecting the radiative impact of BBA leads to unrealistic representations of (i) the low-level jet (LLJ) over the plateau, which is the main low-level dynamic feature fostering dust emission, and (ii) the mid-level dynamics pertaining to the transport of BBA from the fire-prone regions in the tropics to the mid-latitudes. For instance, when the BBA radiative impacts are not included, the LLJ is too weak and not well established over night, and the developing convective planetary boundary layer (PBL) is too deep compared to observations. The deeper convective PBL over Etosha and surrounding areas is related to the enhanced anomalous upward motion caused by the eastern displacement of the river of smoke. This eastern displacement is, in turn, related to the weaker southerly African easterly jet. Both ensemble simulations provide clear evidence that the enhanced near-surface extinction coefficient values detected from observations over Etosha are related to the downward mixing of BBA in the developing convective boundary layer rather than dust being emitted as a result of the LLJ breakdown after sunrise. This study suggests that the radiative effect of BBAs needs to be taken into account to properly forecast dust emissions in Namibia.

Dynamical study of three African Easterly Waves in September 2021

AbstractThree convectively active African easterly waves (AEWs) that propagated south of the African easterly jet were observed over the northeast Atlantic Ocean in September 2021. Their evolution is studied using a suite of theoretical frameworks, as well as the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecast reanalyses and satellite‐derived brightness temperature observations. The environment of these AEWs was sampled during the Cloud–Atmospheric Dynamics–Dust Interactions in West Africa campaign near Cape Verde with the goal to assess their potential for developing into tropical cyclones. We highlight the processes that inhibited the development of the first AEW (which evolved into tropical disturbance Pierre‐Henri) and that played a role in the development of the later two into tropical storms Rose and Peter on September 19, 2021. The three AEWs developed a so‐called “marsupial protective” pouch. For Peter and Rose, the pouch was associated with a vertically aligned vortex at low levels and efficiently protected the convective systems inside from dry and dusty air intrusion. The development of this low‐level vortex is associated with an interaction with the monsoon trough for Rose and with a vorticity center associated with a wave propagating north of the African easterly jet (AEJ) in the case of Peter. The presence of a dust flux toward the convective core near the surface is highlighted for Rose and Peter in spite of the presence of the protective marsupial pouch. On the other hand, Pierre‐Henri interacted positively with both the monsoon trough and an AEW north of the AEJ but failed to develop into a tropical cyclone. The wave north of the AEJ brought Saharan air layer air masses inside the pouch that led to a drying of the circulation that may explain the decrease in convective activity.

Tolerability, safety, and immunogenicity of the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 in children aged 6 weeks to 59 months in an outbreak response campaign in The Gambia: an observational cohort study

Novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) has been used to interrupt circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 outbreaks following its WHO emergency use listing. This study reports data on the safety and immunogenicity of nOPV2 over two rounds of a campaign in The Gambia. This observational cohort study collected baseline symptoms (vomiting, diarrhoea, irritability, reduced feeding, and reduced activity) and axillary temperature from children aged 6 weeks to 59 months in The Gambia before a series of two rounds of a nOPV2 campaign that took place on Nov 20-26, 2021, and March 19-22, 2022. Serum and stool samples were collected from a subset of the participants. The same symptoms were re-assessed during the week following each dose of nOPV2. Stool samples were collected on days 7 and 28, and serum was collected on day 28 following each dose. Adverse events, including adverse events of special interest, were documented for 28 days after each campaign round. Serum neutralising antibodies were measured by microneutralisation assay, and stool poliovirus excretion was measured by real-time RT-PCR. Of the 5635 children eligible for the study, 5504 (97·7%) received at least one dose of nOPV2. There was no increase in axillary temperature or in any of the baseline symptoms following either rounds of the campaigns. There were no adverse events of special interest and no other safety signals of concern. Poliovirus type 2 seroconversion rates were 70% (95% CI 62 to 78; 87 of 124 children) following one dose of nOPV2 and 91% (85 to 95; 113 of 124 children) following two doses. Poliovirus excretion on day 7 was lower after the second round (162 of 459 samples; 35·3%, 95% CI 31·1 to 39·8) than after the first round (292 of 658 samples; 44·4%, 40·6 to 48·2) of the campaign (difference -9·1%; 95% CI -14·8 to -3·3), showing the induction of mucosal immunity. In a campaign in west Africa, nOPV2 was well tolerated and safe. High rates of seroconversion and evidence of mucosal immunity support the licensure and WHO prequalification of this vaccine. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Assessing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and barriers to uptake in Sub-Saharan Africa

BackgroundDespite improved availability of COVID-19 vaccines in Sub-Saharan Africa, vaccination campaigns in the region have struggled to pick up pace and trail the rest of the world. Yet, a successful vaccination campaign in Sub-Saharan Africa will be critical to containing COVID-19 globally.MethodsHere, we present new descriptive evidence on vaccine hesitancy, uptake, last-mile delivery barriers, and potential strategies to reach those who remain unvaccinated. Our data comes from national high frequency phone surveys in six countries in East and West Africa with a total population of 415 million people. Samples were drawn from nationally representative samples of households interviewed in recent in-person surveys. Our estimates are based on a survey module harmonized across countries and are re-weighted to mitigate potential sample selection biases.ResultsWe show that vaccine acceptance remains generally high among respondents in Sub-Saharan Africa (between 95.1% and 63.3%) even though hesitancy is non-negligible among those pending vaccination. Many who are willing to get vaccinated are deterred by a lack of easy access to vaccines at the local level. Furthermore, social ties and perceptions as well as intra-household power relations matter for vaccine take-up. Among the unvaccinated population, radio broadcasts have widespread reach and medical professionals are highly trusted.ConclusionsOur findings highlight that creating a positive social norm around COVID-19 vaccination, messaging that leverages trusted and accessible information sources and channels, and more easily accessible vaccination sites at the community level are promising policy options to boost vaccination campaigns in the region and end the pandemic everywhere.

WhatsApp and political communication in West Africa: Accounting for differences in parties’ organization and message discipline online

Social media has become central to how political parties plan, organize, and coordinate electoral campaigns in Africa, with WhatsApp increasingly the preferred medium. How, we ask, have African political parties made use of WhatsApp to organize internally during elections, and what explains the approaches they have taken? We argue that pre-existing party institutionalization is the main factor influencing how parties use WhatsApp to organize and coordinate campaign events, and reach voters. Comparing Ghana and Nigeria, we show that more institutionalized parties create formal, hierarchical online structures, with in-group policing of message content. Conversely, less institutionalized parties rely on informal, personality-based online structures with unclear hierarchies and where there is little message discipline. This matters both for the spread of mis/disinformation and inflammatory content online, and for parties’ future organizational strength. In both instances, “digital clientelism” ensures that existing patrimonial structures are replicated online, restricting the empowerment of new political actors.

Role of Social Networks in Crowdfunding Performance During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa

The COVID-19 pandemic made it more difficult for entrepreneurs to obtain capital finance from banks. As a result of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, entrepreneurs found alternative means of obtaining capital finance in the form of crowdfunding. Crowdfunding has the potential to help entrepreneurs get access to finance. The prevalence of crowdfunding campaigns in Africa is relatively low compared to most developed economies around the world. The objective of the study was to determine the role of social networks on crowdfunding performance during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. A total of 859 crowdfunding projects in Africa were analysed in the study. The ordinary least squares (OLS) and probit models were estimated in the analysis. The duration, comments, and target amount variables were found to be negatively and significantly associated with crowdfunding success in Africa. Conversely, the presence of videos, updates and backer’s variables were positively and significantly associated with the success of crowdfunding campaigns. The study contributes to new knowledge by revealing the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of social networks on crowdfunding performance in Africa. Furthermore, the study makes a policy recommendation to African governments on the need to craft policy instruments that will foster the development of crowdfunding sources which will ultimately mitigate the problem of credit rationing by banks which curtail the growth of entrepreneurs.

New Perspectives on the East Africa Campaign of the Second World War

Abstract The East Africa campaign of the Second World War – although the first Allied victory of this conflict – has been largely forgotten by scholars and popular historians. The causes are multi-factored and due mainly, perhaps, to the concurrent and interrelated military operations that occurred in North Africa, the Soviet Union, Greece, and Crete between 1940 and 1941 – operations that had first call on Allied resources, and drew popular attention then as they continue to do now. The East African campaign is as a result one of the war’s forgotten campaigns, despite significant military engagements, the unique military operating environment, the allure of iconic personalities, and the rich human stories associated with it. The historiography remains fragmented with a focus on individual, national histories of the contributions made by the British, Italian, Indian and South African forces, for instance. This special issue, as a counterpoint, brings together a variety of articles covering a range of heretofore neglected topics. Most of the participants in the campaign are addressed in one form or another and in ways that address historical lacunae and complement this literature.

Losing an Empire: Fascist Italy’s Defeat in the Horn of Africa 1940–1941 and its Memory

Abstract This article analyses the campaign in Italian East Africa from an Italian point of view. It starts by setting out the grim strategic situation the commander in chief, the Duke of Aosta, was facing at the outbreak of hostilities. It then proceeds to cover the three phases of the campaign: the period from June 1940 until the end of the year, the second phase between January and May 1941, including the fall of Keren and Addis Ababa, and the third and final period until November 1941. This contribution will highlight the problems the Italian military struggled with, its shortcomings, but also its dogged defence, e.g. at the battle of Keren. The second part of this article looks at how the memory of the campaign was formed after the Second World War and how it related to more general aspects of Italian colonial history.

Measurement report: Hydrogen peroxide in the upper tropical troposphere over the Atlantic Ocean and western Africa during the CAFE-Africa aircraft campaign

Abstract. This study focuses on the distribution of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the upper tropical troposphere at altitudes between 8 and 15 km based on in situ observations during the Chemistry of the Atmosphere: Field Experiment in Africa (CAFE-Africa) campaign conducted in August–September 2018 over the tropical Atlantic Ocean and western Africa. The measured hydrogen peroxide mixing ratios in the upper troposphere show no clear trend in the latitudinal distribution with locally increased levels (up to 1 ppbv​​​​​​​) within the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), over the African coastal area, as well as during measurements performed in proximity to the tropical storm Florence (later developing into a hurricane). The observed H2O2 distribution suggests that mixing ratios in the upper troposphere seem to be far less dependent on latitude than assumed previously and the corresponding factors influencing the photochemical production and loss of H2O2. The observed levels of H2O2 in the upper troposphere indicate the influence of convective transport processes on the distribution of the species not only in the tropical but also in the subtropical regions. The measurements are compared to observation-based photostationary steady-state (PSS) calculations and numerical simulations by the global ECHAM/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) model. North of the ITCZ, PSS calculations produce mostly lower H2O2 mixing ratios relative to the observations. The observed mixing ratios tend to exceed the PSS calculations by up to a factor of 2. With the exception of local events, the comparison between the calculated PSS values and the observations indicates enhanced H2O2 mixing ratios relative to the expectations based on PSS calculations in the north of the ITCZ. On the other hand, PSS calculations tend to overestimate the H2O2 mixing ratios in most of the sampled area in the south of the ITCZ by a factor of up to 3. The significant influence of convection in the ITCZ and the enhanced presence of clouds towards the Southern Hemisphere indicate contributions of atmospheric transport and cloud scavenging in the sampled region. Simulations performed by the EMAC model also overestimate hydrogen peroxide levels particularly in the Southern Hemisphere, most likely due to underestimated cloud scavenging. EMAC simulations and PSS calculations both indicate a latitudinal gradient from the Equator towards the subtropics. In contrast, the measurements show no clear gradient with latitude in the mixing ratios of H2O2 in the upper troposphere with a slight decrease from the ITCZ towards the subtropics, indicating a relatively low dependency on the solar radiation intensity and the corresponding photolytic activity. The largest model deviations relative to the observations correspond with the underestimated hydrogen peroxide loss due to enhanced cloud presence, scavenging, and rainout in the ITCZ and towards the south.