Issue 235 has been updated to correct errors on pages 5&6. We initially stated that President Paul Biya had appointed his son as vice president. The claim was based on a falsified document. We apologise for the error.
This is the cover of The Continent. Above that, in a thin strip, it says “African Journalism | 18 April 2026 | Issue 235”. Beneath the title is the headline: “South Africa’s populist pretender”. The central image is a caricature of a Gayton Mackenzie with exaggerated features. He has a very wide grin showing large, uneven teeth, a rounded face, and heavy lines around his eyes and cheeks. His expression is confident but slightly mocking. His hair is bright blond, styled in a sweeping, combed-over shape that resembles Donald Trump's signature hairstyle. He is wearing a dark blue suit jacket, a white shirt, and a bright red tie. On his jacket are several round badges. One is yellow with the letters “PA”. Another shows the South African flag. A third has a blue Star of David on a white background. Another badge reads “I ♥ Orban”. The illustration is by Gado.
All Protocol Observed
Welcome to Issue 235 of The Continent
In South African politics, Gayton McKenzie is a larger-than-life character who leans into his criminal past and blends populism, and a striking disregard for the rule of law. Remind you of someone?
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Cover page of Issue 234 of The Continent, featuring a person walking on a beach. Behind the person is a sea, and then an angry sky full of dark clouds. The headline is: 'Holding space for eco-anxiety'.
All Protocol Observed | Welcome to Issue 234 of The Continent
This week, a change of pace. Come walking with us through the stark magnificence of Mauritania’s Banc d’Arguin national park.
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The front cover of Issue 233 of The Continent newspaper. The illustration shows a chef from Botswana desperately escaping from a remote Russian military base. The headline reads, 'The chef who escaped Putin's war'.
All Protocol Observed | Welcome to Issue 233 of The Continent
This week, we meet an aspiring chef from Botswana. He was promised a job in a Russian hotel - only to end up in a remote military training camp, with dozens more Africans.
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Front cover of Issue 232 of The Continent newspaper, with the headline 'Tigray on the edge'. The image shows a burning truck on a highway in Tigray, Ethiopia.
All Protocol Observed | Welcome to Issue 232 of The Continent
This week, we visit Ethiopia’s Tigray region – fearing the next war, while still reeling from the last.
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Front cover of The Continent newspaper Issue 231, showing a man harvesting rainwater on an island. In the background, on the water, is a private yacht. And in the skies is an American bomber. The headline reads: "Unlikely allies move to sink Mauritius' Chagos deal'.
All Protocol Observed | Welcome to Issue 231 of The Continent
Amid a geopolitical storm, four Chagos Islanders have returned to the archipelago - with a little help, and a private yacht, from a Reform UK mega-donor.
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Front cover of The Continent Issue 230, showing Chad's president Idriss Deby on a red carpet, flanked by two military officials in ceremonial attire. The headline reads "Chad pays for Deby's Sudan gamble".
All Protocol Observed | Welcome to Issue 230 of The Continent.
Sudan's war is spilling over its borders - and Chad's president is suddenly very nervous indeed.
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The Continent Issue 229 cover.
All Protocol Observed | Welcome to Issue 229 of The Continent
🟠 Top Story: A new Western empire gathering pace. Last time, they had guns. Now they’ve got AI.
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Fake faith funds: Ahmed Al-Rayan created the most notorious investment scam in Egypt.
‘Halal’ investment scams resurge in Egypt
Halal scam: yes, it’s a paradox. But these schemes are not what they seem.
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Illustration: Police violence.
1/2 A glimpse into Burundi’s silent decline
Overshadowed by war in its neighbourhood, economic depression, and continuing authoritarianism, Bujumbura feels threadbare.
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2/2 If this story matters to you, share it with two people you trust — and invite them to subscribe to The Continent, delivered free.
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Plus Two: Zimbabwe’s cabinet approved President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s plan to stay until 2030.
1/2 ‘The Crocodile’ takes a big bite out of the Constitution
Observers slam Emmerson Mnangagwa’s latest power grab as the president seeks to extend his term limit.
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2/2 Disinformation thrives in silence. Journalism travels by trust. Share this story with two people you trust, and invite them to subscribe to receive The Continent newspaper for free.
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1/2 Hundreds of Africans have likely died fighting for Russia. The family of one of them wants their son back. And answers.
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3/ Our investigation exists because readers sustain it. This season, our goal is to reach 5,000 new readers — and you can help. Invite 1 - 2 friends to subscribe and bring this kind of reporting to more people.
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The Continent Issue 228 Cover
1/ Issue 228 of The Continent is out: Wagner’s info warriors, post-Prigozhin. Leaked docs reveal their influence in 22 African countries. We focus on South Africa, Mali, CAR, Niger & Angola.
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On this investigation, we partnered with @istories.bsky.social and The Dossier Center in Russia; All Eyes on Wagner/Inpact and @forbidden-stories.bsky.social and @opendemocracy.net's Latin America desk. Check out their sites for similar coverage over the coming weeks, starting this Saturday.
Photo of Russia's Yevgeny Prigozhin
🛑New Investigation Alert
We received a trove of documents created by a Russian influence operation last October. The company from which they leaked was dissolved the very next month. This weekend we are launching a series delving into them.
All Protocol Observed
Welcome to Issue 227 of The Continent
In this week’s issue: what the Rubaya mine collapse tells us about the global economy and DRC’s governance void.
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