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BBC News Africa
@BBCAfrica
, 15 tweets, 17 min read Read on Twitter
South Africa has been in the news a lot over the last few days, with #SayNoToXenophobia and #XenophobiaInSouthAfrica trending across the continent.

Here’s what led to the uproar, and why a host of African stars have vowed to boycott the country in recent days.

📸: Getty Images
On Sunday, South African truckers started a nationwide strike to protest against the employment of foreign drivers.

The truckers blocked roads and torched foreign-driven vehicles.

📸: Getty Images
The unemployment rate in South Africa is nearly 28%, the highest since the labour force survey was introduced 11 years ago. As a result, tensions within communities have been brewing.

📸: Getty Images
The outburst in violence has led to African stars speaking out about their own xenophobic experiences in the country, with Nigerian rapper @burnaboy refusing to return to South Africa until things change.

📸: Getty Images
@burnaboy On Tuesday, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the violence, stating:

"There can be no justification for any South African to attack people from other countries."

@burnaboy The large South African telecommunications company,
@MTNGroup have also released a statement outlining their stand against xenophobia. They announced the closure of some of their Nigerian stores, that they say have been subject to attacks.

@burnaboy @MTNGroup The ongoing situation has led to several African performers pulling out of their engagements in the country, including singer @TiwaSavage & comedian @basket_mouth, who have cancelled their scheduled performances.

@burnaboy @MTNGroup @TiwaSavage @basket_mouth South African rapper @ShoMadjozi, highlights that violence in the country makes Africans of all nationalities feel unsafe.

@burnaboy @MTNGroup @TiwaSavage @basket_mouth @ShoMadjozi Nigeria has now issued SA travel advice after xenophobic violence ➡️ bbc.in/2zRCcH6
@burnaboy @MTNGroup @TiwaSavage @basket_mouth @ShoMadjozi The @BBCRealityCheck team have been looking at whether attacks on migrants in South Africa are on the rise.
bbc.co.uk/news/world-afr…
@burnaboy @MTNGroup @TiwaSavage @basket_mouth @ShoMadjozi @BBCRealityCheck The Nigerian government have decided to boycott the World Economic Forum which is currently underway in Cape Town. You can hear more from @MayeniJones in this #FocusOnAfrica report. 📻
bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w1…
@burnaboy @MTNGroup @TiwaSavage @basket_mouth @ShoMadjozi @BBCRealityCheck @MayeniJones Our correspondent, @nkosi_milton provides analysis on the ongoing situation.

bbc.co.uk/news/world-afr…
@burnaboy @MTNGroup @TiwaSavage @basket_mouth @ShoMadjozi @BBCRealityCheck @MayeniJones @nkosi_milton Check back for updates on this developing situation at bbc.com/africalive
And we hear from shop owners whose businesses were destroyed in the xenophobic attacks in South Africa:
@burnaboy @MTNGroup @TiwaSavage @basket_mouth @ShoMadjozi @BBCRealityCheck @MayeniJones @nkosi_milton Further developments on the situation in South Africa. ⬇️
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More from @BBCAfrica see all

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BBC News Africa
@BBCAfrica
THREAD

On June 3, 2019, there was a massacre on the streets of Sudan’s capital, Khartoum.

This is the story of that massacre, told through the phone cameras of those who kept filming, even as they came under live fire.

#BBCAfricaEye
#BBCAfricaEye has analysed more than 300 videos from Khartoum on 3 June.

Using these videos, we can bring you a shocking, street-level view of the violence that was inflicted on protesters that morning and the 1st direct testimony from men who say they took part in this attack.
A quick note on the background to these events:

In April, Sudan's former President Omar al-Bashir was toppled by months of mass demonstrations.

Since then, protesters had been staging a peaceful, round-the-clock sit-in along Buri road, close to military HQ.
Read 43 tweets
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BBC News Africa
@BBCAfrica
THREAD

In the lead-up to Madagascar’s 2018 Presidential elections, teams of Russian 'tourists' and 'observers' were spotted on the island.

Who were these Russians? What were they doing in the country? And who was backing them?

#BBCAfricaEye investigates.
This is Madagascar. A jewel in the Indian Ocean.

It just had a key presidential election.

But there have been rumours of outside influence and suspicion of foreign funding on a large scale.
It all started with the arrival of a group of Russians in March last year, 8 months before the election.

Most stayed in La Residence Ankerana, a secluded hotel in a quiet part of the capital Antananarivo.
Read 28 tweets
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BBC News Africa
@BBCAfrica
THREAD

For the past 2 months, disturbing images have been coming out of Sudan.

Images like this.

Who are these hit squads? Where are they taking people? And what happens to the people they target?

#BBCAfricaEye investigates...

#SudanUprising #تسقط_بس #مدن_السودان_تنتفض
Since Dec 2018, Sudan has been rocked by protests against the 30-yr rule of Omar al Bashir.

Demonstrators began by protesting a hike in food and fuel prices.

Now, they’re calling for the overthrow of the regime.
The crackdown has been brutal.

Sudanese security forces have used live ammunition on demonstrators.

According to human rights groups, they have killed more than 50 of their own citizens.
Read 28 tweets

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Indivisible Guide
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Over the last few days, I’ve gotten a few emails and messages asking why I’ve been all worked up over this Iran thing. Others have said I’ve gotten too personal in my attacks. So, without further ado, I’ll try to explain myself a bit and tell you where the angst is coming from.
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Dr. Sturg
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As a former journalist and a researcher of the relationship between #news and #socialmedia, I think I understand both sides of the argument over whether tonight's presidential address should be carried live. A few thoughts. #Thread
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Popbitch
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Last year, we ran a four-part series on the fascinating history of the National Enquirer, its parent company American Media, Inc. and its ties to the Trump administration. In light of the news over the last few days, we thought we'd do a quick primer...
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