About | Daaf Borren

Daaf Borren is a writer, researcher and former correspondent who, since 2017, has travelled all corners of Africa to cover topics ranging from coups d'états and protest movements to climate change and migration.

Among others, he reported on the most recent presidential elections in Ivory Coast and the escalating violence in eastern Congo (DRC), accompanied UN-troops in Gao (Mali) and spoke with former warlords and child soldiers about the existing impunity in Liberia. Additional fieldwork brought him to Mozambique, South Sudan, Mauritania, Ethiopia and a dozen other countries. Main objective during his travels, was to learn about Africa’s next generation and their vision for their country, continent and the world.

Over the years, he noticed that Europe’s perception of Africa and the Global South in general, is largely based on isolated events and generalizations, which often fail to do justice to societal reality. Moreover, he noted that the tendency to continually measure non-Western countries against Western benchmarks of progress, has led to mutual misunderstanding.

As Europe increasingly finds itself relegated to a secondary role in a shifting world order, Daaf advocates for European adaptability and a renewed approach of the Global South. He argues that this requires shedding Eurocentric blinders and shaping relationships based on the principles of equality.

These observations are woven into his debut book, set to be published by Uitgeverij Pluim (April ’25), and play a leading role at The Bright Continent, a platform he founded back in 2016. More of his work can be found in Dutch, Belgian and international media (written, audio and visual). For lectures and panel discussions, please see below.

Guest lectures

During his lectures, Daaf combines his academic background in International Relations with his experiences in the field and insights from his African peers. This offers a refreshing glance at a rapidly changing continent and helps to move away from vastly outdated stereotypes, enabling the audience to better comprehend contemporary Africa.

Among others, Daaf spoke at the Royal Tropical Institute and the Belgian Ministry of Defence, organized workshops for Doctors Without Borders, and joined panel discussions at a non-fiction book fare and the Dutch Association for Journalists. Get in touch for inquiries about guest lectures, media-appearances or other related requests.

Sean Healy, Advisor, Médecins sans Frontières

“His work on the best practice to negotiate and achieve secure humanitarian access, was of a very high standard, and I was happy to distribute it to all our heads of mission, and recommend them that they read it.”

Max Koffi, Director, Africa in Motion.

“Most people have two basic images of Africa: one that represents "the good" Africa: safaris, tribes, and Egypt's pyramids and another that represents "the bad" Africa: war, famine, poverty, and peril. In short, Africa is either Eden or Hell. Some of us hold just one of those extreme images in our mind, while most of us hold both. However, few of us spend much time thinking about the immense zone of possibilities that lies in between those two extreme images. That's where the vast majority of Africa's one billion people live. That’s what Daaf is promoting through The Bright Continent! Keep up your brilliant work!”

Jeroen Dunk, Teacher in Geography

“During his talk at the Afrikadag, Daaf told us about his work as a correspondent for various media outlets, and how he experiences that uplifting stories deriving from Africa are widely declined as those don’t fit the existing narrative about Africa in the western world. This further strengthens his ambition to debunk existing misconceptions and accommodate Africa’s narrative to its inimitable progress.”

Erika Compatangelo, Forum Committee Clio, University of Groningen

"We hosted Daaf as our guest for a workshop about African Affairs and existing narratives. As students of International Relations, we tend to be very opinionated, critical individuals, as well as a tough audience. Nevertheless, Daaf was able to surprise us with unfiltered, original material, and to leave us inspired and enriched with new perspectives. Such a nice experience!"

The Western Sahara, a disputed stretch of desert that many of my African peers dub the last colony of the continent. The plight and fight of the Sahrawis, of whom many live in Algerian refugee camps since their land was occupied in 1975, deserves greater international attention. If only because of the fact that the Western Sahara is regularly used as a geopolitical bargaining chip.

(E.g. in 2020, President Trump facilitated the normalization of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Israel. As part of this U.S.-brokered agreement, Morocco agreed to establish full diplomatic ties and resume official contacts with Israel. In return, the United States recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara)

#WesternSahara #Saharawi #Sahara

From courses on ethical leadership and positive masculinity at primary schools, to survivors who are trying to break the cycle of violence; when in eastern Congo I was overwhelmed by the many citizen initiatives that try to foster sustainable change. But where to begin when your leaders and the international community are turning a blind eye to the systematic violation of human rights and international law?

With M23 rebels - backed by Rwanda - closing in on Goma, the international community is way overdue with putting Rwandan president (and one of the West’s best friends), Paul Kagame, under intense pressure to stop backing the rebel group.

#Congo #Goma #Rwanda #M23

This is probably one of the most striking pictures I took during election day in Côte d’Ivoire (Oct 2020), when president Ouattara ran for an unconstitutional third term.

The nonchalant manner in which this teenager leaves the scene, while being chased by a member of the riot police - armed with tear gas grenades - speaks volumes about the perseverance of many young people across Africa.

Besides, the image kind of illustrates why I (when traveling) feel more secure among people in shorts and on flip-flops, than when I’m near those wearing a uniform.

Fun fact: A few moments before I took this photo, the police fired tear gas grenades at the protesters but forgot the wind was blowing in their direction. 1-0 for the protesters.

#côtedivoire #thebrightcontinent

A second coup d’état within a year, French and UN troops were shown the door, and Russian mercenaries were pouring in. At first glance, Mali seemed like a country in decline during my second visit, late 2021.

Yet at the very same time, artists gave their all to unite society and pave the way forward. Artworks were created that shed a light on Mali’s community spirit, a street theatre brought neighborhoods together and through slam poetry the military junta was educated on how #Mali could move into the future.

It’s precisely such stories of next generations and their meaningful acts of defiance that fascinate me the most.

In slides: @ange_dakouo @toloba.d @lespraticables @saccharose7

- Last slide for English -

Met gepaste trots presenteer ik jullie 𝘏𝘦𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘷𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘦𝘬𝘰𝘮𝘴𝘵.

Het is een atypisch reisboek over zestien Afrikaanse landen, gezien door de bril van twintigers en dertigers, dat binnenkort bij @uitgeverijpluim verschijnt.

Hoewel het voor de hand lag om de grotere thema’s in dit boek met Afrikaanse staatshoofden en internationale hoogvliegers te bespreken, ging mijn voorkeur uit naar maatschappelijk betrokken jongeren. Naar de activisten, kunstenaars, onderzoekers en grappenmakers. Ik bleef weg van de gebaande paden, meed persconferenties en paleizen, en bewoog me in de luwte van de harde actualiteit.

Ook al kon ik me als kind van Europa nooit helemaal ontdoen van mijn eurocentrische oogkleppen, gaven Afrikaanse generatiegenoten me de kans om flarden van Afrika, de wereld en de verhoudingen tot elkaar, door een afrocentrische bril te bekijken. Het viel me op dat we in zekere zin hetzelfde montuur dragen, maar door glazen van een andere sterkte naar de wereld om ons heen kijken.
———
Nog even geduld dus. Je kan het wel vast reserveren via de link in mijn bio. Tot die tijd zal ik hier af en toe wat meer delen over 𝘏𝘦𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘷𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘦𝘬𝘰𝘮𝘴𝘵.

Omslag door de Ghanese kunstenaar @derrick_o_boateng

#Hetcontinentvandetoekomst #thecontinentofthefuture #thefutureisafrican #boek #thebrightcontinent

Welcome to one of the largest cattle markets in Eastern Africa, where heated negotiations and friendly conversations are drowned out by the squabbling of camels, cows and goats.

Bits of poetry and the enigma around Celine Dion (last slide). Still trying to figure out why many of my African peers are listening to her songs throughout the day.

PS In the latest edition of @thebrightcontinent I pay tribute to the many bumpy journeys I undertook in rickety taxis, by taking you along on a messy ride through the vast wasteland of Mauritania. #linkinbio

Grains of sand, gusts of wind and an unexpected ray of sunshine.

As the Mauritanian freight train is not bound to any timetable, this journey through the heart of the Sahara was improvisational. I had no idea when we would leave, nor any notion of how long it would take. But after spending a week in the desert town of Zouérat, it was a welcome break from the monotony. I looked forward to the rattle of the carriage and the rhythmic chugs of worn out wheels on a dented track.

Boarding the empty carriage felt like stepping into a world made up of nothing but iron ore, rusting steel and desert dust. Me and my fellow travelers would be at each other’s mercy for at least a day and from that realization a certain companionship emerged almost immediately. In line with the courtesy of the Mauritanians, the journey was filled with breaking bread and sharing sweet tea, which they invariably referred to as ‘Mauritanian alcohol’.

#Mauritania #Sahara #desert #traintravel #thebrightcontinent

During morning traffic, Goma turns into a labyrinth of honking horns and boda-bodas 🇨🇩

#Goma #Congo #RDC

The bitterness behind the sweet taste of chocolate and a number of other flavours of Côte d’Ivoire.

#cotedivoire #ivorycoast

Snippets of Mafalala

Mafalala (‘where they dance’), is a lively peripheral neighborhood of unplanned laneways that can disappear as quickly as they are formed. The Maputo suburb was built from corrugated iron and wood during colonial times as the Portuguese banned the use of bricks for the construction of permanent homes.

The informal settlements might be an eyesore for the municipality, but for many Mozambicans they make up the authentic spirit of Mozambique, as Mafalala was home to many of its independence heroes. With writer José Craveirinha and poet Noémia de Sousa (‘to read De Sousa is to read Mozambique’) as key figures of the movement, it’s where the intellectual resistance against colonialism started.

Nowadays the inhabitants of Mafalala are fighting a different battle. Built on swampy soil at one of the lowest points of Maputo, it’s vulnerable to heavy rainfall and subsequent floods, which have intensified over the years due to climate change. Benny, a friend that showed me around, is worried about the future of his neighborhood: ‘When Mafalala ceases to exist, Mozambique loses its soul.’

#Mozambique #Maputo #Mafalala

(FYI: kids in the images are nephews and nieces of Benny, taken with permission)

Storm is coming at the commercial centre of Kyangwali refugee settlement.

Spent around a week in this bustling city, which is home to tens of thousands of people who fled from Congo, South Sudan, Somalia, Burundi and the CAR.

#Uganda #Kyangwali #refugees #settlement

Jean Baptiste showing me his backyard.

I’m still in awe of Congo’s unmatched beauty, while saddened by our continuous abuse of the country and its people, as if it were the world’s warehouse.

#RDC #DRC #Congo #CongoBasin #thebrightcontinent #everydayafrica

There's little that beats travelling along the shores of Africa’s mighty rivers. It’s where life happens.

#Niger #river #riverside #Mali #thebrightcontinent

Along the shores of the Atlantic, close to Monrovia, a former luxury resort embodies Liberia’s shattered dreams and long history of civil war.

At that time, one of Hotel Africa’s permanent residents was Guus van Kouwenhoven, a Dutchman who managed the hotel and various other companies, seemingly as a cover for his gunrunning. At the hotel, he traded weapons with Charles Taylor, the notorious warlord and former president of Liberia. Likewise, Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer who was recently released from US prison as part of a prisoner exchange, used Hotel Africa as a base for his staff. Here, ‘the merchant of death’ signed various arms deals, while his pilots smuggled weapons from Eastern Europe to West-Africa.

Hotel Africa is one of the many skeletal structures that are part of Liberia’s history of violence. Though when I visited the former five-star hotel a while back, it was promising to see young entrepreneurs bringing back some life to the dilapidated building through colourful paint, a restored swimming pool and a restaurant.

#Liberia #Monrovia #HotelAfrica #warlord #armsdealer

Some weeks ago I met Mahmud in Tiris Zemmour, close to the border with the Western Sahara (former Spanish colony now occupied by Morocco). I got to know him as a very amiable man, combining passionate monologes with warmhearted care for people close to him. Despite my Spanish being a bit dusty, especially after speaking French for weeks, we had lively conversations about our different backgrounds while he kept feeding me canned sardines and bread. ‘I don’t want your mother to see you skinny,’ is what he kept repeating.

Mahmud is a Sahrawi and a member of the Polisario Front, which is a movement that strives for independence from Morocco since the 70s. As a Moroccan barrier (consisting of sand banks, minefields and barbed wire) isolates the Polisario from other parts of the region, he regularly crosses the border with Mauritania in an attempt to reach other parts of the Western Sahara.

In one of his monologes he denounces the West for neglecting the Sahrawi Republic, which he defines as the very last colonized part of Africa. As he lost faith in peace talks Mahmud prefers weapons over words: ‘I rather die fighting than handing over our territory to the Moroccan colonizers.'

#WesternSahara #Sahrawi #Polisario #Sahara #Mauritania #Morocco #thebrightcontinent

Snippets of Morocco, the Western Sahara, Mauritania and Senegal. It has been a ride packed with Gnawa music, sweet tea, freezing nights, messy border crossings, welcoming people and a lack of sleep.

#Morocco #WesternSahara #Mauritania #Senegal

Samba took me out for a boat trip through the port of Nouadhibou, which is at the centre of some challenges that Mauritania faces.

For Samba himself, a fisherman, the main problem is a European fishing fleet that is allowed to fish in Mauritanian waters for up to 290,000 tonnes of fish per year. Using artisanal methods, he and his colleagues are increasingly losing grounds to the European vessels.

We also discussed how West-Africans still board pirogues (small fishing vessels as seen in one of the pictures) at the port of Nouadhibou in an attempt to reach the Canary Islands. It’s a dangerous journey, many people drown at Mauritanian shores.

While navigating through the bay, Samba pointed out dozens of abandoned, rusty ships. Nouadhibou is the final resting place of hundreds of ships and hence one of the world's largest ship graveyards. The number of vessels has built up over time, as corrupt officials accept bribes from boat owners and allow them to dump their ships in the area.

#Mauritania #Nouadhibou #fisherman #migration #graveyard if

Traveling east in the Sahara Express - Eighteen hours of desert, dust, bumps and tea. Not much of a zen-like voyage but definitely in good company.

#Sahara #desert #Mauritania #train

With M23 rebels currently advancing in the east of Congo, the people of Goma are collectively holding their breath. As always, Congolese women are courageously stepping in to try to peacefully break the cycle of violence. One of them is Mamy, who I met in Goma earlier this year. As a survivor of sexual violence herself, she is one of the driving forces behind the 'Mouvement des Survivantes de Violences Sexuelles’ in the DRC, currently protecting the most vulnerable in the region while demanding from all parties involved to end the senseless violence. As she said back then: ‘Without us women, Congo wouldn’t exist.’

Earlier this week she reached out, sharing about the fragile situation in the region. In case you’d like to support them or similar movements in Ukraine, Nigeria or the Central African Republic, you can tap the link in my bio.

#DRC #Congo #Goma #survivors #M23

Let’s not turn a blind eye to what’s happening in Ethiopia, where the situation is rapidly deteriorating. The country has suffered from violence on all sides, but there might be much worse to come.

Kante showing his dance moves behind the abandoned railway station of Bamako. Swipe for some joy :)

This week Kinshasa hosts climate officials from across the globe as a part of meetings in the DR Congo dubbed pre-COP27, ahead of the COP27 climate summit in Egypt next month. Here’s a brief English summery of our chat about the importance of this pre-COP in Congo:

Because few of us are aware of the fact that the Congo Basin, the second largest rainforest in the world, is becoming increasingly crucial in the global fight against climate change. Whereas the situation in the Amazon is rapidly deteriorating, the Congo Basin (as large as Western Europe) is now seen as the world’s forested stronghold, storing 30 billion tonnes of carbon, roughly equivalent to three years of global emissions.

Besides, about half of the globally known cobalt supply derives from Congo, a mineral used in electronic devices and batteries, essential for the much needed energy transition. Although Congo should be filthy rich in that sense, it is rather the opposite and the eastern region is troubled by ongoing clashes between rebel groups for over 25 years now. During a visit earlier this year I’ve witnessed how the violent battle for control over the mines causes unimaginable misery through modern slavery and sexual violence that is used as a weapon of war. This while Congo holds so much (global) potential in countering climate change.

And yes, it’s an extremely complex situation to solve, but lets at least look at loss and damage compensation, improved scrutiny of (corrupted) mining companies, better payment of mineworkers and reinstatement of the rule of law.

#COP27 #DRC #Congo

Working on a story about Amina, who I met on a daily basis when in Ghana. As the eldest of twelve (not her siblings) she took care of the other kids that, like herself, were forced to beg for money by traffickers from the Sahel region. At first I was able to (indirectly) keep in touch with her, but I unfortunately lost contact a while ago. She is one of the many kids I’ve spoken to in various West-African countries over the years. They are offensively referred to as 'desert children’ as they are taken (under false pretenses) from their family in Niger.

Women in Niger give birth to close to seven children on average, having difficulties to provide for each one of them. Groups of nomadic traffickers take advantage of that and offer these families to take over the care of their kids. As a consequence, countless children like Amina end up in the streets of countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Togo or Ivory Coast. They are among the 50 million victims of modern slavery these days, as reported by the IOM earlier this month.

While writing down her story, I can’t help but wonder where she is and how she’s doing.

#westafrica #ghana #accra #modernslavery

Played games, collected stories, got mugged, got lost, got educated 🇲🇿🇿🇦

#Mozambique #Maputo #SouthAfrica #Johannesburg

Although I mostly focus on generation Y and Z, there’s little that beats the wisdom of people like mama Martha, papa Hofman and uncle Dennis. All born and raised in Alexandra (and never left), the oldest and least developed township of Gauteng province.

They’ve endured Apartheid during the prime of their lives but don’t feel bitter about the lack of opportunities they’ve had.

Martha quoting Madiba (Mandela): ‘Forgiveness liberates the soul, it removes fear. That’s why it is such a powerful weapon.’ ✨

#SouthAfrica #Johannesburg #Alexandra #Madiba #Mandela

Mozambican encounters. Next stop: Jozi 🇿🇦🚌

Challenged Augusto and Benny for a game of checkers (consisting of a piece of cardboard and bottle caps). Wasn’t successful. These lads meant business 🫠

#Mozambique #Maputo #checkers

The usual visit to the usual suspects before 🛫✨

Catching up on some writing before heading out again 🤓

Some images from last month at Panzi Hospital in Bukavu (DRC), founded by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate @drdenismukwege.

At the hospital and other facilities, survivors of sexual violence are given the full stretch of needs through Panzi’s holistic healing model. After receiving medical care, survivors are offered psychological help, legal assistance and socio-economic training in order to learn new job skills.

It was heartbreaking to hear the stories of some survivors, to notice the severe trauma when looking them in the eyes. At the same time, it was inspiring to learn about their strength and dedication, their eagerness to heal and eventually help others.

Equally admiring is the tireless work of the many Congolese employees of which some - like dr. Mukwege himself - are forced to live in permanent lockdown due to the fragile security situation and attempts on their lives. One of them explained to me that it is the first smile after many months, a twinkle in the eyes of survivors, that keeps them going.

More photos, accompanied by a brief report, are currently exhibited at the Pennings Foundation (NL). Names of people are deliberately left out.

#Congo #DRC #Bukavu #PanziHospital #survivors #DenisMukwege #TheBrightContinent

Last week, an organisation led by a group of Congolese refugees turned activists, kindly hosted me for three days in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, located at the border with DRC in Western-Uganda.

The settlement isn’t fenced and people enjoy relative freedom, which turned Kyangwali in a bustling city, packed with bars and shops. It’s home to 136.000 people (close to 200.000 unofficially), mainly from DRC and South Sudan.

Theoretically, Uganda has one of the most humane refugee policies in the world, hosting almost 1.5 million refugees from various countries in the region. In reality it brings along various challenges. Healthcare is limited for instance, and education is only slowly improving in Kyangwali, thanks to the work of my Congolese hosts.

On the other hand, people in the settlement are provided with a plot of land where they can build a house and cultivate crops. This brings back some independence and a sense of dignity. It makes people feel at home, feel human instead of a refugee. In that sense, we can learn a thing or two when it comes to welcoming and hosting people that are fleeing war or oppression.

#Uganda #DRC #SouthSudan #refugees #settlement #dignity #TheBrightContinent

The primary school of @unjournouveau (a new day) in Goma, DRC.

Un Jour Nouveau is a Congolese lead institution that combines a universally accepted educational system with a focus on social entrepreneurship and ethical leadership.

Currently the institution runs programs in various parts of DRC, providing kindergartens, primary and secondary schooling. Meanwhile they assist startups through various forms of training and even bought a plot of land to build a university.

It’s a holistic approach and educational development which I notice in various African countries, where students are provided with additional tools to meaningfully contribute to society through good leadership and social entrepreneurship.

#congo #drc #goma #schooling #education #leadership #entrepreneurship #thebrightcontinent

Meet Jean Baptiste, who kindly showed us Bombo Lumene National Park the other day. Named after two regional rivers, the reserve is located at a three hour drive from Kinshasa, which makes it a welcome escape from the bustling and smoggy capital. When reaching the city’s outskirts, the transition to Congo’s beautiful scenery looks as if you exchange your blurry black and white tv, for the latest home cinema set with the brightest colours.

Bombo Lumene once was a private domain owned by a Belgian family (1957) and has suffered greatly from poaching, insecurity and political instability.
These days, the National Park is named an example, showing that nature conservation pays off and sustainably improves the livelihoods of those living in the area.

Thanks for showing me this part of your country, @herman_kambala

#Congo #DRC #Kinshasa #BomboLumene #NationalPark #TheBrightContinent #everydayafrica

Packing for Congo 🇨🇩

#Congo #DRC #Kinshasa #Bukavu #TheBrightContinent

When in Mali, Saccharose invited me for the dress rehearsal of ‘Etransition', a show he directed together with students from his School of Slam. In Etransition, they discuss the complexities of a transition of power through the eyes of various actors (military, politicians, youth organisations, etc.) and collectively propose solutions to the challenges the country currently faces.

@saccharose7 is a slameur (spoken word-artist). Slam poetry is part of an emerging social movement in Mali, where words and performances are used as a means to question the status quo and raise awareness around societal issues.

#Mali #transitionofpower #theatre #slam #poetry #TheBrightContinent

A tribute to the many dusty games of footy I’ve seen or joined over the years. It’s where it all started for those currently playing at the Africa Cup of Nations. It’s where dreams become reality.

#Mali #Ghana #AfricaCupofNations #AfricaCup #football #afcon #afcon2021 #TheBrightContinent

A few snaps from @lespraticables, a festival happening in the streets of Bamako every two years.

For a week, a collective of aspiring artists from across Africa gets together and reclaims the position of theatre in society, emphasizing the importance of art and culture for the future of Mali.

#LesPraticables #Mali #Bamako #festival #theatre #art #artists #culture #future #society #TheBrightContinent

Mountain encounters, just outside of Bamako. Thanks for taking me @ousmanemakaveli

à la prochaine, Mali

#Mali #Bamako #mountains #encounters #alaprochaine #TheBrightContinent

Back in 2019 I spent some time in northern Mali with the UN peacekeepers. Now let’s find out what the southern part of the country has in store for me.

#Mali #Bamako #Gao #peacekeepers #UN #thebrightcontinent

Until recently, Samuel lived in the streets of Monrovia together with many other Zogos (a word used to describe Liberia’s underclass). He’s a former child soldier who has been addicted to drugs since he was recruited during the civil war. Now, at the outskirts of Liberia's capital, Samuel receives help to get rid of his addiction and is trained to become a construction worker.

#Liberia #Monrovia #childsoldier #Zogos #constructionworker

Meet Joshua Milton Blahyi, infamously known as General Butt Naked because he led his troops - of which many child soldiers - into war naked, believing that it would protect him from flying bullets.

During our conversation in the Liberian highlands he confessed that, as a warlord in the first civil war, he and his militia committed many atrocities (e.g. cannibalism and thousands of casualties) for which he wants to face justice. Even if it means he will end up in jail.

The case of the General is exemplary for the lack of a functional judicial system in Liberia, which has resulted in a concerning level of impunity that still exists today. There are many others who committed war crimes during the civil wars but never faced trial. Some of them are powerful politicians these days.

#liberia #warlord #childsoldiers #general #justice #civilwar

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Guest lectures

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Find me on Instagram @daafborren

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@daafborren