Benin

A life-size replica of a slave ship graces the Marina Project in Benin.

Benin is building a theme park to remember slavery — is history up for sale?

The Marina Project in Benin could lead to a better understanding of the transatlantic slave trade. But critics say that the commodification of heritage may debase the experiences of painful pasts.

Benin is building a theme park to remember slavery — is history up for sale?
The US Treasury Department building is shown from above with its large Greek columns marking the entrance.

Treasury, Commerce departments hacked; Canada receives first COVID-19 vaccine shipment; Hong Kong court denied bail for Jimmy Lai

Treasury, Commerce departments hacked; Canada receives first COVID-19 vaccine shipment; Hong Kong court denied bail for Jimmy Lai
A black and white photograph of musician Shirazee wearing a traditional hat and looking up.

‘African in New York’: Shirazee's personal twist on an iconic song by Sting

‘African in New York’: Shirazee's personal twist on an iconic song by Sting
Three large royal statues of the Kingdom of Dahomey

Benin negotiates with France to return precious objects taken during colonial war

Benin negotiates with France to return precious objects taken during colonial war
A man in medical scrubs writes onto a wooden cross

DR Congo has been fighting Ebola for a year. What does the WHO declaration change?

DR Congo has been fighting Ebola for a year. What does the WHO declaration change?
A little girl looks into a vodun convent in Togo.

Vodun children in Togo must dedicate their lives to the convent

In vodun, an African religion, children are dedicated by their families to a convent and must remain there for life. The kids become the de facto property of the convent, catering to the demands of the priests and priestesses.

Vodun children in Togo must dedicate their lives to the convent
Singer-songwriter Angelique Kidjo

Angélique Kidjo defied the school of hard knocks to become the knock-out musician she is today

Angélique Kidjo, the Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter from Bénin, experienced the difficulties of being a woman in the music industry firsthand. She's channeled her international success into activism by campaigning for girls' education in Africa.

Angélique Kidjo defied the school of hard knocks to become the knock-out musician she is today
A Chadian soldier during a battle against insurgent group Boko Haram in Gambaru, Nigeria, February 26th 2015. Gambaru lies on the border with Cameroon.

Nations launch an international campaign against Boko Haram, as it pledges allegiance to ISIS

The Nigerian Islamic extremist group Boko Haram pledged allegiance to the ISIS movement on Saturday. At the same time, a regional coalition of powers is intervening to help Nigeria. The US is taking a back-seat, but is intensifying military training programs and some other forms of assistance.

Nations launch an international campaign against Boko Haram, as it pledges allegiance to ISIS
Angelique Kidjo

Angelique Kidjo sings in order to bring attention to challenges in Africa

For years, Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo has been performing and pushing for social change in Africa. That push for change continues in her new album, "Eve."

Angelique Kidjo sings in order to bring attention to challenges in Africa

Haiti on brink of becoming latest member of African Union

If all goes as planned, Haiti, yes North America's Haiti, will become the latest member of the African Union sometime in January. Haiti and Africa share a sense of history, and African countries stepped up in the wake of Haiti's earthquake, which has led some to conclude the time is right to formalize their ties.

Haiti on brink of becoming latest member of African Union

Mutiny in Mali continues as Junta announces new constitution

The leaders of a military coup in Mali have issued a new constitution for the country while thousands of their supporters rally in the capital Bamako and protest foreign interference.

Mutiny in Mali continues as Junta announces new constitution

'Afro Latin Via Cotonou' from Benin

Tom Schnabel's DJ pick for today is vintage music from Cotonou, Benin. It's music recorded in the 1960s and 70s that has never been released in the United States before. The 2-CD set is part of a series called AfroLatin.

'Afro Latin Via Cotonou' from Benin

Blog: Hazmat MODINE in Tatarstan

Blog: Hazmat MODINE in Tatarstan

100 years after The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire happened a century ago, but the labor-safety issues that led to the disaster are relevant today.

100 years after The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
The World

Angelique Kidjo and Ibrahim Sylla

PRI's The World talks with Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo about her honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music and with legendary West African record producer Ibrahim Sylla about the differences between West African pop music and 'world music.'

Angelique Kidjo and Ibrahim Sylla