News & Events

This month’s Library Highlight showcases 23 zines from the Swahili region of Lamu, Kenya, which the African Library recently acquired. The booklets were produced in January 2025 as part of the Lamu Maktaba Ya Sanaa Project, initiated by Karin Voogd. The recently acquired zines are currently exhibited at the African Studies Centre.

Liesbeth Kanis has started as the new Head of the Library, Documentation and Information Department at the ASCL. Kanis has a broad experience in scholarly information that ranges across the globe, including in Africa and Asia. She aims to ensure that the library serves not only academics and the public, but also offers globally accessible, impactful resources.

The article in Trouw discusses how China, Russia, and Iran are taking advantage of instability in the Horn of Africa to expand their influence and strengthen ties with autocratic leaders in the region. Jon Abbink explains that these foreign powers are pursuing strategic and economic interests amid ongoing conflicts in countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.

This new book, edited by Jon Abbink, explores policies and governance initiatives in Ethiopia introduced after the federal government launched its 'Reform Agenda' in 2018. It features key topics including women’s empowerment, agrarian governance, youth (un)employment, and foreign direct investment.

To mark the retirement of Jos Damen - the ASCL's former Head of the Library, Documentation, and Information Department - the Library staff and Marleen Dekker, director of the ASCL, pay tribute to Jos with the help of a book or a film they associate him with: Jos Damen in 11 books and films!