SALIENT SCENES


SALIENT SCENES

Pictures of the 32 founders of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) draw spectator attention at the African Union headquarters. Formed in the fervent pan-African atmosphere that followed the independence of several countries from colonialism 61 years ago, the OAU had a distinctive spirit of liberation. Ghanaian Kwame Nkrumah, who led the former Gold Coast’s independence and served as its first prime minister post-colonialism, was one of the main leaders in the OAU’s formation. The Organisation, first chaired by Emperor Haile Selassie, was disbanded in 2002 while under the chairpersonship of South African President Thabom Beki. Some of the founding principles of the OAU live through the African Union.  

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In-Picture

WHEELING HUSTLE

Multitasking at its finest unfolds on the streets of Adey Abeba, where a man navigates his way in a sleek, electric-wired wheelchair. But his ride is more than a mode of transport, it doubles as a mobile vending station. As he glides past pedestrians, his chair displays an array of goods, offering snacks, plastic bags, and small essentials to those on the move. Morning commuters stop briefly, intrigued by this unusual blend of mobility and enterprise, while others pass by with wide-eyed curiosit...


In-Picture

SECOND SPIN

Worn-out tyres roll back and forth through Mercato, steered by grease-stained hands of mechanics in faded overalls. Some will soon stand as makeshift signposts announcing a repair shop open for business; others will find new lives as flower pots, stools, or playthings in alleyways. In this market, the largest open market in Africa, nothing truly retires, everything gets a second spin...


In-Picture

SOLE REST

A well-earned day off for shoes that have walked more miles than most of us dare to dream. On the sidewalks of the Bethel neighborhood, sneakers line up to dry while the shoeshine trades polish for gossip, stitch up tired soles, and sneak in a chat with friends, because even shoes need a social life. The air hums with laughter and wax mingling, and the occasional clink of a shoeshine brush hitting a tin of polish. For a few hours, the streets are a quiet hub of camaraderie, creativity, and the u...