Chitra
@chitra.bsky.social
researcher, peacebuilder & writer
civilian protection, climate, economic, racial justice, feminism & human rights
books:
- She Called Me Woman: Nigeria’s Queer Women Speak
- The World Was In Our Hands: Voices from the Boko Haram Conflict
she/her
civilian protection, climate, economic, racial justice, feminism & human rights
books:
- She Called Me Woman: Nigeria’s Queer Women Speak
- The World Was In Our Hands: Voices from the Boko Haram Conflict
she/her
Reposted by Chitra
My latest for @thecontinent.org: on @chitra.bsky.social's The World Was In Our Hands: Voices from the Boko Haram Conflict, from @cassavarepublic.bsky.social
![People Committed to the Propagation
of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad.
The media named it Boko Haram
in reference to one of its slogans,'
Nagarajan writes.
The group became increasingly
violent and more insular under the
new leadership of Abubakar Shekau,
indulging in a spree of violence that
led to retaliation and reprisals from
the government. The victims were
frequently innocent people who
refused to reveal what they knew about
the group's members. This was a factor
in extending Boko Haram's influence,
ultimately leading to what has effectively
been a civil war.
The victims were frequently
innocent people who refused
to reveal what they knew about
the group's members
As one of the affected people testifies:
"If you identified them, they would kill
you. Ifyou didn't identify them, soldiers
would kill you. What were we supposed
to do?"
People have suffered bereavement
and families have been separated
Livelihoods have been ruined and
people turned into beggars. Many
people have been displaced - and then
scorned for being refugees. Children
have missed out on years of school
People have been displaced to camps,
where they face food insecurity - yet
are still relieved to be removed from the
fighting.
Young women who were taken - some
willingly, others against their will-speak
of being Boko Haram "wives"
"[I]t felt good to have this power after
a lifetime of being told you had none
because you were a girl. We wives could
do anything we wanted, whatever it was."
There are many stories from people
who escaped Sambisa Forest where
Boko Haram had its base. A mother tells
of her grief at her son being willingly
recruited; she talks about fleeing with
her younger sons to protect them from
the influence of the older boys, now
insurgents. One woman talks about the
many men she saved by hiding them in
her home. Another tells how a woman
protected her daughter from being
kidnapped byburying her underground.
We also hear from the daughter herself
about that experience
There a…](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:r24znqrzpv227wrabmtqrujs/bafkreihrjqrvy5sv3v2fud4jeuqj3wns3pldsdm6wms3els34j3233dvee@jpeg)
September 27, 2025 at 8:53 AM
My latest for @thecontinent.org: on @chitra.bsky.social's The World Was In Our Hands: Voices from the Boko Haram Conflict, from @cassavarepublic.bsky.social
Gender polarisation in voting intentions at all ages but more at younger ages for all parties. The need to
- build social relations between ages & genders
- address radicalisation of far-right older ppl
- act on backlash to racial & gender progress that these figures represent
couldn’t be clearer.
- build social relations between ages & genders
- address radicalisation of far-right older ppl
- act on backlash to racial & gender progress that these figures represent
couldn’t be clearer.
Shot, chaser
Young men more likely to vote Green than Reform. Young men second most progressive group of any demographic. Combined right-wing vote barely bigger than Green vote alone for young men
Young men more likely to vote Green than Reform. Young men second most progressive group of any demographic. Combined right-wing vote barely bigger than Green vote alone for young men
September 14, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Gender polarisation in voting intentions at all ages but more at younger ages for all parties. The need to
- build social relations between ages & genders
- address radicalisation of far-right older ppl
- act on backlash to racial & gender progress that these figures represent
couldn’t be clearer.
- build social relations between ages & genders
- address radicalisation of far-right older ppl
- act on backlash to racial & gender progress that these figures represent
couldn’t be clearer.
Reposted by Chitra
Shot, chaser
Young men more likely to vote Green than Reform. Young men second most progressive group of any demographic. Combined right-wing vote barely bigger than Green vote alone for young men
Young men more likely to vote Green than Reform. Young men second most progressive group of any demographic. Combined right-wing vote barely bigger than Green vote alone for young men
September 14, 2025 at 6:31 AM
Shot, chaser
Young men more likely to vote Green than Reform. Young men second most progressive group of any demographic. Combined right-wing vote barely bigger than Green vote alone for young men
Young men more likely to vote Green than Reform. Young men second most progressive group of any demographic. Combined right-wing vote barely bigger than Green vote alone for young men
Reposted by Chitra
British colonialism thrived on narratives like Rudyard Kipling's poem “The White Man’s Burden” which portrayed empire as noble. In this episode, we examine how the Kikuyu and Giriama employed oaths to push back against that lie.
Listen to full episode:
willthisbeaproblem.co.ke/2021/11/29/2-f…
Listen to full episode:
willthisbeaproblem.co.ke/2021/11/29/2-f…
August 3, 2025 at 3:46 PM
British colonialism thrived on narratives like Rudyard Kipling's poem “The White Man’s Burden” which portrayed empire as noble. In this episode, we examine how the Kikuyu and Giriama employed oaths to push back against that lie.
Listen to full episode:
willthisbeaproblem.co.ke/2021/11/29/2-f…
Listen to full episode:
willthisbeaproblem.co.ke/2021/11/29/2-f…
Reposted by Chitra
Reposted by Chitra
Analysis: Four men are richer than half of all other Africans combined. Taxing them more feels like a no-brainer – but a lot needs to be fixed before that would truly address wealth inequality.
Brass tacks beats boss tax in Africa’s quest for equality
Four men are richer than half of all other Africans combined. Taxing them more feels like a no-brainer – but a lot needs to be fixed before that would truly address wealth inequality.
continent.substack.com
August 3, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Analysis: Four men are richer than half of all other Africans combined. Taxing them more feels like a no-brainer – but a lot needs to be fixed before that would truly address wealth inequality.
Reposted by Chitra
We already have over 230 million people," [Foreign Minister] Tuggar said. "In the words of the famous U.S. rap group Public Enemy — you'll remember a line from Flavor Flav: 'Flavor Flav has problems of his own. I can't do nothing for you, man.'"
lol. lmao
www.npr.org/2025/07/11/n...
lol. lmao
www.npr.org/2025/07/11/n...
Nigeria says it won't accept deportees from U.S.: 'We have enough problems of our own'
Nigeria's government is pushing back against U.S. efforts to send the country migrants and foreign prisoners, with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar quoting Public Enemy to drive home his point.
www.npr.org
July 26, 2025 at 8:47 AM
We already have over 230 million people," [Foreign Minister] Tuggar said. "In the words of the famous U.S. rap group Public Enemy — you'll remember a line from Flavor Flav: 'Flavor Flav has problems of his own. I can't do nothing for you, man.'"
lol. lmao
www.npr.org/2025/07/11/n...
lol. lmao
www.npr.org/2025/07/11/n...
Reposted by Chitra
I wrote this in 2017, reflecting on the colonial origins of the Nigerian police & why these origins illustrate the state's continuing commitment to [violent] order rather than [just] justice. Why a thing can never do a thing that the thing was never designed to do.
folukeafrica.com/the-colonial...
folukeafrica.com/the-colonial...
The Colonial Origins of the Nigerian Police
Why a thing can never do a thing that the thing was never designed to do
folukeafrica.com
July 25, 2025 at 11:05 AM
I wrote this in 2017, reflecting on the colonial origins of the Nigerian police & why these origins illustrate the state's continuing commitment to [violent] order rather than [just] justice. Why a thing can never do a thing that the thing was never designed to do.
folukeafrica.com/the-colonial...
folukeafrica.com/the-colonial...
Reposted by Chitra
A powerful tribute to Prof Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o—writer, academic and radical thinker. Hear voices reflect on his legacy and impact on African literature, identity and resistance.
Listen to the full conversation on SoundCloud: bit.ly/4lO8ecf
Listen to the full conversation on SoundCloud: bit.ly/4lO8ecf
July 21, 2025 at 10:50 AM
A powerful tribute to Prof Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o—writer, academic and radical thinker. Hear voices reflect on his legacy and impact on African literature, identity and resistance.
Listen to the full conversation on SoundCloud: bit.ly/4lO8ecf
Listen to the full conversation on SoundCloud: bit.ly/4lO8ecf
Reposted by Chitra
Tribute to Kenyan writer Ngugi, in terms of what his writing meant to African writers.
via the @thecontinent.org
via the @thecontinent.org
June 8, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Tribute to Kenyan writer Ngugi, in terms of what his writing meant to African writers.
via the @thecontinent.org
via the @thecontinent.org
Reposted by Chitra
🎤 During WWI, African POWs’ voices were recorded by German linguists—often without understanding. Now, their stories are finally being heard. 📚🎶
theconversation.com/african-pris...
#ArtsCultureAndSociety
theconversation.com/african-pris...
#ArtsCultureAndSociety
African prisoners made sound recordings in German camps in WW1: this is what they had to say
African prisoners in German camps were studied by ethnographers, who recorded their voices. What they had to say is poignant and unexpected.
theconversation.com
June 8, 2025 at 6:56 PM
🎤 During WWI, African POWs’ voices were recorded by German linguists—often without understanding. Now, their stories are finally being heard. 📚🎶
theconversation.com/african-pris...
#ArtsCultureAndSociety
theconversation.com/african-pris...
#ArtsCultureAndSociety
Reposted by Chitra
A group of lawyers and civic organisations have formally asked the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights to issue an advisory opinion on the obligations of African states to protect climate-related human rights on the continent in a ‘heartfelt plea for justice’.
CLIMATE IN COURTS: States’ obligation to protect climate-related human rights heads to African Court on Human Rights
www.dailymaverick.co.za
May 17, 2025 at 6:08 PM
A group of lawyers and civic organisations have formally asked the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights to issue an advisory opinion on the obligations of African states to protect climate-related human rights on the continent in a ‘heartfelt plea for justice’.
Reposted by Chitra
Le 1er mai c’est la Fête internationale des travailleuses et des travailleurs
Et pas la fête du travail !
Et vous savez pourquoi ?
Allez, un peu d’histoire !
Et pas la fête du travail !
Et vous savez pourquoi ?
Allez, un peu d’histoire !
April 29, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Le 1er mai c’est la Fête internationale des travailleuses et des travailleurs
Et pas la fête du travail !
Et vous savez pourquoi ?
Allez, un peu d’histoire !
Et pas la fête du travail !
Et vous savez pourquoi ?
Allez, un peu d’histoire !
Reposted by Chitra
The origins and funding of Boko Haram have been intensely debated recently. Beyond this are real people whose lives have been forever changed.
Our forthcoming book, The World Was In Our Hands edited by Chitra Nagarajan shares their voices.
Hear their truths⬇️
Our forthcoming book, The World Was In Our Hands edited by Chitra Nagarajan shares their voices.
Hear their truths⬇️
February 19, 2025 at 9:51 AM
The origins and funding of Boko Haram have been intensely debated recently. Beyond this are real people whose lives have been forever changed.
Our forthcoming book, The World Was In Our Hands edited by Chitra Nagarajan shares their voices.
Hear their truths⬇️
Our forthcoming book, The World Was In Our Hands edited by Chitra Nagarajan shares their voices.
Hear their truths⬇️
Reposted by Chitra
Check out last week's newsletter! Jonathan Rauch's reading list | Spotlight of "The World Was in Our Hands" by Chitra Nagarajan | Q&A with our host Reighan Gillam!
newbooksnetwork.substack.com/p/the-world-...
@jonrauch.bsky.social
@dartmouthartsci.bsky.social
@cassavarepublic.bsky.social
newbooksnetwork.substack.com/p/the-world-...
@jonrauch.bsky.social
@dartmouthartsci.bsky.social
@cassavarepublic.bsky.social
The World Was in Our Hands
Featuring Jonathan Rauch's reading list
newbooksnetwork.substack.com
April 28, 2025 at 4:02 AM
Check out last week's newsletter! Jonathan Rauch's reading list | Spotlight of "The World Was in Our Hands" by Chitra Nagarajan | Q&A with our host Reighan Gillam!
newbooksnetwork.substack.com/p/the-world-...
@jonrauch.bsky.social
@dartmouthartsci.bsky.social
@cassavarepublic.bsky.social
newbooksnetwork.substack.com/p/the-world-...
@jonrauch.bsky.social
@dartmouthartsci.bsky.social
@cassavarepublic.bsky.social
Reposted by Chitra
Nearly half of humanity lives in countries that spend more on debt servicing than on education or health. That’s a moral wrong. Pope Francis said resolving global debt crisis is a “matter of justice.” To honor his legacy, the world must forgive this debt.
Honor the Pope’s Legacy by Resolving the Global Debt Crisis
Pope Francis wanted to dedicate himself this year to forgiving the injustice of debt.
foreignpolicy.com
April 25, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Nearly half of humanity lives in countries that spend more on debt servicing than on education or health. That’s a moral wrong. Pope Francis said resolving global debt crisis is a “matter of justice.” To honor his legacy, the world must forgive this debt.
Reposted by Chitra
Anti-queer laws in Africa are often framed as cultural defense—but their roots lie in colonial legacies, religious nationalism, and global reactionary alliances. africasacountry.com/2025/04/the-...
The un-African mechanisms of queer repression
Anti-queer laws in Africa are often framed as cultural defense—but their roots lie in colonial legacies, religious nationalism, and global reactionary alliances.
africasacountry.com
April 23, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Anti-queer laws in Africa are often framed as cultural defense—but their roots lie in colonial legacies, religious nationalism, and global reactionary alliances. africasacountry.com/2025/04/the-...
Reposted by Chitra
In studios across Lagos, forgotten in dusty back rooms, are thousands of discarded photographic negatives. A pair of photographers have dedicated their time to preserving, digitising and then archiving these snapshots from the city that would otherwise be lost.
Photo Essay: Old Lagos, new light
In studios across the city, negatives lay gathering dust. Now those forgotten negatives are being developed – bringing Lagos’s history into focus.
continent.substack.com
March 29, 2025 at 10:06 AM
In studios across Lagos, forgotten in dusty back rooms, are thousands of discarded photographic negatives. A pair of photographers have dedicated their time to preserving, digitising and then archiving these snapshots from the city that would otherwise be lost.
What a great thread of short stories to read over the Easter weekend - thank you!
Weekly #africansff reads 🪐📚💙
April 20, 2025 at 11:36 AM
What a great thread of short stories to read over the Easter weekend - thank you!
Reposted by Chitra
‘They were chanting as they killed people in their homes’: survivors describe attack on Sudan’s Zamzam camp
‘They were chanting as they killed people in their homes’: survivors describe attack on Sudan’s Zamzam camp
On 11 April Rapid Support Forces paramilitaries attacked the country’s largest displacement camp. The extent of the brutality remains unclear, but some accounts are now emerging
www.theguardian.com
April 18, 2025 at 7:03 AM
‘They were chanting as they killed people in their homes’: survivors describe attack on Sudan’s Zamzam camp
Reposted by Chitra
I was supposed to talk about this today at Radio France International but as I explained, my position is the same as the Foundation I'm a member of. The report we at the Foundation submitted to the French Gov is pretty clear on what needs to be done!
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Macron announces joint commission with Haiti amid calls for reparations
France imposed harsh ‘ransom’ after revolution that campaigners say stunted Caribbean country’s development
www.theguardian.com
April 17, 2025 at 8:15 PM
I was supposed to talk about this today at Radio France International but as I explained, my position is the same as the Foundation I'm a member of. The report we at the Foundation submitted to the French Gov is pretty clear on what needs to be done!
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Reposted by Chitra
Difference in land mass size actual (dark blue) versus the Mercator projection (light blue) usually used. Yes, Africa is that big:).
April 16, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Difference in land mass size actual (dark blue) versus the Mercator projection (light blue) usually used. Yes, Africa is that big:).
Reposted by Chitra
Au Cameroun anglophone, assassinats et enlèvements se multiplient de nouveau
Au Cameroun anglophone, assassinats et enlèvements se multiplient de nouveau
l.jeuneafrique.com
April 15, 2025 at 5:41 AM
Au Cameroun anglophone, assassinats et enlèvements se multiplient de nouveau
Reposted by Chitra
Today Sudan enters its third year of war.
As the world’s largest humanitarian crisis deepens, there are growing risks of the conflict escalating.
Let’s hope the UK’s one day conference today focuses on how to stem the country’s destruction & fragmentation.
www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-...
As the world’s largest humanitarian crisis deepens, there are growing risks of the conflict escalating.
Let’s hope the UK’s one day conference today focuses on how to stem the country’s destruction & fragmentation.
www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-...
Two Years On, Sudan’s War is Spreading | Crisis Group
After the Sudanese army recaptured Khartoum, many hoped that Sudan’s war would start winding down. Instead, as it enters its third year, the conflict is escalating and likely to expand in scope, unles...
www.crisisgroup.org
April 15, 2025 at 4:28 AM
Today Sudan enters its third year of war.
As the world’s largest humanitarian crisis deepens, there are growing risks of the conflict escalating.
Let’s hope the UK’s one day conference today focuses on how to stem the country’s destruction & fragmentation.
www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-...
As the world’s largest humanitarian crisis deepens, there are growing risks of the conflict escalating.
Let’s hope the UK’s one day conference today focuses on how to stem the country’s destruction & fragmentation.
www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-...
Reposted by Chitra
Today's quick update [Apr 13]:
- On day 3 of onslaught, RSF now controls of Zamzam IDP Camp; widespread violations reported, w/civilian death toll in the hundreds (at least 300 reported killed).
- Heavy clashes reported b/w SAF/Joint Forces & RSF in Elfashir city.
#KeepEyesOnSudan
- On day 3 of onslaught, RSF now controls of Zamzam IDP Camp; widespread violations reported, w/civilian death toll in the hundreds (at least 300 reported killed).
- Heavy clashes reported b/w SAF/Joint Forces & RSF in Elfashir city.
#KeepEyesOnSudan
April 14, 2025 at 4:59 AM
Today's quick update [Apr 13]:
- On day 3 of onslaught, RSF now controls of Zamzam IDP Camp; widespread violations reported, w/civilian death toll in the hundreds (at least 300 reported killed).
- Heavy clashes reported b/w SAF/Joint Forces & RSF in Elfashir city.
#KeepEyesOnSudan
- On day 3 of onslaught, RSF now controls of Zamzam IDP Camp; widespread violations reported, w/civilian death toll in the hundreds (at least 300 reported killed).
- Heavy clashes reported b/w SAF/Joint Forces & RSF in Elfashir city.
#KeepEyesOnSudan