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About the Author

Ivy is the researcher and writer behind The African Gourmet, blending African food, history, and cultural storytelling. Her work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

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Start Here: Explore Africa’s Living Knowledge

Learn Africa through science, stories, recipes, proverbs, history, and geography — interconnected, just as life is.

Plan to Kill African Proverb Explained

About terrorist attacks in Africa Al-Shabaab, Al-Qaeda, Islamic State is formerly known as ISIS and Boko Haram. These four groups are responsible for the majority of the terrorist attacks in Africa.

The plan kills the weapon only does the deed African Proverb teaches violence, destruction and death are planned by a handful of individuals, carried out by many callous ambitious persons to wreak havoc on millions of innocent people.

African Proverb

The plan kills; the weapon only does the deed ~ Ethiopian Proverb

Plan to Kill

Parts of Africa are under constant terrorist attacks and live with the constant threat of terrorism throughout their daily lives. Four groups are responsible for the majority of the terrorist attacks or suspected in Africa are Al-Shabaab, Al-Qaeda, Islamic State and Boko Haram.

Insecurity is rampant across Africa hindering progress at national and regional levels. From the urban crime to terrorist groups to civil wars and political instability, the examples violence is endless. The brutal insecurities affect all factors of life including loss of infrastructure causing colossal displacement of people, loss of foreign investments, and loss of innocent lives.

About the four groups responsible for the majority of the terrorist attacks in Africa

Al-Shabaab

Al-Shabaab means The Youth in Arabic is a Salafist jihadist group based in East Africa, mainly Somalia. Al-Shabab has staged numerous attacks in Kenya because it has sent its troops into Somali territory. In February 2010, the group is allied to al-Qaeda. Al-Shabaab has carried out more than 360 attacks in Somalia from 2006-2017.

On January 27, 2017, Al-Shabaab killed at least 57 soldiers in takeover of peacekeeping base in Kulbiyow, Somalia. In the middle of the day on September 21, 2013, al-Shabaab fighters stormed a busy Nairobi Kenya shopping center, throwing grenades and firing indiscriminately at shoppers for 4 days resulting in at least 67 deaths. Al-Shabaab was declared terrorist group by US on March 18, 2008.

Al-Qaeda

Al-Qaeda means The Base in Arabic and is broad-based militant Islamist organization founded by Osama bin Laden in 1989. The oldest of the Islamist militant groups operating in North Africa, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) came into being in 2005 when it changed its name from the Algerian Salafi Group for Call and Combat (GSPC) and announced its allegiance to Osama Bin Laden. In February 2017, 15 people were killed and 19 injured in Tiloa, Niger in an ambush attack by Al-Qaeda militants. Al-Qaeda was declared terrorist group by US on October 8, 1999.

Islamic State formerly known as ISIS

Islamic State formerly known as ISIS can trace its roots back to the late Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian. In 2004, a year after the US-led invasion of Iraq, Zarqawi pledged allegiance to Osama Bin Laden and formed al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), which became a major force in the insurgency.

February 2017, Islamic State militants in Qandala, Somalia executed three civilians and three soldiers. In the same month, two Christians were killed by Islamic State militants. The first was shot dead and the second was abducted and later burned alive. Islamic State was declared terrorist group by US on December 17, 2004.

Boko Haram

Boko Haram founded in 2002 official Arabic name, Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad, means "People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad" was initially focused on opposing Western education earning the nickname Boko Haram, which means "Western education is forbidden" in the Hausa language. Adamawa, Borno and Yobe are the three Nigerian states worst-affected by Boko Haram.

Boko Haram declared terrorist group by US in 2013. About 11 people were killed Saturday March 28, 2015 and two more injured ‎in attacks apparently by Boko Haram in voting stations in the northeastern state of Gombe Nigeria.

Boko Haram states its purpose is to institute Sharia, or Islamic law. Women and girls who were former captives of Boko Haram face marginalization and rejection by family and community members because of social and cultural norms related to sexual violence. Boko Haram promotes a version of Islam which makes it "haram", or forbidden, for Muslims to take part in any political or social activity associated with Western society.

African Proverb


Together we build awareness that boost harmony, education, and success, below are more links to articles you will find thought provoking.

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Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

Recipes Explain Politics

🍚

🍚 When Rice Recipes Become Revolution

What if your grandmother's rice recipe could explain the Liberian Rice Riots of 1979?

"In Liberia, rice isn't just food—it's life, identity, and sovereignty. When the government proposed raising rice prices in 1979, they weren't just adjusting economics; they were threatening every grandmother's ability to feed her family according to traditions passed down for generations. The riot that followed wasn't about politics—it was about the sacred right to cook your family's rice recipe."

🍲 The Deeper Recipe:

  • Ingredients: Colonial trade patterns + Urbanization + Economic inequality
  • Preparation: Political disconnect from daily survival needs
  • Serving: 40+ deaths, regime destabilization, and a warning about ignoring cultural fundamentals

This is African Gourmet analysis: understanding how the food in grandmother's pot connects to the protests in the streets. The recipes we inherit carry not just flavor, but the entire history of our political and economic struggles.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why "The African Gourmet" if you cover more than just food?

Great question! While many associate "gourmet" exclusively with cuisine, its true meaning is "a connoisseur" – someone with refined taste and deep expertise. For over 18 years, I've served as a gourmet of African culture at large, savoring and presenting the continent's rich history, vibrant traditions, timeless wisdom, and contemporary stories with the same discerning palate one would apply to fine food. The name reflects my commitment to curating Africa's cultural wealth with authority and passion.

What makes The African Gourmet different from other culture sites?

With 18 years of consistent publishing, I offer depth and continuity that's rare online. I don't just report on African culture – I contextualize it, connecting traditional wisdom with modern realities, and food with folklore, politics, and daily life. It's a holistic view of Africa's past, present, and future, all through the lens of a seasoned cultural storyteller.

How do you choose what to write about?

My content selection is driven by a desire to showcase Africa's incredible diversity and challenge stereotypes. I balance covering foundational cultural elements (like proverbs and recipes) with timely analysis of current events (like the AGOA trade agreement). The goal is always to educate and illuminate the complex, dynamic realities of the African continent.

Do you focus on specific regions of Africa?

My coverage spans the entire continent – from North to South, East to West. While certain stories may focus on specific countries or regions, my mission is to represent the breathtaking diversity of 54 countries and thousands of cultures. I make a conscious effort to include both well-known and underrepresented cultures in my work.

Can I request a topic or contribute to the site?

I welcome thoughtful topic suggestions from engaged readers! While I maintain editorial control to ensure quality and consistency, I'm always interested in hearing what aspects of African culture you're curious about. Feel free to reach out through my contact page with your ideas.

How can I support The African Gourmet's work?

The greatest support is engaged readership – sharing articles you find valuable, participating in discussions, and helping spread cultural understanding. Following the blog and sharing it with others who would appreciate this unique perspective on Africa helps this 18-year labor of love continue to grow and reach new audiences.