The May 2025 edition of CAJ International Magazine arrives at a time when the global literary and journalistic landscape is evolving with renewed urgency. This issue proudly affirms our core mission at the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ): to foster cross-continental dialogue, celebrate cultural diversity, and spotlight powerful voices from Africa and the Global South.
Our cover story brings you exclusive coverage of the First Afro-Asian Literary Forum, a landmark event that unfolded on the banks of the Nile in Cairo, Egypt. Hosted by the Darna Museum on World Book Day (April 23) and curated by the acclaimed Egyptian writer and journalist Ashraf Aboul-Yazid, the forum gathered a constellation of literary figures from India, Morocco, Egypt, and Bahrain, with poetic and critical interventions from the UAE and Indonesia. This inaugural forum was not merely an exchange of ideas—it was a manifesto for solidarity, translation, and shared literary heritage. It marked the beginning of what promises to be a transformative journey in Afro-Asian cultural cooperation.
Equally compelling is our deep dive into the world of cinema through Fatima Al Zahraa Hassan’s riveting essay on the Makhmalbaf family, the legendary Iranian filmmaking dynasty. From Mohsen Makhmalbaf to his trailblazing daughters Samira and Hana, their collective body of work has redefined the political language of cinema. Their films interrogate authoritarianism, illuminate the lives of marginalized communities—especially women—and carry the torch for artistic defiance in the face of censorship and exile. Their story is one of resilience, vision, and the enduring power of images.
In the spirit of literary activism, we are honoured to present a haunting poetry selection titled “The Forgotten Children’s Paradise” by the prolific Italian poet Ivan Pozzoni. Known for his fusion of philosophy, literature, and critical thought, Pozzoni brings to these pages the emotional intensity and intellectual depth that have become the hallmark of his work. His poems serve as both personal testimony and universal lament, echoing the struggles of forgotten lives and neglected futures.
From the Caspian Sea’s poetic shores, we turn to Eldar Akhadov, one of Azerbaijan’s leading literary voices, who offers a poignant essay entitled “Baku – Zurbagan”. With lyrical grace and melancholic beauty, Akhadov pays tribute to his homeland, weaving memories, longing, and identity into a tapestry that resonates with anyone who has loved a place from afar. His writing is a testament to the enduring link between geography and soul.
In Tunisia, Siccajazz Festival in El Kef, is covered by Khaled Suleiman: “In a symbolic timing that coincides with International Jazz Day, celebrated on April 30th, the tenth edition of the Siccajazz Festival kicks off in the city of El Kef, once again affirming its openness to the world, its connection to the international cultural movement, and its commitment to the values of diversity and creativity.”
Elsewhere, in Tanzania, we observe Lifting Agricultural Import Ban To Preserve Regional Stability and Relations, and South Africa’s Strategic Position In Global Geopolitics: Bridging The Global South And International Power Bloc.
Also in this edition from Luada Angola, Manuel Camalata writes about the Angola National Polie being increasingly accused of detaining journalist for performing their legitimate duty, CAJ International Magazine West Africa Bureau, Dela Ahiawor writes about young Liberian Climate Defender, Ezekiel Nyanfor sending pertinent message to world leaders.
The magazine and its editor-in chief, Michael Adeboboye, invite readers—journalists, writers, artists, thinkers—to engage with this issue not just as consumers of content, but as active participants in a growing movement for dialogue, dignity, and creative freedom.
