Roger Middleton
@rogermid.bsky.social
Founder The PhotoBridge Project www.thephotobridgeproject.org
Also Horn of Africa research. MD Sabi Insight Ltd and Rift Valley Inst Fellow. Ex CDI, Oxfam & Chatham House.
Also Horn of Africa research. MD Sabi Insight Ltd and Rift Valley Inst Fellow. Ex CDI, Oxfam & Chatham House.
Pinned
Roger Middleton
@rogermid.bsky.social
· Mar 10
PhotoBridge Sustainers
By The PhotoBridge Project
givebutter.com
We started The PhotoBridge Project to shift some power back: documentary photographers working with local NGOs to create images that respect their stories and belong to them. Now we’re launching PhotoBridge Sustainers - small monthly support (even $5) to keep it going
givebutter.com/photobridge-...
givebutter.com/photobridge-...
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Kjetil Tronvoll is one of the best analysts of the Horn of Africa. This is well worth listening to in full despite all the annoying Youtube adverts. In passing, the AU's failure to engage confirms that it has become as irrelevant and complicit as its OAU predecessor. www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Ze...
Ethiopia and Tigray at war: New alliances and same old fears of death, destruction and devastation
YouTube video by Tghat ትግሃት
www.youtube.com
September 26, 2026 at 11:27 AM
Kjetil Tronvoll is one of the best analysts of the Horn of Africa. This is well worth listening to in full despite all the annoying Youtube adverts. In passing, the AU's failure to engage confirms that it has become as irrelevant and complicit as its OAU predecessor. www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Ze...
Reposted by Roger Middleton
UPDATE:
As war rages on in Ethiopia, @netblocks.org has confirmed what it calls a "subnational internet disruption," in the country's north. Phone/internet is disrupted across the Tigray region.
A very bad sign. Comms blackouts in our region are typically implemented when atrocities are planned.
As war rages on in Ethiopia, @netblocks.org has confirmed what it calls a "subnational internet disruption," in the country's north. Phone/internet is disrupted across the Tigray region.
A very bad sign. Comms blackouts in our region are typically implemented when atrocities are planned.
September 25, 2026 at 1:20 AM
UPDATE:
As war rages on in Ethiopia, @netblocks.org has confirmed what it calls a "subnational internet disruption," in the country's north. Phone/internet is disrupted across the Tigray region.
A very bad sign. Comms blackouts in our region are typically implemented when atrocities are planned.
As war rages on in Ethiopia, @netblocks.org has confirmed what it calls a "subnational internet disruption," in the country's north. Phone/internet is disrupted across the Tigray region.
A very bad sign. Comms blackouts in our region are typically implemented when atrocities are planned.
Reposted by Roger Middleton
AFRICOM announced a U.S. strike against Al Shabaab in northern Somalia.
These have been relatively rare (and interesting given lull in strikes on ISIS in north).
Last year a strike of this kind raised significant qs about whether its target was a civilian.
www.newamerica.org/insights/ame...
These have been relatively rare (and interesting given lull in strikes on ISIS in north).
Last year a strike of this kind raised significant qs about whether its target was a civilian.
www.newamerica.org/insights/ame...
September 18, 2026 at 4:35 PM
AFRICOM announced a U.S. strike against Al Shabaab in northern Somalia.
These have been relatively rare (and interesting given lull in strikes on ISIS in north).
Last year a strike of this kind raised significant qs about whether its target was a civilian.
www.newamerica.org/insights/ame...
These have been relatively rare (and interesting given lull in strikes on ISIS in north).
Last year a strike of this kind raised significant qs about whether its target was a civilian.
www.newamerica.org/insights/ame...
Reposted by Roger Middleton
📌 | Exciting opportunity for a researcher with expertise in #WestAfrica to join @chathamhouse.org’s Africa Programme team!
Learn more and apply: careers.chathamhouse.org/jobs/8389579...
Learn more and apply: careers.chathamhouse.org/jobs/8389579...
September 18, 2026 at 8:35 AM
📌 | Exciting opportunity for a researcher with expertise in #WestAfrica to join @chathamhouse.org’s Africa Programme team!
Learn more and apply: careers.chathamhouse.org/jobs/8389579...
Learn more and apply: careers.chathamhouse.org/jobs/8389579...
Reposted by Roger Middleton
If, like me, you are trying to make sense of things then join me over on Substack.
I’ll be writing about geopolitics, technology and economic development, how the business of influence is changing - among other things.
senseofthings.substack.com/p/the-questi...
I’ll be writing about geopolitics, technology and economic development, how the business of influence is changing - among other things.
senseofthings.substack.com/p/the-questi...
September 18, 2026 at 9:43 AM
If, like me, you are trying to make sense of things then join me over on Substack.
I’ll be writing about geopolitics, technology and economic development, how the business of influence is changing - among other things.
senseofthings.substack.com/p/the-questi...
I’ll be writing about geopolitics, technology and economic development, how the business of influence is changing - among other things.
senseofthings.substack.com/p/the-questi...
Reposted by Roger Middleton
"Why would an AI company founded and led by an openly gay man so aggressively default heterosexuality? The answer is that it almost certainly isn’t entirely deliberate. Instead, it’s a function of how AI models work."
AI is making the world straighter
The machines are coming for your queerness! According to AI, happiness is white, straight and has terrible taste. James Ball investigates.
www.gaytimes.com
September 17, 2026 at 8:56 AM
"Why would an AI company founded and led by an openly gay man so aggressively default heterosexuality? The answer is that it almost certainly isn’t entirely deliberate. Instead, it’s a function of how AI models work."
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Unlike Macklemore, these support acts don’t have big followings and they are giving up their chance to perform to stadiums to push back against censorship, not of themselves but of a fellow artist. Respect.
The Irish musicians, Beoga, who play alongside Ed Sheeran, have withdrawn from Sheeran’s tour.
This is the statement they published on Instagram:
This is the statement they published on Instagram:
September 15, 2026 at 9:10 PM
Unlike Macklemore, these support acts don’t have big followings and they are giving up their chance to perform to stadiums to push back against censorship, not of themselves but of a fellow artist. Respect.
Reposted by Roger Middleton
RVI began in the middle of a war.
Co-founders John Ryle and Jok Madut Jok encountered a crisis few outsiders could reach or document. Their decision to investigate helped set RVI in motion.
Listen to the full story: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWYH...
Explore RVI@25: rvi25.riftvalley.net
#RVI25
Co-founders John Ryle and Jok Madut Jok encountered a crisis few outsiders could reach or document. Their decision to investigate helped set RVI in motion.
Listen to the full story: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWYH...
Explore RVI@25: rvi25.riftvalley.net
#RVI25
September 14, 2026 at 9:13 AM
RVI began in the middle of a war.
Co-founders John Ryle and Jok Madut Jok encountered a crisis few outsiders could reach or document. Their decision to investigate helped set RVI in motion.
Listen to the full story: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWYH...
Explore RVI@25: rvi25.riftvalley.net
#RVI25
Co-founders John Ryle and Jok Madut Jok encountered a crisis few outsiders could reach or document. Their decision to investigate helped set RVI in motion.
Listen to the full story: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWYH...
Explore RVI@25: rvi25.riftvalley.net
#RVI25
What terribly sad news. Knox was an extremely kind, welcoming and thoughtful man. As a young person starting out he was incredibly warm and showed how modesty and insight could go hand in hand. Rest in Peace.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved colleague Dr Knox Chitiyo.
Knox joined the Chatham House Africa Programme as an Associate Fellow in 2012, making an outstanding contribution to the Programme's work on Zimbabwe over the years.
Knox joined the Chatham House Africa Programme as an Associate Fellow in 2012, making an outstanding contribution to the Programme's work on Zimbabwe over the years.
September 9, 2026 at 9:06 AM
What terribly sad news. Knox was an extremely kind, welcoming and thoughtful man. As a young person starting out he was incredibly warm and showed how modesty and insight could go hand in hand. Rest in Peace.
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Abolish the Home Office.
Home Office response to Fascist thugs at Portsmouth, from Grdn.
September 6, 2026 at 10:18 PM
Abolish the Home Office.
Reposted by Roger Middleton
If you're in London, Curzon in Soho & Bloomsbury are currently running a programme on Sudanese cinema from 1964. thesudanist.com/sudanese-cin...
Sudanese Cinema, 1964 Onwards: Public Programme Tracing Sudanese Cinema Histories in London This September - The Sudanist
A landmark public film programme tracing Sudanese cinema histories will take place from 3–7 September 2026 at Curzon Soho and Curzon Bloomsbury in London, the UK. Sudanese Cinema, 1964 Onwards […]
thesudanist.com
September 4, 2026 at 1:24 PM
If you're in London, Curzon in Soho & Bloomsbury are currently running a programme on Sudanese cinema from 1964. thesudanist.com/sudanese-cin...
Reposted by Roger Middleton
I am hiring a Research Associate to join my team at Scholars at Risk: apply.interfolio.com/191007. Great way to get started in international human rights work, particularly if you have an interest in academic freedom
Apply - Interfolio
{{$ctrl.$state.data.pageTitle}} - Apply - Interfolio
apply.interfolio.com
August 17, 2026 at 6:37 PM
I am hiring a Research Associate to join my team at Scholars at Risk: apply.interfolio.com/191007. Great way to get started in international human rights work, particularly if you have an interest in academic freedom
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Source; for six years I have been first departmental, and then faculty-wide, Academic Conduct Officer. This year alone I have chaired ~300 disciplinary meetings.
If you would like to help me keep this and the other parts of my job, please sign this petition.
/ends.
www.change.org/p/stop-redun...
If you would like to help me keep this and the other parts of my job, please sign this petition.
/ends.
www.change.org/p/stop-redun...
Sign the Petition
Stop Redundancies at the University of Exeter
www.change.org
August 12, 2026 at 12:09 PM
Source; for six years I have been first departmental, and then faculty-wide, Academic Conduct Officer. This year alone I have chaired ~300 disciplinary meetings.
If you would like to help me keep this and the other parts of my job, please sign this petition.
/ends.
www.change.org/p/stop-redun...
If you would like to help me keep this and the other parts of my job, please sign this petition.
/ends.
www.change.org/p/stop-redun...
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Sudanese students: you can attend this workshop for free just email us at [email protected]
Want to support mutual aid groups and unions at the forefront of relief efforts in Sudan and learn from the brilliant Robin DG Kelley? Here is your chance: Secure your spot now. August 20th, 6 pm. Sliding scale. Zoom. See link below.
chuffed.org/project/work...
chuffed.org/project/work...
August 10, 2026 at 10:39 PM
Sudanese students: you can attend this workshop for free just email us at [email protected]
Reposted by Roger Middleton
The government will take a £12 billion hit on the public finances if/when it belatedly reduces the current [unrealistically high] OBR projection of net migration averaging 235k for next 3 years to about 130-150k. (But it could double that cost if it wants to stay closer to zero net migration).
It's funny how no-one ever asks where the money is coming from when you announce a cut in immigration.
July 23, 2026 at 9:57 PM
The government will take a £12 billion hit on the public finances if/when it belatedly reduces the current [unrealistically high] OBR projection of net migration averaging 235k for next 3 years to about 130-150k. (But it could double that cost if it wants to stay closer to zero net migration).
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Also worth emphasising that every person who has been killed in election related violence in Kenya since 2013 has been killed by the police/security officials. Same with protests. The risk isn’t that there will be ethnic violence in the 2027 elections but that the police are out of control.
July 17, 2026 at 9:28 AM
Also worth emphasising that every person who has been killed in election related violence in Kenya since 2013 has been killed by the police/security officials. Same with protests. The risk isn’t that there will be ethnic violence in the 2027 elections but that the police are out of control.
Reposted by Roger Middleton
I'm very skeptical of AI in education because my ability to evaluate the quality of good writing in my field depends on having an accurate baseline understanding of the topic. If you never build the underlying knowledge & critical thinking skills, it's much harder to spot the errors in AI output /8
July 10, 2026 at 7:59 PM
I'm very skeptical of AI in education because my ability to evaluate the quality of good writing in my field depends on having an accurate baseline understanding of the topic. If you never build the underlying knowledge & critical thinking skills, it's much harder to spot the errors in AI output /8
This is a good summary.. the inability to fund new info or respond well to more open ended questions is particularly striking
After a few months of experimentation I've come to the following conclusions about generative AI (primarily Claude):
1. It's really good at tedious data reformatting tasks. My main use case is sending a screenshot of a table in an un-OCR'ed PDF and getting the output as a spreadsheet.
/1
1. It's really good at tedious data reformatting tasks. My main use case is sending a screenshot of a table in an un-OCR'ed PDF and getting the output as a spreadsheet.
/1
July 10, 2026 at 7:52 PM
This is a good summary.. the inability to fund new info or respond well to more open ended questions is particularly striking
Reposted by Roger Middleton
The family of Shane O'Farrell, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident, have called for the reform of Ireland's bail laws
O'Farrell family call for reform of Ireland's bail laws
The family of Shane O'Farrell, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident, have called for the reform of Ireland's bail laws.
www.rte.ie
July 7, 2026 at 6:31 PM
The family of Shane O'Farrell, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident, have called for the reform of Ireland's bail laws
Reposted by Roger Middleton
I've decided to compile a definitive thread of photos of the best cattle I've photographed during my walks in the countryside, together with supporting biographical information.
I will put the vital info about all the cattle in the alt text, since some of it is a little long to fit in a post.
I will put the vital info about all the cattle in the alt text, since some of it is a little long to fit in a post.
June 30, 2026 at 6:32 PM
I've decided to compile a definitive thread of photos of the best cattle I've photographed during my walks in the countryside, together with supporting biographical information.
I will put the vital info about all the cattle in the alt text, since some of it is a little long to fit in a post.
I will put the vital info about all the cattle in the alt text, since some of it is a little long to fit in a post.
Reposted by Roger Middleton
In his first interview since being kicked out of the US, FIFA referee Omar Artan tells’s the NYT’s Matt Bigg that the biggest dream of his professional life has been shattered. The World Cup ref was questioned for 11 hours, held in a cell and then dumped on a plane.
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/09/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/09/w...
Somali Referee Says His World Cup Dream Is Dashed After U.S. Denies Entry
www.nytimes.com
June 9, 2026 at 12:03 PM
In his first interview since being kicked out of the US, FIFA referee Omar Artan tells’s the NYT’s Matt Bigg that the biggest dream of his professional life has been shattered. The World Cup ref was questioned for 11 hours, held in a cell and then dumped on a plane.
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/09/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/06/09/w...
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Some of those enemies know what they're doing - others, like the leader of the opposition, I think are simply just not across the detail of what has happened:
What Henry Nowak’s murder does — and does not — tell us about policing
Kemi Badenoch says his killing needs to be seen as a ‘Stephen Lawrence moment’ but the failures in both cases differ
www.ft.com
June 3, 2026 at 11:11 AM
Some of those enemies know what they're doing - others, like the leader of the opposition, I think are simply just not across the detail of what has happened:
Reposted by Roger Middleton
A lot of attention is paid to craft traditions in Western Europe and North America, such as handsewn Hermes leather goods and bespoke Savile Row suits. But the uneven focus leads some to believe that things made outside of these places are low quality.
This is not true. 🧵
This is not true. 🧵
May 26, 2026 at 11:12 PM
A lot of attention is paid to craft traditions in Western Europe and North America, such as handsewn Hermes leather goods and bespoke Savile Row suits. But the uneven focus leads some to believe that things made outside of these places are low quality.
This is not true. 🧵
This is not true. 🧵
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Western Africa in general has a rich textile tradition. The noted Arab traveler Ibn Battutah once visited Kano, an ancient trading city in northern Nigeria, where he remarked on the indigo dye pits of Kofor Mata. Six hundred years later, those same pits are being used today.
May 26, 2026 at 11:12 PM
Western Africa in general has a rich textile tradition. The noted Arab traveler Ibn Battutah once visited Kano, an ancient trading city in northern Nigeria, where he remarked on the indigo dye pits of Kofor Mata. Six hundred years later, those same pits are being used today.
Reposted by Roger Middleton
Please do join us tomorrow! Details below ⬇️
Please join the Northeast Africa Forum on 19 May, when Fleur Martin (Warwick) will present:
‘Forty strokes with the rhino whip’: Violence, collecting & eastern African caravan journeys in the late nineteenth century
*Hybrid event* Details & webinar registration:
events.ox.ac.uk/oxford_event...
‘Forty strokes with the rhino whip’: Violence, collecting & eastern African caravan journeys in the late nineteenth century
*Hybrid event* Details & webinar registration:
events.ox.ac.uk/oxford_event...
May 18, 2026 at 1:45 PM
Please do join us tomorrow! Details below ⬇️