The leaders of Comoros, Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, and Zambia are in Ukraine and Russia this week in an attempt to mediate an end to the war. The prospects for success are slim, considering Russia’s bombing of Kiev during the delegation’s visit. In the absence of a ceasefire, African leaders are concerned with renewing the Black Sea Deal, under which Russia allows Ukrainian grain exports. Should the deal expire, global food prices are likely to rise dramatically. So far Russia has refused to extend the deal beyond its 17 June expiration date.

John Fru Ndi, founder of Cameroon’s opposition Social Democratic Front, has died at age 81. Fru Ndi was a democracy activist and advocate for Cameroon’s anglophone minority since the 1980s, and has continuously challenged President Biya in elections.

• Cassava Republic has announced the release of And then He Sang a Lullaby, the debut novel of Nigerian writer and activist Ani Kayode Somtochukwu. The novel tells the story of two lovers whose relationship is tested by the passage of Nigeria’s 2013 anti-gay law.
• The Economist reviews The Five Sorrowful Mysteries of Andy Africa, a dark comedy coming of age novel by Nigerian-British author Stephen Buoro.
• The 2024 Grammy Awards have added a category for “Best African Music Performance.” While the category owes its existence to the popularity of Afrobeat, it is defined expansively to include all genres.

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Image: Picture of John Fru Ndi in 2011. Creative Commons. 18 January 2011. Photo credit: Mbiele Happi.