African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

Africa Defeated Nazi Germany During World War II

Seventeen African countries and colonies contributed to defeating Nazi Germany and its allies during World War II, ranging from providing troops and resources to active involvement in military campaigns.

Africa Helped to Defeat Nazis During World War II

Africa During World War II

African Countries During World War II Who Helped To Defeat Nazi Germany

During World War II, African nationals from seventeen African colonies and nations actively participated in the fight against Nazi occupation as part of the Free French Forces under the leadership of General Charles de Gaulle. 

These individuals made remarkable contributions to the Allied effort, demonstrating exceptional valor and unwavering dedication. Notably, some were honored with the Cross of the Liberation or the Croix de la Libération and other distinctions for their contributions.

The Cross of the Liberation Croix de la Libération is a prestigious military decoration awarded by France. It was established during World War II to honor individuals who made significant contributions to the liberation of France from Nazi occupation. 

Although their specific names may not be widely documented, Africans also joined the ranks of the French forces, contributing to the collective effort against Nazi occupation.

During World War II, seventeen African countries and colonies, encompassing both those under colonial rule and independent nations, actively participated in the global struggle against Nazi Germany and its allies. 

Algeria, a French colony, deployed its troops as an integral part of the French forces combating the Axis powers. 

Similarly, Morocco, another French colony, contributed its forces in conjunction with French units across several campaigns. 

Tunisia, yet another French colony, emerged as a pivotal theater in the North African campaign, with combined efforts from French and British forces countering Axis aggression.

Senegal, a French colony, made substantial contributions by providing troops to the French army, with the renowned Senegalese Tirailleurs distinguishing themselves for their courage on the battlefield.

Nigeria was a key contributor, offering both troops and resources to bolster the British war effort. The Gold Coast, now known as Ghana, likewise extended support to the British cause, playing a vital role in the conflict. Kenyan troops, drawn from another British colony, participated in various theaters of war, including North Africa.

South Africa featured prominently in multiple campaigns, including North Africa. While not directly involved, the independent nation of Liberia declared war on Germany in 1944 and contributed to the broader Allied war effort. In the Middle East, Egypt, acting as a British protectorate, held significant strategic importance during the North African campaign.

Sudan, another British colony, offered vital support to the Allied war effort. Moving to Central Africa, Chad and Cameroon, both French colonies, supplied troops and played crucial roles in North African campaigns as well as the liberation of France. 

The federation of French colonies, French Equatorial Africa, which included territories like Chad, Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo, also actively participated in the war effort.

During World War II, seventeen African countries and colonies played a significant role in the Allied effort to defeat Nazi Germany and its allies. They contributed in many ways, including providing troops and resources, as well as actively participating in military campaigns to assist in defeating Nazis in Germany and its allies.


Week’s Best African Culture Posts

Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition

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Dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia: the newly chosen Fine Boy is temporarily celebrated with fanfare and pleasure. Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition Fascinating stories emerged during the Pepper Coast's glory days. Beginning in the 15th century, European traders established outposts along the Liberian coastline, drawn by its wealth of humans, spices, and other commodities.  Centuries later, in the 19th century, the American Colonization Society (ACS) founded settlements in Liberia and began journalling native stories.  Among these tales is a dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia, a story so intriguing it almost seems too good to be true because, in some ways, it is.   The Kru women periodically held elections to select a young, handsome man as their “Fine Boy.” The announcement of his selection was celebrated with a vibrant procession featuring music, singing, and dancing.  The newly chosen Fine Boy was placed at the front of the para...
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What is the difference between ugali and fufu

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How to make the popular African recipes Ugali and Fufu and what is the difference.  Ugali is a starch dish in Kenya and Tanzania made of fine cornmeal cooked in boiling water into a soft dough. Fufu is a thick, dough-like West African food made by boiling then pounding a starchy vegetable such as yam, plantain, or cassava or a mixture of starchy vegetables. The main difference between fufu and ugali is fufu is boiled first then pounded while ugali is simply boiled. Ugali recipe. Easy Ugali Recipe Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 30 minutes Total time 30 minutes Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour cornmeal into boiling water stirring continuously. Add more cornmeal if necessary until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with vegetables, stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is purposely bland tasting on its own. What is the difference between ugali ...
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Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe

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Berbere Spice North African Popcorn Topping Recipe The best African spice for fresh popped popcorn is Berbere, a flavorful and aromatic bold spice blend from North Africa you buy at the local supermarket or online. Berbere is known for its bold mix of spices, often including chili peppers, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves.  Berbere brings a balance of heat, sweetness, and earthy depth to any dish including fresh popped popcorn. The spice mix symbolizes community and hospitality, often prepared at home with slight variations to suit family preferences. Its fiery yet balanced flavor profile mirrors the complex and vibrant food of North African culture . In cities across Africa, popcorn is a common street snack and is often sold in cinemas, at markets, and by roadside vendors.  Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe Ingredients ½ cup poped popcorn kernels  2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon Berbere spice blend   1 teaspoon salt ...
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Keto Moroccan Dinner Cooked Slowly

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Slow Cooked Moroccan Kefta Lamb Meatballs   Keto Tagine Morocco is at the geographic and cultural crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.   In Morocco, the term tagine refers to a slow cooked stew as well as the pot the stew is made in. Kefta Tagine Kefta Tagine is a keto-friendly Moroccan lamb meatball food dish fitted for your low-carb lifestyle. The slow cooking of the meatballs allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a fragrant, hearty keto meal. The star of the Kefta Tagine dish is lamb, symbolizing the richness of Moroccan hospitality. Lamb meat has been a staple in North African cuisine for centuries, with lamb being central to celebrations and religious festivals.  Ground lamb meat is spiced and shaped into small balls, known as kefta, a preparation that dates back to ancient Berber traditions.  The kefta are seasoned with cumin, paprika, and coriander, spices that have shaped Morocco’s history in the global trading of spices whi...
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