Mount Nyiragongo in eastern Congo erupted, causing a trail of lava that destroyed hundreds of houses and resulted in at least 13 deaths, including nine in a traffic accident and four during a prison escape. The lava flow stopped short of the city of Goma, sparing the major city and its airport. Residents, recalling a deadly 2002 eruption, fled on foot, with some crossing into Rwanda. The International Federation of Red Cross reported that thousands fled into Rwanda, but some began returning the next day. The eruption was due to fractures in the volcano's side, and while the immediate danger has passed, authorities warn of potential further flows. The OVG, responsible for monitoring the volcano, faced challenges due to funding cuts and internet issues, hindering their ability to predict the eruption.

The article by Olivia Acland covers the aftermath of a devastating mudslide in Sierra Leone that resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. At least 499 people were killed, and over 600 are still missing following the collapse of Sugar Loaf mountain onto the Regent community and surrounding areas. The journalist provides personal accounts from survivors who lost family members, homes, and all their possessions. The survivors share harrowing stories of escape and the challenges they now face, such as the inability to pay for school fees, the loss of life savings, and the struggle to find shelter. The article also mentions the aid being provided by the non-governmental organisation Street Child to those affected by the disaster.

Pascale Harter introduces a compilation of stories highlighting both development and disaster across various regions. Alastair Leithead reports on Ethiopia's ambitious industrialization efforts, showcasing new infrastructure and questioning the country's future prospects. Olivia Acland covers the devastating landslide in Sierra Leone, focusing on the survivors' distrust in government rehousing promises. Matthew Teller explores the evolving identity of the Falkland Islands, noting its increasing diversity with examples like Zimbabwean mine-clearers and Chilean hoteliers. Lastly, Simon Calder takes a bus trip across Central Asia, admiring the unique and resilient designs of Soviet-era bus shelters.

The article profiles the street dance group Roughest Bounds from Sierra Leone, highlighting their aspirations and challenges. The group, consisting of 12 members including Slim, a 17-year-old dancer, is striving to make a name for themselves despite facing social stigma and financial hardships. They practice daily and earn a modest income from dance competitions and performances at events like weddings. The dancers, who are managed by Samuel, live together in a small apartment and often struggle with basic necessities such as food. Slim, who also attends school, dreams of showcasing their talent on international stages in America or Europe. The group's dedication to their art form is evident as they continue to work on their routines and performances, hoping to change the negative perceptions associated with street dancers in their country.

The article discusses the Creole language of Sierra Leone, known as Krio, and its unique linguistic composition influenced by English, African, Portuguese, French, and other languages. It traces the history of Sierra Leone's Creoles and the formation of Krio through different waves of migration and the abolition of the slave trade. The article also explores the debate over the origins of Creole languages, whether they arise from a pidgin stage or are direct blends of parent languages. It highlights the complexity and richness of Krio, challenging the notion that Creoles have simpler grammars. The work of Eldred Jones, who co-wrote a Krio dictionary, is mentioned as a significant contribution to the understanding and appreciation of the language. The article also references a study published in the journal 'Nature' and the views of John McWhorter from Columbia University on the simplicity of Creole grammars.

The article discusses the crisis of overfishing in Sierra Leone, where foreign trawlers, predominantly from China, South Korea, Italy, Guinea, and Russia, are depleting fish stocks and threatening local food security. Nearly half of Sierra Leone's population is undernourished, and fish is a crucial protein source. The government's weak enforcement capabilities are highlighted by the controversy surrounding a World Bank-funded project, which aimed to police waters but was tainted by allegations of bribery against the Dutch shipbuilder Damen. The country's limited resources for patrolling its waters, including a boat that rarely patrols due to fuel costs, exacerbate the situation. Local fishermen, including Pa Seaport and his son Sulaman Kamara, notice a significant decline in fish, particularly valuable species, and blame both foreign trawlers and local fishing practices. Kadiatu Kamara, a government fisheries officer and Pa Seaport's daughter, acknowledges the problem but also points to local overfishing during breeding seasons.