Focus on Africa Afro-Iranian community grapples with new war
Mar 6, 2026
Priscilla Kounkou-Hoveyda, filmmaker and founder of the Collective for Black Iranians, speaks about Afro-Iranian identity and storytelling. She shares experiences of surveillance, digital blackouts and the emotional toll of exile. The conversation highlights protests, marginalization and the struggle to keep voices heard under conflict.
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Diaspora Fear From Images Of Home Under Attack
- Priscilla describes the Iran war coverage as terrifying and dehumanising for those with family inside the country.
- She fears for her mother in Tehran and says images of familiar streets destroyed amplify anxiety for the diaspora.
Blocked Communication During Digital Blackouts
- Priscilla recounts difficulty contacting her mother because of a digital blackout and heavy surveillance inside Iran.
- She only managed short landline calls and worries loved ones shield information to protect relatives abroad.
On-The-Ground Voices Describe State Control And Scarcity
- Voice notes Priscilla shares show civilians demanding the Islamic Republic gone and describing checkpoints, shootings and scarcity of money.
- They report supermarkets stocked but families unable to afford food and streets dominated by security checkpoints.