Central Africa

In an era marked by profound environmental challenges, the year 2024 stands out as a testament to the intensifying struggle against air pollution. Astonishingly, a mere seven countries succeeded in adhering to the World Health Organization's (WHO) stringent air quality guidelines. This startling figure not only underscores the gravity of global pollution but also beckons us to ponder: What steps should we be taking to remedy this dire situation? Countries meeting WHO air quality standards: The list of nations meeting these…

PANAMA CITY (AP) Imagine fleeing your homeland to escape turmoil, only to be whisked halfway across the world to a haven that feels anything but safe. From Afghanistan to Somalia, individuals have embarked on a formidable journey, with hopes pinned on reaching the United States—a beacon of safety and opportunity. These brave souls journeyed relentlessly, through lands where the language was a mystery, across the dangerous Darién jungle, all in a bid to stand at the U.S.-Mexico border. For many, arriving at this border…

Civic space in Africa has become ground zero for a poignant tussle, drawing government entities, activists, and citizens into a conflict over essential freedoms. It's a vivid spectacle, showcasing courage and resilience on one side, and a draconian clampdown on liberties on the other. It beckons us to ask, what value do we place on our freedom of expression, and how far are we willing to go to protect it? While there are still beacons of steadfastness, countries that cling stubbornly to the ideals of…

On a day marked by significant developments, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) made a compelling decision to conclude its military involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). After years of complex engagement, this decision wasn’t just a moment in time; it was the culmination of extensive deliberations and strategic thought. The transition involves a thoughtful, gradual withdrawal of forces—an operation marked by its sensitivity and precision. As the SADC's communiqué succinctly…

It's a new dawn for journalism across Africa, at least according to the 2024 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). These indices reveal that some African nations are making commendable strides in promoting media freedom, a cause that has historically faced numerous hurdles on the continent. Notable improvements are being made in the realms of transparency, safety, and of course, the autonomy of media professionals—a true testament to the shifting tides of African journalism.…

When we delve into the realm of economics, one concept stands out as particularly enlightening: Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). This crucial economic metric enables economists, policymakers, and even curious minds like ours to unearth the real value of currencies by evaluating how much a standard basket of goods would cost across different nations. Essentially, PPP adjusts currencies to help us grasp the true worth of the monetary units by factoring in living cost differentials. Imagine it as a global price leveler, a…

Imagine a vast land teeming with unparalleled opportunities and challenges—a mosaic of cultures, resources, and vibrant economies. Welcome to Africa, the continent at the heart of Russia's expanding international trade canvas. In 2024, Russia's food shipments to Africa burgeoned to an impressive $7 billion, marking a nearly 20% rise compared to the previous year. Why this surge? What does this tell us about the evolving global trade dynamics? A publication from the Russian Export Centre (REC) painted a detailed picture:…

Angola is stepping into an ambitious role, attempting to mediate the ongoing turmoil in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The focus lies on facilitating direct negotiations between Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo, and the M23 rebel group, which has recently captured significant territories. During a recent meeting held in Luanda, Angolan President João Lourenço unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at establishing dialogue between the warring factions. His commitment to fostering peace in the region cannot be…

In a significant development for African football, Patrice Motsepe, the prominent South African mining executive, has secured his position as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for a second consecutive term, doing so without any opposition. This confirmation of his leadership signals both continuity and the potential for further progress within the organization. At 63, Motsepe stands as a notable figure not just in the realm of sports but also in business, with his family's trust owning Mamelodi…

By the time you hear about an internet shutdown, the damage has often already set in, like ripples spreading across a pond. According to a report from the vigilant watchdogs at Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition, Africa saw an unsettling record of 21 internet shutdowns across 15 of its nations last year—a stark increase from the previous records of 19 in both 2020 and 2021. This begs the question: what compels governments to flip the switch in times of turmoil? Among the affected…