Central Africa

Experts contend that the Congo Basin holds the title of the planet's most vital carbon sink, outpacing even the Amazon in its ability to absorb carbon dioxide. Recent discoveries of extensive peatlands hidden beneath this lush expanse have solidified this view. As global appetite for minerals surges—especially those crucial to the ongoing energy shift—the effects on the region's forests are becoming increasingly alarming. According to Earth Insight, a staggering 27% of the intact forests are now encompassed within mining…

In a shocking event over in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, we find ourselves grappling with the tragic news of an attack on a Somali-owned shop. This isn't just a number; it's the loss of a community member, Sadaq Ahmed Hassan, who many knew better as Sadaq British. His life was snuffed out during a robbery that also left Mohamed Dahir nursing injuries. All this took place in the quiet suburbs of Pietermaritzburg—a reminder that even seemingly peaceful places aren't immune to turmoil. It's a gut-punch for the Somali…

Chad's electoral commission has put out a call for military support to safeguard election officials and candidates ahead of the forthcoming parliamentary, local council, and regional elections, all set for December 29. An impressive 8.3 million citizens have registered to cast their votes. In addition, over 1,000 election monitors have been authorized to oversee the electoral process. However, the campaign trail has been anything but smooth. Candidates and their rallies have faced significant disruptions, primarily from…

The second round of qualifying matches for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Countries like the Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Guinea, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have successfully secured their spots in the much-anticipated final phase of the tournament. As sports enthusiasts tune in, they can't help but feel the excitement radiating from these tense encounters. Every kick, every pass, and every goal scored tells a rich…

In Malawi, Dzaleka—the nation’s sole refugee settlement—has begun to receive financial support to alleviate the repercussions of the El Niño weather phenomenon. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of KfW Development Bank and the African Risk Capacity Group, these insurance payouts total nearly U.S.$408,000. This initiative came to fruition after the UN refugee agency in Malawi utilized the group’s innovative Replica program. Essentially, this program allows humanitarian organizations to secure insurance on behalf of…

According to reports from UN agencies, a staggering statistic reveals that one out of every four individuals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is grappling with severe hunger—a crisis that impacts approximately 25.6 million people. The ongoing turmoil in eastern DRC has thrown a wrench in crucial agricultural activities while stunting the development of necessary infrastructure. This predicament is a byproduct of evolving dynamics among various armed factions and struggles over resources, compounded by deeply…

Sudan’s football warriors have navigated the turbulent seas of civil conflict to secure their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite the chaotic backdrop, they triumphed in a fiercely competitive final round of qualifiers, joining Benin in the journey to next year's illustrious tournament. Due to the unrest that began in April of the preceding year, Sudan’s domestic league has been on pause, forcing the national team to play their home games on neutral grounds, far from the cheering home crowd. With Libya and South…

World Toilet Day serves as a critical reminder of the pressing need for clean and safe toilets, particularly within Africa. The United Nations highlights a concerning reality— progress is lagging significantly behind in the race to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of providing "safe toilets for all by 2030." Currently, around 3.5 billion individuals across the globe are without access to basic sanitation. In various African nations such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, and…

Recent reports reveal that a significant number of Gabon’s 860,000 registered voters have chosen to support a new Constitution, which might mark an end to military governance, as disclosed by State Television. This important referendum has the potential to dismantle a political dynasty that the Bongo family has held onto for nearly six decades. The proposed Constitution is not just a piece of legislation; it embodies one of the key promises made by General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema following his seizure of power during…

A handful of nations have officially punched their tickets to the 35th edition of the renowned African Cup of Nations, all set to unfold in Morocco. Countries like Nigeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Uganda, and Equatorial Guinea stood tall during the intense fifth round of qualifying matches. In a dramatic turn of events, Nigeria's ace striker Victor Osimhen salvaged a point for the Super Eagles against Benin, leveling the score at 1-1 with a late equalizer. Remarkably, the three-time champions had already cemented their…