Southern Africa

South African Protests in Support of Pro-Palestine Hunger Strikers South African civil society groups staged nationwide protests, showing solidarity with pro-Palestine hunger strikers detained in U.K. prisons. The demonstrators urged the British government to intervene and secure their release. Protests took place outside British Council offices and consulates in major South African cities. Demands were handed over to officials to act on behalf of the hunger strikers. Calls were made for both U.K. and South…

L. Brent Bozell III, the conservative activist chosen by President Donald Trump to serve as the U.S. ambassador to South Africa, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and is preparing to assume his post, according to reporting by RFI's Melissa Chemam. Bozell, long known on the American right for his organizational work and media activism, enters the diplomatic role as a vocal backer of Israel and a prominent conservative voice in U.S. politics. The Senate confirmation completes Washington’s formal approval process and clears the…

African Union and Member States React to U.S. Intervention in Venezuela The African Union (AU), along with several countries including Ghana, Uganda, and South Africa, has expressed significant concern over the recent U.S. intervention in Venezuela. This situation escalated when U.S. authorities seized President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, as part of an indictment involving drug and weapon charges. In an official statement, the AU stated it would be "following with grave concern the recent developments in…

Gabon National Football Team Suspended Following Disappointing AFCON Exit Gabon's government has announced sweeping changes to its national football setup following the team's dismal performance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The measures include suspending the national team, dismissing head coach Thierry Mouyouma, and imposing a ban on star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The decision was conveyed by Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula after Gabon's early exit from the tournament, culminating in a 3-2 loss…

BEKKERSDAL, South Africa — A manhunt is under way after a mass shooting at a tavern in Bekkersdal, near Johannesburg, left nine people dead and 10 others wounded, police said Monday. Authorities said about 12 unidentified gunmen arrived in two vehicles and opened fire indiscriminately on patrons. Seven men and two women were killed at the scene, police said, while some victims were shot as they tried to flee. Another person was reported killed nearby after dropping off a passenger. Police described the attackers as…

The Excitement Builds as AFCON 2023 Kicks Off in Morocco As teams begin to arrive in Morocco for the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. The tournament, which kicks off this weekend, will see the hosts take on Comoros in a highly anticipated opening match that promises to set the tone for a month filled with thrilling football. A Month of Football Rivalries This year’s AFCON features 24 nations, divided into six gripping groups, each showcasing intense rivalries that…

South Africa has detained and moved to deport seven Kenyan nationals it says were working without permits at a facility processing refugee applications from white South Africans, intensifying a diplomatic row with the United States. South African authorities said intelligence reports showed people “had recently entered South Africa on tourist visas and had illegally taken up work” at the centre. The seven Kenyans were arrested, denied work visas and are to be deported with a five-year ban on re-entry, officials said. “They…

GABORONE — Botswana has urged farmers and other stakeholders along its border with South Africa to be on high alert after an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) was reported in Limpopo Province, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement. The ministry called on livestock owners and the public to report any signs of the viral disease — including drooling and ulcers in the mouth, on the muzzle or on the hooves — to the nearest veterinary office or to the Botswana Police Service. “Reports of suspect animals should…

Former radio DJ Warrick Stock, known professionally as DJ Warras, was shot and killed outside the Carlton Centre in central Johannesburg, police said Monday. Johannesburg police said Stock was approached by three unknown suspects after parking his vehicle in the area. The attackers opened fire after he stepped out of the car, and then fled on foot. No arrests have been made and the motive remains under investigation, authorities said. According to police, Stock was reportedly inspecting a building he had contracted to a…

Former radio DJ Warrick Stock, known on air as DJ Warras, was shot and killed outside the Carlton Centre in central Johannesburg, police and witnesses said. Police said Stock was approached by three unknown suspects after parking his vehicle and was shot before the attackers fled on foot. Initial accounts circulating on social media and among colleagues said he had been inspecting a building guarded by his security company and was fired on after stepping outside. The shooting, which occurred in a busy commercial area of…