Lebanon Rattled by Fresh Explosions as Israel Signals Escalation in Conflict

The harrowing day began when Civil Defense teams rushed to aid a man injured by his exploding pager in Sidon, Lebanon, on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. (AP Photo) Just a day after Hezbollah-linked pagers detonated, a secondary onslaught hit Beirut and other areas in Lebanon on Wednesday. State media and Hezbollah officials reported that this new wave targeted walkie-talkies and solar gear. The Health Ministry confirmed the second wave's tragic toll—20 fatalities and more than 450 wounded. These attacks, purportedly by Israel…

South Africa Remembers Literary Legend James Matthews

The literary world is mourning the loss of the illustrious Struggle poet, esteemed publisher, and gifted writer James Matthews, who peacefully passed away in his sleep at his Cape Town residence. He graced us with his presence for 95 remarkable years. Matthews's poignant poetry faced banishment under the oppressive apartheid regime, exposing him to relentless intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and the stifling of his artistic expression. His work vividly echoed the hardships and realities faced by Cape Town’s marginalized…

Libyan Central Bank Suspends Activities Due to Kidnapping of Employees

The Central Bank of Libya has officially declared a halt to its operations following the alarming kidnapping of its IT chief by unidentified armed assailants. This disturbing event unfolds amid escalating tensions among various armed factions throughout the nation. Prior to this incident, gunmen had surrounded the bank's headquarters located in Tripoli, demanding the resignation of Governor Seddik al-Kabir. This bold move has sparked international outrage, notably from Richard Norland, the U.S. Ambassador to Libya. He…

BGS 2024 Forum to Highlight the Impact of Fintech on Somalia’s Economic Development

BGS 2024 Forum: Unpacking Fintech's Role in Somalia's Economic Landscape MOGADISHU, Somalia - The annual Somalia’s Success Stories, organized by Hormuud, a leading telecommunications giant in the country, is all set to unfold on October 16, 2024, at the Sahal venue in Mogadishu. Next month, we'll witness the third edition of this influential forum. Previously, the BGS forum provided a deep dive into Somalia's economic fabric, shedding light on both the growth potentials and the formidable challenges facing the nation. It…

Ruto states Kenya requires Sh106 billion for police reform implementation

President William Ruto during an event at the Kenya School of Government on September 16, 2024. Image: PCS During an event brimming with anticipation yesterday, President William Ruto unveiled an ambitious plan requiring Sh106 billion to invigorate the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, and the National Youth Service with much-needed reforms. Originally envisioned by a task force helmed by ex-Chief Justice David Maraga, these sweeping policing reforms were long-awaited. With palpable sincerity, Ruto shared…

Rwanda Closes 5,600 Churches Due to Safety Breaches

The Rwandan government has taken significant action by shutting down thousands of churches, including a remarkable 100 situated in caves. This decision stems from a variety of pressing concerns linked to safety, public health, and regulatory compliance. Many of these places of worship have been critiqued for inadequate sound insulation and the dubious, transactional nature of certain religious practices. As Usta Kaitesi, the Chief Executive of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), articulates, a considerable number of these…

Somali Cabinet Greenlights New Ambassadorial Appointments and Endorses Human Rights Policy

Mogadishu (AX) – At a bustling Thursday gathering in Mogadishu, Somalia's Council of Ministers, led by Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre, gave the nod to two fresh ambassadorial appointments and endorsed a National Procedure Policy dedicated to human rights oversight.Abdihakin Mohamed Ahmed Dhobodareed and Yusuf Ahmed Jeego snagged the ambassadorial slots, though the exact nations they'll represent remain under wraps. The ministers took a deep dive into the National Transformation Plan (NTP), which aims to bolster state

Ten African Countries Celebrate Gold Medals at the Paralympic Games

At the 2024 Paralympic Games, a remarkable accomplishment unfolded as ten African nations stood proudly on the podium, collectively clinching a total of 23 gold medals across eight countries. This achievement highlights the growing prowess of athletes from the continent in various sporting disciplines. On this grand stage, Morocco distinguished itself as the standout performer, amassing an impressive haul of 15 medals. Yet, it was Algeria that stole the spotlight with a remarkable six golds, marking its dominance in the…

Human Rights Advocates Urge an End to ‘Political Prosecutions’ in Tunisia

A prominent rights organization has urged the Tunisian government to halt prosecutions rooted in political motives and ensure the upcoming elections uphold principles of fairness and integrity. This organization has disclosed that authorities have "prosecuted, convicted, or imprisoned" a minimum of eight potential candidates ahead of the presidential election scheduled for October 6. Notably, the electoral commission has sanctioned only three candidates, one of whom is the current President, Kais Saied. "By incarcerating…

U.S. to Expand Lobito Corridor Railway Project into Tanzania

The U.S. government is gearing up to embark on a significant railway initiative that extends from Angola to the Indian Ocean, passing through Tanzania. This ambitious venture, known as the Lobito Corridor, aims to create vital connections among various African nations, facilitating access to global markets while “bolstering regional trade and stimulating economic advancement.” On her latest visit to the area, Helaina Matza, the U.S. acting Special Coordinator for Partnership on Global Infrastructure and Investment, focused…