Africa

Agathe Habyarimana, now an 82-year-old widow, was once at the heart of a tumultuous chapter in Rwandan history as the spouse of former President Juvénal Habyarimana. Recently, she evaded judicial proceedings in France when investigating magistrates concluded there was not enough evidence to implicate her in the harrowing events of the 1994 genocide. After her husband’s assassination ignited a cataclysm of violence, Habyarimana fled Rwanda, receiving assistance from French authorities. This period, marked by chaos and loss,…

The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) recently made headlines with its controversial decision to replace striking lecturers with part-time staff, offering a meager rate of just US$5.50 per hour. Of this amount, a staggering 40%—equivalent to US$2.20—will be disbursed in local currency, subject to income tax. Whose idea was this, one might wonder, to disregard the commitment and expertise that full-time educators bring to the table? As the sun rises over the university campus, classrooms remain eerily quiet. Striking lecturers…

On May 8th, the vibrant city of Dakar witnessed a significant stride towards economic empowerment with the official launch of the second phase of the Project for Support and Promotion of Women's and Youth's Entrepreneurial Initiatives, known as PAVIE II. This initiative, strategically rooted in the ambitious “Sénégal 2050” national development framework, boasts a substantial budget of €163.449 million. But what does this really mean for the people of Senegal? The essence of PAVIE II lies not just in numbers but in the…

The African Space Agency (AfSA) has officially opened its doors in Cairo, Egypt, marking a pivotal moment for the continent and its aspirations. Established under the auspices of the African Union (AU), this agency is not merely a new bureaucratic entity; it embodies a collective vision. A vision directed toward addressing pressing issues such as climate change while striving to keep pace with advancements in space technology and Earth observation. As we stand on the precipice of space exploration, it’s worth noting that…

In a significant development for the South African technology landscape, the government is contemplating extending a special exemption to Elon Musk, allowing his ambitious satellite internet service, Starlink, to operate within its borders. This move bypasses the stringent Black ownership requirements that characterize the country’s economic policies, particularly those aimed at promoting Black Economic Empowerment. This proposed exemption emerges amid rising tensions involving not only Musk but also former U.S.…

Human Rights Watch has urged the Malian government to initiate a thorough and impartial inquiry into the tragic deaths of 22 men detained on May 12. The organization maintains these individuals fell victim to what they describe as "apparent extrajudicial executions." Eyewitness accounts reveal a harrowing scene: the bodies were discovered with their throats cut, buried in two shallow graves. The men were apprehended during a military operation in a town situated along the Niger River, an area often characterized by its…

In a significant development for international relations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently delivered a ruling concerning the islands of Mbanie, Conga, and Cocoteros. These tiny, sparsely populated landmasses now officially rest under the sovereignty of Equatorial Guinea, a resolution that puts a close to a territorial disagreement that has lasted for decades with Gabon. While these islands may seem inconsequential at first glance, they lie in waters believed to be rich in oil and gas reserves, a detail that…

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that it initially opted not to proceed with a prosecution in the deeply troubling case of a seven-year-old girl, widely referred to as Cwecwe, who is alleged to have been raped. This decision was reportedly based on a lack of compelling evidence. Prosecutors highlighted that medical examinations, combined with interviews conducted, failed to establish irrefutable proof of rape or sexual assault. In April, Cwecwe's mother voiced her concerns, revealing that the police…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House this week. Their agenda? A wide-ranging discussion on bilateral, regional, and global issues that matter deeply to both nations. Yet, as the anticipation builds, so does the strain between their administrations. It's crucial to ask: what are the underlying currents driving this tension? The backdrop of this high-stakes meeting is a complex tapestry woven with threads of geopolitical dynamics and domestic policies. In…

In a notable shift in strategy, U.S. envoys stationed in Africa will now be evaluated based on the commercial agreements they facilitate, rather than the volume of aid distributed. This change, articulated by a senior official from the State Department, reflects a burgeoning focus on economic collaboration rather than traditional assistance. Historically, many African nations have been among the largest recipients of U.S. aid. However, under former President Trump’s policies, particularly those leaning towards economic…