Africa

The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has deteriorated into chaos as conflicts flare between the Congolese army and the Rwandan-supported M23 rebels. This escalation has forced nearly 80,000 individuals to flee to neighboring countries, a grim statistic reported by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). What's more, in just a fortnight at the end of February, over 800 cases of rape were documented by humanitarian organizations, underscoring a horrifying trend of violence against civilians. These acts of…

In a significant move to honor the historical legacy and contributions of marginalized groups, a new inscription in the lxam language has been etched into the façade of Rhodes House at Oxford University. This endeavor acknowledges the tribulations and relentless labor of those whose hardships ultimately contributed to Cecil Rhodes’ immense wealth. The lxam inscription was skillfully crafted by Fergus Wessel, a stone mason hailing from the UK, whose work is steeped in the traditions of the English Arts and Crafts movement.…

Nestled within the borders of Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger lies the W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking biodiversity. Yet, this remarkable sanctuary faces a perilous paradox. What should be a celebration of nature’s splendor is marred by a sinister undercurrent: organized transnational crime. From arms smuggling to drug trafficking and human exploitation, the WAP Complex has become a multifaceted battleground, as highlighted by Feyi Ogunade in The Conversation Africa.…

Ethio-Kenya Business Conference: A New Horizon for Collaboration Imagine a partnership that unlocks the potential of an entire continent. Ethiopia, standing as a strategic entry point into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emerges as a natural gateway for Kenya, facilitating access to the expanse of North Africa. This notion was passionately articulated today by Tobias Alando, the CEO of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), at the Ethio-Kenya Business Conference convened in Addis Ababa. In a…

The controversial bill aims to escalate the prison sentences associated with same-sex relationships while also instituting penalties for those found to be promoting or sponsoring LGBTQI+ activities. It is worth noting that former President Akufo-Addo ultimately opted against signing this legislation into law, despite its initial passage by parliament in 2024. In a recent statement, former President John Mahama articulated a pragmatic approach regarding the proposed bill. He expressed a desire for a national consensus,…

Stellenbosch University’s Tataokhona project recently unveiled a compelling report entitled, "The State of South Africa's Fathers 2024," which delves into the evolving dynamics of fatherhood within the family structure. As we navigate an era marked by rapid social, economic, and cultural shifts, understanding the role of fathers has never been more crucial. One striking finding reveals that while 76% of children reside with an adult male, only 35% live with their biological father—a marked decline from 45.3% in 1996. What…

The Cabinet has finalized its contributions to the 2025 Budget, which Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is poised to present to Members of Parliament. This marks a significant moment in our fiscal planning. In a bid to craft a responsible and inclusive financial blueprint, ministers convened for an extraordinary session dedicated to navigating the intricate details of the Budget. This was not merely a routine meeting—it was a second attempt after the Cabinet previously dismissed a revised proposal that notably lacked the…

In a world interconnected by complex socio-economic forces, the closure of the UN's Southern African bureau stands as a significant decision that reverberates across continents. As we delve into this development, one cannot help but ponder the ramifications on both global and local scales. Positioned amidst an evolving diplomatic climate, the relationship between South Africa and the United States finds itself under scrutiny. At this pivotal moment, the closure of the bureau, largely funded by U.S. contributions,…

Tracking elephant populations across the vast landscapes of Africa has long been a complex endeavor. Logistical hurdles, civil conflicts, and funding limitations have posed significant obstacles. Yet, a recent study, expertly collated by George Wittemyer for The Conversation Africa, has pulled together data from a staggering 1,325 surveys conducted over 50 years, shedding light on a stark reality: a dramatic decline in elephant numbers. To put it into perspective, the African savanna elephant population has decreased by a…

Picture this: you're wandering through the vibrant souks of Morocco, where the air is filled with the scent of spices and the hum of bargaining voices. You find yourself standing awe-struck before the timeless pyramids of Egypt, pondering just how many stories these stones could tell. Or perhaps you venture into the heart of Africa's natural beauty on a safari in Kenya or South Africa, where wild animals roam freely against the backdrop of dramatic landscapes. This is the allure of Africa—an…