Africa

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has opted not to pursue charges against President Cyril Ramaphosa or anyone involved in the Phala Phala affair, which originated from a criminal complaint lodged by former intelligence official Arthur Fraser back in 2022. Known colloquially as "Farmgate," the controversy erupted when Fraser accused Ramaphosa of covering up the theft of $4 million after a burglary at the president's Phala Phala game farm. The president firmly rejected these allegations, asserting that the funds taken…

A trio of fascinating new marine species has recently been unearthed within the extraordinary waters of South Africa, influenced by the intricate dance of the Benguela and Agulhas currents. These discoveries include the charming "walking sponge" (Suberites ambulodomos), a minuscule clam (Brachiomya ducentiunus), and an elusive parasitic isopod (Pseudionella pumulaensis). Jannes Landschoff provided these insights in an article for The Conversation Africa. Though these organisms may be diminutive, their impact on marine…

In a significant gathering in Asmara, Eritrea, leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened to reaffirm their commitment to upholding sovereignty and ensuring territorial integrity within the Horn of Africa. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia participated in this summit, which took place against the backdrop of escalating tensions throughout the region. During their discussions, the leaders focused on bolstering security measures, enhancing…

The government of Burkina Faso is sharpening its focus on a nationalistic approach to news and information dissemination, as noted by the Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Recently, the Superior Council for Communication (CSC), which oversees media regulations in Burkina Faso, imposed a ban on the rebroadcast of foreign radio programs effective immediately. This decision follows a three-month suspension of the Voice of America (VOA) broadcasts in the country. This move highlights a growing trend in which the government seeks…

On September 27, tragic news emerged from Kaduna State, Nigeria, where a military airstrike aimed at combating notorious criminal gangs, widely referred to as bandits, resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries among innocent civilians. This grim incident has been reported by various media outlets, with Human Rights Watch highlighting the humanitarian crisis unfolding. Calls for accountability, unwavering justice, and increased transparency have echoed through the community, yet the echoes seem to fall on deaf…

Rising Tensions in the Horn of Africa: A New Alliance Formed Against Ethiopia's Red Sea Agenda ASMARA, Eritrea - Brace yourselves for a significant diplomatic gathering as Egypt's president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, heads to Asmara. He joins Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki. The trio plans to hash out trade and security issues affecting the Horn of Africa's landscape. According to insiders, they're eyeing a regional coalition. This could spark jitters since Ethiopia is caught…

In a striking move, the state-run National Handling Services (NHS) has sent several senior executives home amid serious allegations of corruption, ineptitude, and failures in corporate governance. Among those suspended are Godknows Maravanyika, Question Maisera, and Shamiso Nyangairi, who heads the Human Resources department. These individuals face accusations of financial improprieties and mismanagement of company assets. The atmosphere within NHS resembles a stormy sea, as discontent among employees reaches a boiling…

In recent days, government representatives have reassured the public that President Paul Biya, who is 91 years young, is in good health, quelling the swirling rumors on social media platforms. Since his attendance at the China-Africa forum in Beijing earlier this September, Biya has largely disappeared from the public eye. His conspicuous absence from significant events, such as the United Nations General Assembly in New York and a summit in France, has fueled speculation regarding his well-being. People are genuinely…

In recent days, a passionate group of environmental advocates filled the streets of Sandton and Cape Town, South Africa, making a resounding call for a boycott of an event known as Africa Energy Week, or Africa Oil Week, happening in Cape Town this week. Following a protest in Cape Town that drew inspiration from horror themes, activist Lisa Makaula had a conversation with Bush Radio’s Renato van Schalkwyk. Makaula emphasized the urgent need for the government to pivot its investments towards renewable energy sources,…

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has pinpointed Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), and Burundi as the hardest-hit nations in Africa amid the ongoing mpox outbreak. The latest multi-country situation report from the WHO paints a sobering picture: DR Congo has logged 30,766 suspected cases, 5,610 confirmed cases, and regrettably, 25 fatalities. Meanwhile, Burundi has reported 2,188 suspected cases, with 853 confirmed, yet it has fortunately not endured any deaths. A glance at the data, spanning from…