Africa

Recently, President Hakainde Hichilema left many taken aback with his candid comments regarding the pressing need for constitutional reform during a speech delivered in the Zambian parliament. He articulated concerns that, without necessary adjustments, certain oversights could potentially result in the country facing a dramatic scenario: "a situation where we could have no general election for eight years." This unexpected assertion sparked widespread criticism from various quarters, including former president Edgar…

A recent parliamentary investigation has revealed a troubling lack of dam inspectors within the Department of Water and Sanitation. This alarming situation comes on the heels of the catastrophic failure of three dams in the Western Cape back in August. The aftermath of the collapse was devastating, as it displaced over a hundred individuals, wreaking havoc on their livelihoods and communities. To put things into perspective, dam owners are legally obligated to provide safety evaluations conducted by certified inspectors.…

The 25th International AIDS Conference highlighted an essential approach for eradicating HIV as a public health dilemma by the year 2030: prioritizing community involvement. Globally, the fight against HIV has always relied on collective action, making significant strides along the way. However, Dr. Joram Sunguti—a Senior Technical Advisor specializing in HIV/AIDS and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) at Pathfinder International—stresses that intensifying community engagement is crucial for tackling enduring…

Namibia is taking decisive action to manage its wildlife amid a severe drought by planning to cull a total of 723 wild animals. Among those slated for removal are 83 elephants. This initiative aims to provide much-needed meat to local communities struggling with the effects of the prolonged drought. The cull will unfold in both national parks and communal lands, particularly in regions where wildlife populations are deemed to surpass the available grazing areas and dwindling water resources. As the drought continues to…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…