Africa

Zambian court jails two for using “witchcraft” to target president — a case that cuts across law, belief and politics A Zambian magistrate has sentenced two men to two years in prison for what prosecutors described as an attempt to use witchcraft to kill President Hakainde Hichilema — a verdict that raises awkward questions about how state institutions confront age‑old beliefs when they intersect with contemporary politics. The ruling Magistrate Fine Mayambu on Tuesday handed down the custodial sentences to Leonard Phiri,…

Rwanda's Rise as a Global Drone Hub: A New Horizon for Innovation In the heart of Africa, Rwanda has emerged as an unexpected leader in the burgeoning field of drone technology, positioning itself not only as a pioneer on the continent but also as a beacon for innovation. As international firms flock to this East African nation, it is reshaping its identity and ambition, blending tradition with the cutting-edge potential of modern aviation. A Historic Moment in Aviation On September 4, during the prestigious 2025 Aviation…

Ballots Arrive on Time in Malawi, But Trust Remains the Real Battleground Ballot papers for Malawi’s presidential and parliamentary elections due on September 16 arrived on schedule this week, prompting cautious relief from political parties and election officials — and renewed calls for what many see as the only thing that will keep the peace: uncompromising transparency during voting and counting. Logistics delivered, but the memory of 2019 lingers “We welcome the punctual delivery of ballots,” said a senior official…

Somalia’s president brings a climate plea to Addis Ababa as Africa seeks a united front ADDIS ABABA — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Ethiopia’s capital on Sunday as leaders from across Africa convened for the second Africa Climate Summit, a gathering that has shifted in recent years from platitudes to a sharpened insistence: poor nations deserve more money, and faster, to cope with climate shocks. Mohamud was greeted at Bole International Airport by senior Ethiopian officials and joined other high-level…

Rekindling Hopes for Peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo In a world where peace often feels just a shade more elusive than conflict, the commitment by key players in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to uphold a U.S.-brokered peace agreement offers a flicker of hope. This agreement, emerged from months of tireless U.S.-led mediation, aims to end decades of turmoil that have plagued the nation, a country rich in resources yet burdened by strife. But as the complexities mount, promises made may soon find themselves…

Rising Tensions: The Battle Over the Nile In the heart of East Africa, the waves of a centuries-old conflict ripple through the waters of the Nile, igniting fears of instability and regional tension. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), touted as a beacon of progress for Ethiopia, has become a battleground for Egypt and Sudan, who insist on keeping discussions limited to the three nations directly flanking this vital resource. Their recent assertions highlight the deep-seated anxieties surrounding the dam's operation…

The Hemorrhage: Africa's Battle Against Illicit Financial Flows As the sun rises over the sprawling cities of Africa, it casts a light on an urgent issue plaguing the continent: illicit financial flows. While Africa is rich in resources and potential, it is estimated to lose a staggering U.S.$88 billion each year due to tax evasion, money laundering, and corruption. This figure, a steep jump from U.S.$50 billion just eight years ago, paints a bleak picture of a continent struggling against forces that siphon away its…

Echoes of a Deadly Past: The 16th Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo As the sun sets over the dense forests and bustling villages of Kasai province, the shadows grow longer, casting a pall over a region that has been gripped by fear and uncertainty. Once again, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) finds itself in the throes of an Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak—the 16th in its troubled history. The country, often in the international spotlight for its ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises, now faces a renewed threat…

Somalia’s Emergence: A Glimmer of Hope in the Global Peace Index For the first time in years, Somalia has climbed out of the shadows of the world's most insecure nations, according to the latest Global Peace Index. The country now ranks 151 out of 163 countries, moving away from the notorious bottom ten. While this new ranking signifies a step forward for a nation long defined by conflict, it simultaneously highlights the multifaceted challenges that remain in achieving lasting peace. A Milestone Amidst Turbulence…

The Tragedy on the Waters: Nigeria’s Ongoing Struggle with Boat Safety The serene waters of Nigeria’s rivers tell stories of life, commerce, and community. Yet, they also harbor shadows of tragedy, as demonstrated by the recent sinking of a passenger boat in Niger State. This harrowing incident, which occurred while carrying an estimated 90 people, has left the nation grappling with yet another stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who traverse its waterways. On an overcast morning, as the boat set sail from Tungan…