Africa

Ghana's Cost-Cutting Measures Ahead of the UN General Assembly As the world prepares to gather for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City, Ghana's government is taking a distinctly cautious approach, urging its officials to temper their travel plans. In a recent directive from Julius Debra, the Chief of Staff to President John Mahama, stringent guidelines have been put forth regarding attendance at the event, a move framed as part of the nation's broader cost-cutting strategy dubbed "Resetting…

The Fall of Chief Justice Torkonoo: A Watershed Moment for Ghana's Judiciary In a significant turn of events in Ghana's political landscape, President John Mahama has officially dismissed Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo following a thorough investigation into alleged misconduct. This dramatic decision, marked by controversy and debate, highlights the intricate interplay between politics and judicial integrity in the West African nation. A Historical Precedent Torkonoo’s removal is not just a procedural event; it signifies…

The Fragile Landscape of Cameroon's Upcoming Presidential Elections Amid the lush landscapes and vibrant cultures of Cameroon, a pivotal moment looms on the horizon: the impending presidential elections, set to be held soon under the long-standing reign of President Paul Biya. With nearly 43 years in power, Biya's ruling Cameroon People Democratic Movement (CPDM) is widely anticipated to secure another term, a common expectation that has gripped political observers since 1992. Yet, with the specter of rising ethnic tensions…

Tragedy on the Roads: Namibia Faces Heartbreak After Collision On a quiet afternoon in Namibia, a devastating tragedy unfolded near Mariental, a town located 270 kilometers south of Windhoek. A head-on collision between vehicles belonging to the country's security services has taken the lives of 16 individuals, including 14 officers and two civilians, leaving a nation in mourning. The Aftermath of the Collision As news of the accident spread, the ripple effects were felt far beyond Mariental's immediate borders. President…

Echoes from Biafra: A Finnish Court's Sentencing Highlights Ongoing Struggles In a courtroom in Lahti, Finland, a decision was handed down that resonates far beyond its walls, eliciting reflections on colonial legacies, regional identity, and the scars of a war long past. Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-born Finnish citizen and self-declared leader of a Biafra secessionist group, was sentenced to six years in prison for terrorism-related offenses. The ruling, delivered by the Päijät-Häme District Court, encapsulates a complex…

A New Hope for Democracy in the Central African Republic In a bold move that resonates with the spirit of civic nationalism, former Central African Republic Prime Minister Anicet-Georges Dologuélé has publicly renounced his French citizenship, signaling his intention to challenge President Faustin Touadéra in the upcoming December 2025 presidential elections. This gesture not only underscores Dologuélé's commitment to the nation but also reflects a growing sentiment among Central Africans yearning for genuine representation…

The Heartbeat of Education: Navigating the Global Teacher Crisis Santiago, Chile—As the sun rose over the bustling streets of this vibrant city, the shadows of an impending crisis loomed large over the UNESCO World Summit on Teachers. Amina Mohammed, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, painted a stark picture of the global teaching landscape, calling it “a slow-burning emergency” that is threatening educational advancement and, by extension, the very fabric of society. With her words resonating through the conference hall,…

At Least 70 Dead in West Africa Migrant Boat Disaster; Dozens More Feared Missing Off Mauritania A migrant boat attempting the Atlantic crossing from West Africa to Europe capsized off Mauritania, killing at least 70 people and leaving many more missing, Gambia’s foreign affairs ministry said late Friday. The vessel, believed to have departed the Gambia and carrying mostly Gambian and Senegalese nationals, sank early Wednesday. Mauritanian authorities recovered 70 bodies by Thursday, and only 16 survivors were pulled from…

Shot dead in a township: how extortion and xenophobia leave Somali shopkeepers exposed in South Africa Late on a Thursday in Booysenpark, a low-rise neighbourhood of Port Elizabeth, the staccato of gunfire ended the life of a shopkeeper who had been trying, like many migrants, to make a modest living in South Africa. Sharmaarke Aadan Mohamed was killed inside his spaza shop — one more body on a long list of Somali traders who say they live under the constant threat of violence, robbery and organized extortion. The killing…

A Glimmer of Hope: Navigating the Complex Path to Peace in Eastern DRC In a region where the echoes of conflict have long overshadowed the melodies of everyday life, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) stands at a pivotal crossroads. Last Thursday, under the discreet whisper of diplomacy in Qatar, a draft peace proposal emerged from the shadows of a devastating war, offering a fragile beam of hope for the people of the Eastern DRC and beyond. The Players and the Process The peace dialogues in Doha involved the DRC…