Africa

In a somber turn of events, the government has officially designated KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) as a "disaster-affected area." This decision comes in the wake of devastating floods that have not only claimed lives but have also caused immense destruction across the region, with roads and bridges being swept away in the relentless torrents. Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) emphasized the urgent necessity for resilient infrastructure. It’s alarming to think…

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has divulged some staggering statistics: 1,319 fatalities attributed to diphtheria have been recorded between epidemiological week 19 of 2022 and week 10 of 2025. These figures raise critical questions about our vaccination efforts and highlight alarming deficiencies in coverage across the nation. In total, there have been at least 42,642 suspected cases spanning 37 states and over 350 local government areas. Out of these, 25,812 have been confirmed, yet 5,470…

Reimagining Trade in African Economies We often hear the phrase "money makes the world go round," but have you ever paused to consider whose money does that? For the African continent, the answer often points towards foreign currencies. Unfortunately, these aren't just facilitating trade; they're silently eroding Africa's economic potential. Historically, African nations have predominantly conducted trade—both amongst…

The recent decision to expel Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa's Ambassador to the U.S., has stirred considerable discussion about the nature of diplomacy and international relations. This action, taken by the Trump administration, follows comments the ambassador allegedly made during a meeting held in Johannesburg. Such events, which may seem to be just political maneuvers, often have far-reaching consequences. In a terse post on X (previously known as Twitter), U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Rasool is "no…

Imagine waking up to find that your once-peaceful neighborhood is now a potential flashpoint for conflict—a reality that many residents in East Africa might soon face. Despite persistent calls for peace, the lingering disputes in the region threaten to transform into a broader conflict—particularly between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Recent developments suggest that Ethiopia and Eritrea, historical rivals, could be on the brink of yet another confrontation. It was only a couple of decades ago,…

The recent arrival of Tropical Cyclone Jude has unleashed chaos across Southern Africa, particularly in the regions of Malawi and Mozambique. Although the storm made landfall in northern Mozambique, its effects rippled through southern Malawi, leaving behind a trail of destruction characterized by heavy rainfall that inundated 13 districts. As the winds howled and the skies opened up, at least 11,000 individuals found their lives upended. Homes were swept away by relentless torrents, while vital crops that had promised…

The Quest for Resettlement: A Complex Web of Hope and Controversy In a world that's constantly on the move, sometimes the move isn't by choice. Recently, The Associated Press uncovered a compelling narrative where the U.S. and Israel are exploring potential partnerships with three East African countries: Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland, in a bid to resettle Palestinians presently in Gaza.…

On a day marked by significant developments, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) made a compelling decision to conclude its military involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). After years of complex engagement, this decision wasn’t just a moment in time; it was the culmination of extensive deliberations and strategic thought. The transition involves a thoughtful, gradual withdrawal of forces—an operation marked by its sensitivity and precision. As the SADC's communiqué succinctly…

Human Rights Watch has called upon Mozambican authorities to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the recent attack on opposition members in Maputo. This incident unfolded during a significant moment—the signing of a peace accord between President Daniel Chapo and various opposition parties, notably excluding former presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who led hundreds in a peaceful march that day. The stark contrast between the peaceful intentions of the demonstrators and the violent response they…

Angola is stepping into an ambitious role, attempting to mediate the ongoing turmoil in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The focus lies on facilitating direct negotiations between Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo, and the M23 rebel group, which has recently captured significant territories. During a recent meeting held in Luanda, Angolan President João Lourenço unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at establishing dialogue between the warring factions. His commitment to fostering peace in the region cannot be…