Africa

In a significant development, the Special Criminal Court, which delves into human rights breaches from the nation's civil war, has apprehended Abakar Zakaria Hamid. Hamid, a prominent figure in the Seleka militia—a rebellious band that took over Bangui in 2023—is under indictment. He stands accused of masterminding a vicious assault on a church a decade ago, an attack that tragically claimed the lives of no less than 17 individuals. Additionally, seven other persons are now in custody, facing charges linked to this heinous…

Nigerian pride was evident as the Super Eagles displayed a stellar performance, yet couldn't clutch an away victory against Rwanda. The home squad owes much to their goalkeeper for maintaining a stalemate. Despite the game concluding in a nil-nil deadlock, Nigeria comfortably remains perched atop Group D. Over in South Africa, the football drama peaked as Bafana Bafana clinched a narrow 3-2 victory over South Sudan. The match's tense finale saw substitute Mbatha net the winning goal in the dying moments of added time.…

"Dahomey," a groundbreaking documentary crafted by Mati Diop, delves into the echoes of royal artifacts pilfered from West Africa by European colonial powers. These treasures have only recently made their way back to their homeland—modern-day Benin. In a candid conversation with RFI, Diop expressed her hope that the film will trigger deep introspection on pressing themes like displacement, exile, and the elusive notion of return—not only for objects taken but also for the people affected by these historical injustices. Of…

In a bold move, three West African nations—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—governed by military juntas, are set to unveil new biometric passports as they distance themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow has reached out, seeking the support of ex-President George M. Weah in the pursuit of a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. In a formal letter, Beysolow emphasized Weah's noteworthy "global standing as a peace ambassador" and highlighted the solid groundwork his administration laid on this matter, deeming it "essential for our campaign." The initiative is poised to garner backing from other influential figures in Liberia, including former President Ellen Johnson…

Inundating rains have unleashed a wave of flooding and destruction across various cities and towns in West and Central Africa, affecting millions of lives. This deluge has ignited humanitarian emergencies in countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Chad, Mali, Ghana, and Liberia, with a staggering estimate of four million individuals, most of whom are children, caught in the turmoil.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation reports that fortifying bouillon cubes in Nigeria with iron, folic acid, zinc, and vitamin B12 could prevent up to 16,6 million cases of anemia and save 11,000 children from neural tube defect-related deaths by 2050. The foundation calls on world leaders to increase investments in global health, focusing on child nutrition and well-being amid the growing climate crisis. The World Health Organization estimates that 148 million children are stunted, while 45 million are affected by…

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - Ethiopia's government has inked a souped-up military cooperation deal with China, aiming to swap expertise and pick up technical know-how due to the constantly shifting landscape of tech. Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, who heads the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, steered a heavyweight military team to the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum for discussions. This forum flaunted representation from more than 100 countries, pulling in over 500 delegates altogether. A brainy bunch of more than 200…

ASMARA, Eritrea - Eritrea has come forward to claim that Egypt is being unfairly targeted by unwarranted rumors about purported schemes to unsettle the Horn of Africa. Eritrea insists Egypt is a beacon of tranquility and growth for the region. During a discussion in Asmara, featuring an Egyptian cohort led by Foreign Affairs Minister Badr Abdelatty, a consensus was reached with President Isaias Afwerki to bolster peace and steadiness in the uncertain Horn of Africa. Yemane Meskel, Eritrea's minister of information,…

Comoros President Azali Assoumani Escapes Blade Assault President Azali Assoumani of Comoros narrowly escaped a dramatic knife attack, with his administration confirming the assailant is now in custody after the shocking event. Around 2 p.m. local time on Friday, in Salimani Itsandara, a town nestled in the northern regions of the capital, Moroni, the incident unfolded, according to the presidential spokesperson. Authorities are still piecing together the motive behind this attack in Comoros, a nation noted for its calm…