Africa

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…

The Evolving Landscape of Trader Trust in South Africa In a rapidly evolving financial environment, trust and transparency have emerged as fundamental pillars driving trader preferences in South Africa. Recent findings from Kantar's Global Brand Health Tracking study reveal critical insights into what today’s traders prioritize when selecting a broker. These insights not only reflect local sentiments but also resonate with larger global trends in the finance sector. Trust: The Cornerstone of Trading Relationships Trust…

Rwanda's New Role in Global Migration: A Controversial Partnership with the U.S. In a significant and controversial development in global migration policy, a group of seven migrants recently found themselves transported to Rwanda, the first wave under a contentious agreement struck during former President Donald Trump’s tenure. This initial transfer paves the way for what is expected to be the relocation of 250 migrants, stirring both hope and trepidation within the international community. The Context of the Deal This…

The Fall of a Prominent Nephew: Engonga’s Tumultuous Journey from Power to Prison In a dramatic turn of events that has rippled through the political landscape of Equatorial Guinea, Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the nephew of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for embezzlement. Once a figure of influence and power, Engonga’s downfall serves as a compelling narrative of betrayal and political maneuvering in a country long ruled by one family. A Legacy of Wealth and Scandal Engonga, often…

Nigeria's Nutrition Crisis: A Silent Struggle for Survival In the heart of Nigeria’s bustling capital, Abuja, a stark warning resonates from the Nigeria Health Watch Roundtable: the nation stands on the precipice of a silent crisis, grappling with a “triple burden” of malnutrition. This term paints a grim picture, embodying a complex web of undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies that threatens the health and future of millions—especially the youngest among us. Understanding the Triple Burden As…

A Year of Tumult: Kenya’s Struggle for Justice On a simmering Wednesday across Kenya, the echoes of a year-old struggle became deafening once more. The nation found itself embroiled in a deadly dance of protest and repression, with at least 16 lives lost, predominantly at the hands of the police. These demonstrations, marking the grim anniversary of previous anti-tax protests, reflect an undeniable discontent with governance, societal inequities, and a longing for justice. The Human Toll “16 verified dead,” stated Irungu…

A Community in Mourning: Unraveling the Tragedy in Nigeria’s Benue State In the stillness of a Nigerian night, tragedy struck with devastating force. As families in Benue State's Yelewata community lay in slumber, assailants descended with lethal intent. By the time dawn broke, the local farmers' union had documented an increased death toll, now believed to be around 150. Survivors combed through the wreckage, a grim reminder of a turbulent region caught in the crossfire of historical grievances and modern-day desperation.…

Crackdown on Drug Abuse: Liberia's Leadership Responds to Rising Public Outcry In a significant move this week, President Joseph N. Boakai of Liberia dismissed three top officials of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), a decision underscoring the administration's increasing awareness of the rampant drug issue plaguing the nation. This action comes amidst mounting public pressure and a recent scandal involving an LDEA senior official caught attempting to intervene on behalf of his daughter, who faced drug-related…