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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…

High-rise in Gaza city razed as Israel presses for tactical offensive; civilians urged to flee south An Israeli strike levelled a roughly 15-storey residential tower in Gaza city on Thursday, the second such collapse in as many days, as the Israeli military intensified warnings for residents to head south toward a so-called “humanitarian zone” ahead of a planned ground offensive. Video circulated by Israeli officials showed the building buckling and disintegrating into a cloud of dust and concrete. Israel’s defence…

Protest Looms as Hungary's Orbán Visits Dublin for Football Match As the sun begins to set over Dublin, anticipation builds for tomorrow's match between Ireland and Hungary at the Aviva Stadium. Yet, this seemingly innocuous sporting event has ignited a firestorm of controversy, particularly due to the presence of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a figure whose right-wing policies have drawn sharp criticism across Europe. Labour MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has pledged to protest Orbán's attendance, emphasizing a commitment…

The Political Earthquake of Botswana: Reflections on Change and Continuity In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves across Southern Africa, Botswana’s long-standing political landscape has been irrevocably altered. The recent election saw the fall of former President Mokgweetsi Masisi, marking a seminal moment in a nation long identified with stability and prudent governance. To understand the implications of this political upheaval, one must look beyond the ballot results and the immediate aftermath. The defeat was…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Saturday, Somalia’s Parliament granted a one-month extension to its current session, responding to a request from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to postpone the lawmakers' recess in order to address urgent election legislation. Originally slated to begin their break on November 6, the Parliament will now continue its work until early December this year. In his address to the Parliament, President Mohamud highlighted the pressing need for reviewing and passing critical laws and agreements that require…

As Guinea-Bissau gears up for its forthcoming elections, a notable chill has fallen over the media landscape, prompting serious worries about the state of press freedom in the country. Many media outlets face insurmountable obstacles, particularly the hefty $5,000 licensing fees imposed by the government, which they must pay to continue broadcasting. Consequently, a significant number of radio stations have found it challenging, if not impossible, to muster the funds necessary to renew their licenses in time for the…

Kenya's Deputy Head Honcho, Rigathi Gachagua, chats with the press in Nairobi, Monday, Oct. 7, 2022. (AP Photo/Andrew Kasuku) NAIROBI, Kenya -- Facing a stormy impeachment brew, the deputy chief of Kenya stands accused of backing rebellious protests in June and dabbling in murky dealings. Gachagua stepped up to bat today, vowing to show up in parliament on Tuesday for a verbal showdown. In a broadcast on Monday, Gachagua took aim at the lawmaker behind the impeachment push, branding the accusations as "ridiculous and…

Somalia Insists on Cancellation of North Western State of Somalia Deal Before Starting Talks with Ethiopia MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia has made it clear that before any meaningful discussions occur with Ethiopia, the agreement involving North Western State of Somalia must be nullified. Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity have come into jeopardy recently, prompting this declaration. Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, firmly stated that no official dialogue will commence between Somalia and…

Division on LH electoral procedures ahead of key Somalia summit MOGADISHU, Somalia - Cracks have appeared in the Federal Election Commission on the electoral procedure of the lower house which will be applied during the current legislative elections, which could delay the exercise, which will pave the way for the presidential elections. In a statement released Tuesday, the FIET team appeared to…