Aid and Assistance

In a surprising twist, the government of Lesotho expressed its profound dismay over a statement made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. During a recent address to Congress, he asserted that "nobody has ever heard of" Lesotho while discussing proposed budget cuts, which notably include $8 million earmarked for LGBTQI+ initiatives in the country. The reaction from Lesotho was swift and resolute. Foreign Affairs Minister Lejone Mpotjoane characterized Trump's comments as "shocking." He underscored the depth of the…

The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has deteriorated into chaos as conflicts flare between the Congolese army and the Rwandan-supported M23 rebels. This escalation has forced nearly 80,000 individuals to flee to neighboring countries, a grim statistic reported by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). What's more, in just a fortnight at the end of February, over 800 cases of rape were documented by humanitarian organizations, underscoring a horrifying trend of violence against civilians. These acts of…

The impact of recent funding cuts by the Trump administration reverberates through South Africa. Specifically, organisations benefitting from the PEPFAR (The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) initiative, which is funded through USAID, have received troubling news: their financial support has been terminated permanently. This development signifies a dramatic shift in the landscape of HIV prevention and treatment efforts across the nation. According to a report by Bhekisisa's Mia Malan, this grim notification is not…

In a significant gathering recently held in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, leaders from various African air forces came together with a unified purpose: to bolster military aviation across national boundaries. The discussions primarily revolved around the increasingly complex dynamics of humanitarian crises and the essential role of disaster relief in addressing these challenges. As the world faces an array of trials—natural disasters, conflict, and pandemics—the discourse turned to how coordinated military efforts can serve…

The Liberian government finds itself grappling with a troubling fiscal landscape. Recent cancellations of key initiatives backed by USAID, the U.S. agency renowned for its global development efforts, have exacerbated an already precarious situation. With the current U.S. administration opting for a 90-day hiatus to reevaluate the agency’s initiatives, the ripple effects are being keenly felt in Liberia. Finance Minister Augustine Ngafua has been vocal about the ramifications of these funding cuts. He noted with palpable…

The strife engulfing eastern DRC is casting a long shadow over South Kivu. The notorious M23 rebel group has gained considerable ground, snatching up vital towns such as Kalehe and Kavumu, and has recently breached the gates of Bukavu, the provincial capital. This relentless advance creates a scene reminiscent of a disheartening tableau, where hope is suffocated under the weight of conflict. Marcus Bachmann, who heads the programs for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in the region, painted a bleak picture of the situation:…

In recent years, the landscape of global funding has been tumultuous, prompting African nations to grapple with the consequences of dwindling foreign aid. The ripple effects of changes in American policy, particularly under the Trump administration, pose a grave threat to essential health, education, and economic stability initiatives crucial for various countries on the continent. A notable example is President Donald Trump's executive order, which quelled new government spending on foreign assistance for a staggering 90…

On January 20, 2025, an executive order from the Trump administration sent shockwaves through the philanthropic world, as the U.S. government enacted an immediate freeze on foreign aid for a staggering 90 days. This bold decision ignited apprehension among aid organizations, leaving vulnerable communities in despair and shaking the foundations of essential programs tackling hunger, healthcare, and education. The reality is stark: lives depend on this assistance, and the abrupt halt threatens to pull the rug out from under…

The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached a boiling point, especially in the northern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu. Here, the M23 group—an armed faction with a historical context of rebellion—has gone head-to-head with the Congolese army and their allies. The situation has escalated dramatically, turning lives upside down and forcing countless families to flee their homes in search of safety. Since January 2025, the echoes of gunfire in Masisi, Minova, and areas just outside Goma…

Human rights advocates are strongly encouraging the authorities in Mozambique to take decisive action against the ongoing repression and violence directed at protesters challenging the questionable election results. The Committee to Protect Journalists has painted a grim picture of the situation, stating that the nation has "plunged into turmoil as security forces engage in violent confrontations." Disturbingly, they report that at least nine journalists have faced assault or arrest, while two foreign correspondents have…