business

Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sharply condemned the recent expulsion of Representative Yekeh Kolubah from the House of Representatives, characterizing the action as a serious infringement on free expression. She emphasized the importance of upholding the Liberian Constitution, calling on lawmakers to adhere to the rule of law, which she highlighted as vital for "good governance." This contentious expulsion stemmed from allegations against Kolubah, including breach of duty, official misconduct, and a violation…

The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation has sounded the alarm over a widening wealth gap across the continent, warning that economic gains are increasingly captured by a small elite while large numbers of workers grapple with rising living costs and shrinking opportunities.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said at least 17 Sudanese refugees have drowned after a boat sank in the Mediterranean, in one of the latest deadly attempts to reach Europe. The craft reportedly held 33 people; authorities have confirmed seven survivors and listed nine others as missing. Since the 2023 outbreak of war in Sudan, over 500,000 Sudanese have crossed into Libya in search of safety. Experts caution that for many migrants, Libya functions less as a destination than as a "waiting room" before attempting the hazardous…

Echoing through the streets of Johannesburg and Pretoria, wave after wave of self-styled civic groups has marched in recent years with near-identical grievances. The banners and leaders may rotate, and the slogans get a fresh coat of paint, yet the refrain rarely shifts. From Operation Dudula to the more recent Put South Africans First, along with the Fiyela Movement, the All Truck Drivers Foundation, and several predecessors, the pattern endures. The labels evolve; the message persists, writes Jan Bornman for Our City News…

In a decisive move, Russia has asserted that its forces will maintain their presence in Mali, continuing to support the military government amid escalating tensions with Tuareg separatists demanding their withdrawal. This announcement follows recent surprise attacks that led to the pullout of Russian troops from the strategically significant town of Kidal. Once a hub of military operations, Kidal saw the Russian Africa Corps paramilitary unit retreat after insurgent strikes propelled a swift change in control. The town had…

Amnesty International has launched a scathing indictment against the Nigerian government, asserting that officials have failed to safeguard Fulani pastoralists detained in Kwara State. The organization alleges that a staggering 150 individuals—predominantly children—succumbed to dire conditions within a military-managed facility where displaced persons endured lengthy incarceration. According to the report, these tragic deaths occurred among roughly 1,500 Fulani individuals, including men, women, and children, who were…

Citing transparency concerns, Zambia has pushed back the Summit, saying the delay was "necessitated by the need for comprehensive disclosure relating to key thematic issues proposed for discussion during the Summit." Earlier, the technology and science minister said the pause was intended to allow for "clearances" of some speakers.

In a significant development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has permitted a prosecution witness to testify under protective conditions during the trial of a retired army general and five co-defendants accused of orchestrating a failed coup against President Bola Tinubu. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the ruling following requests from the prosecution, which highlighted the necessity of such measures for security reasons as the proceedings unfold. The federal government has brought forth 13 charges, including treason,…

In a decisive move to bolster national security, Burkina Faso's Council of Ministers approved a draft law on April 24 aiming to establish a military reserve comprising 100,000 personnel by 2026. Defense Minister Célestin Simporé emphasized the initiative as a means to engage citizens actively in safeguarding the nation, stating it would "embed Patriotic Defense within a logic of citizen participation." The government has long relied on a significant number of civilian volunteers known as the Volunteers for the Defense of…

In a significant legislative move, the House of Representatives has granted approval for President Bola Tinubu's proposal to secure an external loan of $516.3 million aimed at constructing key segments of the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway. This ambitious project, spanning approximately 1,000 kilometers, is set to connect the states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos, commencing in Illela, Sokoto, and culminating in Badagry, Lagos. This green light comes on the heels of robust recommendations from various…