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Building Dreams or Wasting Resources? The Debate Over the $10 Million Presidential Villa in Lofa County In a quiet corner of Liberia's Lofa County, where the green hills meet the sky, an unexpected controversy is simmering. The construction of a lavish presidential villa—touted to cost a staggering $10 million—has ignited a storm of public debate about transparency, priorities, and the essence of governance. This issue rose to prominence after civil society activist Eddie Jarwolo, known for his outspoken nature, took to…

Echoes of Dissent: The Rising Tide of Political Oppression in Mali The sun hung low over the bustling streets of Bamako, casting a warm glow on a city grappling with the shadows of repression. Former Prime Minister Moussa Mara stood before a somber court, his fate teetering on the edge of a judicial gavel. As the judges denied his bail application, the chilling message resonated beyond the courtroom walls: dissent in Mali will not be tolerated under the military junta that has ruled with an iron fist since 2021. A Voice…

Two killed as Morocco’s Gen Z protests expose a generational fault line When word spread on TikTok and Discord that young people across Morocco would converge on town squares and police stations to demand better schools, clinics and jobs, it felt like an experiment in 21st-century dissent — decentralized, fast and anonymous. What unfolded over a few days was far more combustible. In Lqliaa, near the port city of Safi, police opened fire on a crowd trying to “storm” a police station, killing two people, authorities say. The…

South African ambassador to France found dead in Paris; circumstances unclear What is known South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, was found dead outside a Paris hotel on Sept. 30, about 24 hours after his wife reported him missing, according to a brief notice shared with reporters. Beyond the basic facts of the discovery and the missing-person report, few official details have been released and the cause of death has not been made public. The sudden death of a senior diplomat in a major capital raises…

The Elusive Quest for Peace in the Congo In the heart of Africa, as the world turns its gaze elsewhere, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains locked in a cycle of violence and despair. As Bintou Keita, head of the UN mission in the DRC, poignantly stated, peace is still "a promise." Despite attempts at diplomacy and international agreements, the reality for many Congolese citizens has not significantly improved. Promises of Peace vs. Harsh Realities In June, an agreement between Rwanda and the DRC was heralded as…

A Cautious Celebration: Nigeria's 65th Independence Anniversary Approaches As Nigeria gears up for its 65th independence anniversary on October 1, a palpable tension simmers beneath the surface of anticipation. The government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has publicly committed to commemorating this momentous occasion with "dignity and enthusiasm." Yet, the absence of the traditional parade—a cornerstone of the festivities—sends a clear signal that this year’s independence day will be anything but a typical celebration.…

From Power to Peril: The Stunning Fall of Joseph Kabila In a shocking turn of events, the once-mighty Joseph Kabila, who ruled the Democratic Republic of the Congo for almost two decades, has been sentenced to death in absentia by a military court. This unprecedented ruling has ignited a firestorm of debates both within the country and around the globe, raising questions about accountability and justice in a nation long plagued by cycles of violence and corruption. A Legacy of Controversy Joseph Kabila’s presidency, which…

MSF Suspends Medical Services in Northern Mozambique as Violence Surges Mozambique’s conflict-scarred Cabo Delgado province has seen a sharp escalation in violence that has forced Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to suspend operations at a key district hospital, the international medical charity said Friday. The halt in services comes after weeks of armed incursions that have killed civilians, driven thousands from their homes and severed access to lifesaving health care in an already fragile region. Immediate disruptions…

As AGOA Faces Expiration, What Lies Ahead for U.S.-Africa Trade Relations? The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a landmark piece of legislation designed to bolster trade between the United States and sub-Saharan African countries, is at a crossroads. Enacted in 2000 under President Bill Clinton, AGOA has been a beacon for economic development and trade for nearly 23 years. However, as its expiration looms, the ramifications are profound, extending beyond mere policy discussions into the realms of economic…

NoViolet Bulawayo honoured with “Best of Caine” as prize marks 25 years of spotlighting African voices NoViolet Bulawayo has been named the recipient of the Caine Prize’s special Best of Caine award, an honorary prize created to mark the 25th anniversary of the prize that has long served as a launchpad for African short fiction. The recognition revives attention on the short story that first brought her wide notice — the six-children caper that captivated judges with its language and daring narrative — and, more broadly, on…