current events

Captain Ibrahim Traoré ascended to the helm of Burkina Faso in September 2022, following a significant coup that unseated Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Damiba. Ironically, Damiba had only recently orchestrated his own coup against former president Roch Marc Kaboré earlier that same year. Such a rapid succession of leadership changes paints a vivid picture of the political turbulence enveloping the nation. Since Traoré’s rise, he has garnered considerable admiration for his impassioned anti-colonial declarations. His sharp…

Malnutrition poses a formidable obstacle for many African countries. According to a recent UNICEF report, a staggering 64 million children across the continent—roughly one-third—are grappling with "severe food poverty." This dire situation is likely to escalate into "wasting," a perilous form of malnutrition that can have devastating consequences. How do we turn the tide on such a pervasive issue? At the forefront of this global conversation is the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit 2025, scheduled to take place in Paris.…

Recent findings emerging from a survey spearheaded by Afrobarometer in collaboration with local partners present compelling insights into public sentiment toward the judicial system in Liberia. The data reveals a notable rise in support for the court system, especially since the establishment of the Office for War and Economic Crimes by President Joseph Boakai. This favorable shift is particularly striking when juxtaposed with sentiments recorded in 2022. What might be driving this renewed faith in the judiciary? As we…

The Protection from Harassment Act in South Africa serves as a crucial legal shield against stalking and harassment, especially for those vulnerable to gender-based violence. Designed with the intent to safeguard victims, the Act has faced scrutiny and debate over its application. Recently, a troubling trend emerged where men accused of serious crimes, such as rape, have attempted to use the Act to silence women courageous enough to name their alleged perpetrators. Bonita Meyersfeld elaborates on this troubling situation in…

During the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Johannesburg, President Cyril Ramaphosa made a compelling case for a more inclusive and cooperative global community. This moment is particularly momentous as South Africa steps into the G20 Presidency for the first time, a milestone that amplifies the nation's voice on the world stage. In his address, Ramaphosa highlighted the profound significance of convening the G20 Leaders' Summit in Africa, emphasizing that the continent is not just a place rich in cultural diversity…

The film world has lost a luminary, and tributes are flowing for Souleymane Cissé, one of Africa's most celebrated filmmakers, who passed away at the age of 84. His daughter, Mariam Cissé, shared the heartbreaking news, reflecting on a profound personal loss. "We mourn the passing of a man who not only dedicated his life to film and art but also inspired countless others to pursue their creative passions," she said, her voice a mixture of sorrow and gratitude. The specific cause of his death remains undisclosed, which only…

In 2002, the European Union instituted sanctions against Zimbabwe’s defense sector, a move triggered by instances of electoral malpractice and human rights violations. The EU's embargo specifically targets arms shipments rumored to support internal repression. This decision was solidified following a European Council meeting held on February 18, signaling a persistent commitment to uphold human rights and democratic values. The European Union’s approach to these restrictive measures has been gradual, aimed at fostering…

In an exhilarating turn of events for Egyptology, archaeologists have uncovered the long-lost tomb of King Thutmose II. This marks a momentous occasion—it's the first royal burial site revealed in more than a century, the last significant find being the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. How incredible it is to think that after so many years, we’re still unveiling secrets of the past! Nestled to the west of the Valley of the Kings, not far from Luxor, this recently discovered tomb dates back nearly 3,500 years, anchoring us…

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…

Libya, a nation once brimming with promise, now finds itself teetering on the edge of instability. During a recent session of the UN Security Council, UN Political Affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo painted a stark picture of a country burdened by deep-rooted political fractures, widespread economic mismanagement, and alarming human rights abuses. “Libya’s unity is imperiled,” DiCarlo stated, capturing the essence of a nation grappling with its own factions. Political divisions have become so pronounced that they threaten the…