current events

This past weekend, regional dignitaries from southern and eastern Africa gathered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's bustling capital. Their agenda? To address the increasingly perilous situation unfolding in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). There, M23 rebels have rapidly seized control of significant territories in a region blessed with abundant minerals. But can mere discussions truly pave the way for peace amidst such turmoil? Experts observing the proceedings noted a deeply entrenched discord among the leaders,…

In a pivotal moment for South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his State of the Nation Address (SONA), an annual address that sets the tone for the country's political and economic landscape. This year, his speech centered on the pressing themes of economic rejuvenation, job creation, and infrastructural development, all while aiming to alleviate the burden of rising household expenses. Notably, Ramaphosa's remarks also included a diplomatic rebuttal to recent statements from the U.S., emphasizing the importance…

Sam Nujoma, the renowned activist and guerrilla leader who cemented his legacy as Namibia’s first democratically elected president, has passed away at the age of 95. His journey through the tumultuous path to independence from apartheid South Africa is marked by determination, vision, and an unwavering commitment to his people's freedom. In the 1960s, Nujoma was instrumental in founding the South West People’s Organization (Swapo), a movement that became synonymous with Namibia’s struggle for liberation. Undertaking immense…

In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the humanitarian community, the military junta in Niger has issued an expulsion order for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Strikingly, they provided no official rationale for this decisive action, leaving many to speculate about the motivations behind it. The ICRC has been a steadfast presence in Niger since 1990, tirelessly delivering crucial healthcare services to over 120,000 individuals affected by armed conflict. Their commitment to alleviating…

The Liberian Electricity Corporation (LEC) has recently announced a substantial reduction in electricity supply across the nation. This situation arises from a decision by its Ivorian energy supplier, Compagnie Ivoirienne d'Électricité (CIE), to slash its energy provision to Liberia by a staggering "85 percent." Under a power purchase agreement, CIE has historically supplied a vital share of Liberia's electricity demands, making this cut particularly consequential. According to the Liberian authorities, this latest…

In recent years, the plight of children in Mali has escalated, leaving an indelible mark on their lives amid escalating violence and widespread atrocities. The ongoing conflict, fueled by various factions, has created an environment where the most vulnerable—our children—face unimaginable horrors on a day-to-day basis. What does it say about our collective humanity when the innocent are caught in the crossfire of such chaos? Reports suggest that between April 2022 and March 2024, more than 2,000 egregious violations against…

In a recent outcry, civil society organizations have expressed their profound concern regarding statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump, which they label as "dangerous lies and threats." Their statement articulates a robust rejection of Trump's assertions that South Africa is engaging in land confiscation and systematically mistreating select groups of people. To many, the very notion seems not only unfounded but absurd, particularly when such claims emerge from high echelons of the U.S. government. This backlash…

Dr. Hage Geingob, the esteemed third president of Namibia, passed away after a brief yet courageous battle with cancer on February 4, 2024. He was a titan of democracy and a foundational pillar in constructing and preserving Namibia's democratic ideals. According to Dr. John Stetler, his former Economic Advisor, “His sharp and brilliant mind shaped the free and independent Namibia we call home.” This sentiment not only encapsulates Geingob's political acumen but also reflects the deep respect he earned throughout his…

In a landmark decision, the High Court has shifted the paradigm regarding individuals living with HIV, advocating against their classification as a distinct category of offenders. The justices emphasized that, with the remarkable strides we've made in medical science, HIV is no longer viewed as a death sentence. This transformation in perspective reflects not just advancements in treatment but also a deeper understanding of the human experience. As the court deliberated, it became clear that the once-dreaded specter of HIV…

In an ambitious stride toward bolstering online safety, TikTok has taken significant action by eradicating nearly 11.9 million videos across nine African nations. This impressive effort touches Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, Somalia, Libya, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Morocco, with the goal of upholding integrity, advertising, privacy, and safety standards on its platform. Egypt emerges as the country with the most removals, tallying an astonishing 2.75 million videos. This figure underscores the challenges platforms like…