current events

The Catholic Church stands on the precipice of a historic transition, preparing for the funeral of Pope Francis on April 26, followed closely by a pivotal conclave. This assembly, consisting of over 100 Cardinals from around the globe, will undertake the sacred responsibility of electing the new Pope. It’s a moment steeped in tradition yet ripe with modern complexities. In recent years, the composition of these conclaves has evolved significantly. Analysts have noted a remarkable shift, highlighting a more diverse…

In a historic turn of events, President John Mahama made the unprecedented decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, a move that marks the first time a sitting chief justice has faced such disciplinary action in Ghana's history. This bold step sends ripples through the nation’s political and legal landscapes, raising eyebrows and concerns alike. This suspension was not an arbitrary decision. It stemmed from the filing of three undisclosed petitions advocating for her removal. These petitions cite constitutional…

Across northern Nimba County, a profound shift is taking place as Liberians engage in a by-election to select a new senator for this vital region, which boasts the second-highest population in the country. The passing of the infamous Prince Johnson—known for his tumultuous past as a warlord and his influential role as a kingmaker in Liberia's political sphere—has left a significant void. His sudden demise has not only opened a seat but also ignited the aspirations of politicians eager to step into the spotlight. As the sun…

In Accra, the vibrant capital of Ghana, heads of state from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have convened for a pivotal meeting. This gathering comes in response to a significant development: three member nations have announced their intent to withdraw from the bloc in January. As the discussions unfold, the leaders aim to explore the complexities surrounding the countries' exit and its broader ramifications for ECOWAS agencies. ECOWAS, a cornerstone of regional cooperation, has consistently upheld…

World Malaria Day, commemorated annually on April 25, serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for ongoing political commitment and investment in malaria prevention and control. This is especially critical in Africa, a region that accounts for a staggering 94% of global malaria cases and deaths. Just consider this: while we navigate the complexities of modern healthcare, one ill-defined mosquito continues its reign as a leading enemy to children and mothers, and indeed, entire communities. Recently, Uganda marked…

On April 14, we marked a haunting eleven years since the tragic abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok by the extremist group Boko Haram in 2014. This incident did not merely shed light on the depths of human depravity but also highlighted the alarming systemic inadequacies in Nigeria's governance and security frameworks. Why, in a nation rich with resources and talent, do we continue to witness such harrowing events? Despite widespread condemnation and the fervent #BringBackOurGirls campaign, a staggering 90 of those…

In recent days, a disturbing wave of unrest has swept through the military ranks of Burkina Faso, igniting fears of a potential coup against the ruling Junta leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore. This turmoil began with unsettling rumors of a conspiracy to overthrow his leadership, which came to power in 2022 amidst a backdrop of escalating insecurity and civilian discontent. The news of several army officers’ arrests has sent shockwaves through the armed forces. Reports suggest that soldiers are now enveloped in an atmosphere…

The political atmosphere in Zimbabwe is fraught with anxiety and uncertainty, as the former Zanu PF member, Blessed "Bombshell" Runesu Geza, has launched a bold initiative that could ignite widespread unrest. Geza is advocating for a two-day national shutdown on April 22 and 23, 2025, as a protest against President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration. This call to action isn't just a casual plea; it comes from a deep wellspring of frustration and a desire for change that many Zimbabweans can relate to. Interestingly, Geza…

The Trump administration is resolutely committed to employing every available diplomatic and economic measure to foster peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This assertion came from Senior Africa Advisor Massad Boulos during a recent online briefing. It followed his tour of four significant nations in the region, a journey that reflects the U.S.'s increasing engagement with Africa amidst multifaceted challenges. During these discussions, Boulos engaged with regional leaders to address the pressing issue…

On April 18, 2025, Zimbabwe celebrated its 45th Independence Day—a moment that should brim with pride. Yet, amid the flags and fanfare, a pervasive sense of disillusionment lingers. Corruption runs rampant, political repression remains a grim reality, and economic turmoil casts a long shadow over the nation. For many Zimbabweans, the celebration is bittersweet, marred by recent events that have rendered their struggles painfully visible. As the festivities unfolded, the government demonstrated its commitment to silencing…