current events

Yesterday, a tragedy struck as the world united in grief over the tragic loss of eight Ghanaian government officials. They perished when a military helicopter went down in the Ashanti Region, leaving behind a profound sense of sorrow. Among those lost were Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. Their untimely deaths have echoed through the nation, compelling both citizens and leaders to reflect on their invaluable contributions. As reports emerged from various news outlets,…

In an attempt to tackle the surging global gold prices, the Reserve Bank reintroduced gold coins to the market back in April. However, many economists argue that this fleeting venture hardly made a ripple in the broader economic landscape. The sale of these coins, drawn from stored reserves, came to an abrupt halt in mid-June, marking another chapter in Zimbabwe's ongoing struggle with currency-related chaos, writes Gamuchirai Masiyiwa for the Global Press Journal. According to John Mushayavanhu, the Governor of the Reserve…

Maurice Kamto, a well-known opposition leader and outspoken critic of Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya, has found himself sidelined from the list of approved candidates for the impending presidential election set for October 12. This decision stirs up significant concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process. Kamto aimed to represent the African Movement for New Independence and Democracy (MANIDEM). Back in 2018, he came in second to Biya, contesting under the banner of the Cameroon Renaissance…

On Thursday, a passionate crowd of hundreds filled the bustling streets of Monrovia, Liberia's capital, rallying against the alarming rise in illegal drug use shaking the nation's foundation. This march, spearheaded by various women’s organizations, was a bold call to arms, urging the government to enforce stricter penalties on drug traffickers. Clad in black and wielding powerful slogans like “Say No To Drugs” and “We're Fed Up with Kush,” the demonstrators voiced their frustrations. They highlighted the harrowing toll of…

The U.S. Embassy in Harare has halted all regular services for immigrant and non-immigrant visas, with only a few exceptions for diplomatic and official requests. This decision, rooted in concerns for national security and public safety, came directly from Washington. In a recent announcement, the embassy clarified that it won’t be holding any visa appointments or interviews until further notice. This action aims to curb potential visa misuse and mitigate instances of overstaying. It's important to note that this…

The much-anticipated 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicked off with a thrilling match at the Stade Olympique in Rabat on Saturday night. The host nation, Morocco, ended up in a nail-biting 2-2 draw against Zambia. Both teams showcased impressive resilience and strategy, which analysts noted highlighted their discipline on the pitch. Morocco twice fought back from behind, demonstrating their tenacity and determination to reclaim parity. Across the arena on Sunday, Senegal showcased their dominance with a…

Rwanda and the United States have struck a deal allowing the East African nation to take in as many as 250 migrants facing deportation from the U.S. This agreement took shape in June after the Trump administration presented an initial roster of 10 individuals for Rwanda to assess and clear before they could start anew there. In response, the Rwandan government emphasized its dedication to inclusivity, drawing from a past marked by significant displacement. Spokesperson Yolande Makolo remarked, “We are ready to provide…

Recent media reports reveal that numerous soldiers have been detained for allegedly conspiring to topple the nation’s military regime. Among those arrested is the former governor of the Mopti region, General Abass Dembele, a figure held in high regard within military circles. Mali has been rocked by two significant military coups in recent years, leading to an atmosphere rife with political turmoil. As Human Rights Watch has pointed out, the military junta—along with its associates, including the Russia-aligned Wagner…

In a striking turn of events, human rights organizations stepped in to block members of the anti-immigration movement Operation Dudula from entering the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) in Johannesburg. Operation Dudula organized a demonstration to submit memoranda to SERI, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), and the Helen Suzman Foundation. They accused these organizations of being "unpatriotic" for standing up for undocumented immigrants. The scene became quite chaotic as supporters marched from Mary…

Rached Ghannouchi, the leader of the opposition, has recently been handed down yet another sentence, adding to the more than two decades he’s already served due to various convictions, including money laundering. At 84, Ghannouchi stands accused, along with 17 co-defendants, of “conspiring against state security.” His legal team has adamantly denied these claims, describing the trial as deeply flawed. Since 2023, Ghannouchi has been behind bars and, interestingly, chose not to appear for this latest hearing. In a twist of…