current events

Human Rights Watch has vocally criticized the two-decade prison sentence imposed on opposition leader Succes Masra, labeling the charges against him as nothing more than a tool of political oppression. In Ndjamena, a court convicted Masra for allegedly "disseminating racist and xenophobic propaganda" and for his supposed role in the tragic deaths of many during violent clashes between communities. According to the respected rights organization, Masra’s harsh sentence conveys a “chilling message” to those who dare to voice…

In a shocking development, two former soldiers – one a corporal and the other a sergeant – have faced the ultimate consequence for their alleged involvement with extremist factions in Somalia. These individuals were previously handed a death sentence by a military tribunal for their supposed role in orchestrating an attack that resulted in the death of the commander of the army's 83rd Division. Let’s break it down. Imagine being part of a military unit, sworn to protect your nation, only to find yourself on the opposite…

The recent downfall of ex-president Mokgweetsi Masisi, who faced a staggering defeat in the 2024 elections, was more than just a political shake-up; it marked a significant turning point in Botswana's political landscape, asserts Daniel Tineyi Makokera in a guest column for AllAfrica. Makokera highlights that for years, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) was the epitome of stability and sensible economic management. Yet, lurking beneath this veneer was a growing frustration among the populace—one fueled by rising…

Former South African President Jacob Zuma’s recent trip to Rabat has reignited a heated debate surrounding Morocco’s claims over Western Sahara. Zuma's endorsement of Morocco’s control as an autonomous region starkly contrasts the pro-independence stance he once held. When Zuma was in office, he championed the Sahrawi people’s quest for freedom—an ideology that still resonates strongly within South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC). Peter Fabricius of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) points…

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on four entities linked to the production and trade of conflict minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In its announcement, the department highlighted its intention to target one of various armed groups engaged in illegal mining activities characterized by “forced labor and violence against innocent civilians.” This latest move comes after investigations into companies operating in the DRC and China, which allegedly collaborate with these armed factions to…

The Port of Lome is gaining significance as various global powers scramble to secure footholds in the region. This includes landlocked nations like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, as highlighted by a recent report from the Independent. The deep-water port boasts "unmatched maritime access and proximity," making it a hotbed for international interest. In a notable shift, the U.S. Embassy in Togo has ramped up its economic and diplomatic initiatives. U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Richard C. Michaels has been traversing the country,…

The Sahel region grapples with a web of security issues, where experts point to a trifecta of violent extremism, clashes between farmers and herders, and rampant banditry as key contributors. According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, a staggering 51% of global deaths tied to terrorism happen right there. While the grim statistics related to terrorism are alarming, we must also shine a light on the underground economies that fuel and perpetuate this violent cycle. As Ndubuisi Christian Ani, a researcher at the Institute…

In an unusual and bold acknowledgment of a largely ignored chapter in France’s colonial history, President Emmanuel Macron has candidly labeled France's actions in Cameroon during the independence movement of the 1950s as "repressive violence." This striking statement is not just a throwaway line—it reflects a growing recognition of the complexities of colonial legacies. Macron's remarks were delivered in a letter addressed to Cameroonian President Paul Biya. This correspondence followed the release of a groundbreaking…

Asheber Balcha, the CEO of Ethiopia Electric Power, has recently charged Egypt with making a concerted effort to "create hurdles" just as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) gears up for its launch. This monumental project, which is the largest hydroelectric power venture in Africa, has stirred considerable debate and contention, especially among countries that rely heavily on the Nile River, which is the very lifeline upon which the dam is built. Balcha's remarks reflect the growing diplomatic strains that have…

President Cyril Ramaphosa is determined to proceed with the country’s inaugural National Dialogue, despite some apprehensions voiced by members of the Preparatory Task Team regarding South Africa's preparedness. This significant event is set to gather representatives from around 200 organizations spanning 33 diverse sectors. However, it’s notable that some key players have opted out of the proceedings. In Ramaphosa's own words, "Since we announced the date for the first National Convention, we've seen South Africans from…