current events

In a significant legal setback, the African Union Court on Human and Peoples' Rights has dismissed a petition from former president Laurent Gbagbo and ex-prime minister Guillaume Soro. They sought to annul a ban preventing them from participating in Côte d’Ivoire's imminent election, a crucial political event. Both Gbagbo and Soro contended that the Ivoirian judicial system infringed upon their rights, a claim that they believed warranted the court’s urgent attention. However, the court’s ruling on Thursday underscored a…

On June 27, a momentous event is set to unfold: the foreign ministers of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda will ink a peace agreement that could redefine the trajectory of their enduring conflict. This accord is not merely a piece of paperwork; it symbolizes hope emerging from years of turmoil marked by violence and loss. The stark reality of the region’s past cannot be overstated. For nearly three decades, armed conflict has wreaked havoc, resulting in unimaginable suffering. The forthcoming agreement explicitly…

In a significant move poised to reshape Nigeria's financial landscape, Bola Tinubu has recently ratified four pivotal pieces of legislation aimed at overhauling the country’s tax framework. These reforms are not mere bureaucratic adjustments; they are fundamental shifts intended to streamline revenue collection processes, alleviate the tax burden on select individuals and enterprises, and ultimately boost fiscal resources for government initiatives. The quartet of bills, comprising the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigerian Tax…

In a devastating incident during high school exams in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, twenty-nine students lost their lives due to a catastrophic stampede. The chaos erupted following an explosion at an electricity transformer, which sparked panic among approximately 6,000 candidates. This tragic event unfolded on the second day of finals, turning a moment of aspiration into a scene of anguish. The transformer, which had only recently undergone repairs, was situated on the ground floor of the…

Yesterday, Windhoek was abuzz with excitement as the second edition of the Global African Hydrogen Summit was officially announced. Scheduled for 9 to 11 September 2025, this international gathering will unfold under the ambitious theme: “Ambition in Action: Fuelling Africa's Green Industrial Revolution.” This summit not only aims to showcase innovative energy solutions but also seeks to reposition Africa at the forefront of the global energy transition. But why hydrogen? Amidst the escalating concerns over climate change…

On June 24, 2025, Namibia took center stage at the "Invest in Namibia" Forum, held in the vibrant city of Luanda, Angola. This esteemed gathering was part of the 17th USA-Africa Business Summit, a platform designed to foster dialogue and collaboration between the two regions. Her Excellency President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered an inspiring keynote address, meticulously outlining Namibia's strategic vision for the future. As she spoke, attendees couldn’t help but feel a palpable sense of enthusiasm. President…

After a decade of deliberation, Zimbabwe has finally enacted the long-discussed Mines and Minerals Bill. This pivotal legislation endeavors to address the myriad mining-related challenges that have plagued the nation for years, rekindling hope for transformative solutions. Originally drafted in 2015, the Bill reflects significant revisions to outdated colonial-era statutes that have governed the sector since 1961. The previous laws were rife with ambiguities, allowing some mining enterprises to exploit loopholes at the…

In a significant step towards enhancing regional energy infrastructure, HYDRO-LINK, a specialized company based in the United States, has embarked on an ambitious project to construct a 1,150-kilometer (720 miles) electricity transmission line linking Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This $1.5 billion endeavor is anchored by a recent memorandum of understanding with the Angolan government. The DRC, endowed with a wealth of minerals, faces an acute challenge: an erratic power supply that stifles its…

On June 21, a tragic suicide bombing rocked Borno state in Nigeria, claiming the lives of 12 individuals. This incident has stirred anxiety about a potential escalation in the conflict between the nation’s security forces and the notorious Islamist group, Boko Haram. Anietie Ewang, a researcher with Human Rights Watch, underscores the gravity of the situation. In the years leading up to 2024, the region had witnessed a noticeable decline in suicide bombings. Analysts credited this decline to significant military victories…

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has officially reported a devastating toll of 100 lives lost due to the relentless floods that have ravaged the region. This heart-wrenching figure may continue to rise, as numerous individuals remain unaccounted for, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations in the affected areas. How much more sorrow can a community endure? Tragically, the majority of the deceased are from the OR Tambo District, a key area that has suffered immensely. Among those lost, 37 children—22 of whom…