current events

In a recent disaster that underscores the perilous interplay between weather and life, four individuals tragically lost their lives in Rwanda. Their stories, likely filled with dreams and daily routines, were abruptly extinguished by deadly flooding and landslides that swept through the country, leaving behind a trail of devastation. As per the report released by the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management, the catastrophic event also ravaged over 70 hectares of crops, threatening the livelihoods of countless families.…

"We hadn't encountered anything like it before; the intensity was unlike any infectious disease we had ever faced," reflected former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at the recent launch of a compelling new book that chronicles Liberia's struggle against the Ebola virus. Titled Stepping Up to the Plate: Liberia's Untold Ebola Story, this publication emerges from a collaborative effort by the Liberia Institute for Growing Patriotism and the Angie Brooks International Centre for Women's Empowerment. The book aims to shed light…

In a decisive move reflecting the evolving geopolitical landscape, South Africa has appointed Mcebisi Jonas as a special envoy to the United States. This strategic decision aims to mitigate the rising diplomatic tensions following Donald Trump's return to the presidency, a development that has stirred considerable discussion both domestically and abroad. President Cyril Ramaphosa, with the weight of his nation's interests on his shoulders, emphasized that Jonas will champion South Africa's diplomatic, trade, and bilateral…

In a harrowing revelation, Ghanaian authorities have fallen short in safeguarding the human rights of countless individuals, predominantly older women, who have been unjustly accused of witchcraft. The recent report by Amnesty International highlights the grim reality that these women often endure, facing horrifying ritualistic attacks that compel them to abandon their homes, driven by an overwhelming fear for their lives. Entitled "Branded for Life," this poignant report sheds light on the dire circumstances faced by more…

Over a decade ago, nations within the Great Lakes region united under a mineral certification scheme, aimed at curtailing the illegal exploitation of vital minerals. This endeavor was not merely bureaucratic; it sought to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability in a region often marred by strife. Yet, experts now caution that the promised progress has been minimal, leaving the specter of conflict still looming over these resource-rich lands. During a recent congregation at the International Conference on the…

In the aftermath of the contentious October 2024 elections, Human Rights Watch has voiced grave concerns regarding the apparent absence of a credible investigation into a surge of political killings. This alarming trend has predominantly victimized individuals affiliated with the opposition, particularly those who openly contested the re-election of President Daniel Chapo. How does one reconcile the fundamental principles of democracy with such deadly repression? This question lingers ominously in the air as HRW shines a…

In a tense diplomatic showdown, the French government has signaled its intent to respond robustly if Algeria proceeds with its threat to expel twelve officials from the French embassy in Algiers. This escalation follows Algeria's strong reaction to the detention of several embassy staff in Paris. The French authorities contend that these individuals are linked to the abduction of Amir Boukhors, a vocal critic of the Algerian regime, raising questions about the intersection of diplomacy and human rights. Just last weekend,…

Nigerian officials have imposed a ban on a provocative song that dares to criticize President Bola Tinubu and his administration's economic strategies. The track in question, "Tell Your Papa," crafted by renowned artist Eedris Abdulkareem, expresses a piercing discontent with the president’s two-year tenure, which has already been marred by significant unrest fueled by escalating inflation and soaring fuel costs. Interestingly, this Afrobeats anthem is directed at none other than Seyi Tinubu, the president's son, who has…

In a striking turn of events, Gabon's military leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, has claimed victory in the presidential election, reportedly securing an astonishing 90% of the votes cast, as indicated by provisional results. This remarkable outcome undeniably marks a significant moment in Gabonese history. The backdrop to this election is steeped in complexity. Just last year, Oligui Nguema led a coup that ousted the Bongo family, a dynasty that had held power for nearly six decades. The political landscape has…

In a striking decision that echoes the ongoing tensions in Zimbabwe, a Harare magistrate has resolutely denied bail to 95 individuals accused of orchestrating an anti-government protest on March 31. The magistrate's ruling was clear: these individuals allegedly pose a significant security threat and could potentially re-offend if granted their freedom. Facing charges of unlawful gathering and inciting violence, this group, primarily comprising young activists and opposition supporters, reportedly sought to march towards the…