current events

In a pivotal moment for African development, Sidi Ould Tah, the former Mauritanian finance minister, has been elected as the new president of the African Development Bank (AfDB). This noteworthy achievement follows a keenly contested election held during the Board of Governors' meeting in Abidjan, where Tah triumphantly emerged victorious after three challenging rounds of voting. In the end, he garnered a remarkable 76% of the votes, signaling a robust endorsement from his peers. As the news reverberated across the…

The ambitious $31.4 million initiative spearheaded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to revitalize Lesotho's poultry industry has been abruptly terminated. This five-year endeavor, launched as part of the American Food for Progress program, aimed to cultivate a staggering 28,000 poultry enterprises across the nation, with projections to increase meat production by 40% and egg production by 30% by the year 2028. Yet, fewer than two years since its inception, the Sustainable Transformation of Enterprises…

The ongoing withdrawal of French troops from West Africa is creating a significant power vacuum, one that is rapidly attracting the interests of private military contractors. Analysts have noted a concerning trend: nations in the Sahel region are increasingly leaning on these firms for a variety of missions. What does this mean for regional stability and the future of international military cooperation? As of early 2025, France has transferred control of its historic military bases from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to…

In a poignant moment for South Africa’s artistic community, the nation is collectively mourning the loss of actor Presley Chweneyagae, who tragically passed away at the young age of 40. His untimely departure leaves a palpable void, both onscreen and off. Chweneyagae first captured global attention in 2005 with his compelling portrayal in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi. This gripping narrative not only showcased his exceptional talent but also served as a stark reflection of the social disparities and hardships faced in…

In a tragic display of violence, the heart-wrenching toll in Nigeria's central Benue state has escalated, with at least 42 lives claimed in a series of brutal attacks. This disheartening episode highlights a grim reality that many Nigerians face daily. A police spokesperson has confirmed these assaults, detailing a particularly harrowing incident where a police officer tragically lost his life while bravely defending against the assailants. Benue state, nestled in Nigeria's Middle Belt, serves as a poignant backdrop to the…

The United Kingdom has taken a notable step by lifting sanctions on four former security officials, as well as the Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI). This decision marks a significant moment in diplomatic relations and has implications for both security and governance in Zimbabwe. The individuals removed from the sanctions list are Godwin Matanga, the former Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police; Isaac Moyo, who previously served as the Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO); Owen…

The Genocide Remembrance Day serves as a solemn reminder of a dark chapter in history—one that reveals the depths of human cruelty and the resilience of the human spirit. It commemorates the tragic events between 1904 and 1908, when colonial German forces mercilessly slaughtered tens of thousands of indigenous Herero and Nama people who dared to rise against oppressive colonial rule in what is now Namibia. This brutal conflict didn’t merely disrupt lives; it decimated a culture, uprooting entire communities and leaving…

Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has expressed vehement opposition to Zimbabwe's newly enacted Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, labeling it as both "draconian" and "anti-citizen." This law, recently approved by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, imposes a surprising requirement: motorists must now secure a ZBC television and radio license in order to renew their vehicle licenses with the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) or obtain vehicle insurance. Imagine the average commuter, already juggling numerous…

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has announced a significant change in its operations. As the year draws to a close, the organization will shutter its offices in Angola due to financial constraints. These decisions stem from a troubling decline in donations and funding, reflecting a broader global trend that is impacting humanitarian efforts worldwide. Emmanuelle Mitte, the UNHCR representative in Angola, articulated the challenges facing the organization. She emphasized that the closures,…

In a striking development, Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the temporary closure of the country’s embassy in the United States. This drastic measure stems from an ongoing investigation concerning serious allegations of visa fraud. The troubling revelations came to light following a meticulous audit that uncovered a sophisticated fraudulent operation purportedly orchestrated by a locally recruited staff member in collaboration with accomplices over a span of five years. Imagine the…