Economy

With the presidential election in Tunisia approaching in October, there’s a palpable tightening of the reins on dissent, particularly within the media, warns Bassam Khawaja, Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Human Rights Watch. He pointed out that at least five journalists find themselves incarcerated, simply for expressing their viewpoints. “This crackdown is systematically erasing criticism and stifling diverse opinions across Tunisia’s media landscape,” Khawaja noted. He elaborated that meaningful…

Borno State is grappling with one of the most devastating floods it has seen in three decades, wreaking havoc on agricultural lands, essential infrastructure, and countless residences. According to government reports, around 30 individuals tragically lost their lives due to this calamity; however, local inhabitants contend that this figure likely underreports the actual toll, suggesting that more fatalities exist that haven’t been officially acknowledged. The impact of this deluge has been catastrophic, displacing over…

Tensions have significantly intensified between Ethiopia and Somalia, particularly following Ethiopia's formal engagement earlier this year with the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland—an entity that Somalia adamantly contests. The deal grants Ethiopia access to Somaliland's ports in exchange for a nod of political recognition from this landlocked regional power. In response to this maneuver, Somalia expressed vehement opposition, labeling Ethiopia's actions as an unwelcome intrusion into its internal matters.…

Prolonged bouts of torrential rain in Monrovia have led to devastating floods throughout the city, forcing tens of thousands from their homes, as reported by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). Monrovia's vulnerability to flooding stems from several issues, including dense population, an inadequate sewage system, and a lack of stringent construction regulations. According to Ansu Dulleh, the Executive Director of the NDMA, the extent of the flooding is "something we have never seen before." This calamity has…

Recently, tragedy struck in KwaZulu-Natal when two individuals succumbed to the perilous effects of hypothermia after being ensnared by a relentless snowstorm on the N3 highway. This heartbreaking incident unfolded over the weekend, showcasing the unforgiving nature of winter weather. As snow blanketed the roads, rendering them treacherous, many motorists found themselves caught in an unexpected deluge of white. The sudden onset of severe weather can often catch drivers off guard, emphasizing the critical need for caution…

Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service, recently unveiled a staggering statistic: in 2022, hepatitis, a severe liver infection, claimed the lives of 15,000 individuals in Ghana. This grim figure breaks down to approximately 42 lives lost each day, with young adults bearing the brunt of this health crisis. “Many cases remain hidden,” Dr. Aboagye emphasized, pointing out that a considerable segment of the population doesn’t even realize their infection status, which complicates efforts to…

Recently, stakeholders in Uganda convened to examine a thought-provoking report that sheds light on the rising menace of extremism in the nation. This Rapid Threat Assessment, conducted in partnership with various international organizations, pinpoints emerging trends and identifies communities that are particularly vulnerable. It serves as a stark reminder that “economic progress cannot thrive in an environment of instability.” In the midst of these discussions, Susan Namondo, the UN Resident Coordinator, emphasized that…

As Africa grapples with the rising financial toll of climate change, accessing climate finance becomes vital for both addressing these challenges and adapting to them. Moreover, it's essential for steering the continent's development in line with the global aim of capping temperature increases to 1.5°C.  African representatives face a pivotal moment at COP29 in Azerbaijan, where they are encouraged to push for fair climate finance allocation for their continent. A new financing strategy is anticipated to be established by a…

A recent study conducted by the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education sounds the alarm on how climate change is intensifying both the frequency and severity of extreme weather phenomena. This escalation is placing the world’s aging network of dams—more than 70,000 in total—under increased threat, particularly in regions marred by conflict where some structures lie neglected and abandoned. Take, for instance, the catastrophic failure of the Arbaat Dam in Port Sudan last August. The region experienced an unprecedented…

Recently, President Hakainde Hichilema left many taken aback with his candid comments regarding the pressing need for constitutional reform during a speech delivered in the Zambian parliament. He articulated concerns that, without necessary adjustments, certain oversights could potentially result in the country facing a dramatic scenario: "a situation where we could have no general election for eight years." This unexpected assertion sparked widespread criticism from various quarters, including former president Edgar…